Aduro BioTech, Inc.’s ADRO share price has been increasing since the company announced a clinical study agreement with Incyte Corporation INCY. Aduro’s shares rose 0.5% immediately after the announcement and gained another 4.1% in the next trading session. Overall, shares are up 4.6% since the announcement was made.
Under the collaboration, Aduro’s CRS-207 will be evaluated in combination with Incyte's oral IDO1 inhibitor, epacadostat (INCB24360) in patients with ovarian cancer. The companies will evaluate the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of the combination.
Both companies will fund the phase I/I study equally, while Aduro will be responsible for conducting it. Results from the study will be used to decide whether further clinical development of this combination is warranted.
The phase I/II study will enroll patients with platinum-resistant ovarian, fallopian or peritoneal cancers. Patient enrolment is expected to begin in early 2016. In the first part of the study, two dose levels of epacadostat will be evaluated in combination with CRS-207. The phase II part of the study will evaluate the combination at the optimal dose level compared to CRS-207 alone based on safety and tumor biomarkers.
Meanwhile, we note that Aduro is also evaluating CRS-207 for other cancer treatments such as mesothelioma and pancreatic, non-small cell lung, ovarian and gastric cancers.
CRS-207 has orphan drug status in the U.S. for the treatment of mesothelioma and in combination with GVAX Pancreas for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The FDA also granted a Breakthrough Therapy designation to CRS-207 in combination with GVAX Pancreas for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer.
This combination is in a phase II study for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer, with results expected in the first half of 2016.
We note that Aduro has been pursuing agreements to develop its pipeline. Earlier in the year, the company inked a collaboration agreement with Novartis AG NVS for the worldwide research, development and commercialization of novel immuno-oncology products derived from its cyclic dinucleotide (CDN) approach to target the STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) receptor.
Aduro carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Gilead Sciences Inc. GILD is a better-ranked stock in the health care sector with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
GILEAD SCIENCES (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report
INCYTE CORP (INCY): Free Stock Analysis Report
NOVARTIS AG-ADR (NVS): Free Stock Analysis Report
ADURO BIOTECH (ADRO): Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment Research