InnoCare Pharma, ArriVent BioPharma initiate Phase 1b clinical trial in NSCLC

InnoCare Pharma, listed on both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX: 09969) and the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE: 688428), along with ArriVent BioPharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVBP), has announced the commencement of a Phase 1b clinical study in China. This study marks the first time a patient has been dosed with a novel therapeutic combination targeting advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The treatment combines InnoCare’s ICP-189, a pioneering SHP2 (Src Homology 2 domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase) allosteric inhibitor, with ArriVent’s furmonertinib, an EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) inhibitor known for its high brain penetration and broad activity against mutation-selective EGFR in NSCLC patients.

NSCLC, the most common subtype of lung cancer, accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. The collaboration between InnoCare and ArriVent, established in July 2023, aims to accelerate the clinical development of ICP-189 in combination with furmonertinib for patients with this challenging disease in China.

Furmonertinib, currently advancing through global studies by ArriVent for NSCLC patients with specific EGFR mutations, has received approval in China as a first-line treatment for certain NSCLC mutations. It holds the Breakthrough Therapy designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for untreated advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations and is under further development for additional indications.

ICP-189, developed by InnoCare, is a potent and selective oral allosteric inhibitor of SHP2, showing promise in the treatment of solid tumors both as a monotherapy and in combination with other anticancer agents. Its safety and preliminary efficacy have been demonstrated in early trials, with a favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profile.

Dr. Jasmine Cui, Co-founder, Chairwoman, and CEO of InnoCare, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration’s progress: “We are excited to see the latest progress of our clinical collaboration with ArriVent. SHP2 inhibitors are ideal for the treatment of solid tumors by combination with various targeted drugs and immunotherapies and are expected to address the huge unmet medical needs. We will accelerate the clinical study and expect this innovative therapy to benefit more NSCLC patients early.”

The strategic partnership between InnoCare Pharma and ArriVent BioPharma signifies a noteworthy advance in the fight against NSCLC. By combining ICP-189 and furmonertinib, this clinical study not only demonstrates the potential for targeted therapy in treating advanced lung cancer but also highlights the ongoing commitment to innovative cancer research. The focus on mutation-selective treatment approaches promises to open new avenues for addressing the significant unmet needs within the NSCLC patient community.