#Belgium #Lung Cancer #Liège #DeuterOncology #DO-2

DeuterOncology Presents Phase I Trial Results for DO-2 MET Kinase Inhibitor at WCLC 2025

DeuterOncology, a cutting-edge biotech firm focused on developing innovative deuterated therapies for cancer, is making headlines with the presentation of promising data from its ongoing Phase I trial of DO-2, a novel MET kinase inhibitor. This announcement comes ahead of the World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) 2025 held in Barcelona, where insights from this trial will shed light on the potential of this treatment in addressing the pressing needs of lung cancer patients.

A Summary of the Phase I Study

Completed enrollment in the Phase I study included a total of 29 patients, a remarkable 86% of whom were diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The unique focus of this study was on patients exhibiting known driver mutations, especially cases with MET exon 14 skipping mutations. The results were compelling, showcasing a 100% Disease Control Rate (DCR), which translates to each participant in a specific subset of the trial experiencing positive outcomes on their treatment journey.

Significantly, tumor shrinkage was observed in 100% of participating patients with MET exon 14 skip mutations who lacked additional oncogenic abnormalities. This accomplishment highlights not only the drug's efficacy but also its cautiously optimistic outlook for future lung cancer treatment protocols. Of these, two patients showcased RECIST 1.1 Partial Responses, signaling a reduction in tumor size by over 30%.

Safety Profile and Patient Experience

In terms of safety, DO-2 displayed a reassuring profile when contrasted with existing MET inhibitors. With only one patient (5%) experiencing grade 1 peripheral edema, the drug notably reduced common severe side effects witnessed with currently approved therapies, where rates range between 68% to 82%. This aspect is vital; elevated rates of peripheral edema often lead to patients discontinuing therapies due to discomfort, significantly impacting their quality of life.

According to Dr. Cecilia Ahlin, CMO of DeuterOncology, the results indicate a meaningful step forward in the domain of MET-targeted therapies. The deuterated formulation of DO-2 amplifies drug exposure effectively while minimizing debilitating side effects, addressing significant concerns in treatment tolerability.

Enhanced Pharmacokinetics

The Phase I study also outlined enhanced pharmacokinetics due to the deuteration of the compound. The unique chemical structure allowed for optimal plasma exposure, enabling a simplified dosing schedule of once daily administration at 60mg. In contrast, standard non-deuterated counterparts require much higher doses, typically ranging from 450mg to 800mg daily.

Looking Ahead

Promising results have inspired DeuterOncology to initiate expansion cohorts involving first-line MET exon 14 skipping NSCLC patients, aiming to validate the initial findings related to safety and efficacy further. Dr. Hans Prenen, Principal Investigator at University Hospital Antwerp, expressed enthusiasm over the data, pointing out the potential transformative effect DO-2 may have on the landscape of lung cancer therapy, particularly in terms of tolerability issues.

Conclusion

As lung cancer continues to be a major global health challenge, innovative approaches like those pursued by DeuterOncology are critical. DO-2 not only stands as a beacon of hope for patients burdened by severe side effects but also paves the way for advancements in targeted cancer treatment.

Presentation Details

• - Title: Preliminary Safety and PK of the MET-TKI DO-2 in Advanced Solid Tumors with MET Aberrations Phase I Study
• - Presenting Author: Timothy Perera
• - Session Date: 09 September 2025, 10.00 AM CEST
• - Poster ID: Abstract ID-2859

For further insights into DeuterOncology’s groundbreaking research and advancements, visit www.deuteroncology.com.