Alligator Bioscience announces strong interim results from the ongoing OPTIMIZE-1 Phase 2 trial of the company's lead asset mitazalimab in 1st line metastatic pancreatic cancer. This open-label, multi-center study is assessing the safety and efficacy of mitazalimab (CD40 mAb) in combination with chemotherapy, mFOLFIRINOX, in previously untreated patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Within this pre-planned interim analysis for futility, data were assessed by the participating investigators and independent experts for the probability of a positive study at primary completion.

The interim results demonstrate an objective response rate (ORR) of 52% in 23 evaluable patients, as per the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1). Disease control rate, the proportion of patients with objective response or stabilization of disease, was more than 90%. These data are noteworthy, especially in the light of an ORR of 31.6%[1] reported with FOLFIRINOX in a similar patient population.

Safety data confirm results from the Phase 1b dose escalation phase of the trial, which showed that mitazalimab in combination with mFOLFIRINOX was safe and well tolerated at the recommended dose of 900 µg/kg. Based on these positive results, Alligator plans to initiate discussions with regulators in the US and Europe on potential accelerated development and approval pathway for mitazalimab in pancreatic cancer, while continuing patient enrolment in this ongoing trial. Top-line data from this trial are expected in First Quarter 2024.