Friday, November 10, 2023
InvIOs GmbH, a privately held biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies, has formed a preclinical research partnership with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to assess the potential of their small molecule, INV501, as a treatment for glioblastoma.
The collaboration will be led by Dr. David Reardon, MD, who serves as the Clinical Director of the Center for Neuro-Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Reardon is an internationally recognized authority in the field of brain cancer, particularly in glioblastoma research and treatment. The research team will investigate INV501 both as a standalone treatment and in combination with existing standard therapies such as temozolomide or radiation, as well as anti-myeloid therapies, using preclinical glioblastoma models. Depending on the results, further studies to comprehend the mechanisms of action of INV501 will be pursued.
Dr. David Reardon expressed the urgent need for more effective treatments for glioblastoma, emphasizing the devastating impact of this diagnosis on patients and the formidable challenge it presents. He expressed excitement about exploring INV501's potential in glioblastoma models based on promising preclinical data from invIOs. The aim is to overcome the protective mechanisms that glioblastoma tumors employ to shield themselves from the immune system and ultimately offer new treatment options to patients.
Dr. Romana Gugenberger, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of invIOs, highlighted the significance of the collaboration with Dr. David Reardon and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the quest to develop effective therapies for solid tumors that harness the immune system's power. She stressed that INV501 shows great promise as an immunomodulating agent and, with the combined expertise of their teams, they are poised to validate their early findings and expedite the development of INV501 towards clinical use, potentially marking a breakthrough in glioblastoma therapy.
INV501 was identified through a screening process for compounds that can activate T cells. It belongs to a series of compounds that can elevate T cell activation markers and enhance cytokine secretion, thereby supporting the targeted destruction of tumors. Data presented at the 2023 Annual Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) demonstrated INV501's ability to enhance tumor-reactive cytotoxicity in preclinical in vivo models, leading to extended survival beyond the treatment period. Some members of the INV501 compound family can be administered orally and exhibit favorable bioavailability for potent immune therapy. Notably, certain compounds can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, reaching the glioblastoma micro-environment to initiate anti-tumoral immune responses.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is renowned for its leadership in cancer research and treatment and holds a mission to combat cancer through scientific exploration, clinical care, education, community engagement, and advocacy. It is a federally designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Dana-Farber ranks among the top 4 U.S. News & World Report Best Cancer Hospitals for both adult and pediatric care, delivering cutting-edge cancer treatments for patients and conducting over 1,100 clinical trials.
As a global pioneer in oncology, Dana-Farber is dedicated to achieving a balanced synergy between cancer research and patient care, translating research findings into new treatments for patients locally and globally.
Source: globenewswire.com
