Cavatak combines with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Viralytics (ASX:VLA) has presented preclinical data showing improved anticancer activity from its Cavatak candidate when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Cavatak combined with checkpoint inhibitors Ipilimumab or Pembrolizumab produced superior efficacy outcomes in a mouse model for melanoma compared to either agent alone.

Ipilimumab and Pembrolizumab are both monoclonal antibodies from a promising class of cancer immunotherapies. The former inhibits CTLA-4 and the latter inhibits PD-1.

Results from the preclinical research were presented at the 29th annual meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) in the US.

“We are pleased to present further positive data on Cavatak at the premier global cancer immunotherapy conference,” Viralytics CEO Dr Malcolm McColl said.

“We believe these updated results of Cavatak used in combination with the checkpoint inhibitor agents represent a major opportunity for Viralytics to contribute to an exciting new field of cancer treatment.”

Cavatak is a formulation of a common cold virus shown to preferentially infect and attack cancer cells. Viralytics is currently trialling Cavatak in late-stage melanoma and recently presented promising data from the trial.

Viralytics (ASX:VLA) shares were trading 1.72% higher at $0.295 as of around 3 pm on Monday.