The IMMUNOCON project aims to advance EMT-224, a first-in-class small molecule immune activator, towards clinical readiness to address the urgent need for effective therapies for late-stage solid cancers, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is the third most common cancer globally, with limited treatment options for advanced stages, resulting in poor prognosis and high mortality rates. While immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized management of certain solid cancers, many CRC patients do not respond to treatment due to the immunologically 'cold' nature of these tumors.
EMT-224 represents a potential breakthrough in immunotherapy by converting 'cold' tumors into 'hot' ones, thereby enhancing the efficacy of ICIs. This innovation builds on results from the ERC Proof of Concept project IMMUNOSTIM, where EMT-224 was identified as a potent immune activator capable of breaking cancer immune evasion mechanisms. The IMMUNOCON project will finalize the pre-clinical validation of EMT-224, focusing on its safety and efficacy in in vivo cancer models. This will involve comprehensive lead optimization, followed by preparing for CTA and GMP manufacturing, and a comprehensive commercial roadmap.
The project will also establish a robust business strategy for EMUNO Therapeutics GmbH (EMT), positioning it as a leading early drug discovery company in the immunotherapy field. The goal is to mature EMT to support the clinical development and eventual commercialization of EMT-224, which has strong 'pipeline-in-a-product' potential for a broad range of solid cancers. By the end of the project, EMT-224 will be poised for CTA-enabling studies, marking a significant step towards bringing a novel, effective treatment to patients suffering from late-stage CRC and potentially other cancers.
