Biotech company Amgen announced Friday that its bispecific antibody treatment Imdelltra demonstrated improved survival rates in patients with previously treated small cell lung cancer compared to standard chemotherapy. The results emerged from an interim analysis of the Phase 3 DeLLphi-304 trial, which evaluated 500 participants worldwide. While specific data points were not disclosed, Amgen reported that patients receiving Imdelltra showed “statistically significant and clinically meaningful” survival benefits over those treated with conventional chemotherapy. These findings could help secure full FDA approval for Imdelltra, which currently holds conditional
authorization in the United States.
In other industry news, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy has strengthened its leadership team with two significant
appointments. The organization named Karen Knudsen, former CEO of the American Cancer Society and its Cancer Action Network, as its new chief executive officer 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 revealed 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 adolescent patients achieved clear or nearly clear skin after 16 weeks of treatment, compared to 27% in the placebo group. The oral peptide drug, which targets IL-23, could provide an alternative to injectable treatments like AbbVie’s Skyrizi and J&J’s Tremfya. The development is part of J&J’s collaboration with Protagonist
Therapeutics.
In less successful trial news, Alzehon reported that its Alzheimer’s disease drug candidate valiltramiprosate failed to show efficacy in delaying cognitive decline among patients with genetic predisposition to early-onset disease. The Phase 3 trial involved 325 early Alzheimer’s patients carrying two copies of the apolipoprotein E gene’s ε4 allele. While researchers noted a “nominal” benefit in participants classified with mild cognitive impairment, these results did not meet predetermined statistical thresholds and would likely require additional studies for regulatory consideration.
Meanwhile, Amylyx Pharmaceuticals has initiated a Phase 1 trial for a new ALS treatment, marking its return to the field after previously withdrawing its ALS drug Relyvrio from the market. The study, named Lumina, will assess an antisense oligonucleotide targeting the protease calpain-2. The trial design includes 48 ALS patients in the United States, with participants randomized in a 3:1 ratio to receive either the experimental drug or placebo. Initial results from this safety, tolerability, and pharmacological assessment are expected to be available later this year.
The institute’s recent leadership appointments reflect its commitment to advancing cancer immunotherapy research and treatment development. Knudsen brings extensive experience from her leadership role at the American Cancer Society, while Mellman’s track record in developing innovative cancer therapies at Genentech positions him well to drive the institute’s research initiatives forward. These strategic additions to the Parker Institute’s leadership team come at a time when immunotherapy continues to evolve as a crucial approach in cancer treatment.
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