LintonPharm Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Catumaxomab for Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Unresponsive to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

On December 1, 2021 LintonPharm Co., Ltd., a China-based clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of T cell engaging bispecific antibodies for cancer immunotherapy, reported that the first patient has been dosed in the Company’s Phase 1/2 clinical trial program for catumaxomab (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04799847), a monoclonal bispecific antibody being studied for the treatment of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) unresponsive to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) (Press release, Lintonpharm, DEC 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234596354]).

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"The initiation of our Phase 1 trial of catumaxomab for the treatment of NMIBC is an important step in our clinical program evaluating catumaxomab as targeted therapy in a broad range of cancers", said Robert Li, PH.D., DABT, Co-founder and CEO of LintonPharm. "Patients with NMIBC BCG failure need new therapies due to the limitations of current treatments which bring poor prognosis, such as high rates of tumor recurrence, bladder dysfunction and lifelong intervention. Based on encouraging pre-clinical data and clinical experience with patients who’ve received catumaxomab in the past through the compassionate use program, we are hopeful that catumaxomab will be a very promising immunotherapy candidate for patients with NMIBC BCG failure."

A recent publication indicated clinical benefits of catumaxomab as compassionate use in patients with EpCAM-positive recurrent NMIBC. It is noted that catumaxomab was well tolerated and presented promising performance in tumor control [1]. Based on the data and the developmental potential, catumaxomab could provide a feasible, safe, and efficacious therapy for NMIBC patients, if approved.

Bladder cancer is the 10th most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with approximately 573,000 new cases in 2020 and roughly 75 percent are diagnosed as NMIBC [2][3]. Currently, the mainstay treatments of NMIBC include transurethral resection, chemotherapy and intravesical BCG [3].

About Catumaxomab

Catumaxomab was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2009 for the treatment of malignant ascites. This bispecific antibody binds to a transmembrane glycoprotein on the tumor cell–the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)–and CD3 on the T cell, and also recruits immune accessory cells through FcγR binding. Catumaxomab destroys tumor cells by engaging T cell and accessory cell mediated cytotoxicity and has the potential to induce long-term vaccinal effects which has been verified in animal models.

Recently, catumaxomab was authorized by regulatory authorities in China, Taiwan (China) and South Korea to conduct a global Phase 3 clinical trial for treating patients with advanced gastric cancer (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04222114).

Daiichi Sankyo to Present New Breast Cancer Data Across DXd ADC Portfolio at 2021 SABCS

On December 1, 2021 Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) reported that it will present new breast cancer research data across its DXd ADC portfolio at the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (#SABCS21) to be held December 7 to 10, 2021 (Press release, Daiichi Sankyo, DEC 1, 2021, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005222/en/Daiichi-Sankyo-to-Present-New-Breast-Cancer-Data-Across-DXd-ADC-Portfolio-at-2021-SABCS [SID1234596353]).

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Additional analyses from the head-to-head DESTINY-Breast03 phase 3 trial of ENHERTU (trastuzumab deruxtecan) versus trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in patients with previously treated HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer along with updated results from the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cohort of the TROPION-PanTumor01 phase 1 trial of datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) will be highlighted in oral presentations. Trials-in-progress from other ongoing breast cancer trials in the DESTINY clinical development program of ENHERTU as well as a collaborative window of opportunity study conducted by SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group with patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd) in patients with previously untreated early stage breast cancer also will be featured.

"Our goal is to continuously improve the standard of care in patients with breast cancer across different subtypes and treatment settings including neoadjuvant, adjuvant and metastatic disease with our innovative ADC portfolio," said Ken Takeshita, MD, Global Head, R&D, Daiichi Sankyo. "We look forward to presenting updates from the DESTINY-Breast03 trial and TROPION-PanTumor01 trial, two important trials that demonstrate the strength and potential of our DXd ADC technology in creating transformative medicines for patients with cancer."

Following SABCS, Daiichi Sankyo will hold its annual R&D Day for investors and analysts on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 5:30 pm EST/Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 7:30 am JST. Company executives will provide an overview of Daiichi Sankyo’s research data presented at SABCS and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) annual meetings, provide updates on the company’s R&D strategy and address questions from investors and analysts.

Following is an overview of breast cancer research data from the DXd ADC portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo to be presented at SABCS 2021:

Presentation Title

Author

Abstract #

Presentation Details

ENHERTU (T-DXd)

Clinical Data

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) vs. trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer: results of the randomized phase 3 study: DESTINY-Breast03

S. Hurvitz

GS3-01

Oral Presentation; General Session: 3

Thursday, December 9

8:45 AM – 11:30 AM CST

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) in previously treated HER2 positive metastatic or unresectable breast cancer: first real-life data from the cohort temporary authorization for use program in France

T. Petit

P2-13-26

Poster

Poster Session 2: Treatment – Therapeutic Strategies: HER2 Targeted Therapy

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Trials-In-Progress

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) vs. trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in high-risk patients with HER2 positive, residual invasive early breast cancer after neoadjuvant therapy: a randomized, phase 3 trial: DESTINY-Breast05

C.E. Geyer, Jr.

