Immuneering and Regeneron Partner to Test IMM-1-104 with Libtayo

In a significant development in the field of oncology, Immuneering Corporation, a company at the forefront of cancer treatment innovation, has announced a new clinical supply agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. This collaboration aims to evaluate the potential of Immuneering's leading product candidate, IMM-1-104, when used in conjunction with Regeneron's Libtayo (cemiplimab), an anti-PD-1 therapy. This clinical investigation will focus on patients suffering from unresectable or metastatic RAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as part of Immuneering’s ongoing Phase 2a clinical trial for advanced solid tumors.

E.B. Brakewood, Chief Business Officer at Immuneering, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that it marks the first partnership involving IMM-1-104. The combination of IMM-1-104 with Libtayo has the potential to address significant unmet needs among patients grappling with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, offering new hope where treatment options are currently limited.

The promising potential of IMM-1-104 was highlighted at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2023 annual meeting. Data presented at the conference underscored the dual-targeting capabilities of IMM-1-104 when paired with immuno-oncology agents like PD-1 inhibitors. Brett Hall, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Immuneering, explained that this combination could disrupt tumor MAPK addiction and boost anti-tumor immunity, offering a novel approach to cancer therapy.

Under the terms of the agreement, Immuneering will oversee the planned studies while Regeneron provides Libtayo, thereby supporting the research without altering its development strategy. Immuneering retains global development and commercialization rights to IMM-1-104, while Regeneron continues its role in the global commercialization of Libtayo.

Immuneering is a clinical-stage oncology firm committed to developing and bringing to market cancer therapies that are not only more effective but also better tolerated by patients. Their leading candidate, IMM-1-104, is designed as an oral, once-daily MEK inhibitor aimed at improving patient tolerability and expanding treatment indications to include RAS-driven tumors, such as many forms of pancreatic cancer. This candidate is presently undergoing a Phase 1/2a trial in patients with various advanced solid tumors, including pancreatic cancer. Additionally, another promising candidate, IMM-6-415, which is an oral, twice-daily MEK inhibitor, is in a similar trial phase targeting tumors with RAS or RAF mutations.

Immuneering's research pipeline is diverse, featuring several early-stage programs that could pave the way for breakthroughs in cancer treatment. By focusing on RAS-driven tumors, the company is targeting some of the most challenging and prevalent forms of cancer, aiming to develop therapies that are both innovative and accessible to patients worldwide.

This new agreement with Regeneron is a testament to Immuneering’s commitment to advancing cancer treatment. By combining forces with a global leader in oncology research, Immuneering is poised to explore new frontiers in cancer therapy, potentially reshaping the landscape of treatment options for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. As research progresses, the findings from this partnership could significantly influence future strategies in combating cancer, offering patients new hope and improved outcomes.