Palleon Pharmaceuticals Initiates GLIMMER-01 Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial, Administering E-602 in Combination with Cemiplimab to First Patient
Friday, June 23, 2023
Palleon Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage company specializing in glyco-immunology drug development for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, has announced the initiation of the combination therapy cohort of the Phase 1/2 clinical trial for its lead candidate, E-602. The trial, named GLIMMER-01 (Glycan-Mediated Immune Regulation), aims to investigate the efficacy of E-602 as a monotherapy and in combination with cemiplimab (anti-PD-1) in patients with advanced cancers.
According to Dr. Jim Broderick, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Palleon, E-602 represents a novel approach to oncology that has potential benefits as both a standalone treatment and in combination with other anti-cancer drugs. The collaboration with Regeneron to evaluate E-602 alongside cemiplimab is seen as a significant step in advancing the field of oncology and improving patient outcomes by targeting sialoglycans.
E-602, developed by Palleon, is a pioneering glyco-immune checkpoint inhibitor designed to enzymatically degrade immunosuppressive cell-surface sugars present on tumors and immune cells. The GLIMMER-01 trial is an open-label, single-arm study that will assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of E-602 through dose-escalation and dose-expansion stages. Under a clinical supply agreement, Regeneron will provide cemiplimab for use in the trial.
Earlier this year, Palleon announced Phase 1 results from the GLIMMER-01 trial, focusing on E-602 as a monotherapy. The study demonstrated the proof of concept for E-602, including dose-dependent desialylation (the removal of sialic acids) and immune system activation. Moreover, E-602 was well-tolerated across all evaluated doses, with no dose-limiting toxicities observed.
Overall, Palleon's ongoing clinical trial of E-602 and its collaboration with Regeneron hold promise for advancing the understanding and treatment of cancer by targeting sialoglycans and utilizing combination therapies to enhance the immune response against tumors.
