About IMM01-STEM

1What is IMM01-STEM?
IMM01-STEM is a multi-active and cell-free biologic derived from the secretome of partially differentiated human stem cells. IMM01-STEM includes a diverse mixture of soluble immunomodulatory proteins, growth factors and cytoskeletal remodeling molecules.
2How is IMM01-STEM made?
IMM01-STEM is produced following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) using human stem cells that are grown in a proprietary cell culture media and partially differentiated. These cells secrete factors and molecules into the media, called the secretome. The secretome is then harvested and processed to ensure standard concentration, composition and potency. This stem cell-derived secretome product is the cell-free, multi-active biologic that is used for clinical testing.

For more information, please see the "Generating Stem Cell-Derived, Multi-active Biologics" resource below.

3What is the therapeutic potential of IMM01-STEM?
IMM01-STEM contains a broad repertoire of regenerative factors that could have broad therapeutic benefits in several age-related conditions. Based on our published preclinical research, IMM01-STEM may have a positive impact on people experiencing age-related muscle loss and metabolic dysfunction.
4Is there data suggesting IMM01-STEM efficacy?
Yes. We have published preclinical data in two reputable, peer-reviewed scientific journals detailing the therapeutic impact of IMM01-STEM on muscle atrophy in aged mice and its beneficial effects on metabolism. Additionally, there is unpublished, positive clinical data from a Phase 1/2a clinical trial run in the USA where IMM01-STEM was administered in elderly individuals with muscle atrophy associated with knee osteoarthritis.

“Reversal of deficits in aged skeletal muscle during disuse and recovery in response to treatment with a secretome product derived from partially differentiated human pluripotent stem cells” (Fix et al., 2021).

The first publication in GeroScience investigates treatment with IMM01-STEM in aged mouse models of disuse atrophy. Compared to control mice, IMM01-STEM treatment increases muscle mass and size, and improves grip strength. Additionally, IMM01-STEM increases collagen turnover and the number of muscle stem cells, indicative of enhanced muscle remodeling. These findings demonstrate that IMM01-STEM promotes muscle size and strength following disuse atrophy.

“Stem cell secretome treatment improves whole-body metabolism, reduces adiposity, and promotes skeletal muscle function in aged mice” (Fennel et al., 2024).

Age-related loss of muscle mass and function (sarcopenia) associated with excess body fat, referred to as “sarcopenic obesity,” is a global health concern (Donini et al., 2022). There are no interventions to combat weight gain without compromising muscle mass, creating an unmet clinical need. Immunis’ Aging Cell publication investigates the therapeutic impact of IMM01-STEM on muscle and metabolism in aged mice. Compared to control-treated mice, IMM01-STEM increases whole-body lean mass, reduces fat mass and decreases muscle fat. Additionally, there is an increase in muscle fiber area and the number of muscle stem cells, as well as enhanced collagen turnover. Lastly, IMM01-STEM promoted better grip strength and increased overall physical activity.

Phase 1/2a STEM-MYO Clinical Trial: “An open-label dose escalation study to assess the safety and tolerability of IMM01-STEM in participants with muscle atrophy related to knee osteoarthritis.”

Immunis completed a Phase 1/2a clinical trial examining the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of IMM01-STEM treatment in sarcopenic elderly with knee osteoarthritis. There have been no reports of serious adverse events (SAEs) associated with our IMM01-STEM treatment in humans. Initial analyses show striking improvements in quality-of-life measurements related to pain, stiff, and physical function. In the 6-min walk test, the patients increased their walking distance and achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in gait speed, an encouraging suggested functional efficacy signal. The team is preparing a manuscript detailing the full results of the investigation.

For additional information, please see the publications below.

5What is the mechanism of action of IMM01-STEM?
Our published preclinical data in GeroScience and Aging Cell demonstrate that intramuscular administration of IMM01-STEM increases muscle strength, muscle mass, and improves metabolism in aged mice. Additionally, IMM01-STEM increases the number of muscle stem cells and improves macrophage infiltration in mice treated with IMM01-STEM, suggesting that tissue remodeling and regeneration are core components of the mechanism of action.

For additional information, please see the publications below.

Additional Resources

Publications