US-based Mirror Biologics, Inc., an off-the-shelf immunotherapy developer, has announced a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with German major Merck KGaA (ETR: MRK). The collaboration aims to jointly conduct a Phase II clinical study assessing the efficacy and safety of Mirror’s immunotherapy AlloStim combined with Merck’s Bavencio (avelumab), an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), in fourth-line metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).
Study Details
The open-label Phase II study will be conducted at 10 sites in the United States and is slated to enroll up to 50 patients with metastatic CRC who are both chemotherapy- and immunotherapy-refractory and who have failed at least one third-line, non-chemotherapy treatment (e.g., regorafenib, TAS-102 with or without bevacizumab or fruquintinib). This study will provide valuable insights into the potential of the combination therapy in treating advanced colorectal cancer.
Collaboration Terms
As per the deal terms, Mirror Biologics will serve as the sponsor for the clinical trial, and Merck will provide Bavencio for the study. This partnership leverages the strengths of both companies to advance the development of innovative treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer.
Significance of the Collaboration
This clinical trial collaboration highlights the commitment of Mirror Biologics and Merck KGaA to exploring new treatment options for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. By combining AlloStim and Bavencio, the study aims to improve outcomes for patients who have exhausted other treatment options, potentially offering a new therapeutic approach in the fight against this challenging disease.-Fineline Info & Tech
