Iovance Reports 24.6% Response Rate in Lung Cancer TIL Trial and Adds Precision Strategy

Iovance Biotherapeutics reported updated data from its IOV-LUN-202 registrational trial showing a 24.6% objective response rate across 69 patients with non-squamous metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, a setting with historically limited treatment options after prior checkpoint and chemotherapy regimens. The company also announced the addition of a Precision TIL strategy for second-line metastatic NSCLC, expanding the scope of the program beyond its existing polyclonal TIL approach.

In a separate development, Kiora Pharmaceuticals in-licensed a late-stage oral neuroprotective calpain inhibitor for the treatment of central retinal artery occlusion, a condition that causes sudden vision loss and lacks approved therapies in the United States. The asset has already completed a Phase 3 clinical trial in CRAO in Japan, and Kiora plans to expand its development into non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, adding a second acute retinal vascular indication to its pipeline alongside its existing KIO-301 program.

Elsewhere in the sector, Pfizer is scheduled to report third-quarter results before the open on Tuesday, November 3, with investor focus expected on the obesity pipeline contribution weighed against continued softness in COVID-related product sales. Pfizer shares have gained 25% year to date heading into the print. Oculis also announced it will present data on its Privosegtor compound's neuroprotective potential at two upcoming congresses focused on neuro-ophthalmology.