Toripalimab

Testing the efficacy and safety of Intensity's lead drug candidate, INT230-6, when combined with Standard-of-Care versus Standard-of-Care alone The endpoint is the change in pathological complete response rates SHELTON, Conn. and BERN, Switzerland, Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Intensity Therapeutics, Inc. ("Intensity" or "the Company") (Nasdaq: INTS), a late-stage clinical biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of proprietary, novel immune-based intratumorally injected cancer therapies intended to kill tumors directly and increase immune system recognition of cancers, and The Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research SAKK ("SAKK"), a decentralized academic research institute that has been conducting clinical trials of cancer treatments in all major Swiss hospitals since 1965, are collaborating in the INVINCIBLE-4 Study, a Phase 2 trial to treat patients with localized triple-negative breast cancer ("TNBC"), and announce that the first patient has been dosed in the study. The trial (NCT06358573) analyzes INT230-6 given before administration of the standard-of-care neoadjuvant immuno-chemotherapy ("SOC") and the SOC alone by using a 2-cohort design. The study evaluates the pathological complete response ("pCR") rates of the two cohorts relative to a null hypothesis, which is a pCR rate of ≤ 0.6. The success of each cohort in rejecting the null hypotheses will be evaluated. The Phase 2 study is expected to enroll approximately 54 patients in Switzerland and France. The INVINCIBLE-4 Study is a randomized open-label, multicenter study to determine the clinical activity, safety, and tolerability of INT230-6 in patients with early-stage, operable TNBC who undergo SOC treatment and SOC alone. The primary endpoint is pCR in the primary tumor and affected lymph nodes. Patients will be randomized one to one to receive a regimen of either two doses of INT230-6 followed by SOC, which consists of pembrolizumab, anthracyclines, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel, or to the SOC alone. The INVINCIBLE-4 Study initiation follows data reported from the Company's INVINCIBLE-2 Study, where INT230-6 given alone showed tumor-killing properties at levels greater than 95% on a single intratumoral dose with systemic immune activation. "Many TNBC patients undergoing SOC treatment alone fail to achieve a pathological complete response at the time of surgery, especially in larger tumor sizes. INT230-6 has the potential to fill this unmet need for aggressive subtypes, such as TNBC, through its anti-cancer mechanisms of action that cause tumor cell necrosis and ignite an anti-cancer immune-based response," said Andreas Mueller, M.D. Past-President of the Breast Cancer Group at the National Swiss Association for Clinical Cancer Research in Bern Switzerland and Head of Department of Medicine at the Kantonsspital in Winterthur and a supporting coordinating investigator for the study. "The ability for INT230-6 to induce necrosis and activate immune effects before a patient's surgery without increases in toxicity would be a major advance for the treatment of breast cancer and potentially many other cancers." "The majority of breast cancers are immune quiescent, resulting in minimal response to immunotherapies, and larger tumors are less responsive to therapy," said Ursina Zuerer-Haerdi, MD and Lead Physician for the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology at the Cantonal Hospital in Winterthur, Switzerland and a supporting coordinating investigator on the study. "We have worked with Intensity to design a study for this novel intratumoral agent with the potential to increase the pathological complete response rates of the current best standard of care that would be clinically meaningful, and this trial is of high interest to SAKK's physician network." "INT230-6 is an innovative investigational product that combines cisplatin and vinblastine with a penetration enhancer molecule (SHAO)," said Markus Joerger, Prof. MD-PhD and Coordinating Investigator on the study and principal investigator for the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology at the Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen. INT230-6 results in local immunogenic cell death when injected into the breast tumor, without systemic chemotoxicity but a high potency to induce systemic immunostimulatory effects. INT230-6 tackles the innate immune pathway that is not addressed by immune checkpoint inhibitors, and it is suggested to complement the systemic neoadjuvant backbone in study patients with early-stage TNBC which consists of chemotherapy and the checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab. We believe that the SAKK 66/22 study will provide crucial data to inform a large randomized clinical trial in patients with early-stage TNBC, a disease that is still burdened by substantial rates of fatal relapses following potentially curative treatment." "We are excited to have initiated our Phase 2 study in presurgical triple-negative breast cancer. This study marks the first European patient treated with our drug - a new milestone. Triple-negative is a deadly and aggressive form of breast cancer, and patients having local disease currently undergo a harsh four to six-month regimen whereby a small percentage can die from the SOC before their surgery. Those patients who achieve a pCR have a lower risk of disease recurrence," said Intensity Therapeutics' Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Lewis H. Bender. "We hope that by killing a substantial amount of the tumor upfront and increasing the immune response using INT230-6, we can increase the percentage of patients who achieve pCR and ultimately an improved event-free survival." About INT230-6 INT230-6, Intensity's lead proprietary investigational product candidate, is designed for direct intratumoral injection. INT230-6 was discovered using Intensity's proprietary DfuseRx℠ technology platform. The drug comprises two proven, potent anti-cancer agents, cisplatin and vinblastine, and a penetration enhancer molecule (SHAO) that helps disperse potent cytotoxic drugs throughout tumors for diffusion into cancer cells. These agents remain in the tumor, resulting in a favorable safety profile. In addition to local disease control and direct tumor killing, INT230-6 has been shown to release a bolus of neoantigens specific to the malignancy, leading to immune system engagement and systemic anti-tumor effects. Importantly, these effects are mediated without immunosuppression, which