Full Press Release Details
Immutep Reports Promising New Data in Head and Neck Cancer
at ESMO Immuno-Oncology 2024
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 12 December 2024 Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM; NASDAQ: IMMP) ( Immutep or
the Company ), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel LAG-3 immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune disease, today announces positive clinical results from Cohort B of the TACTI-003 (KEYNOTE-C34) Phase IIb trial. This study evaluates eftilagimod alpha (efti) in combination with MSD s (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA) anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in first line recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
(1L HNSCC) patients with negative PD-L1 expression.
The new promising data presented by Martin Forster, M.D.,
Ph.D., at the ESMO Immuno-Oncology (IO) Annual Congress 2024 includes strong overall survival, progression-free survival, and durability. This adds to the high response rates and favourable safety data previously reported on 12 July 2024.
Prof. Martin Forster of the UCL Cancer Institute and University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, and TACTI-003 Investigator, stated, The new survival and durability data, coupled with increasing complete responses, build on the strong response rates already established with this novel IO combination in
head and neck squamous cell cancers with PD-L1 CPS <1. This difficult-to-treat disease places a high burden on patients who
unfortunately have very limited treatment options that all include chemotherapy. Collectively, these impressive results build on the potential promise of efti to improve patient outcomes and expand populations that respond to anti-PD-1.
Data as of the 31 October 2024 cut-off date in evaluable 1L HNSCC patients (N=31) whose tumours express PD-L1 below 1 (Combined Positive Score [CPS] <1) and who typically do not respond well to anti-PD-1 therapy alone shows:
This data compares favourably to historical results from
anti-PD-1 therapy alone in 1L HNSCC patients with PD-L1 CPS <1 including a 7.9-month
median OS, 12-month OS rate of 39%, 2.1-month median PFS, 2.6-month median DOR, 5.4% ORR and 32.4% DCR with no complete responses2-3.
Marc Voigt, CEO of Immutep, noted, Despite the significant progress of cancer immunotherapy over the past
decade and the positive change in the therapeutic landscape it has brought to bear, head and neck cancer patients with PD-L1 expression of less than one continue to have limited treatment options that all
include chemotherapy. We believe this data is an encouraging step in the right direction towards potentially bringing a new approach to this underserved population, representing up to 20% of patients with this difficult disease.
PD-L1 CPS <1 is an underserved patient population with limited treatment options. Immutep will continue to follow the maturing data from TACTI-003 and engage with
regulatory authorities regarding potential paths forward.
The ESMO IO poster is available on the Posters & Publications section of
KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC,
a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.
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.
Australian Investors/Media:
+61 (0)406 759 268; catherine.strong@sodali.com
Chris Basta, VP, Investor Relations and
Corporate Communications
+1 (631) 318 4000; chris.basta@immutep.com
This announcement was authorised for release by the Board of Immutep Limited.
Immutep Limited, Level 32, Australia Square, 264 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia