Corbus Names New CMO Ahead of 250-Patient TEMPO-1 OPSCC Trial
CRBP•Corbus Pharmaceuticals appointed Leonardo Viana Nicacio, M.D., as CMO ahead of summer initiation of the 250-patient TEMPO-1 study of CRB-701 in second-line oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with ORR as primary endpoint. Nicacio, who advanced TIVDAK® to market for metastatic cervical cancer, will also oversee the late-summer CANYON-1 obesity study readout.
1. Leadership Appointment
Corbus Pharmaceuticals has appointed Leonardo Viana Nicacio, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Nicacio brings over 20 years of oncology leadership, including pivotal roles in solid tumor drug development at Seagen, AstraZeneca and Stemline, and led the antibody–drug conjugate TIVDAK® to market for metastatic cervical cancer.
2. TEMPO-1 Study Plans
The company expects to initiate the TEMPO-1 registrational study of CRB-701 in second-line oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma this summer, enrolling 250 patients in a randomized controlled trial. The overall response rate is set as the primary endpoint for potential accelerated approval, with full approval contingent on overall survival benefit.
3. Upcoming Clinical Milestones
Corbus is also preparing for topline results from the CANYON-1 Phase 1b 16-week, 240-patient obesity study in late summer 2026, and anticipates first-line OPSCC data for CRB-701 in early 2027. These near-term catalysts will inform the pipeline’s valuation and strategic direction.
