Nuvation Bio to Present New Quality-of-Life Data for IBTROZI® (Taletrectinib) in Patients with ROS1-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer at ASCO 2026 Annual Meeting
Rhea-AI Summary
Nuvation Bio (NYSE: NUVB) reported new patient-reported outcomes from the Phase 2 TRUST-II study of IBTROZI (taletrectinib) in advanced ROS1-positive NSCLC. Among 69 patients, 88% showed improved or stable global quality-of-life at first assessment, with cognitive function and key symptoms like cough and shortness of breath generally improving or remaining stable over time.
IBTROZI is FDA-approved in the US for locally advanced or metastatic ROS1+ NSCLC, approved in Japan and China, has a US sNDA under review with a target action date of January 4, 2027, and an EMA MAA validated in Europe. Results will be presented at ASCO 2026.
Positive
- 88% of TRUST-II patients had improved or stable global quality-of-life at first assessment
- 93% of TKI-pretreated patients reported improved or stable global quality-of-life at first assessment
- 84–96% of patients had improved or stable coughing and shortness-of-breath scores through eight months
- Cognitive function scores improved or remained stable across treatment in both TKI-naïve and pretreated groups
- IBTROZI already FDA-approved in US for locally advanced or metastatic ROS1+ NSCLC
- FDA accepted IBTROZI sNDA with January 4, 2027 target action date
- IBTROZI approved in Japan and China, expanding ROS1+ NSCLC commercial footprint
- EMA validated taletrectinib Marketing Authorisation Application with standard review timeline
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – NUVB
In the May 27 session, NUVB gained 1.07%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +2.9% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 18 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13 | Manufacturing partnership | Positive | -1.3% | Thermo Fisher collaboration for U.S.-based IBTROZI manufacturing and supply security. |
| May 06 | Regulatory sNDA update | Positive | +4.3% | FDA acceptance of IBTROZI sNDA with extended TRUST-I/II efficacy follow-up. |
| May 05 | Investor conferences | Neutral | +4.3% | Management participation in several oncology-focused and general investor conferences. |
| May 04 | Earnings and update | Positive | +9.5% | Q1 2026 results with IBTROZI revenue, strong cash position, and pooled TRUST data. |
| Apr 27 | Guideline inclusion | Positive | -6.8% | NCCN added taletrectinib as systemic option for CNS cancers with brain metastases. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Positive clinical and regulatory updates have often led to gains, but guideline and partnership news saw negative reactions.
Over the last month, Nuvation Bio has delivered multiple positive milestones for IBTROZI, including FDA sNDA acceptance with extended follow-up data on May 6, 2026, strong Q1 financials and pooled TRUST data on May 4, 2026, and NCCN CNS guideline inclusion on April 24, 2026. Reactions have been mixed: some events triggered gains above 4% while others, including a partnership manufacturing deal and guideline update, saw declines, underscoring inconsistent trading responses to good news.
Key Terms
non-small cell lung cancer medical
patient-reported outcomes medical
phase 2 medical
phase 3 medical
adjuvant medical
supplemental New Drug Application regulatory
Marketing Authorisation Application regulatory
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Cognitive function scores improved or remained stable throughout the course of treatment with IBTROZI
IBTROZI provided rapid relief from burdensome symptoms, including cough and shortness of breath
"When considering treatment options for these patients, our primary clinical objective is to delay disease progression while simultaneously alleviating symptom burden and ensuring long-term tolerability," said presenting author, Yasir Elamin, M.D., Associate Professor of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "The outcomes from TRUST-II are compelling because we see rapid and durable relief from key symptoms, as well as the preservation of cognitive function. This suggests that we can manage the disease without the neurological impairment commonly seen with other treatments."
TRUST-II is a global Phase 2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of IBTROZI in patients with advanced ROS1+ NSCLC, including both TKI-naïve and TKI-pretreated populations. This analysis evaluated responses from 69 TRUST-II patients (TKI-naïve n=23; TKI-pretreated n=46) in
- Mean changes from baseline improved or remained stable for most domains across both questionnaires.
- Quality-of-life and cognitive function scores improved from baseline or remained stable over time in both TKI-naïve and TKI-pretreated patients.
- At the first assessment (day 1 of cycle 2),
88% of patients reported improved or stable global health quality-of-life scores, including93% of TKI-pretreated patients. The majority of patients in both subgroups improved or remained stable across subsequent time points throughout treatment. - At the first assessment, 84
-96% of patients reported improved or stable scores for coughing and shortness of breath, with no worsening of cough in TKI-naïve patients, and these improvements were sustained through eight months of treatment.
"Having navigated the lung cancer journey as a caregiver and patient advocate, I know the deep impact this disease can have on quality of life," said Danielle Hicks, Chief Patient Officer for GO2 for Lung Cancer. "Patients with ROS1+ NSCLC tend to be younger, often still working, raising children or managing caregiving responsibilities of their own. Watching a loved one endure the daily burden of physical symptoms like a persistent cough or shortness of breath is incredibly difficult, but the fear of neurological side effects is just as profound. For the community we serve, data showing that treatment can potentially rapidly ease those physical symptoms while preserving a patient's mental clarity is deeply encouraging. It means patients can experience relief without sacrificing their daily functioning, which is essential for maintaining their quality of life during treatment."
"One of our focuses, and an important measure of success, lies in the patient experience and the ability to maintain or improve their quality of life," said David Hung, M.D., Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nuvation Bio. "These TRUST-II findings, which demonstrate stable or improved cognitive function in addition to the robust efficacy results previously reported for IBTROZI, align clinical goals with the needs and perspectives of the patient community."
