HARMONi-2, Featuring Ivonescimab Monotherapy vs. Pembrolizumab Monotherapy, to be Showcased in Presidential Symposium at WCLC 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Summit Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SMMT) announced that the primary analysis of the Phase III HARMONi-2 trial for ivonescimab, their novel bispecific antibody, will be presented at WCLC 2024. The trial compared ivonescimab monotherapy to pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC and positive PD-L1 expression. Ivonescimab achieved a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) across various clinical subgroups. This marks the first drug to show clinically meaningful benefit over pembrolizumab in a randomized Phase III NSCLC trial. Additionally, Phase II data on ivonescimab in the perioperative setting for resectable NSCLC will be presented.

Positive

• Ivonescimab achieved statistically significant improvement in PFS compared to pembrolizumab in HARMONi-2 trial
• PFS benefit demonstrated across various clinical subgroups, including PD-L1 low and high expression
• First drug to show clinically meaningful benefit over pembrolizumab in randomized Phase III NSCLC trial
• Additional Phase II data on ivonescimab in perioperative setting for resectable NSCLC to be presented

Negative

• None.

Oncology Researcher

The HARMONi-2 trial results represent a significant breakthrough in NSCLC treatment. Ivonescimab's superior PFS compared to pembrolizumab is unprecedented in Phase III trials. This is particularly noteworthy given pembrolizumab's status as a standard first-line therapy. The efficacy across various subgroups, including PD-L1 low and high expressors, suggests broad applicability.

The bispecific nature of ivonescimab, likely targeting PD-1 and VEGF, could explain its enhanced efficacy. This dual mechanism may offer advantages in tumor microenvironment modulation. The upcoming presentation at WCLC 2024 will be important for understanding the magnitude of benefit and safety profile. If confirmed, these results could reshape first-line NSCLC treatment paradigms.

Clinical Trial Analyst

The HARMONi-2 trial's design as a double-blinded, multi-center study lends credibility to its findings. However, it's important to note that this was a single-region study conducted in China, which may limit immediate global applicability. The statistically significant PFS improvement is a strong primary endpoint, but overall survival data will be important for fully assessing ivonescimab's impact.

The additional Phase II data in the perioperative setting for resectable NSCLC is intriguing. If positive, it could expand ivonescimab's potential market significantly, addressing both early and advanced NSCLC. This comprehensive development approach could position ivonescimab as a versatile option across multiple stages of lung cancer treatment.

Biotech Investment Strategist

This news is potentially game-changing for Summit Therapeutics and its partner Akeso. Beating pembrolizumab, a $17 billion annual revenue drug, in a head-to-head trial could position ivonescimab as a blockbuster candidate. The NSCLC market is highly competitive but also expansive, valued at over $20 billion globally.

Investors should watch for detailed efficacy and safety data at WCLC 2024. Key factors to assess include the magnitude of PFS benefit, overall survival trends and safety profile compared to pembrolizumab. Positive results could significantly boost Summit's market valuation and attract potential partnerships or acquisition interest from larger pharma companies seeking to bolster their oncology portfolios.

Monotherapy Ivonescimab Achieved Clinically Meaningful PFS Benefit Compared to Monotherapy Pembrolizumab in HARMONi-2 Trial Conducted by Akeso

Ivonescimab Is the First Drug to Achieve Clinically Meaningful Benefit over Pembrolizumab in Randomized Phase III Clinical Trial in NSCLC

Additionally, Ivonescimab Phase II Data in Perioperative Setting for Resectable NSCLC to be Presented

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: SMMT) ("Summit," "we," or the "Company") today announced that the primary analysis of the Phase III HARMONi-2 trial featuring its novel, potential first-in-class investigational bispecific antibody, ivonescimab, will be presented as part of the Presidential Symposium at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer’s (IASLC) 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC 2024) in San Diego, California. The presentation will take place on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 8:37 am PT (11:37 am ET).

