CM-24 is a clinical-stage monoclonal antibody blocking CEACAM1, a well-validated target which is highly expressed in many solid tumors as well as on immune cells and plays a pivotal role in the immune system by blocking immune cells’ access to tumors by CEACAM1-CEACAM1 and CEACAM1-CEACAM5 interaction. CEACAM1 was also shown to regulate TIM3 which induce immune fatigue. This unique mechanism of action positions CM-24 with a differentiated inhibitor of a multi-role immune checkpoint.

CM-24 is being developed as a combination therapy with anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Kitov plans to initiate Phase 1/2 clinical trials to evaluate the combination of CM-24 with Bristol Myers Squibb’s PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab (Opdivo®) in H2 2020.

Preclinical studies provide strong justification for CM-24’s mechanism of action in activating the immune system through multiple pathways. In a monotherapy phase 1 study, CM-24 demonstrated safety and efficacy with standard dose in about 30% of patients with doses up to 10mg/kg.