often occurs with systemic chemotherapy. About Triple Negative Breast Cancer in the Presurgical Setting Approximately 11-17% of breast cancers test negative for estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and excess human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein, qualifying them as triple negative. TNBC is considered to be more aggressive and has a poorer prognosis than other types of breast cancer, mainly because there are fewer available targeted medicines. Most patients with local TNBC typically receive immune/chemotherapy before surgery. Since the publication of Keynote-522, standard neoadjuvant treatment for TNBC includes systemic chemotherapy (anthracyclines, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, carboplatin) and the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab. pCR rates are only 63%, with rates generally lower in the larger-sized T2 to T4 tumors. The toxicity of the Keynote-522 regimen is high, with 80% of patients experiencing grade 3 or higher treatment-related AEs, including treatment-related adverse events that lead to death in 0.5% of patients. About SAKK The Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK) is a decentralized academic research institute that has been conducting clinical trials of cancer treatments in all major Swiss hospitals since 1965. It federates a large network of research groups with a Competence Center in Bern in charge of coordinating the clinical operations. It also works with selected cooperative groups abroad, particularly on rare forms of cancer. SAKK's aim is to advance existing cancer treatments, investigate the efficacy and tolerability of new treatments (radiotherapy, medicines and surgery), and set new standards in treatment. 22 Swiss hospitals are full members of SAKK. Research activity is funded by federal subsidies provided by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and financial support from other partner organizations such as the Swiss Cancer League and the Swiss Cancer Research Foundation. Further information can be found at . About Intensity Therapeutics Intensity Therapeutics is a late-stage clinical biotechnology company that applies novel engineered chemistry by enabling its aqueous cytotoxic-containing drug product, INT230-6, to mix and saturate the tumor's dense, high-fat pressurized environment. As a result of the saturation, Intensity's clinical trials have demonstrated the ability of INT230-6 to kill tumors and elicit an adaptive immune response within days of injection, representing a novel approach to cancer cell death that holds the potential to shift the treatment paradigm and turn many deadly cancers into chronic diseases even for cancers that do not respond to immunotherapy. Intensity complete two large clinical studies using INT230-6 that enrolled over 200 patients: a Phase 1/2 dose escalation trial (NCT03058289) and a Phase 2 randomized control clinical trial in breast cancer (the INVINCIBLE-2 study) (NCT04781725). Intensity Therapeutics initiated a Phase 3 trial in soft tissue sarcoma (the INVINCIBLE-3 study) (NCT06263231), testing INT230-6 as second or third-line monotherapy compared to the standard of care with overall survival as an endpoint. The Company is also conducting a Phase 2 study in collaboration with SAKK as part of a Phase 2/3 program evaluating INT230-6 followed by SOC and SOC alone for patients with presurgical triple negative breast cancer. Information on the Phase 2 portion of the program (INVINCIBLE-4 Study) is listed under (NCT06358573). For more information about the Company, including publications, papers and posters about its novel approach to cancer therapeutics, visit . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended to date. These statements include but are not limited to, statements relating tothe development of the Company's clinical programs. When or if used in this communication, the words "may," "could," "should," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "predict" and similar expressions and their variants, as they relate to the Company or its management, may identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management's current expectations and projections about future events. Nevertheless, actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions, and expectations disclosed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include: the initiation, timing, progress and results of future preclinical studies and clinical trials and research and development programs; the need to raise additional funding before the Company can expect to generate any revenues from product sales; plans to develop and commercialize product candidates; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals; the ability of the Company's research to generate and advance additional product candidates; the implementation of the Company's business model, strategic plans for the Company's business, product candidates and technology; commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of the Company's system; the Company's competitive position; the Company's intellectual property position; developments and projections relating to the Company's competitors and its industry; the Company's ability to maintain and establish collaborations or obtain additional funding; expectations related to the use of cash and cash equivalents and investments; estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and other risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's SEC filings, which can be obtained on the SEC website at . Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and reflect management's current estimates, projections, expectations and beliefs. The Company does not plan to update any such forward-looking statements and expressly disclaims any duty to update the information contained in this press release except as required by law. Investor Relations Contact: Justin Kulik [email protected] CORE IR (516) 222-2560 Media Contact: Jules Abraham CORE IR [email protected] SOURCE Intensity Therapeutics Inc. WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

