First-in-human, phase 1 dose escalation study of SL-279252, a hexameric PD1-Fc-OX40L fusion protein, in patients with advanced solid tumors and lymphoma.

SL-279252 is a bifunctional hexameric fusion protein adjoining the extracellular domains of PD-1 and OX40L via an inert IgG4 derived Fc domain. A Phase 1 dose escalation study was conducted in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors or lymphomas. SL-279252 was administered intravenously across 12 dose levels (range: 0.0001-24 mg/kg). Objectives included evaluation of safety, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), recommended phase 2 dose, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters, and anti-tumor activity. Forty-nine pts (48 with solid tumor and 1 with lymphoma) were enrolled (median age 64 years; 53% male; median [range] of 3 [0-5] prior systemic therapies; 61% had been previously treated with PD-1/L1 inhibitors). Most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were infusion-related reaction (16%), maculopapular rash (10%), fatigue (6%), and neutropenia (6%). Treatment-related Grade (G) 3 AE was neutropenia (4%). There were no G4 or G5 AEs or DLTs. SL-279252 Cmax and area under the curve (AUC) increased proportionally with dose. T½ was ~ 20 h. Baseline anti-drug antibodies (ADA) were observed in 11/42 pts who had received a PD-1 inhibitor within 250 days. 7/31 pts had a persistent SL-279252 induced ADA response. PD effects consistent with OX40 engagement included dose dependent egress of CD4 + OX40 + cells and increases in Ki67 + CD4 and CD8 central and effector memory cells in the blood. Best response by iRECIST [1] in 46 response evaluable subjects was 1 iPR and 15 iSD. SL-279252 was well tolerated. PD effects consistent with OX40 activation were observed, however, efficacy was limited which may have been due to the disease characteristics, prior treatment with PD-1/L1 inhibitors, neutralization of the PD-1 domain of SL-279252 by circulating PD-1 inhibitors, limited SL-279252 penetration into tumors or other variables. Trial register number NCT03894618. Trial registration date 28-March-2019.