STMN1

Optimal therapeutic targeting of cancer involves clonal signals which are expressed within all cancer cellsGradalis applies a novel clinically relevant approach to determine clonal tumor mutation burden/neoantigens, thereby potentially expanding the use of immunotherapies to enable more consistent and effective clinical response and optimally target cancersAnalysis shows cTMB signal identified in patients’ tumor tissue is preserved in Gradalis’ Vigil® investigational therapy DALLAS, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gradalis, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on personalized anti-cancer therapy for patients with ovarian and other cancers, announced a peer-reviewed publication in Scientific Reports. The paper details the methods and validation of Gradalis’ exome sequencing procedure and associated bioinformatics pipeline for identifying signal patterns that drive cancer growth and spread. Titled “Exome sequencing shows same pattern of clonal tumor mutational burden, intratumor heterogenicity and clonal neoantigen between autologous tumor and Vigil product”, the publication provides insight into the science and implications of this key discovery. The study highlights a novel approach to identify clonal mutation signals which provide the greatest potential to result in clinical benefit to immunotherapy as well as the optimal cancers amenable to this therapeutic approach. Furthermore, the research offers a deeper mechanistic insight into the effects observed with Gradalis’ Vigil, an investigational immunotherapy platform being developed for various cancers. The full text of the article can be found here. “Clonal signals, specifically levels of clonal tumor mutation burden and clonal neoantigens, define the genetic signals which go awry in normal cells, forcing them to take on cancer characteristics. Clonal signals are maintained as cancer cells grow, and we believe this is the optimal molecular target to identify and therapeutically attack in the fight against cancer,” stated John Nemunaitis, M.D., Gradalis’ Chief Scientific Officer. “Published retrospective data demonstrated that patient response to immunotherapy, as measured by overall survival advantage, is correlated with high clonal tumor mutation burden, high clonal neoantigens, and/or low intratumor heterogeneity. We believe that our proprietary exome sequencing approach will play a key role in identifying those cancers most likely to respond to gemogenovatucel-T and potentially enable the better targeting of other immunotherapies.” Normal immune system function identifies cancer cells for destruction through dendritic-T cell interaction. This interaction is most effective when involving signals present on all cancer cells (clonal signals) rather than limited subsets of cancer cells (subclonal signals). The Scientific Reports publication describes the development of a clinically applicable method for determination of clonal Tumor Mutation Burden (cTMB), clonal Neoantigens (cNEO), and Intratumoral Heterogeneity (ITH) using matched tumor biopsy and peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples. Gradalis engaged Frontage Laboratories (Deerfield Beach, FL) to construct the bioinformatics pipeline and conduct the analysis. Previously published exome sequencing data sets from an immunotherapy clinical trial and clonal deconvolution validation study were used to verify the performance of the developed bioinformatics pipeline. The wet lab exome sequencing and bioinformatic process steps were further qualified by analyzing samples of Vigil, Gradalis’ engineered autologous tumor-based therapy, and the original tumors used to construct Vigil from a set of patients. Levels of cTMB, cNEO, and ITH determined for Vigil and the original tumor were strongly correlated to each other across a set of patients, demonstrating the reliability of the assay. This research also shows that construction of Vigil did not negatively impact the clonal signal. “The developed exome sequencing platform and bioinformatic pipeline utilized the best available exome sequencing technology and open-source software algorithms to create a high throughput system for measurement of cTMB, cNEO, and ITH levels. We expect that this approach will be applicable to identification of patients likely to respond to immunotherapy across multiple types of cancer,” said lead author, David Willoughby, Ph.D. For additional information, visit gradalisinc.com or contact Mark Early, General Counsel and Director Investor Relations, at Mark Early214.442.8161mearly@gradalisinc.com About Exome Sequencing Procedure and Associated Bioinformatics PipelinePaired tumor and normal (typically PBMC) samples are used to prepare DNA libraries containing exome sequences tagged with unique molecular identifiers (UMI) which are sequenced on Illumina sequencers to a high coverage depth (930x tumor, 130x normal). Raw sequence reads are then processed into optimized binary alignment map (BAM) files using the UMI information. These BAM files