In a significant development for lung cancer treatment, Amgen announced Friday that its bispecific antibody Imdelltra demonstrated superior survival outcomes compared to standard chemotherapy in previously treated small cell lung cancer patients. The Phase 3 DeLLphi-304 trial, which evaluated 500 participants worldwide, revealed a meaningful improvement in survival rates among patients receiving Imdelltra versus those on conventional chemotherapy. While specific data points were not disclosed, the company indicated the results showed both statistical significance and clinical relevance. These findings could potentially support converting Imdelltra’s current conditional approval in the United States to full regulatory clearance.
The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy has strengthened its leadership team with two major appointments. Karen Knudsen, former CEO of the American Cancer Society and its Cancer Action Network, was named CEO in March. Additionally, the institute welcomed Ira Mellman as president of research on Thursday. Mellman, who previously worked at Genentech, was instrumental in developing several innovative cancer treatments, including anti-TIGIT antibodies, personalized neo-antigen mRNA and DNA vaccines, and the established immunotherapy drug Tecentriq.
Johnson & Johnson reported promising results for its experimental autoimmune medication icotrokinra in treating adolescent psoriasis. Data presented at the World Congress of Pediatric Dermatology showed that 84% of adolescents receiving the oral peptide drug achieved clear or nearly clear skin after 16 weeks, compared to 27% in the placebo group. The ICONIC-LEAD trial included participants aged 12 and older. Icotrokinra, which targets IL-23, could provide an oral alternative to injectable treatments like AbbVie’s Skyrizi and J&J’s Tremfya. The drug is being developed in partnership with Protagonist Therapeutics.
In less encouraging news, Alzehon’s valiltramiprosate failed to show efficacy in delaying cognitive decline among early-onset Alzheimer’s patients with genetic predisposition. The Phase 3 trial, involving 325 patients with two copies of the apolipoprotein E gene’s ε4 allele, showed no significant difference between treatment and placebo groups on the ADAS-Cog13 measure or secondary endpoints. While researchers noted a minimal benefit in patients with mild cognitive impairment, these results did not meet statistical significance requirements and would likely require additional studies for regulatory consideration.
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals has initiated a Phase 1 trial for a new ALS treatment, marking its return to the field after previously
withdrawing Relyvrio from the market. The Lumina trial will study an antisense oligonucleotide targeting calpain-2 protease, evaluating its safety, tolerability, and pharmacological properties. The study will include 48 ALS patients in the United States, with participants randomized in a 3:1 ratio between the experimental drug and placebo. Initial results from this trial are expected to be available later this year.
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