Abstracts demonstrate reversal of resistance to PD1 checkpoint blockade and predictive AI model of HCC survival rateSARASOTA, Fla. and MIAMI, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NAYA Biosciences (“NAYA”) (NASDAQ: NAYA), a life science portfolio company dedicated to bringing breakthrough treatments to patients in oncology, autoimmune diseases, and fertility, today announced that it is presenting novel insights into the mode of action of its GPC3-targeting NK engager bispecific antibody NY-303 to support phase I/IIa clinical trials in H1 2025 as well as into a predictive AI model of HCC survival rate at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) taking place November 6-10 in Houston, Texas. The company will present translational research data demonstrating that NY-303 can reverse resistance to PD-1 checkpoint blockage and turn tumors from a “cold” into a “hot” status, making the tumors susceptible to immunotherapy again. The second poster presented at the SITC 2024 annual meeting will demonstrate how Graph AI can leverage analysis of the influence of GPC3 gene expression and NK cell tumor infiltration on hepatocellular carcinoma survival rates. Details on the poster presentations are as follows: Title: Reversal of resistance to PD-1 checkpoint blockade in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by NY-303, a GPC3 NK cell engager, inhibiting Wnt-GPC3-beta catenin signaling.Abstract Number: 8098Session Date: Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024Presenter: Armin Rath, PhD, NAYA Biosciences Title: Leveraging Graph AI to analyze the influence of GPC3 Gene expression and NK-Cell tumor infiltration on Hepatocellular Carcinoma survival ratesAbstract Number: 8718Session Date: Friday, Nov. 8, 2024Presenter: Abhik Seal, PhD, Lynx Analytics The initial data from these abstracts will be available on the SITC website starting on November 5th at 9 am EST. Additionally, the posters will be accessible on the NAYA Biosciences website following the live presentation. About NY-303 NY-303 is a first-in-class therapeutic candidate that leverages the engagement and activation of natural killer (NK) cells using a bispecific antibody targeting both GPC3, an oncofetal protein uniquely expressed on liver cancer cells, and NKp46, a cell surface receptor on natural killer (NK) cells that plays a central role in NK cell activation and the elimination of target cells. The unique mechanism enables NY-303 to turn the tumor form a “cold” into a ‘hot’ stage making liver cancer cells susceptible against immunotherapy to target and destroy cancer cells. This innovative approach is especially promising for patients with liver cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), who face limited treatment options and poor survival rates but also for other GPC3-expressing tumors like lung squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer, and pediatric cancer. Currently, liver cancer therapies include surgery, liver transplantation, targeted drugs, and immunotherapies like checkpoint inhibitors, but the prognosis remains grim, especially for advanced-stage disease. With a global five-year survival rate of around 20%, and even lower in more advanced cases, there is a critical need for more effective therapies.NY-303 represents a new opportunity for liver cancer patients by harnessing the body’s immune system to specifically attack tumor cells and engage NK-cells. Unlike traditional treatments, this therapy is designed to offer potent anti-cancer effects with a potentially safer profile, reducing the side effects often associated with chemotherapy and other conventional treatments and overcoming non-responding tumors against immunotherapies. For patients with HCC, NY-303 could significantly improve outcomes by offering a more precise, targeted approach to eradicating cancer, which is critical given the high recurrence rates and challenges in treating advanced liver cancer. As part of the next generation of immunotherapies, NY-303 may redefine treatment possibilities and offer renewed hope to those facing this difficult diagnosis. About HCC Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, often developing in individuals with chronic liver conditions like hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated SteatoHepatitis (MASH). HCC is a global health challenge, with over 900,000 new cases annually, making it the sixth most common cancer worldwide. The incidence of HCC in the United States has been steadily rising. Survival rates for HCC are often low due to late detection. The five-year survival rate for liver cancer in the United States is around 20%, but this varies widely depending on the stage at diagnosis. For early-stage HCC, where surgical resection or liver transplantation is possible, survival rates can improve dramatically, while advanced stages have far poorer outcomes. Globally, survival rates are similarly low, with wide variation based on healthcare access and screening programs. Recent advances in immunotherapy such as immune checkpoint inhibitors are offering new hope for patients with advanced HCC but new treatment approaches are still critical for improving survival and quality of life for patients. About NAYA Biosciences NAYA Biosciences (NASDAQ: NAYA) is a life science portfolio company dedicated to bringing breakthrough treatments to patients in oncology, autoimmune diseases, and fertility. Our hub & spoke model harnesses the shared resources of a parent company and agility of lean strategic franchises, enabling efficient acquisition, development, and partnering of assets and allowing for optimized return on investment by combining scalable, profitable commercial revenues with the upside of innovative clinical-stage therapeutics. NAYA’s expanding portfolio of assets currently includes NY-303, a GPC3 and NKp46 targeting bispecific antibody for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a unique mode of action targeting non-responders to the current immunotherapy standard of care (approximately 70% of the current treatable market) cleared to enroll patients in a Phase 1/2a monotherapy trial in early 2025, NY-338, a CD38 and NKp46 targeting bispecific antibody for the treatment of multiple myeloma and autoimmune diseases with a differentiated safety and efficacy profile, and INVOcell®, an FDA-approved fertility device which has demonstrated comparable success rates to traditional In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Safe Harbor Statement This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company invokes the protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategies, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, as well as statements that include words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include those set forth in our filings at www.sec.gov. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. NAYA Investor & Media Contact Anna Baran-DjokovicSVP, Investor Relations+1-305-615-9162anna@nayabiosciences.com