Who We Are
ImmunoGenesis is an immuno-oncology biopharmaceutical company re-envisioning “cold” tumor treatment. Our deliberate drug development strategy is based in the pathology of cold tumors. We are crafting sophisticated, science-driven immune therapies to transform cold tumors into hot tumors by targeting key mechanisms of immune resistance.
One method we utilize is the reversal of hypoxia. Hypoxia (low oxygen) is a major immunosuppressive barrier in prostate, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers. Hypoxia leads to immune resistance, because T cells cannot travel to hypoxic regions. IMGS-101 (evofosfamide) reverses tumor hypoxia. This allows T cells to resume trafficking to the tumor, thereby facilitating the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors.
Our approach could unlock the full potential of immunotherapy for the millions of patients who present with cold tumors.
Imagine treatment efficacy in cold tumors
Dr. Michael Curran founded ImmunoGenesis in 2019 around a unique PD-1 pathway—blocking antibody: IMGS-001, a dual-specific PD-L1/PD-L2 inhibitor and the first antibody known to target PD-L2. This strategy was born of recognizing PD-L2 as a critical regulator of human T-cell immunity, with more tumor-selective expression than PD-L1. Targeting both PD-L1 and PD-L2 facilitates efficacy in cold tumors.
Developing revolutionary ideas in medicine requires sophisticated tools and resources. ImmunoGenesis has found its perfect launchpad in JLABS @ TMC, a “biotech incubator space” in Houston that provides state-of-the-art equipment and an atmosphere of innovation.
Meet the team
Millions without effective treatments
The foundation of modern immuno-oncology treatment is PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibition. And for patients with “hot” tumors (those that are “T-cell inflamed,” meaning they contain many T cells), PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibition offer moderate to high frequency of response and chance for a cure.
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Unmet needUnfortunately, the majority of people with cancer have tumors that are considered “cold” (those with few activated T cells or with other immune resistance mechanisms). For this group, PD-1 blockade benefits less than 5% of patients. Even across the hot and “warm” cancers, response rate to PD-1 blockade is less than 25%. In the United States, approximately 1.8 million cases of cancer are diagnosed every year. And in 2018, there were an estimated 16,353,421 people in the United States living with cancer. |
Market Position
Rethinking immunotherapy and well-positioned for growth
We are positioned to thrive. We have a secure manufacturability profile, a highly defensible IP position, and multiple products currently in clinical trials. Cautious estimates hint at a market greater than $50 billion.
And we’re just getting started. Are you ready to help us redefine the cold-tumor treatment landscape?
