The trial will evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of AstraZeneca’s investigational anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, MEDI4736, in combination with Lilly’s vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) Receptor 2 antiangiogenic cancer medicine, ramucirumab (Cyramza).
Sponsored by Lilly, the Phase I trial is expected to establish the safety and a recommended dosing regimen, with the potential to open expansion groups in various tumors of interest, for this combination.
MEDI4736 is a monoclonal antibody developed by AstraZeneca’s global biologics research and development arm, MedImmune, and is directed against programed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1).
AstraZeneca Immuno-oncology, Global Medicines Development head Robert Iannone said: "MEDI4736 is supported by a comprehensive development program and is emerging as a cornerstone of our combination-focused immuno-oncology pipeline targeting multiple tumour types.
"Our collaboration with Lilly is a great addition to our programme and provides the opportunity to explore another exciting, novel combination that could deliver important clinical benefit to cancer patients."
Ramucirumab, a VEGF Receptor 2 antagonist binds and blocks activation of VEGF Receptor 2 by blocking the binding of VEGF receptor ligands VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D.
Lilly Oncology product development and medical affairs senior vice president Richard Gaynor said: "The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors has been one of the more exciting research advancements in recent oncology history, but it is going to be even more interesting to see how these inhibitors can be combined with other proven targeted therapies.
"This collaboration represents the next wave of immuno-oncology research by bringing together two innovative medicines – Lilly’s CYRAMZA and AstraZeneca’s MEDI4736 – as a novel combination that we hope will one day provide new cancer treatment solutions."
Image: AstraZeneca headquarters in London, UK. Photo: courtesy of AstraZeneca plc.