MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. (NYSE American: MAIA) is launching its second Phase 2 go-to-market trial to evaluate THIO, the world’s first telomere-targeting agent, as a potential treatment for four different types of cancer. After promising preclinical results, THIO has been awarded two Orphan Drug Designations from the FDA for liver (hepatocellular carcinoma) and small cell lung cancer. This trial is designed to study the effects of THIO in combination with two of the most popular immunotherapies, pembrolizumab and atezolizumab, with the potential for a third immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitor to be added in the future.
The trial has yielded remarkable and promising results in preclinical studies involving colorectal, liver, and small cell lung cancer models, offering a glimmer of hope for those affected by these diseases.
The synergistic effects of THIO and pembrolizumab create a powerful anticancer combination that far surpasses the effects of pembrolizumab alone. By combining the two treatments in sequence, patients can experience a highly potent anticancer effect.
THIO is a revolutionary approach that is transforming non-responsive, “cold” SCLC tumors into “hot” and immunologically responsive ones – enabling them to be treated with pembrolizumab. It is a breakthrough that opens up a world of possibilities for those fighting the disease.
THIO in combination with IR and atezolizumab has shown remarkable success in treating aggressive HCC tumors, with complete regression observed in many cases. This combination of treatments has proven to be far more effective than IR and atezolizumab alone, providing hope for those suffering from this devastating condition.
Mihail Obrocea, MD, MAIA’s Chief Medical Officer, has great news: the THIO-102 trial is on track to begin enrolling patients later this year. Thanks to the data generated, the team is targeting accelerated approvals for tumor types such as breast, prostate, gastric, pancreatic, ovarian, and more. Plus, the trial has added a fourth arm which will serve as a signal generation arm for any type of solid tumor. This is hugely exciting for those battling cancer and is a major step towards finding better treatments.
MAIA Pharmaceuticals’ THIO treatment is offering hope to cancer patients with limited or ineffective treatment options. With already promising results seen in several preclinical models showing complete tumor regression, the new go-to-market trial, THIO 102, could potentially provide THIO with more than 9 additional indications – giving the treatment an unprecedented 10 indications in total. This is an exciting prospect for patients who until now have had limited options, and could help to revolutionize the way we treat cancer.
About THIO-102
MAIA’s THIO-102 is an upcoming Phase 2 trial that is set to revolutionize the treatment of telomerase (+) tumors. Through an innovative basket/umbrella design, the trial will assess the safety and efficacy of THIO administered in sequence with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 in four distinct baskets: small cell lung cancer, liver, colorectal, and solid tumors all types. As part of the first basket, THIO will be added to the current standard of care EP + atezolizumab in the first line treatment of small cell lung cancer. In the other arms, THIO will be evaluated in combination with atezolizumab or pembrolizumab to select the best combination by tumor type in Part A, which will be expanded into Part B with multiple Phase 2 pivotal arms in pursuit of accelerated approvals.
About THIO
THIO, a telomere-targeting agent currently under clinical evaluation, could revolutionize the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Telomeres are essential for cancer cell survival and resistance to current therapies, and THIO may provide a second or higher line of treatment for NSCLC patients whose disease has progressed beyond the standard-of-care regimen of existing checkpoint inhibitors. With the potential to improve survival rates and quality of life for those diagnosed with NSCLC, THIO could be a game-changer in the fight against cancer.
About MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.
MAIA is revolutionizing cancer treatments with their innovative immunotherapies. Their lead program, THIO, is a potential game-changer for cancer treatment, being the first of its kind to directly target telomeres in telomerase-positive cancers. With THIO, MAIA is leading the charge in the fight against cancer.