ImPact Biotech Presents Promising Early Data for Padeliporfin VTP in Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

Initial Phase 1 results show potential to convert patients to surgical candidates, as company pursues strategic partnerships for commercialization.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:20pm

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray photograph showing the intricate internal structures of a pancreatic tumor, conceptually illustrating the advanced imaging and treatment approaches being explored for this challenging disease.Cutting-edge imaging technology offers a glimpse into the complex inner workings of an aggressive pancreatic tumor, highlighting the potential of novel therapies to target these hard-to-treat cancers.Irvine Today

ImPact Biotech, a clinical-stage biotech company, announced positive preliminary results from its ongoing Phase 1 study of Padeliporfin Vascular Targeted Photodynamic (VTP) therapy in patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (LA-PDAC). The data, to be presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) 2026 Annual Meeting, showed that 66% of patients in the lowest dose cohort were able to undergo surgery following VTP treatment, with a consistent and well-tolerated safety profile. The company plans to continue advancing the LA-PDAC program while pursuing strategic partnerships to support commercialization of its late-stage upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) program.

Why it matters

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease with a 5-year survival rate of only 10%, and the majority of patients present with unresectable tumors that have limited treatment options. Padeliporfin VTP has the potential to convert these patients to surgical candidates, significantly expanding the treatable population and improving outcomes for this high-need patient group.

The details

The Phase 1 LA-PDAC trial is a two-part dose-escalation and expansion study evaluating Padeliporfin VTP in patients with vascular encasement deemed ineligible for surgical resection. As of the data cutoff, 3 patients in the lowest dose cohort (200 mW/cm) had completed follow-up, with 2 of the 3 (66%) successfully undergoing surgery following VTP treatment. The therapy was well-tolerated, with no complications related to arterial injury, thrombosis, ischemia, or other VTP-related morbidity. ImPact has completed enrollment in the second cohort and expects to report additional data throughout 2026.

  • As of December 4, 2025, 3 patients had completed follow-up from initial treatment in the lowest dose cohort.
  • ImPact has completed patient enrollment in the second cohort of the Phase 1 dose-escalation study and expects to report additional data throughout 2026.

The players

Padeliporfin Vascular Targeted Photodynamic (VTP) therapy

A minimally invasive drug-device combination developed by ImPact Biotech for selective ablation of unresectable solid tumors.

ImPact Biotech

A clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing Padeliporfin VTP to treat a range of solid tumors.

Eyal Morag, M.D.

Chief Medical Officer of ImPact Biotech.

Barak Palatchi

Chief Executive Officer of ImPact Biotech.

Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh, M.D.

Professor of Radiology at the University of California, Irvine, and the presenter of the late-breaking data at SIR 2026.

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What they’re saying

“These initial results from our ongoing trial in LA-PDAC spotlight the emerging clinical profile behind our strategic advancement of this program. At the lowest dose, Padeliporfin VTP has so far not only demonstrated a well-tolerated profile – consistent with the robust body of data generated across indications – but, importantly, also shown promising signs of clinical efficacy highlighting its potential to convert patients with unresectable tumors to become eligible for surgery.”

— Eyal Morag, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of ImPact Biotech

“Given PDAC's large addressable market and potential for an efficient development path forward, this program represents a compelling near-term opportunity for ImPact. The significant platform potential demonstrated by Padeliporfin VTP across several indications has enabled us to strategically pursue opportunities with the greatest potential for patient impact and long-term value.”

— Barak Palatchi, Chief Executive Officer of ImPact Biotech

What’s next

Subject to future discussions with the FDA, the company believes the LA-PDAC program may have potential to move directly into a registrational study.

The takeaway

The promising early results for Padeliporfin VTP in unresectable pancreatic cancer highlight its potential to expand the treatable population and improve outcomes for this high-need patient group. As ImPact Biotech advances the program, the company is also pursuing strategic partnerships to support the commercialization of its late-stage UTUC program.