Genmab Achieves 81% Response in Cancer Drug Study

An objective response rate of 81% stood out in updated follow-up analyses of the Phase 2 study conducted in metastatic colorectal cancer patients by Genmab (Nasdaq: GMAB). The company shared clinical data from its investigational bispecific antibody petosemtamab targeting EGFR and LGR5 in combination with chemotherapy regimens (FOLFOX or FOLFIRI) at the ESMO 2026 Congress held in Madrid.

What clinical results were achieved in the Phase 2 study?

In the study in which a total of 79 patients were treated as of the data cutoff date of May 15, 2026, the objective response rate was 75% at a median follow-up of 5.9 months in the first-line treatment group. While this rate reached 81% in first-line patients with left-sided tumors, a 67% response was recorded in the second-line group at a median follow-up of 7.1 months. The disease control rate was 95% in the first line and 93% in the second line. During the follow-up period, 76% of first-line patients and 74% of second-line patients continued treatment.

What Phase 3 studies are next for petosemtamab?

In terms of treatment safety, the rate of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects was reported as 2 out of 42 patients (5%) in the FOLFOX group and 1 out of 37 patients (3%) in the FOLFIRI group; no treatment-related deaths were recorded. Expanding its clinical program with the global Phase 3 LiGeR trials, the biotechnology company will share details regarding clinical development steps focused on metastatic colorectal cancer and head-and-neck cancer at its investor meeting to be held on Wednesday, October 28.

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