ASCO24: Pfizer discloses lung cancer data for Seagen-acquired ADC triggering Phase III

Pfizer’s recent acquisition of Seagen for $43 billion appears to be yielding positive outcomes, particularly in the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer treatment. A significant highlight is the progress of their ADC candidate, sigvotatug vedotin, in battling non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Phase I clinical trial results, detailed in a preliminary abstract for the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, have paved the way for Phase III trials.

The Phase I trial included 113 patients with NSCLC who were administered an expansion dosing regimen of sigvotatug vedotin, an integrin beta-6-directed ADC. The findings revealed an overall response rate (ORR) of 19.5%. More promising results were observed in a subgroup of 40 non-squamous taxane-naive patients, where the ORR increased to 32.5%. Among these responders, 50% achieved stable disease, 27.5% had a partial response, and 5% experienced a complete response.

Despite the encouraging efficacy data, the trial also reported some significant adverse events. The most common grade 3 or higher adverse events included dyspnea, fatigue, and neutropenia. Additionally, there was a treatment-related death due to pneumonitis, as disclosed in the abstract.

Pfizer has already started a Phase III trial of sigvotatug vedotin for second- and third-line treatment of NSCLC as of February, according to ClinicalTrials.gov. This trial will further investigate the efficacy and safety of the ADC in a larger patient population. The drug is one of the strategic programs Pfizer highlighted during a recent investor day, where the company outlined its ambitious goal to secure eight or more cancer blockbuster drugs by 2030.

The advancements with sigvotatug vedotin underscore Pfizer’s commitment to expanding its oncology portfolio following the Seagen acquisition. The forthcoming ASCO annual meeting will likely provide additional insights and updates on this potential therapy, contributing to the broader discourse on innovative cancer treatments.