Innovent Biologics Announces U.S. FDA IND Approval for the First Global MRCT Phase 3 Study (MarsLight-11) of IBI363 (PD-1/IL-2α-bias) in Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Core Viewpoint - Innovent Biologics has received FDA clearance for the IND application to initiate a global Phase 3 clinical trial of IBI363, a novel PD-1/IL-2α-bias bispecific antibody fusion protein, targeting immunotherapy-resistant squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [1][2][10] Group 1: Clinical Trial Details - The Phase 3 trial, named MarsLight-11, will enroll approximately 600 patients globally, including regions such as China, the U.S., Canada, the EU, the UK, and Japan [3] - The study will compare the efficacy and safety of IBI363 at a dosage of 3 mg/kg as monotherapy against docetaxel in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC who have shown disease progression after platinum-based chemotherapy and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy [3] - The primary endpoint of the trial is overall survival [3] Group 2: Regulatory Approvals and Designations - The IND clearance follows positive feedback from the FDA during the End-of-Phase 2 meeting, with major alignments reached on dose selection and study design [2] - IBI363 has received Fast Track Designation (FTD) from the FDA and Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for this indication [2] Group 3: Mechanism and Efficacy - IBI363 operates by simultaneously blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and activating the IL-2 pathway, targeting tumor-specific T cells [9] - Preliminary trials have shown that IBI363 induces tumor remission in some patients and achieves disease stability in the majority, indicating durable anti-tumor activity [8] - Compared to traditional chemotherapy, IBI363 is expected to offer advantages in objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) [8] Group 4: Broader Development Strategy - Innovent is advancing IBI363 into registrational studies, with ongoing pivotal trials in melanoma and plans for colorectal cancer [5][6] - Multiple Phase 1b/2 trials are evaluating IBI363 as both monotherapy and in combination therapies across various cancer types, including first-line NSCLC and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer [6] - The comprehensive development strategy aims to maximize the value of IBI363 and expand its potential in large global oncology markets [6] Group 5: Company Vision and Pipeline - Innovent's mission is to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals, and it aims to build a global premier biopharmaceutical leader [11] - The company has launched 16 products and has 2 new drug applications under regulatory review, alongside 4 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials [12]