TILT Biotherapeutics announced new data at the European Society of Medical Oncology Immuno-Oncology Congress (ESMO-IO) 2024 regarding its intravenously delivered cancer immunotherapy, TILT-123 (Igrelimogene litadenorepvec). The data supports the potential of personalized treatment strategies to improve clinical trial outcomes. TILT-123, an oncolytic adenovirus armed with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), is designed to enhance the efficacy of T-cell therapies in hard-to-treat solid cancers.
Immunological Markers and Treatment Efficacy
The oral presentation at ESMO-IO disclosed the impact of different biological features on treatment efficacy in patients treated with TILT-123. A single-cell sequencing analysis was used to identify immunological markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) that correlated with improved outcomes. The study revealed that higher baseline levels of cytotoxic effector cells were associated with better responses to the therapy. Furthermore, TILT-123 treatment was shown to support the formation of immunological memory, suggesting a potential for long-term anti-tumor effects.
Intravenous Dosing and Clinical Development
TILT Biotherapeutics also presented data related to the fully intravenous dosing of TILT-123. These findings are expected to support the future clinical development strategy of the oncolytic virus. The company is advancing its plans for international Phase II trials of TILT-123 in ovarian cancer, administered intravenously. Phase Ib clinical results are anticipated by the second half of 2025.
TILT-123 Mechanism of Action
TILT-123 is designed to selectively replicate in and lyse cancer cells while simultaneously stimulating immune responses towards the tumor. This approach aims to modify the tumor microenvironment and enhance the effectiveness of T-cell therapies, such as immune checkpoint blockade or adoptive cell transfer. The oncolytic virus is armed with TNFα and IL-2 to further boost the immune response within the tumor.
Leadership Perspective
Akseli Hemminki, TILT Biotherapeutics’ founder and CEO, stated, “This year we’ve made significant progress in the clinical development of TILT-123, and have now treated over 60 patients in five international trials, including our first patients in leading US cancer centres. Our data, presented at ESMO-IO this month, provides further support on the mechanism of action of our oncolytic immunotherapy. Our progress in IV administration, alongside our manufacturing process scale up work, supports our mission to make TILT-123 accessible to patients with hard-to-treat solid cancers.”
Ongoing Clinical Trials and Collaborations
TILT Biotherapeutics is actively involved in several clinical trials and collaborations. The company has two collaborations with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA) investigating TILT-123 in combination with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in ovarian cancer (NCT05271318) and in refractory non-small cell lung cancer (NCT06125197). Additionally, TILT is collaborating with Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany) to investigate TILT-123 in combination with Bavencio® (avelumab).
