Immuneering Shares Positive Update on IMM-1-104 with FOLFIRINOX in Phase 2a Pancreatic Cancer Trial

Immuneering Corporation, a clinical-stage oncology firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, recently shared promising results from its ongoing Phase 2a study. This study evaluates the efficacy of combining IMM-1-104, a novel MEK inhibitor, with a modified FOLFIRINOX regimen for the treatment of first-line pancreatic cancer. The announcement highlights two additional partial responses among participants, bolstering the overall response rate (ORR) to 50%. This represents a significant improvement over the historical ORR benchmark of 32% for FOLFIRINOX used independently.

The CEO of Immuneering, Dr. Ben Zeskind, expressed enthusiasm about the findings, indicating that the consistent response rates from the study underscore the potential of IMM-1-104. This investigational drug could set a new standard of care for pancreatic cancer due to its promising results and well-tolerated safety profile. Moreover, its versatility may allow it to be used safely in combination with various other treatments to enhance patient outcomes across numerous cancer types.

The study update, detailed as of January 6, 2025, included six evaluable patients, three of whom experienced partial responses. Currently, four patients continue to receive the treatment, with the IMM-1-104 and FOLFIRINOX combination generally exhibiting favorable tolerance among participants. The specific dose being studied is 320 mg of IMM-1-104 administered once daily.

In addition to the clinical advancements, Immuneering has strengthened its financial standing by raising nearly $14 million through an at-the-market (ATM) facility in early January 2025. This financial boost is expected to support the company's continued progress, including further data updates planned for the second quarter of 2025. Immuneering is also preparing to initiate new trial arms, combining IMM-1-104 with other therapies such as BRAF and checkpoint inhibitors, while they plan for a pivotal trial involving the combination of IMM-1-104 with modified gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel.

Immuneering's pipeline of development is robust, with IMM-1-104 leading the charge. This oral MEK inhibitor is designed to be taken once daily and is aimed at improving the treatment landscape for RAS-driven tumors like pancreatic cancer. Other products in development include IMM-6-415, which is another MEK inhibitor under trial for tumors with RAS or RAF mutations. Additionally, the company has several early-stage programs in the works.

As the company advances its research and development efforts, these new findings reinforce Immuneering's commitment to transforming cancer treatment. By focusing on creating therapies that are not only effective but also more tolerable for patients, Immuneering aims to deliver significant improvements in cancer care. With the latest results from their clinical trials, the company is poised to make substantial contributions to the oncology field, potentially offering new hope to patients battling challenging cancers like pancreatic cancer.