Immorta Bio announced the publication of a pre-clinical study in the Journal of Translational Medicine demonstrating that its novel immunotherapy, SenoVax, dramatically reduces multiple types of solid tumours in murine models. Earlier this year, Immorta Bio filed IND #30745 with the FDA for the first-in-human trial in advanced lung cancer.

The paper, titled "Reduction of Solid Tumours by Senescent Cell Immunisation," was authored in collaboration with researchers from the University of Miami, Cedars-Sinai, UC San Diego, the Institute for Human Optimisation, George Washington University and Translational and Advanced Biosciences.

SenoVax, a personalised autologous immunotherapy that trains the immune system to attack senescent cells, achieved tumour shrinkage across lung, glioblastoma (brain), pancreatic and breast cancers.

Senescent cells, which accumulate with age and chronic stress, are increasingly implicated in creating an immune-suppressive, pro-tumour microenvironment. By targeting antigens expressed on these cells, SenoVax appears to reprogramme the tumour microenvironment, turning immunologically "cold" tumours "hot" by boosting CD8? T-cell infiltration and reducing immune-suppressive cell populations.

The study demonstrated tumour growth inhibition and prolonged survival in both orthotopic and syngeneic models. Treatment with SenoVax led to robust CD8? T-cell infiltration alongside a marked reduction in immune-suppressive cell populations within tumours. The therapy also showed strong anti-tumour activity both as a standalone treatment and in combination with other modalities.

"These data provide compelling proof-of-concept that immunising against senescent cells represents an entirely new therapeutic modality in oncology. We have already filed IND #30745 with the FDA for a first-in-human trial in advanced lung cancer and are completing the GMP manufacturing required to begin the study," said Dr Thomas Ichim, President and Chief Scientific Officer, Immorta Bio and lead author of the study.

Dr Gilberto Lopes, Chief of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (University of Miami) and study co-author, commented, "Many deadly solid tumours remain resistant to current immunotherapies because they are immunologically 'cold.' Converting the tumour microenvironment into a more inflamed, T-cell-friendly state by eliminating senescent cells could dramatically broaden the reach of checkpoint inhibitors and other immune therapies."

Dr Boris Reznik, Chairman and CEO, Immorta Bio and senior author, added, "This publication lays a strong translational foundation for bringing senescent-cell-targeted therapies into the clinic, not only for cancer, but potentially for the many age-related diseases driven by pathologic cellular senescence."

The publication describes pre-clinical experiments in validated murine models demonstrating that immunisation with SenoVax—a personalised, autologous immunotherapy designed to elicit immune responses against senescent cells—was associated with reduced tumour burden in lung, brain, pancreatic, and breast cancer settings. Senescent cells are increasingly recognised as contributors to tumour progression, immune evasion and chronic inflammation. The work builds on prior evidence that removing senescent cells can modify the tumour microenvironment and may enhance anti-tumour immunity.