Press Release : Immatics Presents Preclinical Proof-of-Concept Data for TCR Bispecifics Program IMA402 Targeting PRAME

 
   -- Immatics' second TCR Bispecifics program IMA402 demonstrates tumor cell 
      killing in vitro and complete regressions of established tumors in an in 
      vivo tumor model 
 
   -- IMA402 targets an Immatics-validated peptide derived from PRAME, one of 
      the most frequently expressed intracellular cancer targets for TCR 
      therapy 
 
   -- Immatics has selected a clinical lead candidate for the IMA402 program 
      and initiated manufacturing activities 
 
 
 
 
 
   Tuebingen, Germany and Houston, Texas, May 11, 2021 -- Immatics N.V. 
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(NASDAQ: IMTX, "Immatics"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company 
active in the discovery and development of T cell-redirecting cancer 
immunotherapies, today announced data from its second T cell receptor 
(TCR) Bispecifics program, IMA402, supporting preclinical 
proof-of-concept for the program and further validating this proprietary 
therapeutic modality. IMA402 is directed against the cancer target PRAME, 
a protein that is frequently expressed in many solid cancers, thereby 
supporting the program's potential to address a broad cancer patient 
population. IMA402 is the second program originating from Immatics' TCR 
Bispecifics pipeline, called TCER(R) (T Cell Engaging Receptor). The 
lead candidate showed anti-tumor activity against PRAME-positive cancer 
cells leading to consistent reduction of the engrafted tumors, including 
complete responses in an in vivo mouse model. The preclinical data will 
be presented at the virtual 17th Annual PEGS Boston Protein Engineering 
and Cell Therapy Summit 
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, on May 11-13, 2021. 
 
   Preclinical data highlights: 
 
 
   -- The IMA402 TCER(R) candidate targets an HLA-A*02-bound peptide derived 
      from preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME). 
 
   -- The target peptide was selected and validated based on quantitative mass 
      spectrometry data from Immatics' proprietary XPRESIDENT(R) platform and 
      is prevalent in many solid tumor indications including lung, ovarian and 
      breast cancer as well as other solid cancer types. 
 
   -- Over 50 different human wild-type TCRs recognizing the PRAME target 
      peptide were systematically evaluated using Immatics' XCEPTOR(R) 
      platform. Two TCRs with high avidity and specificity were selected and 
      affinity-enhanced by at least 1,000-fold while retaining specificity 
      through the XPRESIDENT(R)-guided screening for off-target toxicity and 
      cross-reactivity. Different engineered TCR variants were then 
      incorporated into the bispecific TCER(R) scaffold and the best candidate 
      was selected. 
 
   -- The IMA402 TCER(R) candidate induces killing of tumor cells in vitro with 
      PRAME target peptide levels similar to levels found in cancer patients. 
 
   -- Administration of IMA402 TCER(R) candidate leads to consistent tumor 
      regression including complete responses in an in vivo mouse model. 
 
   -- The IMA402 TCER(R) candidate demonstrates selective PRAME recognition 
      leading to an at least 1,000-fold therapeutic window between tumor and 
      normal cell reactivity in vitro. 
 
   -- Preclinical data support antibody-like profiles for manufacturability and 
      pharmacokinetics of the IMA402 TCER(R) candidate. 
 
 
   Carsten Reinhardt, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Development Officer at Immatics 
commented: "Having generated a strong preclinical proof-of-concept data 
package for our second TCR Bispecifics program is a significant 
milestone for Immatics. Together with our Adoptive Cell Therapy (ACT) 
program IMA203, which also targets PRAME, we are attacking this 
ubiquitous cancer cell protein from two different angles using our 
distinct therapeutic modalities. Based on the demonstrated preclinical 
data supporting significant single-agent activity of both of our TCER(R) 
programs against established tumors, we are looking forward to advancing 
our TCER(R) candidates, IMA401 and IMA402, into the clinic with the aim 
to treat cancer patients who have an urgent need for new treatment 
options." 
 
   For the IMA402 TCER(R) program, Immatics has initiated GMP process 
development activities to advance this program towards the 
Investigational New Drug (IND) stage and clinical development. The 
company's first TCER(R) program, IMA401 remains on track for submission 
of a clinical trial application (CTA) by year end 2021. The company had 
previously announced preclinical proof-of-concept data 
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for IMA401 in last quarter of 2020. 
 
   The full presentation of preclinical data from the IMA402 program is 
available on Immatics' website using this link 
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. 
 
   About TCER(R) 
 
   Immatics' TCER(R) molecules are antibody-like "off-the-shelf" biologics 
that leverage the body's immune system by redirecting and activating T 
cells towards cancer cells expressing a specific tumor target. To do so, 
the proprietary biologics are engineered to have two binding regions. 
The first region contains an affinity- and stability-improved TCR that 
binds specifically to the cancer target on the cell surface presented by 
a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecule. The second region is derived 
from an antibody domain that recruits endogenous T cells to the tumor to 
become activated. The design of the TCER(R) molecules enables the 
activation of any T cell in the body to attack the tumor, regardless of 
the T cells' intrinsic specificity. In addition, the TCER(R) molecule 
has a Fc-part conferring stability, half-life extension and enhanced 
manufacturability. 
 
   - END - 
 
   About Immatics 
 
   Immatics combines the discovery of true targets for cancer 
immunotherapies with the development of the right T cell receptors with 
the goal of enabling a robust and specific T cell response against these 
targets. This deep know-how is the foundation for our pipeline of 
Adoptive Cell Therapies and TCR Bispecifics as well as our partnerships 
with global leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. We are committed to 
delivering the power of T cells and to unlocking new avenues for 
patients in their fight against cancer. 
 
   For regular updates about Immatics, visit www.immatics.com. You can also 
follow us on Twitter 
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   Forward-Looking Statements: 
 
   Certain statements in this press release may be considered 
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate 
to future events or Immatics' future financial or operating performance. 
For example, statements concerning the timing of product candidates and 
Immatics' focus on partnerships to advance its strategy are 
forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify 
forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "should", 
"expect", "intend", "will", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", 
"predict", "potential" or "continue", or the negatives of these terms or 
variations of them or similar terminology. Such forward-looking 
statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which 
could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or 
implied by such forward looking statements. These forward-looking 
statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while 
considered reasonable by Immatics and its management, are inherently 
uncertain. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and 
it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. Factors that 
may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations 
include, but are not limited to, various factors beyond management's 
control including general economic conditions and other risks, 
uncertainties and factors set forth in filings with the SEC. Nothing in 
this presentation should be regarded as a representation by any person 
that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or 
that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements 
will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking 
statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Immatics 
undertakes no duty to update these forward-looking statements. 
 
   For more information, please contact: 
 
 
 
 
For media enquiries              Investor Relations Contact 
Jacob Verghese or Stephanie May  John Graziano 
Trophic Communications           Solebury Trout 
Phone: [phone]          Phone: [phone] 
[e-mail]              [e-mail] 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Immatics N.V.             Investor Relations Contact 
Anja Heuer                Jordan Silverstein 
Corporate Communications  Head of Strategy 
Phone: [phone]  Phone: [phone] 
[e-mail]        [e-mail] 
 
 
 
 
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May 11, 2021 07:00 ET (11:00 GMT)