Innovic (ASX:IIQ) has completed a proof-of-concept (POC) study showing that exosomes (small vesicles released by cells) can be “weaponized” to target and kill breast cancer cells.

natural killer

The process involves the genetic manipulation of “natural killer” (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in the body’s immune system.

Exosomes released by NK cells contain a variety of “cytotoxic” (cell-killing) substances. One of INOVIQ’s key innovations is the adaptation of these exosomes to “chimeric antigen receptors” (CARs). These are synthetic proteins that recognize and bind to proteins that are overexpressed by breast cancer cells.

Once bound, exosomes deliver cancer-killing cargo directly to cancer cells, leaving healthy cells behind.

the study

The study focused on aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is known to be resistant to standard treatments. INOVIQ reported that treatment with CAR-NK exosomes killed more than 30% of TNBC cells at the highest dose.

Chief Scientific Officer Professor Gregory Rice said: “The results obtained with this POC are impressive and compare very well with previously published data. Further enhancement of cancer-killing activity is a real possibility. I believe it is achievable.”

next step

INOVIQ will continue to focus on improving the tumoricidal activity of exosomes. This involves pre-stimulating the cells with an activator prior to production.

The company plans to evaluate optimal dosage and efficacy in animal models, with in vivo studies scheduled for late 2025. The program then advances toward investigational new drug (IND)-enabling research.

CEO Dr Liane Hinch commented: “We are excited about these POC results, which demonstrate the potential of our exosome program to provide lifesaving breast cancer treatments for patients.”

INOVIQ stock rose 3.81% to close at $0.54.