BerGenBio ASA has announced the enrollment of the first patient in a clinical trial investigating bemcentinib in combination with pacritinib for the treatment of advanced lung adenocarcinoma. The trial, sponsored by the Mays Cancer Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, is designed to assess the efficacy of this combination therapy in patients with this aggressive form of lung cancer.
The study, led by Dr. Josephine A. Taverna, a thoracic oncologist at the Mays Cancer Center, will explore the potential of targeting AXL and JAK-STAT3 pathways to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. "Dr. Taverna’s research has shown that AXL and JAK-STAT3 work in tandem to transmit signals promoting tumor growth and metastasis in advanced lung cancer," said Olav Hellebø, Chief Executive Officer of BerGenBio.
Trial Design and Objectives
The clinical trial is a Phase Ib/II, open-label, single-institution dose-escalation study. It aims to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of bemcentinib in combination with pacritinib. The Phase Ib portion will determine the maximum tolerated dose, while the Phase II portion will assess the overall response rate and progression-free survival. A total of 44 patients are expected to be enrolled.
Bemcentinib and Pacritinib
Bemcentinib is a first-in-class, selective, oral once-a-day inhibitor of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase. AXL is a promising therapeutic target for serious diseases, including cancer. Pacritinib, marketed as VONJO®, is a JAK2 inhibitor indicated for the treatment of myelofibrosis in patients with low platelet counts. It functions by blocking specific growth factors and cytokines.
Lung Adenocarcinoma and Unmet Needs
Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer in the United States, accounting for approximately 40% of all lung cancer cases. There remains a significant unmet need for effective treatments, particularly for patients with mutations in the STK11 gene. This study aligns with BerGenBio’s strategic focus on addressing these unmet needs.
Funding and Collaboration
The study is funded by a grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The collaboration between BerGenBio and the Mays Cancer Center underscores the commitment to advancing innovative cancer therapies.
