#Hong Kong #Cadonilimab #Ivonescimab #Akeso Inc.

Akeso Inc. Presents Pioneering Research at ESMO 2025

Akeso Inc. (9926.HK) is making headlines as it prepares to present significant findings related to its innovative cancer therapies at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Congress. The event is expected to display the company's path-breaking research on two major drugs: ivonescimab and cadonilimab.

Ivonescimab: A First-in-Class Approach

One of the highlights is the Late-Breaking Abstract (LBA) for the HARMONi-6 study, a Phase III clinical trial that assesses ivonescimab in combination with chemotherapy for treating advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sq-NSCLC). This novel bispecific antibody is designed to target PD-1 and VEGF, two critical pathways in cancer progression. The principal investigator, Professor Lu Shun from Shanghai Chest Hospital, will present these pivotal results during the Presidential Symposium. This study's results promise to provide comprehensive insights into the extraordinary efficacy and safety profile of ivonescimab alongside chemotherapy as compared to tislelizumab and chemotherapy.

The HARMONi-6 study is particularly remarkable as it represents a groundbreaking antiangiogenic mechanism-based therapy for sq-NSCLC, increasing treatment options for a subtype previously lacking adequate therapies. Its dual action not only disrupts tumor growth but also enhances the immune response against cancer cells. Notably, ivonescimab has demonstrated significant progress over PD-1 based regimens in previous trials, highlighting its potential to reshape the landscape of immunotherapy.

Cadonilimab: Transformative Potential in Gastric Cancer

Alongside ivonescimab, Akeso will also present the final results of the COMPASSION-15 study, which focuses on cadonilimab as a first-line treatment for unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. This bispecific antibody targets both PD-1 and CTLA-4 to enhance the immune system's capacity to eliminate cancer cells.

Professor Shen Lin from Peking University Cancer Hospital will lead the mini oral session where compounding findings are expected to confirm cadonilimab's groundbreaking effectiveness. The study’s positive initial results, which garnered significant attention at the 2024 AACR Annual Meeting and subsequent publication in Nature Medicine, indicate a transformative shift in advanced gastric cancer treatment protocols. Cadonilimab has already received regulatory approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), reinforcing its position as a leading immunotherapy option in the 2025 CSCO Gastric Cancer Guidelines.

Forward-Looking Perspectives

Both drug presentations at ESMO 2025 indicate Akeso's commitment to not merely improving therapy but also ensuring that patients have access to efficacious treatment options. The HARMONi-6 study achieved its primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS), corroborated by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee. Results indicate statistically meaningful improvements, suggesting a bright future for sq-NSCLC patients.

As Akeso advances its innovative research pipeline, the healthcare community watches eagerly for these findings, which could revolutionize cancer treatment paradigms. While the company possesses a promising portfolio across several therapeutic areas, the implications of the ivonescimab and cadonilimab studies for clinical practice could be monumental.

Conclusion

With the ESMO 2025 Congress approaching, Akeso Inc. is poised to share pivotal advancements that not only reflect their rigorous clinical research but also their commitment to addressing significant unmet needs in oncology. The anticipated results are expected to spark discussions among oncologists worldwide, potentially reshaping the future of advanced cancer treatment.