On January 3, 2019 Athenex, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNX), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer and related conditions, reported that it, through its subsidiary, has entered into a licensing and partnership agreement with Chongqing Jingdong Junzhuo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Chongqing Jingdong Pharmaceutical") on December 30, 2018 to exclusively develop and commercialize KX2-391 for the treatment of actinic keratosis and oncology indications in humans in China (Press release, Athenex, JAN 3, 2019, View Source [SID1234534523]).

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KX2-391, also known as KX-01, is a first-in-class dual Src kinase and tubulin polymerization inhibitor. KX2-391 ointment is a topical medicinal product for the treatment of actinic keratosis that is in late stage Phase III development. Actinic keratosis is a common skin condition that is induced through ultra-violet light damage, resulting in patches of thick, scaly, or crusty skin. Left untreated, the lesions have risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma and consequently treatment by a dermatologist is recommended. Other drug candidates with KX2-391 as the compound are also being developed for oncology indications.

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the arrangement, Athenex will grant to Chongqing Jingdong Pharmaceutical an exclusive license under Athenex’s intellectual property to commercialize topical and oral products containing KX2-391 in mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Athenex is expected to receive an upfront payment of an aggregate amount of US$14.5 million. Athenex will also be eligible to receive other development milestone payments of up to US$15 million. In addition, the agreement provides for tiered royalties based on annual net sales starting at 15%, and with incremental increases of royalties with increases in sales.

Athenex will be responsible for conducting all preclinical and clinical studies, as well as regulatory submissions, required for approval in China. Chongqing Jingdong Pharmaceutical will employ its expertise to plan and prepare for the commercialization of the products in China. Athenex announced on July 26, 2018 that statistical significance (p < 0.001) was achieved in two Phase III studies conducted in the United States to support the registration of KX2-391 ointment for the treatment of actinic keratosis. Athenex has submitted an abstract to the American Academy of Dermatology for potential presentation of top-line data from Phase III studies at the AAD meeting in March 2019.

Bin Li, Chief Executive Officer, Chongqing Jingdong Pharmaceutical, commented, "We are pleased to enter into this strategic collaboration with Athenex. We are excited with the very encouraging results generated from the two Phase III studies of KX2-391 ointment, and are impressed by the Athenex team in their innovation and execution of drug development efforts. KX2-391 ointment has the potential to change the standard of care for treatment of actinic keratosis and there is a large unmet medical need in China. We look forward to bringing this promising product to market in China, as well as other potential drug candidates. Our strength and capabilities in drug commercialization and our relationships with key stakeholders in both the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare system in China will complement Athenex’s drug development expertise."

Johnson Lau, Chief Executive Officer, Athenex, added, "Athenex is excited to partner with Chongqing Jingdong Pharmaceutical to develop and commercialize KX2-391. Chongqing Jingdong Pharmaceutical is a pioneer in pharmaceutical drug sales and distribution in China. We are impressed by the management team of Chongqing Jingdong Pharmaceutical and are confident that this partnership will create strong synergies and a platform for growth for both companies in China. Chongqing Jingdong Pharmaceutical’s experience and execution in the Chinese market will be critical to bringing our product to market in the country."

Athenex has a license agreement with Almirall, S.A. on the rights to KX2-391 ointment in the following territories: USA, European Union, Russia and Turkey. Details of this arrangement were disclosed in December 2017.

On January 3, 2019 Integral Molecular, the industry leader in the discovery of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against multipass membrane proteins, and Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. reported that they have entered into a new collaboration for antibody discovery following a previously successful collaboration (Press release, Integral Molecular, JAN 3, 2019, View Source [SID1234533986]). This second collaboration involves the discovery of candidate MAbs against an undisclosed target and leverages the power of Integral Molecular’s MPS Antibody Discovery platform.

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Integral Molecular has used the MPS platform to discover antibody assets targeting a number of other multipass membrane proteins, including GPCRs (CB1) and transporters (GLUT4). Many of these MAbs are the first of their kind to be isolated, as complex membrane proteins have historically been extremely difficult targets for antibody discovery.

"We have a proven track record discovering large panels of high-affinity antibodies against difficult membrane proteins. This has been driven by our innovative MPS platform and over 15 years of experience working with multipass membrane proteins, so we are confident in the success of this collaboration," said Dr. Ross Chambers, VP of Antibody Discovery at Integral Molecular. "We are pleased that Ono, a global leader in innovative medicines, considers us to be a trusted partner in antibody discovery."

"We have been impressed by Integral Molecular’s membrane protein expertise and their proven record in discovering antibodies against them," said Hideaki Tada, Executive Director, Center of Oncology Research of Ono. "This is our second collaboration with Integral Molecular, and we are very pleased to deepen our engagement with them."

