K5K selected as Equitable Oncology’s first programme

Equitable Oncology has selected K5K as the first programme to be advanced through the Equitable Oncology Model.

K5K is an innovative cancer immunotherapy designed to harness the body’s own immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells.

The programme was selected because it combines a strong scientific foundation with characteristics that have the potential to support greater affordability and accessibility.

K5K builds on more than three decades of research into Kode technology, including human clinical experience with AGI-134, an earlier-generation Kode Immuno-Educer evaluated in a Phase 1/2a human clinical study, and translational evidence from Kv9, which uses the same molecule as K5K and is being evaluated in veterinary oncology.

Importantly for Equitable Oncology, K5K also provides an opportunity to consider access alongside scientific and clinical development.

It has a target treatment cost of USD $5,000 or less per treatment course and is being designed to remain stable at ambient temperatures above 40°C, reducing the need for continuous refrigerated storage. Its approach is also intended to support simplified administration and delivery across a wider range of healthcare settings.

Chief Executive Officer Christine Gill says the selection of K5K provides an opportunity to demonstrate the Equitable Oncology Model in action.

“K5K brings together what we are looking for in an Equitable Oncology programme: strong science alongside the potential for affordability, accessibility and practical delivery. It gives us the opportunity to put our Model into action with the people who may ultimately need the treatment in mind from the beginning.”

K5K is progressing towards first-in-human clinical studies. The next stage of development will commence once funding is secured.

The way a treatment is developed influences who can ultimately benefit from it.