The companies BeiGene Ltd. and SpringWorks Therapeutics have announced that they will collaborate to research the safety and preliminary efficacy of a combination of two drugs: BeiGene’s investigational drug lifirafenib (BGB-283), and SpringWorks’ investigational drug PD-0325901. The combination therapy will be studied for its effects in patients who have advanced solid tumours. For more detailed information about this, you can click here to view the source press release at Business Wire.
About the Collaboration
The two companies have agreed to a global clinical collaboration to investigate the drug combination in patients who have been diagnosed with advanced solid tumours. The combination therapy will target RAS genes, which, according to the press release, are found in approximately one quarter of human cancers. A Phase 1b clinical study of the drugs is planned to begin early in 2019.
Each Company’s Responsibilities
Under the agreement, both BeiGene and SpringWorks Therapeutics will share the costs of the clinical trials and the governance responsibilities. In addition, BeiGene will manage the administering of the planned Phase 1b study, while SpringWorks will oversee fixed-dose formulation work.
Lifirafenib
BeiGene developed lifirafenib in their research facilities in China. It is a small molecule kinase inhibitor that influences RAF monomer and dimer inhibition. Preclinical studies and research involving over one hundred and fifty cancer patients support lifrafenib’s anti-tumour effects in tumours with BRAF V600E alterations, non V600E BRAF alterations, and certain forms of cancer with KRAS alterations.
PD-0325901
The investigational drug PD-0325901 works by inhibiting the signalling protein MEK, which is involved in cell survival and proliferation. Research using clinical biopsies supports this drug’s ability to reduce cell growth and kill cells by affecting MEK. In addition, pre-clinical studies show that MEK and RAF inhibitors may have a synergistic effect on RAS-mutant solid tumours.
For more information about this announcement, you can view the source press release here.
