On September 4, 2024 ALX Oncology Holdings Inc., ("ALX Oncology" or "the Company") (Nasdaq: ALXO), an immuno-oncology company developing therapies that block the CD47 immune checkpoint pathway, reported that the first patients have been dosed in an arm of the randomized UMBRELLA phase 1/2 clinical study partnered with Sanofi that is evaluating evorpacept in combination with SARCLISA (isatuximab-irfc) (Press release, ALX Oncology, SEP 4, 2024, View Source [SID1234646335]). Evorpacept is ALX Oncology’s investigational CD47-blocking therapeutic that uniquely combines a high-affinity CD47-binding domain with an inactivated Fc domain and SARCLISA is Sanofi’s approved CD38 monoclonal antibody in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

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SARCLISA binds to a specific epitope on the CD38 receptor on multiple myeloma (MM) cells, inducing distinct antitumor activity. CD38 is highly and uniformly expressed on the surface of MM cells and after first-line treatment, some relapsed or recurred patients have shown resistance to CD38 agents. CD47 expression increases as multiple myeloma progresses, suggesting that evorpacept may have the potential to re-sensitize tumors to CD38 treatment or overcome anti-CD38 resistance. This novel therapeutic combination has demonstrated synergistic anti-tumor activity in preclinical models.

"Multiple myeloma remains an incurable hematologic malignancy for which there is significant need for innovation in new treatment modalities to improve the clinical management of this disease," said Sophia Randolph, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at ALX Oncology. "We are excited by the potential for the therapeutic combination being evaluated in the UMBRELLA study, in collaboration with Sanofi, to improve patient outcomes. This trial also reinforces the significant potential of evorpacept to deepen anti-cancer activity while maintaining a strong safety profile in combination with a range of therapeutic regimens used to treat both hematologic and solid cancers."

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will conduct the multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled, parallel-group UMBRELLA phase 1/2 clinical study (NCT04643002) to evaluate the safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics and biomarker data of evorpacept in combination with SARCLISA and dexamethasone in patients with RRMM. Part 1 of the study is designed to evaluate the dosing of evorpacept in combination with standard doses of SARCLISA and dexamethasone to identify a recommended evorpacept dose. Part 2 is designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of this three-drug combination in an expanded population of patients with RRMM. ALX Oncology will supply evorpacept and Sanofi will conduct the clinical trial. ALX Oncology owns worldwide commercial rights to evorpacept.

"Our current experience with SARCLISA suggests it may prove to be an excellent combination partner for novel agents in development," said Peter C. Adamson, M.D., Global Head of Oncology Development at Sanofi. "Therefore, we are pleased to share we have started to enroll patients on this arm of our umbrella study. The partnership with ALX Oncology is part of our strategic approach of exploring potentially synergistic combinations to address therapeutic challenges in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma."

About multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy, with more than 185,000 new diagnoses of MM worldwide annually (Globocan) and over 35,000 new diagnoses in the United States each year (American Cancer Society). Despite available treatments, MM remains an incurable malignancy and is associated with significant patient burden. Since MM does not have a cure, most patients will relapse. Relapsed MM is the term for when the cancer returns after treatment or a period of remission. Refractory MM refers to when the cancer does not respond or no longer responds to therapy.