PD-(L)1xVEGF Bispecifics: The New Frontier in Cancer Immunotherapy

In a rapidly evolving landscape of cancer immunotherapy, pharmaceutical giants are racing to secure their positions in the promising field of PD-(L)1xVEGF bispecific antibodies. Recent developments have seen major players like Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Pfizer, and Merck & Co. making significant moves, while others such as Eli Lilly and Novartis are closely watching the space.

BMS and Pfizer Join the Bispecific Race

Bristol Myers Squibb has made a bold entry into the PD-(L)1xVEGF arena with a $1.5 billion upfront deal to acquire BioNTech's PD-L1xVEGF candidate. This substantial investment underscores the potential BMS sees in this emerging class of cancer therapeutics.

Not to be outdone, Pfizer has secured its own stake in the field through a $1.25 billion upfront agreement with 3SBio for their PD-1xVEGF bispecific candidate. These high-value deals highlight the intense competition and perceived value in the bispecific antibody space.

Lilly and Novartis: Cautious Interest

While BMS and Pfizer have made their moves, other pharmaceutical powerhouses are taking a more measured approach. Eli Lilly, currently the world's largest pharma company by market cap, is keeping a close eye on the developments in the PD-(L)1xVEGF field.

Jake Van Naarden, president of Lilly Oncology, described the topic as "pretty hot" and the early data as "provocative." However, he emphasized the importance of waiting for more mature data before making significant commitments. Van Naarden stated, "If ultimately it seems obvious that this will be an important class of medicines, of course" it would make sense for Lilly to have its own program.

Novartis, too, is evaluating its options carefully. Shreeram Aradhye, Novartis' chief medical officer, confirmed that PD-(L)1xVEGF is "clearly an area that we evaluate carefully and looking at all the options." The company views a potential entry into this space as a "hedge" and is assessing how it might complement their existing focus on radioligand therapies.

The Promise and Challenges of Bispecific Antibodies

The surge of interest in PD-(L)1xVEGF bispecifics stems from their potential to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. By targeting both the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and VEGF, these novel antibodies aim to simultaneously block immune checkpoints and inhibit tumor angiogenesis.

However, industry experts caution that while early data is encouraging, more comprehensive clinical results are needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and potential drawbacks of this approach. As Van Naarden noted, "a lot of the data we've seen from these studies have been early looks at important endpoints."

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, the development of PD-(L)1xVEGF bispecifics represents a new frontier in the ongoing battle against cancer. With major players making significant investments and others poised to enter the field, this emerging class of therapeutics is set to shape the future of cancer treatment.