On Saturday, Pfizer Inc. (PFE) presented encouraging trial data for their experimental drug designed to combat cancer cachexia at the European Society for Medical Oncology 2024 Congress. Cancer cachexia affects an estimated 9 million individuals worldwide, causing severe weight loss and a decline in quality of life for cancer patients. It often leads to a decline in overall health, rendering cancer treatments less effective and reducing survival chances.
The mid-stage trial results revealed that patients treated with Pfizer’s experimental drug showed improvements in body weight, muscle mass, quality of life, and physical function. This drug, a monoclonal antibody called ponsegromab, could potentially become the first treatment specifically approved in the U.S. for cancer cachexia. This breakthrough has the potential to save countless lives, as 80% of cancer patients suffering from this condition are unlikely to survive beyond a year of diagnosis due to their inability to meet their body’s energy and nutritional needs.
The trial, involving 187 patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, or colorectal cancer and high levels of a key driver of cachexia, showed positive results. Patients who received the highest dose of ponsegromab (400 milligrams) over 12 weeks observed a 5.6% increase in weight compared to those receiving a placebo. Lower doses of 200 or 100 milligrams led to approximately 3.5% and 2% increases in body weight, respectively, compared to the placebo group. Pfizer emphasized that weight gain exceeding 5% is considered a “clinically meaningful difference” in cancer patients with cachexia. The most encouraging aspect was the observed increase in appetite and improvement in physical activity. Notably, no significant side effects were reported.
Pfizer plans to initiate late-stage development studies in 2025, aiming for regulatory approval, while concurrently evaluating ponsegromab’s efficacy in a phase two trial for patients diagnosed with heart failure.
A Race to the Finish Line in the Oncology Field
Pfizer’s foray into oncology comes as they navigate the decline in their Covid-19 business. Their strategy involves developing as many as 8 blockbuster cancer drugs by the end of this decade. Pfizer’s rival, Moderna Inc. (MRNA), is expected to launch its experimental cancer vaccine as early as next year. Moderna and Merck & Co Inc. (MRK) are collaborating on a large-scale Phase III trial for their combined treatment for advanced melanoma. This trial, involving approximately 1,089 patients across 165 sites globally, will evaluate the efficacy of Moderna’s experimental vaccine mRNA-4157, co-developed with Merck, in conjunction with Keytruda, Merck’s blockbuster immunotherapy drug. The study will assess the treatment’s effectiveness in achieving recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, overall survival, and safety.
Moderna has also developed a vaccine, codenamed mRNA-4359, designed to enhance the body’s immune response against various advanced solid tumor cancers. At the recent European Society for Medical Oncology 2024 Congress in Barcelona, Spain, researchers at King’s College London presented Phase I/II trial data for Moderna’s vaccine candidate. The data suggests that the vaccine can effectively sensitize the immune system to two specific proteins commonly found in tumor cells and other cells that suppress the immune system, PD-L1 and IDO1. Out of 16 patients with advanced lung cancer, melanoma, and other solid tumors, eight showed no tumor growth, and no new tumors formed. Furthermore, the tests indicated a notable increase in immune cells capable of recognizing PD-L1 and IDO1. While more data is needed to confirm the vaccine’s effectiveness, these initial findings are promising.
Early Detection Takes Center Stage
Beyond vaccine-based approaches, Mainz Biomed N.V. (MYNZ) is making significant strides in early cancer screening and prevention. As a molecular genetics diagnostic company specializing in the early detection of cancer, Mainz Biomed is currently seeking FDA approval for its colorectal cancer test, ColoAlert. This test, utilizing innovative mRNA biomarkers, aims to set a new standard for noninvasive detection of advanced adenoma, a pre-cancerous condition. Mainz Biomed recently announced Petra Smeltzer Starke, former General Counsel to the White House Council of Economic Advisors and Senior Advisor to President Obama, as their new Brand Ambassador. Ms. Smeltzer Starke will play a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of early colorectal cancer detection. Early detection is crucial, as up to 90% of colorectal cancer cases can be successfully treated when diagnosed at an early stage.
The future of cancer treatment appears bright. With innovative therapies and early detection methods being developed, we are witnessing a paradigm shift in the fight against this devastating disease.
