Calliditas announces positive topline results of Phase 2 head and neck cancer trial with lead NOX inhibitor candidate, setanaxib

Rhea-AI Summary

Calliditas Therapeutics AB (CALT) announced positive results from a Phase 2 trial of setanaxib in combination with pembrolizumab for head and neck cancer treatment. The trial demonstrated significant improvements in progression-free survival and overall survival compared to placebo, with a positive impact on tumor biology. The treatment was well-tolerated, showing an increase in CD8+ T-cells in tumor tissue, indicating enhanced immunological activity. The company plans to present more data at an upcoming R&D day in Stockholm.

Positive

• Significant improvements in progression-free survival and overall survival were observed in patients treated with setanaxib and pembrolizumab, compared to those on placebo.

• The trial demonstrated positive results in tumor biology with a significant increase in CD8+ T-cells in tumor tissue from patients treated with setanaxib.

• The treatment was well-tolerated, with no new safety signals identified, and a good tolerability profile when given with pembrolizumab.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Oncology Research Analyst

The topline data reported from Calliditas's Phase 2 trial presents a notable advance in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), especially in the realm of immunotherapy. Having a new compound like setanaxib showing a statistically significant improvement in PFS and OS is a substantial milestone for patients with these high CAF-density tumors. While current treatments for SCCHN often include checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab, the addition of setanaxib could represent a new standard of care if further studies corroborate these findings. Notably, the increase in CD8+ T-cells points to an enhanced anti-tumor immune response. The balance of efficacy and safety is important in oncology and the lack of new safety signals is reassuring. The company's diversification into other fibrotic diseases with setanaxib trials in PBC and IPF could signal a broad therapeutic potential for the drug, provided the trials yield positive results. However, it is important for investors to consider the risks inherent in clinical development, as many compounds fail in later stages despite early promise.

Biotech Market Analyst

The positive outcome from Calliditas’s Phase 2 trial signals potential market expansion for setanaxib, pending further successful trials. Investors should take note of the strategic implications of this result on Calliditas's pipeline and valuation. The data could attract partnership opportunities, potential licensing deals, or even make Calliditas a buyout target for larger pharmaceutical companies looking to expand their oncology portfolio. Still, while the stock may see an uptick on this news, it's important to consider the long development timelines and the high costs associated with bringing a new cancer drug to market. Additionally, the competitive landscape in SCCHN treatments and the company's need to maintain a robust financial position to fund ongoing trials are essential factors for a retail investor to consider. The announcement of an R&D day suggests that Calliditas is preparing for further engagement with investors and stakeholders, which could provide further insight into the commercial strategy and expected milestones for setanaxib.

STOCKHOLM, May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Calliditas Therapeutics AB (Nasdaq: CALT) (Nasdaq Stockholm: CALTX) ("Calliditas") today announced data from the proof-of-concept Phase 2 trial evaluating setanaxib, its lead NOX enzyme inhibitor, in combination with pembrolizumab, in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The analysis showed statistically significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS), as well as in overall survival (OS), with statistically significant changes in tumor biology consistent with the mechanism of action of setanaxib.

The trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase 2 study investigating the effect of setanaxib 800mg twice daily in conjunction with pembrolizumab 200mg IV, administered every 3 weeks (a standard treatment regimen for SCCHN) with the full dataset reflecting all patients having had the opportunity to complete at least 15 weeks of treatment. The basis for the analysis consisted of a dataset of 55 patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN and moderate or high CAF-density tumors (Cancer Associated Fibroblasts). A tumor biopsy was taken prior to randomization and then again after at least 9 weeks of treatment.

The treatment groups were well-balanced with no clinically relevant differences between the groups observed at baseline. Patients treated with pembrolizumab and setanaxib showed statistically significant improvements in key secondary endpoints, such as progression-free survival, (PFS median 5 months versus 2.9 months; Hazard ratio= 0.58) and statistically significant improvement in overall survival (OS at 6 months 92% vs 68%; OS at 9 months 88% vs 58%; Hazard ratio=0.45) compared to patients treated with pembrolizumab and placebo. There was also an improvement in disease-control rate in setanaxib-treated patients, with 70% in the setanaxib arm showing a best response of at least stable disease compared to 52% in the placebo arm. No significant difference in the primary endpoint of best percentage change from baseline in tumor size was observed. Transcriptomic analysis of tumor biopsy samples showed a statistically significant increase in CD8+ T-cells in tumor tissue from patients treated with setanaxib, indicating an increase in tumor immunological activity consistent with the mechanism of action of setanaxib. The tolerability of setanaxib when given with pembrolizumab was generally good, with no new safety signals identified.

