The medical community has its eyes on a promising new drug that's offering a glimmer of hope for people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have weathered several rounds of treatment. Coming out of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, the trial for a novel drug dubbed bexobrutideg is delivering some noteworthy early results.
Dr. Zulfa Omer, a Cancer Center member and assistant professor at the UC College of Medicine, spearheaded the research, examining bexobrutide's on-target engagement with the BTK enzyme in patients already burdened by extensive CLL treatments. A presentation made at the 2025 European Hematology Association Congress, and as reported by Cancer Network News, highlighted that out of 48 patients enrolled, the majority responded favorably to the drug.
The statistics are telling: a significant 80.9% hit an "objective response," either completely or partially pushing back against their cancer's march. Meanwhile, seven patients found themselves in a holding pattern with stable disease, and only two saw their CLL press on despite taking bexobrutideg. As the report from the trial known as Phase 1 NX-5948-301 suggests, this isn't a bout with a light jab; it's potentially a heavy-hitting contender in the fight against CLL.
Responses didn't drag their feet, either. "Robust and deepening responses were observed [with bexobrutideg]. Responses were rapid, with a median time to first response of 1.87 months," Dr. Omer and colleagues shared in their poster presentation, per UC News. Even with the long haul in mind, the durability of this drug doesn't taper off right out of the gate; of 18 patients who were treated for more than a year, the vast majority – 17 to be exact – remain in the study, with one patient approaching a remarkable two and a half years duration on the treatment. These outcomes whispered in the corridors of the European Hematology Association Congress may soon be shouted from the rooftops of oncology wards everywhere.
While the road to FDA approval is more marathon than sprint, these results from the University of Cincinnati may very well change the pace of that race for those grappling with advanced CLL. Bexobrutideg is riding on high hopes, but scientists and healthcare providers alike know the real finish line is improved and prolonged patient lives – and on that front, this new contender is off to an auspicious start.
