OncoSec Medical Inc (ONCSQ)

[lasers]

"In addition to changes in circulating T-cells, an increase in NK cell frequency and activation was also observed from baseline. It was also demonstrated that antigen-specific T-cell responses to melanoma were increased."

Blood samples taken at baseline (Day 1) and Day 90 from subjects treated with ImmunoPulse were analyzed. Changes in activated T-cells and regulatory T-cells were quantified. At Day 90 following treatment, it was demonstrated that there was a significant decrease in circulating “exhausted” CD8/PD-1+ (p=0.0017) and CD8/CD69+ (p=0.008) T-cells. PD-1 is expressed in activated exhausted T cells, and blocking PD-1 is an emerging treatment modality for multiple cancers including melanoma. These results demonstrate that plasmid delivery of interleukin-12 (IL-12) can also result in a decrease in exhausted T-cells, which may lead to improvement in clinical outcomes for patients treated with ImmunoPulse.

In addition to changes in circulating T-cells, an increase in NK cell frequency and activation was also observed from baseline. It was also demonstrated that antigen-specific T-cell responses to melanoma were increased with DNA IL-12 while other antibody responses were modulated and appeared to narrow over time. These data confirm the systemic effects of DNA IL-12 administered locally with electroporation.

Punit Dhillon, President and CEO of OncoSec, said: “We are encouraged by these immune data, since they highlight a potential mechanism of action for ImmunoPulse, and demonstrate the biologic activity of this therapy after only a single cycle of treatment.”

Dr. Daud commented: “The statistical significance of these data is impressive and confirms our understanding of the mechanism of action of IL-12. We look forward to understanding further if these changes in immune responses also correlate with positive clinical outcomes. These data will be shared later on this year.”

OncoSec recently announced completion of enrollment for its Phase II melanoma trial. Previously, the company announced that ImmunoPulse demonstrated clinical benefit in both locally treated and untreated distant melanoma lesions, and that the therapy appeared to be safe and well-tolerated, after an interim analysis of safety and efficacy of the first 13 patients.

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These are major significant results that would cause the body's immune system to renew itself and destroy the cancer.