Australian oncology-focused drug developer Kazia Therapeutics has secured regulatory approval to launch a pioneering clinical trial investigating a novel combination therapy for advanced breast cancer. The study will evaluate the company's lead drug candidate paxalisib in combination with established immunotherapy treatments KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) and LYNPARZA® (olaparib) in patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
Novel Therapeutic Approach Targets Dormant Cancer Cells
The ABC-Pax trial represents a significant advancement in breast cancer treatment strategy, combining Kazia's brain-penetrant PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitor with established immunotherapy agents. The study will enroll 24 patients across leading cancer centers in Queensland, Australia, focusing on one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant forms of breast cancer.
Pre-clinical research conducted by QIMR Berghofer scientists in collaboration with Kazia has shown promising results. The combination therapy approach aims to accomplish two critical objectives: making dormant cancer cells visible to the immune system and enhancing the immune system's ability to attack tumor cells.
Professor Sudha Rao of QIMR Berghofer, commenting on the trial's potential, stated, "This new treatment combination could provide a crucial lifeline for women with triple-negative breast cancer, where current treatment options are limited and outcomes are often poor."
Innovative Monitoring Through Digital Pathology
The trial incorporates cutting-edge monitoring technology through a non-invasive liquid biopsy digital pathology platform. This advanced approach enables researchers to track cancer and immune cell behavior in real-time through blood samples, providing rapid and precise assessment of treatment efficacy.
Expanding Portfolio and Regulatory Recognition
Paxalisib, Kazia's flagship drug, has already garnered significant attention from regulatory authorities, receiving both Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation from the FDA. The drug is currently being evaluated in multiple clinical trials across various brain cancers, including glioblastoma, brain metastases, diffuse midline gliomas, and primary CNS lymphoma.
Beyond paxalisib, Kazia is advancing EVT801, a small-molecule VEGFR3 inhibitor showing promise against multiple tumor types. Early data suggests potential synergistic effects when combined with immuno-oncology agents, opening additional therapeutic possibilities.
The latest developments have attracted significant market attention, with Kazia's stock (NASDAQ: KZIA) experiencing a notable surge of over 53% in recent trading, reflecting growing investor confidence in the company's innovative approach to cancer treatment.
