Norwegian-based biopharmaceutical company BerGenBio has signed an agreement to clinically evaluate its lead candidate BGB324 with Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

BGB324 is a first in class, highly selective, potent and orally available small molecule Axl kinase inhibitor in clinical development in various cancer indications.

Under the agreement, BerGenBio will carry out two international Phase II studies to evaluate the potential clinical synergy of combining the inhibitor with MSD’s anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda.

BerGenBio CEO Richard Godfrey said: “This new agreement gives us the opportunity to evaluate the clinical potential of BGB324 in combination with Keytruda in advanced lung and breast cancer; two of the areas of significant unmet medical need.

“We believe the clinical utility of BGB324, in combination with immunotherapies, has enormous potential. BerGenBio is excited to advance BGB324 in combination with Keytruda into Phase II trials and we anticipate results in mid-2018.”

“BerGenBio is excited to advance BGB324 in combination with Keytruda into Phase II trials and we anticipate results in mid-2018.”

BGBC007 is a Phase II multi-centre study of BGB324 in combination with Keytruda to be conducted in patients with previously treated, locally advanced or unresectable TNBC.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Another Phase II multi-centre study of BGB324 is BGBC008, which would be conducted in combination with Keytruda in patients with previously treated unresectable adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Biomarker studies will also be conducted in a bid to develop companion diagnostics to identify patients who would be suitable for treatment with the BGB324 / Keytruda combination.

At present, BerGenBio is investigating BGB324 in multiple cancer indications based on preclinical and early clinical findings.

The company is developing the Axl inhibitor as a single agent therapy in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) / myeloid dysplastic syndrome (MDS).