iTeos Therapeutics Inc. (ITOS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is dedicated to pioneering the discovery and development of next-generation immuno-oncology therapeutics. Founded with the mission to revolutionize cancer treatments, iTeos focuses on understanding the complexities of tumor immunology and developing novel therapies that can help patients fight cancer more effectively. The company has quickly established itself as a leader in the field, leveraging its deep expertise in immunosuppressive pathways to design innovative therapies that aim to restore the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, with a research center in Gosselies, Belgium, iTeos Therapeutics is at the cutting edge of cancer immunotherapy. The company’s breakthrough research and development efforts have led to the creation of several promising therapeutic candidates targeting validated immune checkpoints and novel immunosuppressive pathways. With a focus on the TIGIT/CD226 axis and the adenosine pathway, iTeos is advancing a portfolio of therapies that could offer transformative benefits for patients with various types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
iTeos has made significant strides in its mission, advancing multiple programs through clinical trials. Among its most notable assets is belrestotug (EOS-448), a highly potent anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody, currently in development for treating advanced cancers. This antibody, developed in collaboration with GSK, has shown promising results in early clinical trials and is now progressing to Phase 3 studies. Another key asset is inupadenant (EOS-850), a small molecule targeting the adenosine A2A receptor, which has the potential to overcome immune suppression in tumors and restore immune responses. iTeos is also developing EOS-984, a first-in-class small molecule aimed at targeting ENT1 to inhibit adenosine-mediated immunosuppression.
The company’s strategy includes not only advancing its pipeline of immuno-oncology therapies but also building strategic partnerships to enhance its development efforts. By collaborating with industry leaders like GSK, iTeos is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on the cancer therapeutics landscape. As of the third quarter of 2024, iTeos has demonstrated impressive financial stability, reporting a solid cash position of $683.9 million, which ensures the continued advancement of its programs through 2027.
With a strong pipeline, cutting-edge research, and a clear vision for the future, iTeos Therapeutics is poised to become a key player in the field of immuno-oncology, offering hope for patients and setting the stage for continued growth in the rapidly expanding cancer therapy market.
A Promising Pipeline with Clinical Successes
iTeos Therapeutics is making waves in immuno-oncology, with a series of promising drug candidates advancing through clinical trials. One of the company’s flagship programs is Belrestotug (EOS-448), a potent anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody that is being developed for the first-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This antibody is part of a collaborative effort with GSK and has shown significant potential for improving cancer immunotherapy by targeting the TIGIT receptor.
In November 2024, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted clearance for iTeos to advance belrestotug 400mg plus dostarlimab as the recommended Phase 3 dose for clinical trials in the EU. The company is now enrolling patients globally in the GALAXIES Lung-301 study, which is a randomized, double-blind Phase 3 trial assessing the combination of belrestotug and dostarlimab against the combination of placebo and pembrolizumab. This is a crucial milestone that will define iTeos’ competitive edge in the oncology space.
Additionally, iTeos is expanding its research with EOS-984, an innovative small molecule targeting the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1). This drug aims to inhibit the immunosuppressive action of adenosine, a pathway that tumors exploit to evade immune detection. As of the third quarter of 2024, EOS-984 has completed its Phase 1 monotherapy dose escalation and is now moving forward with combination trials alongside pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 therapy. The company anticipates topline data from this trial by 2025, which could further bolster its pipeline.
CHECK THIS OUT: Lakeside Holding (LSH) Deepens Roots in Pharmaceutical Logistics with $1.5M Sinopharm Agreement and Lakeside Holding (LSH) Acquires Hupan Pharmaceutical to Enter China’s Medical Logistics Market.
Strong Clinical Data and Ongoing Trials
iTeos’ clinical programs have produced promising data, particularly for its inupadenant (EOS-850) and EOS-984 assets. Inupadenant, a next-generation small molecule targeting the adenosine A2A receptor, is showing encouraging results in Phase 2 trials for second-line NSCLC. As of the third quarter of 2024, iTeos has presented interim data from the Phase 2 A2A-005 trial at the European Society for Medical Oncology Immuno-oncology (ESMO-IO) Congress, demonstrating the drug’s potential to overcome immune suppression in solid tumors. This is a key moment in iTeos’ development of adenosine-targeted therapies, which could reshape cancer immunotherapy.
The EOS-984 program is another highlight in iTeos’ pipeline, with the drug entering Phase 1 trials in 2024. Its novel mechanism of action, targeting ENT1, could offer a breakthrough in cancer treatments by reversing the immunosuppressive effects of adenosine. As with inupadenant, EOS-984 has shown strong early-stage results, making it a promising candidate for combination therapies in the immuno-oncology space.
Strategic Partnerships and Financial Stability
The company has formed strategic partnerships to help advance its pipeline, notably with GSK, which is assisting with the development of belrestotug. These collaborations not only bring additional expertise to iTeos’ clinical trials but also ensure that the company has access to the resources needed to bring these innovative therapies to market.
From a financial perspective, iTeos is in a strong position. As of September 30, 2024, the company reported a pro forma cash and investment balance of $683.9 million, which is expected to provide runway through 2027. This robust cash position allows iTeos to fund its ongoing trials, expand its clinical programs, and potentially initiate new Phase 3 trials for its lead assets. The company’s ability to advance multiple impactful programs simultaneously, without the immediate need for additional capital raises, positions it well for the future.
Market Opportunity: Growth in Immuno-Oncology
The immuno-oncology market is growing rapidly, driven by increased cancer prevalence and the need for more effective treatments. The global market for immuno-oncology drugs is expected to reach over $120 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 15%. iTeos, with its cutting-edge drug candidates targeting immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment, is strategically positioned to capitalize on this growth.
One of the main trends in oncology is the shift towards combination therapies, and iTeos’ pipeline is well-positioned to benefit from this. Drugs like belrestotug, EOS-984, and inupadenant could work synergistically with existing therapies like pembrolizumab to enhance treatment efficacy. This approach could make iTeos a key player in the next generation of cancer immunotherapies.
Financial Performance and Long-Term Outlook
In its third-quarter 2024 report, iTeos reported a net loss of $45.4 million, reflecting continued investment in R&D. Despite this, the company’s cash position remains strong, and its ongoing clinical trials are progressing as planned. The company’s focus on advancing its pipeline, combined with its strategic partnerships, sets the stage for substantial growth over the coming years.
Analysts have a favorable long-term outlook for iTeos, with many projecting that the company’s lead programs could achieve regulatory approval in the next few years. If successful, these therapies could generate significant revenues, particularly in high-demand cancer indications like NSCLC and HNSCC.
Here’s Why iTeos Therapeutics is a Compelling Investment
iTeos Therapeutics is a clinical-stage company with a strong pipeline of innovative immuno-oncology therapies, a promising clinical trajectory, and strategic partnerships that enhance its development capabilities. With a solid cash position, robust clinical data, and a promising outlook for its drug candidates, iTeos is well-positioned for long-term growth in the oncology space.
The company’s focus on novel targets like TIGIT and adenosine offers a differentiated approach to immunotherapy, positioning it as a potential leader in the immuno-oncology market. Investors looking for exposure to cutting-edge cancer therapies with significant growth potential should consider iTeos Therapeutics as a compelling investment opportunity.
READ ALSO: Tectonic Therapeutic Reports Strong Q3 2024 Financial Results, $159.1M Cash Reserves and Innoviva (INVA)’s Expanding Portfolio Drives 33% Revenue Growth in Q3 2024.
