Skip to main content

BriaCell Reports “Late-Breaker” Phase 3 Data at AACR 2025: Positive Tolerability Profile and Potential Response Biomarkers Identified

  • Phase 3 clinical data shows potential predictive biomarkers for treatment response, first identified in Phase 2 study
  • Biomarkers could be utilized to predict and provide better patient outcomes, including response rates and survival benefits
  • Positive delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) (p = 0.001) and a favorable Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) (p = 0.02) linked to longer progression-free survival (PFS) in Phase 3 patients
  • Presence of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) after patients’ initial Phase 3 treatment supports role as negative prognostic marker (p = 0.04)
  • Bria-IMT Phase 3 regimen was well-tolerated with a preferred tolerability profile

PHILADELPHIA and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX, BCTXW, BCTXZ) (TSX: BCT) (“BriaCell” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops novel immunotherapies to transform cancer care, is presenting clinical data from the pivotal Phase 3 study of its lead product candidate, Bria-IMT™, in metastatic breast cancer (BRIA-ABC; NCT06072612) supporting the use of specific biomarkers to predict patients’ clinical response to Bria-IMT treatments.

Biomarkers could be utilized to predict and provide better patient outcomes, including response rates and survival benefits with BriaCell’s novel Bria-IMT regimen.

“Using biomarkers as powerful instruments to predict patient responsiveness to the Bria-IMT treatment would allow physicians and oncologists to identify potential responders sooner, providing better clinical outcomes and ultimately extending patients’ lives,” stated Carmen Calfa, MD, Clinical Research Lead for the breast site disease group at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Co-Director of the Cancer Survivorship Program at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Principal Clinical Investigator of the Phase 2 Bria-IMT study.

“We are very pleased with our early Phase 3 biomarker data highlighting their importance as important tools in BriaCell’s fight against metastatic breast cancer, a difficult to treat and deadly disease,” stated Dr. William V. Williams, BriaCell’s President & CEO.  

“The clinical data reported today demonstrates the potential use of certain key biomarkers to predict MBC patients’ clinical response to the Bria-IMT regimen,” noted Giuseppe Del Priore, MD, MPH, BriaCell’s Chief Medical Officer. “We will continue to evaluate these findings as we advance our goal of treating this serious disease.”

The poster is summarized below and linked here: https://briacell.com/scientific-publications/.

Title: Bria-ABC1 vs physician choice in late-stage MBC; early biomarker correlates of the randomized registration trial
Session Title: Late-Breaking Research: Clinical Research 4
Session Date and Time: 4/30/2025 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST
Location: Poster Section 49
Poster Board Number: 14
Abstract Presentation Number: LB408

Kaplan Meier analysis of early clinical data (n=62) in this multicenter study showed median progression free survival across all arms of 3.67 months. Prespecified subset analyses of PFS based on biomarker status were reported as follows:

  • Positive DTH was significantly related to better PFS (4.5 vs 2.5 months, p = 0.001)
  • Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) < 0.7 and ≥ 2.3 following the 1st treatment administration had significantly lower (p = 0.02) median progression-free survival (PFS)
  • Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) < 1 were significantly related to better PFS values (3.8 months vs 2.4 vs, p = 0.04)
  • Baseline Cancer-Associated Macrophage-Like Cells (CAML) count ≥ 5 trended toward a higher PFS value (3.7 vs 2.2 months, p = 0.10)

The Bria-IMT regimen remains well-tolerated, with generally manageable treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). There have been no Bria-IMT related treatment discontinuations, underscoring Bria-IMT’s excellent tolerability and favorable safety profile.

About the Bria-ABC Study

The multicenter randomized open label study is evaluating overall survival with the Bria-IMT regimen in combination with checkpoint inhibitor, versus Treatment of Patients’/Physicians’ Choice (TPC) in advanced metastatic or locally recurrent breast cancer (aMBC) patients with no approved alternative therapies available. Fifty-seven clinical sites in the US are actively enrolling patients and additional sites are in various stages of start-up.

Interim data will be analyzed once 144 patient events (deaths) occur, comparing the overall survival (OS) in patients treated with the Bria-IMT combination regimen versus those treated with physician’s choice as the primary endpoint. Positive results of the pivotal Phase 3 study could result in full approval and marketing authorization for Bria-IMT in MBC patients. BriaCell recently announced positive Phase 2 survival data in a similar MBC patient population treated with the same Bria-IMT combination regimen. The Bria-IMT combination regimen has received FDA Fast Track designation.

For additional information on BriaCell’s pivotal Phase 3 study of Bria-IMT and an immune check point inhibitor in metastatic breast cancer, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06072612.

About BriaCell Therapeutics Corp.

BriaCell is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops novel immunotherapies to transform cancer care. More information is available at https://briacell.com/.

Safe Harbor

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements, including those about BriaCell’s use of biomarkers in its ongoing Phase 3 study to predict patient responsiveness to the Bria-IMT treatment, providing better clinical outcomes and extending patients’ lives; the use of biomarkers to predict clinical responses to the Bria-IMT regimen with respect to MBC patients specifically; BriaCell continuing to evaluate findings as they advance their goal of treating MBC patients; Bria-IMT’s tolerability and safety profile; timelines regarding BriaCell’s analysis of interim data; and positive results of BriaCell’s Phase 3 study resulting in full approval and marketing authorization for Bria-IMT in MBC patients, , are based on BriaCell’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s most recent Management’s Discussion and Analysis, under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form, and under “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s other filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available under the Company’s profiles on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contact Information

Company Contact:
William V. Williams, MD
President & CEO
1-888-485-6340
info@briacell.com 

Investor Relations Contact:
investors@briacell.com


1 Bria-ABC refers to the pivotal Phase 3 Study entitled, Study of the Bria-IMT Regimen and CPI vs Physicians’ Choice in Advanced Metastatic Breast Cancer (BRIA-ABC) NCT06072612

Disclaimer & Cookie Notice

Welcome to GOLDEA services for Professionals

Before you continue, please confirm the following:

Professional advisers only

I am a professional adviser and would like to visit the GOLDEA CAPITAL for Professionals website.

Important Notice for Investors:

The services and products offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. are intended exclusively for professional market participants as defined by applicable laws and regulations. This typically includes institutional investors, qualified investors, and high-net-worth individuals who have sufficient knowledge, experience, resources, and independence to assess the risks of trading on their own.

No Investment Advice:

The information, analyses, and market data provided are for general information purposes only and do not constitute individual investment advice. They should not be construed as a basis for investment decisions and do not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs of any recipient.

High Risks:

Trading in financial instruments is associated with significant risks and may result in the complete loss of the invested capital. Goldalea Capital Ltd. accepts no liability for losses incurred as a result of the use of the information provided or the execution of transactions.

Sole Responsibility:

The decision to invest or not to invest is solely the responsibility of the investor. Investors should obtain comprehensive information about the risks involved before making any investment decision and, if necessary, seek independent advice.

No Guarantees:

Goldalea Capital Ltd. makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Markets are subject to constant change, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Regional Restrictions:

The services offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. may not be available to all persons or in all countries. It is the responsibility of the investor to ensure that they are authorized to use the services offered.

Please note: This disclaimer is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual legal or tax advice.