Researchers at Wayne State University School of Medicine have made a significant discovery in the fight against ovarian cancer.
In a study published in Cancer Immunology Research, they showed a new approach that has the potential to restore the body’s immune defenses against ovarian cancer and offer long-lasting protection.
The study utilized a groundbreaking immune-modulating platform called CARG-2020, developed in collaboration with CaroGen Corp.
CARG-2020, described as an onco-immunomodulatory vesicle, has demonstrated the remarkable ability to trigger an in situ vaccination effect, activating both arms of the immune system.
This activation leads to the development of enduring anti-tumor immune memory, which can prevent the recurrence of ovarian cancer in animal models.
The research team, led by Dr. Gil Mor, M.D., Ph.D., the scientific director of the C.S. Mott Center, and Dr. Ayesha Alvero, M.D., M.S., the director of the Ovarian Cancer Program at the C.S. Mott Center, thoroughly assessed the effectiveness of CARG-2020.
Dr. Mor expressed optimism about the findings, stating, “CARG-2020’s ability to modulate both branches of the immune system and restore immune surveillance provides a unique protective mechanism.
It not only eliminates existing tumors but also prevents their return, resulting in a 100% survival benefit over an extended period. These outcomes position CARG-2020 as a promising candidate for further development in human cancer immunotherapy.”
CaroGen Corp is currently finalizing a protocol to advance CARG-2020 into Phase 1 clinical trials for ovarian cancer patients.
This innovative approach holds the potential to outperform existing immunotherapies, which have shown limited effectiveness in treating ovarian cancer patients.
Dr. Ayesha Alvero emphasized the urgency of the research, stating, “Over 13,000 women lose their lives to ovarian cancer in the United States each year, and CARG-2020 could represent a groundbreaking immunotherapy that extends their lives.
The impressive preclinical results of CARG-2020 offer hope for prolonging and saving the lives of ovarian cancer patients.”
Collaborating with investigators from the University of South Florida and CaroGen Corp, a Phase 1 clinical trial is in the works.
Bijan Almassian, Ph.D., CEO of CaroGen, outlined the timeline, saying, “Our aim is to submit an investigational new drug application for CARG-2020 in the second half of 2024 and initiate a Phase 1/1b clinical trial focused on safety and efficacy in ovarian cancer patients at the University of South Florida.”
The effort is led by Dr. Deborah Church, Chief Medical Officer of CaroGen, along with Dr. Mor and Dr.
Thomas Rutherford, Ph.D., M.D., who serves as a professor of obstetrics and the division director of gynecology oncology at the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine.
Dr. Timothy Stemmler, Ph.D., interim vice president for research, praised the collaborative effort, saying, “This research at Wayne State is an excellent example of the important work that our faculty are doing in partnership with corporate partners.
Dr. Mor and his research team are doing critical research that is leading to great advances to improve women’s health and save lives.”
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The research findings can be found in Cancer Immunology Research.
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