Kura Oncology Presents Update on Positive Phase 2 Trial of Tipifarnib in HRAS Mutant HNSCC and Preliminary Results in HRAS Mutant SCC

Kura Oncology (Nasdaq:KURA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of precision medicines for oncology, today reported updated preliminary results from a Phase 2 clinical trial of its lead product candidate, tipifarnib, in squamous cell carcinomas with HRAS mutations.

As quoted in the press release:

As of the September 7, 2018 clinical data cutoff date, 17 patients with HRAS mutant head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) were enrolled in the ongoing Phase 2 trial. Tumor size reductions were observed in nine of 11 evaluable patients, with five confirmed partial responses (PRs) as defined by standard RECIST criteria, including three patients with durable responses lasting more than 17 months. A sixth patient achieved a confirmed PR after the data cutoff. Four patients had stable disease, including two patients who experienced prolonged disease stabilization lasting more than six months. Only one patient experienced progressive disease as best response.

Another patient with HRAS mutant HNSCC, who is currently being treated off-protocol, has been reported as an unconfirmed PR with a 40% tumor size reduction.

In addition, the ongoing Phase 2 trial enrolled six patients in an additional cohort of other HRAS mutant squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). One of the two evaluable patients in this cohort achieved a confirmed PR. Four patients were not evaluable as of the data cutoff date, including two patients who were pending initial efficacy assessments.

Click here to read the full press release.