The positive news from Sporos Bioventures reported in April was offset by the surprise announcement at the end of May that Ikena Oncology would be discontinuing their Phase 1 trial of IK-930, an oral TEAD inhibitor, that had previously reported positive results. This announcement was completely unexpected and took patients and clinicians involved with the trial by surprise. This study closure is devastating for patients in the trial who have seen good response to the drug. Exact details of the reason for the termination of the trial were not provided, but the Ikena press release suggested that financial difficulties were a significant component.
The EHE Foundation was able to meet with Ikena to impress upon them the urgency and importance of patients deriving benefits from IK-930 continuing to have access to the drug, and that Ikena be transparent about their plans and timeline. Denise Robinson, Executive Director and Director of Research at The EHE Foundation said:
“As advocates, the EHE Group believe the data collected in this study provides an unparalleled opportunity for learning and knowledge-sharing. On behalf of all epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) patients who took part in this study – for those remaining on treatment, and for those who are discontinued – the EHE Foundation will continue the dialogue with Ikena to ensure their experiences on this trial are used for the betterment of others.
The IK-930 Phase I clinical trial provided hope for patients as a potential treatment option, in some cases, the only option. This trial was the first hint of a future where TEAD inhibitors are a key component of the EHE treatment toolbox. While the development of IK-930 has suffered a setback, there is still a lot of hope and good science coming forward in TEAD inhibitors.”
Other TEAD Inhibitors in Early-Phase Clinical Trials
Three companies have introduced TEAD inhibitor trials including EHE patients. Please speak with your doctor if you are considering treatment for EHE and want to explore a clinical trial.
- NCT04857372: Novartis Pharmaceuticals – Phase 1 Study of IAG933 in Patients With Advanced Mesothelioma and Other Solid Tumors
- NCT04665206: VivaceTherapeutics, Inc – Phase I Study to Evaluate VT3989 in Patients With Metastatic Solid Tumors Enriched for Tumors With NF2 or mNF2 Gene Mutations
- NCT06251310: SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. – Phase I Study of SW-682 in Advanced Solid Tumors