Genentech's Divarasib Shows Superiority in Head-to-Head Phase III Trial Against Approved KRAS G12C Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Phase III (Krascendo 1) demonstrates best-in-class potential for patients with previously treated advanced KRAS G12C non-small cell lung cancer
- Divarasib showed clinically meaningful improvements in progression-free survival compared to approved KRAS G12C inhibitors; no new safety signals were observed
- Statistical significance for overall survival was achieved at the interim analysis in this poor-prognosis patient population
- Data will be submitted to health authorities and presented at an upcoming medical meeting
“The superior survival demonstrated in this global head-to-head comparison of KRAS G12C inhibitors confirms the potential of divarasib to improve clinical outcomes for people with KRAS G12C non-small cell lung cancer,” said
Efficacious treatments for KRAS G12C NSCLC represent a significant unmet need in lung cancer care. The G12C mutation is one of the most common KRAS oncogene mutations, found in approximately 14% of NSCLC cases and associated with poor prognosis for patients.
Data from the Krascendo 1 study will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting and submitted to health authorities with the aim of bringing this potential treatment option to people with KRAS G12C NSCLC as soon as possible.
About the Krascendo 1 study
The Krascendo 1 study [NCT06497556] is the only global head-to-head study evaluating a Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) G12C inhibitor in direct comparison with first generation KRAS G12C inhibitors. This Phase III, randomized, open-label, multicenter study evaluates the efficacy and safety of divarasib monotherapy versus sotorasib or adagrasib in people with previously treated KRAS G12C-mutant advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The study includes 338 adults, randomized to receive either divarasib (once daily) or, either sotorasib (once daily) or adagrasib (twice daily). The primary endpoint is blinded independent central review (BICR)-assessed progression-free survival. Secondary endpoint measures include overall survival, confirmed objective response, duration of response, as well as other efficacy and safety measures.
About divarasib
Divarasib is an investigational, next-generation, oral, KRAS G12C inhibitor. It has shown greater potency and selectivity in preclinical studies compared with first generation KRAS G12C-targeting treatments, sotorasib and adagrasib. Divarasib is designed to selectively bind to the KRAS G12C protein, locking the protein in an inactive ("off") state, thereby turning off its tumor-driving signaling.
Divarasib’s comprehensive clinical development program is anchored by three Phase III studies:
|
Study |
Intervention |
Patient population |
|
Krascendo 1
|
Divarasib monotherapy vs sotorasib or adagrasib |
Previously treated KRAS G12C-mutant advanced or metastatic NSCLC (second-line) |
|
Krascendo 2
|
Divarasib plus pembrolizumab
|
Previously untreated KRAS G12C-mutant advanced NSCLC (first-line) |
|
Krascendo 3
|
Adjuvant divarasib monotherapy vs immunotherapy or observation |
Resected stage II–IIIB KRAS G12C-mutant NSCLC after standard of care chemoimmunotherapy (early-stage) |
About KRAS G12C non-small cell lung cancer
Despite advances in treatment, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, surpassing the combined mortality rates of breast, prostate, and stomach cancers. Each year, it claims the lives of 1.8 million people, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for approximately 85% of cases. KRAS is one of the most frequently mutated genes in lung cancer, occurring in approximately 25% of newly diagnosed lung cancers. The G12C mutation is one of the most common KRAS mutations, found in approximately 14% of NSCLC cases.
The KRAS gene produces the KRAS protein, which acts as a cellular control switch, cycling between an active ("on") and inactive ("off") state to regulate cell growth and proliferation, making it a critical target for new therapeutic strategies. The G12C mutation locks the KRAS protein in its active ("on") state, leading to continuous, unregulated signaling for cell growth, driving tumor proliferation.
About
With a 30-year legacy across oncology,
About Genentech
Founded 50 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.gene.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260701637339/en/
Media Contact: Stella Belonwu, (650) 467-6800
Advocacy Contact: Catherine Creme Henry, (202) 258-8828
Investor Contacts: Loren Kalm, (650) 225-3217
Bruno Eschli, +41 61 687 5284
Source: Genentech