Sydney-headquartered clinical stage immuno-oncology specialist Imugene (ASX: IMU) continues to build momentum both scientifically and corporately with a number of new developments.
On the science side, Imugene has made further strong progress with testing of its cancer-killing virus CF33-hNIS, known as VAXINIA.
A phase 1 MAST (metastatic advanced solid tumours) trial evaluating the safety of VAXINIA has now cleared cohort 1 of the intratumoral (IT) arm of a combination study where the virus is administered in combination with Pembrolizumab.
Preparing for second cohort
Managing director and chief executive officer, Leslie Chong, said Imugene has already commenced recruiting participants for cohort 2 of each of the arms (IT and intravenous/IV) in a combination study, along with a fourth cohort for testing each of the arms of a monotherapy dose escalation.
“We’ve now seen a very significant number of patients dosed with VAXINIA as part of the MAST study, with those patients suffering as a result of a variety of tumour types. It’s exciting that we’re getting so close to finding out the impact that this treatment is having for these patients in need,” she said.
The oncolytic virus has already been shown to shrink colon, lung, breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer tumours in preclinical laboratory and animal models.
Under Imugene’s multicentre Phase 1 MAST trial, patients with metastatic or advanced solid tumours who have had at least two prior lines of standard of care treatment, are initially given a low dose of VAXINIA.
In total Imugene is aiming to recruit up to 100 patients across approximately 10 trial sites in the United States and Australia for the study.
The trial kicked off in May 2022 and is anticipated to run for approximately 24 months while being funded from existing budgets and resources.
Further key appointment made
Imugene has added a further high-profile member to its team with the appointment of Dr Paul Woodard as chief medical officer.
Dr Woodard has an extensive haematology and oncology background gained in academia and industry.
He has been employed on a wide range of drug development projects in solid tumours, haematologic malignancies and non-malignant haematologic disorders.
He most recently served as the senior vice president and chief medical officer at Immune-Onc Therapeutics where he was a leader in clinical oversight, including the submission of four novel INDs (investigational new drug application) and initiating Phase 1 clinical trials.
Dr Woodard’s previous roles also included developing small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors for solid tumours at Exelixis and leading global development for Nplate (romiplostim) in immune thrombocytopenia and myelodysplastic syndromes at Amgen.
“Dr Woodard’s extensive expertise in clinical development will be a major asset to Imugene and we eagerly anticipate the leadership and insights he will bring to our clinical programs,” Ms Chong said.
Growing team of specialists
Dr Woodard’s appointment comes only days after Imugene named Dr John Byon as senior vice president of clinical development.
Dr Byon also has a substantial background in the development of novel therapeutics for cancer patients and has held a number several leadership roles with major biopharmaceutical companies.
His appointment followed Imugene recent naming of Dr Bradley Glover as the company’s new chief operating officer.
Dr Glover also joined Imugene with a highly regarded reputation for his work in the medical research sector.
Like Dr Byon, Dr Glover also previously worked at Genentech where he held leadership positions, concentrating on business development, integration, and strategic planning.
