Incyte Corporation has reported promising early clinical results for its experimental monoclonal antibody INCA033989, showing an 86% response rate in patients with CALR-mutant myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) who received higher doses of the investigational therapy. The biotech company simultaneously announced a precision medicine collaboration with Qiagen to develop companion diagnostics for blood cancers.
Clinical Trial Results Show Strong Efficacy Signal
Initial clinical data from two dose-escalation studies of INCA033989 were unveiled during the European Hematology Association congress held in Milan. The internally developed monoclonal antibody is being tested in high-risk essential thrombocythemia patients who show resistance or intolerance to previous treatments.
According to the study data, patients who received doses equal to or exceeding 400 mg showed an 86% rate of complete or partial hematologic response, with most of these patients reaching complete responses. The treatment demonstrated additional molecular activity, with 89% of evaluable patients showing a reduction in mutant CALR variant allele frequency (VAF), and 21% achieving partial molecular response within three cycles of treatment.
Diagnostic Partnership Targets CALR Mutations
Incyte's collaboration with Qiagen focuses on developing a next-generation sequencing-based diagnostic panel to detect clinically relevant gene alterations in blood cancers, including the CALR mutation. The CALR mutation represents the second most common driver of MPNs, making it a significant target for precision medicine approaches.
The diagnostic panel will be validated on the Illumina NextSeq 550Dx platform and is designed to support Incyte's pipeline, including INCA033989. This partnership aims to enable more precise patient selection for targeted therapies in blood cancer treatment.
Market Response and Analyst Coverage
Following the clinical data release and partnership announcement, Stifel upgraded Incyte to 'Buy' from 'Hold' with a price target of $107. The upgrade reflects analyst confidence in the company's pipeline progress and strategic partnerships.
Despite the positive clinical news, Incyte shares closed 2.1% lower at $67.75 on Friday, and the stock has declined 2.6% so far in 2025. However, retail investor sentiment on Stocktwits was described as 'bullish' amid 'high' message volume, indicating growing interest in the company's prospects.
