Safety, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic results from dose escalation of SAR439459, a TGFβ inhibitor, as monotherapy or in combination with cemiplimab in a phase 1/1b study.
Authors: Williamson Stephen K. , Hodi F. Stephen , Johnson Melissa Lynne , Barve Minal A. , Juric Dejan , Baranda Joaquina Celebre , Schneider Reva Elaine , Bauer Todd Michael , Lin Tun Tun , Wang Rui , Amrate Amele , Guillemin-Paveau Helene , Sullivan Ryan J. 
Published: June 2021

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Background: SAR439459 is a human anti-TGFβ monoclonal antibody that neutralizes all isoforms of TGFβ. In preclinical models, combining SAR439459 with an anti-PD-1 showed improved anti-tumor activity compared to single agent. Here we report preliminary results of SAR439459 ± cemiplimab in a first in human study. Methods: This is an open-label study (dose escalation and expansion) of SAR439459 ± cemiplimab administered intravenously in adult patients with advanced solid tumors to determine safety and tolerability, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or maximum administered dose (MAD) of SAR439459 ± cemiplimab, pharmacokinetics (PK); pharmacodynamic (PD) and preliminary clinical benefit. In Part 1A, SAR439459 (0.05-15 mg/kg) was administered as monotherapy Q2W in an adaptive Bayesian design with overdose control. In Part 1B, SAR439459 doses cleared from monotherapy were administered in combination with fixed dose of cemiplimab (3 mg/kg Q2W or 350 mg Q3W) in a 3+3 design. Results: As of 31 January 2020, 28 (1A) and 24 (1B) patients with ECOG performance status of 0-1 with a median age of 60.5 and 63 years respectively were enrolled. In Part 1A, 25 patients (89.3%) had at least one treatment emergent adverse event (TEAE) and 15 (53.5%) experienced grade (G)≥ 3 events. In Part 1B, 22 patients (91.7%) had at least one TEAE and 14 (58.3%) experienced G ≥ 3 events. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were evaluable in 24 and 21 patients respectively. In 1A, 2 DLTs were reported in 2 of 8 evaluable patients in dose level (DL) 4: G5 brain stem hemorrhage in a patient on concomitant low molecular weight heparin treatment and G3 myocardial infarction in a patient with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hypertension. In 1B, 1 of 6 evaluable patients in DL5 had DLTs (G3 ALT and AST increase). MTD was not reached in either part. Ten patients had best overall response of stable disease: 6 in 1A and 4 in 1B. The PK of SAR439459 was dose proportional over the dose range tested with no evidence of cemiplimab effect on SAR439459 PK, when given in combination. Treatment with SAR439459 ± cemiplimab led to rapid reduction in total plasma TGFβ level in all dose levels tested and induced CD8 & NK cells expansion and Th1 cytokines production, suggesting peripheral T cell activation. Preliminary results from paired tumor biopsies collected from patients treated with SAR439459 ± cemiplimab in expansion showed trend of TGFβ signaling pathway inhibition and conversion from excluded to inflamed tumor-immune phenotype. Conclusions: SAR439459 ± cemiplimab showed an acceptable tolerability profile overall. MTD was not reached. Peripheral and tumor target engagement and modulation of key immune cells was observed in treated patients. Dose expansion cohorts are currently enrolling selected solid tumor patients. Funding: Sanofi. Clinical trial information: NCT03192345.