# Phase II Trial of Cadonilimab(PD-1/CTLA-4) Combination Regimen Launches in the United States for Perioperative Treatment of Gastric Cancer

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/phase-ii-trial-of-cadonilimabpd-1-ctla-4-combination-regimen-launches-in-the-united-states-for-perioperative-treatment-of-gastric-cancer
- Published: 2026-07-14T15:18:00+07:00
- Author: PR Newswire

HONG KONG, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) ("Akeso" or the "Company")
today announced that it has entered into a collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center (MSKCC) to advance a Phase II clinical study evaluating a cadonilimab-
based combination regimen for the perioperative treatment of locally advanced, resectable
HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Cadonilimab
is the world’s first PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody developed by Akeso.

The study is being led by Dr. Yelena Janjigian, a globally renowned expert in gastrointestinal
malignancies at MSKCC. It is now actively enrolling patients across the United States.

This Phase II study will generate robust clinical evidence to support the future
initiation of an international multicenter Phase III trial of the cadonilimab combination
regimen for the perioperative treatment of GC/GEJ adenocarcinoma.

Cadonilimab and ivonescimab, as first-in-class bispecific antibodies with breakthrough
global clinical value, have garnered significant attention and recognition from 
the international medical community. These innovative IO 2.0 therapies are increasingly
favored by global partners as the preferred backbone for combination regimens and
novel treatment paradigms across a wide range of cancers. Their global therapeutic
value continues to be scientifically explored and realized through ongoing clinical
data and new studies.

Building on cadonilimab’s unique dual-target synergistic mechanism, this Phase II
study is supported by strong evidence from the Phase III COMPASSION-15 trial and
previous Phase II neoadjuvant studies in gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma.

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide, with nearly one million
new cases annually. For patients with locally advanced, resectable gastric or gastroesophageal
junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma, standard perioperative FLOT chemotherapy achieves
a 3-year overall survival rate of only 48%. Although the addition of PD-1 inhibitors
to FLOT has become the new standard of care, the pathologic complete response (pCR)
rate remains limited at approximately 19%, and nearly one-third of patients experience
disease recurrence or death within two years. Dual PD-1/CTLA-4 inhibition has shown
limited benefit due to overlapping toxicities and increased early mortality. A significant
unmet medical need persists for more effective and better-tolerated treatment options.

As the first approved bispecific antibody for cancer immunotherapy, cadonilimab 
has demonstrated breakthrough clinical benefits across multiple pivotal studies 
and is now widely used in clinical practice. More than 12 registrational or Phase
III studies of cadonilimab are currently underway globally, including two international
multicenter registrational/Phase III trials led by Akeso.

In addition, Akeso is collaborating with INOVIO to explore a novel combination regimen
using INOVIO’s DNA-based therapy for glioblastoma (GBM) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
and Mass General Brigham. The Company continues to accelerate the global development
of cadonilimab through strategic partnerships with leading therapeutics and institutions.

**About Akeso**

Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research,
development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world’s first or best-in-
class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, Akeso has built a comprehensive
R&D innovation ecosystem anchored by its proprietary Tetrabody antibody technology
platform, AI-powered drug R&D platform, Dual-Shield ADC technology platform, Dual-
Lock T-cell engager (TCE) technology platform, Tissue-Smart siRNA/mRNA technology
platform, and cell therapy technology platforms.

Backed by world-class GMP manufacturing facilities and a highly efficient, integrated
commercialization system, Akeso has developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical
enterprise. Leveraging its fully integrated, multi-functional platform, the company
maintains a robust pipeline of more than 50 innovative assets targeting cancer, 
autoimmune diseases, inflammation, metabolic disorders, and other major therapeutic
areas. Of these, 27 candidates have advanced into clinical trials—including 15 bispecific
or multispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs—and 8 innovative drugs have reached
commercial stage.

Through efficient and groundbreaking R&D, Akeso integrates premier global resources
to develop transformative medicines, deliver high-quality, affordable therapeutic
antibodies to patients worldwide, and generate sustained commercial and societal
value as it strives to become a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation.

**Forward-Looking Statements**

This announcement by Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK, "Akeso") contains "forward-looking statements".
These statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of Akeso’s management
and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not
intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase
securities of Akeso. There can be no assurance that the drug candidate(s) indicated
in this announcement or Akeso’s other pipeline candidates will obtain the required
regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove
inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially
from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions
and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency 
exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and
health care legislation in P.R.China, the United States and internationally; global
trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products
and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development,
including obtaining regulatory approval; Akeso’s ability to accurately predict future
market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of
international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the
Akeso’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure 
to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

Akeso does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required
by law.

---

  |  This article was produced by Cision PR Newswire, our trusted news partner. The views expressed and the content presented here are solely those of the author and may not fully reflect the opinions of Thailand Business News. |

---

 
**Read the original article :** [Phase II Trial of Cadonilimab(PD-1/CTLA-4) Combination Regimen Launches in the United States for Perioperative Treatment of Gastric Cancer ](http://www.prnasia.com/story/archive/5003977_CN03977_0?rand=184833)
