Ivonescimab Edges Out Keytruda in Lung Cancer Trial
A Chinese biotech company Akeso has made significant progress in its cancer treatment drug ivonescimab, which is being developed in partnership with Summit Therapeutics. The latest data cut from a trial shows that the drug outperformed Merck's blockbuster immunotherapy Keytruda in extending the lifespan of patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
The trial, which only included Chinese enrollees, showed that ivonescimab helped patients live longer after treatment than those who received Keytruda. While full results from the trial will not be used as primary evidence to support US approval, it does provide confidence in the drug's potential.
TD Cowen analyst Tyler Van Buren noted that the data 'derisks' the global study of ivonescimab and chemotherapy against Keytruda and chemotherapy, results of which are expected later this year or early next. UBS analyst David Dai expects that when full data is disclosed at the World Conference on Lung Cancer, Akeso will show ivonvescimab reduces the relative risk of death by around 24%.