Iteos Therapeutics

Novartis partners with BeiGene, paying $300M upfront for an option on ociperlimab, a TIGIT antibody in phase 3 for NSCLC, potentially adding $700M. This move aims to enhance cancer immunotherapy efficacy by combining TIGIT and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, following Novartis' previous $650M deal for tislelizumab. The deal includes rights in multiple regions, with BeiGene retaining exclusivity in China and other Asian markets. TIGIT-targeting drugs are highly sought after, with various pharma companies investing heavily in their development.

Incyte and iTeos Therapeutics discontinued development of zilurgisertib and inupadenant due to limited efficacy and insufficient clinical activity, respectively.

iTeos Therapeutics has deprioritized inupadenant for non-small cell lung cancer due to disappointing mid-stage data, focusing instead on TIGIT therapies. The Phase II A2A-0005 trial showed inupadenant met safety but not efficacy endpoints, with an objective response rate similar to standard treatments.

Inupadenant + carboplatin/pemetrexed in Phase 2 A2A-005 trial showed 63.9% ORR and 7.7 months median PFS. RP2D of 80mg inupadenant + carboplatin/pemetrexed achieved 73.3% ORR and 64.6% 6-month PFS. Safety profile was manageable, with no dose-dependent toxicity. Inupadenant was deprioritized for further investment.

iTeos Therapeutics reported Phase 2 trial interim data for inupadenant in metastatic NSCLC, showing 63.9% ORR and 7.7 months median PFS. Despite promising results, the company deprioritized inupadenant. iTeos also announced a $120 million stock sale and a first-quarter net loss of $1.07 per share. Recent developments include new appointments and a ratified independent auditor.

Inupadenant + carboplatin/pemetrexed in Phase 2 A2A-005 trial showed 63.9% ORR, 7.7 months median PFS; RP2D of 80mg inupadenant + carboplatin/pemetrexed had 73.3% ORR, 64.6% 6-month PFS. Safety profile was manageable, no dose-dependent toxicity. Inupadenant deprioritized for other programs.

Adenosine antagonists market growth driven by R&D in neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, and cardiovascular disorders. Innovations in formulation and delivery systems enhance efficacy and safety, increasing adoption. Key companies include Arcus Biosciences, Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Portage Biotech, Palobiofarm, iTeos Therapeutics. Promising drugs like Etrumadenant, Ciforadenant, PORT-6, and Inupadenant are in various clinical trial phases.

Roche's Phase 3 trial SKYSCRAPER-01 showed tiragolumab did not improve survival in advanced lung cancer, failing to meet primary goals. Despite earlier promising data, final analysis indicated no sustained benefit. Roche will review tiragolumab's development, while other companies continue TIGIT drug research, hoping for breakthroughs.

EMA cleared belrestotug 400mg + dostarlimab for Phase 3, enabling EU GALAXIES Lung-301 activation. Interim inupadenant Phase 2 data in 2L NSCLC presented at ESMO-IO. EOS-984 Phase 1 monotherapy enrollment completed, with EOS-984 + pembrolizumab dosing initiated. Pro forma cash balance of $683.9 million as of September 30, 2024, expected to fund operations through 2027.

The global cancer gene therapy market is projected to grow from USD 1,822.2 million in 2024 to USD 3,142.2 million by 2034, driven by increased R&D funding, rising cancer prevalence, and favorable government regulations. Oncolytic virotherapy, a key segment, generated USD 850.7 million in 2023. The market is shifting towards personalized, targeted therapies, reducing side effects and improving outcomes.