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  • 1.  Adding a combination study as a cohort to Phase 1 protocol (oncology)

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 01-Mar-2024 09:04
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    We have an ongoing Phase 1 study for an oncology Drug X. We are planning to do a combination study of Drug X with Keytruda. Will it be acceptable to FDA and EMA to add this combination study as a cohort to the Phase 1 protocol ? Previous experience to share and FDA/EMA guidelines on this topic are much appreciated. 



  • 2.  RE: Adding a combination study as a cohort to Phase 1 protocol (oncology)

    Posted 04-Mar-2024 12:38

    Hello,

    It depends on the objectives of your study. What the regulatory agencies do not want to see is 'never ending studies' where companies add cohort after cohort and at the end it is a completely different study. 

    Adding a new drug will lead to changes in your eligibility criteria (to consider the new drug), the analysis of the data, the treatment schedule, safety monitoring (to consider the combined AE, etc), etc. I believe this will require a new study.

    Good luck with your study.

    Olga



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    Olga Peycheva
    Regulatory and Study Start Up Specialist (Clinical trials)
    Solutions OP Ltd
    https://solutionsop.co.uk/
    United Kingdom
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  • 3.  RE: Adding a combination study as a cohort to Phase 1 protocol (oncology)

    Posted 05-Mar-2024 06:59
    It’s quite common in oncology to add cohorts to early phase trials to test different regimens, combinations, indications, etc. The protocol would need to be amended to specify unique inclusion/exclusion criteria by cohort, endpoints, etc. The ICF would also need to be amended.

    I’ve done this in Phase 2 with different combinations and different indications. A cohort(s) that shows potential for clinical benefit could then be used to discuss Accelerated Approval with FDA.

    Mark De Rosch, PhD, FRAPS




  • 4.  RE: Adding a combination study as a cohort to Phase 1 protocol (oncology)

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 05-Mar-2024 09:08
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    In a phase 1 early stage, adding a combination cohort when the IND was open with a monotherapy which is still being characterized is not something commonly done in oncology!  I disagree! I some what agree with the other other response that it would be considered a different study since it needs to be supported by certain in vitro/in vivo or preclinical especially if the monotherapy is a NCE/NBE.