Transcription of The Stock Network Interview with INOVIQ (ASX:IIQ), CEO, Leearne Hinch
Lel Smits: INOVIQ is a biotechnology company developing new exosome-based diagnostics and therapeutics aimed at improving how cancer is detected and treated. The company has recently announced positive early-stage results from animal studies showing its CAR exosome cancer therapy significantly reduced tumor growth, was safe and improved survival in a breast cancer model. Ahead of Wholesale Investors Emergence 2026 conference, I’m joined by INOVIQ CEO Leearne Hinch to discuss what these results mean, how the technology works and also the next steps towards human trials.
Leearne, welcome to the Stock Network.
Leearne Hinch: Thanks Lel.
Lel Smits: Now, INOVIQ CAR exosome therapy reduced tumor growth by more than 60% in a triple negative breast cancer mouse study with all treated animals surviving and no major safety concerns observed.
In simple terms, what did this study show and why is that an important milestone for INOVIQ?
Leearne Hinch: In simple terms, our CAR exosome therapy shrank aggressive breast tumors in a living mouse model whilst being safe and well tolerated with every treated animal surviving. That’s an important milestone for INOVIQ because it shows that our therapeutic exosomes can be produced simply, reliably and cost-effectively. They target and kill breast cancer cells in a live model, confirming that the product works as intended.
Additionally, our exosomes are a viable off-the-shelf product as they’re stable and can be transported ready to use when needed. Now that we’ve achieved this proof of concept, our next steps are to increase potency or tumor killing power of our exosomes, optimize the cell systems that produce the exosomes to maximize the exosome yield and their ability to specifically target and destroy cancer cells. We’ll also determine the most effective dose and treatment schedule to achieve the best cancer killing results.
And unlike traditional cell therapies, INOVIQ’s CAR exosomes are cell-free designed to precisely target cancer cells while avoiding damage to healthy tissue.
Lel Smits: Why is this exosome-based approach potentially safer and easier to use than existing autogous T-cell therapies?
Leearne Hinch: It’s because unlike autologous cell therapies, which involve reinfusing a patient’s own genetically modified immune cells, our CAR exosomes are cell-free. This makes them naturally safer because they don’t introduce live engineered cells into the body, reducing any risks like a severe immune reaction like a cytokine storm or the rare possibility of the cells forming tumors.
Our exosomes are a natural communication particle produced by the body’s own cells, including immune cells, meaning that they’re less likely to trigger strong immune responses. Also, their small nanoscale size allows them to penetrate deep into solid tumors and reach areas that cell therapies struggle to access. Additionally, patients can receive repeat dosing with a lower risk of rejection and also the exosomes can be manufactured in bulk, stored long-term and shipped globally, providing a scalable off-the-shelf therapy for patients.
This is a contrast to personalized or autologous cell therapies, which require complex, patient-specific engineering and long lead times. So our exosome approach offers a pathway to safer, more accessible and more affordable cancer treatment.
Lel Smits: Fantastic, well really appreciate the update Leanne and look forward to hearing more from INOVIQ in the future.
Leearne Hinch: Thanks very much Lel.
Ends