Pancreatic cancer, known for its high mortality rate and limited treatment options, has been the focus of recent advancements in therapy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa), developed by NeoImmuneTech, Inc., for the treatment of this aggressive cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the third deadliest cancer in the US and European Union, with a five-year relative survival rate of only 3% for its advanced form. The disease is often diagnosed at a late stage, making it highly resistant to current treatment modalities.
NT-I7, a long-acting human IL-7, has been studied in several phase I and II clinical trials, demonstrating potential in amplifying T cells, boosting the immune system, and enhancing anti-tumor responses in patients with pancreatic cancer and other solid tumors. The FDA's ODD status is intended to support the development of treatments for rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the US, potentially expediting the approval and commercialization of NT-I7.
Dr. Luke Oh, Ph.D., President of NeoImmuneTech, expressed enthusiasm about the FDA's decision, highlighting the potential of NT-I7 to offer a much-needed therapeutic option for pancreatic cancer patients. The company is exploring the benefits of combining NT-I7 with other anti-cancer treatments, such as immunotherapies, to improve outcomes for patients.
Pancreatic cancer's aggressiveness and poor prognosis underscore the critical need for innovative and effective therapeutic approaches. With over 157,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the US and European Union combined, the development of new treatments like NT-I7 represents a significant step forward in the fight against this devastating disease.
