Defence's ARM-X Anti-Cancer Vaccine Inhibits Growth of Pre-Established Ovarian Cancer Resulting in Complete Responses in Treated Animals

Rhea-AI Summary

Defence Therapeutics has announced that its second-generation ARM-X anti-cancer vaccine, in combination with an anti-PD-1 immune-checkpoint inhibitor, has successfully inhibited the growth of pre-established ovarian cancer in animal models. The study demonstrated complete responses in nearly all treated animals, extending their survival beyond 80 days post-vaccination. This development highlights the versatility of Defence's ARM-X platform, which previously showed effectiveness against solid T-cell lymphoma, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer. The ARM-X vaccine requires lower antigen amounts, making it adaptable to patients' needs regardless of cancer type. The company is also testing ARM-X for colon cancer to set targets for upcoming Phase I-IIa trials.

Positive

• ARM-X vaccine showed complete responses in nearly all treated animals with ovarian cancer.
• The combination therapy prolonged animal survival beyond 80 days.
• ARM-X vaccine requires lower antigen amounts, reducing the need for large tumor samples.
• Versatility of ARM-X is demonstrated across multiple cancer types, including solid T-cell lymphoma, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer.

Negative

• No human clinical trial results reported.
• Potential risks associated with the transition from animal models to human trials are unknown.
• Long-term efficacy and safety in humans remain unproven.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 25, 2024) - Defence Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: DTC) (FSE: DTC) (OTCQB: DTCFF) ("Defence" or the "Company"), a Canadian biopharmaceutical company developing novel immune-oncology vaccines and drug delivery technologies, is pleased to announce that its second-generation ARM-X anti-cancer vaccine is therapeutically effective against pre-established ovarian cancer (ID8 model) when combined with the anti-PD-1 immune-checkpoint inhibitor.

Figure 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8000/214171_cc2e2f8084a9e943_002full.jpg

Using Defence's Accum® platform, the Company previously demonstrated that AccuTOX® treatment of MSCs results in the induction of antigen cross-presentation capacity (ARM-X cells), which can mount potent anti-tumoral responses in animal pre-clinical models. This was previously achieved using various cancer models including solid T-cell lymphoma, melanoma and pancreatic cancer. Defence just completed an additional study where animals with pre-established ovarian cancer responded to a combination therapy including ARM-X and anti-PD-1. The latter group prolonged animal survival beyond 80 days post-vaccination, and it led to a complete response in almost all treated animals as shown in Figure 1.

"This is the 4^th cancer model that we efficiently targeted using our ARM-X antic-cancer vaccine. The purpose of testing our vaccine in various models is to highlight how ARM-X can be adapted to the needs of any patient, no matter the type of cancer, given that we have access to a tumor biopsy," says Mr. Sebastien Plouffe, Chief Executive Officer of Defence Therapeutics.

One of the major advantages of Defence's ARM-X vaccine is the need of lower antigen amounts to manufacture the vaccine. This is important as it avoids the need of a big tumor sample in the vaccine generation. Defence is currently testing its ARM-X vaccine on colon as an additional indication. These results will set the target indication for the Phase I-IIa trials, and it also shows how versatile and adaptable can the ARM-X anti-cancer vaccine be.

About Defence:
Defence Therapeutics is a publicly-traded clinical-stage biotechnology company working on engineering the next generation vaccines and ADC products using its proprietary platform. The core of Defence Therapeutics platform is the ACCUM^® technology, which enables precision delivery of vaccine antigens or ADCs in their intact form to target cells. As a result, increased efficacy and potency can be reached against catastrophic illness such as cancer and infectious diseases.

For further information:
Sebastien Plouffe, President, CEO and Director
P: (514) 947-2272
Splouffe@defencetherapeutics.com 
www.defencetherapeutics.com 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/defence-therapeutics

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Neither the CSE nor its market regulator, as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/214171

FAQ

What is Defence's ARM-X anti-cancer vaccine?

The ARM-X anti-cancer vaccine by Defence Therapeutics is a second-generation vaccine designed to inhibit cancer growth by eliciting potent anti-tumoral responses.

What were the results of the ARM-X vaccine on ovarian cancer?

The ARM-X vaccine, combined with an anti-PD-1 inhibitor, led to complete responses in nearly all treated animals and extended their survival beyond 80 days.

What is the significance of the ARM-X vaccine requiring lower antigen amounts?

The ARM-X vaccine's need for lower antigen amounts means that it can be manufactured with smaller tumor samples, making it more adaptable to various patient needs.

Has the ARM-X vaccine been tested on cancers other than ovarian cancer?

Yes, Defence's ARM-X vaccine has previously shown effectiveness against solid T-cell lymphoma, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer.

What are the next steps for the ARM-X vaccine after these ovarian cancer results?

Defence is currently testing the ARM-X vaccine for colon cancer to set targets for Phase I-IIa trials.