Post-hoc efficacy and biomarker analysis of elraglusib plus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel versus chemotherapy alone in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
4213 Background: Elraglusib (9-ING-41), a glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibitor, has multimodal antitumor activity. In the international, open-label, randomized phase 2 1801 Part 3B study, elraglusib plus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GnP) was evaluated in previously untreated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC), with patients randomized 2:1 to weekly elraglusib/GnP or GnP alone. Primary endpoints were median overall survival (mOS) and 1-year survival. The GnP control arm demonstrated shorter mOS than contemporary randomized trials (7.2 months vs 9.2 months in NAPOLI-3 and 9.7 months in PASS-01), driven by higher early mortality (0–2 months: 23.1% vs 10.1% in NAPOLI-3). Given balanced randomization, similar early mortality was inferred in the elraglusib/GnP arm, prompting post-hoc analyses to contextualize efficacy and identify factors associated with early death. Methods: Efficacy and safety were summarized descriptively. Time-to-event endpoints were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier estimates, log-rank testing, and Cox proportional hazards models. Response rates were compared using the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test. Post-hoc subgroup, sensitivity, and machine-learning–based multivariate analyses explored clinical, demographic, and biomarker correlates of survival and early mortality. Results: In the full randomized population (elraglusib/GnP n=155; GnP n=78), elraglusib/GnP improved mOS by 2.9 months versus GnP (10.1 vs 7.2 months; HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.46–0.84; p=0.01), with 1-year survival rates of 44.1% versus 22.3%. Among patients receiving ≥1 full treatment cycle, mOS was 12.5 months with elraglusib/GnP and 8.5 months with GnP, comparable to contemporary registrational trials. Across multiple post-hoc sensitivity analyses—including evaluable patients, those matched to NAPOLI-3 baseline tumor burden, patients treated in the EU (early mortality 4%), and those achieving ≥20% CA19-9 decline within the first 1–2 cycles—elraglusib/GnP consistently demonstrated a ≥4-month OS advantage. Early death was associated with low baseline albumin (<3 g/dL), high CA19-9 (>800 U/mL), high tumor burden, and KRAS, TP53, and CDKN2A co-mutations. Conclusions: The elevated early mortality in the GnP control arm reflects enrollment of a heterogeneous, real-world mPDAC population with less restrictive eligibility than recent registrational trials. Post-hoc analyses identify key clinical and molecular drivers of early death and confirm a consistent survival benefit with elraglusib/GnP. These hypothesis-generating findings directly inform eligibility criteria, stratification, and endpoint assumptions for the planned phase 3 trial. Clinical trial information: NCT03678883 .
Mutational analysis and identification of potential biomarkers in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with the combination of the GSK-3 inhibitor elraglusib and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in the 1801 Part 3B phase 2 study.
761 Background: Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is a known therapeutic target in cancer including pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The combination of elraglusib (9-ING-41), a novel GSK-3 inhibitor, and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GnP) is being evaluated as first-line therapy for patients with metastatic PDAC (mPDAC). We previously reported topline results indicating that the 1801 Part 3B phase 2 trial (NCT03678883) met its primary endpoint, showing a clinically meaningful survival benefit in patients treated with elraglusib/GnP compared to GnP alone. Here, we examined whether gene mutations correlated with clinical outcomes in mPDAC patients enrolled in this randomized phase 2 trial. Methods: For mutational analysis, archival tumor and/or plasma samples were obtained from 53 (GnP group) and 117 (elraglusib/GnP group) patients with previously untreated mPDAC. Cell-free DNA and/or tumor-extracted DNA were analyzed using the next generation sequencing. The comparison of the response rates was performed with the use of Chi-square tests. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared by log-rank (Mantel-Cox) tests. Results: Mutational analysis identified frequently mutated genes (detectable in ≥25% of patients): KRAS (141/170, 83%), TP53 (121/170, 71%), and CDKN2A (56/170, 33%). Mutations in KRAS, TP53, or CDKN2A genes did not correlate with objective response rate. Based on 81% of the recorded death events in the elraglusib/GnP group and 91% in the GnP group (topline data April, 2025), KRAS and TP53 gene mutations were associated with worse overall survival (OS) in patients treated with elraglusib/GnP (p<0.05) but not in GnP-treated patients. The rate of triple (KRAS+TP53+CDKN2A) mutations was significantly higher in the patients with OS<2 months as compared to the patients with OS>2 months in the elraglusib/GnP group (p<0.05) but not in the GnP group. Conclusions: Our preliminary results identified KRAS and TP53 gene mutations as potential predictive biomarkers of clinical outcome in elraglusib/GnP-treated mPDAC patients. Updated OS data and mutational analysis will be included in the final presentation. Clinical trial information: NCT03678883 .
