A phase I monotherapy dose escalation study of HFB301001, a novel next generation OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody, in adult patients with advanced solid tumors.
Authors: El-Khoueiry Anthony B. , Garralda Elena , Cervantes Andres , Haddox Candace L. , Babiker Hani M. , Borad Mitesh J. , Leventakos Konstantinos , Mehra Ranee , Zugazagoitia Jon , Hanna Diana L. , Alonso Guzman , Liu Angela , Shi Xiaorong , Russella Pollard Jack , Wong Gabrielle , Hedrich William , Lin Xi , Hatzis Christos , Pallante John , Andtbacka Robert H 
Published: June 2024

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Background: The immune co-stimulatory receptor OX40 is expressed on CD4+ T cells, including regulatory T cells (Tregs). First generation OX40 agonists faced limitations from interference with endogenous OX40-OX40L binding, leading to decreased surface OX40 levels on T cells. Distinguished by its unique epitope on OX40, the novel next generation IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) HFB301001 facilitates agonistic activity without impeding endogenous OX40 ligand binding. This allows for effective co-stimulation of T cells without diminishing OX40 levels. Additionally, HFB301001 exhibited superior in vivoanti-tumor activity and ability to enhance effector CD8+ T cell function compared to a benchmark first generation OX40 agonist in preclinical studies. Here, we report initial data of an ongoing dose-escalation study (NCT05229601) of HFB301001 in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors. Methods: A Phase I trial designed to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and preliminary efficacy of HFB301001. Eligible pts ≥18 years old (ECOG PS 0-1) with advanced solid tumors are enrolled in 4 different dose cohorts in monotherapy (Q4W) dose escalation. Solid tumor types were selected using Drug Intelligent Science (DIS®), employing integrative bulk and single cell RNAseq (scRNAseq) analyses to confirm and prioritize prospective targets in specific immune cell types. Sequential analysis of peripheral blood and tumor tissue biomarkers is performed. Radiographic response is assessed every 8 weeks. Results: As of January 06, 2024, 26 pts were enrolled, all having received prior systemic therapy (median 2, range 1-4); 81% received prior checkpoint inhibitor treatment. The majority of pts (77%) were male, median age was 62.5 years (range 41-78). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 34.6% of pts, none ≥ grade 3. Common TRAEs included rash (19%), pruritis (12%) and arthralgia (8%). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Preliminary results demonstrate dose-proportional increases in maximum concentration, typical mAb volume of distribution, and nonlinear clearance. On treatment biopsies revealed expansion of both natural killer and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, with no notable expansion of Tregs. Analysis of peripheral blood by scRNAseq and immunophenotyping revealed expansion of cytotoxic CD8+T cells relative to CD4+ T cells post treatment. Preliminary efficacy analysis indicates a disease-control rate (DCR) of > 60% with greatest effect seen in hepato-cellular and renal cell carcinoma. Median time on treatment was 1.9 months (range 0.9-17 months). Conclusions: HFB301001 demonstrates a favorable safety profile, dose-dependent PK and PD immunomodulation, and DCR in heavily pretreated solid tumors. HFB301001 warrants further evaluation and expansion in specific tumor types is planned. Clinical trial information: NCT05229601 .