Episode Player

Send us Fan Mail

We’re joined by Philippa Lewis, Chair and CEO of Imunexus Therapeutics, to break down a protein engineering platform that aims to “turbocharge” existing biologics like monoclonal antibodies, enzyme therapies, and even cell therapies. The idea is modular: attach small human protein components that can add new targeting, adjust immune activity, extend half-life, or enable multi-pathway action, while keeping the parent drug’s core function and manufacturability intact. For anyone tracking biotech innovation and the ASX biotech IPO pipeline, this is a clear look at how platform companies try to build repeatable value.

We also get into the business case hiding in plain sight: more than 100 FDA-approved monoclonal antibody drugs exist, and many are now off-patent. Imunexus argues that enhancing validated medicines can deliver differentiated next-generation biologics plus new intellectual property, giving pharma a way to refresh valuable assets as biosimilar competition grows. We talk partnering and licensing dynamics, why early preclinical deals can be meaningful, and what “capital-efficient” development looks like when you’re designing trials to generate fast, decision-grade data.

On the science side, the focus lands on IMX39 for multiple sclerosis, a market measured in the tens of billions of US dollars. Beyond relapse control, the discussion centres on progression, remyelination, and the possibility of repairing nerve damage, supported by preclinical results and a planned path to first-in-human studies in Australia under the TGA. We then zoom out to the wider pipeline, including IMX101 for small cell lung cancer, IMX113 for Gaucher disease with half-life extension, and a regenerative medicine angle for stem cell therapy enhancement.

If you found this useful, subscribe to ASX Briefs, share the episode with a mate who follows biotech, and leave a review with the one question you want answered next.