Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 or LAG-3 is an immune checkpoint molecule involved in the regulation of the immune system, which was discovered by Professor Frédéric Triebel, M.D., Ph.D., Immutep’s Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Triebel is a pioneer in the advancement of therapeutics related to LAG-3, and Immutep’s diversified product portfolio harnesses this molecule’s unique ability to stimulate or suppress the immune response.
In oncology, eftilagimod alfa is Immutep’s leading clinical candidate. This first-in-class immunotherapy is a soluble LAG-3 protein and MHC Class II agonist designed to uniquely activate the adaptive and innate immune system to fight cancer.
Eftilagimod Alfa
Immature dendritic cell and Efti
Efti unlocks a broad immune response by binding to a subset of MHC II ligands on antigen-presenting cells (e.g., dendritic cells, monocytes) or APCs and activating them. This in turn leads to the expansion and proliferation of CD8+ (cytotoxic) T cells, CD4+ (helper) T cells, dendritic cells, NK cells, and monocytes, as well as key biological molecules like IFN-ƴ and CXCL10 that further boost the immune system’s ability to combat cancer.
Immutep is investigating efti, with its distinctive mechanism of action for APC activation, across numerous solid tumor indications in combination with anti-PD-(L)1 therapies, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. Its favourable safety profile has also enabled efti to be used as part of triple combination approaches including in an ongoing pivotal Phase III trial in first-line non-small cell lung cancer. These combinations aim to capitalize on efti’s ability to safely drive superior outcomes for patients as has been seen across numerous clinical trials to date.
Efti activates the
dendritic cell
In autoimmune diseases, Immutep’s experienced research team under the guidance of Dr. Triebel has designed the world’s first LAG-3 agonist antibody, IMP761, which is mechanistically distinct from any of the known LAG-3 antibodies.
Inhibitory receptor agonists like IMP761 represent a significant opportunity for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Using IMP761 to target the LAG-3 receptor on the surface of activated T cells is expected to generate a strong inhibitory signal delivered directly into these T cells; thereby stopping them from continuing to proliferate and react against a patient’s own tissues. By suppressing self-antigen overactive T cells through LAG-3 inhibitory signaling, IMP761 is uniquely positioned to address the root cause of autoimmune diseases.
With immunotherapies like efti that is distinctly designed as a first-in-class agonist to major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) found on antigen-presenting cells (APC) or IMP761 as an agonist antibody to LAG-3 found on activated T cells, Immutep is harnessing the power of the body’s immune system to fight cancer and autoimmune diseases.
A first-in-class immunotherapy that uniquely activates the immune system to fight cancer.
A first-in-class LAG-3 agonist antibody designed to target the underlying cause of autoimmune disease.