are inputted into bioinformatic modules for annotating single nucleotide variants and small insertions and deletions, for determination of allelic copy number and for calling MHC-1 alleles. The output data from these modules is then used to predict the sequences of peptide neoantigens and to perform clonality analysis in order to assign each SNV and InDel in a patient tumor sample to a primary clone or subclone. A final summary report provides the cTMB, cNEO, and ITH levels for each patient. A detailed variant level-report is also produced which contains information about the clonality of each identified non-synonymous sequence variant along with the sequence of its associated neoantigen peptide and its expected affinity of binding for the patients MHC-1 complex. About VigilVigil® is a novel, triple function immunotherapy platform that modifies a patient’s tumor by using bi-shRNA to reduce furin, an enzyme which facilitates immunosuppressive TGF beta protein production, and to maximize DNA expression of GM-CSF, which stimulates the immune system and attracts key immune system effector cells, including T-cells. By utilizing the patient's own tumor as the antigen source, Vigil is designed to elicit an immune response that is specifically targeted and broadly relevant to each patient's unique clonal tumor neoantigens. In patients with HRP ovarian cancer and high cTMB, where there is a high unmet medical need, Vigil has been designated a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) by the FDA on the basis of a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in OS. Additionally, Phase 1 results in an “all-comer” clinical trial showed positive signals of activity in 19 different tumor types and some patients treated with Vigil remained in the study 48 months later. Vigil has also demonstrated safety and benefit in two separate pilot studies when administered concurrently or in sequence prior to treatment with check point inhibitor therapy. The sequential treatment results support the hypothesis that Vigil administration prior to starting checkpoint inhibitor therapy may focus the immune effector population to the cancer, potentially enhancing activity and limiting off target side effects. Vigil is the first cellular immunotherapy to demonstrate longer-term survival benefits in a randomized controlled trial of patients with solid tumors. The results of the company’s Phase 2b study have been published in Lancet Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology and presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology. About Gradalis, Inc.Founded in 2006, Gradalis is a privately held, clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a new category of personalized therapies based on proprietary bi-shRNAi technology. Its lead product, called Vigil, is an immunotherapy that has been tested in multiple studies in ovarian and other cancer tumor types. In patients with HRP ovarian cancer and high cTMB, where there is a high unmet medical need, Vigil has been designated a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) by the FDA on the basis on a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in OS. Gradalis’ Vigil platform uses the patient’s immune system to target the entire tumor. Based on multiple clinical studies, Gradalis has developed a pioneering oncology platform that is designed to decloak the patient’s tumor clonal neoantigens, reactivate the immune system, and summon key effector cells to deliver a durable clinical response. When combined, these are a powerful Trifecta of anti-cancer activities, potentially eliminating even the elusive metastatic cells, as shown in Phase 2 clinical studies in ovarian cancer. Our clinical trials have also demonstrated that Gradalis’ platform is better tolerated compared to standard cancer treatments since Vigil uses the patient’s immune system operating within its natural state of balance rather than in an artificial overdrive as with some technologies. Vigil utilizes proprietary bi-shRNA technology that has been proven to silence multiple genes EWS/FLI1, KRAS, STMN1, PDX-1 in a variety of cancers and has the potential to be used in other diseases. To learn more, visit www.gradalisinc.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the success, cost, and timing of our product development activities and clinical trials, our plans to research, develop, and commercialize our product candidates, and our plans to submit regulatory filings and obtain regulatory approval of our product candidates. These forward-looking statements are based on Gradalis’ current expectations and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: (a) the timing, costs, and outcomes of our clinical trials and preclinical studies, (b) the timing and likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals for our product candidates, and (c) the potential market size for our product candidates. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and, other than as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.

