Immuneering Reports Promising Phase 2a Results for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Immuneering Corporation has announced encouraging results from its phase 2a trial of atebimetinib, a MEK inhibitor, in first-line pancreatic cancer patients. The study, which combined atebimetinib with a modified chemotherapy regimen, showed a significant improvement in overall survival and progression-free survival compared to historical data.

Impressive Survival Rates

The trial, involving 34 patients, demonstrated a 94% overall survival rate at six months, surpassing the 67% rate observed in a 2013 study using standard chemotherapy. Progression-free survival at six months was 72%, compared to 44% in the historical control. Notably, the median overall survival and progression-free survival had not yet been reached at the time of data cutoff.

CEO Ben Zeskind expressed optimism about the durability of these results, stating, "The vast majority of tumors are continuing to shrink. This is not, we believe, the picture of a group of patients that are about to have, frankly, either progression events or ultimately survival events."

Tolerability Profile

Immuneering is positioning atebimetinib as a more tolerable option within the MAP kinase pathway inhibitor class. The company's presentation highlighted lower rates of certain adverse events compared to other pancreatic cancer pivotal trials, particularly in terms of rashes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Only one patient experienced grade 3 or worse vomiting, with no cases of severe diarrhea or nausea reported.

Market Reaction and Future Plans

Despite the positive data, Immuneering's stock opened down 6% at $2.22 following the announcement. The company, which has a market cap below $100 million, reported cash reserves of $35.9 million as of March, expected to fund operations into next year.

Immuneering is now planning a pivotal trial to support accelerated approval of atebimetinib. The company believes that if the current results are maintained, atebimetinib could potentially lead the first-line treatment space for pancreatic cancer, with tolerability becoming a key differentiator among effective therapies.