NiKang Therapeutics Inc. and AVEO Oncology announced that they have entered into a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement to evaluate NKT2152, NiKang's small molecule that inhibits hypoxia inducible factor 2a (HIF2a), in combination with FOTIVDA® (tivozanib), AVEO's oral, next-generation vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following two or more prior systemic therapies. The phase 2 clinical trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination of NKT2152 and tivozanib in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) patients who have not responded to or relapsed from prior therapies (R/R RCC). Under the terms of the agreement, NiKang will sponsor the trial and AVEO will co- fund the trial.

Both companies will provide its respective drugs at no cost. The two companies will form a Joint Development Committee to oversee this collaboration. The phase 2 clinical trial is expected to commence in 2022.