On May 23, 2023 Immunome, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMNM), a biopharmaceutical company utilizing a proprietary human memory B cell platform to discover and develop antibody therapeutics to improve patient care, reported the publication of data highlighting efficacy of its preclinical IL-38 blocking antibody, titled "IL-38 blockade induces anti-tumor immunity by abrogating tumor-mediated suppression of early immune activation," in the peer-reviewed journal mAbs (Press release, Immunome, MAY 23, 2023, View Source [SID1234631981]). The data in the article demonstrates that antibody-based targeting of IL-38 reactivates the immunostimulatory anti-tumor mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment in preclinical testing.
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"Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed how we treat cancer, these therapies are only effective in a small subset of patients. This highlights a significant need for continued innovation in this space," said Matthew Robinson, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer of Immunome. "Our Discovery Engine identified IL-38 as a potentially interesting immuno-oncology target. Based on our work highlighting the antitumor activity associated with targeting this novel cytokine and its marked expression across a range of cancers, including head and neck, lung, gastroesophageal, and others, we believe targeting IL-38 could benefit a number of patients."
Key highlights from the study are:
IL-38 is expressed across all stages of disease in a range of tumors of high unmet medical need
An anti-IL-38 antibody, identified by Immunome, inhibits tumor growth in two in-vivo preclinical cancer models
Treatment in these models with the IL-38 blocking antibody resulted in increased levels of intra-tumoral chemokines
Animals whose tumors fully resolved, when rechallenged, are resistant to tumor growth, suggesting the induction of immunological memory
Purnanand Sarma, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Immunome, added, "These initial preclinical results support both the continued development and the approach we have taken in our patent filings for our anti-IL-38 program. We remain committed to leveraging the full power of our technology platform to continue advancing new and potentially transformative options for cancer patients."