Summit Therapeutics Inc. (SMMT): KOL frames a positive setup for global ivo Phase 3 lung cancer data in 2H

Research evidence excerpt

Summit Therapeutics Inc. (SMMT): KOL frames a positive setup for global ivo Phase 3 lung cancer data in 2H

Goldman Sachs Summit Therapeutics Inc. (SMMT)

squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at the American Society of Clinical

Oncology (ASCO) conference. The KOL characterized the HARMONi-6 OS results as

strong, albeit largely in-line with his expectations given the strength of prior

HARMONi-6 PFS data, and expressed surprise at the muted public reaction,

attributed in part to the discussant’s commentary and noting her involvement with

prior Keytruda studies in frontline NSCLC. Framing the magnitude of benefit seen

in HARMONi-6, the KOL noted that investigators generally aim for a PFS hazard

ratio (HR) of ~0.75 and an OS HR of ~0.8, thus he views the observed

HARMONi-6 PFS HR=0.60 and OS HR=0.66 as a home run. On safety, the KOL

noted the expected VEGF-related signals (some hypertension and proteinuria) but at

lower rates than those seen with Avastin (bevacizumab) – which he believes are

consistent with the purported ivo daisy-chaining mechanism which increases

tumor-concentration while limiting systemic exposure – with no impact on quality of

life and an overall favorable safety profile. Addressing the ASCO HARMONi-6

discussant commentary and debate regarding limited benefit in the age>65

subgroup, the KOL acknowledged that older patients are known to derive less

benefit across immunotherapy studies (potentially attributable to weaker immune

systems), albeit noted that because of ivo’s favorable toxicity profile, he would still

consider prescribing ivo to older NSCLC patients, contrasting with other agents such

as ADCs where efficacy benefit is often weighed against increased toxicity. The KOL