Summit’s lung cancer drug shows promise, but market skepticism lingers

Summit Therapeutics and Akeso’s dual-acting drug ivonescimab, combined with chemo, cut lung cancer progression risk by 40% versus a Tevimbra-chemo combo in a Chinese Phase 3 trial.

Why it matters: The results boost hopes that ivonescimab could outperform Keytruda in the global HARMONi-3 trial, potentially reshaping first-line treatment for advanced lung cancer.

Backstory: Ivonescimab targets both PD-1 (immune checkpoint) and VEGF (tumor blood supply). Early excitement came from 2024 data suggesting superiority over Keytruda. Since then, its clinical edge has narrowed, prompting mixed investor reactions.

Big picture: If ivonescimab proves superior to Keytruda, a current standard, it could disrupt the PD-1 inhibitor market. But lingering concerns about survival benefit and side effects mean the drug’s long-term impact remains uncertain.

Zoom in: The treatment was effective with median progression-free survival being 11 months (ivonescimab) vs. 7 months (Tevimbra). Side effects were similar overall but included more VEGF-related issues with ivonescimab.

What’s next?: Investors are currently divided on the path forward. While some analysts remain bullish on Summit others are skeptical of survival gains. Summit´s shares dropped 5% post-release and the company may need new funding to continue development. All eyes now turn to the pivotal global HARMONi-3 trial as a potential game-changer in lung cancer care.