Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) has announced a partnership with precision oncology specialist Boundless Bio to clinically develop Boundless’s CHK1-targeting small-molecule inhibitor (SMI) BBI-355 in combination with Lilly’s CDK4/6 inhibitor Verzenio (abemaciclib). This collaboration aims to target locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors with oncogene amplifications, with Boundless highlighting its candidate as the first extrachromosomal DNA-directed therapy (ecDTx) for this cancer type.
Clinical Development and Trial Details
Boundless Bio is currently conducting a Phase I/II trial for BBI-355, which is being tested as a monotherapy and in combination with selected targeted drugs. The trial will now include Verzenio, supplied by Lilly without charge, as part of the combination therapy. This partnership is expected to accelerate the clinical development of BBI-355 and expand the treatment options for patients with specific types of cancer.
Implications of the Partnership
The collaboration between Eli Lilly and Boundless Bio underscores the growing interest in precision oncology and the potential for combination therapies to address complex cancer cases. By combining a CDK4/6 inhibitor with a CHK1 inhibitor, the partnership aims to enhance the efficacy of treatments for patients with oncogene-amplified tumors, offering a new approach to cancer management.-Fineline Info & Tech
