That's fine! Yes, think we have good chance to see some nice weeks coming up...
Interesting article: At the European Cancer Congress ESMO in Barcelona, Tübingen-based immatics NV did not present any new data on advanced T-cell therapy developments, but rather early data on the bispecific approach of a T-cell receptor against MAGEA4/8. The fact that the partner Bristol Myers Squibb is backing out of this previously collaborative development is only reported as a side note.
The many good news reports on advances in the treatment of cancer at the ESMO Congress in Barcelona in mid-September have given some companies like BioNTech a real boost, with their share prices soaring in just a few days. Tübingen-based immatics NV, on the other hand, did not choose the more advanced development of the so-called ACT engine, which is currently being evaluated in phase Ib either on its own or in combination with a CD8 binding site, as its presentation topic. This study is to continue with an increased dosage and will then be presented at another conference a little later in the year.
In contrast, Immatics' previous, preclinical approach to a bispecific T cell engaging receptor (TCER®) candidate, IMA401, was presented at the current conference. This is derived from a technology for the production of next-generation bispecific TCR molecules with an extended half-life. The molecules were developed to "maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicities," according to the company. The proprietary format, consisting of a high-affinity TCR domain against the tumor target and a low-affinity T cell recruiter that binds to the T cell, offers a more convenient dosing regimen for the patient than if such molecular capabilities had to be administered as individual active ingredients in combination.
Dr. Martin Wermke from the University Hospital Dresden presented the first clinical data of IMA401 (directed against the tumor antigen MAGEA4/8), which provided information on the safety, pharmacokinetics and antitumor activity of TCER IMA401 from the phase I dose escalation. These data show initial anti-tumor activity and a manageable tolerability profile for TCER® IMA401 monotherapy. The patient population includes 35 heavily pretreated patients with a total of 16 different solid tumor types; the dose escalation is now ongoing.
Only 29% was considered to be an objective response rate (ORR), or even 25% in the confirmed ORR (cORR). Nevertheless, a disease control rate (DCR) of 53% and a tumor shrinkage rate of 53% were shown in the "efficacy population" (i.e. those who responded). In addition, a "sustained partial response" of up to 13+ months and a deeper response (with tumor shrinkage of ≥50%) were shown in very different tumors, which is now being used as a justification for continuing and further increasing the dosage.
It was announced in passing that the previous development partner Bristol Myers Squibb is withdrawing from this sub-project of a broader development partnership (which was reported in the news a few months ago when it was converted into a shareholder ) and that immatics is giving back all rights. The stock market remained quiet, probably because immatics is currently extremely well financed with a good 530 million euros in the bank to take the next development steps on its own. The presentations from the adoptive, modified cell therapy development track will now receive much more attention, because the next approval-relevant studies are due to be carried out there after good data. Things remain exciting in Tübingen.
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