Jacobi Pharma and Merck KGaA Announce Clinical Collaboration to Evaluate JAB-21822 in Combination with Cetuximab for KRAS G12C-Mutant Colorectal Cancer

Beijing, Shanghai, and BostonOctober 13, 2022PR Newswire -- Jacobio and Merck Announce Clinical Research Partnership on Jacobio's KRAS G12C Inhibitor JAB-21822 and Merck's Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Inhibitor Erbitux^®(Cetuximab Injection) Combined Treatment Launches Clinical Research.

This clinical study will be used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of JAB-21822 in combination with cetuximab in patients with KRAS G12C-mutated colorectal cancer. Jacobio is the sponsor of this combination therapy study, and based on the cooperation agreement, Merck Group will provide cetuximab for the combination therapy trials in China and Europe.

Dr. Wang Yinxiang, Chairman and CEO of Jacobio, pointed out, "Our preclinical studies show that the combination of JAB-21822 and cetuximab can enhance the anti-tumor activity of JAB-21822 inhibitor in colorectal cancer tumor models, leading to tumor regression and delaying tumor regrowth after discontinuation of treatment. We look forward to bringing new treatment options to patients through our collaboration with Merck Group."

AboutJAB-21822

JAB-21822 is a KRAS G12C inhibitor independently developed by Jacobio. Jacobio has currently launched multiple Phase I/II clinical trials in China, the United States, and several European countries for patients with advanced solid tumors, including monotherapy as a first-line treatment for STK11 co-mutated non-small cell lung cancer, as well as combination therapies with SHP2 inhibitors, anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies, and cetuximab.

About Erbitux^®(Cetuximab Injection) 

Cetuximab is the world's first IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). As a monoclonal antibody drug, cetuximab differs from standard non-selective chemotherapy drugs in that it targets and binds to EGFR, inhibiting receptor activation and subsequent signal transduction, reducing tumor cell invasion into normal tissues and the spread of tumors to new sites.

In addition, cetuximab is also considered to inhibit the ability of tumor cells to repair damage caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as to suppress the formation of new blood vessels within tumors. Based on in vitro study evidence, cetuximab also has an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) effect on EGFR-positive tumor cells.

As of now, Erbitux^®Approved in more than 100 countries/regions worldwide for the treatment of RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer, locally advanced, and recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Erbitux^®Developed by ImClone (now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly), Merck acquired Erbitux in 1998.^®Exclusive rights in markets outside the United States and Canada.

About Jacobio

Jacobio Pharmaceuticals (1167.HK) is committed to providing breakthrough therapeutic solutions for patients. The company’s R&D projects are focused on six major cancer signaling pathways: KRAS, cancer immunology, cancer metabolism, P53, RB, and MYC, with its core programs aiming to be among the top three globally. The company’s vision is to work hand-in-hand with partners to become a globally recognized leader in drug research and development. Jacobio’s laboratories are located in Beijing and Shanghai, China, as well as in Boston, USA, and it possesses an induced allosteric drug discovery platform and an iADC drug development platform.

For more information, please visit: www.jacobiopharma.com

About Merck 

Merck is a global leading technology company focusing on three major fields: healthcare, life sciences, and electronic technology. More than 60,000 employees worldwide work for Merck, bringing positive impacts to millions of lives by creating a more enjoyable and sustainable lifestyle. From advanced gene-editing technologies and discovering unique methods to treat challenging diseases, to enabling intelligent devices—Merck is everywhere. In 2021, Merck's total sales reached 19.7 billion euros across 66 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have always been the key to Merck's technological progress and the secret to Merck's vitality since 1668. The Merck family, as the founder of the company, still holds the majority of Merck's shares. We are known as "Merck" globally, except in the United States and Canada. Merck's three major fields: healthcare, life science, and electronic technology are respectively called "EMD Serono," "MilliporeSigma," and "EMD Electronics" in these two countries. Merck has a development history of 89 years in China, with more than 4,500 employees currently. It has 21 registered companies in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Wuxi, Suzhou, and Nantong.