In a Phase I study, the novel monoclonal antibody linavonkibart, also known as SRK-181, demonstrated the potential to overcome treatment resistance to anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors in multiple cancer types. The trial was led by Timothy Yap, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., professor of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics and vice president and head of clinical development in MD Anderson’s Therapeutics Discovery division.
“This is a very exciting trial because we’ve been trying to effectively target this protein, called transforming growth factor-beta 1, for a long time,” Yap said. “We’ve known that it helps tumors evade the immune system and develop resistance to immunotherapies but, until now, attempts to target it have failed. This is potentially a significant step in helping patients overcome resistance and benefit further from immunotherapies.”