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Highlights
- INV043 shows no adverse events in Phase I/II NMSC trial
- Treatment highlights diagnostic potential through fluorescence
- Phase II to refine treatment strategy with adjusted dosage
Australian biotech company Invion (ASX:IVX) has shared encouraging early data from its Phase I/II clinical trial for its lead drug candidate, INV043, aimed at treating non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The treatment, tested on the first six patients in Queensland, demonstrated a strong safety profile, with no adverse events reported and no pain observed by clinicians.
The novel photosensitiser INV043 not only showed early signs of effectiveness in shrinking NMSC lesions but also displayed diagnostic potential. After a single treatment cycle, a visible reduction in lesion size was recorded at both 15 and 30 days, reflecting a promising therapeutic response.
One standout feature of INV043 is its ability to make cancerous lesions fluoresce under violet light (405nm). This allows for enhanced visibility of cancerous tissues, making it easier for surgeons to accurately identify and remove affected areas. This diagnostic capability helps reduce the risk of either missing parts of the cancer or unnecessarily removing healthy tissue.
Unlike conventional photodynamic therapies (PDT), INV043 is activated by red light at 660nm to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that destroy cancer cells. The added diagnostic layer through violet light could distinguish INV043 in a market searching for more precise and non-invasive skin cancer solutions.
Following a positive safety review committee (SRC) assessment, Invion has been granted approval to continue the trial into Part 2. This next phase will explore modified dose-light intervals and aims to optimise the treatment protocol further.
The progress of INV043 not only aligns with Invion’s current NMSC trial but also supports upcoming research, including a Phase I/II anogenital cancer trial in collaboration with Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. This future study will investigate INV043 in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1, building on preclinical research from Hudson Institute that suggested enhanced efficacy.
Skin cancer remains one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide, with non-melanoma forms accounting for over 98% of all cases. The global NMSC treatment market is projected to reach US$21.1 billion by 2032, underlining the demand for safe, effective alternatives to surgery, which often results in scarring and permanent skin damage.
Innovative treatments like INV043 are emerging as strong contributors to the health sector within the ASX200 index, offering investors a glimpse into future growth opportunities in healthcare. Companies leading such advancements also add value to long-term ASX dividend stocks, as medical breakthroughs often reflect positively on shareholder confidence.
With INV043 moving into the next trial phase and continuing to show safety and effectiveness, Invion is positioning itself at the forefront of oncology innovation on the ASX.
