Candel Therapeutics (CADL) H.C. Wainwright 26th Annual Global Investment Conference 2024 summary

Industry landscape and innovation

• Intratumoral immunotherapies are gaining traction, with both biotech and big pharma entering the space, including new units and trials from major players.

• Systemic anti-tumor immune responses are a new frontier in cancer care, with recent positive examples from industry peers.

Pipeline and platforms

• Three platforms are in focus: two clinical-stage (CAN-2409, CAN-3110) and the enLIGHTEN Discovery Platform.

• CAN-2409 is a late-stage, off-the-shelf therapy for pan-solid tumors, showing individualized immune responses.

• CAN-3110 targets recurrent high-grade glioma, with proof of concept in all pursued indications.

• The enLIGHTEN platform, in partnership with UPenn, designs viral immunotherapies to enhance CAR T cell function in solid tumors.

Mechanism of action and clinical data: CAN-2409

• CAN-2409 is an adenovirus delivering thymidine kinase, activating valacyclovir to kill tumor cells and trigger immune responses.

• Induces immunogenic cell death, releasing tumor antigens and recruiting immune cells for systemic response.

• Designed for in situ vaccination, targeting both injected tumors and distant metastases.

• Late-stage trials target prostate, pancreatic, and lung cancers, with Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations.