Zai Lab Announces Strategic Partnership with MediLink Therapeutics to Develop a Novel LRRC15 Antibody-Drug Conjugate

On January 9, 2025 Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) reported a new strategic collaboration and worldwide license agreement with MediLink Therapeutics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. ("MediLink") to use MediLink’s TMALIN antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform for the development of a novel LRRC15 ADC, ZL-6201, consisting of an antibody discovered by Zai Lab (Press release, Zai Laboratory, JAN 9, 2025, View Source [SID1234649556]).

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Through this collaboration, Zai Lab further expands its global oncology pipeline with another potential first-in-class ADC targeting multiple solid tumors and addressing significant unmet medical needs. ZL-6201 has demonstrated encouraging preclinical data with an IND expected to be filed in 2025.

"MediLink has built a differentiated proprietary ADC technology platform, and we are excited to broaden our global partnership," said Rafael G. Amado, M.D., President, Head of Global Research and Development at Zai Lab. "Building on the promising findings from our ongoing clinical trials for ZL-1310, this new collaboration demonstrates our continued focus on developing cancer therapies with ADC drugs and enriches our global oncology pipeline to address unmet medical needs. We look forward to working with MediLink to advance this compound into the clinic soon."

"Zai Lab’s strong commitment to innovation and proven track record of global development impressed us through our existing collaboration," said Tony Xue, PhD, CEO at MediLink. "This new partnership further validates our technology and enhances our strategic partnership. We believe our collaboration with Zai Lab will bring this innovative therapy to patients worldwide."

About LRRC15

Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 15 (LRRC15) is a type I transmembrane protein involved in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. It is overexpressed in various mesenchymal tumors such as sarcoma, glioblastoma and melanoma, where it promotes tumor metastasis. Additionally, LRRC15 is upregulated in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) across various cancer types, contributing to immune-excluded and immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). This makes LRRC15 an appealing target for cancer therapy.

Mabwell’s Nectin-4 Targeted ADC 9MW2821 Combination Therapy Demonstrates 87.5% ORR and Granted CDE Breakthrough Therapy Designation

On January 9, 2025 Mabwell (688062.SH), an innovative biopharmaceutical company with entire industry chain, reported a significant milestone for its proprietary Nectin-4 targeted ADC (9MW2821). On January 8, 2025, 9MW2821 was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in China (Press release, Mabwell Biotech, JAN 9, 2025, View Source [SID1234649555]). 9MW2821 is given in combination with toripalimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, for treatment-naïve, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma(la/mUC). Up to now, 40 treatment-naïve patients with la/mUC were enrolled and received the combination therapy. ORR was 87.5% (comfirmed ORR was 80%) and DCR was 92.5%. Median PFS and DoR were not reached.

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A pivotal Phase III study of 9MW2821 in combination with PD-1 is ongoing. Compared with similar ADC and PD-1 combos, 9MW2821 has shown significant increase in ORR. Previously, 9MW2821 had been granted BTD by the CDE as monotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma that has failed to platinum-based chemotherapy and PD-(L)1 inhibitor therapy.

The BTD is a recognition aimed at expediting the development of new medicines for serious diseases. It is awarded to therapies that have shown significant efficacy or safety advantages over existing treatments in early-stage clinical trials. For drugs included in the BTD list, the CDE prioritizes resource allocation to facilitate communication and provide guidance, thereby accelerating both clinical development progress and speeding up market review and approval processes.

Servier Announces Expansion of its Tibsovo (ivosidenib) Development Program Investigating its Safety and Efficacy in Patients Living with IDH1-Mutated Cancers in Both Hematological Malignancies and Solid Tumors

On January 9, 2025 Servier reported updates to two of its Phase 3 programs evaluating TIBSOVO (ivosidenib tablets) in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1)-mutated cancers (Press release, Servier, JAN 9, 2025, View Source [SID1234649554]). The first patient has been enrolled in the CHONQUER study, a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of TIBSOVO versus placebo in patients with IDH1-mutated conventional chondrosarcoma. In addition, the Phase 3 PyramIDH clinical trial has been initiated, and sites are actively recruiting across the globe. The PyramIDH study is evaluating TIBSOVO (ivosidenib tablets) monotherapy and azacitidine monotherapy in the treatment of patients with IDH1-mutated myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who have not previously been treated with a hypomethylating agent.

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"As the leader in IDH-mutated cancers, Servier aspires to provide new treatment options for those impacted by newly diagnosed IDH1-mutated conventional chondrosarcoma and IDH-1 mutated MDS. The advancement of two of our Phase 3 registration enabling studies is an incredibly important milestone for our TIBSOVO clinical development program and underscores our commitment to understanding the application of IDH1m inhibition in a broad range of malignancies to meet the needs of patients," said Susan Pandya, MD, Vice President, Clinical Development and Global Head of Oncology LS/LCM, Servier Pharmaceuticals. "We are deeply grateful to the patients, families and healthcare providers who are participating in this important research."

The use of TIBSOVO in patients with IDH1-mutated conventional chondrosarcoma, as well as, patients with IDH1-mutated myelodysplastic syndromes who have not previously been treated with a hypomethylating agent are investigational, and its safety and efficacy in these cases have not been evaluated by any regulatory authority.

About the PyramIDH Trial (NCT06465953)
PyramIDH is a pivotal Phase 3, multicenter, open label, randomized clinical trial of TIBSOVO (ivosidenib tablets) monotherapy and azacitidine monotherapy in adult patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with an isocitrate dehydrogenase protein, 1 (IDH1) mutation, who have not received treatment with a hypomethylating agent previously. The primary endpoint of PyramIDH is complete remission (CR) or partial remission (PR) as per International Working Group (IWG) 2006 criteria at 4 months. Secondary outcome measures include overall response (OR) rate, event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS).

