Akeso Enrolled First Patient in COMPASSION-37 Trial
The Phase III study evaluates a dual-action therapy for patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal cancer.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Cancer
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Akeso has enrolled the first patient in its COMPASSION-37 clinical trial, a global study investigating the efficacy of the drug cadonilimab. This trial aims to determine if the treatment improves survival outcomes for people with untreated, unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
Why it matters
Researchers are investigating whether dual PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade can outperform the current standard of care for advanced gastric cancer. The study is specifically designed to test the drug's effectiveness in patients with low levels of PD-L1 expression, a group that often faces significant treatment challenges.
The COMPASSION-37 trial is a global, multicenter Phase III study comparing cadonilimab plus chemotherapy against the current standard of care. This research follows earlier data from the COMPASSION-15 trial, which evaluated the drug in a cohort of 610 participants.
The players
Akeso
A biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Hong Kong that focuses on developing antibody-based cancer therapies and autoimmune treatments.
Dr. Yelena Y. Janjigian
An oncologist and researcher who leads a separate Phase II study of cadonilimab in the United States.
The details
Cadonilimab acts through a dual immune checkpoint blockade, targeting both PD-1 and CTLA-4 receptors simultaneously. By binding to these two distinct pathways, the treatment is designed to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and attack tumor cells. The trial tests this mechanism across varying levels of PD-L1 expression to see if it provides a broader benefit than traditional monotherapies.
Timeline
2012: Akeso company founded.
June 2022: Initial cadonilimab approval granted for cervical cancer in China.
September 2024: Cadonilimab approved for first-line gastric cancer treatment in China.
September 28, 2026: First patient enrolled in the COMPASSION-37 trial.
Health Landscape
This trial represents the next stage of research for dual-target immune checkpoint blockade in gastrointestinal oncology. It builds directly upon the groundwork laid by the COMPASSION-15 trial to refine treatment strategies for advanced adenocarcinoma.
This study is currently in the trial phase, meaning the treatment is not yet available as a standard clinical option outside of research settings. Patients with newly diagnosed, unresectable or metastatic gastric cancer should speak with their oncologist to see if a clinical trial may be appropriate.
The takeaway
The COMPASSION-37 trial is evaluating a dual-checkpoint inhibitor as a potential new approach for advanced gastric cancer. Individuals diagnosed with this condition should discuss the availability of new immunotherapy trials with their oncology team.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment trends and research developments, visit our Cancer section.
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