AstraZeneca plc AZN and its global biologics research and development arm, MedImmune, presented encouraging abstracts of data from their MEDI4736 (anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody) combination-based immuno-oncology portfolio at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The company also announced a deal with Eli Lilly LLY for MEDI4736.
Immuno-Oncology Data Unveiled
AstraZeneca presented data from the open-label, dose-escalation, phase Ib combination study (n=102) on MEDI4736 and tremelimumab (a CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Results showed that the combination helped to increase response rates in both PD-L1 biomarker-positive and -negative patients. Altogether, nearly half of the patients in the study achieved an overall response rate of 27% and disease control rate of 41%. On the safety front, however, 20 patients discontinued the study due to drug-related adverse events.
Based on encouraging results, the company intends to advance the combination into phase III studies. Additionally, the company decided on a specific dose and schedule for this combination. MEDI4736 20mg every four weeks (total 12 doses) and tremelimumab 1mg/kg every four weeks (total 4 doses) have been selected for phase III combination studies for the NSCLC indication.
AstraZeneca also unveiled data on MEDI4736 in combination with other immuno-oncology and small molecules like Iressa and AZD9291, among others. These combinations are being studied for the treatment of melanoma, lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and other types of cancer.
Overall, MEDI4736, both as a monotherapy and in combination with other immuno-oncology and small-molecule therapies across different tumor types and tumor biology, demonstrated clinical activity with favorable safety profiles.
Immuno-Oncology Deal with Eli Lilly
In a separate press release, AstraZeneca announced a collaboration with Eli Lilly for a combination study to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of MEDI4736 in combination with Eli Lilly’s Cyramza (VEGF receptor 2 antiangiogenic).
The phase I study will be conducted in patients suffering from advanced solid tumors with the goal of determining the safety and dosing regimen of the combination therapy. The companies will also explore the possibility of opening expansion cohorts for various tumors. While financial and other details of the agreement including tumor types to be studied were undisclosed, it was announced that the study will be sponsored by Eli Lilly.
AstraZeneca has been quite active on inking immuno-oncology deals lately. We remind investors that the company entered into agreements with Juno Therapeutics JUNO as well as Celgene Corp. CELG among others for MEDI4736 in Apr 2015.
AstraZeneca currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Juno Therapeutics is a better-ranked stock in the health care sector carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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