Merck KGaA, Pfizer Partner with Syndax on Cancer Drug Combo

Merck KGaA and Pfizer have entered into a collaboration Syndax Pharmaceuticals to evaluate avelumab, an investigational fully human anti-PD-L1 IgG1 monoclonal antibody, in combination with Syndax’s entinostat, an investigational oral small molecule that targets immune regulatory cells (myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T-cells), in patients with heavily pre-treated, recurrent ovarian cancer. Avelumab is currently being investigated across a broad range of tumor types under the alliance between Merck KGaA and Pfizer. This is an exclusive agreement with Syndax to study the combination of these two compounds in ovarian cancer. Syndax will be responsible for conducting the Phase Ib/II trial. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“This collaboration with Syndax adds a new dimension to our quest to pursue combination immuno-oncology regimens based on compelling preclinical rationale and the potential to generate clinical results superior to those achieved with either agent alone,” said Dr. Mace Rothenberg, senior vice president of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs and chief medical officer for Pfizer Oncology.

“Combination therapy is the next frontier in immuno-oncology and a key strategy for the alliance,” said Dr. Luciano Rossetti, head of Global R&D of the biopharma business of Merck KGaA. “Avelumab as a monotherapy has already shown promising early activity in ovarian cancer in a Phase Ib trial, and through our ongoing research and this collaboration with Syndax, we will hopefully be able to make a real difference to women fighting this complex cancer.”

“We are delighted to be working with the alliance to explore the potential benefits of entinostat in combination with avelumab for ovarian cancer patients,” said Dr. Briggs W. Morrison, Syndax’s chief executive officer. “The continued interest from leading companies in investigating the potential of entinostat in combination with checkpoint inhibitors reflects positively on the potential mechanism of action of the molecule, and also reinforces our clinical strategy to explore entinostat for the benefit of patients across a broad range of solid tumor indications.”