Innate Pharma announced preclinical data demonstrating the potential of IPH6501, its proprietary NK cell engager, for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). In a Phase 1/2 clinical trial, IPH6501, also known as CD20-NKCE-IL2v, enhances NK cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. It has shown activity against various B-NHL cell lines, even those with low CD20 density. In vivo studies using nonhuman primates and mice confirmed its efficacy and revealed its ability to induce peripheral NK cell migration to the tumor site.
IPH6501 demonstrated superior killing efficacy compared to a CD20-targeting T cell engager in preclinical models while exhibiting a reduced toxicity profile compared to typical T cell therapies. The drug’s ability to direct NK cells to tumor sites positions it as a potential breakthrough in immuno-oncology. This data reinforces the ongoing clinical development plan for IPH6501 in Relapsed/Refractory B-NHL.
ANKET® (Antibody-based NK cell Engager Therapeutics), Innate’s proprietary platform, is designed to develop next-generation, multi-specific natural killer (NK) cell engagers for cancer treatment. This technology represents a novel class of molecules designed to stimulate synthetic immunity against cancer.
IPH6501 is the first ANKET® therapeutic to simultaneously engage activating receptors on NK cells (NKp46 and CD16), IL-2R (but not a subunit) through an IL-2 variant, and the CD20 tumor antigen through a single molecule. This mechanism provides NK cells with targeted proliferation and activation signals, boosting their cytotoxic activity against CD20-expressing malignant cells. Preclinical tumor models have shown IPH6501’s superior anti-tumor efficacy compared to approved benchmark antibodies. A Phase 1/2 multicenter trial is currently evaluating the safety and tolerability of IPH6501 in patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory CD20-expressing B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Innate Pharma is a global, clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer. Their innovative approach leverages the innate immune system through three therapeutic avenues: monoclonal antibodies, multi-specific NK Cell Engagers via its ANKET® platform, and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). Innate Pharma’s portfolio includes lacutamab for advanced cutaneous and peripheral T cell lymphomas, monalizumab (developed with AstraZeneca) for non-small cell lung cancer, several ANKET® drug candidates for various tumor types, and IPH4502, a differentiated ADC for solid tumors. The company collaborates with biopharmaceutical companies like Sanofi and AstraZeneca and leading research institutions. Headquartered in Marseille, France, with a US office in Rockville, MD, Innate Pharma is listed on Euronext Paris and Nasdaq.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
