Akeso Launches Phase II Gastric Cancer Trial in the United States
Akeso, Inc. announced the launch of a Phase II clinical study in the United States evaluating a cadonilimab combination regimen for the perioperative treatment of gastric cancer.
Hong Kong-based Akeso, Inc. announced on July 14, 2026, its collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) to advance a Phase II clinical study. The study will evaluate a cadonilimab-based combination regimen for the perioperative treatment of locally advanced, resectable HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.
Cadonilimab, Akeso's bispecific PD-1/CTLA-4 antibody, will be investigated in the trial. The study is led by Dr. Yelena Janjigian, a noted expert in gastrointestinal malignancies at MSKCC, and patient enrollment is underway across the United States.
Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide, with nearly one million new cases annually. For patients with locally advanced disease, standard perioperative chemotherapy offers limited survival rates, and unmet needs persist for more effective treatments. This trial aims to address these challenges.
This Phase II study is intended to generate clinical evidence supporting a future international Phase III trial for the cadonilimab combination regimen. Akeso is accelerating cadonilimab's global development through strategic partnerships.