Invion (ASX:IVX): a safer path forward in prostate cancer treatment with INV043

Prostate cancer, the second most common cancer in men globally, has long been a battleground for medical innovation.

While mainstream treatments like radiotherapy and surgery carry the weight of side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction, Invion (ASX:IVX) may be on the cusp of a revolution with its proprietary treatment, INV043.

This emerging therapy, utilised in a recent Phase II clinical trial funded by RMW Cho Group Limited, is showing early signs of efficacy with a strong safety profile, potentially offering a safer alternative for prostate cancer treatment.

Key Highlights from the Trial:

• 40% of patients responded positively to the treatment, with 10% achieving complete tumour regression.
• 44% of patients had negative PSMA-PET scans three months post-treatment.
• The treatment was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.

A Safer Alternative

Unlike conventional treatments, INV043 demonstrated a remarkable safety profile. “The results showed that INV043 can be safely administered and activated with light to treat prostate cancer,” said Invion’s Executive Chair and CEO, Thian Chew. “Together with the positive efficacy signals from this trial, this points to the prospect of INV043 to become an effective treatment for prostate cancer without the devastating side effects that can be associated with conventional treatments.”

The Phase II trial focused on a sublingual (under the tongue) administration of INV043.

Patients underwent six cycles of the treatment, with all adverse events reported being mild, including minor symptoms like fatigue and headaches.

This is a stark contrast to the significant side effects seen in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, making INV043 a potentially game-changing treatment for prostate cancer patients.

Potential Beyond Prostate Cancer

INV043 is not limited to prostate cancer.

The same active pharmaceutical ingredient is also being tested in a Phase I/II trial for non-melanoma skin cancer.

Furthermore, research conducted by the Peter MaCallum Cancer Centre and Hudson Institute of Medical Research suggests that INV043 could enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), showing broad potential in cancer treatment.

Looking Forward

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the early termination of the trial with 41 enrolled patients, the promising results from the 16 evaluable patients have sparked optimism.

Invion plans to explore larger trials, including the possibility of combining INV043 with immunotherapies.

With the global prostate cancer market expected to grow to approximately US$27.5 billion by 2032, Invion’s INV043 could provide a vital treatment alternative.

As more men face the anxiety of balancing cancer progression against treatment side effects, INV043 offers hope for a future where both safety and efficacy go hand-in-hand.

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