Innovent Biologics announced that its novel PD-1/IL-2α-bias bispecific antibody fusion protein, IBI363, has secured its second Fast Track Designation from the U.S. FDA for treating advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sqNSCLC) in patients who have progressed following immunotherapy and platinum-based chemotherapy.
Promising Clinical Results in Advanced Lung Cancer
Recent data presented at the World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) in September 2024 revealed significant efficacy signals for IBI363. In the 3 mg/kg dose cohort, patients with at least 12 weeks of follow-up (n=18) achieved an impressive 50.0% objective response rate (ORR) and an 88.9% disease control rate (DCR). The median progression-free survival (PFS) has not yet been reached, suggesting potential long-term benefits.
The 1/1.5 mg/kg dose group demonstrated a median PFS of 5.5 months (95% CI: 1.5, 8.3), with 30.7% of patients remaining progression-free at 12 months. Notably, the drug showed consistent efficacy across PD-L1 expression levels, with ORRs of 36.4% in PD-L1 TPS<1% patients (n=22) and 31.8% in PD-L1 TPS≥1% patients (n=22).
Addressing Critical Unmet Needs
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with sqNSCLC representing a significant portion of cases. Current second-line treatment options, such as docetaxel, offer limited efficacy with median PFS under four months. IBI363's promising results, particularly in immunotherapy-resistant populations and cold tumors, represent a potential breakthrough in addressing this critical treatment gap.
Innovative Mechanism of Action
IBI363's unique design combines PD-1 blockade with selective IL-2 delivery, engineered to optimize therapeutic effects while minimizing toxicity. The bispecific antibody enables more precise targeting and activation of tumor-specific T cells through simultaneous inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and activation of the IL-2 pathway.
Dr. Hui Zhou, Senior Vice President of Innovent, emphasized the significance of the FDA designation: "The latest PFS data from the 3 mg/kg dose group after longer follow-up further strengthens our confidence in IBI363's potential as an immunotherapy offering long-term benefits to patients. The drug's efficacy regardless of PD-L1 expression levels suggests potential applications in both immunotherapy-resistant populations and cold tumors."
Ongoing Development and Future Directions
Currently, Phase 1/2 clinical trials are underway in China, the United States, and Australia. The Fast Track Designation will facilitate increased communication with the FDA and potentially accelerate the development and approval process. Innovent plans to explore IBI363's potential in early-line treatment and combination therapies, with ongoing studies in various tumor types, including colorectal cancer and mucosal melanoma.