Recognizing clinical evidence from the Phase 2b VITAL Study of Vigil in homologous recombination proficient (HRP) patients with high clonal tumor mutation burden (cTMB-H) RMAT designation provides multiple benefits including increased FDA interactions and development guidance Feb. 05, 2025 -- Gradalis, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing personalized anti-cancer therapies, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Gradalis’ personalized investigational cellular immunotherapy, Vigil® (Gemogenovatucel-T) Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation based on favorable clinical results from the ongoing Phase 2b VITAL trial. Vigil is being developed as a maintenance treatment for women with newly diagnosed, advanced Stage IIIb/IV ovarian cancer who are homologous recombination proficient (HRP), have a high clonal tumor mutation burden (cTMB-H) and who are in complete response after debulking surgery and frontline platinum-based doublet chemotherapy. This recognition underscores the potential value for Vigil to address a critical unmet need in this patient population. RMAT designation is reserved for advanced cellular and engineered therapies that show potential to address serious or life-threatening conditions based on preliminary clinical evidence. The designation provides benefits such as increased FDA interactions and guidance on efficient product development. RMAT designated products may qualify for FDA approval pathways that could expedite the delivery of Vigil to cancer patients. Vigil is a first in class immunotherapy designed to target clonal mutation signals which are contained within all cancer cells, setting it apart from other treatments that focus on sub-clonal signals. Receipt of RMAT designation was based on analysis of promising clinical results from the VITAL study that demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant overall survival benefits in patients with HRP ovarian cancer and cTMB-H who achieved complete response after standard of care frontline therapy. “The RMAT designation for Vigil highlights the transformative capacity of our unique immunotherapy to benefit women battling advanced ovarian cancer,” said David Shanahan, CEO of Gradalis. “This important recognition affirms that Vigil has the potential to extend patient survival and may offer a safer, more precise therapeutic approach to a population in urgent need of innovative solutions. We continue to advance our Vigil development efforts as we work to bring this investigational therapy to patients as rapidly as possible.” Ovarian cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers among women, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 87. Standard treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, often yield initial responses, but up to 75% of patients experience disease recurrence within two years. For women with HRP ovarian cancer, current treatment options are even less effective, with significantly shorter progression-free survival compared to other molecular profiles. Despite advancements, no current therapies have shown meaningful clinical benefits for this subgroup, leaving a critical gap in care. Gradalis is continuing its efforts to bring Vigil to patients as quickly as possible. Vigil® is a novel, triple function immunotherapy platform that modifies a patient’s tumor by using bi-shRNA to reduce furin, an enzyme which facilitates immunosuppressive TGF beta protein production, and to maximize DNA expression of GM-CSF, which stimulates the immune system and attracts key immune system effector cells, including T-cells. By utilizing the patient's own tumor as the antigen source, Vigil is designed to elicit an immune response that is specifically targeted and broadly relevant to each patient's unique “clonal” tumor neoantigens. Vigil therapy has been well tolerated in Phase 1, 2a and 2b clinical studies. In VITAL, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2b trial in Stage III/IV newly diagnosed, frontline ovarian cancer patients, Vigil showed a positive trend in the primary endpoint of recurrence free survival (RFS) in the overall population and a statistically significant improvement in the secondary endpoint of recurrence free survival and overall survival (OS) in patients with the BRCAwt molecular profile. In patients with HRP ovarian cancer and cTMB-H where there is a high unmet medical need, Vigil has been designated a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) by the FDA on the basis of a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in OS. Additionally, Phase 1 results in an “all-comer” clinical trial have shown positive signals of activity in 19 different tumor types and some patients treated with Vigil remain in the study 48 months later. Vigil is the first cellular immunotherapy to demonstrate longer-term survival benefits in a randomized controlled trial of patients with solid tumors. The results of the company’s Phase 2b study have been published in Lancet Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology and presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Founded in 2006, Gradalis is a privately held, clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a new category of personalized therapies based on proprietary bi-shRNAi technology. Its lead product, called Vigil, is an immunotherapy that has been tested in multiple studies in ovarian and other cancer tumor types. Gradalis’ Vigil platform uses the patient’s immune system to target the entire tumor. Based on multiple clinical studies, Gradalis has developed a pioneering oncology platform that is designed to decloak the patient’s tumor clonal neoantigens, reactivate the immune system, and summon key effector cells to deliver a durable clinical response. When combined, these are a powerful Trifecta of anti-cancer activities, potentially eliminating even the elusive metastatic cells, and as shown in Phase 2 clinical studies in ovarian cancer. Our clinical trials have also demonstrated that Gradalis’ platform is better tolerated compared to standard cancer treatments since Vigil uses the patient’s immune system operating within its natural state of balance rather than in an artificial overdrive as with some technologies. Vigil utilizes proprietary bi-shRNA technology that has been proven to silence multiple genes EWS/FLI1, KRAS, STMN1, PDX-1 in a variety of cancers and has the potential to be used in other diseases. For additional information, visit gradalisinc.com. The content above comes from the network. if any infringement, please contact us to modify.

