Portage Biotech Announces Positive PORT-7 Data at AACR, Prepares for First-in-Human Trial

Portage Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: PRTG), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company, announced new confirmatory preclinical efficacy data for PORT-7 (TT-4), a selective adenosine A2B receptor inhibitor. The data were presented by Dr. Luciano Mutti from the Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology at the University of L'Aquila, Italy, during the American Association for Cancer Research® (AACR) Annual Meeting held at McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago.

In a murine mesothelioma model, PORT-7 demonstrated superior single-agent activity compared to an anti-PD1 antibody alone. Furthermore, the combination of PORT-7 and anti-PD1 showed even greater effectiveness than either therapy alone. Immunohistochemistry of the tumors revealed the development of tertiary lymphoid structures in mice treated with the combination, suggesting a favorable immune response. This was further supported by an observed increase in immune effector cells in the tumors of mice receiving the combined therapy.

Mesothelioma remains an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options, and Portage emphasized the urgent need for innovative therapies to overcome immune resistance. Based on these encouraging preclinical findings, the company is preparing to initiate a first-in-human clinical trial for PORT-7.