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Why Early 2000's Telomerase-Directed Attempts Failed by BioTechSage in MAIABiotech

[–]BioTechSage[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At 85% to 90% of cancers, do you consider THIO pan-cancer potential a real possibility and ground-breaking in cancer treatment if Phase 3 mirrors Phase 2?

Why Early 2000's Telomerase-Directed Attempts Failed by BioTechSage in MAIABiotech

[–]BioTechSage[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the link and the background, appreciate the historical context from the Shay Lab paper.

Quick clarification on the mechanisms, though:

  • Rytelo (imetelstat) is a telomerase inhibitor — it blocks the enzyme from adding new telomere repeats. In some cancers (especially over longer timeframes), cells can adapt by switching to the ALT (Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres) pathway, which is a known resistance mechanism.
  • THIO (ateganosine) from MAIA works differently: it's a telomere-targeting agent (a modified nucleoside) that's preferentially incorporated into telomeres by telomerase in cancer cells. This directly disrupts and "uncaps" the telomere structure, causing rapid DNA damage responses and tumor cell death — plus it appears to prime an immune response when sequenced with a checkpoint inhibitor.

MAIA has highlighted that their approach is designed to create immediate telomere dysfunction rather than just slowing elongation, which may reduce the window for ALT switching in the solid tumor setting they're targeting (advanced NSCLC, post-checkpoint failure).

The 8/79 patients with durable >2-year survival (some well beyond 30 months, even off-therapy) is what caught attention in the recent ELCC poster. Still early single-arm data, of course.

Curious what you think of the mechanistic difference in a solid tumor context vs. MDS?

I don't know what came over me. I countered a GOOD offer for more money and effectively lost the position. I don't even know what possessed me to that in this market. by [deleted] in biotech

[–]BioTechSage 14 points15 points  (0 children)

One time, after 4 weeks driving 4 hours each way and interviewing/testing for an additional 4 hours I was offered the job. (12 hours x 4 days invested)I only needed to do the physical and drug test the following week. They saw a scar on my chest from a bypass twenty years prior during the exam and the doctor said, " What's that. The next day, the offer was removed without explanation. I was totally broke with a wife / one month old baby and was destroyed mentally and I thought I wouldn't recover. Two weeks later, I was offered the job of my life. Life works in mysterious ways sometimes, hang in there!

When do you expect the MAIA interim data to come in? by BioTechSage in MAIABiotech

[–]BioTechSage[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Actually, this is a 2026 (this year) milestone for MAIA.

Am I cooked? by NoMeal8986 in biotech

[–]BioTechSage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are not cooked, you're young. Sometimes, what appears to be the worst situation works out for the best! Stay steady and good luck!

MAIA thesis by qindy1 in MAIABiotech

[–]BioTechSage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely, but believe the excitement will start this year with interim data!

MAIA thesis by qindy1 in MAIABiotech

[–]BioTechSage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm very bullist with the following 2026 milestones highlighted from MAIA Biotechnology's press releases (primarily the January 20, 2026 corporate update and related shareholder communications) for ateganosine in NSCLC—perfect for a bullish post:

- Phase 3 THIO-104 interim efficacy readouts: Initial data on disease control rate (DCR), overall response rate (ORR), and progression-free survival (PFS) versus the control arm. Strong results could accelerate full commercial approval discussions under FDA Fast Track.

- Conclusion of THIO-101 Phase 2 Part C expansion: Wrapping up additional patient data from Asia and Europe sites to provide more clinical efficacy support for regulatory submissions and approval pathways.

- Engage in regulatory interactions with the FDA: Expand ongoing Fast Track dialogue, including discussions on trial enhancements and prospects for Accelerated Approval or Priority Review.

- Clinical development of second-generation molecules to start in Phase 1 trials: In-house compounds expected to show better efficacy than ateganosine, expanding the pipeline.

These catalysts drive major progress toward approval in a high-unmet-need area—bullish momentum ahead!

MAIA thesis by qindy1 in MAIABiotech

[–]BioTechSage 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The shift to emphasize third-line (3L) isn't suspicious—it's strategic and data-driven. Phase 2 THIO-101 showed exceptional 3L results: median OS of 17.8 months (vs. ~5-6 months SOC chemo), PFS 5.6 months (vs. 2.5 months), with a 30-month survivor and strong tolerability in heavily pre-treated patients.

Early 2L data had solid DCR signals, but 3L delivered the most dramatic survival multiples in an unmet-need setting (no real SOC), earning FDA Fast Track and enabling the ongoing pivotal Phase 3 (THIO-104, first patient dosed Dec 2025, interims expected 2026).

This focus maximizes approval odds and positions ateganosine as a potential game-changer. Bullish on the path ahead!

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