On September 25, 2019 BioLineRx Ltd. (NASDAQ/TASE: BLRX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology, reported dosing of the first patient in part 2 of the Phase 1/2a clinical study for AGI-134, a novel compound that evokes a direct anti-tumor response, as well as a vaccine effect, via a unique, multi-arm mechanism that targets patient-specific tumor neoantigens (Press release, BioLineRx, SEP 25, 2019, View Source [SID1234539766]). In the dose-escalation part of the study completed earlier this month, AGI-134 was found to be safe and well tolerated, with no serious drug-related adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities reported.
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"Following the successful completion of part 1 of the study and determination of the recommended dose, we are pleased to announce the initiation of part 2 of the Phase 1/2a study of AGI-134, our second lead oncology product," said Philip Serlin, Chief Executive Officer of BioLineRx. "In preclinical trials, AGI-134 led to regression of established primary tumors, prevented growth of secondary tumors, and triggered a vaccine effect that may prevent the development of future metastases. We are looking forward to initial results from part 2 of the study expected by year-end 2020."
The ongoing Phase 1/2a study is a multicenter, open-label study expected to take place at approximately 15 sites in the US, UK and Israel. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the safety and tolerability of AGI-134 at doses up to the recommended dose in multiple solid tumor types, to evaluate a wide array of biomarkers, and to validate AGI-134’s mechanism of action. Furthermore, efficacy will be assessed by clinical and pharmacodynamic parameters.
About AGI-134
AGI-134 is a synthetic alpha-Gal glycolipid in development for solid tumors that is highly differentiated from other cancer immunotherapies. AGI-134 is designed to label cancer cells with alpha-Gal via intra-tumoral administration, thereby targeting the body’s pre-existing, highly abundant anti-alpha-Gal (anti-Gal) antibodies and redirecting them to treated tumors. Binding of anti-Gal antibodies to the treated tumors results in activation of the complement cascade, which destroys the tumor cells and creates a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment that also induces a systemic, specific anti-tumor (vaccine) response to the patient’s own tumor neo-antigens.
AGI-134 has been evaluated in numerous pre-clinical studies. In a mouse melanoma model, treatment with AGI-134 led to regression of established primary tumors and suppression of secondary tumor (metastases) development. Synergy has also been demonstrated in additional pre-clinical studies when combined with an anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, offering the potential to broaden the utility of such immunotherapies, and improve the rate and duration of responses in multiple cancer types. AGI-134 was obtained by BioLineRx through the acquisition of Agalimmune Ltd.