On April 27, 2025 UroGen Pharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: URGN), a biotech company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions that treat urothelial and specialty cancers, reported new data from the OPTIMA II Phase 2b study of UGN‑102 (mitomycin) for intravesical solution demonstrate clinically meaningful two-year duration of response (24.2 months) by Kaplan-Meier analysis (Press release, UroGen Pharma, APR 27, 2025, View Source [SID1234652196]). UGN-102 is UroGen’s sustained-release formulation of mitomycin being developed for the treatment of recurrent low-grade intermediate-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (LG-IR-NMIBC).

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"The median duration of response of two years highlights UGN-102’s durability, even in patients with recurrent disease and multiple prior TURBT procedures," said Neal Shore, MD, Medical Director, Carolina Urologic Research Center, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. "These long-term data provide encouraging evidence of UGN-102’s sustained impact."

The majority of patients included in OPTIMA II had recurrent disease at baseline (77.8%), with multiple prior transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedures. Among the 41 patients achieving a complete response (CR) at three months, 25 remained in CR at 12 months, and 17 of these patients entered long-term follow-up. The median Kaplan–Meier estimate of duration of response for the 41 patients that achieved CR was 24.2 months (95% CI 9.72, 47.18), with a median follow-up time of 33.6 months (95% CI 10.78, 42.94). Twenty patients (48.8%) experienced recurrence of low-grade disease. One patient progressed to high-grade disease and one patient died due to a cardiac disorder. Five patients remained disease-free at the time of the four-year data analysis.

"As the burden of LG-IR-NMIBC persists, the need for long-lasting treatment options becomes increasingly urgent," said Mark Schoenberg, Chief Medical Officer, UroGen. "The growing body of evidence supporting UGN-102 underscores its potential to address this unmet need. These results emphasize UGN-102’s potential to deliver meaningful and sustained responses, offering hope to patients who have long struggled with recurrence and limited treatment options."

UroGen completed the submission of the UGN-102 rolling new drug application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for UGN-102 in August 2024, ahead of schedule. The FDA accepted the NDA for UGN-102 with a Prescription Drug User Free Act (PDUFA) goal date of June 13, 2025.

The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in the ENVISION trial were dysuria, hematuria, urinary tract infection, pollakiuria, fatigue, and urinary retention. The TEAEs were typically mild-to-moderate in severity and either resolved or were resolving. The ENVISION trial demonstrated a similar safety profile to that observed in other studies of UGN‑102.

About UGN-102

UGN-102 (mitomycin) for intravesical solution is an innovative drug formulation of mitomycin, currently in Phase 3 development for the treatment of recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC. Utilizing UroGen’s proprietary RTGel technology, a sustained release, hydrogel-based formulation, UGN-102 is designed to enable longer exposure of bladder tissue to mitomycin, thereby enabling the treatment of tumors by non-surgical means. UGN-102 is delivered to patients using a standard urinary catheter in an outpatient setting by a trained healthcare professional. UroGen completed the submission of the rolling NDA for UGN-102 in August 2024, ahead of schedule. The FDA accepted the NDA for UGN-102 and assigned a PDUFA goal date of June 13, 2025.

About Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC)

LG-IR-NMIBC affects around 82,000 people in the U.S. every year and of those, an estimated 59,000 are recurrent. Bladder cancer primarily affects older populations with increased risk of comorbidities, with the median age of diagnosis being 73 years. Guideline recommendations for the management of NMIBC include TURBT as the standard of care. Up to 70 percent of NMIBC patients experience at least one recurrence and LG-IR-NMIBC patients are even more likely to recur and face repeated TURBT procedures.

About OPTIMA II

OPTIMA II (OPTimized Instillation of Mitomycin for Bladder Cancer Treatment) was an open-label, single-arm, multi-center Phase 2b clinical trial of investigational drug UGN-102 to evaluate its safety and efficacy in patients with LG-IR-NMIBC.

Learn more about the Phase 2b OPTIMA II trial at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03558503).

On April 27, 2025 SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWTX), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on severe rare diseases and cancer, reported that the Company anticipates the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will adopt an opinion on the marketing authorization application (MAA) for nirogacestat, an oral gamma secretase inhibitor, for the treatment of adults with desmoid tumors in the second quarter of 2025 (Press release, SpringWorks Therapeutics, APR 27, 2025, View Source [SID1234652193]).

