lirafugratinib (RLY-4008)

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This work identifies lirafugratinib, a highly selective fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 inhibitor, as a previously unrecognized suppressor of ABCG2-dependent MDR. By limiting efflux-mediated depletion of anticancer drugs while maintaining its own activity, lirafugratinib resensitizes resistant nonsmall cell lung cancer cells to cytotoxic agents, supporting its potential utility in combination regimens for tumors with elevated ABCG2 expression.

Parallel translational work using cfDNA-based liquid biopsy has mapped a spectrum of secondary kinase-domain mutations that underlie acquired resistance, informing the development of next-generation FGFR2-selective inhibitors (eg, lirafugratinib) and combination strategies with EGFR/ERBB blockade. Collectively, these data underscore the need for comprehensive molecular profiling and innovative umbrella trial designs to optimise targeted therapy in this rare, biologically heterogeneous malignancy.

P1/2, N=490, Completed, Elevar Therapeutics | Active, not recruiting --> Completed | Trial completion date: Dec 2027 --> Sep 2025

The complementary activity of lirafugratinib and futibatinib against FGFR2 kinase domain mutations supports their sequential use, when precise resistance mutations are detected in patients.

P2, N=30, Not yet recruiting, Elevar Therapeutics

Lirafugratinib retains activity against multiple mutations that confer clinical resistance to pan-FGFR inhibitors. However, diverse resistance mechanisms, including various kinase domain mutations and RTK-MAPK bypass alterations, remain challenges in the treatment of FGFR2-altered tumors, even with selective FGFR2 kinase inhibition.

Pan-FGFR-selective inhibitors (erdafitinib, pemigatinib, and futibatinib) have been developed in clinical practice...FGFR2-selective inhibitor lirafugratinib, FGFR3-selective inhibitors LOXO-435 and TYRA-300, FGFR2/3-selective inhibitor ABSK061, and FGFR4-selective inhibitors are in clinical development. Additionally, novel isoform-selective FGFR-targeting degraders, FGFR2b/FGFR3-selective antibodies, and de novo-designed 'c' isoform-selective proteins provide novel treatment strategies. This review provides an overview of the current FGFR-targeted therapeutics and limitations and evaluates next-generation inhibitor development to guide future research.

P1/2, N=490, Active, not recruiting, Elevar Therapeutics | Trial primary completion date: Sep 2024 --> Sep 2025

P1/2, N=490, Active, not recruiting, Elevar Therapeutics | Trial completion date: Aug 2025 --> Dec 2027

P1/2, N=490, Active, not recruiting, Relay Therapeutics, Inc. | Trial completion date: Oct 2024 --> Aug 2025 | Trial primary completion date: Jun 2024 --> Sep 2024

At progression to FGFR inhibitors, FGFR2-driven malignancies are characterized by high intra- and inter-patient molecular heterogeneity, particularly in cholangiocarcinoma. Resistance to FGFR inhibitors can be overcome by sequential, molecularly-oriented treatment strategies across FGFR2-driven tumors.

P1/2, N=540, Active, not recruiting, Relay Therapeutics, Inc. | Recruiting --> Active, not recruiting