TiumBio Commences patient dosing in phase 2 trial of oral immuno-oncology

TiumBio Co., Ltd, a company specializing in biopharmaceuticals in the clinical development stage, revealed that the initial participant has been administered in the phase 2 clinical study of TU2218. TU2218 is a new oral inhibitor that targets both TGFR1 and VEGFR2. Blocking both the TGF-ß and VEGF pathways with TU2218 is anticipated to enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as these pathways are recognized for their ability to inhibit ICI activity.

During phase 1a and 1b clinical studies, TiumBio examined how safe and effective TU2218 is as a standalone treatment and when used alongside Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in 41 patients with advanced solid tumors. These profiles were utilized to establish the dosage levels for phase 2 studies. The phase 2a study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of TU2218 when combined with Keytruda in HNSCC, BTC, and CRC patients.

The second stage of the clinical trial commences at Seoul National University Hospital and Asan Medical Center in South Korea, with plans to extend to hospitals in the United States. An initial dose was given to a patient with HNSCC.

HNSCC are cancerous growths that develop in the mouth, throat, larynx, or salivary glands. Surgery and radiation therapy are usually part of the standard treatment. Global Data predicts that the global number of HNSCC patients will reach approximately 610,000 in 2023, with projections to surpass 670,000 by 2030.