Promising antitumor activity as a single agent in late-stage solid tumors
The MATINS (Macrophage Antibody to Inhibit Immune Suppression) trial is Faron’s first-in-human Phase I/II single-agent study, investigating the potential of bexmarilimab monotherapy in ten advanced, treatment-resistant solid tumor types.
To date, the trial has generated a wealth of positive data, providing clinical evidence of treatment benefit from bexmarilimab and a derisked safety profile for the immunotherapy candidate.
The trial has provided highly encouraging evidence that macrophage conversion in the tumor takes place after bexmarilimab administration, leading to increased interferon gamma (IFN-ɣ) signalling and coinciding with treatment benefit. Latest data showed a three-fold longer survival for patients achieving disease control, attributed to a bexmarilimab-induced IFN-ɣ increase leading to significant survival benefit. Patients with disease control had a median overall survival of 14.9 months, and patients without, 4.4 months.
Foundational Evidence for Further Study
In March 2023 Faron announced positive feedback from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommendations for the future development of bexmarilimab as a monotherapy in multiple solid tumors, following an end-of-Phase I/II meeting with the US regulator earlier that month.
Dr. Markku Jalkanen, Faron’s CEO, said: "We are pleased to have received these positive and supportive FDA recommendations for the continued clinical development of bexmarilimab as a monotherapy in solid tumors. As a first-in-human study for bexmarilimab, MATINS has laid the groundwork for multiple routes to market."