Eterna Therapeutics Announces Positive Preclinical Study Results on Lead Product ERNA-101 in Ovarian Cancer
Eterna Therapeutics (ERNA) announced positive preclinical study results for its lead cell therapy product, ERNA-101, targeting ovarian cancer. The proof-of-concept study demonstrated significant T cell infiltration after a single dose, reduced tumor burden, and extended survival in mouse models.
ERNA-101 successfully transformed 'cold' tumors into 'hot' ones by utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells to create mesenchymal stem cells that secrete interleukins IL-7 and IL-15. The therapy showed ability to enhance immune system response against tumors while limiting systemic exposure and potential toxicity.
In the study conducted at MD Anderson Cancer Center, researchers developed an ovarian tumor model using ID8 cells. The ERNA-101 treatment group showed substantially higher T cell infiltration, reduced tumor size, and significant survival advantage compared to control groups, with no significant differences in body weight distribution indicating favorable safety profile.
Eterna Therapeutics (ERNA) ha annunciato risultati positivi di uno studio preclinico per il suo principale prodotto di terapia cellulare, ERNA-101, che mira al cancro ovarico. Lo studio di prova di concetto ha dimostrato un'infiltrazione significativa di cellule T dopo una dose singola, una riduzione del carico tumorale e un'estensione della sopravvivenza nei modelli murini.
ERNA-101 ha trasformato con successo i tumori 'freddi' in 'caldi' utilizzando cellule staminali pluripotenti indotte per creare cellule staminali mesenchimali che secernono interleuchine IL-7 e IL-15. La terapia ha dimostrato la capacità di migliorare la risposta del sistema immunitario contro i tumori, limitando al contempo l'esposizione sistemica e la potenziale tossicità.
Nello studio condotto al MD Anderson Cancer Center, i ricercatori hanno sviluppato un modello di tumore ovarico utilizzando cellule ID8. Il gruppo trattato con ERNA-101 ha mostrato un'infiltrazione di cellule T notevolmente più alta, una riduzione della dimensione del tumore e un vantaggio significativo in termini di sopravvivenza rispetto ai gruppi di controllo, senza differenze significative nella distribuzione del peso corporeo, indicando un profilo di sicurezza favorevole.
Eterna Therapeutics (ERNA) anunció resultados positivos de un estudio preclínico para su principal producto de terapia celular, ERNA-101, dirigido al cáncer de ovario. El estudio de prueba de concepto demostró una infiltración significativa de células T después de una sola dosis, una reducción de la carga tumoral y una mayor supervivencia en modelos murinos.
ERNA-101 transformó con éxito tumores 'fríos' en 'calientes' al utilizar células madre pluripotentes inducidas para crear células madre mesenquimatosas que secretan interleucinas IL-7 e IL-15. La terapia mostró capacidad para mejorar la respuesta del sistema inmunitario contra los tumores, limitando al mismo tiempo la exposición sistémica y la potencial toxicidad.
En el estudio realizado en el MD Anderson Cancer Center, los investigadores desarrollaron un modelo de tumor de ovario utilizando células ID8. El grupo tratado con ERNA-101 mostró una infiltración de células T significativamente mayor, una reducción en el tamaño del tumor y una ventaja significativa en la supervivencia en comparación con los grupos de control, sin diferencias significativas en la distribución del peso corporal, lo que indica un perfil de seguridad favorable.
에테르너 테라퓨틱스 (ERNA)는 주력 세포 치료제 ERNA-101의 긍정적인 전임상 연구 결과를 발표했습니다. 이 제품은 난소 암을 목표로 하고 있습니다. 개념 증명 연구에서 단일 투여 후 T세포 침투가显著하게 나타났고, 종양 부담이 감소했으며 마우스 모델에서 생존 기간이 연장되었습니다.
ERNA-101은 유도 다능성 줄기세포를 사용하여 IL-7 및 IL-15를 분비하는 중간엽 줄기세포를 생성함으로써 '차가운' 종양을 '뜨거운' 종양으로 성공적으로 변환했습니다. 이 치료법은 종양에 대한 면역계 반응을 향상시키면서 전신 노출과 잠재적 독성을 제한하는 능력을 보였습니다.
