Innate Pharma S.A. (IPHA) stock prices were down by a marginal 1.87% as of the market closing on June 16th, 2021, bringing the price per share down to USD$3.9350. After-hours trading saw the stock rally by an impressive 10.55%, bringing it up to USD$4.40.
Disclosure of New Data
The company announced on June 10th, 2021 that it will present the most recent preclinical data from it’s next-gen, proprietary, multi-specific NK cell engager platform, ANKET. The presentation will be held at the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS) meeting, showcasing Antibody-based NK cell Engager Therapeutics.
FOCIS Presentation
The presentation will see IPHA share new data from its tetra-specific ANKET molecule, which is the first NK cell engager technology to engage both NKp46 and CD16, the former of which is a tumor antigen and the latter a cytokine (IL-2 variant) in a single molecule. This newest development makes use of the advantages of harnessing NK cell effector functions against cells affected by cancer. It also facilitates the provision of the proliferation and activation The data set generated is founded on the company’s existing tri-specific NK cell engager technology. This technology has a proven track record of potent NK cell activation, cytotoxicity, and efficient management of tumor growth in preclinical models.
Scope of ANKET
Preclinical studies demonstrated the ability of in vitro tetra-specific ANKET to induce human NK cell proliferation, cytokine production, and cytolytic activity against cancer cells expressing the targeted antigen. Tetra-specific ANKET was also reported to have demonstrated in vivo anti-tumor efficacy in several tumor models, which allows for the regression of exiting tumors. Control of metastasis is also facilitated, with its associations with increased NK cell infiltration, and cytokine and chemokine production at the tumor site. The treatment also exhibited the pharmacodynamic effect, low systemic cytokine release, and a manageable safety profile in non-human primates.
IPH6101
The company’s leading ANKET asset is IPH6101, which has exhibited anti-tumor activity in preclinical models, including, but not limited to, facilitating pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamic and safety data in preliminary non-human primate studies. January 2021 saw the progression of the program into IND-enabling studies, with a recently announced research collaboration facilitating a second research program.
Future Outlook for IPHA
Armed with the development of their proprietary ANKET NK cell engager platform, IPHA is poised to continue its trajectory of success. The company is keen to continue working towards the commercialization and proliferation of their technology to usher in further gains. Current and potential investors are hopeful that management will continue to leverage the resources at their disposal to facilitate significant and sustained increases in shareholder value.
