Epsilogen Starts Phase Ib Trial of MOv18 IgE

Epsilogen, a pioneering company in the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies for cancer treatment, has recently started a Phase Ib clinical trial to assess MOv18 IgE in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). Announced on December 3, 2024, in London, this study aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the antibody in a cohort of patients who have undergone no more than four previous lines of therapy.

The Phase Ib trial, registered under NCT06547840, will involve 45 patients with PROC. This open-label, dose escalation, and expansion trial will provide critical data on MOv18 IgE's performance in increasing dosage levels. MOv18 IgE targets the folate receptor alpha (FR alpha) antigen, a protein expressed selectively by various cancers such as ovarian, non-small cell lung, endometrial, and triple-negative breast cancers. This study is particularly significant as it marks the first time an IgE antibody therapeutic is entering clinical testing, with the aim of generating extensive translational data to better understand IgE’s unique mechanism of action in humans.

Earlier research, specifically a Phase I safety study, demonstrated that MOv18 IgE is safe and well-tolerated, with preliminary evidence indicating anti-tumor activity. These findings were documented in the journal, Nature Communications.

Dr. Tim Wilson, CEO of Epsilogen, expressed optimism about the new study, emphasizing that the initiation of the Phase Ib trial is a crucial step towards making this novel therapeutic modality available to cancer patients.

Epsilogen, established in 2017 as a spin-out from King’s College London, is renowned for its innovative work with IgE antibodies in oncology. IgE antibodies are known for their potent immune effector functions, which are traditionally involved in defending against animal venoms and certain parasites. These antibodies activate macrophages that infiltrate tumors, promoting antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), and releasing pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, IL-1 β, CXCL10, and CCL2. These processes invigorate the tumor microenvironment (TME), drawing in and activating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to fight the tumor.

MOv18 IgE, Epsilogen’s leading product candidate, is pioneering as the first therapeutic IgE antibody to enter clinical trials. Encouraging results from previous Phase I trials have shown it to be safe with early indications of clinical activity. The ongoing Phase Ib study in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer reflects Epsilogen's commitment to advancing this promising therapeutic approach. Additionally, the company is working on developing a pipeline of IgE antibodies for oncology treatment, including proprietary platforms that feature IgE bispecifics and unique combination antibody molecules (IgEGs) with enhanced functionality.

Epsilogen has garnered significant venture capital funding from investors such as Epidarex Capital, Novartis Venture Fund, 3B Future Health, British Patient Capital, ALSA Ventures, and Schroders Capital. These investments have fueled the company’s efforts in advancing innovative cancer therapies and developing its unique IgE antibody technology.