Game-changing cancer therapy: Imugene’s VAXINIA receives FDA orphan drug status for bile tract cancer

Imugene Limited has received a significant boost with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granting Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to its experimental therapy, CF33-hNIS (VAXINIA), aimed at treating bile tract cancer. This designation propels Imugene’s clinical-stage oncolytic virotherapy forward, positioning the Sydney-based company as a key player in the development of innovative cancer treatments.

Bile tract cancer, a rare and aggressive cancer with limited treatment options, now faces a potential breakthrough as VAXINIA shows promise in early clinical trials. The FDA’s Orphan Drug status is reserved for drugs that address rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the US, offering various incentives such as tax credits, potential grant funding, and seven years of market exclusivity upon approval. This ensures Imugene’s ability to secure its place in a competitive market with exclusive benefits.

The decision follows the success of Imugene’s Phase 1 Metastatic Advanced Solid Tumours (MAST) trial, which evaluates the safety and efficacy of VAXINIA. Early results are highly encouraging, with one patient experiencing a complete response and another showing stable disease. The ongoing trial has been expanded to include a cohort of ten patients specifically with bile tract cancers, including cholangiocarcinoma.

New hope for bile tract cancer patients

Bile tract cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, arises from the bile ducts and is notoriously resistant to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Leslie Chong, Managing Director and CEO of Imugene, stated that receiving the orphan drug designation underscores the potential of VAXINIA to fill this gap in cancer treatment. The innovative therapy uses a virus that selectively targets cancer cells and activates an immune response, offering a new line of attack against this deadly disease.

Imugene’s oncolytic virotherapy platform is at the cutting edge of cancer treatment, aiming to harness the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. The company’s pipeline includes other promising candidates, such as azer-cel for blood cancers and B-cell vaccines, reinforcing its commitment to advancing cancer immunotherapies.

Expert view: Imugene’s potential in the oncology field

Experts have weighed in on the significance of the FDA designation. By securing ODD, Imugene is well-positioned to accelerate the development of VAXINIA, bringing it closer to market. This not only highlights the unmet clinical need but also puts Imugene in a favourable position within the growing global oncology sector. With the promise of market exclusivity and funding opportunities, the company has the resources to continue clinical trials and further prove the efficacy of VAXINIA.

As bile tract cancer remains an underserved market, particularly in the area of virotherapy, the positive early data suggests that Imugene could potentially revolutionise how this cancer is treated, offering hope to thousands of patients worldwide.

Orphan Drug Designation: What it means for Imugene

The FDA’s orphan drug programme is designed to encourage the development of treatments for rare conditions, offering several advantages. These include tax credits for clinical trial costs, a waiver of the FDA user fee, and seven years of market exclusivity if the drug is approved. Imugene’s VAXINIA, if it clears the clinical trial stages, will benefit immensely from these incentives, securing its path to becoming a viable commercial product.

Imugene’s success in obtaining this designation represents a significant endorsement from the FDA, a critical step toward getting the drug approved for wider use. The results of the expanded cohort in the MAST trial, which specifically targets bile tract cancer patients, will be crucial in determining the future of this promising therapy.