Microbiotica Reports Phase 1b Melanoma Trial Results
The study evaluates an oral bacterial therapy in combination with immunotherapy for patients with advanced melanoma.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Cancer
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Microbiotica shared Phase 1b clinical trial results for its MB097 therapy at the ESMO Congress 2026. The MELODY-1 trial tested the nine-strain bacterial treatment alongside KEYTRUDA in patients with advanced melanoma.
Why it matters
Researchers are investigating whether antibiotic preconditioning can improve bacterial engraftment and clinical outcomes for patients who are refractory to anti-PD-1 therapy.
The MELODY-1 trial enrolled 41 patients to test an oral dose of MB097 and KEYTRUDA over 24 weeks. Participants in the preconditioning arm received 125 mg of vancomycin four times daily prior to therapy.
The players
Microbiotica
A biotechnology firm headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, that develops live bacterial therapeutics for oncology and other diseases.
KEYTRUDA
An immunotherapy drug often utilized as a treatment for advanced melanoma and other cancer types.
The details
The study compared outcomes between patients receiving five days of vancomycin and those who received no antibiotic preconditioning. Responders in the vancomycin group achieved over 75% reduction in their target lesion dimensions.
Timeline
The ESMO Congress 2026 took place in Madrid from 23-27 October 2026.
Trial results were presented on 24 October 2026.
Microbiotica released the data announcement on 26 October 2026.
Health Landscape
This study updates the broader field of microbiome-based oncology research through its presentation at the ESMO Congress. The research builds on emerging evidence regarding the gut microbiome and its potential role in enhancing responses to immunotherapy.
This research explores new combinations for patients who have not responded to existing anti-PD-1 therapies. Patients should consult their oncologists to understand how experimental immunotherapy combinations may align with their specific treatment plans.
The takeaway
The study highlights how gut microbiome manipulation is being explored as a method to improve cancer treatment responses. Patients with refractory melanoma can follow these developments to monitor potential future options for personalized therapy.
What happens next
Microbiotica intends to generate and share additional data from the extension phase of the MELODY-1 trial.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment trends and research, visit the Cancer section.
More information
View the clinical study registry details for complete trial protocols and metrics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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