INOVIQ Ltd (ASX:IIQ) has reported early-stage in-vitro success using exosomes from natural killer cells to attack breast cancer cells.

Natural killer (NK) cells are what they sound like – naturally occurring elements of the human immune system that use enzymes to attack viruses in the body. Exosomes are released by cells in the body and carry proteins and DNA to other cells.

So, in short, INOVIQ is trying to stimulate NK cells to produce exosomes to target breast cancer cells in a petri dish – and according to the company, it’s working. So far, that only shows partial evidence in support of a ‘proof of concept.’

That concept sees INOVIQ being able to attach a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) – a lab-created protein – to the exosomes produced by the NK cells.

Those exosomes then targeted specific proteins known to be produced in excessive amounts in positive breast cancer cases. Further in-vitro data is expected through 2025.

All in all, the company wrote on Monday it was “weaponising exosomes for breast cancer treatment” – not too dissimilar to other approaches to treat cancer using cell therapy.

“The results of this POC study highlight the transformative potential of INOVIQ’s exosome therapy to target and kill solid tumours. We are thrilled by these POC results,” INOVIQ CEO Dr. Leearne Hinch said.

“We will advance our exosome therapy through additional in vitro and in vivo studies next year, moving towards Investigational New Drug (IND) enabling studies and clinical trials.”

The company is also in talks to ‘refine manufacturing.’

IIQ last traded at 52cps.

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