Apollomics Inc. (APLM) experienced a significant stock surge on Tuesday, driven by the release of promising preliminary clinical data from its Phase 2 SPARTA trial. This trial is evaluating the efficacy and safety of vebreltinib, a potential new treatment for a range of MET-altered tumors.
The focus of the recent data release was on a cohort of 14 patients with non-CNS MET fusion solid tumors. A remarkable 43% objective response rate (ORR) was observed, indicating a significant positive effect of the drug. This response included six confirmed responses: one complete response in a third-line metastatic NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) patient and five partial responses. The partial responses were observed in three NSCLC patients, one pancreatic cancer patient, and one intrahepatic bile duct cancer patient.
Further positive results were seen in the survival data. The median overall survival (OS) was 12.4 months, and the median progression-free survival was 4.5 months. The median duration of response was 5.6 months, with a median time to response of 3.7 months. The longest recorded response was an impressive 18 months, with the patient still continuing treatment.
Encouraged by these promising findings, Apollomics is exploring further development of vebreltinib for patients with MET fusions. The patients currently enrolled in the SPARTA MET fusion cohort will continue with treatment and follow-up under the study protocol.
It is important to note that vebreltinib already has received conditional approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China in November 2023. This approval was granted to Apollomics’ partner in China, Avistone Biotechnology Co. Ltd., for the commercialization of vebreltinib to treat patients with MET exon 14 skipping NSCLC.
The positive data and potential market opportunities have significantly impacted APLM stock. It closed Tuesday up 15.6% at $0.18 per share.