Phase Ib study of the anti-TGF-β monoclonal antibody (mAb) NIS793 combined with spartalizumab (PDR001), a PD-1 inhibitor, in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors.
Authors: Bauer Todd Michael , Lin Chia-Chi , Greil Richard , Goebeler Maria-Elisabeth , Huetter-Kroenke Marie Luise , Garrido-Laguna Ignacio , Santoro Armando , Perotti Antonella , Spreafico Anna , Yau Thomas , Joerger Markus , Cremasco Viviana , Dostalek Mirek , Pelletier Marc , Barys Louise , Lu Darlene , Katsanou Vicky , Fabre Claire , Doi Toshihiko 
Published: June 2021

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Background: TGF-β plays a key role in regulating the tumor microenvironment. Emerging evidence suggests TGF-β is a key activator of cancer-associated fibroblasts, leading to fibrotic network development and immune exclusion. Preclinical data in murine models showed that TGF-β blockade alleviates intratumoral fibrosis, augmenting the efficacy of PD-1 immunotherapy. NIS793 is a human IgG2 mAb that binds to TGF-β. This study investigates NIS793 + spartalizumab in pts with advanced solid tumors. Methods: Pts initially received NIS793 (0.3–1 mg/kg Q3W) monotherapy; following evaluation of two dose levels, dose escalation continued with NIS793 + spartalizumab (NIS793 0.3–30 mg/kg Q3W + spartalizumab 300 mg Q3W; or NIS793 20–30 mg/kg Q2W + spartalizumab 400 mg Q4W) in pts with/without prior anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. In dose expansion, pts with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) resistant to prior anti-PD-(L)1 or pts with microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS-CRC) were treated at the recommended dose for expansion (RDE). Paired tumor biopsies were required from all pts. The primary objectives were to characterize safety and tolerability of the combination and determine the RDE. Results: By December 1, 2020, 60 pts were treated in the dose-escalation phase, mainly with NIS793 + spartalizumab (n = 49), and 60 pts were treated in dose expansion (MSS-CRC: n = 40; NSCLC: n = 20). Two pts were still receiving treatment. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and the RDE was established as 30 mg/kg (2100 mg) NIS793 + 300 mg spartalizumab Q3W. Overall 50% pts experienced ≥1 treatment-related AE (TRAE). The most common were rash (n = 15/120), pruritus (n = 10/120), fatigue (n = 9/120), and nausea (n = 8/120). Grade 3/4 TRAEs occurred in 11% pts, with rash (3%) being the most common. Treatment-related serious AEs were reported in 8 pts; 6 were grade 3/4 in severity. No deaths occurred due to AEs; 3 (2.5%) pts discontinued due to AEs. PK for NIS793 was linearly dose proportional with no obvious correlation between exposure and response. Two pts achieved a partial response (PR; one confirmed in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and one unconfirmed in NSCLC) during dose escalation of the combination. Two confirmed PRs were achieved in the MSS-CRC dose-expansion group. Biomarker data showed evidence of target engagement through increased TGF-β/NIS793 complexes and depleted active TGF-β in peripheral blood. Gene expression and protein analyses in tumor biopsies displayed decreased TGF-β target genes, decreased TGF-β signatures and increased immune signatures suggesting modulation of the TGF-β pathway and preliminary evidence of biological activity. Conclusions: Data showing target engagement and TGF-β pathway inhibition supported the proof of mechanism of NIS793. The RDE of the combination was established and well tolerated in pts with advanced solid tumors. Clinical trial information: NCT02947165.