Eisai Presents Oncology Portfolio and Pipeline at ASCO 2024

Eisai Inc. has announced the presentation of significant findings from their oncology portfolio at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held from May 31 to June 4 in Chicago, Illinois, both virtually and in-person. Focused on various cancer types, the research highlights include crucial biomarker analyses and clinical trial data.

Key data will be presented from the pivotal Phase 3 CLEAR (Study 307)/KEYNOTE-581 trial (NCT02811861), which evaluated the combination of lenvatinib (LENVIMA®) and pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®) versus sunitinib for first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This trial's findings will be discussed in an oral presentation (Abstract #4504). A poster presentation (Abstract #4524) will also feature an analysis of disease progression patterns and subsequent therapies.

Dr. Takashi Owa, Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President at Eisai Co., Ltd., emphasized Eisai's commitment to advancing oncology treatments grounded in rigorous science and focused on patient needs. The research aims to bolster lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab as a first-line standard of care for advanced RCC and explore new treatment modalities for various advanced diseases.

Additionally, Eisai will present data from the JBCRG-M06/EMERALD study in Japan, a Phase 3 trial evaluating trastuzumab and pertuzumab combined with eribulin mesylate or a taxane for HER2-positive, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (NCT03264547; Abstract #1007). Other notable research includes a Phase 2 study of the antibody-drug conjugate BB-1701 in HER2-positive or HER2-low metastatic breast cancer (NCT06188559; Abstract #TPS1122), and findings from a Phase 1b trial of tasurgratinib (E7090) for ER positive, HER2 negative breast cancer post-CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy (NCT04572295; Abstract #3103). The Phase 1b global study of E7386, a Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulator, in combination with lenvatinib for hepatocellular carcinoma and other solid tumors such as endometrial cancer will also be presented (NCT04008797; Abstract #TPS3169).

Eisai's ongoing efforts involve investigational compounds and novel uses of FDA-approved products, though the efficacy and safety of these treatments are still under investigation and not guaranteed for approval.

Eisai and Merck's strategic collaboration since March 2018 focuses on the global co-development and co-commercialization of lenvatinib, both as a monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab. The combination is studied through the LEAP clinical program across various tumor types.

In May 2023, Eisai entered a joint development agreement with Bliss Biopharmaceutical (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. for BB-1701, a HER2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, currently in Phase 2 trials for breast cancer in Japan and the U.S., and Phase 1/2 trials for HER2-expressing solid tumors in the U.S. and China. BB-1701 combines Eisai’s cytotoxic agent eribulin with an anti-HER2 antibody to target breast, lung, and other solid tumors through multiple anti-tumor mechanisms.

E7386, another investigational compound, is a selective inhibitor targeting the CBP/β-catenin interaction pathway, crucial in Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This pathway is involved in gene expression linked to cancer progression, and E7386 aims to inhibit both ligand-dependent and mutation-induced activation.

Eisai's eribulin mesylate (HALAVEN®) is an FDA-approved microtubule dynamics inhibitor for metastatic breast cancer and liposarcoma. It has shown significant anti-tumor activity by preventing cell division and affecting the tumor microenvironment.

The release also includes detailed safety information and adverse reactions for HALAVEN and LENVIMA, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and managing potential side effects in patients undergoing these treatments. Both drugs have shown effectiveness in various cancer types but come with significant safety considerations that healthcare providers must manage meticulously.

Eisai’s presentations at ASCO 2024 underscore their commitment to advancing cancer treatment through innovative research and strategic collaborations, aiming to provide new hope and improved care for patients with advanced and metastatic cancers.