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On April 27, 2025 Zoldonrasib, a RAS(ON) G12D-selective inhibitor, demonstrated acceptable tolerability and encouraging initial antitumor activity in patients with previously treated KRAS G12D mutant non-small cell lung cancer
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Revolution Medicines, Inc. (Nasdaq: RVMD), a late-stage clinical oncology company developing targeted therapies for patients with RAS-addicted cancers, reported new clinical data for zoldonrasib (RMC-9805), a RAS(ON) G12D-selective inhibitor, as monotherapy in patients with KRAS G12D mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (Press release, Revolution Medicines, APR 27, 2025, View Source [SID1234652192]). Results were highlighted in the official press program at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, and will be featured in a late-breaking oral presentation on April 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

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"We are pleased to share new clinical data for zoldonrasib, our innovative, oral RAS(ON) G12D-selective inhibitor, which demonstrates acceptable safety and tolerability and encouraging initial antitumor activity in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. These data reinforce the clinical potential of zoldonrasib following the initial tolerability and antitumor activity reported late last year in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma," said Mark A. Goldsmith, M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer and chairman of Revolution Medicines. "Together these results support further evaluation of zoldonrasib as monotherapy and in combination as we continue efforts to advance innovative targeted medicines for patients living with these hard-to-treat cancers."

RMC-9805-001 is a multicenter, open-label, dose escalation and dose-expansion Phase 1 study designed to evaluate zoldonrasib in patients with advanced solid tumors harboring a KRAS G12D mutation.

As of a December 2, 2024 data cutoff date, 90 solid tumor patients were treated with 1200 mg once daily (QD), the candidate recommended Phase 2 dose. In these patients, zoldonrasib demonstrated an acceptable safety profile, that was generally consistent with previously reported data for this compound in pancreatic cancer, and was generally well tolerated. The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurring in at least 10% of patients were nausea (39%), diarrhea (24%), vomiting (18%), and rash (12%). TRAEs were primarily Grade 1 or 2 in severity, with two patients (2%) experiencing Grade 3 events that resolved following dose interruption. Zoldonrasib had a favorable mean dose intensity of 98% and no dose limiting toxicities were observed.

Preliminary antitumor activity was assessed in 18 efficacy-evaluable patients with NSCLC at the 1200 mg QD dose. The objective response rate (confirmed or pending confirmation) was 61% (n=11) and the disease control rate was 89% (n=16).

"There is a high unmet need for new treatments within this patient population as there are currently no targeted therapies approved for any RAS G12D mutant cancer," said Kathryn Arbour, M.D., thoracic medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and principal investigator and lead author for the RMC-9805-001 presentation. "While the data are from an early, small subset of patients, it is encouraging to see this level of tolerability and antitumor activity in patients with NSCLC carrying this RAS mutation."

On April 27, 2025 Nona Biosciences, a global biotechnology company providing integrated solutions from "Idea to IND" (I to ITM), reported that its partner, Pfizer, has presented preclinical data on PF-08052666 (HBM9033; SGN-MesoC2), a first-in-class topoisomerase 1 inhibitor (TOP1i)-based antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting mesothelin (MSLN), at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2025 (Press release, Nona Biosciences, APR 27, 2025, View Source [SID1234652190]). This ADC was originally developed using Nona Biosciences’ proprietary Harbour Mice and integrated ADC platforms. Pfizer acquired its global clinical development and commercialization rights on December 14, 2023.

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Poster Presentation at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2025

Title: PF-08052666 (HBM9033), a first-in-class topoisomerase 1 inhibitor-based ADC targeting MSLN, demonstrates potent antitumor activity in preclinical models of ovarian, lung, and colorectal cancers

Abstract Number: 324

Poster Board Number: 16

Session Title: Antireceptors and Other Biological Therapeutic Agents

Session Date: April 27, 2025

PF-08052666 was designed to address the limitations of earlier anti-MSLN ADCs through a novel antibody, differentiated linker-payload, and a higher drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR). It consists of a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody conjugated to a potent camptothecin-based TOP1i payload with a protease-cleavable linker, achieving an average DAR of 8.

