INO-1401

Plasmid DNA-encoded hTERT/IL-12 DNA immunotherapy was well-tolerated, immune responses were noted across all tumor types, and a specific CD8+ phenotype increased by the immunotherapy was significantly correlated with survival in patients with pancreatic cancer.

In this phase 1 dose-escalation study, synthetic optimized DNA plasmids that target hTERT (INO-1400, or mutant hTERT; and INO-1401, or SynCon® TERT) were delivered intramuscularly followed by EP with the CELLECTRA® device, to assess safety, tolerability and immune effects of immunotherapy with INO- 1400 or INO-1401, alone or co-administered with a plasma encoding for human IL-12 (INO-9012) in adult patients with cancer. Conclusions INO-1400/01 with or without INO-9012 given IM with EP is well-tolerated in adults with solid tumors, and can generate active hTERT-specific T cells, suggesting an ability to break immune tolerance. Dosing is complete, and follow-up is ongoing.