BioNTech's mRNA head and neck cancer immunotherapy misses first of two goals at interim check

BioNTech

BioNTech's late-stage trial of BNT113, an mRNA cancer immunotherapy given with Keytruda, did not extend progression-free survival at an interim check in first-line HPV-driven head and neck cancer. The trial continues toward overall survival, the second goal, and BioNTech shares fell about 6% in early trading.

• The trial compares BNT113 plus Keytruda with Keytruda alone in first-line head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with a high-risk HPV strain.
• A data monitoring committee recommended continuing so overall survival can be assessed; BioNTech could still claim success if survival is extended.
• Leerink Partners analyst Daina Graybosch noted that the enrolled patients had lower PD-L1 levels.
• The article gives no hazard ratios, progression-free survival figures or patient counts.