Gyre Therapeutics has received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to conduct a clinical trial evaluating pirfenidone capsules for oncology-related pulmonary complications. The San Diego-based biotechnology company will assess the drug's efficacy in treating radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), with or without checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis (CIP).
This regulatory milestone represents a strategic expansion of pirfenidone beyond its established role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) into the oncology supportive care space. The drug could potentially offer a novel lung-protective strategy for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy or immunotherapy.
Addressing Critical Unmet Needs in Cancer Care
Radiation therapy remains a cornerstone of lung cancer treatment, but 5%-25% of patients experience lung damage due to radiation exposure. This complication often limits clinicians' ability to escalate radiation doses, potentially compromising treatment efficacy.
Similarly, while immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment approaches, 13%-19% of patients develop checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis. This condition accounts for approximately 35% of immune-related adverse event deaths and frequently necessitates treatment discontinuation.
"Currently, no targeted therapies exist for lung injuries caused by radiation or immunotherapy," notes the company statement. Distinguishing between RILI and CIP presents significant diagnostic challenges, particularly when both conditions occur concurrently. Corticosteroids remain the standard of care despite their significant long-term side effects.
Novel Mechanism of Action
Pirfenidone is an orally administered small molecule that works by inhibiting TGF-β signaling and fibroblast proliferation. By targeting and inhibiting fibrotic pathways, the drug may address the root cause of lung injury progression, offering a potential new treatment option for patients receiving radiation or immunotherapy.
The drug has already demonstrated clinical benefit in slowing lung function decline in IPF patients. Gyre has held first-in-class status for pirfenidone in China since its original approval in 2011, underscoring its pioneering role in treating fibrotic lung diseases.
Adaptive Trial Design
In accordance with the NMPA approval, Gyre intends to pursue an adaptive Phase 2/3 clinical trial design, combining dose exploration with efficacy confirmation. This approach will allow researchers to efficiently evaluate pirfenidone's potential in this new indication.
The company anticipates initiating the trial in the second half of 2025 at leading academic and oncology centers across China. The study represents a significant step forward in addressing a critical gap in supportive care for cancer patients.
Broader Corporate Strategy
Gyre Therapeutics, headquartered in San Diego, California, is primarily focused on the development and commercialization of F351 (Hydronidone) for MASH-associated fibrosis in the U.S. The company's strategy builds on its experience in mechanistic studies using MASH rodent models and clinical studies in CHB-induced liver fibrosis.
In China, Gyre is advancing a broad pipeline through its indirect controlling interest in Gyre Pharmaceuticals, including therapeutic expansions of ETUARY, and development programs for F573, F528, and F230.
This latest approval aligns with the company's core focus on developing innovative treatments for organ fibrosis across multiple therapeutic areas.
