Exelixis, Inc. and Arcus Biosciences announced that the companies have entered into a clinical trial collaboration for STELLAR-009, a phase 1b/2 trial evaluating zanzalintinib, Exelixis' next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), in combination with AB521, an inhibitor of the transcription factor HIF-2, in patients with advanced solid tumors, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Exelixis is sponsoring STELLAR-009, and Arcus is co-funding the study and providing AB521 for use in the trial. Patient enrollment for STELLAR-009 is expected to begin before the end of 2023.

The dose-finding stage of this open-label study will determine a recommended dose for zanzalintinib in combination with AB521 in patients with advanced solid tumors and in patients with advanced ccRCC. Expansion teams will further evaluate the tolerability and activity of this combination in ccRCC as well as investigate the contribution of components, supported by activity data generated from monotherapy studies in ccRCC patients, to support full development. Any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characteristics of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements and are based upon Exelixis' current plans, assumptions, beliefs, expectations, estimates and projections.