ASX200 Biotech Breakthrough: Amplia (ASX:ATX) Achieves Rare Success in Pancreatic Cancer Trial

Highlights 

• Amplia Therapeutics reports second complete response in pancreatic cancer trial 
• Narmafotinib shows rare efficacy in advanced stage cases 
• Encouraging progress for ASX-listed biotech in high-mortality cancer treatment 

Amplia Therapeutics (ASX:ATX), a clinical-stage biotech company, has shared promising results from its ACCENT trial, which evaluates the efficacy of narmafotinib—a potent focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor—for advanced pancreatic cancer. The latest milestone includes a second recorded complete response (CR), a notable outcome considering the severity and historically low responsiveness of this disease. 

This achievement marks a significant moment for Amplia, as the pathological complete response—defined as the total disappearance of all detectable tumour lesions sustained for at least two months—has now occurred in two patients within a 55-person cohort. The rarity of such outcomes underscores the potential of narmafotinib when added to standard-of-care treatments. 

Rare Response in a Deadly Disease 

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging diagnoses in oncology, ranking as the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia. Forecasts estimate approximately 4,600 new cases in 2024 alone. Despite incremental gains in treatment over the years, survival rates remain dismally low, with a five-year relative survival rate hovering around 13%. 

The significance of this trial result lies in its contrast to previous large-scale studies. For instance, a benchmark study using standard chemotherapies like gemcitabine and Abraxane reported only one complete response from over 400 patients. Amplia’s ability to report two complete responses within a relatively small trial population provides a meaningful signal of narmafotinib’s clinical activity. 

Narmafotinib specifically targets FAK, a protein known to be overexpressed in many solid tumours, including pancreatic cancer. This makes it a compelling candidate for combination treatment strategies, and positions Amplia among innovative biotech players striving for better outcomes in high-mortality conditions. 

Momentum Builds in the ASX200 Biotech Segment 

Amplia’s recent success places it among the notable biotech contributors on the ASX200 radar. Investors and stakeholders interested in innovative healthcare solutions are closely monitoring this sector for breakthrough technologies that may shape future standards of care. Learn more about the S&P/ASX 200 and their latest developments. 

As narmafotinib continues through clinical development, the biotech community will be watching closely. The ACCENT trial's data is adding confidence to Amplia’s pipeline and reinforces its potential role in reshaping how pancreatic cancer is managed in the future.