ImmunoMet's Lixumistat Achieves 100% Disease Control in Pancreatic Cancer Trial
Introduction to ImmunoMet Therapeutics
ImmunoMet Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on innovative approaches to combat cancer. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Houston, the company has raised $38 million to date. Their lead drug candidate, Lixumistat, targets cancer metabolism to improve patient outcomes.
Phase 1b Trial of Lixumistat
ImmunoMet is conducting a single-arm Phase 1b trial to evaluate Lixumistat in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel as a frontline therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer. The study, led by Dr. Shubham Pant from MD Anderson Cancer Center, aims to determine the optimal dosing and efficacy of this combination treatment. The trial includes a dose escalation phase followed by an expansion phase to assess the drug's potential in overcoming treatment resistance.
Clinical Trial Results
In the Phase 1b trial, 14 patients were treated with Lixumistat alongside gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. Eight patients received a 400 mg daily dose, while six received 800 mg daily. The recommended Phase 2 dose was established at 400 mg once daily. Among the evaluable patients at this dose, 62.5% experienced a partial response, and 37.5% had stable disease, resulting in a 100% disease control rate. The median progression-free survival was 9.7 months, and the median overall survival reached 18 months.
Expert Insights
Dr. Shubham Pant expressed optimism about the trial results, highlighting the encouraging clinical effects observed with Lixumistat at the recommended dose. He emphasized that the combination therapy shows promise as a new treatment option for advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Dean Welsch, CEO of ImmunoMet, noted the urgent need for effective therapies in PDAC and believes that targeting oxidative phosphorylation could significantly improve patient outcomes.
Regulatory Milestones
ImmunoMet has achieved significant regulatory progress by obtaining Orphan Drug Designation for Lixumistat in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This designation underscores the drug's potential to address rare and aggressive cancers with high unmet medical needs. The company continues to explore additional indications for Lixumistat, leveraging a precision medicine approach to target tumors dependent on oxidative phosphorylation.
About Lixumistat
Lixumistat is ImmunoMet's leading candidate, designed to inhibit Protein Complex 1 (PC1) and disrupt the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway essential for tumor growth. As the first PC1 inhibitor to complete Phase 1 trials with good tolerability, Lixumistat represents a novel approach in cancer therapy. The drug is currently in development for selected cancers, aiming to provide new treatment options for patients facing limited choices.
Conclusion
ImmunoMet Therapeutics is making significant strides in the fight against advanced pancreatic cancer with its innovative drug Lixumistat. The promising results from the Phase 1b trial highlight the potential of targeting cancer metabolism to improve patient outcomes. With regulatory milestones achieved and ongoing research, ImmunoMet is poised to make a meaningful impact in the oncology landscape.
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venturebeat.com