#Norway #Lung Cancer #Bergen #BerGenBio #bemcentinib

BerGenBio Initiates Lung Cancer Clinical Trial

BerGenBio ASA, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm, has recently taken a significant step in its fight against advanced lung adenocarcinoma. The company announced that the first patient has officially entered into a clinical trial focusing on their pioneering AXL kinase inhibitor, known as bemcentinib. This trial is being conducted in collaboration with the esteemed Mays Cancer Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Trial Overview

The clinical study, led by Dr. Josephine A. Taverna, a thoracic oncologist and Associate Professor at the center, marks a crucial phase in advancing the understanding and treatment of lung cancer. Dr. Taverna's prior research has highlighted the interaction between AXL and JAK-STAT3 pathways, underlining their roles in promoting tumor growth and metastasis in advanced lung cancer cases. These insights have steered BerGenBio's strategic vision toward addressing the pressing and unmet medical needs faced by lung cancer patients, particularly those with mutations in the STK11 gene.

Olav Hellebø, CEO of BerGenBio, expressed optimism about the trial, stating, "This study aligns closely with our goal to meet the substantial needs of lung cancer patients. We look forward to seeing how our research translates into innovative treatment solutions."

Combination Treatment Approach

This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of bemcentinib in conjunction with pacritinib, a JAK2 inhibitor that is typically used in the treatment of myelofibrosis—a condition affecting bone marrow. Pacritinib, marketed under the name VONJO®, is recognized for its capacity to block certain growth factors and cytokines, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes when paired with bemcentinib.

The study primarily targets patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a prevalent form of lung cancer that constitutes about 40% of all lung cancer cases in the United States. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has generously funded this important research endeavor, further demonstrating a collective commitment to combatting lung cancer.

Trial Structure and Expectations

The trial, designated NCT 06516887, is structured as a Phase Ib/II open-label study designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and overall efficacy of the drug combination. Initially, 44 patients will be recruited. The Phase I portion will explore diverse dosages of bemcentinib and pacritinib, identifying the safest and most tolerable dose to progress to Phase II, where the overall response rate and progression-free survival will be critically examined.

About BerGenBio

BerGenBio ASA is distinguished for its innovative approach to addressing aggressive diseases, most notably cancers. With its flagship product, bemcentinib, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of developing targeted therapies focusing on AXL inhibition. This initiative primarily aims to create treatments for those suffering from STK11 mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Headquartered in Bergen, Norway, and with a subsidiary in Oxford, UK, BerGenBio is publicly traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker BGBIO. For more detailed information about their ongoing research and developments, interested parties can visit BerGenBio's Official Website.

Conclusion

The initiation of this clinical trial represents a beacon of hope for lung cancer patients and the medical community alike. BerGenBio's commitment to innovation, backed by empirical research and collaboration with esteemed institutions like UT Health San Antonio, embodies the ongoing efforts to secure better outcomes in the battle against cancer.