In the first episode of a six-part interview series on immunotherapy, Marc Voigt, CEO and Executive Director of Immutep (ASX:IMM), discusses the significance and rapid growth of immuno-oncology. Immunotherapy is a broad category of immune-based treatments, while immuno-oncology specifically refers to cancer therapies that leverage the immune system. The global market for immune checkpoint inhibitors alone was valued at approximately US$47 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$189 billion by 2032, driven by rising cancer incidence and advancements in treatment. Since the introduction of Yervoy in 2011, followed by anti-PD-1 therapies in 2014, immuno-oncology has revolutionised cancer care, becoming a standard of treatment. Immutep has established itself in this space with multiple programs, including a lead candidate in Phase 3 trials, partnerships with Novartis, and research spanning various cancers, such as lung, breast, and head and neck cancers.
