Indapta Therapeutics to Present g-NK Cell Platform at NY Academy of Sciences Cancer Immunotherapy Conference

Indapta Therapeutics, Inc., a private biotech company focused on innovative cell therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, recently announced advancements in their research and development programs. CEO Mark Frohlich, MD, is set to present at the New York Academy of Sciences Frontiers in Cancer Immunotherapy Conference. His presentation, titled "g-NK Cells for the Treatment of Cancer and Autoimmune Disease," will cover the unique mechanisms of their lead product, IDP-023, a g-NK cell therapy.

IDP-023 employs differentiated mechanisms for targeting and killing cells. These include strong antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), targeting HLA-E expressing cells via the NKG2C receptor, and inherent antiviral activities of g-NK cells. Currently, this therapy is being tested in an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial for hematologic cancers, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and acute myelogenous leukemia.

Furthermore, Dr. Frohlich will elaborate on the company’s expansion into treating autoimmune diseases. Particularly, Indapta plans to file an investigational new drug (IND) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by mid-2024 for a clinical trial of IDP-023 in multiple sclerosis (MS). Existing research suggests that endogenous g-NK cells not only protect against MS development but also slow its progression. The planned clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of g-NK cells in achieving B cell depletion when combined with a B cell-directed monoclonal antibody. Additionally, g-NK cells possess unique abilities to kill HLA-E expressing autoreactive T and B cells, and they can address the Epstein-Barr Virus reservoir, which may play a role in the disease.

Indapta’s platform is centered around a distinct subset of naturally occurring NK cells, called "g-NK" cells. These cells are differentiated via epigenetic changes induced by exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV). Indapta generates IDP-023 by expanding these g-NK cells from healthy donors, ensuring low variability between donors. Compared to conventional NK cells, g-NK cells can release more immune-activating cytokines and cell-killing compounds.

Preclinical studies have shown that IDP-023 exhibits stronger and more durable anti-tumor effects when paired with cancer-targeting monoclonal antibodies. This efficacy surpasses that of traditional NK cells, suggesting a promising future for g-NK cell therapies in oncology and potentially in autoimmune conditions.

Indapta Therapeutics prides itself on developing a versatile pipeline of cell therapies to meet the unmet medical needs of patients with blood cancers, solid tumors, and autoimmune diseases. The company’s proprietary platform ensures the selective expansion and successful cryopreservation of naturally occurring g-NK cells. This platform is designed to create highly potent, accessible, and scalable allogeneic cell therapies for on-demand use.

As Indapta moves forward, its commitment to advancing cell therapy technologies could provide new, more effective treatment options for patients facing serious health challenges. Their ongoing research and upcoming clinical trials signify a significant step toward achieving better outcomes in cancer and autoimmune disease treatment.