Nuvation Bio announced in June 2025 that the
A separate "Trial in Progress" poster on the TRUST-IV Phase 3 study will also be presented at ASCO on Sunday, May 31.
Poster Presentations Overview:
Title: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with taletrectinib in advanced ROS1+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from the TRUST-II study
Presenter: Yasir Elamin, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Session Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CDT
Poster Board Number: 419
Abstract Number: #8629
Title: Trial in progress: Randomized, double-blind, Phase 3 TRUST-IV study of adjuvant taletrectinib vs placebo in patients with stage IB–IIIA ROS1+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Presenter: Alexander Spira, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Oncologist, Virginia Cancer Specialists
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Session Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CDT
Poster Board Number: 600b
Abstract Number: #TPS8130
The publications will be available on the Publications page of the Nuvation Bio website following their presentation. To learn more about Nuvation Bio, visit Booth #35117 at the ASCO Annual Meeting 2026.
About ROS1+ NSCLC
Each year, more than one million people globally are diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer. It is estimated that approximately
About IBTROZI
IBTROZI is an oral, potent, CNS-active, selective, next-generation ROS1 inhibitor therapy. On June 11, 2025, following Priority Review and Breakthrough Therapy designations for both TKI-naïve and TKI-pretreated disease, the
About the TRUST Clinical Program
The TRUST clinical program comprises three registrational studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of IBTROZI. TRUST-I (NCT04395677) and TRUST-II (NCT04919811) are Phase 2 single-arm studies evaluating IBTROZI for the treatment of adults with advanced ROS1+ NSCLC in
IBTROZI is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR IBTROZI® (taletrectinib)
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity, including drug-induced liver injury and fatal adverse reactions, can occur.
Increased AST or ALT each led to dose interruption in
Concurrent elevations in AST or ALT ≥3 times the ULN and total bilirubin ≥2 times the ULN, with normal alkaline phosphatase, occurred in
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis: Severe, life-threatening, or fatal ILD or pneumonitis can occur. ILD/pneumonitis occurred in
ILD/pneumonitis led to dose interruption in
QTc Interval Prolongation: QTc interval prolongation can occur, which can increase the risk for ventricular tachyarrhythmias (e.g., torsades de pointes) or sudden death. IBTROZI prolongs the QTc interval in a concentration-dependent manner.
In patients who received IBTROZI and underwent at least one post baseline ECG, QTcF increase of >60 msec compared to baseline and QTcF >500 msec occurred in
Significant QTc interval prolongation may occur when IBTROZI is taken with food, strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors, and/or drugs with a known potential to prolong QTc. Administer IBTROZI on an empty stomach. Avoid concomitant use with strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors and/or drugs with a known potential to prolong QTc.
Hyperuricemia: Hyperuricemia can occur and was reported in
Myalgia with Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation: Myalgia with or without CPK elevation can occur. Myalgia occurred in
Concurrent myalgia with increased CPK within a 7-day time period occurred in
Skeletal Fractures: IBTROZI can increase the risk of fractures. ROS1 inhibitors as a class have been associated with skeletal fractures.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on literature, animal studies, and its mechanism of action, IBTROZI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Among patients who received IBTROZI, the most frequently reported adverse reactions (≥
The most frequently reported Grade 3/4 laboratory abnormalities (≥
DRUG INTERACTIONS
- Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors/CYP3A Inducers and Drugs that Prolong the QTc Interval: Avoid concomitant use.
- Gastric Acid Reducing Agents: Avoid concomitant use with PPIs and H2 receptor antagonists. If an acid-reducing agent cannot be avoided, administer locally acting antacids at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking IBTROZI.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
- Pregnancy: Please see important information in Warnings and Precautions under Embryo-Fetal Toxicity.
- Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 3 weeks after the last dose.
- Effect on Fertility: Based on findings in animals, IBTROZI may impair fertility in males and females. The effects on animal fertility were reversible.
- Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of IBTROZI in pediatric patients has not been established.
- Photosensitivity: IBTROZI can cause photosensitivity. Advise patients to minimize sun exposure and to use sun protection, including broad-spectrum sunscreen, during treatment and for at least 5 days after discontinuation.
Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information.
About Nuvation Bio
Nuvation Bio is a global oncology company focused on tackling some of the toughest challenges in cancer treatment with the goal of developing therapies that create a profound, positive impact on patients' lives. Our diverse pipeline includes taletrectinib (IBTROZI®), a next-generation ROS1 inhibitor; safusidenib, a brain-penetrant IDH1 inhibitor; and an innovative drug-drug conjugate (DDC) program.
Nuvation Bio was founded in 2018 by biopharma industry veteran David Hung, M.D., who previously founded Medivation, Inc., which brought to patients one of the world's leading prostate cancer medicines. Nuvation Bio has offices in
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are sometimes accompanied by words such as "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook" and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the clinical objectives when considering treatment options for advanced ROS1+ NSCLC and IBTROZI'S therapeutic potential. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of the management team of Nuvation Bio and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the challenges associated with the emergence or worsening of adverse events or other undesirable side effects; risks associated with preliminary and interim data, which may not be representative of more mature data; physician and patient behavior; and competitive developments. Risks and uncertainties facing Nuvation Bio are described more fully in its Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 4, 2026 under the heading "Risk Factors," and other documents that Nuvation Bio has filed or will file with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Nuvation Bio disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, supplement or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Media and Investor Contacts
Nuvation Bio Investor Contact
JR DeVita
ir@nuvationbio.com
Nuvation Bio Media Contact
Kaitlyn Nealy
media@nuvationbio.com
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SOURCE Nuvation Bio Inc.