An experimental tablet that strips cancer cells of their 'invisibility cloak' has been shown to shrink tumours by at least 30% in six common cancer types, according to early trial results. The drug, GRWD5769, developed by Oxford-based Greywolf Therapeutics, works by inhibiting an enzyme called ERAP1, which cancer cells use to hide from the immune system.
In a phase 1 trial involving 83 patients across the UK, France, Spain and Australia, tumours shrank in 26 patients, with 15 experiencing reductions of at least 30%. All participants had previously failed to respond to treatment, and most had no other options. The drug was given alongside the immunotherapy cemiplimab.
The findings were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago. Prof Fiona Thistlethwaite, principal investigator from the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, described the results as 'very impressive' for a tablet, noting strong efficacy signals across six tumour types with few side effects.
GRWD5769 halted disease progression for at least six months in 18% of cervical cancer patients, 32% of liver cancer patients, 36% of bladder cancer patients, 38% of head and neck cancer patients, and over half of bowel (51%) and lung (55%) cancer patients. The trial remains ongoing, with a larger study planned.
