BriaCell Highlights Strong Anti-Cancer Effects of Personalized Immunotherapy at 2024 SITC Conference

BriaCell Therapeutics Corp., a clinical-stage biotechnology firm specializing in novel immunotherapies for cancer, has unveiled promising preclinical data for its cutting-edge breast and prostate cancer therapies, Bria-BRES+™ and Bria-PROS+™. These findings were presented during the 2024 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 39th Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas. The data highlights the strong anti-cancer potential of these personalized, off-the-shelf, cell-based immunotherapies.

The Bria-OTS+™ platform represents a significant advancement in cancer immunotherapy. It is an off-the-shelf, cell-based personalized treatment that is pre-manufactured and ready for use. This platform is an extension of the first-generation Bria-OTS™ immunotherapy, which is matched to individual patients' HLA and expresses various cancer-related antigens, such as Tumor-Associated Antigens (TAAs) and Post-Translational Modifications (PTMs). The enhanced Bria-OTS+™ platform includes additional immune-activating cytokines, co-stimulatory molecules, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF).

Bria-OTS+™ aims to address significant challenges in cancer therapy, including effective antigen selection, T-cell immune escape, and manufacturing complexities. This innovative platform builds on the success of BriaCell’s initial platform, Bria-IMT™, which showed promising clinical results in metastatic breast cancer.

During the conference, BriaCell’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Miguel A. Lopez-Lago, emphasized the potential of Bria-OTS+™ to leverage gene-modified allogeneic tumor cells as a comprehensive immunotherapeutic platform. Dr. William V. Williams, BriaCell’s President and CEO, also expressed enthusiasm over the preclinical data, noting the high potency and potential for long-lasting anti-tumor activity demonstrated by Bria-BRES+™ and Bria-PROS+™ in multiple cancer models.

Key preclinical findings presented included the activation of key innate immune system components by Bria-BRES+™ and Bria-PROS+™, such as Natural Killer (NK) cells and NKT cells. These therapies effectively activated immune cells to target and destroy breast and prostate cancer cells in preclinical models. Additionally, both therapies demonstrated strong adaptive immune responses, suggesting potent and durable anti-cancer effects in patients.

The Bria-OTS+™ platform is designed to engage multiple facets of the adaptive immune response and activate components of the innate immune system. It specifically targets Natural Killer (NK) cells to counteract cancer immune escape caused by the loss of human leukocyte antigens (HLA). This platform offers both personalized and ready-to-use therapy options with long-term stability and simplified intradermal administration. Its targeted mechanism of action is expected to drive high efficacy with a favorable side effect profile.

Dr. Adam M. Brufsky, Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, commented on the potential efficacy and safety of Bria-OTS+™ across multiple cancer indications, highlighting the excitement around personalized off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy.

BriaCell is currently conducting a Phase 1/2 study of its first-generation Bria-OTS™ (also known as Bria-BRES™) in metastatic breast cancer, with plans to add other cancer indications soon. The next generation, Bria-OTS+™, is expected to enter clinical trials in the first half of 2025, starting with Bria-PROS+™ for prostate cancer.

The Bria-OTS+™ platform leverages advanced biomanufacturing techniques to ensure scalability and cost-effectiveness, crucial for rapid global deployment. It is designed to target a range of cancer types, and a robust intellectual property strategy protects its innovations, strengthening BriaCell’s competitive position. The platform's open-ended, modular design allows for continuous refinement and the addition of new components, enabling BriaCell to adapt swiftly to emerging scientific insights and therapeutic needs, ensuring long-term relevance and effectiveness.

BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. continues to advance its novel immunotherapies, aiming to transform cancer care and provide effective treatment options for patients.