In the evolving landscape of cancer treatment, Immuno-Oncology (IO) has been at the forefront for the past 15 years, revolutionizing our approach to battling this formidable disease. Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer, offers hope where traditional therapies have often fallen short. For instance, in advanced stage IV melanoma, the median survival has improved from 6 months to 6 years over the past decade thanks to immunotherapy.
However, the journey from discovery to clinical application is fraught with challenges. Why do some patients respond to immunotherapy while others do not? What opportunities exist for developing the right combination therapies? How can we better select the right cancer indications for a particular IO target? How can we ensure the success of these treatments across diverse patient populations?
At Evotec, our immunologists are equipped with the expertise and experience to support your IO projects from target identification through to clinical trials. Whether you require a comprehensive and strategic partnership or targeted support at critical stages, our capabilities can synergize with your efforts to make a tangible difference.
Comprehensive Support Across the Immuno-Oncology Spectrum
In-depth Immunology Expertise
Our team’s knowledge spans from innate to adaptive immunity, providing a robust foundation for developing cutting-edge cancer immunotherapies. We offer:
● Genetic Engineering of Primary Immune Cells: Optimizing target validation for effective therapy development.
● Bespoke In Vitro Immunological Assays: Custom-designed assays to evaluate immune responses and the potency of immunotherapeutic candidates.
● Single-Cell Level Immunotherapy Assessment: Utilizing Immunological Synapse technology for precise drug discovery.
Preclinical Animal Models Dedicated to IO
Moving forward with candidates within the drug discovery journey requires robust and tailored in vivo models for IO:
● Syngeneic Mouse Models: Developed with various tumor-immune phenotypes and responsiveness to checkpoint inhibitors; these models help in assessing therapeutic efficacy, modulation of the immune response (tumor microenvironment and periphery), as well as pharmacodynamics features (PK/PD).
● Humanized Mouse Models: Presenting a functional human immune system with the possibility of xenografting a human tumor. These models are pivotal for particular therapeutic modalities such as biologic therapeutics (e.g., immune cell engagers) or cell therapies; they could also be interesting for early toxicology studies looking at immune-related adverse events.
Translational Validation Using Relevant Patient Samples
To bridge the gap between in vitro models done with primary human immune cells isolated from healthy donors and in vivo models in the drug discovery process:
● Broad Clinical Network: Collaborations with hospitals and clinicians to select the relevant samples for the project.
● Translational Validation of Therapies: Access to cancer patient samples ensures that therapies are effective in a patient context.
● Enhanced Target Validation: Possibility to develop on-target biomarker assays or validate target expression in a particular indication.
Advanced Technological Integration
Our approach integrates cutting-edge technologies to de-risk your drug development strategy:
● High-Throughput Imaging and Analysis: Tools like the ImageStream X and Operetta provide high-speed, high-resolution insights into immune cell interactions.
● Complex Flow-Cytometry and Functional Assays: These analyses on fresh human tumor samples facilitate target engagement validation and biomarker identification.
● Omics Technologies: Including scRNAseq, TCR sequencing, and proteomics, to uncover novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Precision Medicine and Biomarker Strategies
By incorporating biomarker strategies early in the discovery process, we enhance the understanding of disease mechanisms and improve patient stratification for clinical trials. Our efforts in precision medicine are aimed at identifying the right therapeutic interventions for the right patients, thereby increasing the likelihood of clinical success.
The Evotec Advantage
Evotec’s experienced IO team supports your projects from the lab bench to the patient bedside. Our comprehensive services include:
● Functional In Vitro Immunological Assays: Supporting programs for small molecules, biologics, and cell therapies.
● In Vivo Rodent Models: Essential for preclinical testing of therapeutic efficacy and safety.
● Translational Research and Patient Sample Access: Enhancing the relevance and translatability of preclinical findings.
Driving Success in Immuno-Oncology
Our integrated approach, combining deep immunological expertise with advanced technologies and translational capabilities, ensures that we address the complex challenges of IO drug discovery. By partnering with Evotec, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge and resources designed to propel your project forward, from the initial stages of discovery to the clinical validation of novel therapies.
For more information on how Evotec can support your Immuno-Oncology projects, visit our website or contact us at info@evotec.com.
Conclusion
The revolution in cancer immunotherapy is just beginning, and the journey to effective treatments requires collaboration, innovation, and expertise. At Evotec, we are committed to advancing the field of Immuno-Oncology, providing the tools and support necessary to transform groundbreaking discoveries into life-saving therapies. Join us in this mission and let’s make a difference in the fight against cancer.
Contact us today to speak with one of our immunologists and explore how we can progress your IO projects together.