Simcere Zaiming, an oncology-focused subsidiary of Simcere Pharmaceutical Group, has announced the dosing of the first US patient in a Phase 1 trial evaluating SIM0500, a novel trispecific antibody for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The trial (SIM0500-101, NCT06375044) is being conducted at The Tisch Cancer Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Novel Trispecific Approach Targets Multiple Pathways
SIM0500, formerly known as SCR-8572, represents a humanized trispecific antibody designed to simultaneously target GPRC5D, BCMA, and CD3. The therapy was developed using Simcere Zaiming's proprietary T-cell engager polyspecific antibody platform, combining dual tumor antigen targeting with T-cell engagement mechanisms.
"In the last few years, BCMA and GPRC5D-targeted therapies have demonstrated significant promise in treating RRMM and have been anticipated as the cornerstones of the next chapter in the pursuit of curing myeloma," said Dr. Joshua Richter, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Principal Investigator of the study. "SIM0500 is the natural evolution of combining these targets with the aim to optimize outcomes in the RRMM."
Preclinical Data Supports Clinical Development
The investigational therapy has demonstrated strong T-cell cytotoxicity against multiple myeloma cells in preclinical studies. Prof. Shaji Kumar noted that "SIM0500 is designed to bind to two tumor antigens, GPRC5D and BCMA" and expressed anticipation for evaluating "the safety and efficacy of this potentially transformative therapy in patients with RRMM."
Regulatory Recognition and Strategic Partnership
SIM0500 received FDA Fast Track designation in April 2024, recognizing its potential to address unmet medical needs in multiple myeloma treatment. The compound is positioned as a potentially best-in-class candidate designed to offer novel therapeutic options for addressing drug resistance encountered in existing multiple myeloma treatments.
In January 2025, Simcere Zaiming entered into a strategic agreement with AbbVie, granting the pharmaceutical giant an option to license SIM0500. This partnership underscores the commercial potential of the trispecific antibody approach.
Trial Design and Early Results
The Phase 1 study is evaluating safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of SIM0500 in RRMM patients. The trial is being conducted simultaneously in both the US and China, with preliminary data from the ongoing dose escalation phase suggesting a favorable safety profile and desired pharmacokinetic characteristics.
"We are quite pleased with the safety and encouraging efficacy results generated to-date in the ongoing dose escalation and look forward to the extension of the SIM0500 Phase 1 trial to the US," said Yongyu Wang, Chief Medical Officer of Simcere Zaiming. "This marks an important step forward in Simcere Zaiming's continued commitment to advance new oncology treatments and elevate the standard of care for patients with RRMM."
Company Background and Pipeline
Founded in 2023, Simcere Zaiming focuses on developing groundbreaking therapies to meet unmet clinical needs of cancer patients globally. The company has successfully launched several innovative products in China, including COSELA®, Enweida®, Endostar®, and Enlituo®, and maintains a robust R&D pipeline featuring distinct clinical assets.
SIM0500 remains an investigational agent that has not been approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority. The company continues to advance the compound through clinical development with the goal of delivering potentially transformative treatment options to cancer patients worldwide.
