Portage Biotech Resumes Enrollment in Final Cohort of Dose Escalation for Port-6 in ADPORT-601 Trial
Portage Biotech (NASDAQ: PRTG) has resumed enrollment in the fourth and final cohort of dose escalation for PORT-6, its selective A2A antagonist, in the ADPORT-601 Phase 1b clinical trial. The trial, previously paused due to funding concerns, was restarted following encouraging findings in earlier cohorts.
After completing the PORT-6 arm, the company will evaluate continuing the study with PORT-7 (A2B antagonist) and combination arms on a segment-by-segment basis. The planned co-administration of PORT-6 and PORT-7 in ADPORT-601 will be the first instance of combining two highly selective A2A and A2B antagonists in patients, aiming to achieve complete blockade of adenosine-induced immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment.
Portage Biotech (NASDAQ: PRTG) ha ripreso l'arruolamento nel quarto e ultimo gruppo di aumento della dose per PORT-6, il suo antagonista selettivo A2A, nello studio clinico di fase 1b ADPORT-601. Lo studio, precedentemente sospeso a causa di preoccupazioni relative al finanziamento, è stato riavviato dopo risultati incoraggianti nei gruppi precedenti.
Dopo aver completato il braccio PORT-6, l'azienda valuterà la continuazione dello studio con PORT-7 (antagonista A2B) e bracci combinati su base segmentale. La co-somministrazione pianificata di PORT-6 e PORT-7 in ADPORT-601 sarà la prima volta che si combinano due antagonisti altamente selettivi A2A e A2B nei pazienti, con l'obiettivo di ottenere un blocco completo dell'immunosoppressione indotta dall'adenosina nel microambiente tumorale.
Portage Biotech (NASDAQ: PRTG) ha reanudado la inscripción en la cuarta y última cohorte de escalamiento de dosis para PORT-6, su antagonista selectivo A2A, en el ensayo clínico de fase 1b ADPORT-601. El ensayo, que se había pausado debido a preocupaciones de financiamiento, se reinició tras hallazgos alentadores en cohortes anteriores.
Después de completar el brazo PORT-6, la empresa evaluará la continuación del estudio con PORT-7 (antagonista A2B) y brazos combinados de manera segmentada. La co-administración planificada de PORT-6 y PORT-7 en ADPORT-601 será la primera vez que se combinan dos antagonistas altamente selectivos A2A y A2B en pacientes, con el objetivo de lograr un bloqueo completo de la inmunosupresión inducida por adenosina en el microambiente tumoral.
Portage Biotech (NASDAQ: PRTG)는 PORT-6의 용량 증량을 위한 네 번째이자 마지막 코호트의 모집을 재개했습니다. 이는 ADPORT-601 1b상 임상 시험에서 선택적 A2A 길항제입니다. 이 시험은 자금 문제로 인해 이전에 중단되었으나, 이전 코호트에서 긍정적인 결과가 나타난 후 재개되었습니다.
PORT-6 팔을 완료한 후, 회사는 PORT-7 (A2B 길항제)와 결합 팔로 연구를 계속할지를 세분화하여 평가할 것입니다. ADPORT-601에서 PORT-6과 PORT-7의 공동 투여는 환자에서 두 가지 고도로 선택적인 A2A 및 A2B 길항제를 결합하는 첫 번째 사례가 될 것이며, 종양 미세환경에서 아데노신 유도 면역 억제를 완전히 차단하는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다.
Portage Biotech (NASDAQ: PRTG) a repris l'inscription dans la quatrième et dernière cohorte d'escalade de dose pour PORT-6, son antagoniste sélectif A2A, dans l'essai clinique de phase 1b ADPORT-601. L'essai, précédemment suspendu en raison de préoccupations financières, a été relancé après des résultats encourageants dans les cohortes précédentes.
Après avoir complété le bras PORT-6, l'entreprise évaluera la poursuite de l'étude avec PORT-7 (antagoniste A2B) et des bras combinés sur une base segmentaire. La co-administration prévue de PORT-6 et PORT-7 dans ADPORT-601 sera la première instance de combinaison de deux antagonistes A2A et A2B hautement sélectifs chez des patients, visant à obtenir un blocage complet de l'immunosuppression induite par l' adénosine dans le microenvironnement tumoral.
Portage Biotech (NASDAQ: PRTG) hat die Rekrutierung in der vierten und letzten Kohorte zur Dosissteigerung für PORT-6, seinen selektiven A2A-Antagonisten, in der ADPORT-601 Phase 1b klinischen Studie wieder aufgenommen. Die Studie, die zuvor aufgrund von Finanzierungsbedenken pausiert wurde, wurde nach ermutigenden Ergebnissen in früheren Kohorten wieder gestartet.
Nach Abschluss des PORT-6-Arms wird das Unternehmen bewerten, ob die Studie mit PORT-7 (A2B-Antagonist) und Kombinationsarmen segmentweise fortgesetzt wird. Die geplante Co-Administration von PORT-6 und PORT-7 in ADPORT-601 wird der erste Fall sein, in dem zwei hochselektive A2A- und A2B-Antagonisten bei Patienten kombiniert werden, mit dem Ziel, die adenosininduzierte Immunsuppression im Tumormikroenvironment vollständig zu blockieren.
