Zabadinostat (CXD101) is a novel epigenetic regulator with immune-regulatory properties. It is an orally available small molecule with anti-tumour properties and a well-tolerated safety profile in humans. It allows tumour cells to be recognised by the immune system and been shown in clinical trials to be effective in bowel cancer and lymphomas.
Zabadinostat works both as a monotherapy and in combination with PD-1 inhibitors. In a Phase I clinical trial to determine safety and dosage, it was found that zabadinostat showed efficacy signals in multiple lymphoma subtypes. Phase II studies are ongoing to investigate zabadinostat’s efficacy in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), with interim data reporting significant, durable tumour shrinkage.
A Phase II study (CAROSELL) has been conducted to investigate the effects of zabadinostat and nivolumab in late-stage MSS colorectal cancer. Results showed around half of the study subjects benefited from the combination therapy, with survival extension of more than 3 years in some.