Innovative Partnership to Propel Cancer Research Forward

IMAC Holdings Initiates Exciting Research Partnership

IMAC Holdings, Inc. is thrilled to announce a significant one-year research partnership between its subsidiary, Ignite Proteomics, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). This collaboration aims to advance the understanding of immuno-oncology by focusing on biomarker discovery in breast cancer.

Leveraging Advanced Technology for Cancer Insights

The research will utilize Ignite Proteomics’ state-of-the-art reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) platform. The goal is to profile tumor-immune signaling pathways specifically in breast cancer samples. This innovative approach will help to reveal crucial information about how breast-tumor cells navigate the immune environment, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes.

What the Partnership Entails

Under the terms of this partnership, VUMC will supply de-identified tumor tissues from patients who are receiving standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments. Ignite Proteomics will then conduct sophisticated analyses by employing laser-capture micro-dissection techniques, followed by high-throughput RPPA assessments aimed at identifying key immune and signaling biomarkers. This includes validating biomarkers known to assist in identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy interventions.

Expert Insights on the Collaboration

Faith Zaslavsky, the President and CEO of Ignite Proteomics, expressed her enthusiasm: “Collaborating with the world-class team at VUMC offers us the opportunity to apply our RPPA platform on rigorously annotated clinical samples. Our objective is to quantify a multitude of immune-checkpoint and signaling proteins in a simultaneous manner. This will help us better understand mechanisms of both response and resistance, which individual genomic and protein tests often miss.”

Dr. Justin Balko, a Principal Investigator at VUMC, shared his insights: “This collaboration provides a unique opportunity to explore tumor-immune interactions in breast cancer. The pathway-level protein data generated by Ignite will help accelerate our search for actionable biomarkers to refine immunotherapy strategies and combination treatments.”

Key Collaboration Details

The collaboration encompasses several key parameters, notably:

• Scope: RPPA profiling of up to 80 FFPE tumor specimens, focusing on critical targets such as MHC-I/II, PD-L1, AKT/mTOR, and EGFR/HER2.
• Structure: Both parties will fund their respective contributions, with Ignite providing in-kind support for the assays.
• Timeline: Initial data packages are anticipated within two months of receiving the tumor samples.
• Intellectual Property: Ignite has the first right to negotiate an exclusive license for any intellectual property developed from this collaboration.

The Importance of Immunotherapy

Immunotherapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, particularly through immune-checkpoint blockade therapies like pembrolizumab (Keytruda). These therapies have led to durable responses across various tumor types; however, the average response rates remain below 40%, and resistance often develops. This emphasizes the limitations of single-analyte tests like PD-L1 IHC in fully understanding patient responses.

To effectively match immunotherapies with the right patients, multi-dimensional biomarker platforms that integrate pathway-level protein data, genomic insights, and micro-environmental characteristics are crucial. Such comprehensive approaches can potentially deliver life-saving treatments earlier in the journey of care.

About Ignite Proteomics and VUMC

Ignite Proteomics aims to enhance precision oncology by providing pathway-level protein analytics. Their CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory specializes in quantifying key protein biomarkers from minimal biopsy samples, enabling oncologists to tailor treatments for patients more effectively.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center stands as a global leader in academic medicine, excelling in research and patient care while managing one of the largest cancer treatment programs in the United States. Their commitment to innovation and patient wellbeing reflects in everything they do.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the IMAC Holdings and VUMC collaboration?

The partnership primarily aims to advance the understanding of tumor-immune interactions in breast cancer to enhance biomarker discovery for improved immunotherapy outcomes.

How will the research be conducted?

Ignite Proteomics will utilize its RPPA platform on de-identified tumor samples provided by VUMC to analyze various immune and signaling proteins.

What are the expected outcomes of the collaboration?

The research aims to uncover actionable biomarkers that can refine immunotherapy strategies and potentially improve patient treatment regimens.

What role does Ignite Proteomics play in the research?

Ignite Proteomics is responsible for conducting high-throughput protein analyses using its advanced RPPA techniques on the tumor tissue samples.

Why is this research significant for cancer treatment?

This research is crucial for developing multi-dimensional biomarker platforms that can more accurately match patients with effective immunotherapies, ultimately improving treatment success rates.

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