During the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) meeting held from October 20 to 24, 2023, in Madrid, Spain, KeChow Pharma presented Phase I clinical study data on the combination of the MEK inhibitor Tunlametinib and the BRAF inhibitor Vemurafenib for BRAF V600-mutant solid tumors. The data were showcased in a poster presentation.

This open-label, multi-center, single-arm Phase I study enrolled 72 patients with BRAF V600-mutant solid tumors, including colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. All patients had advanced tumors and had either failed standard treatment, could not tolerate it, refused it, or had no standard treatment available as of November 4, 2022. The median follow-up period was 20 months. 

For non-small cell lung cancer, 33 patients were enrolled, achieving an objective response rate (ORR) of 60.6% and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 11.7 months as confirmed by investigators. The recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) is Tunlametinib at 9 mg combined with Vemurafenib at 720 mg. In colorectal cancer, 24 patients were enrolled, with an ORR of 25.0% and a median PFS of 6.2 months. Overall, the treatment was well-tolerated and manageable.

About KeChow Pharma

KeChow Pharma is dedicated to developing innovative treatments for tumors, free radical-related diseases, and other therapeutic areas. Its pipeline includes MEK inhibitor, chemoprotective agents, KRASG12C inhibitor, pan-RAF inhibitor, and multiple other tumor-targeted inhibitors. Notably, its MEK inhibitor, Tunlametinib (HL-085), has submitted a new drug application in China and is included in the CSCO guidelines. Another novel drug, a chemoprotective agent, demonstrates superior efficacy and safety compared to current clinical counterparts. All research efforts aim to address unmet clinical needs globally and within China by developing original small molecule drugs with “best-in-class” potential, bridging domestic gaps and fulfilling scientific aspirations to enhance quality of life.