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TuHURA Biosciences: Pioneering New Frontiers in Cancer Immunotherapy

Introduction
In a remarkable development within cancer treatment, TuHURA Biosciences has revealed critical insights on the Delta Opioid Receptor (DOR) at the upcoming 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. This research signifies a potential paradigm shift in targeting the immunosuppressive mechanisms that hinder cancer immunotherapy effectiveness.

Key Research Highlights
This presentation marks the first time DOR expression has been confirmed in tumor-associated myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). TuHURA’s findings indicate that inhibiting the DOR can effectively reprogram these cells, which are known to dampen the body’s immune responses against tumors. Additionally, the research delineates the role of DOR in modulating tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), shedding light on its significance in shaping the tumor microenvironment. With these advancements, TuHURA aims to combat the prevalent issue of acquired resistance to cancer treatments.

Dr. James Bianco, President and CEO of TuHURA Biosciences, emphasized the importance of DOR inhibition, noting, "Our research has unveiled that DOR activation is significantly tied to the manipulation of immune suppressive characteristics inherent to MDSCs and TAMs. This discovery opens a new avenue for creating potent pharmacological interventions to enhance cancer immunotherapy."

Presentation Details

• - Oral Presentation:

- Title: Delta Opioid Receptor (DOR) Expression on Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) Represents a Novel Target to Overcome Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs)
- Presenter: Mike Turner, Ph.D., Vice President Immunology
- Date & Time: December 7, 2025, from 5:15 – 5:30 PM ET
- Location: W314 – OCC

• - Poster Presentation:

- Title: Delta Opioid Receptor (DOR) A Novel Target for Reprogramming Tumor-Associated Macrophage (TAM) Immunosuppressive Phenotype to Overcome Acquired Resistance and Enhance the Effectiveness of Cancer Immunotherapies
- Presenter: Krit Ritthipichai, D.V.M., Ph.D., Director of Immunology, TuHURA Biosciences
- Date & Time: December 6, 2025, from 5:30 – 7:30 PM ET
- Location: West Halls B3-B4 – OCCC

Additionally, collaborators from the Moffitt Cancer Center will display a poster detailing the pathogenic role of DOR-expressing MDSCs in patients suffering from myeloid dysplastic syndrome (MDS), correlating with the need for further clinical investigations into DOR antagonism.

Conclusion
TuHURA’s research enriches our understanding of immunosuppressive mechanisms in cancer and underscores the importance of DOR as a strategic target. By linking the inhibition of DOR to their proprietary therapeutics, TuHURA envisions creating a first-in-class solution that may redefine therapeutic approaches to cancer treatment.

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