Ann: Imugene Images and Follows CHECKVacc in TNBC Patients, page-71

IMU getting some exposure today.

Imugene Ltd fields promising imaging data tracking CHECKvacc replication in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (*.com.au)

HealthPharma& Biotech

Imugene fieldspromising imaging data tracking CHECKvacc replication in patients withtriple-negative breast cancer

In an important proof of concept thatalso confirmed safety and tolerability, Imugene Ltd (ASX:IMU, OTC:IUGNF) has revealed new imaging data on its oncolytic virotherapy candidate, CHECKvacc (CF33-hNIS-antiPDL1), which was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2023 in Orlando, Florida overnight.

The abstract, titled 'hNIS imagingdata from a first-inhuman trial of the oncolytic virus CF33-hNIS-antiPD-L1 inpatients with triple-negative breast cancer', was presented by Dr Jamie Rand,an assistant professor in the Division of Breast Surgery at the City of Hope’sDepartment of Surgery.

“While it was pleasing to see theprimary objective of safety and tolerability of CHECKvacc confirmed, theimaging data presented showed several other positive outcomes resulting fromour first-in-human trial,” Imugene managing director and CEO Leslie Chong said.

“We’ll complete further analysis ofthe data and look forward to the trial continuing, with a view to improving theprognosis of a cancer with limited options for its patients.”

Imaging dataabstract conclusions

The core conclusions of the abstracthighlighted that CHECKvacc is safe and well tolerated at dose levels 1 through3, and evidence indicates it replicates within the body when injected intolesions, showing enhancement in 75% of said lesions.

Imugene was able to track where thevirus was replicating in real time during treatment with the aid of SPECT(single-photon emission computerised tomography) imaging.

The imaging technique allowsresearchers to observe hNIS (human sodium iodide symporter) expressionresulting from the virus’ replication.

The company believe this is the firstreport of successful hNIS-based imaging to track oncolytic poxvirus replicationin humans.

Imugene intends to undertake furtheranalysis to evaluate the correlation of SPECT imaging results withpathologic immune cell infiltrate, viral staining and tumour response.

The company says its preliminaryevaluation suggests the oncolytic virus increased CD8+ T-cellinfiltration and increased PD-L1 expression following intratumoral(directly into the tumour) injection of CF33-hNIS-antiPD-L1.

In other words, the company believesthe use of CHECKvacc increases the efficacy of the immune system’s response totumours, producing a therapeutic response.