On June 3, 2019 VBL Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VBLT) reported the presentation of the final results from a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of VB-111 in the treatment of patients with recurrent platinum resistant ovarian cancer on Saturday, June 1st at the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting, in Chicago (Press release, VBL Therapeutics, JUN 3, 2019, View Source [SID1234536817]).

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Data demonstrated a median overall survival (OS) of 498 days in the VB-111 therapeutic-dose arm, versus 172.5 days in the low-dose arm (p=0.03). 58% of evaluable patients treated with the therapeutic dose of VB-111 had a GCIG CA-125 response. In comparison, in the AURELIA trial, the GCIG CA-125 response rate was 31.8% with bevacizumab and chemotherapy, and only 11.6% with chemotherapy alone.

VB-111 activity signals were seen despite unfavorable prognostic characteristics (50% platinum refractory disease and 50% previous treatment with anti-angiogenics). There was a trend for favorable survival in patients who had CA-125 decrease >50% in the VB-111 therapeutic-dose arm (808 vs. 351 days; p=0.067) implicating CA-125 as a valuable biomarker for response to VB-111. Post treatment fever was also associated with a signal for improved survival (808 vs. 479 days; p=0.27).

"The improved overall survival seen with the therapeutic dose of VB-111 is compelling, given that this trial focused on women with poor prognosis whose disease had progressed following several lines of prior therapies," said Tami Rachmilewitz, M.D., Vice President Clinical Development of VBL Therapeutics. "The high CA-125 response rate, the long duration of responses and the recruitment of immune cells into the tumor provide additional evidence for activity of VB-111, and support its continued development in ovarian cancer."

"These data reinforce our confidence in VB-111 as we continue to advance OVAL, our potential registration trial in platinum resistant ovarian cancer," said Dror Harats, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of VBL Therapeutics. "Importantly, the data implicating CA-125 decrease as a biomarker for VB-111 activity can be valuable for our Phase 3 OVAL trial, for which an interim analysis is expected around year-end 2019. In addition, the ability of VB-111 to turn a notoriously `cold` tumor like ovarian cancer `hot` is suggestive that VB-111 may have broader applicability across additional cold tumors. We look forward to the launch of investigator-sponsored trials in rGBM and colon cancer to provide more data on the potential of VB-111."

For additional information see: ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) poster

About VB-111 (ofranergene obadenovec)
VB-111, a potential first-in-class anticancer therapeutic candidate, is the Company’s lead oncology product currently being studied in the OVAL potential-registration Phase 3 pivotal trial for ovarian cancer (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03398655). VB-111 has received orphan drug designation in both the US and Europe, and fast track designation in the US for prolongation of survival in patients with rGBM. In addition, VB-111 successfully demonstrated proof-of-concept and survival benefit in Phase 2 clinical trials in radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer and recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (NCT01711970). VB-111 has received an Orphan Designation for the treatment of ovarian cancer from the European Commission.

On June 3, 2019 Stemline Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: STML), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel oncology therapeutics, reported that ELZONRIS (tagraxofusp) Phase 2 clinical data in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and myelofibrosis (MF) data are being presented today at the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting, being held from May 31-June 4, 2019, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois (Press release, Stemline Therapeutics, JUN 3, 2019, View Source [SID1234536814]).

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ELZONRIS (tagraxofusp) is FDA-approved for the treatment of patients, adults and pediatric 2 years and older, with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), and is commercially available in the U.S.

Details on the presentations are as follows:

Results from Ongoing Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial of Tagraxofusp (SL-401) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)

Abstract: 7059
Session: Hematologic Malignancies – Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, and Allotransplant
Presenter: Mrinal M. Patnaik, MBBS; Mayo Clinic
Date: Monday, June 3
Time: 8:00 to 11:00 AM CT
Results from Ongoing Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial of Tagraxofusp (SL-401) in Patients with Intermediate or High Risk Relapsed/Refractory Myelofibrosis (MF)

Abstract: 7058
Session: Hematologic Malignancies – Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, and Allotransplant
Presenter: Naveen Pemmaraju, MD; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Date: Monday, June 3
Time: 8:00 to 11:00 AM CT
Please visit our Stemline corporate booth (#19156) during the 2019 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting.

