Blood-Filtering Device Treats Cancer By Removing Blocking Proteins Released By Cancer Cells
Immunicom Inc., a San Diego-based immuno-oncology company, is developing a proprietary subtractive device-based technology platform as a novel approach to treating cancer. Immunicom’s immunotherapy platform (Immunopheresis™) potentially treats all cancer types and other terminal diseases through a blood-filtering device that removes “blocking proteins” released by cancer cells. The absence of blocking proteins in blood restores the immune system, better enabing it to naturally fight cancer.
Immunicom’s immunomodulatory technologies incorporate an extracorporeal, medical device-based “subtractive” approach utilizing its proprietary apheresis column. The lead therapy currently under development focuses on removing sTNF-R immune-suppressive factors to both restore TNF-α anti-tumor activity and reactivate a patient’s immune system. This therapy utilizes a proprietary recombinant protein, initially developed at the University of Stuttgart, for which Immunicom has been granted worldwide exclusive rights for extracorporeal use through licensing. In addition to developing its sTNF-R ligand Apheresis Immunoadsorption Affinity Column, Immunicom has created a corporate “platform-based” technology potentially capable of extending its proprietary “subtractive” apheresis therapeutic approach to other cytokine targets, such as sIL-2R and TGF-beta.
Immunicom takes a unique “regulatory arbitrage” approach to product development. Immunicom expects its products to be classified as medical devices, thereby significantly reducing development costs, time to market, and associated regulatory requirements. Immunicom’s key patent has been approved and granted in over 24 jurisdictions around the world, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and numerous EU countries. Device commercialization is expected to occur in Europe within 10-12 months and in the U.S. within 24-30 months; revenue generation in Mexico is expected to commence within 4-6 months.
Immunicom has raised $5.5M in Series A funding and $1M in bridge financing. The company is currently fund raising for a Series A+ round, with a target capital raise of $3M. Immunicom is backed by the venture capital firm Bootstrap Incubation.
In upcoming news, Immunicom is presenting at the NYC Oncology Investor Conference, occurring on May 8-9 at the office of Wilson Sonsini in New York City. Learn more and register to attend the conference at www.nyconcologyconference.com.
Categories: Ideas & Technologies
