Dr. Florian Vogl, CMO of Immutep, added: We are very excited to have completed patient
enrollment in this randomised, multi-national trial and look forward to sharing data in the first half of 2024. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas represent a
difficult-to-treat, heterogenous cancer and an area of high unmet need. Our results in the second line setting provide optimism for the potential of efti in combination
with pembrolizumab in the first-line treatment of these aggressive tumours.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common
cancer by incidence worldwide, with 890,000 new cases and 450,000 deaths reported in 2018.2,3,4 It is an aggressive, genetically complex, and difficult to treat cancer.5 Furthermore, HNSCC is associated with high levels of psychological distress and compromised quality of life (QOL).6 As such, HNSCC
patients need improved treatment options.
Eftilagimod alpha was granted Fast Track designation by the FDA in April 2021 for treatment of first-line
HNSCC. For more information about the Phase IIb trial, visit clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04811027).
KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.
About Eftilagimod Alpha (Efti)
Efti is Immuteps proprietary soluble LAG-3 protein and MHC Class II agonist that stimulates both innate and
adaptive immunity for the treatment of cancer. As a first-in-class antigen presenting cell (APC) activator, efti binds to MHC (major histocompatibility complex)
Class II molecules on APC leading to activation and proliferation of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, CD4+ helper T cells, dendritic cells, NK cells, and monocytes. It also upregulates the expression of key biological molecules like IFN-g and CXCL10 that further boost the immune systems ability to fight cancer.
Efti is under evaluation for a variety of solid tumours including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), head and neck
squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and metastatic breast cancer. Its favourable safety profile enables various combinations, including with anti-PD-[L]1 immunotherapy
and/or chemotherapy. Efti has received Fast Track designation in 1st line HNSCC and in 1st line NSCLC from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
About Immutep
Immutep is a clinical-stage biotechnology
company developing novel LAG-3 immunotherapy for cancer and autoimmune disease. We are pioneers in the understanding and advancement of therapeutics related to Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3), and our diversified product portfolio harnesses its unique ability to stimulate or suppress the immune response. Immutep is dedicated to leveraging its
expertise to bring innovative treatment options to patients in need and to maximise value for shareholders. For more information, please visit www.immutep.com.