Immutep refocuses efti development on cancer treatments

Immutep is implementing a new development strategy for its candidate eftilagimod alpha (efti), shifting focus toward first-line head and neck cancer patients and the neoadjuvant treatment of soft tissue sarcoma.

CEO Marc Voigt stated the decision is based on clinical data and regulatory status. The head and neck cancer indication holds Fast Track designation in the US, while the soft tissue sarcoma setting has received FDA Orphan Drug designation. The company noted positive results from the EFTISARC-NEO study and high complete response rates in head and neck cancer data.

This strategic shift follows a root cause analysis of the TACTI-004 trial, which identified unusual immune-monitoring results and structural differences in the manufactured product, specifically regarding its N-glycan structure. Consequently, Immutep has initiated a new 200-litre manufacturing run. The company expects to return efti to clinical development in the second half of 2027 while continuing work on IMP761 for autoimmune diseases.