Telix-Merck partner in clinical trial of solid tumours

Pharma News: An Australian biopharma company has commenced an early phase clinical trial that combines the company’s investigational targeted radiation therapy with Merck’s DNA-PK inhibitor. The study aims to revolutionise cancer care by exploring a potentially potent and synergistic treatment for patients with solid tumours expressing carbonic-anhydrase IX (CAIX), a pan-cancer target.

Telix’s STARSTRUCK study will evaluate the safety profile, dosing, and activity of TLX250 (177Lu-DOTA-girentuximab) in combination with Merck’s peposertib. The primary focus will be on patients with CAIX-expressing solid tumours that have relapsed or proved refractory to conventional treatments.

The premise of this study hinges on a compelling clinical hypothesis: the combination of TLX250 and a DNA-PK inhibitor may yield heightened potency through their synchronised action on cancer cells. By delivering targeted radiation that induces DNA damage in cancerous cells, TLX250 sets the stage for peposertib to step in and prevent these cells from repairing the inflicted damage. This novel approach is expected to result in greater effectiveness at lower doses, a major advantage over targeted radiation alone.

Leading the charge as Principal Investigator for the STARSTRUCK study is Professor Nat Lenzo, GenesisCare Group Clinical Director Theranostics.

“The treatment of advanced cancer can be extremely challenging. We are pleased to support the commencement of this study with Telix to help determine if there is a potential future clinical benefit regarding the combination of molecular targeted radiation and DNA-PK inhibitors.” Professor Lenzo highlighted.

Dr Colin Hayward, Telix’s Chief Medical Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the study, citing promising preclinical data that indicated a robust response to the combination therapy.

“Preclinical data has shown excellent combination response, which has potential to translate to additional response or more tolerable treatment regimens in patients,” he said.

It is worth noting that Telix’s companion investigational diagnostic imaging agent, TLX250-CDx (89Zr-DFO-girentuximab), has already shown significant promise in the Phase III ZIRCON trial. The trial reported analyses of primary endpoints and key secondary endpoints at the recent ASCO GU conference, marking another milestone in the quest for cutting-edge cancer diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

The partnership between Merck and Telix is not stopping here; they plan to continue their scientific collaboration to further explore and optimise the combination of TLX250, or other next-generation targeted radiation therapy candidates, with Merck’s DDRi compounds in preclinical studies. This commitment signifies their shared determination to push the boundaries of cancer treatment and enhance patient care.

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