BeyondSpring Publishes Human Clinical Study in Med (Cell Press) Showing Plinabulin-Driven Dendritic Cell Maturation and Tumor Response After Prior Checkpoint Inhibitor Failure

Core Insights - BeyondSpring Inc. announced a human clinical study demonstrating that Plinabulin, in combination with radiation and a checkpoint inhibitor, induces dendritic cell maturation and elicits tumor responses in patients with multiple cancer types who had previously failed ICI therapy [1][2] - The study identified a potential biomarker, baseline GEF-H1 immune signature, which may enable patient pre-selection and clinical response prediction [1][8] Clinical Study Overview - The Phase 1 translational trial evaluated a triple immunotherapy approach combining Plinabulin, radiation, and anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors in patients with eight cancer types who are refractory or relapsed on prior ICI therapy [3] - Nineteen patients received the combination regimen, with an objective response rate (ORR) of 23% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 54% in non-irradiated lesions [4][8] Mechanism of Action - Plinabulin triggered dendritic cell maturation post-radiation via GEF-H1 signaling, leading to increased expression of DC maturation markers [5][11] - The mechanism of Plinabulin is distinct from traditional tubulin agents, promoting dendritic cell maturation and anti-tumor T-cell immunity without interfering with tubulin stabilizers [11] Biomarker Insights - Single-cell RNA sequencing differentiated responders from non-responders, identifying baseline GEF-H1 immune gene expression as a potential predictive biomarker for Plinabulin response [6][8] Company Background - BeyondSpring is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing first-in-class therapies for high unmet medical needs, with Plinabulin as its lead asset in late-stage clinical development for various cancer indications [14]