Junshi Biosciences announced Wednesday that their Phase III Neotorch trial of the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, toripalimab, had achieved its primary endpoint in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following a pre-specified interim analysis. This breakthrough could revolutionize the way NSCLC is treated, providing more effective and lasting treatments for those affected by this form of cancer.
The latest interim analysis suggests that when combined with platinum-containing doublet chemotherapy, toripalimab could drastically improve event-free survival (EFS) in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This could be a major breakthrough in the treatment of this deadly disease.
Neotorch, the investigational treatment, proved to be safe, with a risk profile in line with what had already been established. Junshi is now taking steps to submit a supplemental New Drug Application for toripalimab to various regulatory bodies, with the aim of advancing the treatment closer to availability.
Junshi’s candidate, Toripalimab, is a monoclonal antibody that targets the PD-1 receptor protein, unlocking the body’s ability to fight cancer cells. Not only does the antibody block the interactions between the receptor and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2, but it also encourages the internalization of the receptor, thus strengthening the immune system’s ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells.
The FDA is currently evaluating Junshi’s Biologics License Application for the potential use of their candidate as a combination therapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin for advanced recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Additionally, the agency is assessing toripalimab as a monotherapy for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma in later lines of treatment. This review could potentially mean a new treatment option for those suffering from this type of cancer.
The FDA has granted toripalimab Breakthrough Therapy designation for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Fast Track designation for mucosal melanoma and Orphan Drug designation for a variety of cancers, including esophageal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, mucosal melanoma, small cell lung cancer and soft tissue sarcoma. This remarkable breakthrough therapy has the potential to revolutionize treatment for these conditions and bring hope to those affected by them.
A U.S.-Registered Chinese Trial
Neotorch is making history as the first ever Phase III immuno-oncology trial for lung cancer to report incredible findings – positive EFS data! This breakthrough marks an incredible milestone in the fight against lung cancer and shows immense potential for future treatments.
The study examined the major pathological remission rate as its primary efficacy measure, in addition to evaluating the efficacy of EFS.
Junshi Pharmaceuticals has launched an ambitious trial, registered in the United States but primarily conducted in China, involving 56 centers across the mainland. This remarkable study aims to collect the data needed to seek US approval for the use of toripalimab in a particular indication, an effort that is certainly not without its challenges.
In February of 2022, the FDA’s Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee cast a decisive vote, with 14 in favor and 1 against, that Junshi and its partner Innovent Biologics must conduct a separate clinical trial in the U.S. for their PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab. This was a monumental decision that will have a lasting effect for the future of medical research.
China has approved the revolutionary cancer medication Tyvyt for the first-line treatment of stage IIIB and IIIC or stage IV NSCLC in adult patients. This groundbreaking drug was backed by the results of the ORIENT-11 trial, which was conducted entirely in China, providing further evidence of its efficacy. This is a huge step forward in the fight against cancer and Tyvyt is set to revolutionize care for those living with this devastating disease.
In a strongly worded statement, Richard Pazdur, the director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence, declared that submitting data from a single country for approval was a step in the wrong direction when it comes to achieving the racial diversity that is so desperately needed in the United States.