News Summary
Portage Biotech Inc. reveals promising data on PORT-7, a new treatment for mesothelioma at the AACR Annual Meeting, leading to clinical trial preparations.
Exciting Breakthroughs in Mesothelioma Treatment
Portage Biotech Inc. is making headlines with their latest advancements against mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer notoriously known for its limited treatment options. At the AACR Annual Meeting held in Chicago on April 28, 2025, the company unveiled promising preclinical efficacy data for their groundbreaking selective adenosine A2B receptor inhibitor, PORT-7.
PORT-7 Shatters Previous Benchmarks
In a significant milestone, data revealed that PORT-7 has outperformed the conventional anti-PD1 antibody as a standalone treatment in murine models of mesothelioma. The news is particularly thrilling given mesothelioma’s reputation as a tough-to-tackle malignancy, emphasizing the pressing need for innovative therapeutic strategies.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! When PORT-7 was combined with anti-PD1 therapy, the results showcased even greater effectiveness than either treatment used independently. The groundbreaking combination therapy led to the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures and a noticeable increase in immune effector cells. These findings indicate a robust immune response, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against this lethal disease.
Bridging to Clinical Trials
As a result of these promising findings, Portage Biotech is gearing up to launch its first-in-human clinical trial for PORT-7. This initiative is not just a step forward for the company but also a beacon of hope for patients facing the dire prognosis that mesothelioma often entails. Such clinical trials are essential for determining the efficacy and safety of new treatments before they become widely available.
In tandem with the excitement surrounding PORT-7, the company is also advancing dose escalation for PORT-6, another revolutionary A2A adenosine receptor inhibitor. Both compounds will be studied together in the ongoing ADPORT-601 trial, marking a historic moment in cancer treatment as this will be the first time selective A2A and A2B antagonists are combined for patient treatment.
Targeting Tumor Microenvironment
The innovative approach aims to achieve a comprehensive blockade of adenosine-induced immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment—a key challenge in solid tumor therapies. By leveraging the synergistic effects of both PORT-6 and PORT-7, Portage Biotech is positioned to potentially enhance the overall efficacy of immunotherapy, arming patients with a more effective arsenal against mesothelioma.
New Horizons at the European Lung Cancer Congress
At the recent 2025 European Lung Cancer Congress, further preclinical data for PORT-7 was unveiled, illustrating that its combination with anti-PD1 achieved an astounding >90% inhibition of tumor growth in murine models. Moreover, immunohistochemistry results revealed a significant infiltration of CD3 and CD45 positive immune effector cells in the tumors treated with PORT-7. Such findings denote the first reported antitumor activity against mesothelioma using a selective A2B receptor inhibitor.
Strategic Collaborations and Stock Market Surge
In a noteworthy development, a strategic agreement has been reached between Portage and Immunova LLC to negotiate a definitive option for Immunova to acquire Portage’s subsidiary, iOx Therapeutics, Ltd.. This subsidiary focuses on developing liposomal iNKT agonists, showcasing promising early clinical results with its lead candidate, PORT-2.
The market responded positively to these advancements, with Portage Biotech’s stock soaring by 102.93%, climbing to $9.60 at the time this news broke. Investors and stakeholders are buoyed by the company’s commitment to innovate and advance significant changes for patients grappling with mesothelioma.
A Glimmer of Hope
As Portage Biotech moves forward with clinical trials and further research, the medical community is filled with anticipation regarding the potential efficacy of PORT-7 and the future of mesothelioma treatments. With each breakthrough, there emerges a glimmer of hope in a battle that has long needed new frontiers in therapeutic solutions.
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