Key Preclinical Findings Presented at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2025

In vitro, PF-08052666 demonstrated direct cytotoxicity through delivery of payload to MSLN-positive cells, bystander killing activity on co-cultured MSLN-negative cells, and maintained cytotoxicity even in the presence of physiologically relevant concentrations of soluble MSLN.
In vivo, PF-08052666 outperformed a DM4-based anti-MSLN benchmark ADC in both cell-line and patient-derived xenograft models across multiple tumor types, including ovarian, lung, and colorectal cancers.
PF-08052666 also outperformed the DM4-based anti-MSLN benchmark ADC in heterogeneous xenograft models consisting of ad-mixed MSLN-positive and MSLN-negative cells, demonstrating the increased bystander activity of the novel linker-payload of MesoC2.
These promising preclinical results support the ongoing first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial of PF-08052666 in patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT06466187), which is currently enrolling participants.

"The preclinical data on PF-08052666 presented by Pfizer at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2025 reflects the strength of our technology platforms and our dedication to advancing transformative therapies," said Jingsong Wang, MD, PhD, Chairman of Nona Biosciences. "By leveraging our industry-leading technology platforms, we continue to drive innovation that enables the development of next-generation biotherapeutics. We look forward to further collaboration with Pfizer to accelerate breakthroughs that address critical medical needs."

About PF-08052666 (HBM9033)

PF-08052666 is an ADC drug that targets human MSLN, a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) upregulated in various solid tumors. The fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb) in PF-08052666 is derived from the Harbour Mice platform and possesses well-tuned properties, exhibiting reduced binding to soluble MSLN while maintaining strong binding and internalization to membrane-bound MSLN. The unique design of the mAb was created to enhance potency in various preclinical tumor models with differing MSLN expression levels, positioning PF-08052666 as a potential globally best-in-class therapeutic option.

On April 27, 2025 Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, reported results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-689 trial evaluating KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, as a perioperative treatment regimen for patients with stage III or IVA, resected, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) (Press release, Merck & Co, APR 27, 2025, View Source [SID1234652189]). Results at the first interim analysis of the trial showed KEYTRUDA significantly improved event-free survival (EFS) as part of a perioperative treatment regimen with adjuvant standard of care (SOC) radiotherapy with or without cisplatin compared to adjuvant standard of care (SOC) radiotherapy with or without cisplatin alone in patients with resectable LA-HNSCC. These data are being presented for the first time today during a Plenary Session at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2025 (Abstract #CT001) and were selected for the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) press program.

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After a median follow-up of 38.3 months (range, 9.0-66.5), treatment with KEYTRUDA before surgery (neoadjuvant), then continued in combination with standard of care radiotherapy (with or without cisplatin) after surgery followed by KEYTRUDA alone (adjuvant), reduced the risk of EFS events by 34% (HR=0.66 [95% CI, 0.49-0.88]; p=.0022) in the combined positive score (CPS) ≥10 population, by 30% (HR=0.70 [95% CI, 0.55-0.89; p=.0014) in the CPS ≥1 population and by 27% (HR=0.73 [95% CI 0.58-0.92]; p=.0041) in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population, compared to adjuvant radiotherapy (with or without cisplatin) alone in the ITT population. Among the CPS ≥10 population, median EFS was 59.7 months in the KEYTRUDA plus SOC group (95% CI, 41.1-not reached) versus 26.9 months (95% CI, 18.3-51.5) in the SOC group. Among the CPS ≥1 population, median EFS was 59.7 months (95% CI, 37.9-not reached) in the KEYTRUDA plus SOC group versus 29.6 months (95% CI, 19.5-41.9) in the SOC group. In the ITT population, median EFS was 51.8 months (95% CI, 37.5-not reached) in the KEYTRUDA plus SOC group versus 30.4 months (95% CI, 21.8-50.1) in the SOC group. The safety profile of KEYTRUDA was consistent with that observed in previously reported studies; no new safety signals were identified.

"As the first positive trial in over two decades for patients with resectable, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, the presentation of these landmark results marks an important moment for these patients and those who care for them," said Dr. Ravindra Uppaluri, the study’s co-principal investigator, director of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "KEYNOTE-689 represents a meaningful development with a potential to provide an option that helps certain patients with LA-HNSCC reduce the risk of recurrence and disease progression earlier in their treatment journey."

"The addition of immunotherapy using KEYTRUDA to standard of care surgery and adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of event-free survival events by 27%, compared with standard of care therapy alone," said study co-principal investigator Dr. Douglas Adkins, Professor, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. "These results are notable as they mark the first time an anti-PD-1 therapy has demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in event-free survival in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting in earlier stages of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma."

