Why Kazia Therapeutics (KZIA) Is Surging: A Big Bet on Breast Cancer Breakthroughs

Kazia Therapeutics Limited (NASDAQ: KZIA), an oncology-focused drug development company based in Sydney, Australia, has recently become a stock market sensation. As of Thursday’s trading session at 11:38 AM EST, KZIA’s stock rose by an impressive +53.28%, or $0.73, reaching $2.11. This spike comes amid significant trading activity, with a trading volume of 92.97 million shares compared to its average volume of 99,806. Investors are buzzing about the company’s latest developments in cancer treatment, driving the stock into today’s trending spotlight.

While Kazia’s stock price has seen a year-to-date (YTD) decline of -30.65%, its recent regulatory win and ongoing clinical trials have sparked optimism among investors. This increase in stock value is certainly noteworthy, especially in comparison to the DAX P YTD performance of +9.07%, signaling a potential turnaround for the company’s market performance.


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Let’s dive deeper into the groundbreaking developments behind Kazia’s recent success, as well as the company’s business and future prospects.

Kazia Therapeutics: A Game-Changer in Cancer Treatment

Kazia Therapeutics is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge cancer therapies, with a key focus on brain cancer and aggressive tumor types like triple-negative breast cancer. The company’s flagship drug candidate, paxalisib, is an investigational brain-penetrant inhibitor targeting the PI3K / Akt / mTOR pathway, which plays a significant role in cancer cell survival and growth. With its promising track record, Kazia has captured the attention of both the scientific community and investors.

In its latest achievement, Kazia has announced the regulatory approval and launch of a clinical trial aimed at evaluating the combination of paxalisib with immunotherapy for treating advanced breast cancer. Specifically, the trial will assess the combination of paxalisib with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) and LYNPARZA® (olaparib) in women with triple-negative breast cancer, a highly aggressive and treatment-resistant form of the disease.

The trial, named the ABC-Pax study, is groundbreaking as it is the first clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of this novel combination. The study will involve 24 patients and will be conducted across top cancer centers in Queensland, Australia. This clinical trial is designed to offer a unique approach to treating this challenging cancer type by targeting dormant cancer cells and making them visible to the immune system while reinvigorating immune cells to fight the tumor cells.

How the ABC-Pax Study Could Revolutionize Cancer Treatment

The ABC-Pax trial stems from pioneering research led by QIMR Berghofer scientists, who collaborated with Kazia Therapeutics to explore the potential of combining paxalisib with immunotherapy in pre-clinical models. The results showed that this dual approach could reprogram dormant cancer cells, allowing the immune system to identify and attack them more effectively.

The new data was presented at the prestigious San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in December 2024. According to Professor Sudha Rao of QIMR Berghofer, this new treatment combination could prove to be a lifeline for women with triple-negative breast cancer, where current treatment options remain limited and the prognosis is often poor. The hope is that paxalisib’s combination with immunotherapy could extend survival and improve the quality of life for these patients.

In addition to its focus on advanced breast cancer, the ABC-Pax study is also pushing the envelope on precision medicine through the use of a non-invasive liquid biopsy digital pathology platform. This innovative technology allows researchers to track the behavior of cancer and immune cells in real time using blood samples, providing faster and more accurate insights into how well the treatment is working.

Kazia’s Broader Impact in Oncology

Kazia’s portfolio extends beyond the ABC-Pax trial. The company’s lead drug, paxalisib, has been in clinical trials for various brain cancers and has shown promising results. These include glioblastoma, brain metastases, diffuse midline gliomas, and primary CNS lymphoma, with encouraging interim data from several of these studies.

In recognition of its potential, paxalisib has garnered Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation from the FDA, indicating the drug’s potential to treat rare and serious diseases. Moreover, Kazia is exploring its combination with radiation therapy for solid tumor brain metastases and investigating the drug’s potential in pediatric cancers, further solidifying its position as a key player in oncology drug development.

In addition to paxalisib, Kazia is also working on EVT801, a small-molecule inhibitor targeting VEGFR3, which has shown activity against a broad range of tumor types. Early data suggest synergies between EVT801 and immuno-oncology agents, paving the way for potential combination therapies in the future.

Kazia’s Growing Influence in the Oncology Space

Kazia Therapeutics has made significant strides in advancing treatments for some of the most challenging cancer types. The company’s commitment to exploring novel therapeutic combinations, such as paxalisib and immunotherapy, demonstrates its dedication to revolutionizing cancer care. The ABC-Pax study’s early results could become a pivotal turning point, not just for Kazia, but for the broader oncology treatment landscape.

With the potential to transform how aggressive cancers like triple-negative breast cancer are treated, Kazia’s role in the oncology space is one to watch. The company’s innovative therapies, backed by strong preclinical and clinical data, have placed it on the radar of both healthcare professionals and investors alike.

As the ABC-Pax study unfolds and Kazia continues to make strides in cancer treatment, the company is setting the stage for even greater achievements in the fight against cancer. Investors, healthcare professionals, and patients alike will be watching closely to see if these innovative therapies will deliver on their promise and pave the way for a new era in oncology treatment.

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