Investing.com -- Shares of Immuneering Corporation (NASDAQ:IMRX) surged 55% following the release of encouraging data from its ongoing Phase 2a trial of IMM-1-104, a therapy for pancreatic cancer. The Cambridge-based clinical-stage oncology company reported favorable response rates and disease control in the trial, as well as plans to expand the study to include additional combination arms.
As of December 5, 2024, the combination of IMM-1-104 with modified gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel showed an overall response rate (ORR) of 43% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 86% in first-line pancreatic cancer patients. These figures represent a significant improvement over the benchmark ORR of 23% and DCR of 48% from the Phase 3 MPACT study for gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel alone. Immuneering's CEO, Ben Zeskind, Ph.D., expressed optimism regarding the potential for a pivotal clinical trial based on these results.
The company also disclosed initial data from IMM-1-104 in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX (mFFX) in first-line pancreatic cancer patients, where all evaluable patients experienced target lesion shrinkage, including one patient with a complete 100% reduction. Additionally, in the monotherapy arm for second-line pancreatic cancer, IMM-1-104 demonstrated a 67% reduction in target lesions, further supporting its development in first-line combinations.
Immuneering's announcement was bolstered by the recognition of IMM-1-104's differentiated tolerability profile, which is expected to be better tolerated than current approved MEK inhibitors. The company plans to initiate three new Phase 2a combination arms in 2025 and has received Fast Track designation from the FDA for the treatment of first- and second-line pancreatic cancer, as well as for unresectable or metastatic NRAS-mutant melanoma.
Tanios Bekaii-Saab, M.D., from the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, commented on the Phase 2a data, noting the potential for IMM-1-104 to provide improved efficacy and tolerability in the first-line pancreatic cancer setting and its promise for different types of cancer due to its well-tolerated nature.
Investors are also anticipating further IMM-1-104 Phase 2a data in the second quarter of 2025, with additional trials planned for melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The positive trial updates and the company's strategic plans for expanding the study have contributed to the significant uptick in Immuneering's stock price.
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