On July 8, 2024 PharmAbcine Inc. (KOSDAQ: 208340ks), a clinical-stage biotech company focusing on next-generation antibody therapeutics, reported that PMC-309, VISTA-targeting immuno-oncology program, received safety approval for the first dose cohort (0.2mg/kg) in Phase 1a/b clinical trial for patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors in Australia (Press release, PharmAbcine, JUL 8, 2024, View Source [SID1234644723]). The second dose cohort (0.5mg/kg) is currently ongoing.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The first dose cohort (0.2mg/kg) of PMC-309 was initially administered in January 2024 and received safety approval in April 2024. Currently, the second dose cohort (0.5mg/kg) has been administered to two patients, with the third patient scheduled to receive treatment soon.

PMC-309 is an IgG1 monoclonal antibody specifically binding to VISTA on immunosuppressive cells, demonstrating excellent binding affinity at various pH conditions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). By inhibiting VISTA, PMC-309 offers a differentiated mechanism of action, contributing to anti-cancer effects through the activation of T cells, monocytes, and the proliferation of M1 macrophages.

This open-label Phase 1a/b clinical trial involves a total of 67 patients and comprises two phases: Phase 1a and Phase 1b. Phase 1a includes PMC-309 monotherapy and combination therapy with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D). Phase 1b will evaluate the safety and tolerability of PMC-309 monotherapy and combination therapy with KEYTRUDA at the RP2D. The clinical trial is being conducted at four institutions in Australia.

Dr. Jin-San Yoo, Chief Executive Officer of PharmAbcine Australia Pty, the Australian subsidiary of PharmAbcine Inc., stated, "It has been 10 years since the first generation of immuno-oncology drugs entered the market. During this time, these drugs have been administered to numerous cancer patients. While some patients have benefited, many have developed resistance, and others have passed away. The need for next-generation immuno-oncology drugs is critical. The confirmation of the safety of the first dose cohort of PMC-309 is just the beginning of this trial. We look forward to gradually verifying the safety and efficacy of PMC-309 through the planned higher dose cohorts. We are also preparing for the combination trial of PMC-309 with KEYTRUDA in collaboration with MSD without any delays."

He added, "We are committed to providing new treatment options to patients suffering from the limitations of first-generation immuno-oncology drugs."

For more information on the clinical trial, please visit clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05957081.

KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.