Friday Five: ESMO Looms Large, Arcus’ TIGIT Revival, and J&J’s Myeloma Advances
The 2025 ESMO (European Society of Medical Oncology) Congress is a major focus as key clinical data are being released, with analysts and clinicians closely watching new oncology developments.9
Arcus Biosciences, in partnership with Gilead, reported strong overall survival (OS) results for its anti-TIGIT antibody domvanalimab combined with anti-PD-1 zimberelimab and chemotherapy in first-line unresectable or advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas, with a median OS of 26.7 months and 59% confirmed response rate from the Phase II EDGE-Gastric study.1345
These results are significant as most other anti-TIGIT antibodies (including those from Roche, GSK, and BeOne Medicines) have recently failed in late-stage clinical trials; domvanalimab is notable for its Fc-silent design, which may confer better efficacy and safety.345
Arcus' domvanalimab is considered one of the last promising anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibodies in the field, with a Phase III trial underway (STAR-221), aiming for completion at the end of 2026.34
Positive survival and safety outcomes may help revive interest in anti-TIGIT therapies, which were previously seen as a fading modality in immuno-oncology.345
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has also increased its efforts and visibility in the multiple myeloma treatment space, aiming to strengthen its competitive position in hematological malignancies during the ESMO event; however, specific details on their latest data and developments are still forthcoming as of this week.9
Sources:
1. https://investors.arcusbio.com/investors-and-media/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/Anti-TIGIT-Domvanalimab-Plus-Anti-PD-1-Zimberelimab-and-Chemotherapy-Showed-26-7-Months-of-Median-Overall-Survival-as-First-Line-Treatment-of-Unresectable-or-Advanced-Gastroesophageal-Adenocarcinomas-in-the-Phase-2-EDGE-Gastric-Study/default.aspx
3. https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/gilead-arcus-anti-tigit-domvanalimab-phase-ii/
4. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/gilead-arcus-keep-tigit-dream-alive-27-month-os-phase-2-cancer-cohort
5. https://insights.citeline.com/scrip/r-and-d/clinical-trials/arcuss-last-tigit-standing-shows-phase-ii-survival-benefit-CGQINGUNLFC3NOZ5MBJAZHRWRE/