Back Bay Report on Neoantigen-Based Cancer Immunotherapy

By Jonathan P. Gertler, MD

Immuno-oncology, a promise for decades, has burst forth as a clear means to advance patient care and spur research and development. Science and industry are working fervently to untangle this data-heavy, rapidly-evolving field and bring effective IO combinations to more patients. As positive data and widespread support accumulate for the potential checkpoint inhibitors and neoantigens in numerous challenging and refractory cancers, hundreds of trials are being implemented that seek to increase efficacy and bring these novel therapeutics to more patients in critical need.Back Bay analyzed companies involved in neoantigen therapy development for our latest white paper, Neoantigen-based cancer immunotherapy: One step closer to the promise of personalized medicine. The report details the promise of neoantigens to the immune system’s power and eliminate specific tumor types, and highlights some of the companies driving a groundswell of emerging therapeutics that harness a neoantigen approach. We take a close look at therapies that use bioengineering to make new cells in the lab, machine learning to develop personalized treatments, and methods that modify the patient’s own cells.At ASCO 2018, Back Bay heard from clinicians who are challenged to stay abreast of the latest “practice-changing” trial results, and we heard from companies striving to stay on top of the IO market. For these companies, finding the right combination of checkpoint inhibitor and other IO therapy is crucial. Millions of patient lives will be altered and thus the futures of highly contributing companies are at stake. Finding these IO combinations has become a scientific and clinical race to therapeutic and commercial rewards. Back Bay has worked extensively for companies large and small, helping to untangle clinical trial complexities and evaluating numerous technologies to find the right path forward for incorporating IO into a strategic business plan.Please read and share our latest white paper. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts. Warm best,Jonathan  Download the full white paper here