Benzinga·2025-12-04 18:53Core Viewpoint - Pliant Therapeutics is gaining attention due to promising interim trial results for its cancer therapy, PLN-101095, despite a significant decline in its stock price [1][8]. Group 1: Trial Results - Pliant Therapeutics released interim data from its Phase 1 dose escalation trial of PLN-101095, which was evaluated in combination with Merck's Keytruda for patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-refractory advanced or metastatic solid tumors [2]. - In a heavily pretreated patient population, PLN-101095 demonstrated antitumor activity, with four responders identified, including one confirmed complete response and three partial responses [3][4]. - Clinical responses were observed in various cancer types, including cholangiocarcinoma, melanoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and non-small cell lung cancer [4]. Group 2: Patient Outcomes - The median time on treatment for patients was 15 months, with 60% of secondary refractory patients showing stable disease or tumor reduction [5]. - All responding patients exhibited significant increases in plasma interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels after a 14-day monotherapy run-in period, while non-responders did not show meaningful increases [5]. Group 3: Safety and Future Plans - PLN-101095 was generally well tolerated across all tested doses and exhibited a dose-dependent pharmacokinetic profile [6]. - Pliant plans to accelerate the development of PLN-101095 with a Phase 1b indication expansion trial set to begin in 2026, focusing on non-small cell lung cancer and other tumor types [7].