Immunocore(IMCR) Newsfilter·2024-12-17 12:00Clinical Trial and Drug Development - Immunocore has initiated a Phase 1/2 trial for IMC-R117C, targeting PIWIL1 in advanced cancers, including colorectal cancer, marking the first immunotherapy program to target this cancer-testis antigen [1][2] - IMC-R117C is the fifth ImmTAC candidate from Immunocore to enter clinical trials, with PIWIL1 being overexpressed in multiple malignancies, including colorectal cancer, and associated with aggressive tumor growth and poor patient survival [2] - The trial will evaluate IMC-R117C as a monotherapy and in combination with standard therapies, focusing on HLA-A02:01-positive patients with advanced solid tumors [4][6] Market and Patient Population - Immunocore estimates that up to 20,000 colorectal cancer patients globally are positive for both PIWIL1 and HLA-A02:01, highlighting a significant unmet medical need in this patient population [3] - Colorectal cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers, with low survival rates for advanced or metastatic cases, despite advancements in treatment [7] Technology and Mechanism of Action - Immunocore's ImmTAC molecules are a novel class of bispecific biologics designed to redirect the immune system to recognize and kill cancerous cells, leveraging ultra-high affinity TCRs to target intracellular cancer antigens [5] - The ImmTAC platform has the potential to treat both hematologic and solid tumors, including immune "cold" tumors with low mutation rates, due to its mechanism of T cell infiltration into tumors [5] Company Overview - Immunocore is a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on developing TCR bispecific immunotherapies, with a pipeline that includes nine active clinical and pre-clinical programs across oncology, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases [9] - The company's most advanced oncology therapeutic, KIMMTRAK, has been approved for the treatment of uveal melanoma in multiple regions, including the United States and the European Union [9]