Xencor initiates Phase 1 trial of XmAb20717 for advanced solid tumors

Xencor, a prominent biopharmaceutical company based in Monrovia, California, has recently dosed the first patient in a Phase 1 clinical trial named XmAb20717-01 (DUET-2), aimed at evaluating the efficacy of XmAb20717 in treating multiple advanced solid tumors. This marks a significant step in cancer therapy, particularly with the use of bispecific antibodies.

The DUET-2 trial is a multi-dose, dose-escalation study designed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, and preliminary anti-tumor activity of XmAb20717. The therapy, which targets both PD-1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoints, will be administered intravenously to patients diagnosed with certain advanced solid tumors.

XmAb20717 stands out due to its dual-target approach. By simultaneously inhibiting PD-1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoints, the therapy aims to enhance T-cell activation and proliferation, potentially leading to more effective tumor suppression. Paul Foster, Chief Medical Officer at Xencor, commented on the trial, stating, “The dual blockade of PD-1 and CTLA-4 with XmAb20717 may promote superior T cell activation and proliferation compared to anti-PD-1 alone. We look forward to studying its safety, tolerability, and therapeutic activity in clinical trials.”

In addition to XmAb20717, Xencor is planning to file investigational new drug applications for two more tumor microenvironment activators by the end of the year. These include XmAb23104, a PD-1 x ICOS bispecific antibody, and XmAb22841, a CTLA-4 x LAG-3 dual checkpoint inhibitor, further broadening its innovative approach in oncology.

Founded in 1997, Xencor has been at the forefront of developing engineered monoclonal antibodies for a variety of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, asthma, allergic diseases, and cancer. The company’s unique XmAb bispecific Fc domain technology forms the basis for its diverse pipeline of antibody therapies.

The initiation of the XmAb20717 trial by Xencor represents an exciting advancement in the treatment of solid tumors. Bispecific antibodies like XmAb20717 are particularly promising in immuno-oncology due to their ability to target multiple pathways involved in tumor growth and immune evasion. As the trial progresses, the oncology community eagerly anticipates detailed results that could redefine treatment paradigms for advanced solid tumors.