Indapta Begins Cancer Trial with IDP-023 NK Cell Therapy

Indapta Therapeutics, a biotechnology firm, has commenced its Phase 1 clinical trial for IDP-023, a novel natural killer (NK) cell therapy intended for cancer treatment. The trial is focused on patients with multiple myeloma and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with the first participants receiving treatment at renowned medical centers in Texas and Virginia.

The trial's initial stage involves administering a single dose of IDP-023 to the first patient, while the second patient will receive the initial of three planned doses. The subsequent groups will be given multiple doses of the therapy, potentially in conjunction with interleukin-2. The ultimate goal is to combine IDP-023 with monoclonal antibodies rituximab and daratumumab for patients suffering from lymphoma and multiple myeloma, respectively, once the safety of the combined treatment is confirmed.

Dr. Mark Frohlich, Indapta's CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the company's advancement to the clinical stage. He highlighted the promising results from previous NK cell studies and emphasized the superior efficacy of IDP-023 observed in preclinical models. Indapta has successfully produced a sufficient quantity of IDP-023 to support the trial through 2024, with Frohlich noting the high yields and recent improvements in the manufacturing process.

The company's unique approach to NK cell therapy involves the use of "G minus" NK cells, or "g-NK" cells, which are derived from epigenetic changes caused by exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV). These cells are known for their enhanced ability to eliminate cancer cells when combined with monoclonal antibody therapy, without the need for genetic modification. Indapta's g-NK cells are characterized by their capacity to produce a significantly higher amount of immune-activating cytokines and substances that target cancer cells.

In preclinical studies, IDP-023 has shown to be more potent and to have longer-lasting antitumor effects when combined with monoclonal antibodies, compared to traditional NK cells. Indapta Therapeutics is dedicated to developing and commercializing this innovative cell therapy to treat various types of hematologic cancers and solid tumors, aiming to overcome the limitations of current autologous cell therapies.