AVEO Oncology, an LG Chem company, Announces First Patient Dosed in Front-Line AML Combination Study of Ficlatuzumab
– Collaboration with Blood Cancer United® in its Beat AML® Master Clinical Trial –
– AVEO’s ficlatuzumab compound to be studied in combination with azacitidine and venetoclax in patients with AML in a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial –
– First patient dosed into the Phase 1b/2 clinical trial –
Boston, Jan. 14, 2026 — AVEO Oncology, an LG Chem company (AVEO), announced today that the first patient has been successfully dosed in a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial evaluating ficlatuzumab in combination with azacitidine and venetoclax in patients 60 years of age or older with untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study is being conducted through a Master Clinical Trial Collaboration Agreement with Blood Cancer United® (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).
Under this strategic collaboration, Blood Cancer United, a global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research, and advocacy, will sponsor the study as a sub-study in its Beat AML® Master Clinical Trial, the first collaborative precision medicine clinical trial in a blood cancer that can test multiple therapies across multiple study arms simultaneously.
The Phase 1b/2 trial is designed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and preliminary efficacy of ficlatuzumab combined with azacitidine and venetoclax as a potential treatment for AML. Ficlatuzumab is AVEO’s investigational humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) ligand and prevents signaling via the c-Met receptor. Early-phase clinical trials of ficlatuzumab in combination with cytarabine in AML reported a favorable safety profile with promising clinical activity, supporting further study in AML patients, particularly those considered unfit for standard intensive first-line therapy.
“This is a significant milestone for AVEO and Blood Cancer United, who are both dedicated to improving patient outcomes through novel clinical research,” said Michael P. Bailey, President and CEO of AVEO. “We welcome this partnership and are excited to collaborate on this important clinical trial as we continue to expand our efforts to address high unmet medical needs with our novel clinical-stage portfolio of therapies.”
“The Beat AML Master Clinical Trial seeks to change the paradigm for how this deadly cancer is treated, using an innovative precision medicine protocol and implementing strategic partnerships,” said Lore Gruenbaum, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Blood Cancer United. “Our collaboration with AVEO is a key next step for the trial and transforming patient care for adults with AML.”
About AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an LG Chem company (AVEO), is an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering medicines that provide a better life for patients with cancer. AVEO currently markets FOTIVDA® (tivozanib) in the U.S. for treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following two or more prior systemic therapies, and continues to develop FOTIVDA in other targeted combinations in RCC. The company also has investigational programs in other areas of high unmet need, including ficlatuzumab in HPV-negative refractory head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and rilogrotug (AV-380) in cancer cachexia. AVEO became a wholly owned subsidiary of LG Chem Life Sciences USA, Inc. on January 19, 2023, and continues to operate under the AVEO Oncology, an LG Chem company, name.
About LG Chem, Ltd. and LG Chem Life Sciences
LG Chem is a leading global chemical company with a diversified portfolio across petrochemicals, advanced materials and life sciences. LG Chem Life Sciences, the life sciences division of LG Chem, is dedicated to developing and delivering innovative medicines across a broad range of therapeutic areas. Guided by a mission to transform lives through science and innovation, LG Chem Life Sciences offers differentiated solutions to customers. For more information, visit www.lgchem.com.
About Blood Cancer United® and the Beat AML® Master Clinical Trial
Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is the largest global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research and advocacy. Its mission is to cure blood cancer and improve quality of life for patients and families. The organization brings together patients, volunteers, healthcare providers, scientists, partners and supporters who believe all blood cancer patients deserve longer, fuller lives. For information and support, visit www.BloodCancerUnited.org.
The Beat AML Master Clinical Trial (NCT03013998), launched in 2016 by Blood Cancer United, is the first collaborative precision medicine clinical trial in a blood cancer. The trial uses advanced genomic technology to match patients to promising targeted treatments based on their tumor genetics, testing multiple therapies in multiple sub-studies simultaneously. The program has generated encouraging results, demonstrating positive survival outcomes and improved quality of life. For more information, visit www.bloodcancerunited.org/beataml.
About Ficlatuzumab
Ficlatuzumab (formerly AV-299) is a potent HGF immunoglobulin G1 inhibitory antibody that binds the HGF ligand with high affinity and specificity. HGF is the natural ligand of c-Met, and blocking HGF inhibits signaling through the HGF/c-Met pathway. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration designated the ficlatuzumab plus ERBITUX® (cetuximab) program as a Fast Track development program for relapsed/recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in September 2021; that program is currently in a Phase 3 clinical study.
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SOURCE: AVEO, an LG Chem company