AIM ImmunoTech Inc (NYSE:AIM) said data from a study evaluating the direct effects of its flagship drug candidate Ampligen (rintatolimod) on human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells has been accepted for presentation at the upcoming 15th Annual International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (IHPBA) World Congress in New York City.
“We are encouraged by the data demonstrated by Ampligen and its potential to offer beneficial anti-tumor effects in pancreatic cancer patients,” AIM ImmunoTech CEO Thomas Equels said in a statement.
“Importantly, the direct effect of Ampligen on tumor cells and its ability to boost the anti-tumor immune response via TLR-3 present in immune cells provides the validation needed to further evaluate its potential to offer therapeutic effect to pancreatic cancer patients,” he added.
READ: AIM ImmunoTech wins IND clearance from FDA to proceed with Phase 2 study of Ampligen for treating locally advanced pancreatic cancer
For the study, three PDAC cell lines (CFPAC-1, MIAPaCa-2, and PANC-1) were treated with various concentrations of Ampligen and their corresponding vehicle control. The proliferation and migration effects were examined using in-vitro assays and the molecular effect was examined by targeted gene expression profiling, said the company.
The Ocala, Florida-based immuno-pharma company noted that additionally, human PDAC samples were used to “validate the expression of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3) by immunohistochemistry.”
Presenting author Hassana El Haddaoui from the Erasmus University Medical Center said: “TLR-3 signaling has been linked to cancer cell survival and migration. Based on these results, treating pancreatic cancer with Ampligen may have a direct anti-tumor effect in pancreatic cancer cells expressing TLR-3.”
“We look forward to further evaluating Ampligen for the treatment of pancreatic cancer,” he added.
Results from the study demonstrated Ampligen decreased the proliferation and migration ability of CFPAC-1 cells. In addition, it decreased the proliferation of MIAPaCa-2 cells and the migration of PANC-1 cells. However, it did not have a dual effect in MIAPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells.
Interestingly, AIM ImmunoTech noted TLR-3 was highly expressed in CFPAC-1 cells, low expressed in MIAPaCa-2 and not expressed in PANC-1. According to the company, gene expression analysis revealed the “upregulation of interferon-related genes, chemokines, interleukins and cell cycle regulatory genes.” The heterogeneity of TLR-3 expression was confirmed in human PDAC samples, added the firm.
Details of the presentation at the four-day conference starting on March 30, 2022 are as follows:
- Title: Rintatolimod: a potential therapeutic molecule for human pancreatic cancer cells expressing Toll-Like Receptor 3
- Poster number: EP02C-111
- Presentation type: E-Poster Presentation
- Session: 2C- Pancreas Tumours
AIM ImmunoTech is focused on the research and development of therapies to treat multiple types of cancers, immune disorders, and viral diseases, including coronavirus (COVID-19).
Contact the author Uttara Choudhury at uttara@proactiveinvestors.com
Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive