Despite the advancement of AI and machine learning technologies and their incorporation into cancer treatment and drug development, a lack of trust and understanding of these new approaches is impeding care and treatment.
For the second time in as many months, the lack of statistically significant overall survival data sent shares of Summit Therapeutics Inc. sliding, despite otherwise positive findings for PD-1/VEGF bispecific candidate ivonescimab in non-small-cell lung cancer. But analysts noted the stock reaction overlooks the consistency of the efficacy data to date, as well as the fact that the phase III Harmoni study marks the first pivotal trial testing ivonescimab in a global population.
Facing erosion of its mighty Eylea (aflibercept) franchise and near-term loss of exclusivity with Dupixent (dupilumab), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. took a blow as one of two phase III trials with IL-33-blocking monoclonal antibody itepekimab failed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Tarrytown, N.Y.-based firm’s shares (NASDAQ:REGN) closed May 30 at $490.28, down $115.11, or 19%. Partner Sanofi SA, of Paris, saw its stock (NASDAQ:SNY) dip somewhat, too, and ended at $49.37, down $2.98. Cantor analyst Carter Gould opined that the latest news “all but [ruled] out a path forward short of a new study” with the compound.