Novel mechanisms could transform standards of care in multiple cancers, MS, and Lupus
pharmafile | November 22, 2021 | News story | Sales and Marketing |
Leading science and technology company, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany have identified five mid- to late-stage assets with first-in-class potential for improving standards of care in several cancers, MS, and Lupus.
Among the novel mechanisms is Evobrutinib (BTK inhibitor), a pioneering development programme with a new mechanism of action (MoA) for the treatment of patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), which has the potential to change the standard of care. The MoA combines potent B-cell inhibition to target acute inflammation (associated with relapses), with a central effect on microglia that aims to reduce chronic inflammation (associated with disease progression). There is comprehensive Phase II clinical data to support its best-in-class potential.
Another mechanism, Xevinapant, is the only IAP antagonist in late-stage development. There is an ongoing Phase III TrilynX study for previously untreated unresectable locally advanced (LA) SCCHN, in combination with platinum-based chemoradiotherapy, to support the efficacy of the mechanism. It is expected to launch in 2025.
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is focused on building a pipeline of transformative medicines to improve the quality of life of cancer sufferers. The company aims to illuminate a path to scientific breakthroughs that transform patient outcomes.
The cancer research landscape has many exciting prospects for 2022, and there is expected to be a particular focus on personalised therapies for cancer applied to metastasis. There is also greater scope for collaboration across healthcare industries.
In a Worldwide Cancer Research article, Professor Steve Jackson, cancer researcher at the University of Cambridge, said: “One of the most urgent problems that needs solving in cancer research is finding effective ways to transform fundamental discoveries into new therapeutic areas – something that will not only require strong basic fundamental biology, but also the engagement of clinicians, biotech, and pharmaceutical companies.”
Lina Adams
