Key Takeaways:
- Biotechnology firm EverImmune has secured €3.46 million ($3.41M) in financing from Bpifrance to conduct a phase I/II clinical trial for its innovative drug, Oncobax® AK. This funding aims to combat resistance to immunotherapy in patients with certain cancers.
- The clinical trial will focus on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Renal Cell Cancer (RCC) patients, recruiting 71 trial participants across 15 hospitals in France and Belgium. EverImmune’s unique approach centers on harnessing gut microbiota to restore patients’ responsiveness to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs).
- With the global market for ICIs expected to reach $46 billion by 2026, EverImmune’s groundbreaking research holds significant promise in the fight against cancer, potentially benefitting millions of patients worldwide.
In a groundbreaking development that could revolutionize cancer treatment, EverImmune, a pioneering biotechnology company specializing in live biotherapeutic products, has secured a substantial €3.46 million ($3.41M) in funding from Bpifrance. This funding, awarded under the ‘Innovation in biotherapeutics’ scheme, will empower EverImmune to conduct a vital phase I/II clinical trial for its cutting-edge drug, Oncobax® AK. The primary goal is to combat resistance to immunotherapy in patients diagnosed with specific types of cancer.
Aim: Transforming Cancer Treatment with Oncobax AK
EverImmune’s mission revolves around leveraging the power of the gut microbiota to enhance the effectiveness of anticancer immunotherapies. The company has developed a unique theragnostic approach that combines diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to restore cancer patients’ responsiveness to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs). This approach centers on a commensal bacterium known as Akkermansia (AK), which EverImmune has identified as a key modulator of the effectiveness of anticancer immunotherapies in lung or kidney cancer patients.
Clinical Trial Details: Targeting NSCLC and RCC Patients
The funding received from Bpifrance will facilitate a comprehensive clinical trial involving 71 patients diagnosed with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) or Renal Cell Cancer (RCC). This trial is a critical step in assessing the potential of Oncobax AK to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments for these cancer types. The trial will span 15 hospitals located throughout France and Belgium, including Gustave Roussy, a renowned cancer center and the birthplace of EverImmune.
A Therapeutic Breakthrough: Restoring Immune Responsiveness
EverImmune’s clinical trial employs a companion test to identify patients who are deficient in AK and resistant to immunotherapy treatments. These patients will receive a daily dose of Oncobax AK, a Live Biotherapeutic Product (LPB), to determine if the drug can reverse this deficiency. The ultimate goal is to boost patients’ immune systems and restore their responsiveness to immunotherapies, particularly in cases of primary resistance. Currently, only 30% of NSCLC patients and 40% of RCC patients respond to immunotherapy, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions.
Expanding the Cancer Treatment Arsenal
Beyond Oncobax AK, EverImmune remains committed to expanding its product pipeline. The company is actively researching other bacteria with significant adjuvant potential for treating different types of cancer, including breast and colon cancers. This ambitious initiative positions EverImmune as a key player in the ongoing battle against cancer.
The Immense Market Potential
The global market for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) is on a trajectory of remarkable growth, with estimates projecting it to reach $46 billion by 2026, supported by an annual growth rate of 9%. By the same year, global sales in this market are forecast to reach $17.4 billion for lung cancer and $4 billion for kidney cancer. EverImmune’s innovative approach holds the potential to disrupt this landscape, potentially benefiting countless patients worldwide.
Conclusion: A Promising Future in Cancer Treatment
As EverImmune embarks on this critical phase I/II clinical trial with the support of Bpifrance, the possibilities for transforming cancer treatment are on the horizon. The harnessing of gut microbiota to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies represents a bold step forward in the ongoing fight against cancer. The outcome of this research could bring hope to patients and redefine the landscape of cancer treatment, reaffirming the importance of innovation in biotherapeutics in our quest for a world free from the burden of cancer.
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