Immutep Granted Australian Patent for Eftilagimod Alpha, a Soluble LAG-3 Protein, in Combination with a PD-1 Pathway Inhibitor

Rhea-AI Summary

Immutep Limited (NASDAQ: IMMP) announced the grant of a new patent by the Australian Patent Office for its lead immunotherapy candidate, eftilagimod alpha (efti or IMP321). This patent, protecting combined preparations for treating cancer, follows similar grants in Europe, the U.S., and China. The claims cover specific combinations of efti with various anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies, expiring on January 8, 2036. CEO Marc Voigt highlighted the importance of this patent in the context of significant interest in the LAG-3 mechanism following Phase III clinical data publication.

Positive

• Grant of a new Australian patent for efti enhances intellectual property protection.
• Patent includes claims for specific combinations with leading anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies.
• CEO indicates strong potential for efti in the market amidst growing interest in LAG-3 mechanism.

Negative

• None.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, Feb. 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM; NASDAQ: IMMP) ("Immutep” or “the Company”), a biotechnology company developing novel LAG-3 related immunotherapy treatments for cancer and autoimmune disease, is pleased to announce the grant of a new patent (number 2016205983) entitled “Combined Preparations for the Treatment of Cancer or Infection” by the Australian Patent Office.

This new Australian patent follows the grant of the corresponding European, United States and Chinese patents announced in 2018 through 2021.

The claims of the new patent protect Immutep’s intellectual property relating to combined therapeutic preparations comprising (a) its lead active immunotherapy candidate eftilagimod alpha (“efti” or “IMP321”), which is a LAG-3 fusion protein (LAG-3Ig), and (b) an anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody. In addition to broader style claims, the granted claims include narrower claims drawn to specific combinations of efti with pembrolizumab, nivolumab, avelumab, durvalumab or atezolizumab, for example. The claims are also directed to related methods of use in the treatment of cancer.

The patent expiry date is 8 January 2036.

Immutep CEO, Marc Voigt, noted: “We continue to make progress in protecting efti, which is a unique biomolecule. The LAG-3 / MHC class II immune control mechanism has attracted significant interest from the medical and investment communities in recent weeks following publication of Phase III clinical data by the pharma industry in a very prestigious peer-reviewed medical journal. With our exclusive focus on this mechanism and four candidates under development, we continue to be well placed to make an important contribution to this exciting field. 2022 promises to be a productive year.”

About Immutep
Immutep is a globally active biotechnology company that is a leader in the development of LAG-3 related immunotherapeutic products for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease. Immutep is dedicated to leveraging its technology and expertise to bring innovative treatment options to market for patients and to maximise value to shareholders.

Immutep’s current lead product candidate is eftilagimod alpha (efti or IMP321), a soluble LAG-3 fusion protein (LAG-3Ig), which is a first-in-class antigen presenting cell (APC) activator being explored in cancer and infectious disease. Immutep is also developing an agonist of LAG-3 (IMP761) for autoimmune disease. Additional LAG-3 products, including antibodies for immune response modulation, are being developed by Immutep’s large pharmaceutical partners.

Immutep is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (IMM), and on the NASDAQ (IMMP) in the United States.

Further information can be found on the Company’s website www.immutep.com or by contacting:

Australian Investors/Media:
Catherine Strong, Citadel-MAGNUS
+61 (0)406 759 268; cstrong@citadelmagnus.com

U.S. Media:
Tim McCarthy, LifeSci Advisors
+1 (212) 915.2564; tim@lifesciadvisors.com

FAQ

What is the significance of the new patent granted to Immutep (IMMP)?

The new patent protects Immutep's lead immunotherapy candidate, eftilagimod alpha, for cancer treatment, enhancing its intellectual property position.

When does the new patent for Immutep (IMMP) expire?

The new patent expires on January 8, 2036.

What are the specific combinations covered by Immutep's new patent (IMMP)?

The patent includes combinations of eftilagimod alpha with anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab.

What did the CEO of Immutep (IMMP) say about the company's progress?

CEO Marc Voigt stated that the company is making progress in protecting efti and highlighted the growing interest in LAG-3 mechanisms following recent clinical data.