Improving responses to PD-1 inhibitor therapy in solid tumors
BEXCOMBO will be a Phase II study investigating the potential of bexmarilimab in combination with PD-1 therapy to treat solid tumors. Clinical data show that up to 80% of cancer patients do not respond to single agent PD-1 blockade and evolving data suggest that promoting pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-gamma, is necessary for effective responses to these agents.
The potential to expand the population of PD-1 responders
Because bexmarilimab induces IFN-ɣ upregulation, which is required for immune modulation in the tumor microenvironment, this study offers the potential to expand the population of PD-1 responders and provide meaningful benefit to more patients. The trial is targeting indications that have poor responses to PD-1 blockade and will start with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, with the potential to expand quickly in further indications and the refractory setting. Planning continues for trial initiation.