Australia’s biotechnology company Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM) (NASDAQ: IMMP) has started a multinational Phase III trial on its flagship cancer treatment drug “eftilagimod alfa.” Although it is being investigated for the treatment of multiple cancers, this study will be focused on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
The vast clinical trial will be conducted at 150 sites throughout 25 nations. Immutep has obtained all necessary regulatory approvals in its home country and anticipates obtaining necessary authorizations in the UK and abroad shortly.
“We eagerly anticipate enrolling the first patient into this important study during the first quarter of 2025,” chief executive Marc Voigt said in a statement.
Eftilagimod alfa, an injectable therapeutic, will be evaluated in combination with the Keytruda (pembrolizumab) drug developed by Merck & Co Inc (NYSE: MRK) and chemotherapy versus Keytruda, chemo and placebo. Keytruda is the world’s top-selling drug.
“Efti in combination with KEYTRUDA and chemotherapy is uniquely positioned to potentially drive a new standard of care for first-line treatment in NSCLC patients,” Immutep says.
Immutep’s treatment is also being assessed for breast, bladder/urinary, head and neck cancers in advanced-stage studies.
The market for NSCLC drugs in particular is estimated to be worth US$24 billion — more than any other cancer therapeutic market. According to the peer-reviewed journal Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, that number is expected to double by 2031.
Had a chat with Immutep CEO Marc Voigt on the latest in immunotherapy for lung cancer https://t.co/TMRvt3mjb9 $IMM $IMMP
— Michael Frazis (@michaelfrazis) November 30, 2024
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Immutep presents data at Swiss conference
The oncology company is currently attending the European Society for Medical Oncology’s Immuno-Oncology Congress 2024 event in Geneva.
Immutep just presented positive trial data on its drug’s usage for the treatment of head and neck cancers.
“The new promising data presented by Martin Forster, M.D., Ph.D. includes strong overall survival, progression-free survival, and durability,” Immutep specified.
The European Society for Medical Oncology publishes one of the world’s most prestigious journals in the field of cancer research. The Annals of Oncology journal is also an official publication of the Japanese Society for Medical Oncology.
rowan@mugglehead.com
