Invion (ASX:IVX) scales heights in cancer and infectious disease research in 2022 - Kalkine Media

Highlights

• Invion witnessed successful research outcomes in 2022, laying the groundwork for an exciting 2023
• The combination therapy of the company’s lead candidate INV043 with ICI therapy resulted in a nearly 65% reduction in tumour size in mice compared to standalone ICI therapy
• Photoactivated INV043 was found to be effective against six SCC cell lines that cover the spectrum found in anal cancers
• Invion made major progress in the research of infectious diseases caused by the Dengue virus, the Zika virus, SARS-COV-2, and antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

The year 2022 was full of research-driven successful outcomes for Australian life sciences company Invion Limited (ASX: IVX), which remained at the forefront of developing Photosoft^TM Technology.

The next-generation photodynamic therapy (PDT), Photosoft^TM, is being studied for cancer and infectious disease treatment. The RMW Cho Group funds Invion’s research and clinical trials for Photosoft™ technology through an R&D services agreement. RMW is the technology licensor.

Data source: IVX PPT, 27 October 2022

Invion is advancing research work in partnership with various world-class institutions, including the Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The company’s lead cancer drug candidate is INV043.

Thanks to the company’s ongoing efforts, Invion this year tasted success with its research work focused on cancer and infectious diseases by deploying Photosoft^TM Technology. 

INV043 improved effectiveness of ICI

Invion’s research partner, the Hudson Institute, carried out a third proof-of-concept study in which INV043 demonstrated an effective combination approach with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Compared to standalone ICI therapy, the combination therapy resulted in a nearly 65% reduction in tumour size in mice.

This development could potentially pave the way for Invion to strike a deal with a global pharmaceutical group that might be looking for a way to extend their patent on their ICI drug.

Referring to data from Allied Market Research, Invion highlights that the global ICI market is projected to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.8% to US$141 billion by 2030.

International patent for Photosoft^TM

In June, Invion announced that an International Patent Application was published that included the lead compound INV043. Subject to approval, the new patent would expand global intellectual property (IP) protection for Photosoft^TM technology for the next two decades. The original patents will expire in 2033.

The company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Thian Chew, had stated that the international patent application would put Invion in a stronger position to commercialise INV043 as a standalone treatment. Moreover, the development would also open partnership opportunities via combination therapy applications.

INV043 effective against anal cancer SCC

INV043 proved its efficacy against anal cancer in an in vitro study carried out by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The study results demonstrated that photoactivated INV043 was effective against the six SCC cell lines that cover the spectrum found in anal cancers.

Data source: IVX update, 15 September 2022

Photosoft^TM shows activity against various infectious diseases

In 2022, Invion achieved significant progress in its study of infectious diseases. The tests form part of testing being conducted by Invion on infectious diseases using Photosoft^TM technology.  

Superbugs - Photosoft^TM demonstrated broad spectrum potential against several types of pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant superbugs, which are listed by the World Health Organization as one of the top 10 threats to humanity. The Australian Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology (ACARE) at the University of Adelaide, conducted the tests.

The company says the in vitro tests indicated potential for Photosoft^TM as a new treatment class for polymicrobial infections and/or where pathogens cannot develop drug resistance.

SAR-CoV-2

© 2022 Kalkine Media®, Data source: Company update, Image source: © BiancoBlue | Megapixl.com

Zika virus - Upon exposure to specific light wavelengths, selected Photosoft^TM compounds demonstrated more than 99% antiviral activity against the Zika virus. The level of cytotoxicity was also low. To date, there is no treatment available for Zika virus infection or its associated diseases. Its treatment market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% by 2027 (Market data forecast).

Dengue virus - In vitro studies of Photosoft^TM demonstrated positive screening results against the Dengue virus. Eight out of the 10 compounds in the test demonstrated antiviral activity after being exposed to a specific light wavelength (660nm). Those eight compounds also had enhanced Therapeutic Index (TI) values compared to Monensin. Monensin is an antibiotic with known activity against the Dengue virus and was used as a control in the study.  

Invion highlights its multiple growth options, including partnership opportunities, multiple indications, and large addressable markets.

With strong in vitro and in vivo results demonstrating both safety and efficacy profiles across multiple cancer types, the next step will be to conduct clinical trials in multiple indications, says Invion. The ASX-listed company believes that its 2022 work has laid the groundwork for an exciting 2023.

IVX shares were trading at AU$0.009 in the early hours of 5 January 2023.