HARMONi-2 evaluated monotherapy ivonescimab against monotherapy pembrolizumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have positive PD-L1 expression (PD-L1 TPS >1%). HARMONi-2 is a single region, multi-center, double-blinded Phase III study conducted in China sponsored by our collaboration partner, Akeso, Inc. (Akeso, HKEX Code: 9926.HK), with data generated and analyzed by Akeso.

There are no known Phase III clinical trials in NSCLC that have shown a statistically significant efficacy improvement compared to pembrolizumab in a head-to-head setting.

On May 30, 2024, Akeso announced that in HARMONi-2 ivonescimab monotherapy achieved a statistically significant improvement in the trial’s primary endpoint, progression-free survival (PFS), when compared to monotherapy pembrolizumab. The PFS benefit was demonstrated across clinical subgroups, including those with PD-L1 low expression (PD-L1 TPS 1-49%), PD-L1 high expression (PD-L1 TPS ≥50%), squamous and non-squamous histologies, as well as other high-risk patients.

The trial results will be presented by Dr. Caicun Zhou, Chief Physician and Director of the Department of Medical Oncology at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, and President-Elect of IASLC.

A second presentation titled, “A Phase II Study of Perioperative Ivonescimab Alone or Combined with Chemotherapy in Resectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer” will include data from the Phase II trial, AK112-205, which is conducted and sponsored by Akeso, featuring data from ivonescimab in the perioperative, early-stage NSCLC setting.

About the WCLC 2024 Presentations

First Presentation

Presentation Title: Phase 3 Study of Ivonescimab (AK112) vs. Pembrolizumab as First-line Treatment for PD-L1-positive Advanced NSCLC: Primary Analysis of HARMONi-2

Presenter: Caicun Zhou, MD, PhD

WCLC Presentation No.: PL02.04

Session Date & Time: Sunday, September 8, 8:37 am PT (11:37 am ET)


Second Presentation

Presentation Title: A Phase II Study of Perioperative Ivonescimab Alone or Combined with Chemotherapy in Resectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Presenter: Xiaoliang Zhao, MD

WCLC Presentation No.: OA01.06

Session Date & Time: Sunday, September 8, 11:17 am PT (2:17 pm ET)

About Ivonescimab

Ivonescimab, known as SMT112 in Summit’s license territories, the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Latin America, including Mexico and all countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa, and as AK112 in China and Australia, is a novel, potential first-in-class investigational bispecific antibody combining the effects of immunotherapy via a blockade of PD-1 with the anti-angiogenesis effects associated with blocking VEGF into a single molecule. Ivonescimab displays unique cooperative binding to each of its intended targets with multifold higher affinity when in the presence of both PD-1 and VEGF.

This could differentiate ivonescimab as there is potentially higher expression (presence) of both PD-1 and VEGF in tumor tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME) as compared to normal tissue in the body. Ivonescimab’s tetravalent structure (four binding sites) enables higher avidity (accumulated strength of multiple binding interactions) in the tumor microenvironment with over 18-fold increased binding affinity to PD-1 in the presence of VEGF in vitro, and over 4-times increased binding affinity to VEGF in the presence of PD-1 in vitro (Zhong, et al, SITC, 2023). This tetravalent structure, the intentional novel design of the molecule, and bringing these two targets into a single bispecific antibody with cooperative binding qualities have the potential to direct ivonescimab to the tumor tissue versus healthy tissue. The intent of this design, together with a half-life of 6 to 7 days (Zhong, et. al., SITC, 2023), is to improve upon previously established efficacy thresholds, as well as to improve upon side effects and safety profiles associated with these targets.

Ivonescimab was engineered by Akeso Inc. (HKEX Code: 9926.HK) and is currently engaged in multiple Phase III clinical trials. Over 1,800 patients have been treated with ivonescimab in clinical studies globally.

Summit has begun its clinical development of ivonescimab in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), commencing enrollment in 2023 in two multi-regional Phase III clinical trials, HARMONi and HARMONi-3.

HARMONi is a Phase III clinical trial which intends to evaluate ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy compared to placebo plus chemotherapy in patients with EGFR-mutated, locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC who have progressed after treatment with a 3^rd generation EGFR TKI (e.g., osimertinib).

