Eli Lilly reports 79% response rate for Sofe-M in ovarian cancer trial

what happened

Eli Lilly has released new clinical data on its investigational ovarian cancer drug sofetabart mipitecan, known as Sofe-M. The results were presented at the ESMO 2026 Congress in Madrid, according to Stocktwits.

The antibody-drug conjugate, which targets FRα, was tested with bevacizumab in 33 women with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Among 29 patients with measurable disease, the confirmed objective response rate was 79.3%, meaning 23 patients responded. The disease control rate was 100%.

Lilly said responses held across different FRα expression levels and regardless of prior PARP inhibitor use, which 67% of patients had received. Median duration of response and progression-free survival had not been reached as of the July 6, 2026 data cutoff. Memorial Sloan Kettering researcher Chrisann Kyi called the responses "durable and robust." The drug is now in the three-part Phase 3 FRAmework-01 program, and the Phase 1 safety profile showed no new signals.

why it matters

Lilly shares closed nearly 3% lower in the regular session on Friday but rose 0.4% after hours. The stock is up 19% year to date and 55% over 12 months, compared with 11% for the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) over the past year. For investors, the key next step is the Phase 3 program, since oncology progress can shape views on the company's pipeline and the wider pharma sector.

market impact

LLY and pharma sector: new ovarian cancer data supports interest in the stock

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