Merck Serono initiates phase II study of Anti­PD­L1 antibody in mMCC

Merck Serono has initiated an international phase II study designed to assess the efficacy and safety of MSB0010718C, an investigational fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to programmed death­ligand 1 (PD­L1). This multicentre, single­arm, open­label study is being conducted in patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC), a rare and aggressive type of skin tumour,1,2 who have previously received one line of chemotherapy. It is expected to recruit 84 patients across Asia Pacific, Australia, Europe and North America. The primary endpoint of the study is overall response.

The PD­L1/ PD­1 pathway is implicated as a major mechanism by which tumours evade elimination by the immune system.3 The PD­L1 molecule is expressed in many cancer types, including mMCC.3,4 MSB0010718C, which blocks the interaction of PD­L1 with its receptor PD­ 1, may have the potential to restore effective anti­tumour T­cell responses and thereby to inhibit tumour growth.

Immune mechanisms are implicated in the pathogenesis of MCC, with an increased risk observed in immunosuppressed individuals.5 MCC also is associated with the presence of the Merkel cell polyomavirus, which may have a role in tumor formation.6 Globally, the incidence of MCC is increasing, and outcomes for patients with this disease are poor.1,2 Therefore, new treatment approaches are required to improve the outcome of patients with this type of cancer.

“We believe that modulating the immune system by targeting PD­L1 represents a promising new approach in the treatment of this aggressive cancer, especially considering that many of the predisposing factors for mMCC seem to be related to functional disruptions of the immune system,” said Helen Sabzevari, Senior Vice President of Immuno­Oncology, Merck Serono. “Our anti­PD­L1 compound may present a potential new approach for the treatment of mMCC patients.”

In addition to this new study in mMCC, MSB0010718C is currently being explored in a phase I clinical trial for the treatment of solid tumours. The study aims to recruit 590 patients and has enrolled 422 patients to date. On June 1, 2014, Merck Serono presented initial data from this dose escalation study in solid tumours at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago.7 This study is currently recruiting patients into expansion cohorts in seven cancer types: castrate­resistant prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric/gastroesophageal cancer, melanoma, metastatic breast cancer, non­small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer.

References:

1. Hughes MP, et al. Curr Dermatol Rep 2014;3:46–53.
2. Kaae J, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 2010;102(11):793–801.
3. Lipson EJ, et al. Cancer Immunol Res 2013;1(1):54­63.
4. McDermott DF and Atkins MB. Cancer Med 2013; 2(5):662–73.
5. Bhatia S, et al. Curr Oncol Rep 2011;13(6):488­97.
6. Feng H, et al. Science 2008;319(5866):1096–100.
7. Heery CR, et al. J Clin Oncol 2014;32:5(Suppl.) Abstract No. 3064.

EP News Bureau – Mumbai