A research team from immuno-oncology focused biotechnology company, BriaCell Therapeutics, has published a paper shedding light on the potentially unique mechanism of action of the company’s lead product candidate, Bria-IMT, at shrinking tumours.
Breast cancer
The paper, published in the journal of Frontiers in Immunology, focuses on the mechanism of action of Bria-IMT — also referred to as SV-BR-1-GM — which may go some way to explaining the early clinical data showing its ability to shrink tumours in some patients with metastatic breast cancer.
As part of the paper, the researchers summarise a body of evidence that suggests immune-stimulating actions of SV-BR-1-GM, which they believe are unique to Bria-IMT, compared with similar approaches.
Bria-IMT is derived from a specific breast cancer cell line and is genetically engineered to release granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a substance that activates the immune system. It is thought to help the body recognise and kill tumour cells by activating both T cells that directly attack tumour cells, and, potentially, B cells that produce anti-tumour antibodies.
“The publication of BriaCell’s findings in such a prestigious peer-reviewed journal further validates our hypothesis that Bria-IMT’s unique mechanism of action may be associated with a substantial tumour reduction in patients who match HLA Class II molecules with Bria-IMT,” stated Dr Williams, BriaCell’s president & CEO and one of the paper’s multiple authors. “The findings outlined in this publication are the cornerstones of our pipeline of cell-based cancer therapeutics, referred to as Bria-OTS, our off-the-shelf personalised immunotherapy for advanced breast cancer. This strategy will allow us to match/cover over 90% of the patients with advanced breast cancer as we work tirelessly to improve patient outcomes in the fight with this deadly disease.”
The company is currently conducting a Phase I/IIa clinical trial of Bria-IMT in patients with advanced breast cancer. In this trial, to date, Bria-IMT treatment has been safe with instances of tumour reduction observed.