Human trials underway for UM-developed drug to fight cancer

A new drug, developed by researchers at the University of Montana, is off to human clinical trials to see if it can effectively mitigate cancerous tumors.

The drug is an “immunotherapeutic agent designed for treating patients with advanced solid tumors,” a news release from Inimmune Corp., a Missoula-based biotechnology company, said. The university’s Center for Transitional Medicine partnered with Inimmune for the project.

The first dose of the drug was administered to a patient in late July, said David Burkhart, a co-inventor on the drug’s patent and UM professor. He said it’s been well-tolerated so far. 

“It’s an adaptive response against the tumor,” Burkhart said.

INI-4001 is administered through an IV to patients with advanced solid tumors. Burkhart said it activates and stimulates the immune system and those cells seek out and attack the tumor to generate an immune response.

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“INI-4001 initially was designed at the University as an adjuvant, a substance to boost the effectiveness of vaccines,” a news release from UM stated. “Now it will be tested for its ability as a potential tool to fight cancer.”

The dose was administered via an IV to a patient with advanced solid

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