Stemline Provides Further Details on Next Steps for the ELZONRIS CMML Program
Given the encouraging clinical data generated from the ELZONRIS Phase 2 trial in patients with CMML, combined with feedback and guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Stemline intends to open a Stage 3 cohort of the currently enrolling 0314 trial to serve as the pivotal program for ELZONRIS in patients with CMML. The planned primary endpoint is overall response rate (ORR); in addition, if certain other endpoints, including spleen size, are shown to have clinical benefit in the initial, Stage 3a, portion of the new cohort, then these endpoints could contribute to the primary evidence of efficacy in the final, Stage 3b, portion of the pivotal program. CD123 levels will also be evaluated in Stage 3a for potential enrichment in 3b.

Stage 3 will enroll patients with previously-treated CMML, and will be a single-arm, non-randomized trial designed to support potential registration. The protocol is currently being designed, and we expect to provide further details, including sample size, during 3Q19, with an expectation of opening the new cohort to enrollment later this year.

Ivan Bergstein, M.D., CEO of Stemline Therapeutics, commented "With ELZONRIS now FDA-approved and commercially available for patients with BPDCN, our focus is on both ensuring patient access to ELZONRIS in the commercial setting as well as broadening the potential for ELZONRIS in additional indications. With this in mind, we are very excited to advance another ELZONRIS clinical program toward a potential second approval, this time in CMML, an aggressive and underserved malignancy."

About ELZONRIS
ELZONRIS (tagraxofusp-erzs), a CD123-directed cytotoxin, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and commercially available in the U.S. for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients, two years or older, with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). For full prescribing information in the U.S., visit www.ELZONRIS.com. In Europe, a marketing authorization application (MAA) is under review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). ELZONRIS is also being evaluated in additional clinical trials in other indications including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), myelofibrosis (MF), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

About BPDCN
BPDCN is an aggressive hematologic malignancy with historically poor outcomes and an area of unmet medical need. BPDCN typically presents in the bone marrow and/or skin and may also involve lymph nodes and viscera. The BPDCN cell of origin is the plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) precursor. The diagnosis of BPDCN is based on the immunophenotypic diagnostic triad of CD123, CD4, and CD56, as well as other markers. For more information, please visit the BPDCN disease awareness website at www.bpdcninfo.com.

About CD123
CD123 is a cell surface target expressed on a wide range of myeloid tumors including blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), certain myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and myelofibrosis (MF), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (and potentially enriched in certain AML subsets), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). CD123 has also been reported on certain lymphoid malignancies including multiple myeloma (MM), acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), hairy cell leukemia (HCL), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL), and certain Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL). In addition, CD123 has been detected on some solid tumors as well as autoimmune disorders including cutaneous lupus and scleroderma.

On June 3, 2019 Sierra Oncology, Inc. (SRRA), a late-stage drug development company focused on advancing targeted therapeutics for the treatment of patients with significant unmet needs in hematology and oncology, is reported an analyst and investor event today featuring distinguished oncologists Professor Johann de Bono and Dr. Rebecca Kristeleit, to discuss clinical findings and possible next steps for its oral, highly selective Chk1 inhibitor, SRA737 (Press release, Sierra Oncology, JUN 3, 2019, View Source [SID1234536813]).

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On Saturday, June 1st, Sierra reported positive preliminary clinical data from its two first-in-human Phase 1/2 studies of SRA737, as monotherapy and as SRA737+LDG (low dose gemcitabine), at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) in Chicago. Detailed results were issued by press release on June 1st and are available on Sierra’s website at www.sierraoncology.com. Anti-cancer activity was demonstrated across multiple indications and genetic contexts, with SRA737+LDG specifically achieving a notable 30% response rate in anogenital cancer patients, an indication for which the second line metastatic setting represents a significant unmet medical need with no approved therapies and very poor life expectancy. Additionally, subjects whose tumors harbored FA/BRCA gene network mutations displayed favorable outcomes, including an Overall Response Rate = 25% and Disease Control Rate = 81%.

"These positive data indicate that SRA737 is a demonstrably active anti-cancer drug that we believe warrants further development. The initial efficacy and favorable tolerability profile described at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) also enables several potentially promising opportunities for its development in combination with other therapeutics, in particular with PARP inhibitors and immunotherapy agents where we have previously reported robust preclinical efficacy data," said Dr. Nick Glover, President and CEO of Sierra Oncology. "We also look forward to announcing regulatory clarity for our lead asset momelotinib in the near-term. We have been holding productive discussions with regulators and continue to prepare for a Phase 3 clinical trial intended to potentially support its registration. Given momelotinib is our lead drug candidate and highest priority, we will be exploring options to enable the continued advancement of SRA737 in the context of our emerging pipeline."

