Sanofi and Merck to study combination cancer treatment
Sanofi and Merck (MSD) are launching a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of THOR-707 combined with KEYTRUDA in cancer patients.
Sanofi has entered into an agreement with Merck & Co. (MSD) to conduct a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of THOR-707, an investigational immunotherapy candidate, in combination with MSD's KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab).
The trial will focus on patients with various types of cancer. Sanofi will sponsor the clinical trials, while MSD will provide KEYTRUDA. THOR-707 is an interleukin-2 (IL-2) candidate designed to enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer, with potential for an improved safety profile.
THOR-707 is the first molecule from Sanofi's Synthorin platform, which uses an expanded genetic alphabet to create precision medicines for oncology and autoimmune diseases. Sanofi is currently evaluating THOR-707's safety and tolerability in an ongoing Phase 1 trial.
The Phase 2 study will assess THOR-707 in combination with KEYTRUDA and as sequenced administration. Sanofi is also evaluating THOR-707 in combination with other anti-PD-1 antibodies, including Libtayo, for different cancer types.