InnoCare Pharma has obtained approval in China to commence a clinical trial of zurletrectinib (ICP-723) for the treatment of paediatric subjects aged two to 12 years old. 

A second-generation inhibitor of pan-tyrosine receptor kinase (TRK), Zurletrectinib is developed for the treatment of advanced or metastatic solid tumours that harbour NTRK fusion genes, such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer.

It is also intended for people who are unresponsive to the first generation of TRK inhibitors.

InnoCare co-founder, chairwoman and CEO Dr Jasmine said: “NTRK gene fusion is more common among paediatric patients. By now, our clinical study with zurletrectinib has covered NTRK fusion patients at all ages. 

“We will continue to accelerate the clinical trials of zurletrectinib [and are] looking forward to providing better treatment options for patients.”

The latest study comes after a trial of zurletrectinib in adolescent patients aged 12 to 18 years. This pan-TRK inhibitor was previously found to show favourable efficacy and safety in adults.

 The biopharmaceutical company focuses on the discovery, development, and marketing of therapies for cancer and autoimmune ailments that have unmet medical needs in China and across the world. 

The latest development comes after InnoCare dosed the first subject in a clinical trial of ICP-488 for use in China.

The study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of ICP-488 in moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients.