PEP08 for adults with advanced MTAP‑deleted solid tumors

A Phase 1a/1b Study Evaluating the Clinical Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Preliminary Anti-tumor Efficacy of PEP08 as Monotherapy and Combination Therapy in MTAP-Del Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors

Phase 1 Interventional PharmaEngine · NCT06973863

This trial will test whether PEP08, given alone or with another cancer drug, is safe and shows signs of benefit in adults with advanced or metastatic solid tumors that have MTAP deletion.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPharmaEngine Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionsimmunotherapy, radiation
Locations4 sites (Wentworthville, New South Wales and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06973863 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a first‑in‑human, Phase 1 dose‑finding study of PEP08 in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors harboring MTAP deletion. The trial includes multiple parts with dose escalation to determine the maximum tolerated dose and recommended Phase 2 dose, with some parts testing PEP08 in combination with another anti‑cancer agent. Key endpoints include safety, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and preliminary anti‑tumor activity measured by standard imaging criteria. Eligible patients must have confirmed MTAP homozygous deletion or protein loss and measurable disease and will attend regular clinic visits for dosing and monitoring.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with advanced or metastatic solid tumors that are not amenable to curative treatment and have confirmed MTAP homozygous deletion or protein loss, measurable disease, prior standard therapy, good organ function, and the required performance status are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have MTAP deletion, who are eligible for effective standard curative treatments, or who are medically unfit due to poor organ function or performance status are unlikely to benefit from this trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, PEP08 could become a new targeted treatment option for patients with MTAP‑deleted advanced solid tumors who have exhausted standard therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Related approaches targeting PRMT5 or exploiting MTAP deletion have shown encouraging signals in preclinical work and early‑phase trials, but the strategy remains experimental and not yet proven.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants must be adults (≥18 years) and sign informed consent before undergoing any study-related procedures.
* Eligible participants must have advanced or metastatic solid tumors that are not treatable with surgery or radiation, and show evidence of MTAP gene homozygous deletion or MTAP protein loss based on tumor tissue analysis.
* Participants must have previously received standard treatment for their cancer type, and either experienced disease progression, be refractory, or be intolerant to such therapies.
* At least one measurable lesion is required, evaluated by standard imaging criteria (RECIST v1.1).
* Good general physical condition (ECOG performance status 0-1 for dose escalation; broader range allowed for other parts).
* Adequate function in key organs.
* Able to swallow oral medication and comply with study requirements.
* Women of childbearing potential and men with reproductive potential must use effective contraception during and after the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Recent cancer treatment, immunotherapy, or investigational drugs are not allowed before starting the study.
* Live vaccines received shortly before treatment are not allowed.
* Previous use of drugs with similar mechanisms to the study treatment is not allowed.
* Active or unstable brain or meningeal metastases, unless previously treated and stable without needing local treatment or high-dose steroids.
* History of other cancers within the last 2 years, unless low-risk and treated (e.g., in situ or certain skin cancers).
* Uncontrolled disease-related complications (e.g., abnormal calcium levels, fluid buildup around organs).
* Active HIV, hepatitis B or C infections that are not well-controlled.
* Ongoing serious infections or systemic conditions requiring isolation.
* Significant heart disease, such as recent heart failure, ischemia, or arrhythmias.
* History of severe digestive conditions or surgeries affecting drug absorption.
* Recent major surgery.
* Unresolved serious side effects from prior cancer treatment.
* Currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
* Poorly controlled blood pressure or lung conditions.
* Other serious illnesses (e.g., severe anemia, psychiatric or social issues affecting study compliance).
* Any condition that may pose a safety risk or interfere with the study, as judged by the investigator.
* Known drug or substance abuse that may affect study participation.
* Allergy to the study drug or any of its components.

Where this trial is running

Wentworthville, New South Wales and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Advanced Solid TumorSolid TumorsMTAP-deleted Solid TumorsMTAP DeletionMTAP-delPRMT5 inhibitor
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.