On July 11, 2025 Verastem Oncology (Nasdaq: VSTM), a biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing new medicines for patients with RAS/MAPK pathway-driven cancers, reported that the primary analysis of the Phase 2 RAMP 201 clinical trial was published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) (Press release, Verastem, JUL 11, 2025, View Source [SID1234654350]). The data reported in the publication showed that avutometinib plus defactinib demonstrated a confirmed overall response rate (ORR) of 31% in all patients with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). The full manuscript, titled "Efficacy and Safety of Avutometinib ± Defactinib in Recurrent Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: Primary Analysis of ENGOT-OV60/GOG-3052/RAMP 201," will also appear in the print publication of JCO.

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"The publication of the primary analysis of the RAMP 201 study in recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reflects the meaningful clinical advancement demonstrated by the combination of avutometinib plus defactinib for patients with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer," said John Hayslip, M.D., chief medical officer at Verastem Oncology. "The findings supported the recent FDA approval of the combination in KRAS-mutated recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer and our ongoing global Phase 3 RAMP 301 trial of the combination in recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer with and without a KRAS mutation."

The Company will submit the RAMP 201 publication and the recent publication of the FRAME study to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) in support of its consideration of inclusion of the KRAS wild-type population evaluated in these trials in the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines). Currently, the combination is listed as an NCCN Category 2A recommendation for the treatment of KRAS-mutated recurrent LGSOC, which is aligned with the FDA-approved indication.

JCO Publication of RAMP 201

The Phase 2 RAMP 201 trial evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of avutometinib with and without defactinib in patients with recurrent LGSOC who had received a median of three (range one to nine) prior lines of therapy, including chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, bevacizumab, and MEK inhibitors. The publication included the primary analysis of the Phase 2 RAMP 201 trial that showed a confirmed ORR of 31% (34/109) in all 109 evaluable patients, 44% (25/57) in patients with a KRAS mutation, and 17% (9/52) in patients with KRAS wild-type. The median duration of response (DOR) was 31.1 months for all patients, 31.1 months in the KRAS mutant population, and 9.2 months in the KRAS wild-type population. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.9 months for all patients, 22.0 months in the KRAS mutant population, and 12.8 months in the KRAS wild-type population. The majority of patients (82%) had some reduction in target lesions, regardless of KRAS mutation status. The disease control rate (DCR) at 6 or more months was 61% in the total population, 70% in the KRAS-mutated population, and 50% in the KRAS wild-type population.

"Our paper showed that the combination of avutometinib plus defactinib demonstrated clinically meaningful and durable responses in patients with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer. The recent FDA accelerated approval of the combination in KRAS-mutated recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer, which is based on these results, is fantastic news. The fact that a majority of patients had some reduction in target lesions, regardless of KRAS mutation status, underscores the advancement the combination represents in this rare ovarian cancer and its potential to be the new standard of care in recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer," said Professor Susana Banerjee, M.B.B.S., M.A., Ph.D., F.R.C.P, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Team Leader in Women’s Cancers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Global Lead Principal Investigator of ENGOTov60/GOG3052/NCRI/RAMP201.

The results also demonstrated that the combination is well-tolerated, with a 10% discontinuation rate due to adverse events (AEs). The most common AEs (all grades, grade ≥3) were nausea (67.0%, 2.6%), diarrhea (58.3%, 7.8%), and increased creatine phosphokinase levels (60.0%, 24.3%).

"The publication of the Phase 2 RAMP 201 trial supports our understanding of the role that the combination of avutometinib plus defactinib plays in treating patients with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer. We are excited to continue to build on the findings from the trial and advance the research in this disease with the ongoing international Phase 3 RAMP 301 trial, which is evaluating the combination in patients with and without a KRAS mutation," said Rachel Grisham, M.D., Section Head, Ovarian Cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, NY and Global Lead Principal Investigator of GOG-3097/ENGOT-ov81/GTG-UK/RAMP 301.

The RAMP 201 study results were initially presented in an oral plenary session at the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Annual Meeting in October 2024.

