Innovent Biologics and RemeGen have entered a clinical trial collaboration to evaluate the combination therapies of TYVYT (sintilimab injection) along with antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) RC88 or RC108 for the treatment of advanced solid tumours in China.

As part of the deal, Innovent will supply TYVYT while RemeGen will carry out Phase I/IIa studies of the combination therapy.

The studies will assess the safety and anti-tumour activity of the combined therapy in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumours.

RC88 includes an MSLN antibody moiety and RC108 is a c-MET targeting antibody.

Preliminary results of both ADCs showed anti-tumour activity and a manageable safety profile.

Innovent Biologics senior vice-president Dr Hui Zhou said: “Preclinical studies have suggested the synergistic anti-tumour effects, which supports the investigation of combining ADCs with an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody to improve patient outcomes and overcome drug resistance.

“As immunotherapy advanced into the next era of development, we hope to strengthen the leading position of sintilimab as a backbone immunotherapy as well as investigate the new opportunities of combination therapies, and provide better treatment options for more cancer patients.”

Co-developed by Innovent along with Eli Lilly and Company, sintilimab has been approved for seven indications in China, including hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, oesophagal squamous cell carcinoma, and non-squamous and squamous NSCLC.

RemeGen senior vice-president Na Su said: “Collaborating with Innovent is an important advancement in the research and commercialisation strategy for the combination therapy of RC88 and RC108.  

“The combination of RC88 and RC108 with sintilimab provides an innovative treatment approach that targets two different targets simultaneously.”