Akeso's experimental cancer immunotherapy ivonescimab has demonstrated success in another Phase 3 trial for lung cancer, the company announced Wednesday. The Chinese biopharmaceutical firm, which is co-developing the novel PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody with Summit Therapeutics, reported that the combination of ivonescimab with chemotherapy significantly slowed tumor progression compared to chemotherapy plus a standard PD-1 inhibitor.
The trial, conducted exclusively in China, reached its primary endpoint at an interim analysis, though specific data details were not disclosed. This positive outcome builds on Akeso's growing momentum in the oncology space, including its recent FDA approval for another immunotherapy agent.
Dual-targeting Approach Shows Promise
Ivonescimab represents an innovative approach to cancer immunotherapy by simultaneously targeting two critical pathways: PD-1, which helps cancer cells evade immune detection, and VEGF, which promotes tumor blood vessel formation. This dual-targeting strategy aims to enhance anti-tumor efficacy beyond what single-pathway inhibitors can achieve.
The positive Phase 3 results suggest this approach may offer advantages over current standard-of-care treatments that rely on separate PD-1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy. Industry analysts note that if confirmed in global studies, this could potentially reshape treatment paradigms for certain lung cancer patients.
Dr. Michelle Li, Chief Medical Officer at Akeso, commented on the findings: "These results reinforce our belief that simultaneously targeting both PD-1 and VEGF pathways with a single molecule may provide enhanced clinical benefit for patients with advanced lung cancer. We're encouraged by the consistent positive data across our clinical program."
Global Development Strategy
While the current trial was limited to China, Akeso and Summit Therapeutics are conducting a global Phase 3 study comparing a similar ivonescimab-chemotherapy regimen against the widely used combination of Merck's Keytruda (pembrolizumab) plus chemotherapy, which represents the current standard of care for most lung cancer patients.
Results from this pivotal global trial are expected in 2027 and will be crucial for determining ivonescimab's potential role in international treatment guidelines. The study will evaluate not only progression-free survival but also overall survival and quality of life measures.
"The global study will provide definitive evidence on whether our approach can improve outcomes compared to the current standard of care," said Dr. Li. "We're optimistic based on our findings to date, but recognize the importance of demonstrating benefit in diverse patient populations."
Recent FDA Approval Strengthens Akeso's Position
This latest success follows Akeso's significant regulatory achievement with penpulimab, its PD-1 monoclonal antibody that recently received FDA approval for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The approval covers two indications: first-line treatment of adult recurrent or metastatic non-keratinizing NPC in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy and gemcitabine, and as monotherapy for adults with metastatic non-keratinizing NPC who have progressed after prior therapies.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, while relatively rare in Western countries, has higher prevalence in parts of Asia, making this approval particularly significant for addressing an area of unmet need. The FDA approval strengthens Akeso's growing portfolio of immuno-oncology therapies and establishes the company as an emerging global player in cancer treatment.
Market Implications and Competitive Landscape
The positive data for ivonescimab comes amid intense competition in the immuno-oncology space, where several major pharmaceutical companies are developing combination approaches to improve upon single-agent PD-1 inhibitors.
Industry experts note that if ivonescimab's efficacy is confirmed in the global study against Keytruda plus chemotherapy, it could potentially challenge established treatment paradigms. The bispecific antibody approach may offer advantages in terms of convenience and potentially reduced toxicity compared to administering separate agents.
"The PD-1 inhibitor market is crowded, but novel approaches that can demonstrate superior efficacy or improved safety profiles still have significant commercial potential," said Sarah Johnson, a pharmaceutical analyst at Healthcare Investment Partners. "Akeso's strategy of developing multi-specific antibodies targeting complementary pathways is scientifically sound and could differentiate their products in this competitive landscape."
Broader Pipeline Progress
Beyond ivonescimab and penpulimab, Akeso continues to advance its pipeline of novel biologics. The company recently received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration for ebdarokimab for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults, further diversifying its portfolio beyond oncology.
This string of successes has positioned Akeso as one of the more promising biopharmaceutical companies emerging from China with global ambitions. The company has established partnerships with several international pharmaceutical firms to develop and commercialize its pipeline candidates in markets outside China.
As Akeso awaits the results of its global ivonescimab study, the company continues to explore additional indications and combination approaches for its growing portfolio of approved and investigational therapies, with a particular focus on areas where current treatments leave significant unmet medical needs.
