Advanced immuno-oncology specialist Imugene (ASX: IMU) is preparing for the next phase of testing of a novel cancer-killing virus.
The company is preparing to test a new cohort of patients following the undertaking of a Phase 1 MAST (metastatic advanced solid tumours) trial which initially assessed the safety of the CF33-hNIS (VAXINIA) cancer-killing virus.
The next round of tests is examining intravenous (IV) arms of both the monotherapy and combination study with a new cohort.
Managing director and chief executive officer, Leslie Chong, confirmed that the company has already cleared cohort 3 and opened cohort 4 of the IV arm of the monotherapy dose escalation.
Cohort 1 of the IV arm of the combination study with Pembrolizumab has also been unlocked, meaning cohort 2 is now able to be opened.
“As we continue to move through the cohorts at pace, we’re aiming to have this high-quality science peer reviewed and recognised within publications or conferences befitting of its results and potential benefit to patients in need,” she said.
Oncolytic or cancer-killing viruses
Naturally occurring or genetically modified oncolytic viruses are able to infect, replicate in and eventually kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Imugene has identified and is testing a oncolytic virus known as CF33, which it describes as a chimeric vaccinia.
The company successfully derived CF33 through a recombination of favourable genetic sequences from multiple pox virus strains to generate a new, safer and more potent virus.
Previously acquired pre-clinical data has identified that CF33 is selectively tumour targeting and self-amplifying with minimal side effects, making it effective for both primary and metastic tumours as well as recurrent tumours.
Previous testing via preclinical laboratory and animal models has shown that the City of Hope-developed oncolytic virus is able to shrink colon, lung, breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer tumours.
MAST trial progress
Using multiple centres, the Phase 1 MAST trial kicked off with the delivery of a low dose of VAXINIA to patients with metastatic or advanced solid tumours who have had at least two prior lines of standard of care treatment.
The full testing plans include the recruitment of up to 100 patients across approximately 10 trial sites in the US and Australia.
The trial began in May 2022 and is anticipated to run for approximately 24 months.
CF33 is just one of Imugene’s suite of cancer fighting technologies.
