Local biotech reports positive results with MSD’s Keytruda in combination therapy

Biotech News: Positive results from the Phase 2b trial involving a LAG-3 immunotherapy in combination with MSD’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) has been announced by Sydney-based biotech company, Immutep.

The trial combined eftilagimod alfa with Keytruda as the first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients (1L HNSCC) with negative PD-L1 expression.

Dr Robert Metcalf from the Machester-based Christie NHS Foundation Trust presented the new and updated efficacy and safety data during an oral presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Virtual Plenary session.

The data shows that the combination achieved an objective response rate of 35.5% and a disease control rate of 58.1%. The results “compare favourably” to treatment with anti-PD-1 monotherapy and the combination also achieved a high complete response rate compared to monotherapy, according to the company.

Dr Metcalf stated, “The high response rate from this novel immunotherapy combination is well above other treatment approaches without chemotherapy. It matches historical response rates from chemotherapy-based treatments but without the associated toxicities. This is really significant for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas who have a CPS [Combined Positive Score] less than one and for whom chemotherapy is the current first-line treatment.

“Achieving complete responses in this group bodes well for this immunotherapy combination’s future potential, especially given the positive trend in response durability. The clinically meaningful response rate and high unmet medical need warrant further investigation of eftilagimod plus pembrolizumab in this patient population.”

Immutep said that based on the encouraging efficacy and high unmet medical need, the path forward will be discussed with regulatory agencies.

The company’s share price closed over 20% higher in response to the results.

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