Innovent Updates Oncology Pipeline at June 19, 2024 Investor Meeting

Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent), a leading biopharmaceutical company with operations in SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, has provided updates on its oncology pipeline. Innovent specializes in the development, production, and commercialization of high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, metabolic, autoimmune, ophthalmology, and other major diseases. At an investor meeting, the company presented detailed clinical data on several cancer drug candidates, including 10 oral reports and over 15 posters, interpreted during a conference call on June 17.

During the meeting, Innovent’s 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, shared insights on their current R&D strategy, which focuses on global innovation and the development of new molecular candidates in mid- and early-stage phases.

Innovent’s oncology pipeline development strategy aims to address unmet clinical needs in cancer treatment through a combination of immune-oncology (IO) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Despite advancements in cancer treatment, many issues like limited response rates to immunotherapies and the modest efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs persist. Innovent aims to revolutionize cancer treatment with its robust pipeline of 36 new drug candidates, 22 of which are in oncology.

The company’s innovative pipeline is driven by clinical proof-of-concept (PoC) studies and global multi-regional clinical trials (MRCT). Among the notable drug candidates are 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, including immunotherapy-treated and 'cold' tumors. Its novel mechanism of action selectively stimulates and amplifies tumor-specific T cells, resulting in significant therapeutic potential.

IBI343 is an innovative TOPO1-inhibitor CLDN18.2 ADC, marking a significant breakthrough in pancreatic cancer treatment. Preliminary Phase 1 data showed a 40% objective response rate (ORR) in pancreatic cancer patients treated with IBI343. This drug has also demonstrated strong anti-tumor effects in late-line gastric cancer, with preparations underway for its Phase 3 MRCT clinical trial.

IBI389, another promising candidate, is an anti-CLDN18.2/CD3 bispecific antibody. It acts as a T-cell engager, linking CD3 molecules in T-cell receptors with CLDN18.2 antigens on tumor cells, stimulating T-cell activation and producing durable anti-tumor effects. Early clinical data revealed significant efficacy in advanced gastric and pancreatic cancers, even in cases with low to medium CLDN18.2 expression.

Looking forward, Innovent plans to continue the high-quality clinical development of its oncology products, focusing on addressing unmet medical needs and promoting global innovation. Dr. Hui Zhou emphasized the company’s commitment to providing affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals to patients worldwide, aligning with their mission to support the Healthy China 2030 initiative.