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Recruiting Phase 3 NCT06601335

NCT06601335 A Phase 3 Study of AK112 Plus AK117 Versus Pembrolizumab in Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (R/M HNSCC)

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT06601335
Status Recruiting
Phase Phase 3
Sponsor Akeso
Condition Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 510 participants
Start Date 2024-10-30
Primary Completion 2027-01

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age 75 Years
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
AK117 in combination with AK112Placebo in combination with Pembrolizumab

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

Phase 3 trials are large pivotal studies comparing the treatment to current standard of care or placebo. Your participation directly contributes to the evidence needed for regulatory approval.

This trial targets 510 participants in total. It began in 2024-10-30 with a primary completion date of 2027-01.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

This is a phase 3 study. All subjects arerecurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous Cell Carcinoma (R/M HNSCC), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-1. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AK112 combined with AK117 versus pembrolizumab combined with placebo in patients with R/M HNSCC whose tumors have programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) positive \[Combined Positive Score (CPS) greater than or equal to 1\].

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Be able and willing to provide written informed consent. 2. Have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1. 3. Have a life expectancy of at least 3 months. 4. Has histologically confirmed diagnosis of R/M HNSCC primarily located in oropharynx, oral cavity, hypopharynx, or larynx, which is considered incurable by local therapies. 5. Participants with oropharyngeal cancer must have results from testing of human papillomavirus HPV status. 6. No prior systemic treatment for R/M HNSCC. 7. At least one measurable noncerebral lesion according to RECIST 1.1. 8. PD-L1 positive (CPS ≥ 1). 9. Has adequate organ function. 10. All subjects of reproductive potential must agree to use an effective method of contraception, as determined by the Investigator, during and for 120 days after the last dose of study treatment. 11. Able to to comply with all requirements of study participation (including all study procedures). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Has squamous cell carcinoma of the primary site, such as nasopharynx, nasal cavity, sinuses, salivary glands, thyroid or parathyroid, skin, or of unknown primary origin. 2. Had other malignant tumors within the 5 years prior to enrollment. 3. Has a significant risk of bleeding assessed by the investigator based on imaging. 4. Radiologically documented evidence of major blood vessel invasion or tumor invading organs or there is a risk of esophagotracheal or esophagopleural fistula, or major blood vessel encasement that the investigator determines will pose a significantly increased risk of bleeding. 5. Has known active central nervous system (CNS) metastases. 6. Has pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, or ascites with clinical symptoms or requiring repeated drainage. 7. Previously received immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, immune checkpoint agonists, immune cell therapy, and any other treatments targeting the immune mechanisms of tumors. 8. Previously received radiation therapy for head or neck within 8 weeks prior to enrollment, received palliative radiation therapy for non-head or non-neck within 3 weeks prior to enrollment. 9. Has a history severe bleeding tendency or coagulation dysfunction. 10. Has a history myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, and malignant arrhythmia. 11. Has a history arterial or venous thromboembolism events, transient ischemic attacks, cerebrovascular accidents, hypertensive crises, or hypertensive encephalopathy occurred within 6 months prior to enrollment. 12. Pregnant or lactating female.

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Wenting Li

✉ wenting01.li@akesobio.com

📞 18116403289

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT06601335 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 75 Years, studying Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

What phase is the NCT06601335 trial and what does that mean for participants?

Phase 3 trials are large-scale studies comparing the new treatment to existing standards of care or a placebo. They provide the evidence needed for regulatory approval. This trial targets 510 participants.

Is NCT06601335 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT06601335 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at wenting01.li@akesobio.com for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT06601335 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Wuhan, China, Chengdu, China.

Who is sponsoring the NCT06601335 clinical trial?

NCT06601335 is sponsored by Akeso. The trial plans to enroll 510 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: July 2026  ·  Data Methodology