OncoSec Medical Presents New Data at 10th Annual PEGS: The Essential Protein Engineering Summit in Boston
May 05 2014 - 6:15AM
Business Wire
Experimental Models Demonstrate Systemic
Anti-Tumor Immune Responses
OncoSec Medical Inc. (OTCQB: ONCS), a company developing its
ImmunoPulse DNA-based immunotherapy to treat solid tumors, today
presented preliminary experimental findings demonstrating that
electroporation with DNA-based IL-12 in mice can lead to systemic
anti-tumor immune responses in distant untreated lesions. These
data are consistent with the previously reported findings in
melanoma patients treated in the Phase 2 OMSI100 study (December
2013).
Robert Pierce, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, presented the data
and findings at the 10th Annual PEGS: The Essential Protein
Engineering Summit at Seaport World Trade Center in Boston as part
of a discussion titled “Glass Half-Empty or Half-Full? Potential
Mechanisms of Non-Response to Immunomodulatory Antibodies.”
Dr. Pierce’s presentation focused on how understanding the
mechanism of PD-1 non-responders creates an opportunity for new
therapies to “convert” non-responders to responders, with the aim
of extending the considerable benefit of immunotherapy to even more
patients. OncoSec’s ImmunoPulse therapy with DNA-based IL-12 was
used as an example of new therapies directed at driving the
conversion of non-immunogenic tumors into immunogenic ones. The new
mouse model data underscored the utility of a translational
experimental model in exploring a drug’s mechanism of action, a
requirement for rational combination therapies.
In brief, the syngeneic B16.F10 mouse melanoma tumor model was
modified to allow the implantation of two tumors, one on the left
and one on the right. The left-side tumors were treated with
electroporation of mouse plasmid IL-12 and tumors on the right side
were not treated, enabling the assessment of the therapy’s ability
to cause distant anti-tumor effects. Tumor progression was assessed
by caliper measurements and pathologic assessment of the
H&E-stained slides. Forty-percent of the untreated tumors
(4/10) showed brisk inflammatory infiltrate and pathologic changes
of regression at day 18 or day 22 after electroporation. An
IL-12-dependent TIL (tumor infiltrating lymphocyte) and interferon
gamma response was confirmed in both treated and untreated tumors
using a Nanostring™-based gene expression analysis.
“Although preliminary, our recent data underscores the
importance of researching combination therapies using our
ImmunoPulse technology with checkpoint inhibitors and immune
activators to optimize their therapeutic effects,” said Punit
Dhillon, President and CEO. “We now know – at least in regard to
the ability of IL-12 to generate systemic anti-tumor immune
responses – that it works in a manner consistent with what we have
observed in patients. This study is demonstrating for the first
time the mechanism by which DNA IL-12 may convert non-responding
tumors to responding tumors using our ImmunoPulse technology.”
Dr. Pierce noted, “In my presentation, I described how
understanding in vivo drug effects can lead to mechanistic insight
as to how next-generation therapeutics can overcome ‘resistance.’
For example, if the key to turning anti-PD-1 non-responders into
responders lies in driving a brisk CD8 TIL response, then this
becomes an opportunity for novel approaches such as ImmunoPulse,
which are aimed at augmenting the immunogenicity of the tumor.”
About the Study
Data collection stems from an ongoing collaboration with Dr.
Richard Heller, Ph.D., OncoSec Scientific Advisory Board Member, as
part of a Sponsored Research Agreement (SRA) with Old Dominion
University (ODU) and the Frank Reidy Research Center for
Bioelectrics. Under the agreement, OncoSec and the University
agreed to collaborate on nonclinical research focused on developing
new technology related to electroporation and the delivery of
different agents into solid tumors by electroporation. Current
experiments are focused on investigating combination-based
approaches and gaining a comprehensive understanding of mechanism
of action.
About PEGS: The Essential Protein Engineering Summit
PEGS will attract more than 1,800 attendees to Boston’s lively
seaport district to participate in a variety of open forum
discussions and collaborative affairs. This year’s summit will
feature 20 conferences and 15 short courses. Dr. Pierce’s
discussion will be a part of the Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s
4th Annual Antibodies for Cancer Therapy conference. For more
information, please visit http://www.pegsummit.com
About OncoSec Medical Inc.
OncoSec Medical Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company developing
its ImmunoPulse immunotherapy to treat solid tumors. OncoSec
Medical’s core technology leverages a proprietary electroporation
platform to enhance the local delivery and uptake of
IL-12 and other DNA-based immune-modulating agents. Clinical
studies of ImmunoPulse have demonstrated an acceptable safety
profile and preliminary evidence of anti-tumor activity in the
treatment of various skin cancers, as well as the potential to
initiate a systemic immune response while minimizing the systemic
toxicities associated with other treatments. OncoSec’s clinical
programs currently include three Phase 2 trials targeting
metastatic melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous T-cell
lymphoma
(http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=oncosec&Search=Search).
As the company continues to evaluate ImmunoPulse in these
indications, it is also investigating additional indications and
combination therapeutic approaches. For more information, please
visit www.oncosec.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Any statements in this release that are not historical facts
may be considered such “forward-looking statements.”
Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current
preliminary expectations and are subject to risks and
uncertainties, which may cause our results to differ materially and
adversely from the statements contained herein. Some of the
potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ from those predicted include our ability to raise
additional funding, our ability to acquire, develop or
commercialize new products, uncertainties inherent in pre-clinical
studies and clinical trials, unexpected new data, safety and
technical issues, competition, and market conditions. These and
additional risks and uncertainties are more fully described in
OncoSec Medical’s filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. OncoSec
Medical disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking
statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances
after the date they are made, or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
OncoSec Medical Inc.Investor Relations:Veronica Vallejo,
CFO855-662-6732investors@oncosec.com
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