HARMONi-3 is a Phase III clinical trial which is designed to evaluate ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy compared to pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy in patients with first-line metastatic squamous NSCLC.

In addition, Akeso has recently had positive read-outs in two single-region (China), randomized Phase III clinical trials for ivonescimab in NSCLC, HARMONi-A and HARMONi-2.

HARMONi-A was a Phase III clinical trial which evaluated ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy compared to placebo plus chemotherapy in patients with EGFR-mutated, locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC who have progressed after treatment with an EGFR TKI.

HARMONi-2 is a Phase III clinical trial evaluating monotherapy ivonescimab against monotherapy pembrolizumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have positive PD-L1 expression (PD-L1 TPS >1%).

Ivonescimab is an investigational therapy that is not approved by any regulatory authority in Summit’s license territories, including the United States and Europe. Ivonescimab was approved for marketing authorization in China in May 2024.

About Summit Therapeutics

Summit Therapeutics Inc. is a biopharmaceutical oncology company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of patient-, physician-, caregiver- and societal-friendly medicinal therapies intended to improve quality of life, increase potential duration of life, and resolve serious unmet medical needs.

Summit was founded in 2003 and our shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (symbol "SMMT"). We are headquartered in Miami, Florida, and we have additional offices in Menlo Park, California, and Oxford, UK.

For more information, please visit https://www.smmttx.com and follow us on X @SMMT_TX.

Summit Forward-looking Statements

Any statements in this press release about the Company’s future expectations, plans and prospects, including but not limited to, statements about the clinical and preclinical development of the Company’s product candidates, entry into and actions related to the Company’s partnership with Akeso Inc., including the expected benefits of the amendment to the collaboration and license agreement, the intended use of the net proceeds from the private placement, the Company's anticipated spending and cash runway, the therapeutic potential of the Company’s product candidates, the potential commercialization of the Company’s product candidates, the timing of initiation, completion and availability of data from clinical trials, the potential submission of applications for marketing approvals, potential acquisitions, statements about the previously disclosed At-The-Market equity offering program (“ATM Program”), the expected proceeds and uses thereof, and other statements containing the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "would," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the Company’s ability to sell shares of our common stock under the ATM Program, the conditions affecting the capital markets, general economic, industry, or political conditions, including the results of our evaluation of the underlying data in connection with the development and commercialization activities for ivonescimab, the outcome of discussions with regulatory authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration, the uncertainties inherent in the initiation of future clinical trials, availability and timing of data from ongoing and future clinical trials, the results of such trials, and their success, and global public health crises, that may affect timing and status of our clinical trials and operations, whether preliminary results from a clinical trial will be predictive of the final results of that trial or whether results of early clinical trials or preclinical studies will be indicative of the results of later clinical trials, whether business development opportunities to expand the Company’s pipeline of drug candidates, including without limitation, through potential acquisitions of, and/or collaborations with, other entities occur, expectations for regulatory approvals, laws and regulations affecting government contracts and funding awards, availability of funding sufficient for the Company’s foreseeable and unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of filings that the Company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any change to our ongoing trials could cause delays, affect our future expenses, and add uncertainty to our commercialization efforts, as well as to affect the likelihood of the successful completion of clinical development of ivonescimab. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. In addition, any forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company’s views only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any subsequent date. The Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements included in this press release.

Appendix: Glossary of Critical Terms Contained Herein

Affinity – Affinity is the strength of binding of a molecule, such as a protein or antibody, to another molecule, such as a ligand.

Angiogenesis – Angiogenesis is the development, formation, and maintenance of blood vessel structures. Without sufficient blood flow, tissue may experience hypoxia (insufficient oxygen) or lack of nutrition, which may cause cell death.¹

Avidity – Avidity is the accumulated strength of multiple binding interactions.

Cooperative binding – Cooperative binding occurs when the number of binding sites on the molecule that can be occupied by a specific ligand (e.g., protein) is impacted by the ligand’s concentration. For example, this can be due to an affinity for the ligand that depends on the amount of ligand bound or the binding strength of the molecule to one ligand based on the concentration of another ligand, increasing the chance of another ligand binding to the compound.²

Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy is a type of treatment, including cancer treatments, that help a person’s immune system fight cancer. Examples include anti-PD-1 therapies.³

Intracranial - Within the cranium or skull.

