7 November 2017, Windsor, UK: Macrophage Pharma Limited (‘MPL’) the immuno-oncology research and development company focused on macrophage modulation in the tumour microenvironment (TME), announced today that two abstracts will be presented on its proprietary Esterase Sensitive Motif™ (ESM™) technology and its lead development candidate, MPL-5821, a macrophage targeted p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, at the 32nd Annual Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) conference, held on 10-11 November 2017 at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
- The first poster (P479) entitled “MPL-5821, an ESM™-p38 MAPK Inhibitor, modulates macrophage plasticity leading to enhanced IL-12p70 and IFN, reduced IL-10 and the reversal of macrophage induced T-Cell suppression”[i] describes the preliminary in vitro characterisation of MPL-5821, contrasting it with conventional inhibitors, with reference to its cell type specificity, sparing of myelomonocytic – lymphocyte communication and ability to reverse macrophage driven lymphocyte immunosuppression.
The data presented demonstrates that MPL-5821 modulates the macrophage phenotype to IL-12p70Hi / IL-10Lo and reverses the M2 macrophage suppression of T-cell functionality. The ESM™ cell selectivity differentiates MPL-5821 from non-targeted p38 MAPK inhibitors by its sparing of other immune cells such as lymphocytes. MPL-5821 enables the maintenance of the myelomonocytic/lymphocyte IL-12p70/IFNg axis, key to an effective anti-tumour immune response.
- The second poster (P333), “MPL-5821, an ESM™-p38 MAPK Inhibitor, Enhances Tumor Immune Response and M1 Macrophage Polarization In A 3D Ex Vivo System Utilizing Fresh Tumor Microspheroids Of Lung Cancer Patients,”[ii] evaluates the immunomodulatory effect of MPL-5821 in a 3D ex vivo assay of lung cancer.
The data presented demonstrates that the lung patient derived ex-vivo approach indicates that MPL-5821 may alleviate myelomonocytic cell induced immunosuppression and enhance antigen responsiveness suggesting potential clinical implications in the treatment of lung cancer.
David Moffat, Director of Chemistry at Macrophage Pharma, said: “We are very pleased to present data on our lead programme MPL-5821 at SITC. Results demonstrate that targeted inhibition of p38 MAP kinase in macrophages and dendritic cells is an attractive approach to relieve immunosuppression in the tumour microenvironment and provide validation of Macrophage Pharma’s ESM™ technology platform. We are delighted to be able to share these meaningful findings with the rest of the immunotherapy community, and are actively advancing this programme into clinical studies in 2018.”
A copy of the posters and abstracts can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here
For further information please contact:
Optimum Strategic Communications
Hollie Vile, Mary Clark, Supriya Mathur
email: hollie@optimumcomms.com
Tel: +44 (0) 203 714 1789
About Macrophage Pharma Limited
Macrophage Pharma is an immuno-oncology company focused on the discovery and development of novel therapies designed to enhance anti-tumour immune responses by modulating the tumour microenvironment.
Its proprietary Esterase Motif Technology™ (ESM™) platform is designed to deliver small molecule drugs to tumour associated macrophages in a highly selective manner, activating the body’s natural immune system to fight cancer. The platform has the ability to provide next-generation immunotherapies for a number of different cancers.
Founded by the CRT Pioneer Fund (CPF), the Company recently concluded a Series A financing round, led by CPF and joined by three specialist investors, Aglaia Biomedical Ventures BV, Novo Holdings A/S and Merck Ventures. For more information, please visit the company website: www.macrophagepharma.com
About SITC
The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) is the world’s leading member-driven organization specifically dedicated to professionals working in the field of cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Established in 1984, SITC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a growing constituency of academic, government, industry, clinical and basic scientists, and practitioners from around the world.
Through emphasis on high-caliber scientific meetings; dedication to education and outreach activities; focus on initiatives of major importance in the field; and commitment to collaborations with like-minded domestic and international organizations, government and regulatory agencies, associations and patient advocacy groups, SITC brings together all aspects of the cancer immunology and immunotherapy community.
