China-based Evopoint Biosciences has announced a collaboration agreement with US major Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD, NYSE: MRK). The agreement will permit Evopoint to conduct a Phase Ib/II clinical study assessing the combination of the EZH2 inhibitor XNW5004 with MSD’s anti-PD-1 drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in advanced solid tumors.
XNW5004: A Promising EZH2 Inhibitor
XNW5004 is a small molecule inhibitor of Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) that has demonstrated high selectivity for EZH2, high activity, and good drugability in a recently completed Phase I trial. The drug has shown potential best-in-class efficacy and safety. Preclinical animal models have indicated that XNW5004 could produce synergistic therapeutic effects when combined with PD-1 antibodies in the treatment of tumors.
Clinical Study Responsibilities and Agreement Terms
According to the agreement, Evopoint will take the lead on the clinical study and bear the associated expenses, while MSD will be responsible for supplying Keytruda for the study. This collaboration aims to explore the potential synergistic effects of the combination therapy in advanced solid tumors, offering a new approach to cancer treatment.-Fineline Info & Tech
