Candel Cancer Drug Boosts 24-Month Survival to 50% in NSCLC Trial

CAN-2409 Lifts 24-Month Survival to 50% in Lung Cancer Study

Candel Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CADL) announced on March 17, 2026, that its lead immunotherapy candidate, aglatimagene besadenovec (CAN-2409), demonstrated a significant increase in survival rates for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In an extended 12-month follow-up of its clinical study, 50% of the 46 patients in the per-protocol population remained alive at the 24-month mark. This represents a meaningful improvement over the 39% survival rate reported in the prior data cut.

The durability of the treatment's effect was also a key finding. The data revealed a persistent long-term survival tail, with 35% of patients surviving beyond 30 months, 26% past 36 months, and a notable 13% of patients living for more than 50 months. These outcomes reinforce the potential for CAN-2409 to generate lasting anti-tumor immunity in a patient population that has had an inadequate response to prior immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatments.

Data Underpins Pivotal Phase 3 Trial Launching in Q2 2026

The strong survival data provides critical momentum for Candel's clinical development plans. The company is preparing to initiate a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial for CAN-2409 in NSCLC during the second quarter of 2026. This plan follows a positive end-of-phase-2 meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2025. The therapy has already received Fast Track Designation from the FDA for this indication, which is intended to expedite the development and review of drugs for serious conditions.

This progress in lung cancer complements Candel's efforts in prostate cancer, where CAN-2409 is also in late-stage development. The company plans to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) for the drug's use in localized prostate cancer in the fourth quarter of 2026. By advancing its lead candidate across two major oncology fronts, Candel is executing a focused strategy to bring its multimodal immunotherapy to market.

Recent Financings Secure Runway Into 2028

Candel has substantially strengthened its financial position to support these ambitious clinical and pre-commercial activities. In February 2026, the company raised approximately $100 million in gross proceeds through a follow-on equity offering. This was supplemented by a $130 million term loan facility, from which Candel drew an initial $50 million.

These capital infusions, combined with cash on hand, are expected to fund the company's operating plan into the first quarter of 2028. This provides a clear financial runway to complete the planned Phase 3 trial in NSCLC, prepare for the potential commercial launch of CAN-2409 in prostate cancer, and advance other pipeline programs. The secured funding gives investors confidence in the company's ability to execute on its key catalysts through potential regulatory approvals.