About RAMP 201

RAMP 201 (ENGOTov60/GOG3052/NCRI) (NCT04625270) was an adaptive, two-part multicenter, parallel cohort, randomized, open-label Phase 2 registration-directed trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of avutometinib alone and in combination with defactinib in patients with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). The first part of the trial (Part A) determined the selection of the go-forward regimen, which was the combination of avutometinib and defactinib versus avutometinib alone, based on overall response rates. The expansion phases of the trial (Parts B and C) evaluated the safety and efficacy of the go-forward regimen of avutometinib 3.2 mg twice weekly and defactinib 200 mg twice daily. The Part D portion of the trial evaluated a low dose of the combination to inform individualized dose reduction.

About Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (LGSOC)

LGSOC is a rare ovarian cancer that is insidious and persistent. LGSOC is distinct and different from high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and requires different treatment. LGSOC is highly recurrent and less sensitive to chemotherapy compared to HGSOC. Approximately 6,000-8,000 women in the U.S. and 80,000 worldwide are living with this disease. LGSOC affects younger women with bimodal peaks of diagnosis at ages between 20-30 and 50-60 and has a median survival of approximately ten years. Approximately 70 percent of LGSOC shows RAS pathway-associated mutations, and 30 percent of people with LGSOC have a KRAS mutation. The majority of patients report a negative impact of LGSOC on their mental and physical health, fertility, and long-term quality of life.

About AVMAPKI and FAKZYNJA Combination Therapy

AVMAPKI (avutometinib) inhibits MEK kinase activity while also blocking the compensatory reactivation of MEK by upstream RAF. RAF and MEK proteins are regulators of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) pathway. Blocking RAF and/or MEK activates FAK, a key mediator of drug resistance. FAKZYNJA (defactinib) is a FAK inhibitor and together, the avutometinib and defactinib combination was designed to provide a more complete blockade of the signaling that drives the growth and drug resistance of RAS/MAPK pathway-dependent tumors.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK (avutometinib capsules; defactinib tablets) for the treatment of adult patients with KRAS-mutated recurrent LGSOC who have received prior systemic therapy on May 8, 2025. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. Verastem is conducting RAMP 301 (GOG-3097/ENGOT-ov81/GTG-UK) (NCT06072781), an international Phase 3 confirmatory trial evaluating the combination of avutometinib and defactinib versus standard chemotherapy or hormonal therapy for the treatment of recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) with and without a KRAS mutation. Verastem is also evaluating avutometinib in combination with defactinib and other agents as a potential treatment for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (RAMP 205; NCT05669482) and advanced KRAS G12C mutant non-small cell lung cancer (RAMP 203; NCT05074810). Avutometinib and defactinib are not approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority, either in combination or with other therapies, for any of these investigative uses. Neither avutometinib nor defactinib are approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority on a stand-alone basis for any use.

AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK U.S. Indication

Indication

AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with KRAS-mutated recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) who have received prior systemic therapy.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

Important Safety Information

Warnings and Precautions

Ocular Toxicities: Ocular toxicities, including visual impairment and vitreoretinal disorders, occurred. Perform comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation at baseline, prior to cycle 2, every three cycles thereafter, and as clinically indicated. Withhold AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK for ocular toxicities until improvement at the same or reduced dose. Permanently discontinue AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK for any grade 4 toxicity.
Serious Skin Toxicities: Skin toxicities, including photosensitivity and severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARSs) occurred. Adhere to concomitant medications. Monitor for skin toxicities and interrupt, reduce or permanently discontinue AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK based on severity, tolerability and duration.
Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver function tests prior to each cycle, on day 15 of the first 4 cycles, and as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce or discontinue AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK based on severity and persistence of abnormality.
Rhabdomyolysis: Monitor creatine phosphokinase prior to the start of each cycle, on day 15 of the first four cycles, and as clinically indicated. If increased CPK occurs, evaluate patients for rhabdomyolysis or other causes. Withhold, reduce or permanently discontinue AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK based on severity and duration of the adverse reaction.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception.
Adverse Reactions

The most common (≥ 25%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were increased creatine phosphokinase, nausea, fatigue, increased aspartate aminotransferase, rash, diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, edema, decreased hemoglobin, increased alanine aminotransferase, vomiting, increased blood bilirubin, increased triglycerides, decreased lymphocyte count, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, dermatitis acneiform, vitreoretinal disorders, increased alkaline phosphatase, stomatitis, pruritus, visual impairment, decreased platelet count, constipation, dry skin, dyspnea, cough, urinary tract infection, and decreased neutrophil count.

