Innovative Australian biotech Noxopharm Limited (ASX:NOX) has passed a safetry milestone in its IONIC Investigator-initiated pilot Phase 1 trial of its lead oncology drug candidate Veyonda.
IONIC is exploring the potential of Veyonda to increase the activity of Bristol Myers Squibb’s immune checkpoint inhibitor Opdivo (nivolumab) in different types of cancer.
The IONIC Safety Steering Committee has reviewed the safety data from all evaluable patients in the trial. The 1200 mg dose was found to be safe and well tolerated, allowing enrolment to continue with the next patient cohort to be treated with an increased Veyonda dose of 1800 mg.
There are now six active sites in the Sydney area and regional NSW. The enrolment rate is proceeding according to the schedule, with 11 patients now enrolled and others in screening.
This trial is being led by principal investigator Professor Paul de Souza, who has research agreements with BMS and Noxopharm to conduct the trial, administering both Veyonda and Opdivo to an ultimate target of approximately 30 patients.
Professor de Souza said the investigation of checkpoint inhibitor resistance is very important at a time when more and more patients are receiving these drugs.
“We are making good progress with this trial and look forward to treating this next cohort of patients at the higher dose level.”
Noxpharm CEO Dr Gisela Mautner said the enrolment of the trial has accelerated and a Veyonda dose of 1200mg is now considered safe and well tolerated in combination with Opdivo.
“This trial is exciting as it is our first investigation into the combination of Veyonda with an immuno-oncology drug,” Dr Mautner said. “Immuno-oncology is a relatively new but growing cancer therapy market, and patients who are resistant to these drugs are generally left with very few treatment options. Our overarching goal is to improve this situation
