IVX: Photosoft & Novel Immunotherapy Collab Partnership
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT
Invion Limited ABN 76 094 730 417
Suite 2, Level 11, 385 Bourke Street Melbourne, VIC 3000
P: +61 3 9692 7222 W: www.inviongroup.com
INVION AND PERCHERON TO EXPLORE NOVEL COMBINATION OF VISTA IMMUNOTHERAPIES
AND PHOTOSOFT™ FOR CANCER
• Invion and Percheron Therapeutics to undertake preclinical studies evaluating HMBD-
002, a type of immunotherapy, specifically a VISTA immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI),
in combination with Invion’s INV043 next-generation photodynamic therapy (NGPDT)
platform technology, Photosoft™
• Previous in vivo studies by the Peter MaCallum Cancer Centre found Photosoft, in
combination with another type of ICI (anti-PD-1), resulted in ~80% control of anal
squamous cell carcinoma compared to ~12% with a standalone ICI – a program now
progressing to clinical trials in anogenital cancers.
• The collaboration will investigate a complementary therapeutic approach that
combines INV043’s PDT-mediated tumour destruction with HMBD-002, Percheron’s
anti-VISTA monoclonal antibody, designed to modulate the immunosuppressive
tumour microenvironment.
• Positive preclinical findings could provide scientific rationale for further development
of the combination and broaden the potential opportunities for HMBD-002 in solid
tumours.
• Both INV043 and HMBD-002 are at clinical trial stage, so promising findings could lead
to a potentially rapid development path
MELBOURNE (AUSTRALIA) 20 October 2026: Invion Limited (ASX: IVX) (“Invion” or the
“Company”) is pleased to announce a preclinical research collaboration with Percheron
Therapeutics Limited (ASX: PER) to evaluate Percheron’s clinical-stage anti-VISTA monoclonal
antibody, HMBD-002, in combination with Invion’s clinical-stage next-generation
photodynamic therapy (NGPDT) platform technology, Photosoft™.
The biological rationale for the combination is that Photosoft-initiated tumour destruction may
create an environment in which an immune-directed therapy could generate additional anti-
tumour activity. Photosoft-driven elimination of tumour cells can trigger an immune response.
An in vivo study undertaken at the Peter MaCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac) in 2024 found
Invion’s lead cancer candidate, INV043, in combination with an FDA-approved immune
checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), resulted in ~80% control of anal squamous cell carcinoma compared
with ICI therapy alone, which achieved ~12% control. This has led to preparations for a
combination INV043 and ICI clinical trial in anogenital cancers with Peter Mac.
On a similar line, treating tumours with HMBD-002 in combination with Photosoft may also
enhance the immune response by blocking VISTA and modulating the tumour
microenvironment. Both Photosoft and HDMB-002 have potential across a range of solid
tumour types, and the generation of robust preclinical data opens the possibility of clinical
studies using the combination approach for multiple indications.
As INV043 and HMBD-002 have both completed phase 1 studies as monotherapies, the
Company could initiate a combination approach in humans relatively swiftly upon receipt of
promising data.
Percheron Managing Director and CEO, Dr Michael Baker, commented:
“We are excited to work with Invion to explore the potential of combining two highly
complementary approaches to cancer treatment. Invion’s Photosoft is designed to
directly attack tumour tissue, while HMBD-002 modulates the immunosuppressive
tumour microenvironment by blocking VISTA.
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT
Invion Limited ABN 76 094 730 417
Suite 2, Level 11, 385 Bourke Street Melbourne, VIC 3000
P: +61 3 9692 7222 W: www.inviongroup.com
“We believe there is a strong scientific rationale for investigating whether these
distinct mechanisms can work together to generate enhanced anti-tumour activity.
Cancer is complex, so identifying the best combination approaches is an important
way to improve patient outcomes. We look forward to commencing the studies and
generating the data.”
Invion’s Executive Chair and CEO, Prof Thian Chew, said:
“This collaboration brings together two highly complementary technologies with the
potential to reshape how solid tumours are treated. The Photosoft platform
technology is designed to destroy tumour tissue and prime the immune system, while
HMBD-002 targets an important immunosuppressive pathway in cancer not typically
addressed by other immunotherapies. By combining these mechanisms, we aim to
generate a more powerful and durable anti-tumour response.
“Both programs have already completed Phase 1 studies, so positive preclinical
data could allow us to move swiftly toward clinical evaluation. We’re pleased to
partner with Percheron and look forward to advancing this promising combination.”
Background
HMBD-002 (minperstobart) is a monoclonal antibody targeting VISTA, a novel immune
checkpoint inhibitor. Preclinical evidence shows activity across a wide range of animal
cancer models. In April 2026, Percheron presented final data from a phase 1 clinical trial in 48
patients, showing the drug was safe and well tolerated, with signals of potential clinical
efficacy1. The Company has previously indicated its intention to further investigate HMBD-002
in combination with existing therapies across several different cancer types.
