Thursday, May 02, 2024
Galecto, Inc. (NASDAQ: GLTO), a biotech company specializing in pioneering cancer and fibrosis treatments, has reached a significant milestone in its clinical journey. They've initiated an investigator-led Phase 2 trial at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute (EACRI), part of the Providence Cancer Institute in Portland, Oregon, USA. Led by Dr. Brendan Curti and Dr. William Redmond, the trial will evaluate GB1211, Galecto’s oral galectin-3 inhibitor, in combination with pembrolizumab for treating metastatic malignant melanoma (MM) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Supported by a grant from the National Cancer Institute, Galecto is supplying GB1211 for the trial.
The trial stems from galectin-3's overexpression in various cancers, including melanoma and HNSCC, which correlates with tumor progression and resistance to treatments like pembrolizumab and atezolizumab. GB1211 aims to mitigate these resistance mechanisms by inhibiting galectin-3.
Building upon promising Phase 1b/2a trial results, Galecto aims to explore GB1211's potential in combination with pembrolizumab further. Dr. Curti emphasizes the strength of Providence Cancer Institute's research approach, citing insights from Dr. Redmond’s lab as crucial for this trial.
Dr. Redmond highlights their research into galectin-3's role in tumor immune suppression, expressing enthusiasm for countering ICI resistance with GB1211 and pembrolizumab.
Galecto's CEO, Dr. Hans Schambye, lauds the trial's initiation at Providence Cancer Institute, recognizing Dr. Redmond's expertise and anticipating synergistic benefits from combining GB1211 with pembrolizumab.
The Phase 2 trial, a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled endeavor, aims to evaluate GB1211's impact on pembrolizumab's response rate in metastatic melanoma and HNSCC patients. With a focus on assessing both safety and efficacy, the trial will also gather biospecimens to delve into immunological markers relevant to galectin biology and T-cell checkpoint inhibition, with early data anticipated as soon as 2025.
GB1211's mechanism, designed to counteract galectin-3's adverse effects, has shown promise in preclinical models and Phase 1 trials, positioning it as a potential game-changer in cancer therapy. Through collaborative efforts like this trial, Galecto aims to advance innovative treatments and improve patient outcomes in cancer and fibrosis.
Source: ir.galecto.com
