Oncolytics Biotech reports promising survival data from its breast cancer therapy trial
Global cancer rates are rising, with men facing a significant increase in both cases and deaths.
A global study predicts an 84 percent rise in cancer cases and a 93 percent increase in cancer-related deaths among men by 2050. According to data from Our World in Data, cancer has now surpassed cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause of death in several wealthy nations.
The American Cancer Society has highlighted that lifestyle factors are linked to 44 percent of cancer deaths among adults in the US, but concerning trends persist. A separate study in Britain found that even light alcohol consumption is linked to a rise in cancer deaths among older adults.
Amid these challenges, biotech companies are working to develop new cancer therapies. Leading innovators include Oncolytics Biotech Inc., G1 Therapeutics, Inc., Arcellx, Inc., Sanofi, and Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., all of which are at the forefront of oncology breakthroughs.
Oncolytics Biotech, in particular, is advancing its cancer therapy pelareorep through the BRACELET-1 Phase 2 breast cancer trial. The trial has shown promising results, especially in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
One key result is that the median overall survival (OS) in the pelareorep arm has not yet been reached, meaning that more than half the patients were still alive at the end of the study. In contrast, the median OS in the paclitaxel-only control group was 18.2 months.
The two-year survival rate for patients receiving pelareorep in combination with paclitaxel was 64 percent, nearly double the 33 percent seen in patients treated with paclitaxel alone.
The progression-free survival (PFS) for the combination therapy was also impressive, with a median of 12.1 months, compared to 6.4 months for paclitaxel alone.
Wayne Pisano, interim CEO, and chair of Oncolytics’ Board of Directors, commented on the findings: “The fact that the median overall survival was not reached because more than half the patients were still alive at the end of the study is a remarkable achievement for us.”
He added that the near doubling of the two-year survival rate for patients receiving pelareorep shows the therapy’s potential for extending the lives of breast cancer patients.
These results build on data from the earlier IND-213 trial, which led to the US FDA granting Fast Track Designation to pelareorep in 2017.
Thomas Heineman, chief medical officer at Oncolytics, noted, “Taken together, the BRACELET-1 results provide compelling support for the potential of pelareorep-based combination therapy to benefit patients with advanced or metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer.”
Oncolytics is now working to secure funding for a registration-enabling study, a crucial step in making pelareorep an approved treatment for breast cancer.
Other biotech companies are also advancing their oncology pipelines. G1 Therapeutics recently shared its Q2 2024 results, which included promising data from a Phase 2 trial of Trilaciclib in combination with a TROP2 ADC.
The company also completed the final analysis of the Phase 3 PRESERVE 2 trial in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC), showing continued evidence of myeloprotection, although the study didn’t meet its primary OS endpoint.
“We are excited about what will be possible by the combined Pharmacosmos + G1 team as we meet the needs of more cancer patients,” said Jack Bailey, CEO of G1 Therapeutics, in a statement. G1 Therapeutics is set to be acquired by iron deficiency anemia treatment developer Pharmacosmos.
Arcellx, Inc. is also making strides with its multiple myeloma program. The company recently announced earning a $68m milestone payment from Kite, a Gilead company, for advancements in its anito-cel treatment for multiple myeloma.
“We believe anito-cel has the potential to be a best-in-class treatment option,” said Rami Elghandour, chair, and CEO of Arcellx. He emphasized the company’s progress with Kite and their plans to present further data by year’s end.
Sanofi is contributing to the fight against cancer through its exclusive licensing agreement with RadioMedix and Orano Med. The partnership focuses on developing radioligand therapies (RLTs) like AlphaMedix, which targets rare cancers such as neuroendocrine tumours (NETs).
Early results from AlphaMedix have shown a promising biophysical and clinical profile. “This agreement underscores our efforts to explore innovative collaborations,” said Sanofi’s chief medical officer, Dietmar Berger.
Halozyme Therapeutics recently celebrated the FDA approval of Roche’s Tecentriq Hybreza, a subcutaneous version of Tecentriq. This approval marks a significant advancement, offering a faster administration time compared to the intravenous form.
“We are delighted that Tecentriq Hybreza has been approved in the US for all approved adult indications,” said Helen Torley, CEO of Halozyme.
Tecentriq Hybreza is expected to provide patients and physicians with more flexibility in cancer treatment, further contributing to the ongoing innovations in oncology.