MD 앤더슨 암 센터에서 실시된 연구에서 연구원들은 ID8 세포를 사용하여 난소 종양 모델을 개발했습니다. ERNA-101 치료군은 대조군에 비해 T세포 침투가 현저히 증가하고 종양 크기가 줄어들며 생존율이 상당히 향상된 것으로 나타났습니다. 체중 분포에서도 중요한 차이가 없어 우호적인 안전 프로파일을 나타냈습니다.
Eterna Therapeutics (ERNA) a annoncé des résultats positifs d'une étude préclinique pour son produit phare de thérapie cellulaire, ERNA-101, ciblant le cancer de l'ovaire. L'étude de preuve de concept a démontré une infiltration significative des cellules T après une seule dose, une réduction de la charge tumorale et une survie prolongée dans des modèles murins.
ERNA-101 a réussi à transformer des tumeurs 'froides' en tumeurs 'chaudes' en utilisant des cellules souches pluripotentes induites pour créer des cellules souches mésenchymateuses qui sécrètent les interleukines IL-7 et IL-15. La thérapie a montré sa capacité à améliorer la réponse du système immunitaire contre les tumeurs tout en limitant l'exposition systémique et la toxicité potentielle.
Dans l'étude menée au MD Anderson Cancer Center, les chercheurs ont développé un modèle de tumeur ovarienne utilisant des cellules ID8. Le groupe traité avec ERNA-101 a montré une infiltration de cellules T nettement plus élevée, une réduction de la taille de la tumeur et un avantage de survie significatif par rapport aux groupes de contrôle, sans différences significatives dans la distribution du poids corporel, indiquant un profil de sécurité favorable.
Eterna Therapeutics (ERNA) hat positive Ergebnisse einer vorklinischen Studie für ihr führendes Zelltherapieprodukt, ERNA-101, das auf Eierstockkrebs abzielt, angekündigt. Die Machbarkeitsstudie zeigte eine signifikante Infiltration von T-Zellen nach einer einzelnen Dosis, eine Verringerung der Tumorlast und eine verlängerte Überlebenszeit in Mausmodellen.
ERNA-101 verwandelte erfolgreich 'kalte' Tumoren in 'heiße', indem induzierte pluripotente Stammzellen genutzt wurden, um mesenchymale Stammzellen zu erzeugen, die die Interleukine IL-7 und IL-15 sezernieren. Die Therapie zeigte die Fähigkeit, die Immunantwort des Körpers gegen Tumoren zu stärken und gleichzeitig die systemische Exposition und potenzielle Toxizität zu begrenzen.
In der am MD Anderson Cancer Center durchgeführten Studie entwickelten die Forscher ein Modell für Eierstocktumoren unter Verwendung von ID8-Zellen. Die Behandlungsgruppe mit ERNA-101 zeigte eine deutlich höhere T-Zell-Infiltration, eine Verringerung der Tumorgröße und einen signifikanten Überlebensvorteil im Vergleich zu den Kontrollgruppen, ohne signifikante Unterschiede in der Gewichtverteilung, was auf ein günstiges Sicherheitsprofil hinweist.
- Successful proof-of-concept study showing tumor reduction and extended survival
- Demonstrated massive T cell infiltration after single dose administration
- Therapy showed favorable safety profile with no significant body weight changes
- Collaboration with prestigious MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Results to preclinical (mouse) studies only
- Additional research still required before human trials
Insights
The preclinical results for ERNA-101 represent a compelling breakthrough in ovarian cancer treatment. The study demonstrates three critical achievements: massive T cell infiltration after single dosing, reduced tumor burden and extended survival in mouse models - all without significant toxicity concerns.
The technology's ability to convert "cold" tumors to "hot" by transforming the tumor microenvironment is particularly noteworthy. This mechanism of action, utilizing iPSC-derived mesenchymal stem cells to deliver IL-7 and IL-15 cytokines, addresses a fundamental challenge in solid tumor treatment - poor immune cell infiltration. The tumor-homing capability of MSCs combined with targeted cytokine delivery represents an elegant solution to minimize systemic toxicity while maximizing local anti-tumor effects.
The collaboration with MD Anderson and Dr. Andreeff, a renowned figure in leukemia research, adds significant credibility to these findings. The 42-day persistence of ERNA-101 cells in tumors suggests durable therapeutic potential, a important factor for clinical success.
