Leap Therapeutics’ Stock Plummets Following Disappointing DKK1 Antibody Results in Gastric Cancer Trials

Clinical Trial Outcomes:
Leap Therapeutics' DKK1 antibody, DKN-01, showed disappointing results in gastric cancer trials, leading to a significant drop in the company's stock price35.

DKK1 Inhibition:
DKK1 has been identified as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy due to its role in promoting tumor immune evasion and suppressing antitumor immunity25.

Market Reaction:
The release of early data from the Defiance study, which tested DKN-01 in combination with Avastin and chemotherapy in second-line colorectal cancer, resulted in a 5% decline in Leap Therapeutics' stock price, as investors were not convinced by the 30% overall response rate3.

Future Prospects:
Despite the setback, Leap Therapeutics has other ongoing trials, including the Distinguish trial, which is testing DKN-01 in gastric cancer and is expected to provide initial data by mid-20243.

Financial Impact:
The disappointing results have led to a bearish sentiment in the market, with Leap Therapeutics' stock forecast indicating a potential decrease in value, reaching an average price of $1.454177 by 20301.

Scientific Background:
Research has shown that DKK1 promotes tumor immune evasion by inducing immunosuppressive macrophages and impeding anti-PD-1 treatment, making it a critical target for enhancing cancer immunotherapy25.

Sources:

1. https://coincodex.com/stock/LPTX/price-prediction/

2. https://aacrjournals.org/cancerimmunolres/article/10/12/1506/711085/DKK1-Promotes-Tumor-Immune-Evasion-and-Impedes

3. https://www.oncologypipeline.com/apexonco/asco-gi-investors-want-better-look-they-leap

5. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.658097/full