Exelixis (EXEL) said late Thursday preliminary results from an expansion cohort of a phase 1b/2 study in advanced kidney cancer showed an objective response rate of 63% and a disease control rate of 90%.

The trial was evaluating zanzalintinib in combination with either nivolumab or a fixed-dose combination of nivolumab and relatlimab in patients with previously untreated advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma, the company said.

"We are pleased to present these preliminary findings from the...study, including early signs of promising activity for zanzalintinib in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors," said Chief Medical Officer Amy Peterson.

The findings will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting.