Akeso, Inc. has announced that its partner on ivonescimab, Summit Therapeutics Inc. has entered into a clinical trial collaboration with Pfizer Inc. to evaluate ivonescimab, a novel, investigational PD-1 / VEGF bispecific antibody, in combination with several of Pfizer's antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) across multiple solid tumour settings.

“Rapidly developing novel mechanisms that go beyond what is currently available to patients and physicians is what we believe will make the most significant impact for those facing the greatest challenges from cancer today,” noted Bob Duggan and Dr. Maky Zanganeh, Summit's Co-CEOs.

They further added, “As we seek to accelerate the development of our potentially transformative ivonescimab across non-small cell lung cancer and other solid tumour settings, this collaboration will allow us to quickly advance beyond our promising late-stage development plan to evaluate ivonescimab in combination with some of the most innovative ADCs from Pfizer.”

The goal of the collaboration is to evaluate ivonescimab, in combination with several unique Pfizer ADCs across multiple solid tumour settings to accelerate the advancement of potentially landscape-changing combinations, which seek to improve the standards of care for patients facing serious unmet needs. Each study intends to evaluate ivonescimab plus one of Pfizer's vedotin ADCs in individual, distinct solid tumour settings to determine the safety profile and potential anti-tumour activity of the combinations.

“We are excited to partner with Summit Therapeutics to explore the clinical synergy of our therapies,” said Megan O'Meara, Head, Oncology Early Stage Development, Pfizer. “Together, we are advancing the exploration of our ADCs in rational, differentiated combinations with a bispecific antibody designed to address the unique complexities of tumour biology. This collaboration represents the next wave of investigational targeted combinations with the potential to transform treatment options for people living with cancer.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Summit will provide ivonescimab for use in the proposed studies, and Pfizer will be responsible for conducting the operations of the studies. The studies will be overseen by both Summit and Pfizer. Both parties retain their respective rights to their products. The studies combining ivonescimab with Pfizer's vedotin ADCs are planned to begin in the middle of this year. Further details on the clinical trials will be announced at a later date by Summit.