Daiichi Sankyo, Merck ADC boosts lung cancer progression-free survival in phase 3

Daiichi Sankyo and Merck have reported promising results from their phase 3 HERTHENA-Lung02 clinical trial, which assessed the efficacy of patritumab deruxtecan in treating patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This drug demonstrated a significant improvement in progression-free survival when compared to the standard doublet chemotherapy regimen.

The clinical trial specifically targeted patients whose cancer had progressed following treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Though data on overall survival is still being compiled, the interim findings are compelling enough to be presented at an upcoming medical conference. Additionally, these results will be communicated to global regulatory authorities for further evaluation.

Patritumab deruxtecan is a pioneering HER3-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). It is engineered to target HER3, a protein that is often found in EGFR-mutated NSCLC cases. Such mutations are present in up to 38% of NSCLC instances, which themselves constitute 85% of all lung cancer cases. Currently, treatment options are limited for patients whose cancer has advanced after initial TKI therapy, underscoring the need for new and effective treatments.

Safety assessments from the HERTHENA-Lung02 trial indicated that the safety profile of patritumab deruxtecan was consistent with previous studies, with no new safety issues emerging. The trial included 586 patients and was conducted across various regions, including Asia, Europe, and North America. The comprehensive data collected during the trial will be thoroughly reviewed during regulatory discussions.

In a related development, Daiichi Sankyo and Merck recently announced an extension of their ADC partnership. This collaboration will now include the co-development and co-commercialization of Merck's investigational T-cell engager, MK-6070, which aims to target the DLL3 protein. This expanded alliance builds upon a prior $22 billion agreement to develop and commercialize ADC drug candidates, such as patritumab deruxtecan, ifinatamab deruxtecan, and raludotatug deruxtecan.

The outcome of the HERTHENA-Lung02 trial is a significant milestone in the ongoing quest to provide better treatment options for lung cancer patients, particularly those with EGFR mutations who have exhausted other treatment avenues. As the results are further analyzed and regulatory discussions advance, there is cautious optimism that patritumab deruxtecan could become a vital component in the therapeutic arsenal against NSCLC.