Drug Interactions

Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use with AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK.
Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid concomitant use with AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK.
Warfarin: Avoid concomitant use of AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK with warfarin and use an alternative to warfarin.
Gastric acid reducing agents: Avoid concomitant use of AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor antagonists. If use of an acid-reducing agent cannot be avoided, administer FAKZYNJA 2 hours before or 2 hours after the administration of a locally acting antacid.
Use in Specific Populations

Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed.
Fertility: May impair fertility in males and females.

On July 11, 2025 BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX, BCTXW, BCTXZ) (TSX: BCT) ("BriaCell" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapies to transform cancer care, reported updated Phase 2 survival data for its lead immunotherapy candidate, Bria-IMT, in combination with an immune check point inhibitor (CPI) (Press release, BriaCell Therapeutics, JUL 11, 2025, View Source [SID1234654348]).

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The data show a meaningful survival advantage in heavily pretreated metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patient subtypes:

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC): median overall survival (OS) of 13.9 months vs. 11.8 months for antibody drug conjugate Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) and 6.9 months single agent chemotherapy data. BriaCell’s median OS has improved from 11.4 months last reported at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) in June 2025 . 1
Hormone receptor positive (HR+): median overall survival (OS) of 17.3 months vs. 14.4 months for Trodelvy and 11.2 months in single agent chemotherapy data.
"We are thrilled to see our Bria-IMT regimen outperform established benchmarks like Trodelvy in TNBC and HR+ MBC patients," stated Dr. William V. Williams, BriaCell’s President and CEO. "BriaCell’s patients had failed a median of six prior therapies, underscoring the potential clinical impact of our novel immunotherapy. We look forward to validating these findings in our ongoing pivotal Phase 3 study with overall survival as its primary endpoint."

Table 1: Analysis of survival data for BriaCell’s Phase 2 study versus Trodelvy in MBC patient subsets

Breast Cancer
Type Treatment Median
# of prior
lines of
therapy Median
Overall
Survival
(months) Survival
rate at 6
months (%) Survival
rate at 12
months (%)

TNBC Bria-IMT plus CPI* 6 13.9 78 56
TNBC Trodelvy 1
(sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) 3** 11.8 80*** 49***
Single agent chemotherapy 3** 6.9 56*** 22***

HR+

Bria-IMT plus CPI* 6 17.3 90 61
HR+ Trodelvy 1
(sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) 4 14.4 83*** 61
Single agent chemotherapy 4 11.2 76*** 47
* Patients treated with the Phase 3 formulation
** Prior chemotherapy-containing regimens
*** Derived from published Kaplan-Meier curves see 1

Abbreviations:
TNBC: Triple-negative breast cancer (lacks the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and lacks or has low levels of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2))

As shown in table 1, median OS number with Bria-IMT is higher than that reported in the treatment arm of the ASCENT study (SG) for TNBC patients, and twice that reported in treatment of physician’s choice arm.
HR+ : hormone receptor-positive

The Phase 2 Bria-IMT study enrolled 54 heavily pre-treated metastatic breast cancer patients (median number of prior treatments = 6) who received the Bria-IMT regimen plus checkpoint inhibitor. Of these 54 patients, 37 received the same formulation currently being used in BriaCell’s ongoing pivotal Phase 3 study in metastatic breast cancer (listed on ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT06072612 ). No Bria-IMT related discontinuations have been reported to date.

On July 10, 2025 Epitopea, a transatlantic cancer immunotherapeutics company developing accessible, off-the-shelf RNA-based immunotherapies, reported the formation of its dedicated clinical team and the expansion of its research team. These developments represent a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing progress in advancing its RNA-based immunotherapies, known as CryptiVaxTM, into clinical trials.

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Siri Brinchmann-Hansen Torhaug, Head of Oncology Development, and Gertrud Koefoed Rasmussen, Head of Development Operations, will both join Epitopea’s Executive leadership team. They report into Dr. Klaus Edvardsen, who has served as Epitopea’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) since February 2025, and oversees the strategic direction of clinical trials and regulatory affairs.

