Shenzhen Chipscreen Biosciences Co., Ltd. has announced that its self-developed drug, Chiauranib, has been approved for a Phase III clinical trial by the National Medical Products Administration in China. The trial will investigate Chiauranib in combination with a PD-(L)1 monoclonal antibody and standard chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).
ES-SCLC presents a significant therapeutic challenge due to its aggressive nature. While chemo-immunotherapy has improved survival outcomes, there remains a need for therapies that can further enhance long-term survival. Chiauranib's multi-pathway mechanism of action, which includes anti-angiogenic and immune-modulatory activities, suggests it may synergize with immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Chiauranib's Mechanism of Action
Chiauranib is a selective inhibitor of Aurora B, a key regulator of mitosis. It also targets VEGFR to inhibit tumor angiogenesis and blocks CSF1R and DDR1 pathways, reducing the infiltration and activity of immunosuppressive cells within the tumor microenvironment. This triple-pathway mechanism allows Chiauranib to exert a comprehensive anti-tumor effect.
According to Chipscreen Biosciences, Chiauranib has demonstrated superior efficacy and safety compared to drugs with similar mechanisms. The company believes that the addition of Chiauranib to first-line chemo-immunotherapy regimens could significantly improve long-term survival for patients with ES-SCLC.
Ongoing Clinical Trials
In addition to the newly approved Phase III trial, a Phase III trial of Chiauranib monotherapy for later-line treatment of small cell lung cancer has been completed, and pre-NDA communication is underway. Chiauranib is also being evaluated in Phase III trials in combination with chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, and in Phase II trials as a single agent or in combination for triple-negative breast cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, and pancreatic cancer. An ongoing Phase Ib/II clinical trial is evaluating Chiauranib monotherapy for small cell lung cancer and solid tumors in the United States.
About Chipscreen Biosciences
Chipscreen Biosciences is a China-based, globally-oriented innovative drug company focused on developing novel therapies for unmet medical needs. The company has a fully integrated platform spanning early discovery through commercialization and is developing a pipeline of drug candidates in oncology, metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases, central nervous system diseases, and antiviral therapies.
