Akeso Enrolled First Patient in Gastric Cancer Trial
The COMPASSION-37 study is evaluating the efficacy of cadonilimab combined with chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Cancer
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Akeso has officially enrolled the first patient in its Phase III COMPASSION-37 clinical trial. This study investigates the use of cadonilimab in combination with chemotherapy for patients with HER2-negative, previously untreated, unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
Why it matters
The trial seeks to determine if dual PD-1/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade can improve survival outcomes beyond current standards of care. It specifically aims to evaluate the drug's efficacy for patients with low or negative PD-L1 expression levels.
The COMPASSION-15 study, a predecessor, included 610 participants, of which 49.8% had low PD-L1 expression and 23% were PD-L1-negative. Akeso currently manages 50 innovative assets with 13 ongoing Phase III or registrational studies.
The players
Akeso
Akeso is a biopharmaceutical company founded in 2012 that maintains a pipeline of more than 50 innovative assets.
Dr. Yelena Y. Janjigian
Dr. Yelena Y. Janjigian is a lead researcher who is conducting a separate Phase II study of cadonilimab in the United States.
The details
The COMPASSION-37 trial utilizes a global, multicenter design to compare cadonilimab against existing chemotherapy standards with or without nivolumab. The study aims to clarify the clinical value of the dual immune checkpoint blockade across varying PD-L1 expression levels.
Timeline
Akeso was founded in 2012.
Cadonilimab received initial cervical cancer approval in June 2022.
Cadonilimab was approved for gastric cancer in China in September 2024.
The first patient was enrolled in the COMPASSION-37 trial on September 28, 2026.
The Big Picture
This research follows the design patterns established by the COMPASSION-15 trial, which previously investigated similar immune checkpoint blockade strategies. The success of this new trial is expected to clarify the clinical value of dual PD-1/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade in patients.
This study may eventually lead to new treatment options for patients with previously untreated, unresectable or metastatic gastric cancer. Success in the trial could redefine standard care protocols for individuals with low or negative PD-L1 expression.
The takeaway
The study aims to establish whether dual immune checkpoint blockade can successfully address difficult-to-treat gastric cancers. This trial represents a significant step in determining if personalized immunotherapy can be expanded to broader patient populations.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing clinical research, visit the Cancer section.
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