ALX Oncology Advances Clinical Trials for Innovative Cancer Treatments
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Jan. 8, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ALX Oncology Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: ALXO), a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing pioneering therapies for cancer treatment, has announced significant progress in its clinical trials. The company has dosed its first patient in the Phase 2 ASPEN-09-Breast trial, which evaluates the investigational CD47-inhibitor, evorpacept. Additionally, ALX Oncology has initiated a third dose cohort in its Phase 1 trial of the novel EGFR-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), ALX2004.
Key Developments in Clinical Trials
- The first patient has been dosed in the Phase 2 ASPEN-09-Breast trial.
- The trial evaluates evorpacept in combination with trastuzumab and selected chemotherapy for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
- Interim analysis of the ASPEN-09-Breast trial is expected in Q3 2026.
- The third dose cohort for ALX2004 has commenced, with no dose-limiting toxicities observed in prior cohorts.
- Initial safety data from the ALX2004 trial is anticipated in the first half of 2026.
Details on the ASPEN-09-Breast Trial
The Phase 2 ASPEN-09-Breast trial is a single-arm, open-label, multicenter study involving 80 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who have progressed after treatment with ENHERTU® (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki). This trial leverages participants' CD47 expression levels as biomarkers to assess treatment responses.
The primary endpoint measures the overall response rate (ORR) in patients confirmed HER2-positive via circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Secondary endpoints include:
- ORR in the HER2 ctDNA+ subpopulation based on CD47 expression levels
- Clinical benefit rate (CBR)
- Duration of response (DOR)
- Progression-free survival (PFS)
- Overall survival (OS)
An exploratory endpoint focuses on ORR in the HER2 ctDNA-negative group. ALX Oncology expects to release interim data from this trial by Q3 2026.
Insights on ALX2004 Phase 1 Trial
The Phase 1 trial for ALX2004 is designed as a first-in-human, open-label, multicenter study focusing on patients with advanced or metastatic select EGFR-expressing solid tumors. This trial includes both a dose escalation and expansion phase.
“Preclinical data suggest that ALX2004 has the potential to overcome the toxicity challenges associated with earlier generation EGFR-targeted ADCs,” stated Jason Lettmann, CEO of ALX Oncology. He expressed optimism about advancing to a 4mg/kg dosage for the third cohort following successful results from the previous cohort.
Company Overview and Future Outlook
ALX Oncology (Nasdaq: ALXO) is focused on developing novel therapies aimed at improving cancer treatment and extending patient lifespans. The lead candidate, evorpacept, has shown promise as a cornerstone therapy in immuno-oncology and is currently in multiple trials across various cancer indications. The second candidate, ALX2004, differentiates itself as an innovative EGFR-targeted ADC.
“We are extremely pleased with the progress we are making on these clinical trials,” continued Lettmann, reflecting on the potential of both evorpacept and ALX2004. “These treatments aim to fill significant gaps in standard care for various cancer types.”
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding ALX Oncology’s future operations and financial position. Risks and uncertainties could lead to actual results diverging from those expressed. These risks are thoroughly outlined in ALX Oncology’s SEC filings, including Form 10-K and 10-Q reports.