On February 26, 2024 Janux Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: JANX) (Janux), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a broad pipeline of novel immunotherapies by applying its proprietary technology to its Tumor Activated T Cell Engager (TRACTr) and Tumor Activated Immunomodulator (TRACIr) platforms, reported positive updated clinical data for both of its clinical programs (Press release, Janux Therapeutics, FEB 26, 2024, View Source [SID1234640454]). Janux will host a virtual event today at 4:30 PM ET. To register for the event, please click here.
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"These clinical data show encouraging safety and efficacy with JANX007 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and with JANX008 in late-stage solid tumors. The clinical data provide compelling proof-of-concept for the TRACTr platform in a setting where many other approaches have failed due to material safety issues or lack of efficacy," said David Campbell, Ph.D., President and CEO, Janux Therapeutics. "Our TRACTr platform provides an entry point to multiple, large solid tumor indications that are intractable with conventional TCE approaches. We look forward to continuing to advance these clinical trials and expanding to additional TCE targets, as we look to fulfill our mission to meaningfully address the unmet medical needs for cancer patients, especially those with late-stage disease."
Updated interim clinical data for PSMA-TRACTr JANX007 in mCRPC as of February 12, 2024.
JANX007 is in a Phase 1a clinical trial in subjects with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer (mCRPC). The subjects enrolled in the trial were heavily pre-treated with a median of 4+ lines of therapy. As of February 12, 2024, 23 subjects were treated with JANX007 in the dose escalation portion of the Phase 1a clinical trial. An increasing depth of PSA declines and RECIST responses at higher doses were observed, while a favorable safety profile was maintained. At a starting dose ≥ 0.1 mg, 14 of 18 (78%) subjects achieved PSA30 declines and 10 of 18 (56%) subjects achieved PSA50 declines. At a starting step dose of ≥ 0.2 mg, 6 of 6 (100%) subjects achieved PSA30 declines and 5 of 6 (83%) subjects achieved PSA50 declines. Initial step doses of JANX007 ≥ 0.2 mg drove deeper and more durable PSA responses, including one subject that achieved a PSA90 decline.
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) was observed to be temporary and mild, presenting only as low-grade 1 or 2 events, and was quickly managed with treatment. These incidents of CRS were mainly reported during the first treatment cycle, with no subsequent occurrences in later cycles. Similarly, the majority of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) not associated with CRS were of low severity (Grade 1 or 2)
and also primarily occurred in the initial cycle. There was a low incidence of Grade 3 TRAEs, and no Grade 4 or 5 events were observed. JANX007 has been administered at doses up to 3mg, significantly exceeding the anticipated maximum tolerable dose for the parental T cell engager, while the maximum tolerable dose for the TRACTr has not yet been established.
Based on this safety profile, we are continuing dose optimization for JANX007 with the goal of further deepening PSA responses, while maintaining a favorable safety profile. Janux anticipates providing an update on doses for expansion in the second half of 2024.
Interim clinical data for EGFR-TRACTr JANX008 in solid tumors as of February 12, 2024.
JANX008 is in a Phase 1a clinical trial in subjects with advanced or metastatic solid tumors known to express high levels of the EGFR target, including colorectal cancer (CRC), squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). As of February 12, 2024, 11 heavily pre-treated, late-stage subjects across all four tumor types have been enrolled. Encouraging signs of clinical activity were observed, while a favorable safety profile was maintained. In one subject with NSCLC treated with JANX008 at 0.15mg once-weekly , a confirmed partial response (PR) by RECIST criteria with 100% reduction of the target lung lesion and elimination of liver metastasis with no CRS or TRAEs has been observed. This subject remains on treatment and their PR has been maintained through their week-18 scan. One subject with RCC experienced a 12% reduction in the size of a large RCC mass and significant clinical benefit with Grade 1 CRS.
The early safety profile for JANX008 is consistent with the TRACTr design principles of tumor-specific activation while avoiding healthy tissue toxicity with a broadly expressed target. In the 11 subjects enrolled at doses up to 1.25mg, which is significantly above the projected maximum tolerable dose of the parental T cell engager, Grade 1 CRS was observed in only two subjects and no Grade 2 or higher CRS was seen. The majority of non-CRS TRAEs were also low-Grade 1 or 2 and occurred predominantly in cycle one. No treatment related serious adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities have been observed.
Based on this safety profile, we are continuing in the dose escalation and optimization portion of the trial for JANX008.
Webcast Information
Janux will host a live webcast today at 4:30 PM ET. A live question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. To register for the event, please click here. There will also be a dial-in:
USA & Canada – Toll-Free (800) 715-9871
International: 1 (646) 307-1963
Conference ID: 8772874
To access the live webcast, please visit the Investors section of the Company’s website. A replay of the webcast presentation will be available on the Company’s website at View Source for at least 30 days.
Janux’s TRACTr and TRACIr Pipeline
Janux’s first clinical candidate, JANX007, is a TRACTr that targets PSMA and is being investigated in a Phase 1 clinical trial in adult subjects with mCRPC. Janux’s second clinical candidate, JANX008, is a TRACTr that targets EGFR and is being studied in a Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of multiple solid cancers including non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Janux is also applying its proprietary technology to develop a TRACTr designed to target TROP2, a clinically validated anti-tumor target that is overexpressed in various cancer types, such as breast, lung, urothelial, endometrial, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, gastric, colon, head and neck, and glioma. Janux’s TRACIr drug candidate, JANX009, is designed for targeting both the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) receptor as well as the costimulatory CD28 receptor on T cells for the treatment of solid tumors. In addition to named programs, Janux is generating a number of unnamed TRACTr and TRACIr programs for potential future development.