ASLAN Pharma plans PhII gastric cancer trial in Asia-Pacific centers

ASLAN Pharmaceuticals said positive Phase I results with gastric cancer candidate ASLAN002, licensed from Bristol-Myers Squibb ($BMY) (BMS-777607), will lead to Phase II trials in Asia-Pacific with the small-molecule dual inhibitor of the cMET receptor tyrosine kinase and RON immune checkpoint.

ASLAN002 was dose-escalated in 39 solid tumor patients for a minimum of 28 days as both once daily and twice daily dose regimens, the company said in a press release.

"The drug was safe and well-tolerated at all doses tested and resulted in long term stable disease and partial responses in selected tumor types," the release said. "In addition, ASLAN002 showed potent inhibition of plasma biomarkers of RON activity. ASLAN002 was originally discovered by Bristol-Myers Squibb and licensed to ASLAN in 2011."

The Phase I, open-label, multicenter study was conducted in Australia and will be progressed into Phase II initially in highly selected patient populations in gastric cancer at centers in Asia Pacific.

- here's the release