On January 3, 2019 Kiadis Pharma N.V. ("Kiadis Pharma" or the "Company") (Euronext Amsterdam and Brussels: KDS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, reported that it is scheduled to present at the Biotech Showcase(TM) 2019 at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square in January 2019 (Press release, Kiadis, JAN 3, 2019, View Source [SID1234533320]).

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Biotech Showcase 2019
January 7-9, 2019
Hilton San Francisco Union Square Hotel, 333 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco, CA
Hilton/Yosemite A, Ballroom Level
Arthur Lahr, CEO, will present on Monday, January 7 at 3:30pm PST.

The Kiadis management team will also host one-on-one meetings from January 7-10 in San Francisco

On January 3, 2019 AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, and Tizona Therapeutics, Inc. ("Tizona"), a privately held immunotherapy company, reported that they have entered into a global, strategic collaboration to develop and commercialize CD39-targeted therapeutics, including TTX-030, a first-in-class antibody for the treatment of cancer (Press release, AbbVie, JAN 3, 2019, View Source [SID1234532450]).

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The ATP-adenosine axis has recently emerged as a key immune regulatory switch in the tumor microenvironment (TME) by controlling the inflammatory and suppressive activities of immune cells. CD39 is the enzyme responsible for the initial steps in the conversion of immune stimulatory extracellular ATP to immune suppressive adenosine in the TME. Inhibition of CD39 with TTX-030 represents a novel and differentiated approach to targeting this pathway.

"Immuno-oncology is one of AbbVie’s key focus areas in our mission to discover and develop medicines that drive transformational improvements in cancer treatment," said Mo Trikha, Ph.D., Vice President, Head of Oncology Early Development, AbbVie. "Exploring the tumor microenvironment as a source of targets that can be modulated to inhibit cancer growth holds tremendous promise. The Tizona team has generated compelling preclinical data for their TTX-030 program, and we look forward to a productive collaboration focused on rapidly advancing this novel first-in-class antibody."

"Tumors employ various strategies to create a tolerogenic microenvironment, which reduces the immune system’s ability to detect and fight cancer," said Courtney Beers, Ph.D., Vice President, Immunology, Tizona. "Preclinical research shows that inhibiting CD39 may hold the key to restoring and bolstering immune responses against tumors. In AbbVie, we have a partner who shares our passion for science and commitment to delivering breakthrough innovation to patients with cancer. We look forward to advancing this exciting program."

Under the terms of the agreement, Tizona has received an upfront payment of $105 million for the exclusive option to license the CD39 program including TTX-030. In addition, AbbVie has made an equity investment in Tizona. Tizona will lead clinical development through completion of Phase 1b studies, after which AbbVie has an exclusive option to lead global development and commercial activities. Tizona retains an option to co-develop and co-promote in the United States and is eligible for success-based development and commercial milestones and tiered royalties on net sales.

An investigational new drug application for TTX-030 has been accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration.

TTX-030, the Adenosine Axis, and the Tumor Microenvironment

TTX-030 is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the activity of CD39, a cell surface enzyme upregulated on tumors, exhausted T cells, as well as many suppressive cell types as an immune evasion strategy. It catalyzes the conversion of ATP to AMP, the first step in the generation of adenosine. By blocking the action of CD39, TTX-030 prevents the formation of immune suppressive extracellular adenosine, which would otherwise inhibit effector cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition to preventing the formation of suppressive adenosine, TTX-030 prevents the degradation of ATP, preserving its ability to stimulate dendritic and myeloid-derived cells responsible for innate immunity and immune cell priming necessary for adaptive immunity.

On January 3, 2019 IMMUNOPRECISE ANTIBODIES LTD. (the "Company" or "IPA") (TSX VENTURE: IPA) (OTC PINK: IPATF) reported IPA will be in San Francisco during the J.P. Morgan 37th Annual Healthcare Conference events running from January 7-10, 2019 in San Francisco, California (Press release, ModiQuest Therapeutics, JAN 3, 2019, View Source [SID1234532474]).

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Thirty-seven years ago, J.P. Morgan launched Wall Street’s premier investor conference focused exclusively on companies defining the healthcare industry. The J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference brings industry leaders, emerging fast-growth companies, and members of the investment community together in the largest healthcare investment symposium to deliver presentations to global investors. This year, J.P. Morgan expects more than 450 companies, both public and private, to deliver presentations to more than 9,000 attendees.

Networking at the small, adjacent summits occurring simultaneously to the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco is ideal for connecting investors with industry leaders. ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, Ltd. CEO and President, Jennifer Bath, will be in attendance along with Jason Orloske, Vice President of Operations. The team will also include Frederick Chabot, Contact Financial, Paul Andreola, IPA Board Director, and Pascal Nigen, Managing Partner at Alpha Bronze.