Vyriad and Merck launch Phase 1 trial for innovative immuno-oncology drug combination

Vyriad, a US-based biotech company, has partnered with Germany’s Merck to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial targeting metastatic colorectal cancer. This trial explores the combined potential of Vyriad’s Voyager-V1 and Merck’s Bavencio (avelumab), offering a new approach to immuno-oncology treatment.

Voyager-V1, developed by Vyriad, is an oncolytic virotherapy employing a bullet-shaped, negative-sense RNA virus engineered to selectively replicate in and destroy human cancer cells. This innovative therapy also incorporates the encoding of human IFNβ to bolster antitumoral immune responses and enhance tumor specificity. Additionally, it features the thyroidal sodium iodide symporter (NIS), facilitating the imaging of virus dissemination within the body.

The Phase 1 trial will assess the safety and efficacy of the drug combination, exploring both intravenous and intratumoral administration methods. This study marks one of three first-in-human Phase 1 clinical evaluations for Vyriad’s immune oncology drug.

Stephen Russell, CEO of Vyriad, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer, noting the innovative nature of this treatment approach. “Voyager-V1 is being administered to inflame the tumors, and avelumab has been shown to release the suppression of the T cell-mediated antitumor immune response in preclinical models,” Russell stated.

Avelumab, a human anti-PD-L1 antibody, is under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for various solid tumor treatments and is already being assessed in multiple tumor types under a global alliance between Merck KGaA and Pfizer.

Chris Boshoff, Senior Vice President and Head of Immuno-Oncology, Early Development and Translational Oncology at Pfizer Global Product Development, highlighted the importance of exploring immunotherapy combinations. “A primary focus of our clinical development program for avelumab is to evaluate the role and potential of immunotherapy combination regimens, in an effort to support patients with challenging cancers,” said Boshoff.

The collaborative effort between Vyriad and Merck represents a significant stride in the ongoing battle against metastatic colorectal cancer. By leveraging the unique mechanisms of Voyager-V1 and avelumab, this trial seeks to uncover new, effective treatment strategies that could potentially extend and improve the quality of life for patients facing this challenging diagnosis.

This phase 1 trial is a critical step forward in the field of immuno-oncology, potentially setting the stage for more advanced therapeutic options in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and possibly other solid tumors. The success of this trial could pave the way for new standards in cancer treatment, emphasizing the importance of combination therapies in oncology.