Groundbreaking Collaboration to Advance Lung Cancer Treatment

Introduction

BerGenBio ASA, a biopharmaceutical company, has announced a vital clinical trial partnership with UT Health San Antonio's Mays Cancer Center and Swedish biopharma company Sobi®. This collaboration seeks to explore the effectiveness of combining bemcentinib, an AXL inhibitor, with pacritinib in treating advanced lung adenocarcinoma.

Details of the Clinical Trial

The clinical trial aims to study the combined use of bemcentinib and pacritinib in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. Bemcentinib is a selective inhibitor of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase, while pacritinib is a JAK2 inhibitor that treats myelofibrosis. The trial is externally funded and complements ongoing research into Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with STK11 gene mutations.

The Science Behind the Treatment

The innovative therapy targets key biological pathways. Bemcentinib works by inhibiting the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase, a target for many severe diseases. Pacritinib, marketed as VONJO®, blocks JAK2 to inhibit growth factors and cytokines. The treatment duo aims to disrupt tumor growth and metastasis in lung cancer patients.

Research and Leadership

The study is guided by Dr. Josephine A. Taverna, a thoracic oncologist at the Mays Cancer Center and professor at UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Taverna's previous research has shown that the AXL and JAK-STAT3 pathways are critical in promoting tumor growth and spread. She will lead the study, supported by a National Cancer Institute (NCI) grant.

Statements from Key Figures

Martin Olin, CEO of BerGenBio, shared his excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the study's potential to expand understanding of selective AXL inhibitors in lung cancer treatment. Dr. Taverna added that the treatment could prevent tumor cells from attracting macrophages and other cells that facilitate tumor growth and spread.

About the Collaborating Organizations

BerGenBio ASA develops transformative drugs targeting AXL, a crucial component in therapies for aggressive diseases, including cancer. The company focuses on its proprietary lead candidate, bemcentinib. More information can be found on their official website.

The Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio is one of four NCI-designated centers in Texas, engaging in cutting-edge cancer care and research. UT Health San Antonio is committed to teaching, research, patient care, and community engagement, preparing leaders in various health sciences fields.

Conclusion

This collaborative clinical trial marks a significant step toward new therapeutic strategies for lung cancer. With the combined expertise of BerGenBio, UT Health San Antonio, and Sobi®, patients may see improved outcomes in the battle against this challenging disease.