Innovent Receives Second Fast Track Designation from the U.S. FDA for IBI363 (PD-1/IL-2α-bias Bispecific Antibody Fusion Protein) in Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Rhea-AI Summary

Innovent Biologics announced that its PD-1/IL-2α-bias bispecific antibody fusion protein, IBI363, received its second Fast Track Designation from the FDA for treating advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sqNSCLC) that has progressed after anti-PD-(L)1 therapy and chemotherapy.

Clinical trial results presented at WCLC 2024 showed promising efficacy: the 3 mg/kg dose group (n=18) achieved 50.0% objective response rate (ORR) and 88.9% disease control rate (DCR). The 1/1.5 mg/kg group showed 5.5 months median progression-free survival (PFS) with 30.7% 12-month PFS rate. Notably, IBI363 demonstrated effectiveness in both PD-L1 low and high expression populations, with ORRs of 36.4% and 31.8% respectively.

Positive

• Received second FDA Fast Track Designation, potentially accelerating development and approval
• High efficacy with 50% ORR and 88.9% DCR in 3 mg/kg dose group
• Demonstrated effectiveness regardless of PD-L1 expression levels
• Promising 12-month PFS rate of 30.7% in 1/1.5 mg/kg dose group

Negative

• Median PFS not yet reached for 3 mg/kg dose group, requiring longer follow-up
• patient sample size (n=18) in key 3 mg/kg dose group

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SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Feb. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. ("Innovent") (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, autoimmune, cardiovascular and metabolic, ophthalmology, and other major diseases, announced that its first-in-class PD-1/IL-2^α-bias bispecific antibody fusion protein, IBI363, has received its second Fast Track Designation (FTD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This designation applies to the treatment of unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sqNSCLC) that has progressed following anti-PD-(L)1 immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. IBI363 has demonstrated encouraging efficacy and safety across multiple solid tumor types. Currently, Innovent is conducting Phase 1/2 clinical trials of IBI363 mainly in China and the U.S.

At the World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) in September 2024, IBI363 presented promising efficacy signals in patients with sqNSCLC who had previously received immunotherapy:

• In the 3 mg/kg dose group, among patients with at least 12 weeks of follow-up or study completion (n=18), the objective response rate (ORR) was 50.0%, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 88.9%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) has not yet been reached and remains under follow-up.
• In the 1/1.5 mg/kg dose group, the median PFS was 5.5 months (95% CI: 1.5, 8.3), with a 12-month PFS rate of 30.7%, highlighting the potential long-term benefits of immunotherapy.
• Across the 1/1.5/3 mg/kg dose groups, patients with PD-L1 TPS<1% (n=22) and those with PD-L1 TPS≥1% (n=22) achieved encouraging ORRs of 36.4% and 31.8%, respectively, suggesting IBI363's potential advantage in PD-L1 low-expression populations.

Dr. Hui Zhou, Senior Vice President of Innovent, stated, "We are pleased that IBI363 has been granted Fast Track Designation by the FDA for sqNSCLC, following its previous designation for melanoma. Earlier, we reported that in an expanded cohort of sqNSCLC patients, IBI363 showed a trend toward improved ORR and DCR at higher doses, along with a manageable safety profile. The latest PFS data from the 3 mg/kg dose group after longer follow-up further strengthens our confidence in IBI363's potential as an immunotherapy offering long-term benefits to patients. We will present the relevant data at upcoming academic conferences this year. More encouragingly, IBI363 has demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity regardless of PD-L1 expression levels. This suggests that IBI363 may not only advance treatment for immunotherapy-resistant populations but also for cold tumors with low or no PD-L1 expression. In addition to lung cancer, we have observed encouraging efficacy signals in cold tumors, including colorectal cancer and mucosal melanoma, with melanoma already advancing to pivotal clinical stages. Moving forward, we will continue to explore IBI363 in early-line treatment and in combination therapies."

Fast Track Designation (FTD) is a regulatory process designed to expedite the clinical development and review of drugs intended to treat serious conditions and address unmet medical needs. Drug candidates granted FTD benefit from increased communication with the FDA throughout subsequent drug development, potentially accelerating their clinical development and approval process.

About IBI363 (First-in-class PD-1/IL-2^α-bias bispecific antibody fusion protein))

IBI363 is a first-in-class drug candidate independently developed by Innovent Biologics. It is a PD-1/IL-2 bispecific antibody fusion protein designed to enhance efficiency while minimizing toxicity. The IL-2 arm of IBI363 has been engineered to optimize therapeutic effects with reduced side effects, while the PD-1 binding arm enables PD-1 blockade and selective IL-2 delivery. By simultaneously inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and activating the IL-2 pathway, IBI363 facilitates more precise and efficient targeting and activation of tumor specific T cells. Preclinical studies have shown that IBI363 exhibits strong anti-tumor activity across multiple tumor-bearing pharmacological models, including those resistant to PD-1 inhibitors and metastatic models. Additionally, it has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in preclinical models. Clinical trials are currently underway in China, the United States, and Australia to evaluate its safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy in subjects with advanced malignancies.

About Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (sqNSCLC)

Lung cancer is the most common and deadliest malignancy worldwide, including in China^[1], posing a significant public health challenge. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for more than 80% of all lung cancer cases^[2], with squamous cell carcinoma being one of its two major subtypes^[2]. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the treatment landscape for NSCLC. However, for patients with NSCLC who have failed immunotherapy and lack driver gene mutations, there remains a significant and urgent unmet need for effective treatment options. The standard second- or third-line treatment, docetaxel, offers limited efficacy, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of less than four months^[3],[4]. While antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have shown promise, two large Phase 3 studies in squamous NSCLC have yet to demonstrate satisfactory efficacy^[3],[4].

About Innovent

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 14 products in the market. It has 3 new drug applications (NDA) under regulatory review, 3 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials and 17 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Incyte, Adimab, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Statement: Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drug (s)/indication (s).

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Innovent does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Innovent with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Innovent's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Innovent's competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

Innovent, the Directors and the employees of Innovent assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.

References:

1 Globocan 2022 (version 1.1) - 08.02.2024

2 NCCN guidelines (NSCLC, version 3.2025)

3 J Clin Oncol . 2025 Jan 20;43(3):260-272. doi: 10.1200/JCO-24-01544.

4 J Clin Oncol . 2024 Aug 20;42(24):2860-2872. doi: 10.1200/JCO.24.00733.

 

FAQ

What are the clinical trial results for IBI363 in sqNSCLC patients?

In the 3 mg/kg dose group, IBI363 achieved a 50% ORR and 88.9% DCR among patients with at least 12 weeks follow-up. The 1/1.5 mg/kg group showed 5.5 months median PFS with 30.7% 12-month PFS rate.

How effective is IBI363 in patients with different PD-L1 expression levels?

IBI363 showed similar effectiveness regardless of PD-L1 expression, with ORRs of 36.4% in PD-L1 TPS<1% patients and 31.8% in PD-L1 TPS≥1% patients.

What does the FDA Fast Track Designation mean for IBI363 development?

The Fast Track Designation allows for increased communication with the FDA and potentially accelerated clinical development and approval process for IBI363.

What are the potential applications of IBI363 beyond sqNSCLC?

IBI363 has shown encouraging efficacy signals in cold tumors, including colorectal cancer and mucosal melanoma, with melanoma advancing to pivotal clinical stages.