ASCO24: Nimbus’ HPK1 inhibitor shows promise in renal cell carcinoma

Nimbus Therapeutics has reported promising results from a Phase I/II clinical trial of their HPK1 inhibitor, NDI-101150. The data, released in anticipation of an upcoming presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, indicate that the oral small molecule has shown efficacy in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

In the study, NDI-101150 demonstrated stable disease or better outcomes in six out of eight RCC patients. This trial is extensively enrolling patients with advanced solid tumors, who are being treated with NDI-101150 either as monotherapy in doses ranging from 50mg to 200mg or in combination with Merck’s PD-1 inhibitor Keytruda (pembrolizumab).

A total of 30 patients were evaluated, and 16.7% (five patients) exhibited a clinical benefit. Specifically, in the dose escalation cohort, one RCC patient achieved a complete response, and another demonstrated a partial response. Both of these patients had undergone multiple lines of previous treatments, including checkpoint inhibitors.

Furthermore, three patients—one with RCC, one with pancreatic cancer, and one with endometrial cancer—experienced durable stable disease for over six months. Notably, the RCC patient maintained this response for 21 months. The HPK1 inhibitor, NDI-101150, was generally well tolerated, showcasing an acceptable safety profile.

NDI-101150 is the flagship clinical program for Nimbus Therapeutics, following Takeda’s acquisition of Nimbus' lead TYK2 inhibitor for $4 billion in 2022.

This information underscores the potential of NDI-101150 in treating advanced solid tumors, particularly RCC, and highlights the ongoing advancements in cancer therapy being discussed at the ASCO annual meeting.