Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center published two studies this week on a new approach that could improve treatment for patients with pancreatic cancer. The preclinical studies showed that combining immunotherapy with a KRAS inhibitor can lead to long-lasting tumor elimination.
Although they're still early, the company presented Phase Ib/II study data showing its PLK1 inhibitor, onvasertib, was able to produce responses in KRAS-mutated metastatic CRC, through a property known as synthetic lethality. KRAS-specific drugs have shown low efficacy in mCRC.
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
The companies said Monday that they would partner to develop small-molecule oncology drugs against several targets, including KRAS mutations, long thought "undruggable." Amgen and Mirati have already presented clinical data from their KRAS programs.
An analyst noted that Mirati's MRTX849, a KRAS G12C inhibitor, is six to nine months behind Amgen's AMG 510, but that the market has room for both. The data presented were on patients with lung and colorectal cancers.
The biotech company presented data for AMG 510 at the European Society for Medical Oncology during the weekend. Although the drug showed activity, the data got mixed reactions from investment bank analysts.
The company said in its earnings statement that AMG 510 had produced objective responses in patients with colorectal and appendiceal cancers. The Phase II portion of the Phase I/II study, which may be used for registration, will start enrolling in the coming days.
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
The company is targeting pathways such as SHP2 and KRAS G12C. RAS mutations have been an attractive target in oncology due to the central role they play in cancers.
Many proteins known to play roles in cancers are considered "undruggable" because they lack pockets for drugs to bind to. Amgen drew attention at ASCO with data on a drug targeting a KRAS mutation, generally considered not amenable to pharmaceutical therapy.