Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive primary brain cancer, faces limited treatment options, but recent immunotherapy breakthroughs offer new hope. Imvax is pioneering individualized immunotherapies derived from whole tumors, called Goldspire™, to activate the patient's immune system against residual tumors. This approach leverages the complete antigen signature of each patient’s tumor.
Harnessing the Immune System Against Glioblastoma
Immunotherapy involves various approaches, including analyzing a patient's tumor tissue to identify unique genetic and molecular characteristics. This profiling helps pinpoint antigens or markers on cancer cells, which become targets for the immune system. Other approaches involve isolating and engineering T cells to target tumor antigens, which are then infused back into the patient to destroy cancer cells.
Despite extensive research, GBM treatment remains limited, making the exploration of immunotherapies crucial. Imvax focuses on leveraging the complexities of solid tumors for treatment, exemplified by their IGV-001 therapy for newly diagnosed GBM. The Goldspire™ platform is designed to integrate into the standard of care, exposing the complete antigenic profile of a tumor to the patient’s immune system, potentially stimulating a broader anti-tumor response compared to single antigen-targeting therapies. This personalized immunotherapy is designed to activate innate and adaptive immune systems and may also be synergistic with other immunotherapies.
Imvax's Goldspire™ Platform and IGV-001 Therapy
Imvax's Goldspire™ platform can rapidly process GBM tumor tissue within 24 hours, allowing for implantation shortly after tumor resection surgery and removal 48 hours thereafter. This immediate immune system training complements traditional standard-of-care therapies.
Imvax has completed a Phase 1b trial involving 33 patients that assessed IGV-001's safety, blood concentration, mechanism of action and dosages. The ongoing Phase 2b trial of IGV-001 aims to confirm safety and establish effectiveness, with the Phase 2b study involving 93 patients using IGV-001 or a placebo in the biodiffusion chambers after resection. Eligibility criteria, including general health and medications, will be assessed. Participants undergo tests, and surgery is scheduled with a treatment plan if eligible.
Commitment to Glioblastoma Research
As a corporate partner of the Glioblastoma Research Organization, Imvax demonstrates its commitment to advancing brain cancer research and supporting GBM patients and their families. The GBMRO recognizes research's vital role in understanding Glioblastoma and expanding treatment options for this deadly brain cancer.
