Candel Therapeutics (CADL) Cantor Global Healthcare Conference 2025 summary

Company overview and therapeutic focus

• Develops viral immunotherapies targeting difficult-to-treat solid tumors, including prostate, pancreatic, lung cancers, and glioma.

• CAN-2409 induces in situ immunization, teaching the immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells, with systemic effects after only two or three administrations.

• Demonstrated positive data in early localized non-metastatic prostate cancer and other indications.

Mechanism of action and clinical rationale

• CAN-2409 is not an oncolytic virus but creates a vaccination-like effect by releasing cancer antigens and neoantigens, triggering a robust immune response.

• Utilizes adenovirus for strong pro-inflammatory effects, enhancing immune activation.

• Synergy observed when combined with radiotherapy, supported by preclinical and clinical data.

Clinical development and trial outcomes

• Focused on newly diagnosed intermediate/high-risk localized prostate cancer, a field with no approved medicines and high unmet need.

• Phase 3 trial achieved primary and secondary endpoints, showing a 30% improvement in Disease-Free Survival (DFS), and 38% in prostate cancer-specific DFS.

• Study design combined CAN-2409 with radiotherapy and valacyclovir, leveraging synergy and patient convenience.

• Patient experience with CAN-2409 injection is comparable or better tolerated than standard biopsy.