NuCana Presents Encouraging Data on NUC-7738 in Combination with Pembrolizumab in PD-1 Inhibitor Refractory and Resistant Melanoma Patients at the ESMO Congress 2024

Core Insights - NuCana plc presented final data from the Phase 2 NuTide:701 study at the ESMO Congress, focusing on NUC-7738 in combination with pembrolizumab for patients with metastatic melanoma who were refractory to or had relapsed on prior PD-1 inhibitor therapy [1][4] Efficacy Results - In a cohort of 12 patients, 75% (9 patients) achieved disease control, with two patients showing Partial Responses. One patient experienced a 55% reduction in tumor volume after progressing on previous treatments [2] - Seven out of the 12 patients had a progression-free survival time exceeding five months, which is significantly better than the typical 2-3 months seen with current standard care [4] Mechanism of Action - NUC-7738 is believed to sensitize PD-1 resistant tumors to PD-1 inhibitors by targeting multiple aspects of the tumor microenvironment through the disruption of RNA polyadenylation and subsequent changes in gene expression [3] - Data from tumor biopsies indicated increases in genes related to antigen presentation and T-cell activation following NUC-7738 treatment [3] Company Overview - NuCana is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on improving cancer treatment outcomes through its ProTide technology, which transforms nucleoside analogs into more effective and safer medicines [5] - The company's pipeline includes NUC-3373 and NUC-7738, with NUC-3373 currently evaluated in two ongoing clinical studies for metastatic colorectal cancer and advanced solid tumors [5]