Insegia, also known as G17DT, is a therapeutic cancer vaccine that has been extensively studied for its effects on cancers of gastrointestinal (GI) origin. The immunotherapeutic stimulates the body to produce antibodies that neutralize the peptide hormone, gastrin. Normally involved in the stimulation of gastric acid secretion for digestion, gastrin is a potent growth factor for GI malignancies, including stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer – two of the most deadly forms of cancer, neither of which have satisfactory treatments.
Two phase III clinical trials of Insegia have been completed in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, and multiple phase II trials have been undertaken in patients with stomach cancer, which have shown promising results.
According to Dr Michael Shepard, Receptor BioLogix’ chief scientific officer, the company is well positioned to further develop Insegia. “Insegia will become the most advanced product in our growing portfolio of growth factor receptor antagonists to treat cancer and other diseases,” he said. “It fits very well with our product development programs, especially because a principal mechanism of gastrin tumor promotion is likely mediated through a member of the EGF receptor family, an area of focus for our company.”
Financial details were not disclosed but the transaction is expected to close within 30 days, subject to certain conditions.