On March 1, 2023 Ambrx Biopharma Inc., or Ambrx, (NYSE: AMAM) reported that it has been informed by its partner, NovoCodex Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (NovoCodex), that an interim analysis for ACE-Breast-02, a randomized Phase 3 breast cancer clinical trial investigating Ambrx’s ARX788, an anti-HER2 antibody drug conjugate (ADC), has met its pre-specified interim primary efficacy endpoint with statistical significance, demonstrating a greater progression free survival (PFS) benefit compared to the active control (Press release, Ambrx, MAR 1, 2023, View Source [SID1234628026]).

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ACE-Breast-02 is a randomized, controlled pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody-AS269 conjugate (ARX788) in the treatment of HER2 positive patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancers in China.

The trial enrolled 441 HER2 positive breast cancer patients who have been previously treated with taxane and trastuzumab. Eligible subjects were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive ARX788 or the control drugs, lapatinib combined with capecitabine. The primary endpoint was PFS based on Blinded Independent Review Committee (BIRC) assessment. An interim analysis was conducted by an Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) when two thirds (2/3) of the PFS events occurred.

After reviewing the interim results, the IDMC informed NovoCodex that the ACE-Breast-02 study met its pre-specified interim primary efficacy endpoint with statistical significance, demonstrating a greater PFS benefit compared to the control.

Based on the results from the interim analysis, NovoCodex plans to submit a communication application to seek marketing approval in China pending discussion with National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).

Daniel O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer of Ambrx commented: "We congratulate our partner, NovoCodex, on this positive Phase 3 study. The positive results from this large Phase 3 study provide further support for our rationale to develop ARX788 globally in HER2 positive breast cancer patients."

ARX788 is an anti-HER2 ADC currently being studied broadly in breast cancer, gastric/GEJ cancer and other solid tumor clinical trials with our partner NovoCodex. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track Designation for ARX788 in HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer and Orphan Drug Designation for ARX788 in gastric cancer. The NMPA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designations for ARX788 in breast cancer.

In June 2013, Ambrx entered into a collaboration with Zhejiang Medicine Co., Ltd., which was transferred to it subsidiary NovoCodex, to develop and commercialize ARX788, Ambrx’s most advanced internally developed site-specific ADC targeting HER2-positive breast cancer. Under the agreement, NovoCodex licensed commercial rights for ARX788 in China while Ambrx retained commercial rights outside of China and is entitled to receive royalties on sales of ARX788 in China.