Data from the Phase II Liver Cancer Study with Namodenoson will be presented at the ISCORT Conference by Dr. Stemmer

On January 7, 2020 Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE:CFBI), a biotechnology company with a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address cancer, liver and inflammatory diseases, reported that the principal investigator of the Company’s Phase II liver cancer study, Dr. Solomon Stemmer, will deliver a presentation titled "The Safety and Efficacy of Namodenoson in the Second-Line Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Patients with Underlying Child-Pugh B (CPB) Liver Cirrhosis: A Phase 2 , Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial" at the Israeli Society of Clinical Oncology and Radiotherapy (ISCORT) annual conference on January 8, 2020 11:00 am (Press release, Can-Fite BioPharma, JAN 7, 2020, View Source [SID1234552795]).

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Can-Fite’s completed Phase II liver cancer study found that Namodenoson increased overall survival in HCC patients with Child Pugh B7 (CPB7), the largest subpopulation of the study, as compared to placebo, even though the trial did not meet its primary endpoint. The Company recently completed a successful End-of-Phase II meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in which the FDA agreed with Can-Fite’s proposed pivotal Phase III trial design to support a New Drug Application (NDA) submission and approval of Namodenoson in the treatment of HCC.

"The ISCORT is the most prestigious Israel oncology forum to discuss novel treatments in different malignancies and enable the creation of collaboration between leading investigators in the field. We are confident that Dr. Stemmer’s presentation will open the door for the participation of leading oncologists in the Company’s Phase III study", said Dr. Fishman, Can Fite CEO.

About Namodenoson

Namodenoson is a small orally bioavailable drug that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). Namodenoson is being evaluated as a second line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, with a recently completed Phase II trial and planned Phase III trial in this indication. The drug is currently in an ongoing Phase II trial as a treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A3AR is highly expressed in diseased cells whereas low expression is found in normal cells. This differential effect accounts for the excellent safety profile of the drug.

Exelixis Further Expands Prostate Cancer Cohort in Phase 1b COSMIC-021 Trial of Cabozantinib in Combination with Atezolizumab in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

On January 7, 2020 Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXEL) reported that based on continued encouraging efficacy and safety data, the company plans to further expand the metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cohort of COSMIC-021, the phase 1b trial of cabozantinib (CABOMETYX) in combination with atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ) in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors (Press release, Exelixis, JAN 7, 2020, View Source [SID1234552794]). The cohort, which was previously expanded from 30 to 80 patients in July 2019, will now include up to 130 patients.

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"We continue to see encouraging efficacy and safety data from the prostate cancer cohort in COSMIC-021," said Gisela Schwab, M.D., President, Product Development and Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer, Exelixis. "Expanding this cohort by an additional 50 patients will allow us to further document how the combination of cabozantinib and atezolizumab may benefit this patient population as we assess our potential regulatory plans for the combination and prepare to initiate a phase 3 pivotal trial. We look forward to the presentation of initial data from this cohort of CRPC patients at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU 2020 in February."

Based on preliminary encouraging activity, as determined by response assessment per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (version 1.1) (RECISTv1.1), and safety data of patients enrolled in the metastatic CRPC cohort, 50 additional patients with metastatic CRPC (130 total) who have histologically or cytologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate are being enrolled in the trial.

Initial data from the CRPC cohort in COSMIC-021 will be presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU 2020 in San Francisco on Thursday, February 13th during Poster Session A: Prostate Cancer at 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT and again at 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. PT.

COSMIC-021 includes 24 cohorts and aims to enroll up to 1,732 patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors including CRPC, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, and urothelial carcinoma (UC), among others. The primary objective in the expansion stage of this trial is to determine the objective response rate in each cohort. More information about the currently enrolling cohorts in this trial is available at ClinicalTrials.gov. To date, early data from various cohorts of this study have informed the initiation or planned initiation of several phase 3 pivotal trials, evaluating the combination in advanced HCC, CRPC, NSCLC and RCC.

TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab) is a registered trademark of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

About the COSMIC-021 Study

COSMIC-021 is a multicenter, phase 1b, open-label study that is divided into two parts: a dose-escalation phase and an expansion cohort phase. The dose-escalation phase was designed to enroll patients either with advanced RCC with or without prior systemic therapy or with inoperable, locally advanced, metastatic or recurrent UC (including renal, pelvis, ureter, urinary bladder and urethra) after prior platinum-based therapy. Ultimately, all 12 patients enrolled in this stage of the trial were patients with advanced RCC. The dose-escalation phase of the study determined the optimal dose of cabozantinib to be 40 mg daily when given in combination with atezolizumab (1200 mg infusion once every 3 weeks). These results were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology 2018 Congress.

In the expansion phase, the trial is enrolling 24 cohorts in 12 tumor types: RCC, UC, NSCLC, CRPC, HCC, triple-negative breast cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, head and neck cancer, and differentiated thyroid cancer. Up to 1,720 patients may enroll in this phase of the trial: each expansion cohort will initially enroll approximately 30 patients, and up to 10 cohorts may expand enrollment up to 1,000 additional patients in the expansion phase.

Four of the cohorts are exploratory: three are enrolling approximately 30 patients each with advanced UC, CRPC or NSCLC to be treated with cabozantinib as a single-agent, and one is enrolling approximately 10 patients with advanced CRPC to be treated with single-agent atezolizumab. Exploratory cohorts have the option to be expanded up to 80 patients (cabozantinib) and 30 patients (atezolizumab) total.

About CABOMETYX (cabozantinib)

In the U.S., CABOMETYX tablets are approved for the treatment of patients with advanced RCC and for the treatment of patients with HCC who have been previously treated with sorafenib. CABOMETYX tablets have also received regulatory approvals in the European Union and additional countries and regions worldwide. In 2016, Exelixis granted Ipsen exclusive rights for the commercialization and further clinical development of cabozantinib outside of the United States and Japan. In 2017, Exelixis granted exclusive rights to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited for the commercialization and further clinical development of cabozantinib for all future indications in Japan.

Please see Important Safety Information below and full U.S. prescribing information at View Source

