Pheast Therapeutics has treated the first subject in a multi-centre Phase I trial for the anti-cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24) macrophage checkpoint blocker PHST001, aimed at treating advanced solid tumours.
This open-label trial is set to enrol up to 80 subjects who have advanced relapsed and/or refractory solid tumours.
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Its main objectives are to evaluate the tolerability and safety of the therapy and to establish the recommended Phase II dose.
Secondary endpoints will focus on evaluating pharmacokinetics and early indications of anti-tumour activity.
The therapy has been engineered by the company as an antibody intended for inducing macrophages to phagocytose cancer cells, thereby creating an immune response.
PHST001’s target CD24 is stated to be a cell surface protein known for its role in tumour immune evasion.
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By GlobalDataIt is “highly expressed” in various cancers in humans such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and ovarian cancer.
The discovery of CD24 as a ‘novel’ macrophage checkpoint was a result of foundational work by the company’s principal founder, Dr Amira Barkal.
Pheast Therapeutics chief medical officer Raphaël Rousseau said: “PHST001 has demonstrated robust activity across tumour types and a favourable safety profile in preclinical studies.
“Furthermore, these data suggest that PHST001 may overcome tumour immune evasion through a differentiated approach to macrophage activation. We are pleased to have initiated this study as a first step in understanding the clinical potential of PHST001 to improve patient outcomes across multiple cancer types.”
Pheast is an immuno-oncology company originating from research at Stanford University, US.
It is spearheaded by scientific experts in the fields of cancer treatment and innate immunity and is supported by investors, including ARCH Venture Partners and Catalio Capital Management.
