GenFleet Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on cutting-edge therapies in oncology and immunology, announced China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved the clinical trial application for GFH375 (VS-7375) in an open-label, multi-center phase I/II study targeting advanced solid tumor patients with KRAS G12D mutation. G12D mutation is the most prevalent KRAS mutation detected in human cancers, and no G12D-targeted therapies have been approved yet.
GFH375 is a highly potent and selective KRAS G12D inhibitor targeting both “ON” (GTP-bound) and “OFF” (GDP-bound) states of the protein. According to the latest preclinical findings posted at 2024 AACR annual meeting, GFH375 demonstrated preliminary safety data, favorable oral bioavailability and potent efficacy across preclinical models; moreover, GFH375 holds the potential for treating G12D-mutant cancers with brain metastases.
GenFleet entered into a discovery and development collaboration with Verastem Oncology (Nasdaq: VSTM) in 2023 to advance three oncology programs. The first program selected is GFH375, which represents a significant milestone as the GenFleet’s first product to achieve overseas out-licensing at preclinical stage and the IND approval in China, underscoring the company’s expertise in the development of RAS-targeted therapies.
The study (GFH375X1101) will be conducted at ~40 hospitals, including the prominent Shanghai Chest Hospital. In phase I, the study aims to evaluate the safety/tolerability and preliminary efficacy of GFH375 in advanced G12D-mutant solid tumor patients. Additionally, the phase I trial will determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Progressing into Phase II, the study will further assess the efficacy of GFH375 for patients of advanced solid tumors including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), colorectal cancer (CRC), and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) – three cancer types with highest prevalence of G12D mutation; the study will also investigate the underlying mechanisms of patients’ response and resistance to the treatment.
“I am excited that the clinical trial application for GFH375 has been approved. The therapeutic landscape for G12D-mutant cancers remains challenging with limited treatment options, highlighting the significant unmet medical needs in this population. The G12D mutation is one of the most prevalent KRAS mutations and the development of G12D-targeted therapies has garnered significant attention recently. We eagerly await favorable safety and efficacy outcome for GFH375 in the upcoming trial, with the hope of introducing a novel life-saving treatment for patients.” stated Dr. Shun Lu, professor of Dept. of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital.
“We are delighted to enter in a clinical trial to assess the clinical benefits of our G12D targeted program in monotherapy setting and explore the possibilities of synergistic effects that may arise from potential combination regimen in future. GenFleet’s expertise in developing RAS-targeted therapies has been exemplified by the successful development of fulzerasib (GFH925, a KRAS G12C inhibitor) and the NDA acceptance of its monotherapy for NSCLC in China. This allows GenFleet to be well positioned to advance our second RAS pathway inhibitor GFH375 into the clinical trial, as well as other RAS-inhibiting therapies in our pipeline.” stated Yu Wang, Ph.D/M.D., Chief Medical Official of GenFleet.
