Pfizer and Summit Therapeutics Join Forces to Explore ADC Combinations with Promising Bispecific Antibody

Pfizer, a leading pharmaceutical giant, has entered into a collaboration with Summit Therapeutics to investigate the potential of combining one of the industry's most promising cancer candidates with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). This partnership marks a significant development in the pursuit of more effective cancer treatments.

Ivonescimab: A Rising Star in Cancer Therapy

Summit Therapeutics, a Miami-based biotech company, holds the rights to ivonescimab, a PD-1xVEGF bispecific antibody, in key territories including the United States and Europe. The drug gained substantial attention in September when it outperformed Merck & Co.'s Keytruda in a mid-phase trial conducted by Summit's partner, Akeso.

Ivonescimab's success has sparked a wave of interest in the PD-1xVEGF mechanism, with companies such as BioNTech, Merck, Crescent Biopharma, and Ottimo increasing their investments in similar approaches. Summit Therapeutics is currently on track to report topline data from a phase 3 non-small cell lung cancer trial involving ivonescimab in mid-2025.

Pfizer's ADC Arsenal Meets Summit's Bispecific

Under the new agreement, Summit will provide ivonescimab for use in clinical trials conducted by Pfizer. Beginning in mid-2025, Pfizer plans to initiate trials combining Summit's bispecific antibody with its vedotin-based ADCs in various solid tumor types.

Pfizer's ADC portfolio, significantly expanded through its acquisition of Seagen, includes approved products such as Adcetris, Padcev, and Tivdak. This collaboration aims to explore whether the combination of ivonescimab with these potent ADCs can yield superior outcomes for cancer patients.

Dr. Jack West, Vice President of Clinical Development at Summit, highlighted the potential of these combinations, stating, "The safety profile of ivonescimab is such that it seems to be combinable with other products." He added that Summit's partner Akeso has successfully combined ivonescimab with multiple chemotherapy regimens and novel bispecific and monoclonal antibodies.

Implications for the Future of Cancer Treatment

This partnership between Pfizer and Summit Therapeutics represents a strategic move to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of cancer therapy. As ADC developers aim to replace traditional chemotherapy in cancer treatment regimens, the combination of a promising bispecific antibody like ivonescimab with advanced ADCs could potentially establish a new standard of care.

The collaboration also underscores the industry's shift towards more targeted and personalized cancer treatments. By combining two cutting-edge approaches – bispecific antibodies and ADCs – researchers hope to enhance efficacy while potentially reducing side effects associated with conventional therapies.

As the trials progress, the pharmaceutical industry will be watching closely to see if this innovative approach can deliver on its promise and potentially reshape the future of cancer treatment.