Immutep to Present at ESMO Virtual Plenary on Clinical Results

15 July 2024

Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM; NASDAQ: IMMP), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on novel LAG-3 immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, has announced details for an oral presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Virtual Plenary session scheduled for July 11, 2024. The presentation will showcase new clinical data from the TACTI-003 (KEYNOTE-PNC-34) Phase IIb trial, particularly for patients with negative PD-L1 expression (Cohort B). A webcast will follow to discuss these clinical results.

ESMO Virtual Plenaries are monthly events that feature the latest original scientific data, including significant findings from Phase II trials that show remarkable therapeutic benefits, scientific insights, or advancements in areas of unmet medical needs. The upcoming presentation will highlight a substantially improved overall response rate and additional data from patients with first-line head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who are PD-L1 negative.

Details for the ESMO Plenary presentation are as follows:

Title: Eftilagimod Alpha (Soluble LAG-3) & Pembrolizumab in First-Line Recurrent or Metastatic Head & Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Primary Results from Cohort B (CPS <1) of the TACTI-003 Study
Presenter: Dr. Robert Metcalf, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, U.K.
Format: Oral Presentation
Date/Time: 18:30-19:30 Central European Time (CEST), July 11, 2024

Additionally, Immutep will host a webcast to discuss these clinical findings:

Date/Time: Friday, July 12, at 9am AEST (7pm ET July 11)
A replay of the webcast will be available under the Events section of Immutep’s website post-event. Investors are encouraged to register for the webcast and submit questions in advance.

The TACTI-003 (KEYNOTE-PNC-34) trial is a Phase IIb study evaluating eftilagimod alfa (efti), Immutep’s proprietary soluble LAG-3 protein and MHC Class II agonist, in combination with Merck & Co., Inc.'s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab). This study is focused on first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Cohort A of the study compares efti combined with pembrolizumab to pembrolizumab alone in patients with PD-L1 positive tumors (CPS ≥1). Cohort B evaluates the combination in patients with PD-L1 negative tumors.

The primary endpoint of the study is the Overall Response Rate (ORR) of evaluable patients according to RECIST 1.1 criteria. Secondary endpoints include Overall Survival (OS), ORR according to iRECIST, Progression-Free Survival (PFS), and Duration of Response (DoR).

Eftilagimod alfa (efti) is Immutep’s proprietary soluble LAG-3 protein and MHC Class II agonist. This innovative treatment stimulates both innate and adaptive immunity against cancer. As a first-in-class antigen-presenting cell (APC) activator, efti binds to MHC Class II molecules on APCs, leading to the activation and proliferation of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, CD4+ helper T cells, dendritic cells, NK cells, and monocytes. It enhances the expression of key biological molecules such as IFN-γ and CXCL10, which further boost the immune system’s capability to combat cancer.

Efti is under evaluation for various solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and metastatic breast cancer. Its favorable safety profile allows for combinations with anti-PD-[L]1 immunotherapy and/or chemotherapy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to efti for first-line HNSCC and NSCLC.

Immutep is a leader in developing LAG-3 immunotherapy for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company’s product portfolio takes advantage of LAG-3’s unique ability to either stimulate or suppress the immune response, offering innovative treatment options for patients and aiming to maximize shareholder value. 

How to obtain the latest research advancements in the field of biopharmaceuticals?

In the Synapse database, you can keep abreast of the latest research and development advances in drugs, targets, indications, organizations, etc., anywhere and anytime, on a daily or weekly basis. Click on the image below to embark on a brand new journey of drug discovery!