AstraZeneca has expanded its oncology portfolio through a significant licensing agreement with Chinese biotech firm Usynova, securing worldwide rights to UA022, a promising KRAS G12D inhibitor, for $24 million upfront. The deal includes potential milestone payments of up to $395 million plus royalties on future sales.
UA022, currently in preclinical development, represents a strategic advancement in precision oncology by targeting KRAS G12D mutations. This approach differs from existing KRAS inhibitors like Lumakras (sotorasib) and Krazati (adagrasib), which target the G12C mutation predominantly found in lung cancer.
Strategic Significance in Cancer Treatment
KRAS G12D mutations represent approximately 26% of all KRAS mutations, making them the most common variant across cancer types. These mutations are particularly prevalent in pancreatic and colorectal cancers, where effective targeted therapies are currently lacking.
Dr. Hu Tao, Usynova's co-founder and chief executive, emphasized the significant unmet medical need, noting that no approved therapies specifically target KRAS G12D mutations. Preliminary laboratory studies of UA022 have demonstrated promising results, showing potent anticancer activity, good oral bioavailability, and a favorable safety profile.
Competitive Landscape and Development Timeline
The acquisition places AstraZeneca among an elite group of pharmaceutical companies pursuing KRAS G12D inhibition:
- Mirati Therapeutics (soon to be acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb for $5.8 billion) is advancing MRTX1133 in phase 1/1b trials, with monotherapy results expected in early 2024
- Revolution Medicines' RMC-9805 entered phase 1/1b studies with results anticipated in 2025
- Roche/Chugai has completed dose-ranging studies for their pan-RAS inhibitor LUNA18
- Quanta Therapeutics is developing QTX3034, a multi-KRAS inhibitor in preclinical stages
Stephen Fawell, AstraZeneca's head of oncology development, characterized the licensing agreement as an "exciting opportunity" that builds on the company's expertise in targeting tumor drivers and mutations. He highlighted the potential to accelerate the development of new treatments for patients with KRAS G12D mutations, addressing a critical gap in current cancer therapy options.
