Shanghai-based JS InnoPharm Ltd has announced the initiation of a Phase I clinical study by its US subsidiary VITRAC Therapeutics, LLC for its small molecule aurora A kinase (AURKA) inhibitor VIC-1911. The molecule is being assessed both as a monotherapy and in combination with sotorasib for the treatment of KRAS G12C mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Mechanism and Clinical Strategy
Previous studies have demonstrated that the activation of AURKA contributes to intrinsic and acquired resistance to sotorasib in KRAS G12C mutant NSCLC. The combination of VIC-1911 and sotorasib is viewed as a potential treatment option to address this resistance, offering hope for patients who develop resistance to existing therapies.
Market Landscape and Unmet Needs
Currently, two KRAS G12C inhibitors are available globally for the treatment of KRAS G12C mutant NSCLC: Amgen’s sotorasib and Mirati Therapeutics’ adagrasib. However, more than 50% of patients develop primary resistance or do not respond to treatment, while others experience rapid recurrence and acquired resistance within months. VIC-1911 aims to address these challenges by targeting AURKA, a key driver of resistance in KRAS G12C mutant cancers.-Fineline Info & Tech
