DF9001 + pembrolizumab

DF9001 + pembrolizumab is an investigational combination therapy being studied primarily for advanced solid tumors expressing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), including renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). DF9001 is a first-in-class, multi-specific EGFR immune engager that redirects natural killer (NK) cells, gamma-delta T cells, and CD8 T cells toward tumor cells by engaging activating receptors NKG2D and CD16. This engagement stimulates anti-tumor immunity and induces PD-L1 expression in tumor cells, potentially sensitizing them to checkpoint inhibition. Pembrolizumab (brand name Keytruda) is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody immune checkpoint inhibitor developed by Merck. The combination aims to enhance anti-tumor immune responses in EGFR-positive tumors, including those resistant to other therapies. The combination is currently being studied in a first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial, with Dragonfly Therapeutics as the sponsor and Merck as collaborator[1][2][3].

Other names

DF9001 + Keytruda