Xevinapant — Investigational Agent
Other · Phase 3 · Merck KGaA / EMD Serono
Mechanism of Action
Xevinapant is an oral, potent second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (SMAC) mimetic that antagonizes inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), including cIAP1/2 and XIAP. By degrading cIAPs and blocking XIAP, it restores tumor-cell susceptibility to apoptosis and shifts TNF signaling toward cell death, thereby sensitizing cancer cells to the DNA damage induced by chemoradiotherapy. It also promotes an inflammatory, immunogenic tumor microenvironment. The rationale is to overcome apoptosis resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with cisplatin plus radiation.
Investigational Indications
- Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (with chemoradiotherapy)
- Unresected LA SCCHN