Akoya Biosciences and Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium (STCC) Partner on SUPER Study Designed to Advance Cancer Immunophenotyping for Patients in Singapore
Akoya Biosciences (NASDAQ: AKYA) has announced a collaboration with the Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium (STCC) on the SUPER study (STCC Unified PD1/PDL1 Evaluation of Response). The study aims to identify predictors of PD1 immunotherapy response in Asian patients through a multi-institutional effort.
The research will analyze a unique case-control pan-cancer cohort of 200 patients (100 exceptional responders matched with 100 hyperprogressors) using Akoya's PhenoCode™ Discovery IO60 Panel for spatial proteomic analysis. The study's key objectives include:
- Identifying and validating biomarker profiles predicting response to PD1/PDL1 inhibition
- Developing a combinatorial assay kit/model for predicting treatment response
- Establishing a national biomarker discovery program for extreme responders
The collaboration brings together Singapore's major healthcare institutions, including NCCS, NCIS, NUH, NUS, SGH, and A*STAR, integrating spatial approaches with DNA/RNA sequencing to optimize cancer immunotherapy strategies.
Akoya Biosciences (NASDAQ: AKYA) ha annunciato una collaborazione con il Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium (STCC) per lo studio SUPER (STCC Unified PD1/PDL1 Evaluation of Response). Lo studio mira a identificare i predittori della risposta all'immunoterapia PD1 nei pazienti asiatici attraverso un impegno multi-istituzionale.
La ricerca analizzerà una coorte pan-cancer caso-controllo unica composta da 200 pazienti (100 rispondenti eccezionali abbinati a 100 iperprogressori) utilizzando il PhenoCode™ Discovery IO60 Panel di Akoya per l'analisi proteomica spaziale. Gli obiettivi principali dello studio includono:
- Identificare e convalidare profili di biomarcatori predittivi della risposta all'inibizione PD1/PDL1
- Sviluppare un kit/modello combinatorio per la previsione della risposta al trattamento
- Creare un programma nazionale di scoperta di biomarcatori per rispondenti estremi
La collaborazione riunisce le principali istituzioni sanitarie di Singapore, tra cui NCCS, NCIS, NUH, NUS, SGH e A*STAR, integrando approcci spaziali con il sequenziamento di DNA/RNA per ottimizzare le strategie di immunoterapia oncologica.
Akoya Biosciences (NASDAQ: AKYA) ha anunciado una colaboración con el Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium (STCC) en el estudio SUPER (STCC Unified PD1/PDL1 Evaluation of Response). El estudio busca identificar predictores de respuesta a la inmunoterapia PD1 en pacientes asiáticos mediante un esfuerzo multiinstitucional.
La investigación analizará una cohorte pan-cáncer caso-control única de 200 pacientes (100 respondedores excepcionales emparejados con 100 hiperprogresores) utilizando el panel PhenoCode™ Discovery IO60 de Akoya para análisis proteómico espacial. Los objetivos clave del estudio incluyen:
- Identificar y validar perfiles de biomarcadores que predigan la respuesta a la inhibición PD1/PDL1
- Desarrollar un kit/modelo combinatorio para predecir la respuesta al tratamiento
- Establecer un programa nacional de descubrimiento de biomarcadores para respondedores extremos
La colaboración reúne a las principales instituciones de salud de Singapur, incluyendo NCCS, NCIS, NUH, NUS, SGH y A*STAR, integrando enfoques espaciales con secuenciación de DNA/RNA para optimizar las estrategias de inmunoterapia contra el cáncer.
Akoya Biosciences (NASDAQ: AKYA)는 싱가포르 번역암 컨소시엄(STCC)과 SUPER 연구(STCC Unified PD1/PDL1 Evaluation of Response)에 대한 협력을 발표했습니다. 이 연구는 다기관 협력을 통해 아시아 환자의 PD1 면역치료 반응 예측 인자를 규명하는 것을 목표로 합니다.
이 연구는 Akoya의 PhenoCode™ Discovery IO60 패널을 사용하여 200명의 환자(100명의 뛰어난 반응자와 100명의 과진행자 대조군)를 포함한 독특한 전암종(case-control) 코호트를 분석할 예정입니다. 연구의 주요 목표는 다음과 같습니다:
- PD1/PDL1 억제 반응을 예측하는 바이오마커 프로필 식별 및 검증
- 치료 반응 예측을 위한 조합 검사 키트/모델 개발
- 극단적 반응자를 위한 국가 바이오마커 발견 프로그램 구축
이번 협력에는 NCCS, NCIS, NUH, NUS, SGH, A*STAR 등 싱가포르 주요 의료기관들이 참여하며, 공간적 접근법과 DNA/RNA 시퀀싱을 통합하여 암 면역치료 전략을 최적화합니다.
Akoya Biosciences (NASDAQ : AKYA) a annoncé une collaboration avec le Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium (STCC) dans le cadre de l'étude SUPER (STCC Unified PD1/PDL1 Evaluation of Response). Cette étude vise à identifier les prédicteurs de la réponse à l'immunothérapie PD1 chez les patients asiatiques via un effort multi-institutionnel.
