Coherus BioSciences (CHRS) and Junshi Bioscience have recently submitted a resubmission of their BLA (Biologics License Application) to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for their cancer PD-1 inhibitor Toripalimab. This immuno-oncology therapy is a potential treatment option for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a type of head and neck cancer. If approved, Toripalimab would be the first FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy for this indication, and it has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Orphan Drug Designation. This article will explore the reasons why the FDA might approve Toripalimab, including its safety and efficacy data, the current unmet needs for this indication, and the potential for the drug to be a successful long-term asset for Coherus BioSciences.
Safety and Efficacy Data
The safety and efficacy of Toripalimab have been studied in two clinical trials. The first trial was a phase III trial with a total of 511 patients. The primary endpoint of the trial was overall survival (OS), and the results showed that Toripalimab significantly improved the OS rate compared to the control group. The median OS was 26.1 months for the Toripalimab group compared to 16.1 months for the control group.
This was a statistically significant difference, with a hazard ratio of 0.65. The second trial was a phase II trial with a total of 266 patients. The primary endpoint of this trial was overall response rate (ORR) and the results showed that the ORR for Toripalimab was significantly higher compared to the control group. The ORR was 58.2% for the Toripalimab group compared to 33.8% for the control group.
Current Unmet Needs
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a type of head and neck cancer that is associated with poor outcomes. The current standard of care for this indication is chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the response rate to these treatments is suboptimal. There is a need for a more effective and better tolerated treatment option. Toripalimab has demonstrated a significant improvement in both OS and ORR compared to the current standard of care, making it a potential option for patients who have not responded to other treatments.
Long-Term Potential
If approved, Toripalimab could be a successful long-term asset for Coherus BioSciences. The drug has a strong safety and efficacy profile, which could lead to the drug being prescribed as a first-line treatment option. Furthermore, the current unmet needs in the area of nasopharyngeal carcinoma could lead to a high demand for Toripalimab if it is approved. Additionally, the drug has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Orphan Drug Designation, which could lead to additional market exclusivity and increased demand for the drug.
The bottom line is that Toripalimab has the potential to be a successful long-term asset for Coherus BioSciences if it is approved by the FDA. The drug has demonstrated a significant improvement in overall survival and overall response rate compared to the current standard of care, and there is a significant unmet need in this indication. Additionally, the drug has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Orphan Drug Designation, which could lead to additional market exclusivity and increased demand for the drug.
