Australian immunotherapy company Immutep halted its global Phase‑3 lung cancer trial after an independent data monitoring committee recommended stopping for futility, a surprise outcome that sent the biotech’s shares tumbling. The program evaluated eftilagimod alfa (efti), a LAG‑3 fusion protein given with Merck’s Keytruda as first‑line therapy in advanced non‑small cell lung cancer; the trial enrolled roughly 756 patients and tested progression‑free and overall survival. Immutep CEO Marc Voigt said the company was “very disappointed and surprised” by the recommendation and announced a comprehensive review of the data. The decision contrasts with earlier positive signals for efti in other tumor types and cohorts and raises questions about the agent’s performance across indications and combinations. Analysts and investors reacted sharply: premarket trading saw large share declines, and the company said it will wind down the study. The setback underscores the high risk of late‑stage oncology development and the potential investor impact of independent data reviews that halt trials early.