The biotech group Leap Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:LPTX) today announced a collaboration with Merck KGaA (OTCPK:MKGAY) and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) to evaluate the cancer-fighting ability of its drug TRX518 in combination with avelumab and chemotherapy.
Leap will hold a Phase 1/2 clinical trial to see whether this trio of drugs shrinks advanced solid tumors in patients with relapsed or refractory ovarian, breast and prostate cancers.
“The combination of TRX518 with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy and cyclophosphamide has a solid scientific rationale and we look to build upon our early clinical and pre-clinical data highlighting the potential benefits of such a combination,” said Cynthia Sirard, vice-president for clinical development at Leap Therapeutics.
The study is set to begin enrolling patients in the first quarter of next year.
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Leap's TXR518 is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the glucocorticoid-inducible TNF-superfamily receptor (GITR). It is thought improve the immune system’s response to fighting tumors.
Avelumab is a so-called human anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibody developed by Merck KGaA and Pfizer. The US Food and Drug Administration has already granted accelerated approval for avelumab for the treatment of patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma as well as for patients with advanced bladder and urinary tract cancers.
Leap Therapeutics shares are up 2.5% in afternoon trade at US$8.48.