BXCL701, first-in-class oral activator of systemic innate immunity pathway, combined with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Authors: Aggarwal Rahul Raj , Costin Dan , Zhang Jingsong , Karsh Lawrence Ivan , Healey Diane I. , Linch Mark David , Adurthi Sreenivas , Petrylak Daniel Peter , O'Neill Vince , Monk Paul 
Published: March 2021

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Background: BXCL701 (talabostat), oral small molecule inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidases (DPP), primarily DPP8 and DPP9, triggers inflammasome mediated pyroptosis in macrophages, leading to induction of IL-18 and IL-1ß, bridging between innate and adaptive immunity. PD-L1 expression correlates with amplification of DPP8 and DPP9. In syngeneic animal models, significant tumor growth inhibition was observed with BXCL701 plus checkpoint inhibition. In a prior clinical study, single-agent BXCL701 resulted in objective responses in patients with Stage IV melanoma (unpublished). Methods: Eligible patients included in Phase 1b portion of this multicenter study, had progressing mCRPC (PCWG3), ≥1 prior systemic therapy, ≤2 lines of cytotoxic chemotherapy for mCRPC, no prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1 or other T-cell directed anticancer therapy. In Phase 2 portion, patients with adenocarcinoma must have received 1 or 2 2nd generation androgen signaling inhibitors; patients with SCNC/t-NEPC must have received ≥1 prior line of chemotherapy. Patients received fixed-dose pembrolizumab (200 mg IV q21-days) with BXCL701 on days 1-14 at recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D)/schedule. Primary endpoint is Composite Response (RECIST 1.1, PSA, CTC). Change in relevant immune effector cells was also evaluated. Results: In Phase 1b portion 13 patients were treated with BXCL701 in 3 cohorts: 0.4 mg qd (n = 3); 0.6 mg qd (n = 3) and 0.6 mg split dose (n=7). 7 patients had adenocarcinoma, 6 had small cell/neuroendocrine prostate cancer phenotype. Prior treatment included androgen deprivation therapy (n = 10), 2nd-generation androgen signaling inhibitors (n = 9), chemotherapy (n = 11), radiation therapy (n = 11). On-target adverse events (AEs) consistent with cytokine activation were seen at highest dose levels. In 0.6 mg qd cohort, all patients had events consistent with cytokine release syndrome: 3/3 had hypotension, including 1 grade 3 syncope—dose-limiting toxicity (DLT)—and 2 patients each had dizziness and lower extremity edema. Splitting 0.6 mg dose improved tolerability while maintaining total daily dose (TDD) previously associated with objective response; 3/7 patients had fatigue, and 1 patient each had low grade hypotension, dyspnea, chills, myalgia. Preliminary anti-tumor activity was seen with 1 patient achieving a PSA response and 4 patients with RECIST1.1 stable disease. Consistent dose and time dependent increases in serum IL-18 levels were observed. Conclusions: BXCL701 0.3 mg BID (0.6mg TDD) administered on days 1-14 was identified as RP2D when administered with pembrolizumab 200 mg every 21 days. Splitting TDD was associated with improved tolerability as evidenced by no reported DLTs and lower rates of other AEs of interest e.g. hypotension and peripheral edema. Preliminary data from Phase 2 portion will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT03910660.