Redx Pharma PLC (AIM:REDX) said it has signed a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with Merck (MSD) to evaluate its cancer treatment in combination with US drugs giant's blockbuster, Keytruda.
It will do so as part of the ongoing PORCUPINE2 phase II clinical study of RXC004, which is being developed as a targeted treatment for Wnt-ligand-dependent tumours, and is a small-molecule inhibitor of the porcupine enzyme.
The drug is being investigated as a treatment on its own and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors for genetically-selected pancreatic and biliary cancer.
Over 70% of biliary cancer patients show high Wnt-ligand expression, potentially making the indication highly sensitive to the benefits of porcupine inhibition.
Preclinical data suggest that combining RXC004 with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as Keytruda may lead to improved outcomes in patients.
In a statement, Redx chief medical officer, Dr Jane Robertson, said: "We are keen to explore the potential of combining RXC004 with ICIs. Our hypothesis, based on the preclinical data we have generated, is that when combined, there may be a greater chance of the patients showing an immune response, which we hope will lead to improved outcomes."