On March 17, 2020 Surface Oncology (Nasdaq: SURF), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing next-generation immunotherapies that target the tumor microenvironment, reported that it has initiated a Phase 1/1b clinical trial of its antibody candidate SRF617, which targets the immunosuppressive protein CD39 (Press release, Surface Oncology, MAR 17, 2020, View Source [SID1234555634]).
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"Our comprehensive preclinical data indicate SRF617 is a potent inhibitor of CD39, which may play an important role in tumor growth and spread via the immunosuppressive ‘adenosine axis’," said Robert Ross, M.D., chief medical officer of Surface Oncology. "This study is designed to provide rapid evaluation of SRF617 via multiple arms, including as a monotherapy and in combination with both chemotherapy and other immuno-oncology agents. We believe CD39 presents an important opportunity to develop next-generation treatments for cancer, and we look forward to evaluating our hypotheses in the clinic."
The Phase 1/1b dose escalation study will initially enroll patients with advanced solid tumors, then focus on three combination arms, either with gemcitabine and abraxane, with anti-PD-1, or with AB928, an A2A/A2B small molecule inhibitor (in clinical collaboration with Arcus Biosciences (NYSE: RCUS)). Further planned cohorts will focus on several tumors of high unmet need, including pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer and tumors that have demonstrated resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy. A biopsy expansion cohort has been designed to provide data on changes in tumor tissue CD39 enzymatic activity related to SRF617 treatment. Surface expects to provide an initial clinical update from the dose escalation portion of the study by the end of 2020.
About SRF617
SRF617 is a fully human antibody designed to inhibit the enzymatic activity of CD39, allowing for a dual mechanism of action to promote anti-tumor immunity via reduction of immunosuppressive adenosine in addition to increasing levels of immunostimulatory ATP. In preclinical studies, SRF617 has exhibited strong affinity for and inhibition of CD39, the ability to reduce adenosine and increase ATP levels, and anti-tumor activity both as a single agent and in combination with multiple therapeutic agents.