Arcus Biosciences announced the discontinuation of its Phase 3 STAR‑121 trial, a lung‑cancer study evaluating the anti‑TIGIT antibody domvanalimab in combination with zimberelimab and chemotherapy versus pembrolizumab and chemotherapy. The decision followed a futility analysis conducted by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee, which indicated that the program was unlikely to meet its primary endpoints and therefore the company halted enrollment and terminated the study.
The pause marks a strategic shift for Arcus, which had invested heavily in its TIGIT platform. By ending STAR‑121, the company is reallocating resources toward casdatifan, its HIF‑2α inhibitor for renal cell carcinoma. Casdatifan has demonstrated superior efficacy in RCC, with a median progression‑free survival of 15.1 months and an overall response rate of 45% in a February 2026 cohort, positioning it as the company’s flagship asset.
The decision also impacts Arcus’s partnership with Gilead Sciences. Gilead’s option rights for certain early‑stage programs expired on July 14, 2026, due to a non‑continuation payment, and the company has retained rights to other assets while scaling back its involvement in the TIGIT platform. This development signals a more selective collaboration and may influence future funding or development strategies.
The discontinuation is viewed as a cost‑saving measure and a signal that Arcus is prioritizing its strongest assets. While the cancellation reduces short‑term revenue potential, the shift is intended to strengthen the company’s long‑term competitive position in the renal cell carcinoma market.
Arcus’s strategic realignment reflects a focus on assets with higher probability of success and a commitment to improving its long‑term competitive position in RCC, while reducing the clinical‑trial burden associated with the TIGIT platform.
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