INOVIQ (ASX:IIQ) carried out a proof-of-concept (POC) study showing that exosomes – tiny vesicles released by cells – can be “weaponized” to target and kill breast cancer cells.
Natural killers
The process involves the genetic modification of “natural killer” (NK) cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body’s immune system.
Exosomes released by NK cells contain various “cytotoxic” (cell-destroying) agents. One of INOVIQ’s key innovations is equipping these exosomes with “chimeric antigen receptors” (CARs). These are synthetic proteins that recognize and bind to a protein overexpressed by breast cancer cells.
Once bound, exosomes deliver their anti-cancer cargo directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
The study
The study focused on highly aggressive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), known to be resistant to standard treatments. INOVIQ reported that treatment with CAR-NK exosomes killed more than 30% of TNBC cells at the highest dose.
Professor Gregory Rice, Scientific Director, commented: “The results obtained in this POC are impressive, comparing very favorably to previously published data. I believe it is realistic to achieve further improvement in cancer killing activity. »
Next steps
INOVIQ will now focus on improving the tumor-killing activity of its exosomes. This will involve pre-stimulating the cells with activators before production.
The company plans to evaluate optimal dosing and efficacy in animal models, with in vivo studies expected in the second half of 2025. The program will then progress to studies enabling investigational new drug (IND) research.
CEO, Dr. Leearne Hinch, commented: “We are delighted with these POC results which show the potential of our exosome program to provide patients with a life-saving therapeutic treatment for breast cancer. »
Shares of INOVIQ closed up 3.81% at $0.54.
