Alongside this partnership, Kumquat has alliances with Eli Lilly and Takeda to advance multiple programs targeting the KRAS pathway. KRAS is a frequently mutated oncogene that is characterised by a lack of well-defined binding pockets, making the proteins undruggable.
However, a breakthrough from Amgen and Mirati Therapeutics showed that KRAS G12C can be drugged, which has fuelled interest in targeting other KRAS variants in recent years. KRAS G12D is a mutation found in approximately 38% of pancreatic cancer, a disease with a poor five-year survival rate and high unmet need.
Kumquat received FDA clearance to commence human trials for its KRAS G12D candidate; however, the company is trailing behind Revolution Medicine. Revolution Medicine is moving its candidate, zoldonrasib, into a pivotal trial next year. The trial plan is built on early-phase data in patients with pancreatic or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). KRAS G12D mutations are found in about 4% of NSCLC patients.
Kumquat will conduct a phase 1a trial. Meanwhile, Bayer will then take charge of further R&D and commercialisation. Additionally, Kumquat retains an exclusive option to negotiate profit-sharing in the U.S.
Bayer will integrate the candidate into an oncology pipeline that is led by prostate cancer asset darolutamide and NSCLC program sevabertinib, both of which are in phase 3 development. Overall, Kumquat complements Bayer’s existing precision oncology portfolio.