SRA737 Analyst & Investor Event
The company is hosting an Analyst and Investor Event on Monday, June 3, 2019, to discuss these clinical findings and potential next steps in the development strategy for SRA737+LDG.

Date and Time: June 3, 2019, 6:00 – 7:00 am CT

Location: History event room, Marriot Marquis Hotel, 2121 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, Illinois.

The event will feature presentations by two distinguished oncologists:

Professor Johann de Bono, Regius Professor of Cancer Research, Head of the Division of Clinical Studies and Professor in Experimental Cancer Medicine at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, will discuss the critical role of Chk1 in tumor cell survival during replication stress, as well as describe potential opportunities to combine SRA737 with other therapeutic modalities including PARP inhibitors and immunotherapy agents.
Dr. Rebecca Kristeleit, Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Medical Oncologist at University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute & UCLH Dept. of Oncology, a leading expert in gynecological malignancies, will discuss her clinical experience with SRA737+LDG, and potential development opportunities for this novel combination in the treatment of anogenital cancers.
Event registration and webcast information are available through the Sierra Oncology website at www.sierraoncology.com. An archive of the presentation will be accessible after the event through the Sierra Oncology website.

About SRA737 and SRA737+LDG
SRA737 is a potent, highly selective, orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of Checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1), a key regulator of cell cycle progression and the DNA Damage Response (DDR). Tumors with high levels of replication stress become reliant on Chk1 to mitigate the potentially catastrophic consequences of excess genomic instability.

Intrinsic sources of replication stress can include genetic alterations in tumor suppressors, oncogenes or DNA Damage Repair genes. Tumors harboring defects in these gene classes are hypothesized to have higher levels of intrinsic replication stress due to dysregulated cell cycle control, increased proliferation demands and increased genomic instability. SRA737+LDG is a novel drug combination, where non-cytotoxic low dose gemcitabine (LDG) acts as a potent extrinsic inducer of replication stress.

Sierra Oncology retains the global commercialization rights to SRA737.

On June 3, 2019 SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLS) ("SELLAS" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel cancer immunotherapies for a broad range of cancer indications, reported results from a preplanned analysis of immunologic responses in the cohort of patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) from the prospective, randomized, single-blinded, controlled Phase 2b independent investigator-sponsored clinical trial of nelipepimut-S (NPS) +/- trastuzumab (Herceptin) targeting HER2 low-expressing breast cancer patients (Press release, Sellas Life Sciences, JUN 3, 2019, View Source [SID1234536812]). This analysis was presented on June 2, 2019 at the 55th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) in Chicago, IL.

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"Effective adjuvant/maintenance therapy strategies are urgently needed to prevent recurrence or to prolong remission in patients with TNBC after successful frontline standard therapy for early-stage disease. In this setting, immune-directed therapy with NPS, a peptide vaccine targeting HER2, a protein expressed at low levels in TNBC, along with trastuzumab, led to high rates of antigen-specific immunization by both ex vivo and in vivo validated measures, corroborating the immunobiological synergy between these two agents," said Elizabeth A. Mittendorf, MD, PhD, Rob and Karen Hale Distinguished Chair in Surgical Oncology, Director of Research, Breast Surgical Oncology Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Director, Breast Immuno-Oncology Program Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, and the Principal Investigator of the Phase 2b study.

"These ex vivo and in vivo results in TNBC patients, particularly the newly discovered correlation between mounting an immune response and remaining clinically relapse-free over time, provide a solid mechanistic rationale for the previously observed clinically meaningful and statistically significant prolongation in disease-free survival (DFS), and the significant decrease in the frequency of relapses identified by standard clinical follow-up, in favor of NPS plus trastuzumab," said Angelos M. Stergiou, MD, ScD h.c., President and Chief Executive Officer of SELLAS.

"As we continue discussions with potential partners and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on this promising program, we remain excited with these data demonstrated in the TNBC population," added Dr. Stergiou.

