Brooklyn Immuno Therapeutics acquires IRX Therapeutics’ assets for cytokine-based cancer therapy

Brooklyn Immuno Therapeutics, a New York-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in cytokine-based cancer therapies, has announced the acquisition of IRX Therapeutics‘ assets. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Brooklyn Immuno Therapeutics, a company focused on developing innovative treatments for cancer, has expanded its portfolio by acquiring IRX Therapeutics. This acquisition positions Brooklyn Immuno Therapeutics to advance its development of IRX-2, a groundbreaking cytokine-based therapy aimed at treating cancer.

Charles Cherington, General Partner and Board Chair of Brooklyn Immuno Therapeutics, emphasized the significance of cytokine-based immunotherapy. “By overcoming immune suppression, cytokine-based therapies trigger an immune attack on tumors by upregulating various checkpoints,” Cherington explained. He added that this approach represents a novel strategy in cancer treatment.

IRX-2, a key asset from IRX Therapeutics, is currently in a Phase 2A clinical trial. The therapy has shown promising results by improving progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The acquisition aligns with Brooklyn Immuno Therapeutics’ commitment to exploring the potential of IRX-2 across various solid tumors. Cherington highlighted the company’s plans to investigate the therapy’s effectiveness in breast cancer, cervical and vulvar neoplasms, renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric, and esophageal cancer.

In February, IRX Therapeutics initiated a Phase 2 placebo-controlled study of IRX-2 for women with squamous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 (CIN3) or vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia 3 (VIN3). This double-blind, randomized clinical trial is being conducted at the University of Southern California (USC) Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles, involving approximately 105 patients. Results are anticipated by mid-2020.

IRX-2 comprises various active cytokine components that have the potential to restore and activate immune cell types, such as T cells, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells, known for their role in identifying and attacking tumors.