Ernexa Therapeutics Unveils Promising Data for ERNA-101 at ASH Annual Meeting
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., December 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ernexa Therapeutics (NASDAQ: ERNA), a leader in innovative cell therapies targeting advanced cancer and autoimmune diseases, has announced the presentation of compelling preclinical data concerning its lead candidate, ERNA-101, at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. This data illustrates the platform's capability to transform immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TMEs) into immune-active states, enhancing survival benefits and immune activation.
Innovative Approach to Cancer Treatment
The findings reveal that Ernexa's proprietary platform effectively converts induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into induced mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs). This transformative process shows promise in overcoming resistance to therapies in solid tumors and hematologic cancers. Additionally, it highlights a scalable, off-the-shelf solution for local cytokine delivery.
Key Findings Presented by Leading Experts
During an oral presentation, Dr. Michael Andreeff, Professor of Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, shared the study titled “Gene-modified iPSC-derived MSCs convert immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments into distinct pro-inflammatory TMEs.”
Sanjeev Luther, President & CEO of Ernexa Therapeutics, remarked, “These data represent an important validation of our platform and reinforce our belief that iPSC-derived MSCs can be engineered into powerful immune-modulating agents.”
Transformative Insights into Cytokine Production
The preclinical study, conducted with the collaboration of MD Anderson Cancer Center, demonstrated that engineered iMSCs significantly surpassed conventional cytokine production levels. The iMSCs, secreting interleukin-7 (IL-7) and interleukin-15 (IL-15), achieved production levels that were approximately 20-fold higher than those documented in engineered T-cell applications. This heightened production correlated with robust T-cell expansion and activation and enhanced immune longevity.
Impact on Ovarian Cancer Treatment
In utilizing an immunocompetent ovarian cancer model, the intraperitoneal administration of IL-7/IL-15-secreting iMSCs initiated notable immune cell infiltration into tumors and improved macrophage polarization towards a pro-inflammatory state. Crucially, this process led to a significant transformation of tumors from an immune-excluded (“cold”) state to a highly inflamed (“hot”) microenvironment, a critical factor for responsiveness to modern immunotherapies.
Future Clinical Developments
Ernexa continues to advance ERNA-101 through rigorous preclinical testing, with plans for first-in-human trials set for the upcoming year. The company's approach utilizes synthetic, allogeneic iMSCs to provide a scalable, off-the-shelf treatment, eliminating the need for patient-specific cell harvesting.
About Ernexa Therapeutics
Ernexa Therapeutics (NASDAQ: ERNA) specializes in developing groundbreaking cell therapies for advanced cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company’s innovative technology pivots on engineering iPSCs into iMSCs. ERNA-101, Ernexa's lead therapy, is designed to proactively engage the immune system's response, identifying and targeting cancer cells, particularly in the context of ovarian cancer.
For further information, visit www.ernexatx.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve known and unknown risks that could cause actual results related to ERNA-101 and peri-clinical developments to differ significantly from expectations. Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as indicators of future performance.