Jacobio Pharmaceutical Group (Jacobio) has administered the first dose in China for its Phase Ib/III clinical trial evaluating the oral pan-KRAS inhibitor JAB-23E73 combined with nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine as a first-line treatment for KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer.
The trial launch is underpinned by interim results from an ongoing Phase I study, disclosed in the company’s 2025 annual report. As of the 15 January 2026 data cut-off, 42 Chinese patients with advanced solid tumours—each previously treated with at least one systemic regimen—had received JAB-23E73. Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 11.90 % (5/42) of participants; no Grade 4 or 5 events were reported, and no Grade ≥3 rash, mucositis, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea was observed. Among 13 evaluable pancreatic cancer patients dosed at ≥160 mg daily, the objective response rate reached 38.46 %.
JAB-23E73 was discovered in-house by Jacobio and is licensed exclusively to AstraZeneca outside mainland China. Within mainland China, the two companies will co-develop and co-commercialise the candidate. KRAS mutations represent one of the most common oncogenic drivers in pancreatic cancer, underscoring the strategic relevance of this programme.
Jacobio cautions that there is no assurance JAB-23E73 will ultimately achieve regulatory approval or commercial success, in line with Hong Kong Listing Rule 18A.05.