Data presented at the ASCO further supports the use of eftilagimod alpha ("efti") in PD-1 / PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor ("ICI") combinations. These include data in 1st line NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) and 2nd line HNSCC (head and neck cancer). The new Phase 2 TACTI-002 interim results show that 7 patients have now seen complete responses to the efti-pembrolizumab ("pembro") combo (2 in 1st line NSCLC and 5 in 2nd line HNSCC). Treatment was well tolerated in the total 127 patients. With 48.4% of evaluable patients responding, the 1st line NSCLC efti-pembro data compares well to anti-PD-L1-chemo; but more sustained and without the toxicity. Striking data in normally PD-1 / PD-L1 unresponsive 2nd line HNSCC revealed double the ORR expected from ICI alone, including 5 complete responses. With the efficacy and safety of LAG-3 targeted mAbs highlighted in BMS's Relativity047 trial, the Immutep pipeline looks increasingly positioned at the centre of cancer immune-therapy. We reiterate our OUTPERFORM recommendation and increase our target price to AUD$ 1.24 (from AUD$ 0.90).
05 Jun 2021
Efti combos move towards centre stage at ASCO
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Efti combos move towards centre stage at ASCO
Data presented at the ASCO further supports the use of eftilagimod alpha ("efti") in PD-1 / PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor ("ICI") combinations. These include data in 1st line NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) and 2nd line HNSCC (head and neck cancer). The new Phase 2 TACTI-002 interim results show that 7 patients have now seen complete responses to the efti-pembrolizumab ("pembro") combo (2 in 1st line NSCLC and 5 in 2nd line HNSCC). Treatment was well tolerated in the total 127 patients. With 48.4% of evaluable patients responding, the 1st line NSCLC efti-pembro data compares well to anti-PD-L1-chemo; but more sustained and without the toxicity. Striking data in normally PD-1 / PD-L1 unresponsive 2nd line HNSCC revealed double the ORR expected from ICI alone, including 5 complete responses. With the efficacy and safety of LAG-3 targeted mAbs highlighted in BMS's Relativity047 trial, the Immutep pipeline looks increasingly positioned at the centre of cancer immune-therapy. We reiterate our OUTPERFORM recommendation and increase our target price to AUD$ 1.24 (from AUD$ 0.90).