Candel Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company, has recently celebrated a major win in the field of prostate cancer treatment with its viral immunotherapy approach. Despite the challenges faced in the past few years, including a significant restructuring and layoffs, the company has emerged with promising late-stage clinical data. The CEO, Dr. Paul Peter Tak, made the difficult decision to cut half of the company's workforce near the end of 2023 to prioritize clinical costs and extend the company's cash runway.
The company's lead viral immunotherapy candidate, CAN-2409, has shown positive phase 3 results in prostate cancer, reaching the primary endpoint of disease-free survival. This prospective drug utilizes an off-the-shelf virus to deliver a herpes simplex gene, inducing an immune response alongside radiation therapy. With a special protocol assessment agreement with the FDA, the prostate trial could serve as a basis for regulatory approval, with a submission aimed for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Candel Therapeutics is also exploring similar therapeutic approaches for other diseases, including non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and high-grade glioma, showcasing the versatility and potential of viral immunotherapy in cancer treatment.
