Vincerx Pharma (VINC) provided an update on its ongoing Phase 1 studies for a trio of promising cancer treatments: VIP943, VIP236, and enitociclib, all aiming to address various blood cancers. The company’s efforts are showing encouraging signs.
The ongoing Phase 1 dose-escalation study of VIP943 has enrolled 22 patients across several dose cohorts (0.2 to 1.3 mg/kg once weekly). A significant breakthrough emerged: one patient with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) achieved complete remission with incomplete hematologic improvement (CRi), and another patient with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR-MDS) achieved complete remission with limited count recovery (CRL). These findings suggest a potential for VIP943 to be a game-changer in treating these complex blood cancers. Further bolstering its potential, VIP943 demonstrated effective binding to CD123+ cancer cells, with the highest dose cohort achieving 84% receptor occupancy. Preliminary pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) results indicated low payload release, hinting at the possibility of twice-weekly dosing to further enhance treatment outcomes. Vincerx anticipates sharing another data update on the VIP943 study by the end of the year.
Turning to VIP236, currently being tested in patients with advanced solid tumors, Vincerx reported promising results. Out of 29 enrolled patients, 20 were evaluable for response, with nine patients achieving stable disease, resulting in a 45% disease control rate. This outcome highlights the potential of VIP236 as a viable treatment option for advanced solid tumors.
The company also shed light on the potential of enitociclib, currently being evaluated in Phase 1 studies for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma. As of September 2024, four out of seven patients have shown partial responses, further solidifying enitociclib’s potential in treating these challenging lymphomas.
In a strategic move to focus on its lead ADC, VIP943, Vincerx announced plans to partner for the continued development of enitociclib. Additionally, the company is actively seeking a strategic partner to advance the development of VIP236. By transitioning VIP236 to a partnering asset, Vincerx aims to streamline its operations and concentrate its efforts on the continued development of VIP943, which holds significant promise in the fight against blood cancers.
The announcement had a noticeable impact on VINC stock, which closed down 25.3% at $0.52 on Tuesday.
Vincerx Pharma’s dedication to developing innovative treatments for blood cancers, alongside the encouraging results from its Phase 1 studies, signals a promising future for the company and its patients.
