Tempest Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage oncology company developing first-in-class therapeutics that combine both precision and immune-mediated mechanisms, today announced a clinical collaboration agreement with F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. The collaboration will evaluate TPST-1120, Tempest’s small molecule PPAR⍺ antagonist, in combination with atezolizumab (Tecentriq) and bevacizumab (Avastin) in previously untreated patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

“We are thrilled to work with Roche to accelerate the TPST-1120 program by evaluating this molecule in a targeted front-line clinical setting,” said Stephen Brady, president and chief operating officer of Tempest. “TPST-1120’s mechanism of action makes it specifically well-suited to combine with both PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors and anti-angiogenesis agents. This strong scientific rationale, coupled with the observed clinical safety profile and early signals of clinical benefit in treated patients, makes us hopeful that this triplet approach will offer HCC patients meaningful benefit.”

TPST-1120 will be evaluated in a global randomized Phase 1b/2 clinical study in combination with the standard-of-care first-line regimen of atezolizumab and bevacizumab in patients with advanced or metastatic HCC not previously treated with systemic therapy. Up to 60 patients will receive the TPST-1120 combination and will be compared to the standard-of-care atezolizumab and bevacizumab regimen with primary objectives of anti-tumor activity and safety. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Roche will manage the study operations for this global multicenter trial. Tempest will retain global development and commercialization rights to TPST-1120.