New lymphoma results support development programme
Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRIS) shares climbed 11% on Wednesday after the biotechnology company released encouraging updated clinical data for emavusertib in patients with Primary CNS Lymphoma (PCNSL) and raised enrollment expectations for its Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) study.
Updated findings from the TakeAim Lymphoma trial showed an overall response rate of 86% among patients who had not previously received a BTK inhibitor. In patients with prior BTK inhibitor treatment, the overall response rate was 26%, based on data collected through July 1, 2026.
The analysis included seven BTK inhibitor-naïve patients and 39 patients who had previously received BTK inhibitor therapy.
Regulatory discussions support accelerated approval pathway
Emavusertib is an oral IRAK4 and FLT3 inhibitor being evaluated in combination with BTK inhibitors for the treatment of several blood cancers.
Curis said it completed meetings with both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) during 2025.
According to the company, regulators indicated that the ongoing PCNSL study could support a future application for accelerated approval in patients with relapsed or refractory Primary CNS Lymphoma.
Company increases CLL enrollment expectations
Curis also provided an update on its TakeAim CLL study evaluating emavusertib alongside zanubrutinib.
The company said 10 patients have now provided consent to participate, with the first five expected to receive treatment before the end of July.
Management raised its guidance for year-end clinical data, and now expects to report results from between five and 10 patients in December 2026, compared with its previous expectation of data from five patients.
The company had previously announced on June 26 that 11 clinical sites were open for enrollment, followed by confirmation on July 6 that the first six patients had consented to join the trial.
Combination studies continue across blood cancers
The TakeAim Lymphoma study is a three-part clinical trial evaluating emavusertib in combination with ibrutinib in patients with Primary CNS Lymphoma.
Meanwhile, the TakeAim CLL study is an open-label Phase 2 trial investigating emavusertib together with zanubrutinib in patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.