Header

A PD-1 inhibitor-ezabenlimab

 

ezabenlimab (PD-1 Inhibitor) Proposed MoA

Status

Phase 2

Molecule

ezabenlimab is being investigated as a humanized PD-1-targeting monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2.1

Proposed MoA

T cells are inactivated by the interaction of PD-1 and PD-L1.1 ezabenlimab may block the interaction of PD-1/PD-L1, leading to activation of T cells.1 Activated T cells can secrete, for example, perforin and granzyme B to kill tumor cells.2

Combination therapy rationale

ezabenlimab is being investigated as monotherapy and as a backbone combination partner for multiple immuno-oncology approaches, including:
 

Monotherapy Proposed MoA1

Mechanism of action involving immune checkpoint inhibition
Mechanism of action involving immune checkpoint inhibition

1. Zettl M, et al. Cancer Res. 2018. 78(suppl 13):4558–4558; 2. Martinez-Lostao L, et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2015;21:5047–56.

Clinical Research and Development Trials (monotherapy and combinations): ezabenlimab is being investigated as a monotherapy for solid tumors in a Phase I trial.2 Phase I and II trials of ezabenlimab in combination with brigimadlin [BI 907828] (a murine double minute 2 [MDM2]-p53 antagonist),*3 BI 765049 (a B7-H6/CD3 T-cell engager),*4 BI 765179 (a CD137 FAP agonist),*5 signal-regulatory protein alpha [SIRPα] antagonists,*6-9 VSV-GP,*10 and BI 1703880 (a STING agonist)*11 are ongoing. 


*This is an investigational compound and has not been approved. Its safety and efficacy have not been established.
 

ezabenlimab Combinational Trials

Trial numberPhaseCompoundPatient populationStatus

NCT03964233 (1403.2)

1

brigimadlin (MDM2-p53 antagonist) + ezabenlimab

Advanced solid tumors

Active, not recruiting

NCT05879978 (1438.2)

1/2

DLL3/CD3 TcE (BI 764532) + ezabenlimab (PD-1 inhibitor)

Advanced SCLC and other NECs expressing DLL3

Recruiting

NCT04752215 (1454.1)

1

B7-H6/CD3 TcE (BI 765049) ± ezabenlimab

Advanced solid tumors expressing B7-H6

Recruiting

NCT04958239 (1463.1)

1

CD137 FAP agonist (BI 765179) ± ezabenlimab

Advanced solid tumors

Recruiting

NCT03990233 (1443.1)

1

SIRPα antagonist (BI 765063) ± ezabenlimab

Advanced solid tumors that have a SIRPα polymorphism, including at least one V1 allele

Completed recruitment

NCT05249426 (1443.2)

1

SIRPα antagonist (BI 765063) + ezabenlimab ± BI 836880, chemotherapy or cetuximab

Recurrent or metastatic HNSCC or HCC

Recruiting 

NCT05068102 (1443.3)

1

SIRPα antagonist (BI 765063 or BI 770371) + ezabenlimab

Advanced HNSCC, NSCLC, or melanoma

Recruiting

NCT05327946 (1501.1)

1

SIRPα antagonist (BI 770371) ± ezabenlimab

Advanced solid tumors

Recruiting

NCT05155332 (1456.1)

1

VSV-GP (BI 1831169) ± ezabenlimab

Solid tumors

Recruiting

NCT05471856 (1480.1)

1

STING agonist (BI 1703880) ± ezabenlimab

Advanced solid tumors

Recruiting

  • ezabenlimab is being investigated as a humanized anti–PD-1 mAb that may block the interaction between PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1, leading to activation of T cells, which kill tumor cells1

  • In vivo, BI 754091 demonstrated dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition in MC-38 tumor-bearing mice. Safety was assessed in cynomolgus monkeys where repeated high doses of BI 754091 were well tolerated1

  • The MTD/RP2D of ezabenlimab was 240 mg q3w2 

  • ezabenlimab showed clinical activity in patients with advanced solid tumors, with response rates that are consistent with other PD-1 inhibitors in similar populations2

  • ezabenlimab was well-tolerated, with a similar safety profile to other PD-1 inhibitors

    ‒ Grade 3 TRAEs occurred in 6% of patients 

  • ezabenlimab is currently undergoing clinical investigations in combination with other anti-cancer therapies, for the treatment of various solid cancers

1. Zettl M, et al. AACR 2018. Poster 4558; 2. Patel M, et al. ESMO 2021. Poster 542.

  1. Zettl M, et al. Cancer Res. 2018. 78(suppl 13):4558–4558.

  2. Martinez-Lostao L, et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2015;21:5047–5056.

  3. Patel M, et al. ESMO 2021. Poster 542.

  4. Johnson ML, et al. JSMO 2018. Oral Presentation.

  5. Zettl M, et al. AACR 2018. Poster 4558.