Akeso and Summit's ivonescimab extends survival in squamous cell lung cancer at ASCO 2026

Data presented at ASCO 2026 showed that ivonescimab, a bispecific antibody targeting both PD-1 and VEGF, extended survival in patients with squamous cell lung cancer. The drug was developed by Akeso and is being studied in partnership with Summit Therapeutics under the HARMONI trial programme.

Ivonescimab is designed to combine immune checkpoint inhibition with anti-angiogenic activity in a single molecule, an approach intended to overcome resistance mechanisms that limit single-agent PD-1 blockade. Squamous cell carcinoma represents a substantial subtype of non-small cell lung cancer and has historically had fewer targeted options than adenocarcinoma, which more frequently harbours actionable mutations such as EGFR alterations.

Clinicians commenting at the meeting welcomed the results but noted that the trial population was predominantly East Asian, raising questions about the generalisability of findings to other ancestries and healthcare settings. Researchers and oncologists interested in the primary endpoint data, patient-selection criteria, and subgroup analyses should consult the conference abstract and the anticipated peer-reviewed publication. Regulatory submissions had not been announced at the time of reporting. The story was covered by Stat News on 31 May 2026.