iTeos Receives $35 Million from GSK for Monoclonal Antibody Trial
iTeos has secured $35 million from GSK after dosing the first patient in their Phase III trial for a new monoclonal antibody called belrestotug. This significant development marks a key milestone in their joint project with GSK initiated in June 2021.
The trial focuses on evaluating a combination treatment of belrestotug and Jemperli against Keytruda in individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Named GALAXIES LUNG-301, the Phase III study aims to enroll approximately 1,000 patients with advanced NSCLC.
Under the financial agreement, iTeos could potentially receive over $1.4 billion in total payments, including upfront payments and future milestones. The profit-sharing arrangement in the US, alongside royalties outside the US, positions iTeos for significant financial gains.
Additionally, promising results from the Phase II trial in May 2024 hint at substantial improvements over single-drug treatments. This progress comes amid projections indicating a rise in NSCLC cases from 1.1 million in 2022 to 1.5 million in 2032 across major markets.
Key Takeaways
- iTeos secures $35 million from GSK following dosing of the first patient in Phase III trial of belrestotug.
- The Phase III trial compares the combination of belrestotug and Jemperli to Keytruda in NSCLC patients.
- Potential payments from GSK to iTeos could exceed $1.4 billion, including an upfront payment of $625 million.
- The GALAXIES LUNG-301 trial aims to enroll 1,000 PD-L1-high NSCLC patients.
- NSCLC cases in major markets are expected to rise from 1,097,467 in 2022 to 1,463,151 in 2032.
Analysis
iTeos' $35 million from GSK bolsters its Phase III trial for belrestotug, targeting NSCLC. This funding, as part of a potential $1.4 billion deal, accelerates development, impacting both companies financially. GSK gains a competitive edge in cancer treatment, while iTeos secures future royalties. The trial's success could reshape NSCLC therapy, benefiting patients and healthcare systems globally, as incidence rates rise. Short-term, stock prices and investor confidence in both firms may surge; long-term, broader market dynamics and patient outcomes are at stake.
Did You Know?
- Monoclonal Antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies, like belrestotug, are designed to target specific proteins, potentially enhancing the immune system's ability to combat cancer cells.
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): This type of lung cancer, comprising about 85% of cases, is a significant focus in the Phase III trial due to its high incidence and mortality rates.
- TIGIT (T cell Immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains): Targeting TIGIT, as with belrestotug, holds the potential to bolster the immune response against cancer cells, an essential aspect in cancer therapy.
This news reflects a significant step forward in the quest for more effective and innovative cancer treatments, with potentially far-reaching implications for patient care and future market dynamics.