NeoImmuneTech's ASCO 2024 Data Showcases NT-I7 and CPI Synergy in Immuno-Oncology

NeoImmuneTech, Inc. (NIT), a company specializing in T cell-focused therapies, has reported encouraging interim outcomes from its significant clinical trial, NIT-110, which investigates NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa). The findings were showcased at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago from May 31 to June 4. Additionally, two more posters were presented at this influential conference.

The NIT-110 trial is a pivotal study designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of combining NT-I7 with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) in treating solid tumors. The presented data confirmed that the NT-I7 and Keytruda combination is both safe and well-tolerated among participants.

Key findings from the NIT-110 study include notable improvements in median overall survival (mOS) for patients suffering from pancreatic cancer and microsatellite-stable (MSS) colorectal cancer. For pancreatic cancer patients, the median overall survival was recorded at 11.1 months among the 48 participants, which is a significant improvement from the 6.1 months typically observed with second-line standard care treatments. Impressively, 93.75% of these patients were receiving the combination therapy as a third-line treatment or beyond.

In the case of MSS colorectal cancer, the mOS for the 50 participants was 13.2 months, compared to the standard 10.8 months with current care treatments. These results underscore the enhanced efficacy of the NT-I7 and Keytruda combination over existing treatments.

A separate poster from the NIT-110 trial revealed a correlative analysis that identified potentially predictive biomarkers. These biomarkers could help pinpoint patient groups that may gain the most clinical benefit from the NT-I7 and Keytruda combination therapy. NeoImmuneTech is dedicated to further validating these biomarkers to improve clinical outcomes.

Additionally, preclinical data presented at ASCO 2024 demonstrated the benefits of combining NT-I7 with an oncolytic virus in a glioblastoma model. This combination led to a significant increase in tumor-specific CD8 T cells within the tumor microenvironment and improved survival rates. Remarkably, 80% of cases in the experimental group that combined NT-I7 with immune checkpoint inhibitors resulted in complete tumor eradication. These findings emphasize the potential of NT-I7 in enhancing clinical benefits when combined with various immune therapies.

NeoImmuneTech's CEO, Dr. Luke Oh, expressed optimism about the clinical efficacy of the NT-I7 and Keytruda combination, particularly in treating pancreatic and colorectal cancers, which are notoriously difficult to treat. He highlighted that these results align with preclinical data and open new avenues for improving clinical outcomes. The company is actively in discussions with Merck to determine the next steps.

The NIT-110 trial, an open-label Phase 2a study supported by Merck, aims to confirm the effectiveness of combining NT-I7 with Keytruda in treating solid tumors. Initial results from 2022 had already indicated the combination's efficacy in treating pancreatic and MSS colorectal cancers. Subsequently, additional patients were recruited, bringing the total to 48 pancreatic cancer patients and 50 MSS colorectal cancer patients currently undergoing clinical trials. The ASCO 2024 presentation provided updated analysis from both the original and expanded cohorts.

NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa) is a long-acting human IL-7 being developed for oncologic and immunologic applications. It plays a crucial role in T cell development and sustaining immune responses, making it an ideal partner for combination therapies. NT-I7 is currently under investigation in multiple clinical trials for solid tumors and as a vaccine adjuvant. Future studies are planned to explore its potential in hematologic malignancies, additional solid tumors, and other immunology-focused indications.

NeoImmuneTech, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on T cell therapies, aiming to expand the horizon of immuno-oncology and enhance immunity to infectious diseases. The company is led by the scientific founder and inventor of NT-I7 and has a robust executive team with extensive industry experience. NeoImmuneTech is rapidly expanding its operations and collaborating with industry and academic leaders to explore NT-I7's potential as both monotherapy and in combination with other immunotherapeutics.