Sevabertinib, a Reversible HER2 Inhibitor with Activity in Lung Cancer

Exon 20 insertions of HER2, encoded by erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2), and other activating HER2 mutations occur in 2% to 4% of lung adenocarcinomas, but there are only limited therapeutic options available for these patients. Sevabertinib (BAY 2927088) is a potent and reversible dual EGFR-HER2 inhibitor that is selective with respect to wild-type EGFR. In this study, we report the preclinical activity of sevabertinib in lung cancer models harboring alterations of HER2, including exon 20 insertions, point mutations, and amplification of wild-type ERBB2. We furthermore demonstrate the activity of sevabertinib in a cancer cell line dependent on a fusion of neuregulin-1, a ligand for the HER2 family member and heterodimerization partner, HER3. Finally, we report patient responses to sevabertinib from a phase 1/2 clinical trial, indicating potential benefit for patients with HER2-mutant lung cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: Additional therapeutic options are needed for patients with lung cancer with HER2 activating mutations, including exon 20 insertions. Sevabertinib shows activity against ERBB2-encoded HER2 exon 20 insertions in preclinical models of lung cancer, corroborated by early data from a phase 1/2 clinical trial.