ASH: Positive News for Terns, Kura Leukemia Treatments
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Terns Pharmaceuticals’ Leukemia Drug Shows Promise as Potential Successor to Novartis’ Tasigna
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This is the online version of ASH in 30 Seconds, STAT’s report from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting. Sign up for the email version here.
What Happened
At the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting, Terns pharmaceuticals presented updated data on its investigational drug, TERN-511, for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The data demonstrated sustained and, in some cases, improved high molecular response (MR) rates in patients with advanced-stage CML who had previously failed treatment with at least two tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including Novartis’ Tasigna (nilotinib).
The study involved patients with CML in chronic phase (CP), accelerated phase (AP), or blast phase (BP). Results showed that TERN-511 achieved a MR rate of 60% in patients with CP-CML, 40% in AP-CML, and 20% in BP-CML. Notably, a subset of patients who had previously been resistant to Tasigna experienced a response with TERN-511.
Why It Matters
The findings are meaningful because Tasigna,a second-generation TKI,has been a cornerstone of CML treatment. However, resistance to Tasigna develops in many patients, necessitating choice treatment options. TERN-511, a novel, oral, potent, and selective inhibitor of FLT3 and KIT, offers a potential new therapeutic avenue for these patients.
The ability of TERN-511 to overcome Tasigna resistance is particularly encouraging.This suggests a different mechanism of action or a capacity to bind to mutated forms of the BCR-ABL protein, which is the driver of CML. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying this response.
Who is Affected
This research directly impacts patients with CML who have developed resistance to existing TKIs, particularly Tasigna. It also affects hematologists and oncologists who treat CML, as it provides a potential new tool in their arsenal. The development of TERN-511 could improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with this challenging disease.
The potential market for a new CML treatment is substantial. While the incidence of CML is relatively low, the disease is chronic, requiring long-term treatment.The global CML market is estimated to be worth billions of dollars annually.