U.S. Important Safety Information

Hemorrhage: Severe and fatal hemorrhages occurred with CABOMETYX. The incidence of Grade 3 to 5 hemorrhagic events was 5% in CABOMETYX patients. Discontinue CABOMETYX for Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhage. Do not administer CABOMETYX to patients who have a recent history of hemorrhage, including hemoptysis, hematemesis, or melena.
Perforations and Fistulas: GastrointestinaI (GI) perforations, including fatal cases, occurred in 1% of CABOMETYX patients. Fistulas, including fatal cases, occurred in 1% of CABOMETYX patients. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of perforations and fistulas, including abscess and sepsis. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who experience a fistula that cannot be appropriately managed or a GI perforation.
Thrombotic Events: CABOMETYX increased the risk of thrombotic events. Venous thromboembolism occurred in 7% (including 4% pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolism in 2% of CABOMETYX patients. Fatal thrombotic events occurred in CABOMETYX patients. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop an acute myocardial infarction or serious arterial or venous thromboembolic event requiring medical intervention.
Hypertension and Hypertensive Crisis: CABOMETYX can cause hypertension, including hypertensive crisis. Hypertension occurred in 36% (17% Grade 3 and <1% Grade 4) of CABOMETYX patients. Do not initiate CABOMETYX in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Monitor blood pressure regularly during CABOMETYX treatment. Withhold CABOMETYX for hypertension that is not adequately controlled with medical management; when controlled, resume at a reduced dose. Discontinue CABOMETYX for severe hypertension that cannot be controlled with anti-hypertensive therapy or for hypertensive crisis.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea occurred in 63% of CABOMETYX patients. Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 11% of CABOMETYX patients. Withhold CABOMETYX until improvement to Grade 1 and resume at a reduced dose for intolerable Grade 2 diarrhea, Grade 3 diarrhea that cannot be managed with standard antidiarrheal treatments, or Grade 4 diarrhea.
Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE): PPE occurred in 44% of CABOMETYX patients. Grade 3 PPE occurred in 13% of CABOMETYX patients. Withhold CABOMETYX until improvement to Grade 1 and resume at a reduced dose for intolerable Grade 2 PPE or Grade 3 PPE.
Proteinuria: Proteinuria occurred in 7% of CABOMETYX patients. Monitor urine protein regularly during CABOMETYX treatment. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop nephrotic syndrome.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ): ONJ occurred in <1% of CABOMETYX patients. ONJ can manifest as jaw pain, osteomyelitis, osteitis, bone erosion, tooth or periodontal infection, toothache, gingival ulceration or erosion, persistent jaw pain, or slow healing of the mouth or jaw after dental surgery. Perform an oral examination prior to CABOMETYX initiation and periodically during treatment. Advise patients regarding good oral hygiene practices. Withhold CABOMETYX for at least 28 days prior to scheduled dental surgery or invasive dental procedures. Withhold CABOMETYX for development of ONJ until complete resolution.
Wound Complications: Wound complications were reported with CABOMETYX. Stop CABOMETYX at least 28 days prior to scheduled surgery. Resume CABOMETYX after surgery based on clinical judgment of adequate wound healing. Withhold CABOMETYX in patients with dehiscence or wound healing complications requiring medical intervention.
Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): RPLS, a syndrome of subcortical vasogenic edema diagnosed by characteristic finding on MRI, can occur with CABOMETYX. Evaluate for RPLS in patients presenting with seizures, headache, visual disturbances, confusion, or altered mental function. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop RPLS.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: CABOMETYX can cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating CABOMETYX and advise them to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.
Adverse Reactions: The most commonly reported (≥25%) adverse reactions are: diarrhea, fatigue, decreased appetite, PPE, nausea, hypertension, and vomiting.
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: If coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors cannot be avoided, reduce the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: If coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers cannot be avoided, increase the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid St. John’s wort.
Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during CABOMETYX treatment and for 4 months after the final dose.
Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, reduce the CABOMETYX dosage. CABOMETYX is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to Present at 2020 Biotech Showcase

On January 7, 2020 Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN: ATNM) ("Actinium") reported that Sandesh Seth, Actinium’s Chairman and CEO, will present at the 2020 Biotech Showcase being held on January 13-15 (Press release, Actinium Pharmaceuticals, JAN 7, 2020, View Source [SID1234552793]). The conference will be at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. Details of Actinium’s presentation are as follows:

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Date: Monday, January 13, 2020
Time: 2:30 pm PT
Track: Yosemite C (Ballroom Level)
Venue: Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Members of Actinium’s Executive and Corporate Development teams will be available for 1-on-1 meetings during the conference. Those interested in scheduling a meeting with Actinium may do so by contacting David Gould, MD, Actinium’s SVP, Corporate Development & Corporate Affairs via email at [email protected].

About Biotech Showcase

Biotech Showcase, produced by Demy-Colton and EBD Group, is an investor and networking conference devoted to providing private and public biotechnology and life sciences company with an opportunity to present to, and meet with, investors and executives in one place during the course of one of the industry’s largest annual healthcare investor conferences, J.P. Morgan Annual Healthcare Conference.

Incyte Announces the Validation by the European Medicines Agency of its Marketing Authorization Application for Pemigatinib in Patients with Cholangiocarcinoma

On January 7, 2020 Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) reported the validation of the Company’s Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for pemigatinib for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion or rearrangement that is relapsed or refractory after at least one line of systemic therapy (Press release, Incyte, JAN 7, 2020, View Source [SID1234552792]). The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) validation of the MAA confirms that the submission is sufficiently complete to begin the formal review process.

