The Science behind IMM-101

IMM-101 is a systemic, broad-spectrum immunomodulator containing heat-killed, whole cell Mycobacterium obuense, that has shown promise as an effective and safe approach to enhance the anti-tumour response.

Following its administration via intradermal injection, IMM-101 targets cells of the innate immune system, such as dendritic cells, γδ T-cells, NK cells, and induces a broad systemic innate and adaptive type 1 immune response. This results in a potent anti-tumour response that has proven effective across a range of difficult-to-treat cancers, including those that may be considered immunologically ‘cold’ such as pancreatic cancer.

The mode of action of IMM-101 also positions it as an ideal backbone therapy due to its potential to enhance the efficacy of established anti-cancer regimens, including conventional cytotoxics as well as targeted immune-therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors, across a broad range of cancer indications without added toxicity.

IMM-101 induces a robust local and systemic type 1 immune response in pre-clinical models. Pre-clinical data suggest that IMM-101 engages TLR2 and increases the ability of dendritic cells to activate CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (involved in cancer cell recognition and co-ordination of the antitumor response). Existing data indicate that toll-like receptors (TLRs), key modulators of innate immunity, are strongly involved in the pathophysiology and development of PDAC.