IMO-4200 dual agonist increases antitumor activity in lymphoma models: Study

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDRA) today presented data showing that IMO-4200, a dual agonist of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and TLR8, in combination with approved cancer treatments, rituximab or bortezomib, significantly increased antitumor activity in several preclinical lymphoma models. The presentation, entitled "Antitumor Activity of an RNA-Based Agonist of TLR7 and 8 in Preclinical Models of Hematological Malignancies," was made at the 52^nd Annual Meeting of the American Society for Hematology in Orlando, Florida by Idera scientists. In conjunction with the data presentation, Idera announced the selection of this compound as its lead TLR7/TLR8 agonist drug candidate for the treatment of hematological malignancies.

"The preclinical data provide a strong rationale to develop a dual agonist of TLR7 and TLR8 for the treatment of lymphomas, leukemias and other myeloproliferative diseases," said Nicola La Monica, Ph.D., Vice President of Biology of Idera Pharmaceuticals. "We expect IMO-4200 to induce a substantial immune response that may increase the efficacy of currently approved drugs such as rituximab or bortezomib, and potentially other targeted agents."

"Based on the encouraging preclinical data, we have selected IMO-4200 as our lead drug candidate for the treatment of hematological malignancies," said Sudhir Agrawal, D.Phil., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Idera. "We expect to outline a development strategy and timeline for this program during the first half of 2011."

In the studies presented today, IMO-4200 was evaluated in preclinical cell-based assays and in mouse models of lymphoma in combination with approved cancer therapy agents.

• IMO-4200 in combination with rituximab, an anti-CD20 antibody, resulted in:
  • improved antitumor activity
  • greater antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity, the mechanism by which rituximab exerts its effect
  • increased activation of natural killer cells, indicating an improved immune response
  • increased survival compared to treatment with either agent alone
  • enhanced clearance of circulating tumor cells compared to treatment with either agent alone
• IMO-4200 in combination with bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, resulted in:
  • increased survival compared to treatment with either agent alone
  • induction of a pro-apoptotic response and enhanced sensitivity to bortezomib

SOURCE Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.