Immune-Onc Therapeutics recently received clearance from the FDA to begin trials of IO-202, a treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This news comes after the cancer immunotherapy company filed an Investigational New Drug application. The Phase 1 trial will begin soon, hopefully demonstrating positive results and offering a new treatment option for those with AML.
About Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
AML is a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. In those affected, the bone marrow makes abnormal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. These malignant cells then overpower healthy cells. This occurs due to damaged DNA in bone marrow cells, but medical professionals are unsure as to what causes this damage. While the exact cause is unknown, symptoms have been identified as easy bruising, frequent infections, bone pain, fever, fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and unusual bleeding. After noticing the characteristic symptoms, doctors will obtain a diagnosis through blood tests, spinal taps, and bone marrow tests. Treatment then comes in two stages: remission induction therapy and consolidation therapy.
About IO-202
IO-202 is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the signaling of an immune inhibitory receptor called leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 (LILRB4). It is very specific in its targeting and has a high binding affinity. Preclinical data has shown that IO-202 has the ability to activate T cells to kill malignant cancer cells.
Further Studies
The FDA’s approval of Immune-Onc’s IND application means that human trials may now begin. A Phase 1 trial is planned, and it will investigate dose escalation with the goal of finding the correct dosage. After this information is discovered, AML patients will be enrolled to study the efficacy of IO-202. It will first be studied as a monotherapy, but researchers believe that it may be useful when administered in combination with other treatments as well.
Immune-Onc is very excited by these recent developments and hopes that their treatment will be able to better the lives of those with acute myeloid leukemia.
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