On March 6, 2025 ImmunoGenesis, a clinical-stage biotech company developing innovative, science-driven immunotherapies, reported the first patient has been dosed in the company’s Phase 1/2 clinical trial of its hypoxia reversal agent IMGS-101 (evofosfamide) in combination with Balstilimab (anti-PD-1) and Zalifrelimab (anti-CTLA-4) at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas (Press release, ImmunoGenesis, MAR 6, 2025, View Source;head–neck-t-302393719.html [SID1234650989]). Tumor hypoxia (low oxygen levels) is an immunosuppressive factor in solid tumors. By reversing hypoxia, IMGS-101 may improve the efficacy of immunotherapies in cancer types that are otherwise resistant to immune-based treatments.
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The Phase 1/2, open-label, multicenter study (NCT06782555) consists of a dose escalation and expansion portion to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and anti-tumor activity of IMGS-101 in combination with Balstilimab and Zalifrelimab in adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), pancreatic cancer, and human papillomavirus-(HPV) negative squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The study is being conducted in collaboration with Agenus, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing the checkpoint inhibitors Balstilimab and Zalifrelimab.
"Launching this trial represents a significant milestone in our mission to target key mechanisms of immune resistance," said ImmunoGenesis President and CEO James Barlow. "By targeting and reversing hypoxia, we aim to unlock the immune system’s full potential and redefine the therapeutic landscape for these cancers with high unmet medical needs."
"This trial marks an exciting step forward in addressing one of the key challenges in cancer immunotherapy," said Dr. Charles Schweizer, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development at ImmunoGenesis. "Hypoxia limits T-cell infiltration and suppresses immune responses, especially in prostate, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers. By reversing hypoxia, IMGS-101 may restore T-cell access to tumors, enhancing the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitors and potentially transforming outcomes in these hard-to-treat cancers."