Scandion Oncology (Scandion), a biotech company developing first-in-class medicines bio-modulating ABCG2 and UGT1A1 to treat cancers resistant to current treatment options, today announced the second confirmed partial response in the last cohort in the ongoing Part 3 of the CORIST Phase IIa colorectal cancer trial with Scandion’s lead compound SCO-101. This further supports the concept of combining SCO-101 with chemotherapy.
In the last trial cohort, two of the six total patients have had a partial response, i.e. tumor reduction of more than 30%, which is considered an important measurement of the effect of cancer treatments. This cohort utilized a four-day dosing schedule.
“It's fantastic that we observed an impressive tumor shrinkage in two of six patients in this cohort. This further strengthens our belief in the program and the potential of SCO-101 as a combination treatment of mCRC, a disease which is today characterized by high mortality rates and massive problems due to drug resistance. Together with the recently announced positive topline, we are convinced that our strategy to further clinical development is crucial for SCO-101 to reach its potential as a key tool to increase the efficacy of chemotherapy,” said Francois Martelet, CEO of Scandion Oncology.
The CORIST Part 3 trial evaluates Scandion’s lead compound SCO-101 as a combination treatment with FOLFIRI chemotherapy in 25 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and previously demonstrated resistance to FOLFIRI. The trial included 25 patients in 4 cohorts of which 21 patients were evaluable in 2 different schedules. The patients were heavily pretreated and no other active treatment options were available. Part 3 of the trial is designed to provide an optimized dose and schedule for SCO-101 and chemotherapy to ensure maximum effect in patients with mCRC.
In January 2024, positive topline from the CORIST Part 3 trial was reported confirming the treatment is safe and well-tolerated with encouraging signs of efficacy. Confirmed partial response was observed in one patient in the last cohort of the second schedule. Median Progression Free Survival (PFS) was 4.6 months in Part 3, superior to the PFS reported in CORIST part 2, and Clinical Benefit Rate (CBR) was 76% after eight weeks of treatment, a significant increase from the 46% CBR from CORIST Part 2.
Based on the positive outcome of part 3 we will design next steps of the study in one or more smaller patient cohorts to further optimize the dose of irinotecan in combination with SCO-101.
For further information please contact:
Johnny Stilou, CFO
Phone: +45 2960 3532
E-mail: jos@scandiononcology.com
This information is information that Scandion Oncology A/S is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above on March 07, 2024, at 07.00 CET.
Scandion Oncology (Scandion), the Cancer Drug Resistance Company, discovers and develops first-in-class medicines aimed at treating cancer which is resistant to current treatment options. We are at the forefront of this field, developing novel medicines that address cancer’s resistance against treatment. Our aim is to make existing cancer treatments work better and longer, thereby potentially prolonging and improving the life of patients who would otherwise have a high risk of dying from their cancer.
Globally, close to 10 million patients die every year from cancer and approximately 90 percent of all cancer related deaths are due to cancer drug resistance. Our medicines could be relevant in several different cancers. That makes both our medical and commercial potential significant.
Scandion is based in Copenhagen and its lead candidate, SCO-101, is currently being studied in clinical phase I and II trials. The company is listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Sweden (ticker: SCOL).
Västra Hamnen Corporate Finance is the Company's certified advisor on Nasdaq First North Growth Market.