As per the agreement, the Hutchinson Center is expected to perform exploratory studies on Homspera, specifically focusing on the area of cancer immunotherapy. The Center expects to raise approximately $30m within the next 3-4 years to support immunotherapy research projects, and has recently announced a gift of approximately one-third of that amount.
Recent studies have found Homspera to be effective in enhancing the efficacy of a novel cancer vaccine, and previous studies have revealed anti-tumor effects. These experiments taking place at the Hutchinson Center are designed to expand on the previous research, which has identified a critical role for Homspera in directing the immune system towards fighting cancers where conventional therapies are ineffective.
The company said that the work will evaluate the effect of Homspera exposure on patients’ own cancer-specific cytotoxic T-cell stimulation. While these initial studies will evaluate melanoma immunotherapy, this model also has clinical relevance for a wide-range of cancer types.
Hal Siegel, chief scientific officer at ImmuneRegen, said: “We are excited to be pursuing this relationship, which offers ImmuneRegen the opportunity to have Homspera further evaluated in the area of melanoma by a group with enormous proven expertise. Additionally, following successful findings, we would be situated perfectly to leverage our relationship with research and clinical experts at this Cancer Research Center who have experience in developing therapies that translate to real world cancer treatments. This could lead to a more rapid developmental path for Homspera as well.”