Sutro Biopharma, in collaboration with Merck (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada), has announced the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial for a novel cytokine derivative therapeutic. The first patient has been dosed in the study, which is evaluating the candidate's safety and efficacy in treating patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. This milestone triggers a $10 million payment from Merck to Sutro, according to the terms of their collaboration agreement.
The collaboration, established in July 2018, leverages Sutro's proprietary XpressCF® and Xpress CF+® cell-free protein synthesis and site-specific conjugation platforms. Sutro has been responsible for the preclinical research, development, and manufacturing of the cytokine derivatives. Merck holds exclusive worldwide rights to therapeutic candidates derived from this collaboration.
Bill Newell, Chief Executive Officer of Sutro, expressed enthusiasm about the advancement of this next-generation biologic candidate. He highlighted the synergistic collaboration between Merck's immuno-oncology expertise and Sutro's capabilities in designing and manufacturing complex biologics. The companies are hopeful about the potential impact this therapeutic may have for cancer patients.
Sutro Biopharma is also developing other oncology therapeutics, including STRO-002, a folate receptor alpha (FolRα)-targeting ADC for ovarian and endometrial cancers, and STRO-001, a CD74-targeting ADC for B-cell malignancies. Additionally, Sutro is collaborating with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) on CC-99712, a BCMA-targeting ADC for multiple myeloma; with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, on M1231, a MUC1-EGFR bispecific ADC for solid tumors like non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; and with Astellas Pharma on immunostimulatory antibody-drug conjugates (iADCs).
