NuCana Stock Soars 151% on Upbeat Efficacy Data From Melanoma Study

Core Insights - NuCana plc's shares surged by 150.8% following positive final data from the mid-stage study of its candidate NUC-7738 in combination with Merck's Keytruda for treating metastatic melanoma [1] Study Results - In the phase II NuTide:701 study, 75% of the 12 patients treated with the NUC-7738/Keytruda combination achieved disease control, including two partial responses [2] - One patient, previously treated with two rounds of PD-1 inhibitors, showed a 55% reduction in tumor size, and seven patients had progression-free survival exceeding five months, compared to a median of 2-3 months with standard treatments [3] Safety Profile - The combination therapy of NUC-7738 and Keytruda exhibited a favorable safety profile [4] Mechanism of Action - NUC-7738 disrupts RNA polyadenylation, sensitizing PD-1-resistant tumors to PD-1 inhibitors, with data showing increases in genes related to antigen presentation and T-cell activation [5] Future Development Plans - NuCana believes NUC-7738's mechanism may extend beyond melanoma to other PD-1 inhibitor-resistant tumors, with further development plans to be announced soon [8] Other Pipeline Programs - NuCana is also developing NUC-3373, which is being evaluated in combination with other agents for colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and advanced solid tumors, with data readouts expected by the end of 2024 [9] Market Context - Merck's Keytruda, a leading anti-PD-1 therapy, accounted for 47% of the company's pharmaceutical sales in 2023 and continues to expand into new indications and markets [7]