INOVIQ (ASX:IIQ) has reported positive in vitro proof-of-concept data demonstrating that its CAR exosome platform can rapidly kill ovarian cancer cells.
The study evaluated CA125- and EGFR-targeting CAR exosomes across three commonly used ovarian cancer cell lines and observed strong tumour killing within 48 hours. CA125 targeting eliminated more than 90 per cent of OVCAR 3 and Caov 3 cells, while EGFR targeting eliminated over 80 per cent of cells in the same models. In the aggressive and treatment-resistant SK OV 3 cell line, both CAR exosome approaches achieved approximately 50 per cent tumour cell killing.
INOVIQ says the findings reinforce the broader potential of its off the shelf cell free CAR exosome platform which has now shown activity in triple negative breast cancer non small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer. The company is advancing manufacturing readiness, including GMP cell sourcing, selection of CDMOs, and optimisation of next-generation dual-action CAR exosomes with new in vitro data in TNBC expected later this year.
CSO Dr Rebecca Lim said, “These positive ovarian cancer results further strengthen the evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of our CAR exosome platform across multiple solid tumours. Importantly, we have now demonstrated tumour-killing activity in TNBC, NSCLC, and ovarian cancer models using different tumour-targeting approaches. Our focus is now on advancing a differentiated next-generation CAR exosome product with enhanced anti-tumour activity and scalable manufacturing capabilities to support progression toward first-in-human studies targeted for 2028. Unlike living cell therapies, CAR exosomes are an off-the-shelf, cell-free therapeutic approach that may offer advantages in manufacturing, safety and tumour penetration, particularly in solid tumours where current cell therapies face significant challenges.”
CEO Dr Leearne Hinch added, “Our CAR exosome platform continues to generate promising preclinical proof of concept data across multiple tumour types, supporting its potential as an off-the-shelf, cell-free therapeutic platform for treatment of hard-to-treat solid tumours. These new CAR exosome results, together with our EXO OC blood test for the detection of ovarian cancer, reinforce INOVIQ’s integrated approach to combining earlier ovarian cancer detection with more effective treatment to improve patient outcomes and help save women’s lives.”
