On August 24, 2020 ImmunoGenesis reported that it has been awarded a $15.5 M grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to advance development of IMGS-001, the company’s dual specific Checkpoint Inhibitor and Tumor Microenvironment (TME) remodeling agent. IMGS-001, through its mechanism of action, has the potential to provide superior blockade of the PD-1 pathway and clear out immunosuppressive elements in the TME (Press release, ImmunoGenesis, AUG 24, 2020, View Source [SID1234564032]). This ability to remodel the TME to a more immune supportive environment is believed to be a critical factor in facilitating efficacy in immunologically "cold" cancers such as prostate, colorectal and pancreatic cancer.
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"We are extremely excited that CPRIT recognized the therapeutic potential of our novel dual specific checkpoint inhibitor antibody, IMGS-001, with the awarding of a Product Development Grant," commented ImmunoGenesis Founder, Dr. Michael A. Curran. "Compared to existing immunotherapy drugs, we believe this antibody will both provide more consistent benefit for patients with immune-infiltrated tumors, and, for the first time, will also benefit patients with immune ‘cold’ cancers."
"IMGS-001 is the keystone asset of our therapeutic platform – it has been rationally designed to improve cancer treatment outcomes through modification of the tumor microenvironment," said ImmunoGenesis CEO and President, James Barlow. "Dr. Curran created this next generation checkpoint inhibitor with multi-tasking ability to both provide superior PD-1 pathway blockade and also eliminate immunosuppressive cells. As a result, we believe IMGS-001 will represent a superior foundation of efficacy, particularly in tumors that have not been responsive to current immunotherapies – this efficacy can then be further enhanced through rational combinations."
The award underscores CPRIT’s mission of supporting novel research. IMGS-001 is based on discoveries made by the laboratory of Dr. Curran at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Oncology Research for Biologics & Immunotherapy Translation (ORBIT) platform, part of MD Anderson’s Therapeutics Discovery division. The technology was licensed to ImmunoGenesis in 2019. Dr. Curran’s financial relationship with ImmunoGenesis is managed and monitored by the MD Anderson Conflict of Interest Committee.
Dr. Cindy WalkerPeach, Chief Product Development Officer of CPRIT, said "Dr. Curran is a previous recipient of CPRIT funding for research in his lab and CPRIT is thrilled to now fund this exciting company which was founded by Dr. Curran and has the potential to have a significant clinical impact across a wide range of cancers."
ImmunoGenesis is headquartered in Houston and the CPRIT award allows the company to further build-out its management team and corporate infrastructure in the medical community. James Barlow commented "ImmunoGenesis is excited to be a part of an increasingly vibrant biotech community in Houston and Texas, in general."