Epitopea’s research team in Cambridge has been extended to include translational immunology capabilities with the appointment of Dr. Theres Oakes as Director of Translational Sciences and Dr. Lisa Smith as Director of Research (UK). Both report into Dr. Jon Moore, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Epitopea, and will work in close collaboration with the clinical team to ensure the seamless integration of research and clinical strategies.

Siri Brinchmann-Hansen Torhaug is a highly accomplished, board-certified, oncology specialist with extensive experience in clinical strategy and development. Siri has worked in various senior leadership roles, including as Chief Medical Officer at Nykode Therapeutics, where she was instrumental in developing clinical strategies for oncology and autoimmune disease therapies. She brings a wealth of experience from working across both early-phase translational research and late-stage clinical trials. At Epitopea, Siri will focus on clinical strategy and development, ensuring that the company’s pipeline moves forward with precision and efficacy.

"It’s a pleasure to join Epitopea’s Executive and clinical leadership team," said Siri Brinchmann-Hansen Torhaug, Head of Oncology Development. "With my background in oncology clinical trials, I am excited to contribute to the company’s innovative work in cancer immunotherapy. I look forward to working alongside Klaus and Gertrud to advance Epitopea’s promising pipeline, with the aim of improving patient outcomes in oncology."

Gertrud Koefoed Rasmussen brings over 20 years of experience in clinical operations across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology and rare diseases. Most recently, Gertrud held the position of VP and Head of Development Operations at Nykode Therapeutics, where she built and expanded the clinical operations department and led clinical trials across all phases of development. She has extensive experience in vendor management, regulatory compliance, and process optimization. At Epitopea, Gertrud will lead clinical trial management and regulatory compliance, ensuring that trials are conducted efficiently and in accordance with regulatory guidelines.

"Joining Epitopea is an exciting opportunity to leverage my expertise in clinical operations and contribute to the development of innovative therapies," said Gertrud Koefoed Rasmussen, Head of Development Operations. "I look forward to collaborating with the team to manage and execute clinical trials that will bring groundbreaking cancer immunotherapies to patients with significant unmet medical needs."

Dr. Klaus Edvardsen, CMO of Epitopea, commented, "It is an honor to lead the formation of this clinical team, and I am thrilled to work with Gertrud and Siri, who both bring invaluable experience and expertise to Epitopea. Their leadership will be crucial as we move forward with our clinical trials and work to bring our transformative cancer immunotherapies to the clinic."

As part of the research team appointments, Dr. Theres Oakes brings extensive expertise in antigen-directed immuno-oncology through her academic training and prior role at Achilles Therapeutics. Dr. Lisa Smith brings considerable experience in drug discovery and oncology from her previous roles at Kudos Therapeutics, Mission Therapeutics and Benevolent AI.

Dr. Jon Moore, CSO and Co-Founder of Epitopea commented, "We are harnessing the talents of our existing research team and recent joiners to build world-class cancer immunotherapeutics. To this end, we welcome Lisa to accelerate these efforts. Furthermore, with the translational sciences team we are building around Theres, we will have the capability to assess the performance of our immunotherapeutics in patients with unrivalled precision. It has been a real privilege to be able to build such a strong biology group, and I am very excited to see what impact we can make on the treatment of these devastating diseases."

(Press release, Epitopea, JUL 10, 2025, View Source [SID1234661167])

On July 10, 2025 BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX, BCTXW, BCTXZ) (TSX: BCT) ("BriaCell" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapies to transform cancer care reported updated results from its ongoing Phase 2 study of Bria-IMT in combination with check point inhibitor in patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer (MBC) (Press release, BriaCell Therapeutics, JUL 10, 2025, View Source [SID1234654347]).

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BriaCell is pleased to report the sustained complete resolution of temporal lobe brain metastasis and continued orbital (behind the eye) tumor reduction after > 18 months of treatment in the Phase 2 study. The metastatic tumor initially caused proptosis –a visibly bulging of the eye. As previously reported, the heavily pre-treated MBC patient had demonstrated a complete resolution of a temporal lobe brain metastasis and a significant response in a right orbital metastasis at 8 months, then at 11 months. The patient has now maintained both responses for more than 18 months, with no evidence of brain tumor recurrence and ongoing tumor shrinkage in the orbital lesion.