Invion’s INV043 has been evaluated clinically in prostate cancer and non-melanoma skin
cancers. It is also being developed across several solid tumour indications.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a photosensitising compound that, when activated by a
specific wavelength of light, produces cytotoxic reactive oxygen species and destroys tumour
cells. Invion’s Photosoft platform technology, a portfolio of a few hundred patent protected
novel photosensitiser compounds, is being developed as a next-generation approach that
overcomes many of the shortcomings and side effects of existing PDTs.
Solid tumours represent more than 90% of newly diagnosed cancer cases2, and as of 2024,
the solid tumour market was valued at $362 billion3.
Key terms of the agreement
Percheron and Invion have entered into a non-exclusive research collaboration to evaluate
HMBD-002 in combination with Photosoft™ INV043 photodynamic therapy in agreed
preclinical cancer models, effective 20 October, 2026.
Each party will supply its respective therapeutic technology and bear its own internal costs,
with approved external study costs shared equally between the parties. Each party retains full
ownership of its existing intellectual property.
1
PER announcement to ASX of 21 April 2026
2
Sung et al., 2020 Global Cancer Statistics 2020
3
Data Bridge Market Research Global Solid Tumors Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT
Invion Limited ABN 76 094 730 417
Suite 2, Level 11, 385 Bourke Street Melbourne, VIC 3000
P: +61 3 9692 7222 W: www.inviongroup.com
In the event that new intellectual property is created jointly, the parties will discuss in good faith
(but without obligation) appropriate commercial arrangements regarding their ownership,
protection, development, use and commercialisation, with any agreed arrangements to be
documented separately.
The collaboration does not provide either party with commercial rights to the other party’s
technology. If the results support further development, the parties may discuss in good faith
(but without obligation) a potential future collaboration or commercial arrangement, with any
commercial rights subject to a separate definitive agreement. The agreement is subject to
standard termination clauses.
This announcement was approved for release by the Board of Directors.
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Investor and Media enquiries:
Thian Chew (Chairman & CEO)
T: +61 3 9692 7222
E: investor@inviongroup.com
Brendon Lau (Investor & Media Relations)
M: +61 409 341 613
E: brendon.lau@inviongroup.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains or may contain forward-looking statements that are based on
Invion’s beliefs, assumptions, and expectations and on information currently available to
Invion.
All statements that address operating performance, events, funding or developments that
Invion or its directors expect or anticipate will occur in the future are forward-looking
statements, including, without limitation, statements as to the expectations of Invion or the
market it operates in.
Invion believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made.
You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they speak
only as of the date when made. Invion does not assume any obligation to publicly update or
revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise. No assurance or guarantee is, or should be taken to be, given in relation to,
and no reliance should be placed on, the future business performance or results of Invion or
the likelihood that the current assumptions, estimates or outcomes will be achieved. Actual
results, developments or events could differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-
looking statements.
About Invion
Invion is a life-science company that is leading the global research and development of the
Photosoft™ technology for the treatment of a range of cancers, ophthalmic and infectious
diseases. Invion holds the global exclusive license to the Photosoft technology for multiple
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT
Invion Limited ABN 76 094 730 417
Suite 2, Level 11, 385 Bourke Street Melbourne, VIC 3000
P: +61 3 9692 7222 W: www.inviongroup.com
cancer and non-cancer disease indications. Invion is listed on the ASX (ASX: IVX). Find out more
at www.Inviongroup.com.
About Percheron Therapeutics Limited
Percheron Therapeutics Limited [ASX: PER | US OTC: PERCF] is a publicly listed biotechnology
company focused on the development and commercialisation of novel therapies for
oncology. The company’s lead program is HMBD-002, a monoclonal antibody targeting the
immune checkpoint regulator, VISTA. HMBD-002 has completed a phase 1 clinical trial in
patients with advanced cancer, showing the drug is generally safe and well tolerated, and
Percheron aims to commence further clinical trials in CY2026.
For more information, please contact info@PercheronTx.com.
About Next Generation Photodynamic Therapy (NGPDT)
Invion is developing its PhotosoftTM platform technology as a novel Next Generation
Photodynamic Therapy (NGPDT). NGPDT uses non-toxic photosensitisers and light to selectively
kill cancer cells and promote an anti-cancer immune response. Less invasive than surgery and
with minimal side effects, NGPDT offers an alternative treatment option aimed at achieving
complete tumour regression and long-lasting remission. NGPDT has also demonstrated
potential in ophthalmic applications as well as broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity across
multiple bacteria, fungi and viruses.
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