AIM ImmunoTech Announces Positive Top-Line, Protocol-Planned Interim Report Data from the Study of Ampligen Combined with Pembrolizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

Rhea-AI Summary

AIM ImmunoTech Inc. announced promising interim data showing that combining Ampligen with Keytruda in treating recurrent ovarian cancer could have a powerful synergistic effect, significantly increasing response rates and progression-free survival. The study also highlighted increased anti-tumor immunity, indicating potential for broader application across various cancer types.

Insights

Oncology Doctor

The interim data reported by AIM ImmunoTech Inc. on the combination of Ampligen with Keytruda for recurrent ovarian cancer presents a significant development in the oncology field. The Objective Response Rate (ORR) of 45% and Clinical Benefit Rate (CBR) of 55% represent a substantial improvement over the ORR of 8% reported in the Keynote-100 study for pembrolizumab alone. This suggests a potential breakthrough in treatment efficacy. Furthermore, the median Progression-Free Survival (PFS) of 7.8 months is an encouraging indicator of the treatment's potential to prolong the time patients can live without the disease worsening, compared to the 2.1 months PFS in Keynote-100.

From a clinical perspective, the increase in anti-tumor immunity, marked by the biomarkers CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11, aligns with the known immune-stimulatory effects of Ampligen. This could indicate a robust mechanistic synergy between Ampligen and pembrolizumab, potentially translating into enhanced patient outcomes. As a practitioner, the prospect of expanding this combination therapy to other solid tumors could revolutionize current treatment protocols and offer new hope to patients with limited options.

Medical Research Analyst

The data provided by AIM ImmunoTech Inc. not only shows promise in the realm of ovarian cancer treatment but also underpins the broader implications for Ampligen's role in immuno-oncology. The reported biomarker increase is particularly noteworthy, as it provides a quantifiable measure of the immune response, which is important for validating the synergistic effect of the drug combination. As a medical research analyst, I see the potential for this data to attract significant interest from the pharmaceutical industry and investors, especially given the demonstrated applicability across multiple cancer types.

It is also important to consider the competitive landscape and the potential for Ampligen to carve out a niche in combination therapies. The strategic positioning of Ampligen could lead to partnerships or acquisition interest, which would have considerable financial implications for AIM ImmunoTech. However, it is vital to monitor subsequent peer-reviewed publications and the results of additional clinical studies to validate these preliminary findings and assess their reproducibility and scalability.

Financial Analyst

The announcement by AIM ImmunoTech Inc. represents a pivotal moment that could significantly impact the company's valuation and stock performance. A greater than 500% increase in ORR compared to previous studies is a metric that will likely resonate with investors, as it not only demonstrates the potential for a superior treatment option but also suggests a strong competitive advantage in the market.

Given the size of the ovarian cancer market and the unmet need for effective treatments, the successful development and commercialization of this combination therapy could lead to substantial revenue growth for AIM. Moreover, the applicability of Ampligen in other solid tumors expands the addressable market, potentially enhancing the long-term financial outlook for the company. However, investors should consider the regulatory pathway ahead, the costs associated with further development and the timeline for potential market entry when evaluating the investment potential of AIM ImmunoTech.

OCALA, Fla., April 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AIM ImmunoTech Inc. (NYSE American: AIM) (“AIM”) today announced top-line interim data indicating that combining Ampligen (rintatolimod) with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer may have a powerful synergistic effect, leading the investigator to conclude that the combination therapy could be far more effective than pembrolizumab alone as a therapy for the disease.

See further details on the study “Systemic Immune Checkpoint Blockade and Intraperitoneal Chemo-Immunotherapy in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer” at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03734692. Additionally, the immunological signature supporting this synergistic enhancement has been seen in other clinical trials, including with pancreatic cancer (1,2) metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver.

Ampligen is a dsRNA product candidate that acts via the TLR-3 receptor present on several immune cells, epithelial cells and most solid tumors. In the ongoing, investigator-initiated Phase 2, single-arm efficacy/safety trial, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center researchers saw an Objective Response Rate (“ORR”) of 45% when combining Ampligen, pembrolizumab and cisplatin in platinum-sensitive subjects with recurrent ovarian cancer. ORR includes complete response (“CR”) and partial response (“PR”) to treatment. There was a total Clinical Benefit Rate (“CBR”) of 55% when including patients who experienced stable disease (“SD”). Researchers also reported a median Progression-Free Survival (“PFS”) of 7.8 months.

Robert Edwards, MD, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences and Co-Director of Gynecologic Oncology Research at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, stated: “These results are incredibly favorable when compared to data from the hallmark Phase 2 study Keynote-100, which looked at the use of pembrolizumab alone in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer in both platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive subjects. Keynote-100 reported an ORR of approximately 8% in these subjects – meaning that the new data analysis showed that combining pembrolizumab treatment with Ampligen created a greater than 500% increase in ORR over the Keynote-100 findings. Additionally, Keynote-100’s median PFS was 2.1 months, or significantly less than that seen in the ongoing Ampligen study. Additionally, the new ovarian cancer data analysis revealed an acute increase in anti-tumor immunity — specifically in biomarkers CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11 — which is consistent with the immune-stimulatory effects of Ampligen that researchers have seen in clinical studies of other solid tumors, including triple-negative breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer. We look forward to publishing a more detailed analysis of these data in a peer-reviewed clinical journal this summer.”

AIM Chief Executive Officer Thomas K. Equels stated: “These interim data clearly suggest that there may be a massive positive impact on efficacy when Ampligen is combined with pembrolizumab for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer. Other research suggests a similar effect in other solid tumor types. We therefore see an Ampligen combination therapy as having potential across multiple types of cancers. We look forward to the additional clinical studies underway and planned in many of these types of tumors to further confirm these effects.”

About AIM ImmunoTech Inc.

AIM ImmunoTech Inc. is an immuno-pharma company focused on the research and development of therapeutics to treat multiple types of cancers, immune disorders and viral diseases, including COVID-19. The Company’s lead product is a first-in-class investigational drug called Ampligen^® (rintatolimod), a dsRNA and highly selective TLR3 agonist immuno-modulator with broad spectrum activity in clinical trials for globally important cancers, viral diseases and disorders of the immune system.

For more information, please visit aimimmuno.com and connect with the Company on X, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”). Words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “believe,” “potential,” “upcoming” and other variations thereon and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Many of these forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Publication of this data and clinical success seen to date does not guarantee that Ampligen will be approved for the commercial treatment of ovarian cancer. The Company urges investors to consider specifically the various risk factors identified in its most recent Form 10-K, and any risk factors or cautionary statements included in any subsequent Form 10-Q or Form 8-K, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Among other things, for those statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the PSLRA. The Company does not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1fd6cd3d-f807-45b8-87cb-2b30cf5cafba

FAQ

What is the ticker symbol for AIM ImmunoTech Inc.?

The ticker symbol for AIM ImmunoTech Inc. is AIM.

What was the Objective Response Rate (ORR) in the ongoing Phase 2 trial for recurrent ovarian cancer?

The ORR in the Phase 2 trial combining Ampligen, pembrolizumab, and cisplatin was 45%.

What was the Clinical Benefit Rate (CBR) in the Phase 2 trial for recurrent ovarian cancer?

The CBR, including stable disease patients, was 55% in the Phase 2 trial.

Who is the Chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC?

Robert Edwards, MD, is the Chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

What was the median Progression-Free Survival (PFS) in the ongoing Phase 2 trial for recurrent ovarian cancer?

The median PFS in the trial was 7.8 months.