Immatics Unveils Promising Data for IMA203CD8 PRAME Cell Therapy at ESMO-IO 2025
Houston, Texas and Tuebingen, Germany, December 11, 2025 – Immatics N.V. (NASDAQ: IMTX), a leader in precision targeting of PRAME, has announced encouraging data from its ongoing Phase 1a dose escalation trial for IMA203CD8, a second-generation PRAME cell therapy. The trial investigates anti-tumor activity in heavily pre-treated patients with advanced solid tumors and showcases significant promise in treating cancers beyond melanoma.
Overview of IMA203CD8 and Study Findings
IMA203CD8 is designed to enhance pharmacological effectiveness against solid tumors expressing the PRAME protein. As of October 27, 2025, the trial has enrolled 781 heavily pre-treated patients (average of three prior systemic treatments) across various solid tumors. Initial data highlights the therapy's manageable tolerability and shows encouraging early clinical anti-tumor activity.
The key findings, presented by Prof. Dr. med. Antonia Busse at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Immuno-Oncology Congress 2025, suggest that IMA203CD8 may yield deep and durable responses after a one-time infusion.
Encouraging Clinical Outcomes
- Confirmed Objective Response Rate (cORR): 36% (23 out of 64 patients)
- Overall Response Rate (ORR): 46% (32 out of 69 patients)
- Tumor Reduction: 78% (54 out of 69 patients)
- Disease Control Rate (DCR) at Week 6: 84% (58 out of 69 patients)
- Median Duration of Response (mDOR): 9.2 months
The one-time infusion demonstrated promising initial anti-tumor activity, particularly noted in patients with ovarian carcinoma. Among 11 patients with ovarian cancer, a dose-dependent signal was observed, with a median dose of 2.3x109 TCR T cells.
Tolerability and Safety Profile
The safety profile for IMA203CD8 during the trial has shown to be manageable, with predominant treatment-emergent adverse events including cytopenias. Analysis revealed:
- Grade 1 adverse events: 35%
- Grade 2 adverse events: 50%
- Grade 3 adverse events: 9%
- Grade 4 adverse events: 1%
No Grade 5 events related to IMA203CD8 were reported, reinforcing the therapy's tolerability.
Future Directions for IMA203CD8
Immatics is poised to complete the Phase 1a dose escalation and determine the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) for IMA203CD8 by 2026. The company aims to position this innovative therapy in a tumor-agnostic setting for advanced PRAME cancers beyond melanoma, particularly in gynecologic oncology.
Dr. Cedrik Britten, Chief Medical Officer at Immatics, expressed optimism, stating, “The data from the ongoing dose escalation, including the initial proof-of-concept in patients with ovarian carcinoma, reinforce the promise of IMA203CD8. We look forward to further developing this therapy for difficult-to-treat cancers.”
Summary
In summary, the early results from the Phase 1a trial of IMA203CD8 demonstrate substantial anti-tumor activity and a favorable safety profile, which may position the therapy as a vital treatment option for patients suffering from advanced PRAME-expressing tumors. With ongoing efforts and further trials to define its efficacy, IMTX is set to continue serving as a pioneer in precision oncology.