Shanghai-based Convalife Pharmaceuticals has entered into a licensing agreement with UK-based Karus Therapeutics Ltd, acquiring global patents, development, and commercialization rights to CVL237 (KA2237). Financial terms were not disclosed.
Drug Profile
CVL237 is a dual selective inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) β/δ. It is advancing into Phase II trials in China and the U.S. after completing a Phase I study (NCT02679196) at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The study demonstrated a favorable safety profile and efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory lymphoma, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Four patients achieved complete response (CR), and three achieved partial response (PR).
Preclinical and Clinical Data
CVL237 showed significant therapeutic effects in patients resistant to BTK and other PI3Kδ inhibitors. Preclinical studies also highlighted its inhibitory effect on PTEN mutant solid tumors, common in prostate, breast, and lung cancers. The drug has potential to treat activated PI3Kδ deficiency syndrome (APDS), a rare disease with no current therapies.
Convalife’s Pipeline
Convalife, focused on oncology and anti-aging, has a pipeline covering multiple cancers, including breast, prostate, pancreatic, liver, stomach, and lung cancers. Its portfolio includes CVL218, a second-generation PARP inhibitor, CVL237, and a first-in-class bispecific antibody (BsAb) targeting solid tumors.-Fineline Info & Tech
