NSCLC: Bemcentinib + anti-PD1 triple PFS

Bergen Bio ASA announced the primary endpoint of 25% Overall Response Rate (ORR) has been met in predominantly PD-L1 negative/low NSCLC patients in a Phase II study that assesses the safety and efficacy of the company's AXL kinase inhibitor bemcentinib (BGBC008) in combination with MSD's, (Merck & Co., Inc.) anti-PD-1 therapy pembrolizumab. The secondary endpoint of median Progression Free Survival (PFS), however, exceeded all expectations in AXL positive patients. According to BerGenBio's composite AXL tumor-immune score, there was a 3-fold improvement in progression-free survival in AXL positive vs negative patients. Detailed data of the trial that enrolled 77 patients will be presented at the 34^th Annual Meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer on 8 November 2019.

According to Bergen Bio, AXL suppresses the body's immune response to tumours and drives cancer treatment failure across many indications. Tumour AXL expression is associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC and most other cancer types. AXL inhibitors, therefore, have potential high value at the centre of cancer combination therapy, addressing significant unmet medical needs and multiple high-value market opportunities. In its ongoing Phase II trial will also evaluate safety and efficacy of bemcentinib combos with ertolinib and docetaxel.