Antengene Corporation Limited (SEHK: 6996.HK) today announced a major breakthrough as the first patient has been dosed in the United States in the combination portion of the Phase I ERASER trial of ATG-017 plus nivolumab.
This exciting development seeks to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of combining ATG-017 chemotherapy with nivolumab for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. The trial will provide important insights into the potential of this innovative therapy and could revolutionize the way cancer is treated in the future.
In a groundbreaking collaboration between Antengene and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), ATG-017 – a powerful oral inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) – will be tested in combination with the human programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody nivolumab, as part of the ERASER Study.
Supported by preclinical evidence showing synergy between a ERK1/2 inhibitor and an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in ICI-resistant murine models, this trial could lead to improved efficacy for cancer treatments.
Antengene is thrilled to announce the successful dosing of the first patient in the US as part of the combination cohort in the ERASER clinical study of its experimental compound, ATG-017. In addition, the monotherapy segment of the study in Australia is also progressing as planned.
Preclinically, ATG-017 has shown highly specific selectivity and promising activity in addition to synergistic effects when combined with ICIs. With such impressive data, the team is optimistic about ATG-017’s potential to become a best-in-class ERK1/2 inhibitor and is eager to continue to advance the clinical program.
Antengene has made yet another groundbreaking milestone with the dosing of the first patient in the U.S. for its combination study of ATG-017! ATG-017 is a highly promising small molecule ERK1/2 inhibitor that could prove to be a powerful ally when used in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade or agents targeting signal pathways.
Founder, Chairman, and CEO Dr. Jay Mei expressed his dedication to the global innovation strategies of Antengene, driving the mission to bring better and safer treatment solutions to cancer patients worldwide. We are excited to see the progress of ATG-017 in the upcoming clinical study!
About ATG-017
ATG-017 is an oral, potent, and selective small-molecule inhibitor of two cancer-linked proteins – the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Studies have shown that dysregulation of the RAS-MAPK signal transduction cascade, where ERK1/2 act as terminal kinases, is present in over 30% of human cancers, with the main types of alterations occurring in the RAS or BRAF gene. Targeting ERK1/2 with ATG-017 can therefore potentially be used to treat malignant diseases caused by these genes.
At the Society for Immunotherapy in Cancer (SITC) 36th Annual Meeting & Pre-conference Programs in November 2021, Antengene presented compelling preclinical data demonstrating the combination of ATG-017, an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (atezolizumab) and an aggressive immune checkpoint resistant murine cancer model could potentially transform so-called “cold” tumors to “hot”.
These results have spurred Antengene to further evaluate ATG-017 as monotherapy and in combination with nivolumab in clinical trials, with patients with advanced solid tumors and hematological malignancies registered in Australia and the United States.
About Antengene
Antengene Corporation Limited (SEHK: 6996.HK), with a mission to improve the lives of patients around the world, is a leading, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company that strives to bring innovative first-in-class/best-in-class treatments to those suffering from hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.
Providing a unique combination of R&D-driven discovery, development, and manufacturing capabilities, Antengene is challenging the status quo and transforming the way cancer is treated.
Antengene has established an impressive portfolio of nine innovative oncology treatments in various stages of development, including six treatments with global rights and three with rights for the Asia Pacific region.
Since 2017, the company has obtained 29 investigational new drug (IND) approvals in the U.S. and Asia and submitted 10 new drug applications (NDAs). Of those, XPOVIO® (selinexor) has already been approved in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Australia.