The study also showed a statistically significant improvement in major pathological response (mPR) rate, a key secondary endpoint, in patients with CPS ≥10 (difference in mPR rates: 13.7% [95% CI, 9.7-18.7]; p<0.00001), CPS ≥1 (9.8% [95% CI, 7.0-13.3]; p<0.00001) and in the ITT population (9.3% [95% CI, 6.7–12.8, P<.00001), compared to adjuvant radiotherapy alone.

A trend toward improvement in overall survival (OS), another key secondary endpoint, was observed in patients with CPS ≥10 (HR=0.72 [95% CI, 0.52-0.98]) at the time of this interim analysis for the KEYTRUDA plus standard of care regimen versus standard of care alone. The OS results did not reach statistical significance at the time of this interim analysis. Due to the statistical testing hierarchy, formal testing was not performed in the CPS ≥1 and ITT populations. OS will be evaluated at the next interim analysis.

"As the 12th positive pivotal trial for a KEYTRUDA-based regimen in earlier-stage cancers, the results from KEYNOTE-689 are a testament to our commitment to address an unmet need in this important area of research," said Dr. Marjorie Green, senior vice president and head of oncology, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. "These compelling results illustrate the potential of this regimen to change the landscape of care for certain patients facing this challenging disease. We are working with the FDA and other global authorities to bring this new option to patients as quickly as possible."

A supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for KEYTRUDA based on data from KEYNOTE-689 is under priority review with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), or target action, date of June 23, 2025.

KEYTRUDA is currently approved as monotherapy and in combination regimens for appropriate patients with metastatic or unresectable, recurrent HNSCC in the U.S., Europe, China, Japan and other countries around the world. For more information, please see the "Selected KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) Indications in the U.S." section below.

Study design and additional data from KEYNOTE-689

KEYNOTE-689 is a randomized, active-controlled, open-label Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03765918) evaluating KEYTRUDA as neoadjuvant treatment and KEYTRUDA in combination with standard of care radiotherapy (with or without cisplatin) as adjuvant treatment in treatment-naïve patients with newly diagnosed, stage III or IVA resectable, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC). Efficacy outcomes are classified by programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) status. The primary endpoint is EFS, which is defined as the time from randomization to the first occurrence of radiographic disease progression; local or distant progression or recurrence; or death due to any cause. The secondary endpoints include OS, mPR, pathological complete response and safety. The study enrolled 714 patients who were randomized 1:1 to receive:

KEYTRUDA (200 mg intravenously [IV] every three weeks [Q3W] for two cycles) as neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery, followed by either KEYTRUDA (200 mg IV Q3W for 15 cycles) plus standard of care radiotherapy with cisplatin (100 mg/m2 IV Q3W for three cycles) as adjuvant therapy following surgery for high-risk patients or KEYTRUDA (200 mg IV Q3W for 15 cycles) plus standard of care radiotherapy without cisplatin as adjuvant therapy following surgery for low-risk patients; or
No neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery, followed by adjuvant standard of care radiotherapy with cisplatin (100 mg/m2 IV Q3W for three cycles) as adjuvant therapy following surgery for high-risk patients or standard of care radiotherapy without cisplatin as adjuvant therapy following surgery for low-risk patients.
The safety profile of KEYTRUDA was consistent with that observed in previously reported studies. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 44.6% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA plus standard of care radiotherapy versus 42.9% of patients receiving standard of care radiotherapy alone. TRAEs led to death in 1.1% of patients receiving the KEYTRUDA regimen (n=4) and 0.3% of patients receiving standard of care radiotherapy (n=1). No new safety concerns were identified. Immune-mediated adverse events (AEs) of any grade occurred in 43.2% of patients receiving the KEYTRUDA regimen, most commonly hypothyroidism (24.7%).

About head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer describes a number of different tumors that develop in or around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses and mouth. Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas that begin in the flat, squamous cells that make up the thin surface layer of the structures in the head and neck. Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) is cancer that has grown outside the original location, but has not yet spread to distant parts of the body. There are several factors that greatly increase the risk of developing head and neck cancer, including tobacco and alcohol use and human papillomavirus (HPV). It is estimated there were more than 947,200 new cases of head and neck cancer diagnosed and over 482,400 deaths from the disease in 2022 globally. In the U.S., it is estimated there will be approximately 72,680 new cases of head and neck cancer diagnosed and more than 16,680 deaths from the disease in 2025.