La recherche analysera une cohorte pan-cancer cas-témoins unique de 200 patients (100 répondeurs exceptionnels appariés à 100 hyperprogressifs) en utilisant le panel PhenoCode™ Discovery IO60 d’Akoya pour une analyse protéomique spatiale. Les objectifs clés de l'étude comprennent :
- Identifier et valider des profils de biomarqueurs prédictifs de la réponse à l’inhibition PD1/PDL1
- Développer un kit/modèle combinatoire pour prédire la réponse au traitement
- Établir un programme national de découverte de biomarqueurs pour les répondeurs extrêmes
Cette collaboration réunit les principales institutions de santé de Singapour, dont NCCS, NCIS, NUH, NUS, SGH et A*STAR, en intégrant des approches spatiales avec le séquençage ADN/ARN afin d’optimiser les stratégies d’immunothérapie contre le cancer.
Akoya Biosciences (NASDAQ: AKYA) hat eine Zusammenarbeit mit dem Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium (STCC) für die SUPER-Studie (STCC Unified PD1/PDL1 Evaluation of Response) angekündigt. Die Studie zielt darauf ab, Prädiktoren für die PD1-Immuntherapieantwort bei asiatischen Patienten durch eine multi-institutionelle Zusammenarbeit zu identifizieren.
Die Forschung wird eine einzigartige pan-krebs Fall-Kontroll-Kohorte von 200 Patienten (100 außergewöhnliche Responder, abgestimmt mit 100 Hyperprogressoren) mithilfe des PhenoCode™ Discovery IO60 Panels von Akoya für die räumliche Proteomanalyse untersuchen. Die Hauptziele der Studie sind:
- Identifikation und Validierung von Biomarkerprofilen zur Vorhersage der Reaktion auf PD1/PDL1-Hemmung
- Entwicklung eines kombinierten Testkits/Modells zur Vorhersage der Behandlungsantwort
- Einrichtung eines nationalen Biomarker-Entdeckungsprogramms für Extrem-Responder
Die Zusammenarbeit vereint Singapurs führende Gesundheitseinrichtungen, darunter NCCS, NCIS, NUH, NUS, SGH und A*STAR, und integriert räumliche Ansätze mit DNA-/RNA-Sequenzierung, um Krebsimmuntherapiestrategien zu optimieren.
- Strategic partnership with Singapore's major healthcare institutions expands market presence in Asia
- Study could lead to development of new commercial diagnostic tools for immunotherapy response prediction
- Research focuses on high-value immunotherapy market with potential for healthcare cost optimization
- None.
Insights
Akoya's spatial biology technology will be used in a significant immunotherapy biomarker study potentially advancing precision oncology treatment selection.
This partnership between Akoya and the Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium represents a strategically significant application of spatial biology technology in cancer immunotherapy. The SUPER study ingeniously compares 100 exceptional responders against 100 hyperprogressors to PD1/PDL1 inhibitors, creating an ideal test case for identifying meaningful biomarkers.
The fundamental challenge in immunotherapy today is patient selection - current biomarkers like PD-L1 expression have predictive accuracy, resulting in many patients receiving expensive treatments without benefit. Akoya's IO60 panel offers a crucial advantage by analyzing the spatial relationships between immune and tumor cells, revealing complex interaction patterns that conventional biomarkers miss.
The case-control design with extreme phenotypes significantly increases statistical power to detect meaningful signals. By focusing exclusively on outliers, researchers can potentially identify stronger biomarker signatures than studies including average responders.
The stated objective to "develop a combinatorial assay kit/model" suggests potential translation into clinical applications. If successful, this collaboration could help differentiate patients who will benefit from immunotherapy from those who won't - addressing a critical unmet need in oncology practice while potentially establishing Akoya's technology as essential in treatment decision pathways.
Partnership validates Akoya's spatial biology platform in clinical research but lacks immediate revenue impact despite strategic positioning in immunotherapy.
This collaboration strategically positions Akoya's technology in the high-value precision oncology market, specifically targeting improved patient selection for immunotherapies. The partnership provides valuable validation for Akoya's PhenoCode IO60 panel but does not disclose any financial terms.
The immunotherapy biomarker space represents a substantial opportunity. PD1/PDL1 inhibitors like Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab generate billions in annual revenue despite response rates of only 20-40%. A robust predictive biomarker could significantly impact treatment paradigms.
Singapore's involvement offers strategic advantages. The multi-institutional participation from major healthcare entities provides credibility and access to the Asian market. Singapore's advanced healthcare infrastructure and government support for precision medicine initiatives make it an ideal testing ground.
The objective to develop a "combinatorial assay kit/model" suggests potential diagnostic applications, which aligns with Akoya's stated strategy to move spatial biology from pure research into clinical applications. However, the path from research collaboration to commercial diagnostic is typically lengthy and uncertain.
