On April 9, 2024 NeoImmuneTech, Inc. (NIT), a global leader in T-cell-based immunotherapy, reported a poster on a pre-clinical study that opens a new field of potential applications for NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa) (Press release, NeoImmuneTech, APR 9, 2024, View Source [SID1234641958]). The poster was presented at the 2024 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (April 5-10, 2024, San Diego, CA).
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The study explored the efficacy of NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa) in combination with FOLFOX (a combination of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin), a first-line standard of care (SoC) for colorectal cancer, in an animal model of colorectal cancer (MC38, C57BL/6 mice).
The study’s findings suggest a significant improvement in treatment outcomes when NT-I7 is used alongside FOLFOX, demonstrating a 69% reduction in tumor size compared to the administration of FOLFOX alone. While the overall Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC) in the blood was reduced by FOLFOX treatment, the number of anti-cancer specific T cells in the tumor was significantly increased in the combination group compared to FOLFOX alone.
Dr. Luke Oh, President and CEO of NeoImmuneTech said: "We are very excited by results that shows NT-I7 might be effective in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. As chemotherapeutic agents are still the standard of care for most early-stage cancer indications, combining NT-I7 with various chemotherapeutic agents might bring new hope to patients in situations where immuno-oncology is not used."
About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. It often begins with growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum called polyps, which can change into cancer over time. Colorectal cancer affects more than 150,000 people in the US and 1.8 million people worldwide each year. Despite progress in treatment in the last decade, the 5-year survival rate is still only 63% overall and a meager 13% for patients with metastatic disease.
About NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa) (rhIL-7-hyFc)
NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa) is the only clinical-stage long-acting human IL-7, and is being developed in oncologic and immunologic indications, where T cell amplification and increased functionality may provide clinical benefit. IL-7 is a fundamental cytokine for naïve and memory T cell development and for sustaining immune response to chronic antigens (as in cancer) or foreign antigens (as in infectious diseases). NT-I7 exhibits favorable PK/PD and safety profiles, making it an ideal combination partner. NT-I7 is being studied in multiple clinical trials in solid tumors and as vaccine adjuvant. Studies are being planned for testing in hematologic malignancies, additional solid tumors and other immunology-focused indications.