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Highlights

  • Immutep shares rise over 10% following release of updated clinical trial results
  • Median overall survival of 17.6 months reported in head and neck cancer trial
  • Combination therapy shows no new safety concerns and high patient response rates

Immutep Ltd (ASX: IMM) emerged as a standout performer on the ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) today, even as the broader index edged 0.3% lower. The clinical-stage biotech’s share price climbed as much as 19.4% in early trading following the release of new clinical trial data, before settling at 31.5 cents, up 16.7% from Friday’s close.

The market reaction follows Immutep’s announcement of updated data from its TACTI-003 Phase IIb trial, focusing on patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and low PD-L1 expression. This group represents a patient population with limited existing treatment options.

According to the company, the median overall survival in the relevant cohort reached 17.6 months. The trial tested Immutep's experimental therapy eftilagimod alfa (efti) in combination with Merck’s KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab). Immutep also reported that the combination therapy continues to show a favourable safety profile with no new safety signals identified.

The trial data included reports of multiple complete responses and a meaningful increase in survival outcomes compared to historical data for anti-PD-1 monotherapy. While Immutep’s management described the response rate and survival benefit as encouraging, they also noted the need for further regulatory discussions regarding the potential path toward approval.

Investors appear to have responded to the potential implications for future treatment development and the unmet need within this specific patient population. While the broader ASX All Ords Index fell, Immutep’s clinical update drew interest, pushing the biotech stock higher amid an otherwise muted session on the Australian share market.