MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. (NYSE American: MAIA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing targeted immunotherapies for cancer, has announced its highlights and key achievements for the year so far, along with recent clinical progress regarding its lead candidate, THIO. THIO is a potential first-in-class cancer telomere targeting agent currently undergoing clinical development to assess its efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Vlad Vitoc, M.D., MAIA’s Chairman and CEO, stated, “Our innovative approach to cancer therapy is demonstrating significant potential with THIO, as evidenced by promising clinical data indicating disease control, response rates, and post-therapy patient benefits, particularly in third-line treatment for NSCLC.”
THIO operates through a dual mechanism of action designed to induce telomeric DNA damage and enhance cancer-specific immune responses. The Phase 2 THIO-101 clinical trial is evaluating THIO in combination with the immune checkpoint inhibitor cemiplimab in patients with advanced NSCLC who have undergone two or more standard-of-care therapy regimens prior to THIO dosing. MAIA has secured a valuable clinical supply agreement for cemiplimab for use throughout the THIO-101 trial.
As of April 30, 2024, data from the THIO-101 trial indicated notable outcomes, including an overall response rate (ORR) of 38%, a disease control rate (DCR) of 85%, a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 5.5 months, and a median survival follow-up time of 9.1 months.
Dr. Vitoc highlighted, “THIO, particularly at the 180mg dose, has demonstrated strong efficacy and safety compared to existing therapies, positioning it as a promising treatment option for heavily pre-treated NSCLC patients.”
Regarding financials, MAIA reported cash and current assets of $8.7 million as of March 31, 2024, with a significant improvement in its cash position due to fundraising activities. The company raised approximately $12.4 million since February 2024 through private placements and sales under its at-the-market offering facility.
