The reason I invest in Imugene ....CF33-CD19: A Potential...

The reason I invest in Imugene ....

CF33-CD19: A Potential Universal Treatment for Solid Tumors

Imugene Limited is pioneering the development of CF33-CD19, an oncolytic virus designed to target and convert "targetless" solid tumors into CD19-expressing tumors. This innovative approach aims to make these tumors susceptible to existing CD19-directed therapies, such as CAR T-cell therapies1. The potential of CF33-CD19 to revolutionize cancer treatment is immense, offering hope to patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors that are typically difficult to treat.

Development of CF33-CD19

The development of CF33-CD19 is based on the concept of using oncolytic viruses to selectively infect and replicate within cancer cells. CF33 is a chimeric vaccinia virus that has been engineered to express the CD19 antigen1. When administered to patients, CF33 selectively infects tumor cells and induces the expression of CD19 on their surface. This transformation allows CD19-directed therapies, such as CAR T-cells, to recognize and attack the tumor cells1.

Early preclinical studies have shown promising results. In a study conducted by City of Hope scientists, CF33 was used to deliver CD19 to tumor cells in murine cancer models1. The combination of CD19-directed CAR T-cells with CF33 resulted in significantly improved survival rates compared to antigen-mismatched combinations. These findings have paved the way for clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CF33-CD19 in humans.

Clinical Trials and Regulatory Pathway

Imugene has initiated the OASIS (Oncolytic Assessment and Safety in Solid Tumours) trial to assess the safety and tolerability of CF33-CD19 in combination with blinatumomab (Blincyto®). The trial aims to recruit up to 40 patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors across multiple sites in the U.S1. If successful, CF33-CD19 could receive FDA Fast Track approval and Orphan Drug Designation, expediting its development and commercialization.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of CF33-CD19 lies in its potential to provide a universal treatment for solid tumors. Current treatments for solid tumors, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, often come with significant side effects and limited efficacy3. CF33-CD19 offers a targeted and less toxic alternative, leveraging the body's immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.

By converting "targetless" tumors into CD19-expressing tumors, CF33-CD19 opens up new treatment options for patients who may not respond well to existing therapies. This approach could significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life, making it a valuable addition to the oncology treatment landscape.

Future Prospects

The success of CF33-CD19 could pave the way for more innovative cancer treatments. Imugene is also exploring the combination of CF33-CD19 with other therapies, such as azer-cel (azercabtagene zapreleucel), to enhance treatment efficacy1. This combination therapy could further improve outcomes for patients with solid tumors, offering a comprehensive and effective treatment strategy.

Conclusion

CF33-CD19 represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of immuno-oncology. Its potential to provide a universal treatment for solid tumors could transform cancer care, offering hope to patients with limited treatment options. As clinical trials progress and regulatory approvals are sought, the value proposition of CF33-CD19 continues to grow, highlighting its potential to become a first-in-class and best-in-class therapy