Immunocore Holdings plc (IMCR) shares are soaring 5.21% in intraday trading following the release of encouraging Phase 1 trial results for its hepatitis B drug candidate, IMC-I109V. The biopharmaceutical company presented the data at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) The Liver Meeting, showcasing the potential of its novel T cell receptor bispecific candidate.

The Phase 1 trial, which enrolled 20 participants across four ascending dose cohorts, demonstrated that IMC-I109V has a manageable safety profile and exhibits antiviral activity. Notably, the drug led to reductions in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels, a key indicator of potential infection resolution. The trial tested single intravenous infusions at doses ranging from 0.8 mcg to 20 mcg, providing valuable insights into the drug's efficacy and safety.

While the trial reported one case of Grade 2 cytokine release syndrome at the highest dose, which resolved with treatment, no serious adverse events occurred in subsequent participants who received corticosteroid premedication. These promising first-in-human findings have bolstered investor confidence, as they support further evaluation of IMC-I109V in multiple dose regimens. The positive results suggest that Immunocore's innovative approach to targeting hepatitis B could potentially address a significant unmet medical need, driving the stock's impressive performance today.