Genentech Says Experimental Cancer Combo is Safe

Genentech this week unveiled promising results from a Phase I study suggesting it is possible to safely combine two cancer drug candidates, its MEK inhibitor GDC0973 and its PI3K inhibitor GDC0941. In addition to a relatively clean safety profile, there were also early signs that the combination is combating cancer.

Genentech is one of several companies running a trial to test the safety of combining inhibitors of the lipid kinase PI3K, part of the PI3K/AKT/mTor pathway, and drugs blocking the protein kinase MEK, part of the KRas/MAP signalling pathway. As we discuss in our upcoming April 11th cover story on PI3K inhibitors, the rationale for knocking down both pathways  is compelling: both are considered to be crucial in cancer cells’ survival, and blocking only one pathway has more often than not proven ineffective.

As Robert Abraham, CSO of Pfizer’s oncology research unit, explains in Monday’s story:

“KRas mutations are associated with many of the deadliest cancers,” including colorectal and pancreatic, Pfizer’s Abraham says. Yet they are incredibly resistant to conventional chemotherapy, and based on preclinical studies of the mutations, are expected to be resistant to the new batch of mTor/PI3K inhibitors as well, he adds. The working hypothesis is that knocking out two of the major drivers of cancer—the KRas and PI3K pathways—could have a significant effect on the most recalcitrant tumors.

To date, there are at least six Phase I trials planned or ongoing that combine MEK inhibitors with compounds that block some aspect of the mTor/PI3K pathway. Merck and AstraZeneca made headlines in 2009 when they said they would partner to test Merck’s AKT inhibitor with AstraZeneca’s MEK inhibitor. Sanofi-Aventis has meanwhile teamed with Merck Serono to explore the potential of combining two of its PI3K inhibitors in combination with Merck Serono’s MEK inhibitor. GlaxoSmithKline has two of its own drugs in a combination trial, and its MEK inhibitor GSK1120212 is also being tested in combination with Novartis’ PI3K inhibitor BKM120. And while Pfizer has yet to initiate such a study, Abraham said the company is “keeping two eyes on that combination.”