The patent protects Targovax’ mutant-RAS specific neoantigen peptides, mutant RAS specific T cells and vaccines TG01 and TG02, for the treatment of cancer in combination with chemotherapies.

“We are delighted that this European patent has been granted, further strengthening Targovax’ intellectual property portfolio covering the very important mutant-RAS neoantigen and mutant-RAS specific T cells. The oncology market is ever expanding, with the immuno-oncology segment expected to see the largest growth in the coming years. Securing this patent protects our innovative mutant-RAS specific cancer immunotherapy platform and strengthens our market position for treatment of RAS-mutated cancers,” said Jon Amund Eriksen, special advisor and Co-founder of Targovax.

Targovax’ mutant-RAS neoantigen vaccine platform is designed to treat patients with tumors harboring RAS mutations. Mutations in the RAS genes are a driving cause of cancer development and progression and is linked to poor prognosis. By inducing an anti-mutant-RAS specific immune response, TG01 and TG02 have the potential to delay disease progression and increase survival, with a favorable safety profile compared to chemotherapy and many other treatment options.

Phase I/II

In the recently completed Phase I/II clinical trial TG01-01 in resected pancreatic cancer with TG01 treatment in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine, immune response was seen in 94% (30/32) of patients. The median survival was 33.4 months in the first cohort of 19 patients and median survival of the second cohort of 13 is not yet reached. The median disease-free survival was 13.9 months in the first cohort and 19.5 months in the second cohort, comparing favorably with historical controls of patients treated with gemcitabine alone.