Lilly reports 79% response rate for FRα-directed ADC in platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer

Lilly presented phase 1 data on its FRα‑directed antibody‑drug conjugate, sofetabart mipitecan (Sofe-M), combined with bevacizumab in patients whose ovarian cancer had progressed after platinum therapy. The trial enrolled 33 platinum‑sensitive ovarian cancer patients, many of whom had previously received PARP inhibitors.

The study showed an overall response rate of 79.3%, including a 20.7% complete response rate. Responses were observed across different levels of FRα expression and were similar whether patients had prior PARP inhibitor exposure or not. In the small subgroup with low FRα expression (0‑24%), the response rate was 66.7%, though the numbers were limited.

At the data cutoff, nearly 80% of responders remained on treatment, and about 70% of patients had been on therapy for at least nine months, suggesting durability of benefit.

These results position Lilly’s ADC as a competitive candidate in a market that includes other FRα‑targeted agents from AbbVie and Genmab, though further studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety in larger populations.