Results from the randomized phase 2 study (1801 Part 3B) of elraglusib plus gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GnP) versus GnP in previously untreated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC).
653 Background: Elraglusib (9-ING-41), a novel small molecule inhibitor of GSK-3ß, has a multimodal mechanism of action that enhances chemotherapy cytotoxicity and regulates anti-tumor immune cell response. Elraglusib was evaluated in a randomized, open-label, phase 2 study (NCT03678883) comparing elraglusib/GnP vs GnP in previously untreated mPDAC. Methods: Pts were randomized 2:1 to GnP plus elraglusib 9.3 mg/kg IV once weekly or GnP. Primary endpoint was mOS, with 1-yr OS rate estimates summarizing clinical benefit throughout the study. Secondary endpoints were ORR, mPFS, and TEAEs/TRAEs. Pre-dose cytokines, mutational analysis, and immunophenotyping were correlated with outcomes. An oral presentation at ASCO 2025 discussed preliminary data. Results: As of 27 April 2025, the primary analysis set included 155 pts in the elraglusib/GnP arm and 78 pts in the GnP arm, with 52.8% males and 57.5% ECOG PS 1. The 1-yr OS rate was 44.1% with elraglusib/GnP vs 22.3% with GnP; the mOS was 10.1 mo with elraglusib/GnP vs 7.2 mo with GnP (HR, 0.62; p=0.01) with approximately 79% events recorded (25.8% of pts on elraglusib/GnP and 10.3% on GnP were censored with the majority at >12 mo OS). Improved OS with elraglusib/GnP was consistent across all randomized pts and subgroups regardless of liver metastases, ECOG status, or baseline CA 19-9 levels. Most common TRAE with elraglusib/GnP was grade 1-2 transient visual impairment (66.5% pts vs 0 with GnP). Most common grade ≥3 TEAEs with elraglusib/GnP (vs GnP) were neutropenia 52.3% (vs 30.8%) and anemia 25.2% (vs 29.5%). No differences in sepsis/febrile neutropenia rates were between arms. RAS , TP53 and CDKN2A co-mutations were associated with worse OS in the elraglusib/GnP arm only (p<0.05). Elevation in pre-dose cytokines including CXCL2 correlated with improved OS in the elraglusib/GnP arm. Additionally, increased CD8+ T cells, granzyme B, and NK cells and reduced MDSCs were observed in elraglusib-treated tumors. Conclusions: A significant benefit for 1-yr OS and mOS and a favorable trend for ORR were observed with the addition of elraglusib to GnP. The mOS was lower in the GnP arm vs historical studies, likely due to early deaths in the first 2 months, but aligns with mOS estimates in the real-world analysis with broad heterogeneous population. Our study included 19.7% pts with albumin <3.0 g/dL and >25% with CA 19.9 levels > 8,000 U/mL. Immune correlates support elraglusib’s immune-modulatory role. Final efficacy data cut-off in Dec 2025 and correlative studies will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT03678883 . Outcome Elraglusib/GnPN=155 GnPN=78 Primary endpoint: mOS (mo)HR=0.62; log-rank p=0.01 10.1 7.2 Events, n (%) 115 (74.2) 70 (89.7) Primary endpoint: 1-yr OS (%) 44.1 22.3 18-month OS (%) 20.5 4.4 24-month OS (%) 13.2 0 mPFS (mo)HR=0.9; p=NS 5.6 5.1 Events, n (%) 136 (87.7) 75 (96.2) ORR, n (%) 44 (28.4) 17 (21.8)
Preliminary results from the randomized phase 2 study (1801 part 3B) of elraglusib in combination with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GnP) versus GnP alone in patients (pts) with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC).
