A DNA vaccine targeting a specific cancer marker
Cancer cells produce an enzyme which is key to their unlimited proliferation, but is nearly never expressed in normal cells. This enzyme is the telomerase.
IVS-2001 is a human telomerase DNA-based anti-cancer vaccine. It aims at mobilizing the immune system against the human telomerase complex (named hTERT), which is overexpressed in 90% of human tumors, but is virtually absent from normal cells.
The vaccine’s effect is twofold. First, it activates the CD8+ Cytotoxic T cells, also called killer T Cells, which are capable of killing cancer cells. Second, it also turns on CD4+ T helper cells, which regulate the immune response and stimulate the cytotoxic T cells.
IVS-2001 completed its Phase I trial in various advanced cancer indications in June 2018, demonstrating satisfying safety and immune responses.
Invectys Inc. is using the needle-free injection system (NFIS) Tropis to reduce patient discomfort.
In addition to its development, Invectys is working on combining IVS-2001 and other anti-cancer therapies. IVS-2001 could significantly increase the efficiency of other anti-cancer products, particularly Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.
Below is additional information on IVS-2001:
IVS-2001 Mechanism of Action
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IVS-2001 Phase I clinical information
IVS-2001 completed a Phase I trial in various cancers in June 2018.
I – Study Design
26 patients with various cancer indications, divided into cohorts of increasing dosage, with each group receiving at least 3 cycles of immunotherapy.
Objectives were to assess toxicity, tolerance, safety and immune responses; as well as efficiency and immune response duration.
II – Study Results
Preliminary results were presented in posters at ESMO 2018, ASCO 2019 and CICON 2019.
Full results were published in an article titled « A First-in-Human Phase I Study of INVAC-1, an Optimized Human Telomerase DNA Vaccine in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors » in Clinical Cancer Research.
A glossary is available for technical definitions.
