HUTCHMED announced new data from studies of savolitinib and surufatinib, two compounds it discovered, will be presented at the European Lung Cancer Congress 2025. The SAVANNAH Phase II trial demonstrated promising results for savolitinib combined with TAGRISSO (osimertinib) in patients with MET-high EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease progressed after initial TAGRISSO treatment. Additionally, updated data from a Phase IIIb savolitinib study showcased long-term survival benefits and safety in patients with METex14 NSCLC.
These findings are crucial for addressing the significant unmet need for effective therapies in later-line treatment of EGFR-mutated NSCLC. The SAVANNAH trial results suggest a new potential chemo-free treatment option for patients who develop resistance to first-line TAGRISSO, a common occurrence. Similarly, the positive survival data from the savolitinib Phase IIIb trial reinforces the drug’s potential as a valuable treatment for METex14 NSCLC, particularly for treatment-naïve patients, including those with brain metastasis.
The SAVANNAH trial showed a confirmed objective response rate of 55-56% with savolitinib plus TAGRISSO, and a median duration of response of 7.1-9.9 months. Median progression-free survival was 7.4-7.5 months. Safety data showed no new concerns, with adverse events consistent with the known profiles of the individual drugs. The Phase IIIb savolitinib trial demonstrated a median overall survival of 28.3 months in treatment-naïve patients and 25.3 months in previously treated patients. Notably, even patients with baseline brain metastasis experienced survival benefits. A separate study evaluating surufatinib plus immunotherapy as maintenance therapy following first-line chemo-immunotherapy in extensive-stage SCLC showed promising 12- and 18-month overall survival rates.
These data strengthen the potential of savolitinib as a key treatment option for specific NSCLC patient populations. The ongoing global SAFFRON Phase III trial will further evaluate the combination of savolitinib and TAGRISSO against chemotherapy, offering further insights into its efficacy. The positive results for surufatinib also suggest a potential future role for this drug in extending survival for SCLC patients. HUTCHMED’s focus on targeted therapies and immunotherapies continues to address critical needs within the oncology landscape.
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.