For investors, this represents technology validation rather than immediate revenue impact. While strategically positive for long-term positioning in the clinical spatial biology market, particularly for immuno-oncology applications, the immediate business impact appears without defined commercialization terms or timelines.
- The STCC Unified PD1/PDL1 Evaluation of Response (SUPER) study is a multi-institutional study led by STCC with the goal of identifying predictors of PD1 immunotherapy response in an Asian real-world setting, bringing together Singapore’s public healthcare and research institutions in the translational cancer research ecosystem, comprising the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National University Hospital (NUH), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).
- The partnership between Akoya Biosciences and STCC will leverage Akoya Biosciences’ PhenoCode™ Discovery IO60 Panel in the SUPER study to immunophenotype matched pairs of immuno-oncology exceptional responders and hyper-progressors through advanced spatial multiplexed analyses. By bridging cutting-edge spatial proteomics with clinical insights, this initiative has the potential to shape the future of precision oncology.
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akoya Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKYA) (“Akoya”), The Spatial Biology Company®, today announced a collaboration with the Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium (STCC) on the STCC Unified PD1/PDL1 Evaluation of Response (SUPER) study.
This initiative aims to identify and validate key biomarkers predicting response or refractoriness to immune checkpoint inhibitors using Akoya’s IO60 panel for spatial proteomic analysis.
Advancing Precision Immunotherapy
While PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (Pembrolizumab/Nivolumab) have revolutionized cancer treatment, patient responses vary widely. The SUPER study is the first study in Singapore, focusing on a unique case-control pan-cancer cohort of 200 patients –100 exceptional responders matched with 100 hyperprogressors to immune checkpoint inhibitors - which seeks to uncover the biological determinants of varied treatment outcomes. The SUPER Study will leverage Akoya’s IO60 panel, with other multiomic profiling modalities, to enhance biomarker-driven cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Key Objectives of the Study:
- To identify and validate the assay combination and biomarker(s) profile that best predicts response or refractoriness to PD1/PDL1 inhibition.
- Develop a combinatorial assay kit/model that best predicts PD1/PDL1 treatment response for clinical applications.
- Establish a national biomarker discovery program for extreme responders - individuals that have an exceptionally favorable or unusually poor response to cancer treatment.
A National Effort for Better Patient Outcomes
"The SUPER study design is a unique approach to redefining immunotherapy strategies," said Dr Anand D. Jeyasekharan, Platform Lead, Translational Research Integration & Support at STCC. Dr Jeyasekharan is also Senior Consultant, Department of Hematology-Oncology, NCIS and Principal Investigator and Facility Head (Spatial Biology Core) at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore at NUS.
"We aim to develop a precision medicine approach for cancer immunotherapy, by integrating spatial approaches with DNA/RNA sequencing to identify predictors of response to these expensive medications."
As part of the collaboration, Akoya’s IO60 panel will be used to analyze the tumor microenvironment, providing insights into immune cell interactions and biomarker expression patterns in this matched cohort of patients. The study’s findings could have significant implications for future cancer immunotherapy approaches and healthcare cost optimization.
Brian McKelligon, CEO of Akoya Biosciences, added, “We are excited to collaborate with STCC to drive advances in personalized medicine. Our IO60 panel offers critical insights into the tumor microenvironment, paving the way for more effective cancer treatment."
About Akoya Biosciences
As The Spatial Biology Company®, Akoya Biosciences’ mission is to bring context to the world of biology and human health through the power of spatial phenotyping. The Company offers comprehensive single-cell imaging solutions that allow researchers to phenotype cells with spatial context and visualize how they organize and interact to influence disease progression and response to therapy. Akoya offers a full continuum of spatial phenotyping solutions to serve the diverse needs of researchers across discovery, translational and clinical research: PhenoCode™ Panels and PhenoCycler®, PhenoImager® Fusion and PhenoImager HT Instruments. To learn more about Akoya, visit www.akoyabio.com.
About Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium
STCC was established in 2020, as a nationally coordinated consortium to synergize cancer research capabilities in Singapore.
STCC brings together unmatched basic, clinical, and translational talent in Singapore to create globally significant peaks of excellence in selected Asian cancers. STCC's five joint platforms – Cancer Clinical Trials and Investigational Medicine Units, Cancer Databases and Tissue Banks, Translational Research Integration and Support, Business Intelligence and Development, and Impact and Population Health – provide an enabling research and innovation environment driven to foster translational research and meaningful outcomes for society.
Through these forged collaborative relationships between local cancer research groups and by capitalizing on the strengths of industry and academia, STCC is uniquely poised to develop initiatives that are aligned with Singapore's goals in value-based healthcare innovation and economic value creation.
STCC is a program of Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation, Singapore (CRIS) and is supported by the National Research Foundation, Singapore and funded by the Ministry of Health through the National Medical Research Council Office, MOH Holdings Pte Ltd.
For more information, please visit https://www.stcc.sg
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