#China #Shanghai #CAR-T therapy #Immunofoco #IMV102

Immunofoco Highlights Preclinical Advances for IMV102 at AACR 2026

Immunofoco, a pioneering cell therapy company, made waves at the AACR 2026 Annual Meeting by unveiling new preclinical data for its in vivo BCMA-targeting CAR-T candidate, IMV102. This innovative therapy has demonstrated the ability to achieve effective and long-lasting tumor control in various models of multiple myeloma. This breakthrough underlines the therapy's potential to overcome some of the key shortcomings associated with traditional CAR-T therapies.

Addressing Challenges in CAR-T Therapy

The success story of autologous CAR-T therapies in treating hematologic malignancies is marred by challenges such as complex manufacturing processes and exorbitant costs that hinder widespread use. Immunofoco has developed a groundbreaking solution through its iMAGIC platform. This advanced lentiviral vector-based in vivo CAR-T system comprises a bespoke mutated MxV glycoprotein (MxV-G-mut) and a T cell targeting module (TCM3). This cutting-edge system is designed to enable specific targeting and transduction of T cells directly in the body.

IMV102: A Promising In Vivo CAR-T Candidate

Taking advantage of the iMAGIC technology, Immunofoco is advancing its in vivo CAR-T candidate, IMV102. This therapy has shown remarkable specificity and efficacy in preclinical studies revolving around multiple myeloma. In vitro analyses revealed that IMV102 effectively transduced T cells with impressive selectivity, succeeding in delivering genes to Jurkat T-cell lines while showing minimal interaction with non-target cells such as hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. This indicates a promising level of targeting specificity.

Furthermore, the CAR-T cells derived from IMV102 showcased robust cytotoxic capabilities against NCI-H929 multiple myeloma cells, with a noteworthy increase in IFN-γ production. Such performances indicate a strong immune response against tumor cells, paving the way for advanced clinical applications.

In Vivo Results Highlighting Efficacy

The in vivo results for IMV102 have been equally impressive, demonstrating the capacity to generate CAR-T cells that effectively inhibit tumor growth in two multiple myeloma xenograft models (H929-Luc and MM.1S-Luc) involving human PBMC-reconstituted mice. These studies indicated a substantial reduction in tumor burden while maintaining stable body weight throughout the trials, with no significant safety issues arising. The expansion of CAR-T cells and levels of plasma IFN-γ remained within acceptable ranges, suggesting that the therapy balances immune efficacy and safety effectively.

Dr. Minmin Sun, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Immunofoco, expressed confidence in the company’s innovative dual-engine strategy. He emphasized how the integration of ex vivo and in vivo CAR-T approaches has further validated IMV102's potential in transforming treatment paradigms. Dr. Sun believes that the in vivo CAR-T model will shift the focus from highly personalized treatments to scalable and accessible cell therapies.

Looking Ahead

As Immunofoco plans to advance IMV102 into clinical development, their ambition extends beyond multiple myeloma as they aim to explore the application's efficacy across other oncological and autoimmune challenges.

Founded in 2020, Immunofoco is dedicated to providing accessible treatments that promise long-term survival benefits for patients battling cancer and autoimmune disorders. Besides IMV102, their prominent program, IMC002 (a CLDN18.2 CAR-T), is currently undergoing a pivotal Phase III trial in China, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation in cell therapies.

To learn more about Immunofoco's initiatives and technological advancements, you can visit their website at www.immunofoco.com.

Conclusion

The presentation of IMV102 at AACR 2026 not only highlights Immunofoco's innovative endeavors but also marks a significant step toward enhancing CAR-T therapy’s landscape. As research progresses, the bridge between advanced cell therapies and real-world application seems promising, potentially changing the narrative for patients of multiple myeloma and beyond.