CytoDyn Announces Data Suggesting Novel Mechanism of Action of Leronlimab for the Treatment of Solid Tumors

Core Insights - CytoDyn Inc. has announced new data indicating that leronlimab may enhance PD-L1 expression in patients with metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (mTNBC), potentially transforming "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors suitable for immune checkpoint inhibitors [1][2][3] Group 1: Mechanism of Action - Leronlimab treatment correlated with increased PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in 88% of patients receiving a weekly dose of 525 mg or higher over a 30-to-90-day period [2] - The increase in PD-L1 expression is significant as it may allow patients to benefit from subsequent treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors [2][3] Group 2: Clinical Outcomes - Among patients with mTNBC who had failed a median of two prior treatments, 100% of those showing increased PD-L1 expression after leronlimab treatment remain alive, with 80% having no evidence of disease [3] - The company believes that if these results are confirmed, the mechanism could be effective across various solid tumor types, particularly for patients with low PD-L1 levels who were previously unresponsive to checkpoint inhibitors [3][4] Group 3: Future Directions - CytoDyn aims to confirm these findings prospectively and has amended its colorectal cancer trial to collect PD-L1 data in another solid tumor type [4] - The company expresses optimism that leronlimab's ability to induce a "hot" tumor environment could significantly improve treatment options for patients with aggressive cancers [4]