Initial Clinical Results for 90mg Efti Dosage in Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment

Immutep, a clinical-stage biotechnology firm, has reported promising results from an early-stage trial of its immunotherapy drug, eftilagimod alpha (efti). The drug is being tested in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, a disease that has seen limited treatment options for patients who no longer respond to hormone therapies.

The AIPAC-003 Phase II/III trial has enrolled six patients so far in its safety lead-in phase. The patients involved had exhausted all endocrine therapies, including CDK4/6 inhibitors, which are often the last line of treatment for this type of cancer. The initial data shows that the combination of 90mg efti with weekly paclitaxel is safe and well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.

More importantly, the efficacy of the treatment is also encouraging. Half of the patients responded to the treatment, with one achieving a complete response and two partial responses. The remaining three patients experienced stable disease, resulting in a 100% disease control rate. This suggests that the treatment not only shrinks tumors in some patients but also halts disease progression in others.

While the results are still preliminary, they build on previous findings that higher doses of efti can lead to a stronger immune response and greater efficacy. The 30mg dose, which was the highest tested previously, has shown promising results in multiple clinical trials. The current trial is comparing the safety and efficacy of the 90mg dose against the 30mg dose, with the goal of identifying the optimal biological dose.

The ongoing trial is part of a larger effort to understand how to best use efti in combination with other treatments. Efti works by activating antigen-presenting cells, which in turn stimulate the immune system to fight cancer. It has the potential to be used in combination with other immunotherapies and chemotherapy drugs, making it a versatile treatment option.

Immutep is committed to advancing the development of efti and other LAG-3 immunotherapies, which have the potential to treat a range of cancers and autoimmune diseases. The company's focus on understanding and advancing LAG-3 therapeutics positions it at the forefront of immunotherapy research. Further updates from the AIPAC-003 trial are expected in the coming year, and more information can be found on clinicaltrials.gov.

Efti is Immutep's proprietary drug, designed to stimulate both the innate and adaptive immune systems. It has received Fast Track designation from the FDA for the treatment of certain types of cancer, indicating its potential to address unmet medical needs. Immutep continues to explore the full potential of efti and LAG-3 immunotherapies, with the aim of bringing innovative treatment options to patients and maximizing value for shareholders.