KAHR Bio Unveils Positive Phase 2 Trial Results for DSP107 in Colorectal Cancer
KAHR Bio, a pioneering biotechnology company, has recently released promising topline results from their Phase 2a clinical trial involving DSP107, a groundbreaking bispecific T-cell engager specifically targeting 4-1BB. This innovative therapy is designed to enhance the immune system's response against cancer cells, and its latest findings signal potential breakthroughs in treating advanced colorectal cancer, especially in patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors.
Promising Outcomes in Challenging Conditions
According to the data, patients with advanced, chemo-refractory conditions demonstrated a remarkable median overall survival of 17.5 months when treated with DSP107 in conjunction with the anti-PD-L1 therapy, atezolizumab (brand name Tecentriq®). This result is significantly higher than the reported survival rates (ranging from 6.4 to 10.8 months) associated with existing treatments for this challenging disease state, where approximately 75% of trial participants had liver metastases, a group traditionally resistant to previous immunotherapy approaches.
The significance of this data cannot be overemphasized, particularly considering colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. With nearly 1.9 million new cases diagnosed annually, and an alarming 900,000 deaths, the urgency for effective therapies is palpable.
Funding to Propel Further Research
In tandem with these promising trial outcomes, KAHR Bio has successfully closed a $22 million equity financing round, which will be instrumental in advancing their randomized Phase 2b trial. This trial aims to further assess the efficacy of DSP107 in comparison with more established agents like fruquintinib (Fruzaqla®). Following clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the trial pursues a controlled, multi-site approach across the United States and Australia, with an expected initial patient cohort enrollment having taken place in December 2025.
Interim results from this extensive study are anticipated in late 2026, while topline data are projected for the latter half of 2027, invariably keeping the sector engaged as hopes rise for a viable therapeutic solution for MSS colorectal cancer patients.
Innovative Mechanism of Action
The mode of action for DSP107 leverages the overexpression of CD47 observed in cancer cells. By anchoring a 4-1BB ligand onto these cells, DSP107 activates T-cells that target and decimate the cancer while ensuring minimal impact on healthy red blood cells. This innovative approach overcomes previous hurdles associated with CD47 treatments that tended to provoke adverse safety issues.
Dr. Anwaar Saeed, Chief of GI Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh, underscored the unique efficacy observed. His collaboration in the trial aimed to evaluate DSP107's impact on late-stage MSS-CRC patients, with the results proving unexpectedly encouraging, particularly in liver metastasis scenarios.
Dr. Yaron Pereg, KAHR's CEO, reflected on the team's commitment to this therapy, expressing gratitude towards both existing and new investors for their continued support. He emphasized the company's concentrated focus on MSS-CRC, enhancing expectations for future clinical advancements.
The Urgent Need for Innovation
Colorectal cancer patients face chronic challenges due to the limited responses to current immunotherapies, characterized by low tumor mutational burden. As fewer than 10% of existing MSS cases react positively to common therapies, the healthcare community continually seeks more effective solutions.
KAHR Bio’s DSP107 heralds a potential turning point in this narrative, taking on a significant unmet need for better treatment outcomes in MSS colorectal cancer cases. With the advancement of ongoing research and its integration into clinical practices, there's hope for substantial improvements in patient health and survival rates.
KAHR Bio remains committed to refining and delivering this next-generation therapy to transform current treatment paradigms, ensuring that MSS-CRC becomes an area of focused clinical innovation moving forward.
For more information on KAHR Bio and their ongoing clinical trials, visit
KAHRBio.com.