Nuvectis Pharma announced promising preclinical research demonstrating the synergistic effects of combining its drug candidate, NXP900, with osimertinib (Tagrisso®) in treating EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The research, conducted at the Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, showed the combination therapy outperformed osimertinib alone in preclinical models, leading to reduced cancer cell proliferation and increased cell death. This builds upon previous research from AstraZeneca, which indicated that NXP900 can reverse osimertinib resistance in resistant cell lines.
This development is crucial for addressing the challenge of acquired resistance to osimertinib, a common issue that limits the long-term effectiveness of this therapy in EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Overcoming this resistance mechanism could significantly extend the duration of response for patients and potentially improve overall survival rates. The findings provide additional validation for Nuvectis’ strategy of developing NXP900 as a combination therapy with existing targeted cancer drugs.
NXP900 is an oral small molecule inhibitor of the SRC Family of Kinases (SFK), including SRC and YES1. Its mechanism of action is designed to fully inhibit both the catalytic and scaffolding functions of SRC kinases, effectively shutting down this signaling pathway. The drug is currently in a Phase 1a dose-escalation study, and the company anticipates initiating a Phase 1b program combining NXP900 with osimertinib in EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients. The Phase 1a study is nearing completion.
These positive preclinical results reinforce the therapeutic potential of NXP900 in combination with osimertinib. The upcoming Phase 1b trial will be critical for evaluating the safety and efficacy of this combination in humans. If successful, this combination therapy could offer a new treatment option for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC who have developed resistance to osimertinib, potentially extending the benefits of targeted therapy and improving patient outcomes. This progress underscores the importance of continued research into mechanisms of resistance and novel combination therapies for this prevalent form of lung cancer.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
