MAIA Biotechnology Announces Positive Survival Updates in Phase 2 Study of THIO in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Rhea-AI Summary

MAIA Biotechnology (NYSE American: MAIA) has announced positive interim survival updates from its Phase 2 THIO-101 study for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study evaluates THIO, a telomere-targeting treatment, sequenced with Regeneron's immune checkpoint inhibitor cemiplimab (Libtayo®). Key highlights include:

• 16 patients surpassed 12-month survival follow-up
• Median survival follow-up in third-line treatment was 10.6 months
• THIO's survival benefit in third-line treatment surpasses comparable standard-of-care overall survival of 5.8 months
• Previous data showed 38% overall response rate and 88% disease control rate in third-line treatment

The company expects to release full efficacy results of THIO-101 this year.

Positive

• 16 patients surpassed 12-month survival follow-up, including 9 in third-line treatment
• Interim median survival follow-up in third-line treatment was 10.6 months, surpassing standard-of-care overall survival of 5.8 months
• Previous data showed 38% overall response rate and 88% disease control rate in third-line treatment
• Three of the earliest enrolled patients are approaching 17-month survival
• THIO treatment followed by Libtayo® has been generally well-tolerated to date

Negative

• None.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The interim survival data for THIO in advanced NSCLC is highly encouraging. With 16 patients surpassing 12-month survival and a median survival follow-up of 10.6 months in third-line treatment, THIO is demonstrating a substantial improvement over the typical 5.8-month overall survival for third-line therapy. This suggests THIO could potentially become a valuable treatment option for patients who have exhausted standard therapies.

The 38% overall response rate and 88% disease control rate in third-line treatment are particularly impressive for this patient population. These figures, combined with the 5.5-month median progression-free survival, indicate that THIO is not only extending life but also potentially improving quality of life by controlling disease progression. However, it's important to await the full efficacy results expected later this year for a comprehensive assessment of THIO's potential impact on NSCLC treatment landscape.

Financial Analyst

MAIA Biotechnology's positive interim results for THIO could significantly impact the company's market position and financial outlook. The advanced NSCLC market is substantial, with high unmet needs in later-line treatments. If THIO continues to demonstrate superior efficacy compared to current standards, it could capture a significant market share, potentially translating to substantial revenue growth for MAIA.

Investors should note that while these results are promising, the full efficacy data and potential regulatory approvals are still pending. The company's ability to successfully commercialize THIO, if approved, will be crucial. Additionally, partnering with Regeneron for the combination therapy could provide strategic advantages. However, it's important to consider the competitive landscape and potential future developments in NSCLC treatment when evaluating MAIA's long-term prospects.

• 16 patients surpassed 12-month survival follow-up
• THIO's substantial survival benefit in third line surpasses comparable standard-of-care overall survival of 5.8 months
• Median survival follow-up in third line was 10.6 months
• Treatment with THIO followed by Libtayo® has been generally well-tolerated to date

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MAIA Biotechnology, Inc., (NYSE American: MAIA) (“MAIA”, the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing targeted immunotherapies for cancer, today announces favorable interim survival benefit from its lead clinical candidate THIO, a telomere-targeting treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A Phase 2 clinical trial, THIO-101, is evaluating THIO sequenced with Regeneron’s immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) cemiplimab (Libtayo®) in patients with advanced NSCLC who failed two or more standard-of-care therapy regimens.

Published available results suggest that overall survival (OS) in third-line patients is 5.8 months.¹

As of August 01, 2024, 16 patients had survival follow-up surpassing 12 months, including 9 in third line treatment (3L). Interim median survival follow-up in 3L was 10.6 months.

“THIO is showing a survival benefit for patients with advanced NSCLC. As our follow-up continues, we have noted that three of the earliest patients enrolled are approaching 17-month survival. We’re on track to achieve our survival goals in third-line therapy,” said Vlad Vitoc, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MAIA. “THIO’s outperformance to date supports our thesis that our telomere targeting agent could become a treatment option for people suffering from advanced NSCLC.”

The 12-month survival data corresponds to the Company’s most recent data from THIO-101 demonstrating favorable disease control and overall response rates. As announced in April 2024, THIO 180mg + CPI in third-line treatment showed, in part, overall response rate (ORR) of 38%, disease control rate (DCR) of 88% and median progression-free survival (PFS) of 5.5 months.

MAIA expects to release full efficacy results of THIO-101 this year.

About THIO

THIO (6-thio-dG or 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine) is a first-in-class investigational telomere-targeting agent currently in clinical development to evaluate its activity in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Telomeres, along with the enzyme telomerase, play a fundamental role in the survival of cancer cells and their resistance to current therapies. The modified nucleotide 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine (THIO) induces telomerase-dependent telomeric DNA modification, DNA damage responses, and selective cancer cell death. THIO-damaged telomeric fragments accumulate in cytosolic micronuclei and activates both innate (cGAS/STING) and adaptive (T-cell) immune responses. The sequential treatment with THIO followed by PD-(L)1 inhibitors resulted in profound and persistent tumor regression in advanced, in vivo cancer models by induction of cancer type–specific immune memory. THIO is presently developed as a second or later line of treatment for NSCLC for patients that have progressed beyond the standard-of-care regimen of existing checkpoint inhibitors.

About THIO-101, a Phase 2 Clinical Trial

THIO-101 is a multicenter, open-label, dose finding Phase 2 clinical trial. It is the first trial designed to evaluate THIO’s anti-tumor activity when followed by PD-(L)1 inhibition. The trial is testing the hypothesis that low doses of THIO administered prior to cemiplimab (Libtayo®) will enhance and prolong immune response in patients with advanced NSCLC who previously did not respond or developed resistance and progressed after first-line treatment regimen containing another checkpoint inhibitor. The trial design has two primary objectives: (1) to evaluate the safety and tolerability of THIO administered as an anticancer compound and a priming immune activator (2) to assess the clinical efficacy of THIO using Overall Response Rate (ORR) as the primary clinical endpoint. Treatment with THIO followed by Regeneron’s cemiplimab (Libtayo®) has been generally well-tolerated to date in a heavily pre-treated population. For more information on this Phase II trial, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov using the identifier NCT05208944.

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. Our 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.

¹ Girard N, et al. J Thorac Onc 2009;12:1544-1549.

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Investor Relations Contact

+1 (872) 270-3518

ir@maiabiotech.com

Source: MAIA Biotechnology

FAQ

What are the key survival updates from MAIA Biotechnology's Phase 2 THIO-101 study for NSCLC?

MAIA Biotechnology reported that 16 patients surpassed 12-month survival follow-up, with a median survival follow-up of 10.6 months in third-line treatment. This surpasses the comparable standard-of-care overall survival of 5.8 months for third-line NSCLC patients.

What are the response rates for THIO 180mg + CPI in third-line NSCLC treatment?

As announced in April 2024, THIO 180mg + CPI in third-line NSCLC treatment showed an overall response rate (ORR) of 38% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 88%.

When will MAIA Biotechnology (MAIA) release full efficacy results of the THIO-101 study?

MAIA Biotechnology expects to release full efficacy results of the THIO-101 study later in 2024.

How does THIO's survival benefit compare to standard-of-care in third-line NSCLC treatment?

THIO's interim median survival follow-up in third-line treatment was 10.6 months, which surpasses the comparable standard-of-care overall survival of 5.8 months for third-line NSCLC patients.