About the CHONQUER Trial (NCT06127407)
CHONQUER is a pivotal Phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial of TIBSOVO (ivosidenib tablets) in adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic conventional chondrosarcoma with an isocitrate dehydrogenase protein, 1 (IDH1) mutation who are untreated or were previously treated with one systemic treatment regimen in the advanced/metastatic setting for conventional chondrosarcoma. The primary endpoint of CHONQUER is progression-free survival (PFS) in Grades 1 and 2 participants. Key secondary outcome measures include endpoints such as PFS in all randomized participants, overall survival (OS) in Grades 1 and 2 participants, and OS in all randomized participants. The study also will evaluate the impact of TIBSOVO on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health economic outcomes.

About TIBSOVO (ivosidenib tablets)
TIBSOVO is a precision medicine that targets a specific type of mutation known as isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1). TIBSOVO is approved in five indications globally, including approvals in the U.S., European Union, Australia and China.

In the U.S., TIBSOVO is approved for the treatment of adults with IDH1-mutant relapsed or refractory AML and in monotherapy or in combination with azacitidine for adults with newly diagnosed IDH1-mutant AML who are ≥75 years old or who have comorbidities that preclude the use of intensive induction chemotherapy, as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with IDH1-mutant relapsed or refractory MDS, and for patients with previously treated IDH1-mutated cholangiocarcinoma.

For more information about TIBSOVO in the U.S., please visit www.tibsovo.com.

About Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are disorders in which progenitor (stem) cells do not mature into healthy blood cells.1 In the U.S., approximately 16,000 new cases of MDS are reported each year.2 Approximately 3.6% of MDS patients have an IDH1 mutation,3 which is considered an early "driver" mutation.4 For MDS patients with an IDH1 mutation, the prognosis has often been associated with worse overall outcomes and in an increased risk of transformation to AML.3 Prior to the approval of TIBSOVO, there were no approved targeted therapies for this molecularly defined subset.

About Chondrosarcoma
Chondrosarcoma is a group of bone tumors that are made up of cells that make too much cartilage.1 Chondrosarcoma, the second most common sarcoma of the bones following osteosarcoma,5 accounts for 20-30% of all skeletal sarcomas and has an estimated incidence of 1 in 200,000 per year in the U.S.6 Conventional primary chondrosarcoma is the most common variant and makes up 85% of all cases.2 IDH mutations are found in 50-70% of chondrosarcomas.7 Surgery currently remains the mainstay of treatment for conventional chondrosarcoma as both radiation and chemotherapy have been shown to be ineffective.

Boehringer Ingelheim broadens oncology portfolio with license for Synaffix’s ADC technology

On January 9, 2025 Boehringer Ingelheim and Synaffix B.V. ("Synaffix"), a Lonza company (SWX:LONN) focused on commercializing its clinical-stage platform technology for the development of best-in-class antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), reported that Boehringer has licensed Synaffix’s ADC technology (Press release, Synaffix, JAN 9, 2025, View Source [SID1234649552]). This new partnership significantly bolsters Boehringer’s ADC portfolio, driven by its subsidiary, NBE Therapeutics, to achieve the company’s aim of transforming the lives of people with cancer.

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ADCs are a cutting-edge class of cancer treatments that combine the targeting ability of antibodies with the potent cancer-killing power of drugs. This allows for the precise delivery of therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue and enhancing treatment efficacy.

Peter van de Sande, Head of Synaffix, said: "Boehringer Ingelheim is a leader in oncology treatment development, and the selection of our ADC technologies to further bolster their pipeline portfolio is a strong recognition of the potential of these technologies to maximize the therapeutic index of ADCs. This licensing agreement represents the culmination of a successful preclinical evaluation of our technology."

Lamine Mbow, Global Head of Discovery Research, Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "We are building a broad pipeline of ADCs addressing the novel tumor target space to develop next-generation cancer treatments. By combining our deep expertise in cancer treatment development with Synaffix’s clinical-stage platform technology, we aim to accelerate the delivery of first-in-class cancer treatments to improve cancer patient outcomes."

Synaffix has developed a clinically validated ADC platform technology that utilizes an enzymatic modification of native glycan anchor points on antibodies, enabling the development of best-in-class ADCs or bispecifics. With the access to Synaffix’s technology, NBE Therapeutics broadens its ADC portfolio. This will enable Boehringer Ingelheim to address novel tumor targets from its comprehensive portfolio to develop first-in-class cancer treatments that address high unmet medical needs in oncology.

Under the terms of the agreement, Synaffix will provide access to its proprietary ADC technologies for an agreed but undisclosed number of targets. The first target was nominated upon signature, and additional targets will subsequently be nominated within a predefined timeframe. In addition to the upfront payment, Synaffix is eligible to receive potential additional milestone payments of up to $1.3 billion, plus additional royalty payments on net sales of resulting products.

Synaffix and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Sign License Agreement for ADC Technology

On January 9, 2025 Synaffix B.V. ("Synaffix"), a Lonza company (SWX:LONN) focused on commercializing its clinical-stage platform technology for the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) with best-in-class therapeutic index, reported that it has licensed its ADC technology to Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation ("MTPC"), the pharma arm of Mitsubishi Chemical Group ("MCG") (Press release, Synaffix, JAN 9, 2025, View Source [SID1234649550]).

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Synaffix is responsible for the manufacturing of the components that are related to its proprietary technologies, and MTPC is responsible for the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the ADC.

Peter van de Sande, Head of Synaffix, said: "This latest licensing deal with MTPC highlights the appeal of our industry-leading ADC technology offering. MTPC is a key collaborator for us, expanding our presence in the APAC region, and we are excited to work alongside such a large and reputable corporation with the aim to make a tangible difference for patients in areas of high unmet medical need."