Actuate Therapeutics' Elraglusib Shows Encouraging Outcomes in Salivary Gland Cancer Treatment

Actuate Therapeutics, Inc. (ACTU) unveiled compelling Phase II trial results on Monday, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of elraglusib when combined with standard chemotherapy agents (carboplatin or cisplatin) for patients battling advanced salivary gland malignancies. The clinical program included both adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) patients, representing 47% of the cohort, and patients with other salivary gland cancer subtypes (53%).

Key Clinical Findings

The trial delivered noteworthy survival metrics that advance treatment options in this challenging disease area. Overall survival reached a median of 18.6 months across the entire patient population, with 58% of participants remaining alive at the one-year mark and 40% achieving two-year survival. When examined separately, non-ACC salivary gland cancer patients demonstrated median overall survival of 27.8 months, suggesting differential treatment responses across cancer subtypes.

Progression-free survival data highlighted the drug’s impact on disease control. Median PFS stood at 6.4 months, with a meaningful 27% of patients maintaining progression-free status beyond one year. This compares favorably against historical precedent, particularly for non-ACC salivary gland cancers where previously reported PFS typically fell below six months. ACC patients historically showed median PFS approaching 49 months under existing treatments, establishing important context for the new findings.

Market Response and Publication

The encouraging clinical data resonated with investors, triggering a surge in ACTU shares during pre-market trading, climbing more than 4% above Friday’s closing price of $7.52 (up 1.35% on the day). The comprehensive study results earned publication in Clinical Cancer Research, lending additional credibility to the salivary gland cancer treatment advancement.