Based on preliminary analysis, the triple combination therapy demonstrates significant efficacy in the
neoadjuvant setting for resectable STS. The combination achieved a greater than three-fold increase in tumour hyalinization/fibrosis (median 50%) at the time of surgery as compared to a historical median of 15% from radiotherapy alone. In addition
to being the primary endpoint of the EFTISARC-NEO study, the tumour hyalinization/fibrosis rate has also been identified as a predictor of overall survival for STS patients in the neoadjuvant setting.
The EFTISARC-NEO trial, with a data cut-off of 20 October 2024, also
showed 71.4% of patients achieved a pathologic response defined as ≥35% of hyalinization/fibrosis and 9.5% of patients achieved a complete pathologic response. Additionally, the triple combination therapy is safe with no grade ≥3
toxicities related to efti and KEYTRUDA.
IMP761 DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE
IMP761 is a first-in-class agonist
LAG-3 antibody designed to restore balance to the immune system by enhancing the brake function of LAG-3 to silence dysregulated self-antigen-specific memory
T cells that cause many autoimmune diseases.
In December 2024, Immutep reported favourable initial safety data from the placebo-controlled, double-blind first-in-human Phase I study evaluating IMP761. There have been no treatment related adverse events in the first three of five single ascending dose cohorts in healthy
participants. Additional safety data and assessment of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships to follow in the first half of CY2025.
PARTNER ACTIVITY
Collaboration with Monash University
In December 2024, new findings that resolve how human lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) binds to its main
ligand MHC Class II (MHC-II), also known as HLA Class II (HLA-II) in humans, were published in Science Immunology. The work by Monash University and
Immutep, is also the first to show the crystal structure of a human LAG-3/MHC-II complex and provides a better foundation for development of blocking LAG-3 therapeutics, including Immuteps anti-LAG-3 small molecule program.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
During the quarter, Immutep was
granted three new patents for efti and IMP761 in various territories. In particular, Immutep was granted a new patent for efti in combination with a PD-1 pathway inhibitor for the treatment of infection from
the Brazilian Patent Office and a new patent for the same combination for the treatment of cancer or infection by the Japan Patent Office. In addition, a new patent was granted for IMP761 by the Malaysian Patent Office.
CORPORATE & FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Board & Senior Management Changes
Independent Non-Executive Director, Anne Anderson, tendered her resignation from the role, effective from 4 October 2024. The Board thanked her for her contribution to Immutep and wished her every success with her next
endeavours.