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"The EMA’s validation of Incyte’s Marketing Authorization Application opens the review process as we seek to bring the first targeted therapy to Europe for patients with cholangiocarcinoma," said Peter Langmuir, M.D., Group Vice President, Targeted Therapeutics, Incyte. "The need for new therapies for cholangiocarcinoma was also recently recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s acceptance, for Priority Review, of our New Drug Application for pemigatinib this past November. We are looking forward to continuing to work with regulatory authorities to bring this novel targeted therapy to eligible patients around the world."

The MAA application is based on data from the FIGHT-202 study evaluating pemigatinib as a treatment for patients with previously treated, locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma.1

Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer that forms in the bile duct. It is classified based on its origin: intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) occurs in the bile duct inside the liver and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma occurs in the bile duct outside the liver. Patients with cholangiocarcinoma are often diagnosed at a late or advanced stage when the prognosis is poor.2,3 The incidence of cholangiocarcinoma varies regionally, but ranges between 0.4 – 1.8 per 100,000 in Europe.4 FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements occur almost exclusively in iCCA, where they are observed in 10-16 percent of patients.5-7

About FIGHT-202

The FIGHT-202 Phase 2, open-label, multicenter study (NCT02924376) is evaluating the safety and efficacy of pemigatinib – a selective fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor – in adult (age ≥ 18 years) patients with previously treated, locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with documented FGF/FGFR status.

Patients were enrolled into one of three cohorts – Cohort A (FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements), Cohort B (other FGF/FGFR genetic alterations) or Cohort C (no FGF/FGFR genetic alterations). All patients received 13.5 mg pemigatinib orally once daily (QD) on a 21-day cycle (two weeks on/one week off) until radiological disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

The primary endpoint of FIGHT-202 is overall response rate (ORR) in Cohort A, assessed by independent review per RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include ORR in Cohorts B, A plus B, and C; progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), duration of response (DOR), disease control rate (DCR) and safety in all cohorts.

For more information about FIGHT-202, visit View Source

About FIGHT

The FIGHT (FIbroblast Growth factor receptor in oncology and Hematology Trials) clinical trial program includes ongoing Phase 2 and 3 studies investigating safety and efficacy of pemigatinib therapy across several FGFR-driven malignancies. Phase 2 monotherapy studies include FIGHT-202, as well as FIGHT-201 investigating pemigatinib in patients with metastatic or surgically unresectable bladder cancer, including with activating FGFR3 mutations or fusions/rearrangements; FIGHT-203 in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms with activating FGFR1 fusions/rearrangements; FIGHT-207 in patients with previously treated, locally-advanced/metastatic or surgically unresectable solid tumor malignancies harboring activating FGFR mutations or fusions/rearrangements, irrespective of tumor type. FIGHT-205 is a Phase 2 study investigating pemigatinib plus pembrolizumab combination therapy and pemigatinib monotherapy in patients with previously untreated, metastatic or unresectable bladder cancer harboring FGFR3 mutations or fusions/rearrangements who are not eligible to receive cisplatin. FIGHT-302 is a recently initiated Phase 3 study investigating pemigatinib as a first-line treatment for patients with cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements.

About FGFR and Pemigatinib

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) play an important role in tumor cell proliferation and survival, migration and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). Activating fusions, rearrangements, translocations and gene amplifications in FGFRs are closely correlated with the development of various cancers.

Pemigatinib is a potent, selective, oral inhibitor of FGFR isoforms 1, 2 and 3 which, in preclinical studies, has demonstrated selective pharmacologic activity against cancer cells with FGFR alterations.

Zymeworks to Present at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference 2020

On January 7, 2020 Zymeworks Inc. (NYSE: ZYME), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing multifunctional therapeutics, reported that management will present a corporate overview and updated clinical development plans for its lead candidates ZW25 and ZW49 at the upcoming 38th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. PT (Press release, Zymeworks, JAN 7, 2020, View Source [SID1234552789]).

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The presentation will be webcast live and available for replay on Zymeworks’ website at View Source