This patient had failed eight prior treatment regimens, including an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), before initiating therapy with Bria-IMT plus checkpoint inhibition. She has now completed 29 treatment cycles and has been on BriaCell’s Phase 2 study for over 21 months. Serial imaging at 8, 11, and now 20 months have confirmed no detectable disease in the right temporal lobe, along with continued response in the orbital lesion. Additionally, the patient’s tumor markers have remained markedly reduced from baseline, further supporting the sustained radiologic response.

"These encouraging results continue to suggest that our novel Bria-IMT regimen may provide durable immunotherapeutic benefit in late-stage breast cancer patients with brain metastases who have exhausted other options," stated Dr. William V. Williams, BriaCell’s President & CEO. "The long-term response observed in this patient reinforces the potential of Bria-IMT to improve outcomes while maintaining a favorable tolerability profile."

On July 10, 2025 Arcus Biosciences, Inc. (NYSE:RCUS), a clinical-stage, global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing differentiated molecules and combination therapies for patients with cancer, reported that quemliclustat, an investigational small molecule CD73 inhibitor, was granted orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of pancreatic cancer (Press release, Arcus Biosciences, JUL 10, 2025, View Source [SID1234654336]).

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"The orphan drug designation indicates the importance of developing new treatment options for rare diseases like pancreatic cancer, which has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers, and which has seen few treatment advancements over the past 30 years," said Richard Markus, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer at Arcus Biosciences. "We expect the Phase 3 PRISM-1 study to be fully enrolled this year and, if positive, intend to quickly bring this new first-line treatment option to patients, with the goal of prolonging survival for those with metastatic pancreatic cancer."

Orphan drug designation is intended to support the development and evaluation of new treatments for rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Orphan drug designation qualifies sponsors for incentives including tax credits for qualified clinical trials, exemption from user fees including New Drug Application (NDA), and a potential seven years of market exclusivity after approval.

In January 2024, Arcus presented results from the Phase 1 ARC-8 study, which showed no new safety signals and median overall survival (OS) of 15.7 months in a pooled analysis of all patients treated with the 100mg quemliclustat-based regimens. The median OS exceeded the historical benchmark data for chemotherapy alone, including for patients with liver metastasis, which account for more than half of all pancreatic cancers. Based on the ARC-8 results, the company initiated PRISM-1, a registrational Phase 3 study to evaluate quemliclustat plus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy versus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy alone in approximately 610 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that have not been previously treated in the metastatic setting. The study is expected to be fully enrolled this year.

Quemliclustat is an investigational molecule. Approval from any regulatory authority for its use has not been received, and its safety and efficacy have not been established.

About the Phase 3 PRISM-1 Trial

PRISM-1 is a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center Phase 3 study that will enroll approximately 610 patients with treatment-naïve metastatic PDAC. Participants will be randomized 2:1 between quemliclustat plus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy plus placebo arms. The primary endpoint is overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoints include progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), disease control rate (DCR) and safety.

About Quemliclustat

Quemliclustat is an investigational, potent and selective small molecule CD73 inhibitor that is being co-developed in collaboration with Gilead Sciences. CD73 is the primary enzymatic producer of immunosuppressive adenosine in the tumor microenvironment, and high CD73 expression is associated with significantly poorer prognosis in several tumor types. Quemliclustat has been shown to block the production of adenosine. Once the immunosuppressive effects of adenosine are removed, activation of antitumor immune cells may be restored, resulting in cancer cell death.

About Pancreatic Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 67,440 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S. in 2025, and pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. Approximately 50% of people with PDAC are diagnosed in the metastatic setting, which is associated with a five-year survival rate of only 3%. Pancreatic cancer occurs in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that helps with digestion and controlling blood sugar. The majority (over 90%) of pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas, a type of cancer that forms in tissues that line certain internal organs and release fluids like those that help with digestion. There have been limited advancements for treating pancreatic cancer, and chemotherapy has been the standard of care for more than 30 years.