MacroGenics reports 27% response rate for MGC026 in head‑and‑neck cancer Phase 1 trial

MacroGenics announced interim Phase 1 data for its B7‑H3‑targeted ADC MGC026, showing a best overall response rate of 27% (four confirmed and two unconfirmed partial responses) in 22 heavily pretreated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) patients. Across the entire study 85 patients were treated, with grade ≥ 3 treatment‑related adverse events occurring in 51% of participants and discontinuations due to adverse events in 5%. The company selected a 7.5 mg/kg every‑three‑weeks dose for further evaluation and plans to start a front‑line SCCHN expansion cohort combined with pembrolizumab in early 2027.

The company says the interim data support expanded development of MGC026 and justify testing the agent earlier in therapy, which could create a new revenue stream if later trials confirm efficacy. Updated data are expected in mid‑2027, providing investors with a timeline for further clinical milestones.

  • 1Best overall response rate in the SCCHN expansion cohort was 27% (four confirmed and two unconfirmed partial responses) among 22 response‑evaluable patients.
  • 2A total of 85 patients had been treated across dose‑escalation and dose‑expansion cohorts as of the September 1 2026 data cutoff.
  • 3Grade ≥ 3 treatment‑related adverse events occurred in 51% of patients overall and in 48% of the SCCHN cohort.
  • 4Treatment‑related adverse events led to discontinuation in 5% of patients overall, with no discontinuations in the SCCHN cohort.
  • 5The selected dose for continued evaluation is 7.5 mg/kg administered every three weeks.
  • 6MacroGenics plans to initiate a front‑line SCCHN expansion cohort combining MGC026 with pembrolizumab in early 2027.

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