4006 Background: Elraglusib (9-ING-41) is a first-in-class inhibitor of GSK-3ß, which may mediate drug resistance, EMT, and damaged DNA and tumor immune response in advanced cancer. In pancreatic cancer models in mice, elraglusib combined with chemotherapy enhanced anti-tumor effects and survival. In a single-arm clinical study, elraglusib/GnP showed antitumor activity and prolonged survival in pts with mPDAC. Methods: Pts with previously untreated mPDAC were randomized 2:1 to GnP plus elraglusib 9.3 mg/kg IV once weekly or GnP in an open-label phase 2 study. The primary endpoint was 1-yr OS in the primary analysis set. Upon study completion, mOS will be the primary endpoint once survival distributions are compared after the 12-month follow-up using log-rank analysis. Secondary endpoints included DCR, ORR, mPFS, and TEAEs/TRAEs. The planned sample size was 207 evaluable pts (130 for elraglusib/GnP and 77 for GnP), assuming 1-yr OS of 55% with elraglusib/GnP and 35% with GnP to achieve 80% power with a chi-square test at a 2-sided 5% α. For OS, nonparametric log-rank test was used with statistical significance at p-value < 0.048. Cytokine/chemokine correlative biomarker assays were performed. The study completed enrollment in February 2024. Results: As of November 15, 2024 (preliminary data cut-off date), the primary analysis set included 155 pts in the elraglusib/GnP arm and 78 pts in the GnP arm, with 52.8% males and 57.5% ECOG PS 1. Median (range) CA 19-9 levels were 1568 U/mL (1 to 381,904 U/mL) in the elraglusib/GnP arm and 1590 U/mL (2 to 501,000 IU/mL) in the GnP arm. The 1-yr OS rate was 43.6% with elraglusib/GnP vs 22.5% with GnP (z-test p = 0.002); the mOS was 9.3 mo with elraglusib/GnP vs 7.2 mo with GnP (HR, 0.63; log rank p = 0.016; see Table). 38.1% of pts on elraglusib/GnP and 19.2% on GnP are censored, with the majority at > 10 months OS. Several biomarkers appear to be predictive for OS including IFNβ and PD-L1. The most common TRAE with elraglusib/GnP was grade 1-2 transient visual impairment in > 60% of patients (vs 9% with GnP). Grade ≥3 TEAEs occurred in 89.7% of pts on elraglusib/GnP and 80.8% on GnP. Most common grade ≥3 TEAEs with elraglusib/GnP (vs GnP) were neutropenia 51.6% (vs 29.5%), anemia 24.5% (vs 29.5%), and fatigue 16.1% (vs 5.1%). Conclusions: The preliminary results showed a statistically significant benefit for 1-yr OS and mOS and favorable trends for ORR and DCR with elraglusib/GnP over GnP, with manageable safety profile. The mOS for GnP is lower relative to MPACT and NAPOLI-3 but comparable to recent real-world meta-analyses, explained by advanced disease burden and higher mortality rate in the first 4 months in our study. Topline analysis (April 2025) and correlative biomarker analysis predictive for OS will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT03678883 . Preliminary efficacy results. Elraglusib/GnPn=155 GnPn=78 1-year OS, %z-test p=0.002 43.6 22.5 mOS, moHR=0.63; log-rank p=0.016 9.3 7.2 Events, n (%) 96 (61.9) 63 (80.8) mPFS, moHR=0.91; p=NS 5.6 4.9 Events, n (%) 128 (82.6) 70 (89.7) DCR, % 42.6 33.3 ORR, n (%) 43 (27.7) 16 (20.5)
A phase I monotherapy dose escalation study of HFB301001, a novel next generation OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody, in adult patients with advanced solid tumors.