The Phase 2b study enrolled patients with HER2-low expressing breast cancer who remained clinically disease-free after completion of frontline standard of care therapy. Patients were selected to harbor node-positive disease and/or TNBC, as well as expressing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types indicated for NPS administration (A2, A3, A24/26; pertinent to approx. 85% of the global population). Patients were randomized to placebo with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) (n=139) or NPS with GM-CSF (n=136), while they all received trastuzumab every 3 weeks for one year. The Company previously reported results of the final analysis of efficacy and safety outcomes in the cohort of patients whose tumors did not express hormone receptors, TNBC (n=97). DFS of patients treated with NPS plus trastuzumab (n=53) was 92.6% compared to 70.2% for those treated with trastuzumab alone (n=44) and represented a clinically meaningful and a statistically significant improvement with the combination therapy, p=0.01. This was associated with a statistically significant reduction by 71.9% (p=0.01) in the frequency of clinically detected recurrences in favor of the combination in the TNBC cohort.

Ninety-one of the 97 TNBC patients in this clinical study were analyzed for immune responses (IR) at five timepoints, 51 of whom received the combination therapy. IR were evaluated ex vivo by clonal expansion of antigen NPS-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) by dextramer-staining/flow cytometry at predefined time points over three years. In vivo IR were assessed by cutaneous delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions periodically, by measuring the diameter of skin induration (in mm) post intradermal NPS treatment.

NPS plus trastuzumab-treated TNBC patients exhibited increases in CTL frequencies compared with baseline by 1.1-, 1.73-, and 2.86-fold at 18, 24 and 30 months, respectively. The mean CTL frequencies in these patients increased from 29±0.1 per 10-4 at baseline to 112±2.6% at 30 months, a 2.86-fold difference that was highly clinically indicative (p = 0.058), as compared with patients receiving trastuzumab only, whereby CTL frequencies were 20±0.1 per 10-4 at baseline compared with 52±1.6 per 10-4 at 30 months, a 1.6-fold non-significant difference (p=0.70). Three patients in the combination arm recurred (5.9%) as compared with 12 (30%) in the trastuzumab-alone arm. TNBC patients treated with NPS plus trastuzumab whose disease recurred did not mount an IR by ex vivo assessment (absolute CTL frequency change) or by in vivo DTH (no change in skin induration), while non-recurrent patients mounted both vigorous NPS-specific clonal CTL expansion and enhanced in vivo DTH.

On June 3, 2019 PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. (OTCQB: PMCB), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing targeted cellular therapies for cancer and diabetes using its signature live-cell encapsulation technology, Cell-in-a-Box, reported that its Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth L. Waggoner, and PharmaCyte’s consultant cellular biologist, David Judd, will be on site at Austrianova’s GMP manufacturing facility in Bangkok, Thailand, as the production of its clinical trial material for the treatment of locally advanced, non-metastatic, inoperable pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is underway (Press release, PharmaCyte Biotech, JUN 3, 2019, View Source [SID1234536811]).

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Mr. Waggoner and Mr. Judd will observe the culturing of the genetically altered HEK-293 cells both before and after they are encapsulated. Mr. Judd has a broad array of experience in development of cell culture media for many primary cells and cell lines and is particularly knowledgeable in the growth of HEK-293 cells. He has developed manufacturing processes, cell assays, biochemical analysis, cell culture processes and downstream recovery strategies. Although Mr. Judd has already offered advice to both PharmaCyte and Austrianova via telephonic communications, his actual on-site presence should prove to be invaluable. Mr. Judd will lend assistance in helping correct any unforeseen problems in the production process as the latest two staggered manufacturing "runs" are carried out and completed.

PharmaCyte’s Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth L. Waggoner, said, "After the changes to the manufacturing process allowed us to get back on track and proceed with GMP production of the "CypCaps," our clinical trial product for the company’s planned clinical trial in LAPC, I felt it was necessary to be on-site with David, our consulting expert in the culture of HEK-293 cells, to oversee the process and ensure we are staying on the path and clinical trial development timeline that we’ve developed to submit our Investigational New Drug application (IND). His presence will be particularly important since this time two manufacturing runs will be performed in a staggered fashion rather than consecutively as has been done in the past."

While in Thailand, Mr. Waggoner, Mr. Judd, Prof. Dr. Walter H. Günzburg and Dr. Brian Salmons of Austrianova and possibly others will be interviewed on the progress of the production, the testing of the clinical trial product, factors involved in the manufacturing process that will be included in the submission of the IND and various other topics related to the company’s planned clinical trial in LAPC.

While on-site at the GMP facility in Thailand, the company expects to post pictures, videos and interviews on its social media platforms. Shareholders and others who are interested in PharmaCyte’s content, should follow the company’s social media platforms:

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