The five-year partnership will focus on developing novel therapies, including the promising FB849 HPK1 inhibitor
TAMPA, Fla., and GYEONGGI-DO, South Korea— Moffitt Cancer Center and 1ST Biotherapeutics announced today a new strategic alliance aimed at accelerating innovative cancer research and clinical development. This collaboration will explore translational and clinical research opportunities, beginning with the development of 1ST BIO’s FB849 HPK1 inhibitor, a novel immuno-oncology agent designed to enhance anti-cancer immune responses.
FB849, a small molecule HPK1 kinase inhibitor (hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1), is being investigated as a potential treatment for advanced solid malignancies. The alliance will evaluate FB849 in multiple therapeutic settings, including as a therapy for selected cancer types and in combination with pembrolizumab, a PD-1 antagonist. Moffitt researchers will also explore combination therapies of FB849 with other cutting-edge treatments developed at the cancer center.
The five-year partnership between Moffitt and 1ST BIO will combine the expertise of both organizations to drive scientific innovation and clinical breakthroughs. Together, they aim to identify and accelerate new approaches to cancer treatment, advancing novel therapies from the lab to the clinic to improve outcomes for patients worldwide.
The first clinical trial to open under this alliance will be led by Jad Chahoud, M.D., a medical oncologist in the Genitourinary Oncology Department at Moffitt. The phase 1/2 open-label study (NCT05761223) will investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of FB849.
“Moffitt Cancer Center is committed to forging innovative partnerships that advance our mission to prevent and cure cancer,” said Xavier Avat, chief business officer at Moffitt. “This alliance with 1ST BIO represents an exciting opportunity to translate novel scientific discoveries into clinical solutions across multiple types of cancer. FB849 has the potential to become a critical part of any regimen in solid tumors, and this Moffitt and 1ST BIO collaboration will help speed the development of this promising compound.”
“We look forward to shaping new approaches in cancer care through FB849,” said Jamie Jae Eun Kim, Ph.D., founder and CEO of 1ST Biotherapeutics. “This partnership underscores our dedication to creating innovative therapies that address unmet needs in oncology. Working with Moffitt allows us to bring these solutions closer to improving the lives of patients worldwide.”
— provided by Moffitt Cancer Center