Controlling immunity with small molecules for a better therapy

The IMMUNOCON project aims to advance EMT-224, an immune activator, towards clinical trials to improve treatment options for late-stage colorectal cancer by converting 'cold' tumors into 'hot' ones.

Subsidie
€ 2.484.700
2025

Projectdetails

Introduction

The IMMUNOCON project aims to advance EMT-224, a first-in-class small molecule immune activator, towards clinical readiness to address the urgent need for effective therapies for late-stage solid cancers, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is the third most common cancer globally, with limited treatment options for advanced stages, resulting in poor prognosis and high mortality rates.

Current Challenges

While immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have revolutionized the management of certain solid cancers, many CRC patients do not respond to treatment due to the immunologically 'cold' nature of these tumours.

Potential Breakthrough

EMT-224 represents a potential breakthrough in immunotherapy by converting 'cold' tumours into 'hot' ones, thereby enhancing the efficacy of ICIs. This innovation builds on results from the ERC Proof of Concept project IMMUNOSTIM, where EMT-224 was identified as a potent immune activator capable of breaking cancer immune evasion mechanisms.

Project Goals

The IMMUNOCON project will finalize the pre-clinical validation of EMT-224, focusing on its safety and efficacy in in vivo cancer models. This will involve:

  1. CTA-enabling studies
  2. GMP manufacturing preparations
  3. A comprehensive commercial roadmap

Business Strategy

The project will also establish a robust business strategy for EMUNO Therapeutics GmbH (EMT), positioning it as a leading early drug discovery company in the immunotherapy field.

Future Outlook

The goal is to mature EMT to support the clinical development and eventual commercialization of EMT-224, which has strong 'pipeline-in-a-product' potential for a broad range of solid cancers. By the end of the project, EMT-224 will be poised for Phase 1 clinical trials, marking a significant step towards bringing a novel, effective treatment to patients suffering from late-stage CRC and potentially other cancers.

Financiële details & Tijdlijn

Financiële details

Subsidiebedrag€ 2.484.700
Totale projectbegroting€ 2.484.700

Tijdlijn

Startdatum1-4-2025
Einddatum31-3-2027
Subsidiejaar2025

Partners & Locaties

Projectpartners

  • EMUNO THERAPEUTICS GMBHpenvoerder

Land(en)

Germany

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