Clinical-stage immuno-oncology company Imugene (ASX: IMU) has teamed up with US biopharmaceutical company RenovoRx Inc in a strategic research collaboration to optimize the delivery of Imugene’s CF33 oncolytic virus therapy. The partnership aims to address the treatment of difficult-to-access tumours, such as those found in pancreatic and liver cancers. By combining CF33 with RenovoRx’s proprietary TAMP (trans-arterial micro-perfusion) platform, the collaboration seeks to enhance the precise delivery of therapies to targeted tissues, potentially offering new treatment options for cancer patients.
A Strategic Research Collaboration
Imugene and RenovoRx have entered into a strategic research collaboration for an initial term of up to four months. The collaboration will be funded from existing budgets and resources, allowing both companies to explore the potential benefits of combining their respective technologies in the treatment of difficult-to-access tumours.
Enhancing Delivery with TAMP
RenovoRx’s TAMP platform is designed to ensure precise drug delivery to targeted tissues. By using TAMP, CF33 oncolytic virus therapy can be delivered trans-arterially, potentially offering more value to cancer patients compared to traditional administration methods. Difficult-to-access tumours often present challenges due to dense fibrous tissue and a lack of blood vessels supplying the tumours, which can limit the uptake of therapies. The collaboration aims to investigate the ability to administer CF33 technology with TAMP, opening new avenues for treating challenging cancers.
Meeting a Market Need
Leslie Chong, the managing director of Imugene, believes that the collaboration with RenovoRx has the potential to address a market need. By combining RenovoRx’s trans-arterial drug delivery system with Imugene’s CF33 oncolytic virus platform, the collaboration aims to facilitate the treatment of difficult-to-access cancers and potentially improve outcomes for patients. This joint effort represents an important milestone for RenovoRx, as it expands its pipeline to include immunotherapy for metastatic disease.
Promising Results from TAMP
RenovoRx has demonstrated promising results with its TAMP platform in previous studies. A presentation at the Society of Interventional Radiology 2019 Annual Meeting showcased a 100-fold increase in local tissue concentration using TAMP compared to conventional intravenous and off-the-shelf intra-arterial delivery methods. The unique approach of TAMP offers the potential to enhance the efficacy and safety of oncology therapies by uniformly distributing them in target tissue, widening the therapeutic window for patients.
The collaboration between Imugene and RenovoRx represents a significant step forward in the quest to improve cancer treatment for difficult-to-access tumours. By combining CF33 oncolytic virus therapy with RenovoRx’s TAMP platform, both companies aim to optimize the delivery of therapies to targeted tissues, potentially offering new hope to patients facing challenging cancers. As the research collaboration progresses, the medical community eagerly awaits the potential benefits of this innovative approach to cancer treatment. The joint effort showcases the commitment of both companies to advancing medical solutions and addressing unmet needs in oncology.