For a micro-cap biotech with a market cap of just
The successful proof-of-concept in ovarian cancer, a notoriously difficult-to-treat indication with therapeutic options, positions ERNA-101 for potential fast-track designation if clinical trials show similar promise. The safety profile, evidenced by stable body weights, reduces development risk. However, investors should note that the path from preclinical success to clinical validation is long and capital-intensive - important considerations given the company's current market cap.
The MD Anderson collaboration provides access to world-class research capabilities and potential future clinical trial infrastructure, which could accelerate development while conserving resources. This institutional backing could also facilitate future capital raises or strategic partnerships.
New data from proof-of-concept study provides roadmap for treatment of ovarian cancer
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eterna Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ERNA), a leader in cell therapies for the treatment of advanced solid tumors, today announced positive results from a preclinical study on the company’s lead cell therapy product, ERNA-101, which is designed to activate and regulate the immune system's response to recognize and attack ovarian cancer cells.
This successful proof-of-concept study demonstrated massive T cell infiltration after only one dose of ERNA-101, reduced tumor burden, and extended survival in mice with ovarian cancer.
"We are thrilled by the positive results, which represent a significant milestone for ERNA-101 and Eterna Therapeutics,” said Sanjeev Luther, CEO of Eterna Therapeutics. “We believe that this impressive data underscores the potential of our innovative cell therapy to transform the treatment landscape for solid tumors – especially ovarian cancer. This collaboration with MD Anderson is an important step forward, and we are excited to continue working with this leading institution to further explore ERNA-101's ability to enhance immune responses and improve outcomes for cancer patients."
By successfully turning the “cold” tumor into “hot” – transforming the tumor microenvironment from having low immune activity to an active immune environment – ERNA-101 may not only lead to improved therapeutic outcomes as a monotherapy but is also anticipated to significantly enhance the efficacy of CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapies in the future.
ERNA-101 is a cell therapy that utilizes induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to create induced allogenic mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) that secrete interleukins IL-7 and IL-15. These cytokines enhance the immune system's response against tumors, improving immune cell infiltration and activation. ERNA-101 capitalizes on the intrinsic tumor-homing and infiltration ability of MSCs to slip through the tumor’s defenses and to deliver potent pro-inflammatory factors directly to the tumor microenvironment, limiting systemic exposure and potential toxicity while unleashing potent anti-cancer immune responses, including enhancement of T cell anti-tumor activity.
In this study, led by Michael Andreeff, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, researchers developed an ovarian tumor model by injecting ID8 cells intraperitoneally into mice. After the detection of positive tumor engraftment, the mice were treated with ERNA-101 and compared with control groups injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing MSCs.
ERNA-101 cells were detected in the tumor after 42 days. Relative to the control groups, the ERNA-101 group exhibited substantially higher T cell infiltration and reduced tumor size. Additionally, mice with ovarian cancer treated with ERNA-101 exhibited significant survival advantage, compared to control groups. Regarding the safety of the therapy, body weight distribution showed no significant difference between the ERNA-101 and control groups. Additional research is forthcoming.
About Eterna Therapeutics
Eterna Therapeutics is a publicly traded, preclinical-stage company focused on developing highly innovative, effective, safe off-the-shelf synthetic iMSC therapies. Eterna’s lead product ERNA-101 is an allogeneic pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-7/IL-15)-secreting iMSC. ERNA-101 capitalizes on the intrinsic tumor-homing and infiltration ability of MSCs to slip through the tumor’s defenses and to deliver potent pro-inflammatory factors directly to the tumor microenvironment (TME), limiting systemic exposure and potential toxicity while unleashing potent anti-cancer immune responses including enhancement of T-cell anti-tumor activity. The company’s initial focus is to develop ERNA-101 in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). The company is also investigating ERNA-102, anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10)-secreting iMSCs in inflammatory/auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. The company is actively seeking strategic partnerships to co-develop or out-license therapeutic assets and engage with potential collaborators to expand developmental opportunities. For more information, please visit https://www.eternatx.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements, in some cases, can be identified by terms such as "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "design," "intend," "expect," "could," "plan," "potential," "predict," "seek," "should," "would," "contemplate," "project," "target," "objective," or the negative version of these words and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Eterna's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to: progress and possible outcomes of the Company’s lead research project, ERNA-101, and future research projects. Forward-looking statements are based upon Eterna's current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. For a detailed description of Eterna's risks and uncertainties, you are encouraged to review its documents filed with the SEC including its recent filings on Form 8-K, Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. Eterna does not undertake any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date hereof, except as required by applicable law.
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