Exelixis initiates STELLAR-305 trial evaluating zanzalintinib combo for SCCHN

Exelixis announced the initiation of STELLAR-305, a phase 2/3 pivotal trial evaluating zanzalintinib in combination with pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab alone in patients with previously untreated PD-L1-positive recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck or SCCHN. “We are excited to progress zanzalintinib, our next-generation multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, into this population of patients who otherwise are relegated to immunotherapy plus chemotherapy, but may benefit from a chemo-free option,” said Amy Peterson, M.D., Executive Vice President, Product Development & Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer, Exelixis. “This study is based on encouraging data from a phase 2 investigator-initiated trial of cabozantinib and pembrolizumab and demonstrates our agility to move quickly into indications with sound rationale from our flagship asset.” STELLAR-305 is sponsored by Exelixis. More information about STELLAR-305 is available at ClinicalTrials.gov.