NuCana Reveals Promising Findings for NUC-7738 in Melanoma Treatment

NuCana's Breakthrough Study at ESMO Congress

NuCana plc (NASDAQ: NCNA) has made headlines with the presentation of compelling data from its Phase 2 NuTide:701 study, focusing on NUC-7738 in combination with pembrolizumab. This groundbreaking study, revealed at the ESMO Congress, specifically targets patients suffering from metastatic melanoma who have shown resistance or refractoriness to prior PD-1 inhibitor therapies.

Impressive Patient Outcomes

In the study cohort of 12 patients, many of whom had undergone two or more previous lines of PD-1 inhibitor treatments, an encouraging 75%—equating to nine patients—achieved disease control. This included two individuals who realized Partial Responses. Notably, one patient, who had endured two prior lines of therapy and had seen progressive disease within two months following the latest treatment with ipilimumab plus nivolumab, experienced a reduction of tumor volume by an impressive 55%. Furthermore, the study noted that seven of the 12 patients enjoyed progression-free survival exceeding five months, a positive outcome that diverges from typical prognosis in this challenging patient demographic.

NUC-7738's Unique Mechanism of Action

NUC-7738 demonstrates the potential to re-sensitize PD-1 resistant tumors to further PD-1 inhibitor therapy. This capability is thought to be attributed to its unique action of targeting various components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), effectively disrupting RNA polyadenylation and leading to significant changes in gene expression in cancer cells. Insights gained from tumor biopsies taken before and following treatment with NUC-7738 revealed notable increases in genes that are essential for antigen presentation and T-cell activation, further reinforcing the treatment's effectiveness.

Leadership Insights from NuCana

Hugh S. Griffith, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NuCana, expressed, “We are thrilled to present these findings regarding the synergistic effects of NUC-7738 and pembrolizumab in PD-1 inhibitor refractory melanoma patients. Current treatment options yield grim outcomes, with a median progression-free survival of only 2-3 months. Thus, we are heartened by the fact that a significant number of our patients achieved progression-free survival extending beyond five months.”

Broader Implications for Cancer Treatment

Griffith further elaborated, “The translational data generated from this study aligns with earlier non-clinical research and strengthens our belief that NUC-7738 effectively renders previously resistant tumors more receptive to PD-1 inhibitors by addressing various elements of the tumor microenvironment. Our data concerning NUC-7738 across different tumor types indicates that its effects may extend beyond melanoma. We are keen to communicate more about our strategic development plans for NUC-7738 soon.”

About NuCana and Its Innovative Technology

NuCana is on a mission to significantly enhance treatment results for cancer patients through its cutting-edge ProTide technology. This innovative approach aims to modify some of the most commonly prescribed chemotherapy agents, especially nucleoside analogs, transforming them into more effective and safer therapeutic options. Although traditional therapies often form the backbone of cancer treatment, they can present significant limitations. Leveraging its proprietary technology, NuCana is determined to create new medications, referred to as ProTides, designed to address the shortfalls of traditional nucleoside analogs while ensuring higher concentrations of anti-cancer metabolites are delivered effectively to cancer cells.

NuCana's Promising Pipeline

NuCana’s development pipeline is promising, with two main candidates: NUC-3373 and NUC-7738. NUC-3373, synthesized from the widely used chemotherapy agent 5-fluorouracil, is currently advancing through several clinical trials. These include the NuTide:302 Phase 1b/2 study which examines its effectiveness in combination with leucovorin, irinotecan or oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer, as well as the NuTide:303 study that explores its use with pembrolizumab for various advanced solid tumors. On the other hand, NUC-7738 aims to leverage its unique anti-cancer properties, with current evaluations assessing its effectiveness as both single-agent therapy and in tandem with pembrolizumab in melanoma patients in a Phase 2 segment of the ongoing Phase 1/2 NuTide:701 study.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NUC-7738?

NUC-7738 is an anti-cancer agent developed by NuCana designed to disrupt RNA polyadenylation and alter gene expression in cancer cells, promising re-sensitivity of treatment-resistant tumors.

What are the study's key findings?

The study revealed that 75% of patients achieved disease control, with 55% tumor volume reduction in one patient and progression-free survival exceeding five months in several individuals.

Who is NuCana?

NuCana is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on enhancing cancer treatment outcomes through innovative therapies that transform traditional chemotherapy agents into more effective treatments.

What other therapies are being researched by NuCana?

NuCana is also investigating NUC-3373, a novel therapy derived from 5-fluorouracil, in various clinical trials for treating a range of cancers, including colorectal and lung cancer.

What is the significance of the study's timing?

The presentation at the ESMO Congress highlights the urgency and importance of finding effective treatments for patients with resistant melanoma, showcasing the potential impact of NUC-7738 in clinical practice.

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