ORIC Pharma’s Novel Approach to Prostate Cancer Shows Promise in Early Trials

NEW YORK, NY – November 13, 2025

ORIC Pharmaceuticals is advancing its pipeline of innovative cancer therapies, reporting promising preliminary data for its lead candidate, ORIC-944, in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), and continued progress with enozertinib, a novel EGFR inhibitor for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The company also boasts a robust financial position, providing a solid foundation for continued research and development.

Addressing Resistance in Prostate Cancer

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer remains a significant challenge for oncologists, with patients often developing resistance to existing androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI) therapies. ORIC Pharma’s ORIC-944 aims to overcome this resistance by targeting the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), an epigenetic regulator implicated in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Preliminary Phase 1b data reveal encouraging results when combined with ARPIs like darolutamide and apalutamide.

“The early data is quite compelling,” says one industry analyst. “We’re seeing a substantial percentage of patients achieving PSA50 responses and, crucially, a significant reduction in circulating tumor DNA. This suggests ORIC-944 is not only hitting its target but also having a meaningful impact on the disease.”

Specifically, 55% of patients in the Phase 1b trial achieved a PSA50 response—a 50% reduction in prostate-specific antigen—while 76% demonstrated a greater than 50% reduction in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). These biomarkers provide early indicators of therapeutic efficacy. The company is currently enrolling patients in a Phase 2 expansion to further evaluate the drug’s effectiveness and optimize dosing regimens. What separates ORIC-944 from other potential therapies in the pipeline is its focus on epigenetic modification. Traditional treatments often target the cancer cells directly; ORIC-944’s mechanism of action attempts to ‘re-sensitize’ the cancer to current therapies, offering a potentially longer-lasting impact.

Enozertinib: Reaching Brain Metastases in Lung Cancer

Beyond prostate cancer, ORIC is also making strides in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Its drug, enozertinib, is a brain-penetrant EGFR inhibitor designed to address a critical unmet need in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC who have developed brain metastases. Brain metastases are a common and devastating complication of NSCLC, and many existing EGFR inhibitors have limited ability to effectively reach the brain.

“Getting drugs across the blood-brain barrier is a major hurdle in treating brain metastases,” explains a medical oncologist specializing in lung cancer. “Enozertinib’s ability to penetrate the brain offers a potentially significant advantage for patients with brain metastases, who often have limited treatment options.”

ORIC is evaluating enozertinib in a Phase 1b/2 trial, and expects to report further data in the coming months, including data from ongoing Phase 3 trials. The goal is to demonstrate both efficacy and improved central nervous system penetration compared to existing therapies. The competitive landscape for EGFR inhibitors is crowded, with osimertinib currently being the standard of care, but enozertinib’s brain-penetrant properties could carve out a specific niche in the treatment of patients with brain metastases.

Financial Strength Fuels Future Growth

The company’s strong financial position provides a solid foundation for advancing its pipeline. With approximately $413 million in cash and investments as of September 30, 2025, ORIC projects a cash runway extending into the second half of 2028. This financial stability allows the company to pursue its research and development programs without the immediate need for additional financing.

“Having a strong cash position is crucial for a clinical-stage biotech,” says a financial analyst covering ORIC. “It gives them the flexibility to invest in their pipeline, pursue strategic partnerships, and weather any unexpected setbacks.”

ORIC’s financial strength, coupled with its promising clinical data, positions the company for continued growth and innovation in the field of cancer therapy. While challenges remain, including the inherent risks associated with clinical development, ORIC Pharma is demonstrating a commitment to addressing unmet medical needs and improving the lives of cancer patients.