"It is very encouraging to see statistical significance on important clinical outcomes in this relatively small study, which provides an excellent basis for advancing setanaxib in this hard-to-treat population," said Kevin Harrington, Professor in Biological Cancer Therapies at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) London, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation, London, and Investigator on the trial.

"This is a very exciting result which provides clinical evidence of the mode of action of setanaxib in line with our thesis of its anti-fibrotic effects, and with results beyond our expectations for a study of this size. It is exciting that we now have positive clinical evidence in support of our first in class NOX platform," said CEO Renée Aguiar-Lucander.

"I am delighted that we have seen statistical significance and clinically meaningful improvements in longer term outcomes of PFS and OS in this indication. I'd like to extend my thanks to investigators, clinical trial site staff, and most importantly patients, who have all contributed to this important study," said CMO Richard Philipson.

The company is conducting additional clinical trials with setanaxib and will read out its Phase 2 trial in PBC (primary biliary cholangitis) in Q3 of 2024 and is expecting the investigator led Phase 2 trial in IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) to provide top line data in Q4 of 2024, subject to recruitment. There is also an ongoing Phase 2 proof of concept trial in Alport syndrome, which is expected to deliver top line data in 1H, 2025.  

The company plans to arrange an R&D day in Stockholm later this month to provide additional details regarding the Phase 2 trial and other data supporting the mechanism of action of setanaxib. Further details will be provided by way of a press release.

For further information, please contact:

Åsa Hillsten, Head of IR & Sustainability, Calliditas
Tel.: +46 76 403 35 43, Email: asa.hillsten@calliditas.com

The information in the press release is information that Calliditas is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was sent for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, on May 6, 2024 at 08:00 a.m. CET.

About Head and Neck Cancer

Worldwide, head and neck cancer accounts for approximately 900,000 cases and over 400,000 deaths annually. In the United States, head and neck cancer accounts for approximately 71,100 cases annually and 16,100 deaths. In Europe, there were approximately 250,000 cases (an estimated 4 percent of the cancer incidence) and 63,500 deaths in 2012. Males are affected significantly more than females, with a ratio ranging from 2:1 to 4:1. as per UpToDate®. Recurrence of head and neck cancer, especially in advanced stages is common (50%+), with limited treatment alternatives.  

About Calliditas

Calliditas Therapeutics is a biopharma company headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, focused on identifying, developing, and commercializing novel treatments in orphan indications with significant unmet medical needs. Calliditas' common shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (ticker: CALTX) and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (ticker: CALT). Visit Calliditas.com for further information.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding Calliditas' strategy, commercialization efforts, business plans, regulatory submissions, clinical development plans, revenue and product sales projections or forecasts and focus. The words "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "target," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, any related to Calliditas' business and operations, the presumed mechanism of action of setanaxib, the safety and efficacy of setanaxib in SCCHN or other potential indications, anticipated timelines and other risks identified in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Calliditas' reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of early clinical trials may not predict those of future, later-stage clinical trials. The clinical data presented herein involves a limited number of patients, and these results may not be replicated in larger clinical trials. Calliditas cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Calliditas disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent Calliditas' views only as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date.

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SCCHN final analysis Eng

 

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SOURCE Calliditas Therapeutics

FAQ

What were the results of Calliditas' Phase 2 trial for head and neck cancer treatment with setanaxib and pembrolizumab?

The trial showed significant improvements in progression-free survival and overall survival, along with positive impact on tumor biology.

What were the key secondary endpoints improvements observed in the trial?

Patients treated with setanaxib and pembrolizumab showed significant improvements in progression-free survival and overall survival.

What additional clinical trials is Calliditas conducting with setanaxib?

Calliditas is conducting Phase 2 trials in PBC, IPF, and Alport syndrome, with data readouts expected in 2024 and 2025.

Who is the CEO of Calliditas?

CEO of Calliditas is Renée Aguiar-Lucander.

When will Calliditas present more data regarding the Phase 2 trial of setanaxib?

Calliditas plans to arrange an R&D day in Stockholm later this month to provide additional details about the trial and other supporting data.

What was the basis for the analysis in the Phase 2 trial of setanaxib?

The analysis was based on a dataset of 55 patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN and moderate or high CAF-density tumors.

What was the primary endpoint of the Phase 2 trial of setanaxib?

The primary endpoint was the best percentage change from baseline in tumor size.

What was the conclusion of the transcriptomic analysis of tumor biopsy samples in the trial?

The analysis showed a statistically significant increase in CD8+ T-cells in tumor tissue from patients treated with setanaxib, indicating enhanced immunological activity.