MAIA Biotechnology Announces Excellent Efficacy of THIO in Liver Cancer Models

Rhea-AI Summary

MAIA Biotechnology has announced the peer-reviewed publication of a study in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics detailing the anticancer effects of THIO in treating Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). The research shows that THIO induces immune responses and can significantly enhance tumor regression, particularly when combined with checkpoint inhibitors.

The results indicate a strong rationale for a clinical trial of THIO in HCC, supported by the US FDA's Orphan Drug Designation. MAIA’s leadership expressed confidence in THIO’s potential as a treatment, emphasizing the findings' relevance to their ongoing clinical development plans.

Positive

• Published study demonstrates THIO's complete and durable responses in HCC.
• Combination of THIO and immunotherapy enhances treatment efficacy.
• THIO induces anti-cancer immune memory, preventing tumor growth upon rechallenge.
• Strong scientific rationale for clinical trials in HCC with FDA Orphan Drug Designation.

Negative

• None.

• Study showed THIO with complete and durable responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), or the dominate histology in primary liver cancer (90%), in vivo models
• When combined with immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitor (CPI), duration of response was further potentiated
• Administration of THIO alone and in combination with CPI generated anti-cancer immune memory Upon rechallenge with two times more cancer cells and no additional treatment, tumor growth was completely prevented

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. (NYSE American: MAIA) today announced the peer-reviewed publication of original research article in this month’s issue of Molecular Cancer Therapeutics (volume 22, issue 4), a renowned American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) journal that publishes translational research studies focused on the discovery and preclinical development of therapeutic agents for oncology. The preclinical study, entitled “Activating an Adaptive Immune Response with a Telomerase-Mediated Telomere Targeting Therapeutic in Hepatocellular Carcinoma,” showed highly potent anticancer activity of THIO in multiple HCC preclinical models.

The study revealed the anti-tumor immune response role of THIO as a telomerase-dependent telomere targeting therapeutic in HCC models. THIO induces telomere damage and activates the cGAS-STING pathway, which is a major intracellular signaling pathway that plays a role in innate immune responses. THIO enhances the cross-priming capacity of dendritic cells (DCs), which are antigen presenting cells of the adaptive immune system and activates tumor specific T cells. Observed potent anticancer activity is taking place in CD8-positive T cell dependent manner. Moreover, the study showed a potential role of immunogenic protein molecule HMGB1 (high-mobility group box 1, which are released during cancer cell death), in THIO induced T cell activation. In addition, the study demonstrated enhanced efficacy and durability of complete tumor regression when THIO is followed by administration of immunotherapies (an anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1) and anti-VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, one of the major anti-angiogenic drug target) in advanced, resistant HCC tumors providing a strong scientific rationale for a clinical trial in HCC.

“The knowledge gained from this study will help support our understanding of the compound’s mechanism of action and its broad therapeutic utility. Moreover, this publication strengthens our scientific rationale already included in our current clinical development plan for THIO-102, a Phase 2 clinical study in multiple solid tumor indications, including HCC,” said MAIA’s Chief Scientific Officer Sergei Gryaznov, Ph.D.

“The findings from our study provides solid rationale for THIO to be evaluated as a treatment of liver cancer, as our Company already holds the US FDA Orphan Drug Designation for this clinical indication. This published evidence supports our strong belief that THIO, especially in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors and other standard of care agents, may be clinically studied for treatment of various forms of cancer,” added Vlad Vitoc, M.D., MAIA’s Chief Executive Officer.

The full results are available in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics and online here.

About MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.

MAIA is a targeted therapy, immuno-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action that are intended to meaningfully improve and extend the lives of people with cancer. Its lead program is THIO, a potential first-in-class cancer telomere targeting agent in clinical development for the treatment of NSCLC patients with telomerase-positive cancer cells. For more information, please visit www.maiabiotech.com.

Forward Looking Statements

MAIA cautions that all statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels or activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. The use of words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “future,” “potential,” or “continue,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that statements are not forward-looking. For example, all statements we make regarding (i) the initiation, timing, cost, progress and results of our preclinical and clinical studies and our research and development programs, (ii) our ability to advance product candidates into, and successfully complete, clinical studies, (iii) the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, (iv) our ability to develop, manufacture and commercialize our product candidates and to improve the manufacturing process, (v) the rate and degree of market acceptance of our product candidates, (vi) the size and growth potential of the markets for our product candidates and our ability to serve those markets, and (vii) our expectations regarding our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our product candidates, are forward looking. All forward-looking statements are based on current estimates, assumptions and expectations by our management that, although we believe to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Any forward-looking statement expressing an expectation or belief as to future events is expressed in good faith and believed to be reasonable at the time such forward-looking statement is made. However, these statements are not guarantees of future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors beyond our control that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In this release, unless the context requires otherwise, “MAIA,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refers to MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

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Investor Inquiries

MAIA Biotechnology

Joseph McGuire

Chief Financial Officer

jmcguire@maiabiotech.com

904-228-2603

ICR Westwicke

Stephanie Carrington

Stephanie.carrington@westwicke.com

646-277-1282

Source: MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.

FAQ

What were the key findings from MAIA's recent study published in <i>Molecular Cancer Therapeutics</i>?

The study highlighted THIO's potent anticancer activity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, showing complete responses and enhanced effects when combined with immunotherapy.

How does THIO work in treating Hepatocellular Carcinoma according to the published study?

THIO induces telomere damage and activates immune pathways, enhancing tumor-specific T cell responses.

What is the significance of the US FDA Orphan Drug Designation for THIO?

The designation provides MAIA with benefits for clinical development, emphasizing THIO's potential as a treatment for rare diseases like HCC.

How does the publication strengthen MAIA's clinical development plan for THIO?

The findings support the ongoing Phase 2 clinical study of THIO in multiple solid tumor indications, reaffirming its therapeutic potential.

What is the stock symbol for MAIA Biotechnology?

The stock symbol for MAIA Biotechnology is MAIA.