Lilly reports positive Phase 1 results for ovarian cancer drug

Published 02/06/2025, 13:28
© Reuters

INDIANAPOLIS - Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), a pharmaceutical giant with a market capitalization of $662 billion and impressive revenue growth of 36% in the past year, today shared new Phase 1 findings on its investigational drug LY4170156, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), showing a favorable safety profile and anti-tumor activity in women with advanced ovarian cancer. The data, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, indicated a preliminary overall objective response rate (ORR) of 55% at the suggested Phase 2 dose for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

The trial included 95 participants with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, who had undergone a median of five prior systemic treatments. The study assessed the drug’s safety, pharmacokinetics, and anti-tumor activity. Notably, the ORR was 45% among the 58 patients who were evaluated for efficacy, with a disease control rate of 74%. Patients previously treated with mirvetuximab soravtansine also showed responses. According to InvestingPro, Eli Lilly maintains strong financial health with an industry-leading gross profit margin of 81.7%, supporting its robust R&D initiatives. InvestingPro subscribers can access 12+ additional key metrics and insights about Lilly’s financial performance.

Common adverse events across all doses included nausea, anemia, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and neutropenia. Importantly, treatment-emergent neuropathy and ocular toxicity were not observed, and no maximum tolerated dose has been established.

Dr. David Hyman, Chief Medical Officer at Lilly, expressed optimism about the potential of LY4170156 to benefit a broader range of ovarian cancer patients. He announced plans to advance the drug into Phase 3 clinical trials.

LY4170156 targets the folate receptor alpha (FRα), a protein often overexpressed in solid tumors, including ovarian cancer. The drug is designed to deliver a potent topoisomerase I inhibitor to cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy cells.

Lilly, a global pharmaceutical company, focuses on transforming challenging diseases into manageable conditions. This latest advancement in their oncology pipeline underscores their commitment to addressing significant health challenges.

The information presented is based on a press release statement from Eli Lilly and Company.

In other recent news, Eli Lilly announced its acquisition of SiteOne Therapeutics, a biotechnology company specializing in non-opioid pain treatments, in a deal valued at up to $1 billion. This strategic move aims to enhance Eli Lilly’s portfolio in pain management, particularly with SiteOne’s Phase 2 ready Nav 1.8 inhibitor, STC-004. Meanwhile, Australia has approved Eli Lilly’s Kisunla for treating mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, marking it as the first amyloid-targeting therapy registered in the country. The approval is based on significant results from the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 Phase 3 study, which showed a reduction in cognitive and functional decline.

Additionally, UBS has maintained its Buy rating on Eli Lilly, setting a price target of $1,050, while BMO Capital reiterated an Outperform rating with a $900 target, reflecting confidence in the company’s strategic acquisitions and market positioning. Morgan Stanley also reaffirmed an Overweight rating with a price target of $1,133, following a new agreement with Cigna/Evernorth to cap patient copays for Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. This agreement ensures open access for Zepbound and Wegovy into 2026, aligning with Eli Lilly’s pricing expectations. These developments highlight Eli Lilly’s strategic initiatives and ongoing expansion in various therapeutic areas.

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