Compass Therapeutics announced a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with Merck. The collaboration enables the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of Compass’ CTX-471, a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds and activates a novel epitope of the co-stimulatory receptor CD137 (expressed on T cells and NK cells) in combination with Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in a Phase 1b trial. Under the agreement, Compass is the study sponsor, and Merck will provide the clinical supply of KEYTRUDA; the companies will form a Joint Development Committee to review the clinical trial results.
“We are excited to collaborate with Merck, a leader in immuno-oncology, and leverage their expertise in the pursuit of therapies to treat patients who have progressed on previous anti-PD-1 therapy. Given our Phase 1b trial of CTX-471 showed monotherapy responses in patients in the post PD-1/PD-L1 setting, we believe a combination study is a logical progression,” said Vered Bisker-Leib, Ph.D., President and Chief Operating Officer of Compass Therapeutics.
The combination arm of the Phase 1b trial will enroll patients with metastatic or locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, small cell lung cancer, mesothelioma, and head and neck cancer that have progressed after treatment with a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor. Immediately following progression, patients will be treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with CTX-471. The first part of the study includes escalating doses of CTX-471 with a fixed dose of KEYTRUDA, followed by dose expansion in the second part of the study. Patient evaluation will assess safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical activity of CTX-471 in combination with KEYTRUDA.
KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.
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