Innovent Updates Oncology Pipeline at Investor Meeting

Innovent Biologics, Inc. recently provided significant updates on its oncology pipeline during an investor meeting. The company, recognized for developing high-quality biopharmaceuticals to treat major diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic diseases, shared clinical data on multiple cancer drug candidates presented at various international oncology conferences. Key executives including Chief Financial Officer Rachel You, Senior Vice President of Oncology Development Dr. Hui Zhou, and Vice President of Oncology Biology and ADC Drug Research Dr. Kaijie He, delivered detailed reports.

Innovent's oncology pipeline strategy aims to address the significant unmet clinical needs in cancer treatment. Current immunotherapies like PD-1 inhibitors often lead to relapse or resistance, while mainstream treatments such as anti-angiogenic drugs display limited effectiveness. To combat these issues, Innovent has developed a robust pipeline featuring 36 new drug candidates, 22 of which are focused on oncology. The company employs a strategy combining immune-oncology (IO) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). This "IO + ADC" approach aims to push global innovation and enhance Innovent's market positioning.

The company's oncology pipeline is advancing through clinical proof-of-concept (PoC) studies and global multi-regional clinical trials (MRCT). Innovent highlighted three promising candidates: IBI363, IBI343, and IBI389.

IBI363 is a first-in-class PD-1/IL-2 α-bias bispecific antibody fusion protein, showing promising anti-tumor efficacy across various cancer types. Innovent reported that IBI363 has a novel mechanism of action, selectively stimulating and amplifying tumor-specific T cells expressing PD-1 and CD25. This innovative design leverages the cytokine's potential while minimizing systemic toxicity. In Phase 1 clinical trials, IBI363 demonstrated encouraging results in multiple cancer types, including non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Innovent plans to expand IBI363’s clinical trials, including initiating Phase 2 studies in the United States and exploring combination therapies.

IBI343, an innovative TOPO1-inhibitor CLDN18.2 ADC, has shown initial breakthrough efficacy in pancreatic cancer. Utilizing world-class specific glycoconjugate technology, IBI343 binds to Claudin 18.2-expressing tumor cells, causing ADC internalization and delivering a high-potency payload. Preliminary Phase 1 data revealed a 40% objective response rate (ORR) in pancreatic cancer patients. IBI343 also demonstrated strong anti-tumor effects in late-line gastric cancer, with preparations for Phase 3 MRCT clinical trials underway.

IBI389, an anti-CLDN18.2/CD3 bispecific antibody, acts as a T-cell engager with observed anti-tumor activity in pancreatic cancer. It induces immune synapse formations, linking CD3 molecules in T-cell receptor complexes with CLDN18.2 antigens on tumor cells, leading to durable anti-tumor effects. In clinical trials, IBI389 showed significant efficacy even in low-expression CLDN18.2 cell lines. Among 27 pancreatic cancer subjects, the ORR was 29.6%, with a confirmed ORR of 25.9%. Innovent is progressing with proof-of-concept studies of IBI389 in difficult-to-treat pancreatic cancer.

Innovent aims to advance its oncology product line to address critical unmet medical needs in cancer treatment. Dr. Hui Zhou emphasized the company's unique competitive advantage in next-generation oncology treatment innovations, aiming to provide affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals and support the Healthy China 2030 initiative.

Innovent Biologics, founded in 2011, is dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative medicines for some of the most challenging diseases. The company collaborates with over 30 global healthcare organizations and has launched 10 products in the market, with several more in various stages of clinical development. Guided by the principle "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent strives to make high-quality pharmaceuticals widely accessible.