- Trial resumption indicates positive safety profile from earlier cohorts
- Final stage of dose escalation reached for PORT-6
- Innovative first-in-class combination therapy approach
- Previous trial pause due to funding concerns
- Continuation of PORT-7 and combination arms subject to further evaluation
- Segment-by-segment approach suggests cautious advancement due to resource constraints
Insights
Portage Biotech's resumption of patient enrollment in the final cohort of PORT-6 dose escalation represents meaningful progress in their ADPORT-601 Phase 1b trial. The previous pause due to funding concerns had created uncertainty around the program's future, making this restart a positive development for the adenosine pathway inhibitor program.
The company's emphasis on an encouraging safety profile from earlier cohorts is particularly significant for adenosine receptor antagonists, as this class has historically faced challenges with adverse events. Advancing to the final dose escalation cohort suggests the company is nearing identification of the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) for PORT-6.
Their cautious segment-by-segment approach to continuing the PORT-7 (A2B antagonist) arm and the combination therapy arm indicates ongoing resource constraints. However, the dual A2A/A2B inhibition strategy addresses a sound scientific rationale – adenosine signaling through both receptors contributes to immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment.
This dual-antagonist approach could potentially overcome limitations seen with single-receptor inhibition in previous clinical studies of adenosine pathway inhibitors. By blocking both receptors, they may achieve more complete neutralization of adenosine's immunosuppressive effects, potentially enhancing T cell activity against tumors.
This clinical trial resumption should be viewed in the context of Portage's financial situation. The previous trial pause cited funding concerns, and the current segment-by-segment approach to future trial arms suggests ongoing capital constraints for this
While resuming the final dose escalation cohort is a positive operational step, investors should note that the company is only committing to completing the PORT-6 arm for now, with decisions on PORT-7 and combination arms pending. This measured approach helps preserve capital while still advancing their lead asset.
The adenosine pathway remains an area of interest in immuno-oncology, but has seen mixed clinical results to date. Portage's dual A2A/A2B antagonist strategy differentiates them in this space, potentially addressing limitations of single-receptor approaches that have stumbled in clinical development.
From a milestone perspective, completing PORT-6 dose escalation will provide important data for determining next steps, but represents an incremental rather than transformative advance. Future catalysts would include initiating the combination arm, which would generate the first clinical data on dual A2A/A2B inhibition – a potential differentiator for Portage in the competitive immuno-oncology landscape.
Encouraging Safety Profile Supports Progression Toward First Dual-Administration of Selective A2A and A2B Antagonists in Patients
DOVER, Del., March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Portage Biotech Inc. (“Portage” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: PRTG), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company with a portfolio of innovative therapeutics, today announced the resumption of patient enrollment in the fourth and final cohort of the dose escalation stage for PORT-6, a highly selective A2A antagonist, within its ADPORT-601 Phase 1b clinical trial. Portage had previously paused this trial due to funding concerns; this resumption of the trial underscores the encouraging findings observed in earlier cohorts. After the completion of the PORT-6 arm of the ADPORT-601 study, Portage will evaluate the continuation of the study into its PORT-7 (potent and selective A2B antagonist) and combination arms, on a segment-by-segment basis.
Advancing to this final dose escalation reaffirms Portage’s confidence in the safety and therapeutic potential of PORT-6, bringing the Company closer to identifying an optimal dose range for further clinical development.
“Our review of the preliminary data reinforces our confidence in PORT-6 and supports the decision to complete dose escalation,” said Alexander Pickett, Chief Executive Officer of Portage Biotech. “We remain encouraged by the trial’s progress and potential and look forward to sharing further clinical updates later this year.”
Combining PORT-6 and PORT-7 for a More Comprehensive Immunotherapy Approach
In parallel, Portage is making final preparations for PORT-7, a potent and selective A2B antagonist, before dose escalation can commence in the same trial. The planned co-administration of PORT-6 and PORT-7 in ADPORT-601 will mark the first time two highly selective A2A and A2B antagonists are combined in patients, aiming to achieve a complete blockade of adenosine-induced immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. This innovative approach is designed to fully neutralize adenosine-mediated immune suppression, enhance anti-tumor responses, and broaden the impact of immunotherapy in solid tumors.
About Portage Biotech
Portage Biotech is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company advancing a pipeline of novel biologics to transform the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. For more information, visit www.portagebiotech.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations and those statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believe,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “will,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “continues,” or similar expressions or variations on such expressions are forward-looking statements. As a result, forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: the risk that the Company may not secure financing, the uncertainty of the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, and other factors set forth in “Item 3 - Key Information-Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 2024 and “Business Environment – Risk Factors” in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the Three and Six Months ended September 30, 2024 filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Form 6-K. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law.
For More Information:
Portage Biotech
Alexander Pickett, Chief Executive Officer
ir@portagebiotech.com
FAQ
What is the current status of Portage Biotech's ADPORT-601 trial for PORT-6 (PRTG)?
What makes the PORT-6 and PORT-7 combination therapy unique for PRTG?
What are the next steps for Portage Biotech's ADPORT-601 trial (PRTG)?
When will Portage Biotech (PRTG) share the next clinical updates for ADPORT-601?
