Kitov Pharma (NASDAQ:KTOV) has had a successful journey in advancing its first-in-class therapies, which overcome tumor immune evasion. Its long-lasting treatments for people with cancer also explains the company’s primary object in improving people’s lives. To sum it all, the company says it is ready to begin the Phase 1/2 clinical trial of NT219, which will evaluate its suitability in the monotherapy treatment of advanced solid tumors.
NT219 is a novel small molecule and dual inhibitor targeting IRS1/2 and STAT3. These two are considered major drivers and drug resistance pathways in several hard-to-treat cancers. According to Kitov, Bertrand Liang, the Phase 1/2 clinical trial is a key because it will lay a platform for the advancement of NT219
Liang emphasizes that they are hopeful of favorable results since the preclinical studies have already demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of this drug candidate for multiple cancers.
“In preclinical studies, NT219 demonstrated impressive tumor growth inhibition, both as monotherapy as well as in combination with multiple anti-cancer drugs, and we are excited to further evaluate its potential,’’ Liang reported.
Kitov’s Collaboration Agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb Company
Over the years, Kitov has learned the power of collaborations, partnerships, and acquisitions. Hence, at any one time, it must be working on and with one of the three. The company has recently agreed to collaborate with Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE: BMY) The agreement is aimed at advancing the development of a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of CM24. This is a monoclonal antibody blocking CEACAM1, which supports tumor immune evasion. The advancement plan is to have it as a combination therapy with anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitors.
The addition of CM24 to Kitov’s patent coverage in the European Union is a great stride of success and growth, according to Kitov’s CEO, Isaac Israel. It adds to the already existing US patent that was granted earlier this year and gives CM24 a unique position to be a lasting solution for cancer treatment.
With the new wave of health crisis globally, the pharmaceutical industry is indeed in a race to create and develop first-in-class therapies and vaccines.