Researchers have analyzed how an antidiabetic treatment could help control the growth of tumors, potentially paving the way for the design of better cancer treatments. Flinders University researchers have analysed how an antidiabetic treatment could help control the growth of tumours, potentially paving the way for the design of better cancer treatments. The new study investigated what happens when metformin, a type 2 diabetes medication, is used to treat colorectal cancer cells, in the process demonstrating that it could be exploited to develop new cancer therapies. Previous epidemiology studies show that taking metformin helps protect diabetes patients from developing some forms of cancer including bowel, or colorectal, cancer. The Flinders' researchers sought to understand how taking metformin medication impacts cancer cells and how this could help with future cancer treatments. "Using the latest techniques, we analysed how metformin helps to stop colorectal cancer cells from growing and multiplying by controlling certain 'pathways' inside the cells that help to regulate growth and division," says lead author Dr Ayla Orang from Flinders University's College of Medicine and Public Health. "Importantly, our work has pinpointed that metformin uses small pieces of RNA (called microRNAs) to act as a 'circuit breaker' and turn off certain genes that are involved in cell growth and division, so it is possible that our findings could eventually be used to develop a new targeted cancer therapy. "In particular, we found that metformin increases the levels of certain microRNAs, like miR-2110 and miR-132-3p, which then target specific genes and slow down the growth and progression of tumours. "With this information we may be able to develop RNA-based therapies -- new treatments for cancer that target RNA molecules (like microRNAs)," she says. The research, Restricting Colorectal Cancer Cell Metabolism with Metformin: An Integrated Transcriptomics Study, used advanced techniques to study microRNAs, and the entire set of genes being expressed in the colon cancer cells, to help understand how metformin affects the cells. Metformin increased the levels of certain microRNAs (miR-2110 and miR-132-3p) that target a specific gene (PIK3R3). This process helps to slow down the growth of cancer cells and stop them from multiplying too quickly. Another gene (STMN1) was also targeted by different microRNAs, which led to slower cell growth and a delayed cell cycle. Senior authors of the study, Associate Professor Michael Michael and Professor Janni Petersen say the results are a step forward in our understanding of the way metformin disrupts cancer cell growth and how they could be used to fight cancer. "Our research provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of how metformin works, and how we might be able to target genes responsible for turning normal cells cancerous," says Associate Professor Michael. "This is important because it shows the potential of metformin as a preventive agent for reducing the growth of cancer in the bowel, and the emergence of RNA therapeutics as a promising new avenue for exploring the clinical efficacy of these findings. "We need to further investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting specific miRNAs or pathways using RNA-based therapies for the treatment of cancer. Having used metformin to unravel metabolism in cancer cells, the next stage of research is focusing on specific cell pathways, which should lead to animal studies and then human clinical trials."