In looking forward to the iMyc in vivo efficacy data in early 2018, we can also look back to November 2015 and the study by Associate Professor Pilar Blancafort on FPP-Omomyc in an animal model of breast cancer. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in tumours albeit the cargo was delivered by direct injection. The results also demonstrated a downstream effect in reduced levels of PD-L1 - a key immune checkpoint.
The work by Dr Dean Felsher highlights the role of Myc as the master regulator of the immune response. Felsher in turn highlights the findings published by Casey et al, MYC regulates the antitumor immune response through CD47 and PD-L1: CD47 sends a don't eat me signal and PD-L1 sends a don't find me signal.
All of this has been discussed in the past so its really a bit of revision.
Dr Hayes indicated in the conference call that the in vivo efficacy data will measure the effect of iMyc on tumour size. Undoubtedly they will also investigate a series of downstream effects including the expression of PD-L1. Turn Myc off and the expression of PD-L1 levels will be reduced which will activate the host immune response.
A Myc inhibitor is a key target in immuno-oncology. The activation of the host immune response through Myc inhibition could define a new approach to IO and be equally, if not more exciting than checkpoint inhibitors or Car-T therapies. Its a big next 6 months.
PYC Price at posting:
3.6¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
A personalised tool to help users track selected stocks. Delivering real-time notifications on price updates, announcements, and performance stats on each to help make informed investment decisions.
(20min delay)