Micro-Cap Cancer Focused Candel Therapeutics Highlights Encouraging Data From Brain Tumor Immunotherapy

Thursday, Candel Therapeutics Inc CADL announced the presentation of updated data from an ongoing phase 1b trial of its herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) replication-competent viral immunotherapy candidate, CAN-3110, in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma (rHGG) recurred after standard of care (SoC) treatment. 

A high-grade glioma is a tumor formed in the brain or spinal cord through the abnormal growth of glial cells that surround, protect, and help with the functions of neurons—the cells that help send messages from your brain to the rest of the body.

“We have recently reported encouraging clinical and biomarker activity data observed after a single dose of CAN-3110 in patients with rHGG. We observed a nearly doubling of the expected median overall survival in this therapy-resistant patient population,” said Francesca Barone, Chief Scientific Officer of Candel. 

“…We look forward to sharing additional biomarker and clinical activity data in the second half of this year.”

Over 50 patients have been treated with a single dose of CAN-3110 in the phase 1b clinical trial of CAN-3110 in recurrent high-grade glioma. 

The investigators observed a nearly doubling of the expected median overall survival (mOS) after a single CAN-3110 injection, achieving a mOS of ~12 months, compared to historical reports of less than 6 to 9 months in this therapy-resistant condition. 

Positive HSV-1 serology was a predictor of response and was associated with improved survival (mOS in this population reached 14 months).

In November, Candel Therapeutics released initial interim survival and immunological biomarker data from the ongoing phase 2 trial of CAN-2409 plus valacyclovir (prodrug) together with standard of care (SoC) chemoradiation followed by resection for borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. 

As of December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were $35.4 million. The company expects that its existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund its current operating plan into the fourth quarter of 2024.

Price Action: CADL shares are up 8.86% at $1.72 on the last check Monday.