Core Insights - Candel Therapeutics announced extended follow-up results from its study of aglatimagene plus valacyclovir in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), showing improved survival rates compared to previous data [1][5][6] Group 1: Survival Outcomes - Among 46 patients treated with aglatimagene, 50% survived beyond 24 months, an increase from 39% in prior data [1] - Median overall survival (mOS) was reported at 25.4 months for evaluable patients, with 21.5 months for those with progressive disease at baseline [3][5] - Long-term survival was observed in patients with low PD-L1 expression, indicating aglatimagene's potential to convert non-responders to immune checkpoint inhibitors into responders [2][5] Group 2: Mechanism of Action - Aglatimagene is designed to induce immunogenic cell death and promote inflammation, leading to a systemic anti-tumor immune response [7] - Post-treatment biopsies showed significant upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes, correlating with long-term survival [4][5] - Expansion of T-cell receptor (TCR) diversity was noted, indicating a broad activation of anti-tumor immunity [5][6] Group 3: Future Development Plans - Candel plans to initiate a pivotal phase 3 clinical trial for aglatimagene in NSCLC with non-squamous histology in Q2 2026 [6][8] - The FDA has granted Fast Track designation for aglatimagene in combination with ICI therapy for stage III/IV NSCLC patients resistant to first-line therapy [6][8]