Akeso Announces Completion of First Dosing in Phase III Clinical Trial of Ivonescimab (PD-1/VEGF) Combination Therapy for Immunotherapy-Resistant NSCLC

Core Insights - Akeso, Inc. has initiated a pivotal Phase III clinical study for ivonescimab, a PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, in combination with docetaxel for treating locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has progressed after PD-1/L1 inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapy [1][4] - Ivonescimab is currently the only bispecific immunotherapy antibody in Phase III trials for IO-resistant lung cancer, highlighting its unique position in the market [2] - The study aims to address the significant unmet need in treating IO-resistant NSCLC, as current options are limited and docetaxel's efficacy as a monotherapy is restricted [4][6] Industry Context - Immunotherapy has made substantial advancements in NSCLC treatment, with PD-1/L1 inhibitors becoming standard first-line therapies; however, 60%-70% of patients still experience disease progression within the first year [3] - There are no approved standard treatment options for IO-resistant NSCLC, making the development of ivonescimab particularly relevant [4] - Mechanistic studies indicate that combining PD-1 and anti-VEGF therapies may yield synergistic effects, enhancing anti-tumor immune responses and potentially improving treatment outcomes for IO-resistant tumors [5][6] Company Overview - Akeso is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative biological medicines, with a robust pipeline of over 50 assets across various disease areas, including cancer [11] - The company employs a unique integrated R&D innovation system and has developed a comprehensive drug development platform, positioning itself competitively in the global biopharmaceutical market [11] - Akeso's commitment to creating first-in-class and best-in-class drugs aims to provide affordable therapeutic options for patients worldwide, contributing to its goal of becoming a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry [11]