PD-1 – Programmed cell Death protein 1 is a protein on the surface of T cells and other cells. PD-1 plays a key role in reducing the regulation of ineffective or harmful immune responses and maintaining immune tolerance. However, with respect to cancer tumor cells, PD-1 can act as a stopping mechanism (a brake or checkpoint) by binding to PD-L1 ligands that exist on tumor cells and preventing the T cells from targeting cancerous tumor cells.⁴

PD-L1 – Programmed cell Death Ligand 1 is expressed by cancerous tumor cells as an adaptive immune mechanism to escape anti-tumor responses, thus believed to suppress the immune system’s response to the presence of cancer cells.⁵

PD-L1 TPS – PD-L1 Tumor Proportion Score represents the percentage of tumor cells that express PD-L1 proteins.

PFS – Progression-Free Survival.

RANO – Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology, the standard for assessing the response of a brain or spinal cord tumor to therapy.

SQ-NSCLC – Non-small cell lung cancer tumors of squamous histology.

T Cells – T cells are a type of white blood cell that is a component of the immune system that, in general, fights against infection and harmful cells like tumor cells.⁶

Tetravalent – A tetravalent molecule has four binding sites or regions.

Tumor Microenvironment – The tumor microenvironment is the ecosystem that surrounds a tumor inside the body. It includes immune cells, the extracellular matrix, blood vessels and other cells, like fibroblasts. A tumor and its microenvironment constantly interact and influence each other, either positively or negatively.⁷

VEGF – Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor is a signaling protein that promotes angiogenesis.⁸

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1		Shibuya M. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Its Receptor (VEGFR) Signaling in Angiogenesis: A Crucial Target for Anti- and Pro-Angiogenic Therapies. Genes Cancer. 2011 Dec;2(12):1097-105
2		Stefan MI, Le Novère N. Cooperative binding. PLoS Comput Biol. 2013;9(6)
3		US National Cancer Institute, a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy. Accessed April 2024.
4		Han Y, et al. PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway: Current Researches in Cancer. Am J Cancer Res. 2020 Mar 1;10(3):727-742.
5		Han Y, et al. PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway: Current Researches in Cancer. Am J Cancer Res. 2020 Mar 1;10(3):727-742.
6		Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24630-t-cells. Accessed April 2024.
7		MD Anderson Cancer Center. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-is-the-tumor-microenvironment-3-things-to-know.h00-159460056.html. Accessed April 2024.
8		Shibuya M. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Its Receptor (VEGFR) Signaling in Angiogenesis: A Crucial Target for Anti- and Pro-Angiogenic Therapies. Genes Cancer. 2011 Dec;2(12):1097-105.

 

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Contact Summit Investor Relations:

Dave Gancarz

Chief Business & Strategy Officer

Nathan LiaBraaten

Senior Director, Investor Relations

investors@smmttx.com

Source: Summit Therapeutics Inc.

FAQ

What is the primary endpoint achieved in the HARMONi-2 trial for SMMT's ivonescimab?

The primary endpoint achieved in the HARMONi-2 trial for SMMT's ivonescimab was a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC and positive PD-L1 expression.

When and where will the HARMONi-2 trial results for SMMT's ivonescimab be presented?

The HARMONi-2 trial results for SMMT's ivonescimab will be presented at the Presidential Symposium of the IASLC's 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC 2024) in San Diego, California, on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 8:37 am PT.

What patient population was studied in the HARMONi-2 trial for SMMT's ivonescimab?

The HARMONi-2 trial studied patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have positive PD-L1 expression (PD-L1 TPS >1%).

What additional data on SMMT's ivonescimab will be presented at WCLC 2024?

In addition to the HARMONi-2 trial results, Phase II data on SMMT's ivonescimab in the perioperative setting for resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) will be presented at WCLC 2024.