Imagine a tumor wrapped in a thick, protective scar that blocks medicine from getting inside. This project created a pill that dissolves that protective wall, making the cancer vulnerable again. By clearing the path, it allows standard chemotherapy and immune treatments to actually reach the tumor.
Pancreatic cancer has a very low survival rate because thick scar tissue blocks chemotherapy and immune drugs from reaching the tumor.
An oral autotaxin inhibitor (IOA-289/cambritaxestat) and a completed Phase 1b clinical safety study.
If you are a drug developer dealing with low chemotherapy penetration in solid tumors — this project developed IOA-289 that removes the fibrotic barrier. This allows existing drugs to work better, potentially increasing the 13% 5-year survival rate.
If you are a biotech firm dealing with immune responses being dampened by tumor stroma — this project developed an autotaxin inhibitor that unlocks the tumor-stroma-immune interface. This enables immune cells to penetrate the tumor more effectively.
If you are a clinic dealing with aggressive pancreatic cancer and poor patient compliance — this project developed an oral therapy that can be taken at home. This improves patient convenience and treatment adherence compared to hospital-only infusions.
Based on available project data, the specific cost or market price for IOA-289 is not disclosed.
The project successfully manufactured the drug substance and produced oral drug product capsules for a Phase 1b clinical study involving 16 patients.
The drug has received an Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA in March 2024 and an International Nonproprietary Name (cambritaxestat) from the WHO.
The project obtained regulatory approval in Italy for clinical trials and FDA Orphan Drug Designation in March 2024.
The first patient was dosed in November 2022, and dose escalation was completed in February 2025.
The project is led by a single SME, iOnctura BV from the Netherlands, representing a 100% industry ratio. This lean structure indicates a focused, company-driven development path aimed at reaching a value inflection point to attract further investment.
Contact iOnctura BV regarding IOA-289 clinical data
Request detailed clinical trial results for IOA-289
