On June 30, 2025 Intensity Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: INTS) ("Intensity" or "the Company"), a late-stage clinical biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of proprietary, novel immune-based intratumoral cancer therapies designed to kill tumors and increase immune system recognition of cancers, reported that INT230-6 achieved complete responses in a murine models of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor ("MPNST") (Press release, Intensity Therapeutics, JUN 30, 2025, View Source [SID1234654179]). In a study conducted in the Staedtke-Bai laboratory at Johns Hopkins University, at 21 days, animals tested with INT230-6 (n=5) all achieved a complete response, whereas all animals’ tumors in the control group (N=5) continued to grow.

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"We are excited to see complete responses in a murine model of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, an effect that no small molecule drug before INT230-6 has achieved in our lab before," said Renyuan Bai, PhD, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery and Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and the coordinating scientist for the study. "We are encouraged that these results can be achieved in this difficult-to-treat neurological model and look forward to continuing to work with Intensity on other preclinical models of neurological tumors."

"MPNST is the first neurological-specific tumor for which INT230-6 has been used. We are pleased to see that INT230-6 achieved meaningful results in MPMNST that are similar to the results we saw in other in vivo models where INT230-6 has been tested," said Lewis H. Bender, President and CEO of Intensity. "We look forward to conducting further preclinical research with the Staedtke-Bai laboratory in other neurological cancer models."

About INT230-6
INT230-6, Intensity’s lead proprietary investigational product candidate, is designed for direct intratumoral injection. INT230-6 was discovered using Intensity’s proprietary DfuseRx℠ technology platform. The drug consists of two proven, potent anti-cancer agents, cisplatin and vinblastine sulfate, and a diffusion and cell penetration enhancer molecule ("SHAO") that facilitates the dispersion of potent cytotoxic drugs throughout tumors, allowing the active agents to diffuse into cancer cells. These agents remain in the tumor, resulting in a favorable safety profile. In addition to local disease control and direct tumor killing, INT230-6 causes a release of a bolus of neoantigens specific to the malignancy, leading to immune system engagement and systemic anti-tumor effects. Importantly, these effects are mediated without immunosuppression, which often occurs with systemic chemotherapy.

About Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare and aggressive type of sarcoma that originates from the peripheral nerves or their surrounding sheath. Few therapies have been proven effective despite extensive efforts, and the five-year survival is 20 to 50%. Current treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The disease is characterized by its tendency to recur after treatment and metastasize to distant sites, making it a challenging cancer to manage. MPNSTs can arise spontaneously or are associated with neurofibromatosis type 1, referred to as NF1. They develop from the cells of the peripheral nerve sheath. One in 3,000 people can carry NF1 gene alternations and are predisposed to tumor formation, which can occur anywhere in the body. MPNSTs are most commonly found in the extremities and trunk. Common sites include the sciatic nerve, brachial plexus, and sacral plexus.