2531 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 .
Phase I Study of Elraglusib (9-ING-41), a Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Inhibitor, as Monotherapy or Combined with Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced Malignancies
Abstract Purpose: The safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of elraglusib, a glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) small-molecule inhibitor, as monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy, in patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors or hematologic malignancies was studied. Patients and Methods: Elraglusib (intravenously twice weekly in 3-week cycles) monotherapy dose escalation was followed by dose escalation with eight chemotherapy regimens (gemcitabine, doxorubicin, lomustine, carboplatin, irinotecan, gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, paclitaxel/carboplatin, and pemetrexed/carboplatin) in patients previously exposed to the same chemotherapy. Results: Patients received monotherapy (n = 67) or combination therapy (n = 171) elraglusib doses 1 to 15 mg/kg twice weekly. The initial recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of elraglusib was 15 mg/kg twice weekly and was defined, without dose-limiting toxicity observation, due to fluid volumes necessary for drug administration. The RP2D was subsequently reduced to 9.3 mg/kg once weekly to reduce elraglusib-associated central/peripheral vascular access catheter blockages. Other common elraglusib-related adverse events (AE) included transient visual changes and fatigue. Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent AEs occurred in 55.2% and 71.3% of patients on monotherapy and combination therapy, respectively. Part 1 monotherapy (n = 62) and part 2 combination (n = 138) patients were evaluable for response. In part 1, a patient with melanoma had a complete response, and a patient with acute T-cell leukemia/lymphoma had a partial response (PR). In part 2, seven PRs were observed, and the median progression-free survival and overall survival were 2.1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2–2.6] and 6.9 (95% CI, 5.7–8.4) months, respectively. Conclusions: Elraglusib had a favorable toxicity profile as monotherapy and combined with chemotherapy and was associated with clinical benefit supporting further clinical evaluation in combination with chemotherapy.
CanStem303C trial: A phase III study of napabucasin (BBI-608) in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin, irinotecan (FOLFIRI) in adult patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
TPS3619 Background: Cancer stem cells are considered to be fundamentally important for resistance to therapy, recurrence and metastasis. Napabucasin is a first-in-class cancer stemness inhibitor in development identified by its ability to inhibit STAT3-driven gene transcription and spherogenesis of cancer stem cells (Li et al, PNAS 112(6):1839, 2015). Preclinically, napabucasin sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapeutics, including 5-FU and irinotecan. Encouraging anticancer activity in advanced CRC was observed in a phase Ib/II (Bendell et al, GI ASCO 2017) study of 63 pts with disease control rate (DCR) of 93% (28/30) and overall response rate (ORR) of 33% (10/30) in FOLFIRI-naïve pts who have had an on-study RECIST evaluation. On the basis of these data, a phase III trial is being conducted in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Methods: This study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02753127) will assess the efficacy of napabucasin+FOLFIRI vs FOLFIRI in pts with mCRC (n = 1250). Addition of bevacizumab (bev) is permissible per investigator choice. Pts must have failed 1 prior line of therapy with oxaliplatin and a fluoropyrimidine +/- bev for metastatic disease. Pts are randomized 1:1 to receive napabucasin 240 mg PO BID plus FOLFIRI bi-weekly, or FOLFIRI bi-weekly (bev may be added to FOLFIRI by investigator choice) and stratified by geography, time to progression on 1st-line therapy, RAS mutation status, bev as part of study treatment and primary tumor location. Treatment will continue until disease progression, or another discontinuation criterion. Primary endpoint is overall survival (OS) in the general study population (ITT) (HR 0.80 for OS improvement from 12.54 to 15.68 months); secondary endpoints include OS in the biomarker positive (biomarker+) population, progression free survival (PFS) in the ITT population, PFS in biomarker+ population, ORR and DCR in the ITT and in biomarker+ populations, safety and quality of life. Also, blood and tumor archival tissue will be assessed for PK and biomarker analyses. Global enrollment is underway. Clinical trial information: NCT02753127.