CPI-818 is the world's first and currently the only ITK inhibitor to enter the clinical stage. ITK (Interleukin-2 Inducible T-cell Kinase) is an enzyme primarily expressed on T cells, playing a role in T cell and natural killer (NK) cell lymphomas and leukemias, as well as in normal immune function. Inhibiting specific molecular targets in T cells may have therapeutic benefits for patients with cancer (including solid tumors) and those with autoimmune and allergic diseases. Studies on the mechanism of action of CPI-818 have shown that it has the potential to control the differentiation of normal T helper cells and enhance the immune response by increasing the production of cytotoxic T cells and inhibiting the production of cytokines that promote cancer cell survival. CPI-818 has currently been approved by the FDA to enter Phase III clinical trials for relapsed/refractory peripheral T cell lymphoma. Its preliminary research results have been published at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting (April 2023), the 17th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML) (June 2023), and the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting (December 2023).
CPI-006 is a humanized monoclonal antibody against CD73, featuring a unique mechanism for activating B-cells to produce immune responses against tumor antigens and viruses. In preclinical studies, it has been shown to have immunomodulatory activity that leads to the activation of lymphocytes, induces the production of antibodies by B-cells, and affects the trafficking of lymphocytes. Compared to other anti-CD73 antibodies and small molecule drugs under development, CPI-006 can stimulate B-cells and block the production of immunosuppressive adenosine. The activation of B-cells can enhance the immune response within the tumor microenvironment, thereby improving clinical outcomes. Currently, clinical trials in China for CPI-006 in combination with pembrolizumab for non-small cell lung cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck are underway, among which, the monotherapy of CPI-006 for non-small cell lung cancer has achieved very impressive efficacy data.
ANG-0623 is a new generation of highly selective BTK inhibitor. Research has revealed its high penetration in the brain and low exposure in cerebrospinal fluid, indicating its high binding affinity for brain tissue and low free fraction. Comparative studies have shown that ANG-0623 has a higher exposure in the brains of rats compared to other BTK inhibitor compounds, demonstrating excellent brain penetration capabilities. Therefore, it has unique potential advantages in the treatment of primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas, multiple sclerosis, and other CNS diseases. Currently, ANG-0623 has obtained Phase I clinical trial approvals from the U.S. FDA and China CDE for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Ciforadenant is a small molecule antagonist of the adenosine A2A receptor, a key step in the adenosine pathway leading to immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. By precisely targeting and blocking A2A receptors on immune cells, Ciforadenant may unleash their cancer-killing properties. Results from a Phase I/Ib clinical trial demonstrated that Ciforadenant was active alone and in combination with atezolizumab in patients with advanced, refractory renal cell cancer. The study also describes the Adenosine Gene Signature, a novel biomarker, which was found to be beneficial in identifying patients most likely to respond to therapy. An open-label Phase Ib/II trial of Ciforadenant in first line therapy for metastatic renal cell cancer in combination with ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) and nivolumab (anti-PD-1) is being conducted in collaboration with the Kidney Cancer Research Consortium (KCRC). The trial design is based on Corvus’ preclinical research published in 2018 in Cancer Immunology Research that demonstrated impressive antitumor control and cures in several animal models using Ciforadenant in combination with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD1.