OT1-02-03

Poster

Ongoing Trials Poster Session 1: Antibody-Drug Conjugates

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Phase 3 study of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) with or without pertuzumab vs. a taxane, trastuzumab and pertuzumab in first-line, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive metastatic breast cancer: DESTINY-Breast09

S.M. Tolaney

OT1-14-02

Poster

Ongoing Trials Poster Session 1: HER2 Mab

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

A phase 3, open-label trial of neoadjuvant trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) monotherapy or T-DXd followed by THP compared with ddAC-THP in patients with high-risk HER2 positive early-stage breast cancer: DESTINY-Breast11

N. Harbeck

OT1-12-04

Poster

Ongoing Trials Poster Session 1: HER2

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Open-label, multinational, multicenter, phase 3b/4 study of trastuzumab deruxtecan

(T-DXd) in patients with or without baseline brain metastasis with previously treated advanced/metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive breast cancer: DESTINY-Breast12

N.U. Lin

OT2-26-01

Poster

Ongoing Trials Poster Session 2: Targeted Therapy – T-DXd, Brain Mets

Thursday, December 9

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Randomized study comparing electronic patient reported outcomes monitoring with routine follow-up during trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) treatment in patients with inoperable or metastatic breast cancer (PRO-DUCE study)

T. Sangai

OT1-12-08

Poster

Ongoing Trials Poster Session 1: HER2

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Pre-Clinical Data

Activity and tolerability of combination of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) with the pan-AKT inhibitor capivasertib in preclinical HER2 positive and HER2 low breast cancer models

A. Bashi Cheraghchi

P2-13-23

Poster

Poster Session 2: Treatment – Therapeutic Strategies: HER2 Targeted Therapy

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Presentation Title

Author

Abstract #

Presentation Details

Activity and tolerability of combination of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) with olaparib in preclinical HER2 positive and HER2 low breast cancer models

T. Proia

P2-13-18

Poster

Poster Session 2: Treatment – Therapeutic Strategies: HER2 Targeted Therapy

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Datopotamab Deruxtecan (Dato-DXd)

Datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) in advanced/metastatic HER2 negative breast cancer: Results from the phase 1 TROPION-PanTumor01 study

I. Krop

GS1-05

Oral Presentation; General Session 1

Tuesday, December 7

8:15 AM – 10:45 AM CST

Patritumab Deruxtecan (HER3-DXd) – Collaborative Studies

Activity of patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd), a HER3 directed antibody drug conjugate, in early breast cancer according to ERBB3 expression: Interim analysis results of a window of opportunity study (SOLTI-1805 TOT-HER3)

A. Prat

PD13-04

Spotlight Poster Discussion

Spotlight Poster Discussion 13: Novel Therapeutics

Friday, December 10

7:00 AM – 8:30 AM CST

Antitumor activity of patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd), a HER3 directed antibody drug conjugate across a diverse panel of breast cancer patient-derived xenografts

A. Òdena

P5-13-14

Poster

Poster Session 5: Prognostic and Predictive Factors: Predictive Biomarkers for Targeted Therapies

Friday, December 10

7:00 AM – 8:30 AM CST

About the DXd ADC Portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo

The DXd ADC portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo consists of six ADCs with five in clinical development across multiple types of cancer. The company’s three lead ADCs include ENHERTU, a HER2 directed ADC, datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd), a TROP2 directed ADC, which are being jointly developed and commercialized globally with AstraZeneca; and patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd), a HER3 directed ADC. Two additional ADCs, DS-7300 (B7-H3) and DS-6000 (CDH6), are being developed through a strategic collaboration with Sarah Cannon Research Institute.

Each ADC is designed using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC technology to target and deliver chemotherapy inside cancer cells that express a specific cell surface antigen. Each ADC is composed of a monoclonal antibody attached to a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload (an exatecan derivative, DXd) via a tetrapeptide-based cleavable linker.

ENHERTU (5.4 mg/kg) (trastuzumab deruxtecan; fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki in U.S. only) is approved in more than 30 countries for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2 based regimens based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast01 trial.

ENHERTU (6.4 mg/kg) is approved in Israel, Japan, Singapore and U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2 positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen based on the results from the DESTINY-Gastric01 trial. A Type II Variation is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2 positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen.

ENHERTU is approved in the U.S. with Boxed WARNINGS for Interstitial Lung Disease and Embryo-Fetal Toxicity. For more information, please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide.

Datopotamab deruxtecan, patritumab deruxtecan, DS-7300 and DS-6000 are investigational medicines that have not been approved for any indication in any country. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

U.S. Important Safety Information for ENHERTU

Indications
ENHERTU is a HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens in the metastatic setting.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
Locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen.
WARNING: INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis, including fatal cases, have been reported with ENHERTU. Monitor for and promptly investigate signs and symptoms including cough, dyspnea, fever, and other new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in all patients with Grade 2 or higher ILD/pneumonitis. Advise patients of the risk and to immediately report symptoms.
Exposure to ENHERTU during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception.
Contraindications
None.

Warnings and Precautions
Interstitial Lung Disease / Pneumonitis
Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Advise patients to immediately report cough, dyspnea, fever, and/or any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ILD. Promptly investigate evidence of ILD. Evaluate patients with suspected ILD by radiographic imaging. Consider consultation with a pulmonologist. For asymptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 1), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 0, then if resolved in ≤28 days from date of onset, maintain dose. If resolved in >28 days from date of onset, reduce dose one level. Consider corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥0.5 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent). For symptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2 or greater), permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Promptly initiate systemic corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥1 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent) and continue for at least 14 days followed by gradual taper for at least 4 weeks.

Metastatic Breast Cancer
In clinical studies, of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 9% of patients. Fatal outcomes due to ILD and/or pneumonitis occurred in 2.6% of patients treated with ENHERTU. Median time to first onset was 4.1 months (range: 1.2 to 8.3).

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer
In DESTINY-Gastric01, of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 10% of patients. Median time to first onset was 2.8 months (range: 1.2 to 21.0).

Neutropenia
Severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Monitor complete blood counts prior to initiation of ENHERTU and prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count [ANC] <1.0 to 0.5 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less. Reduce dose by one level. For febrile neutropenia (ANC <1.0 x 109/L and temperature >38.3ºC or a sustained temperature of ≥38ºC for more than 1 hour), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved. Reduce dose by one level.

Metastatic Breast Cancer
In clinical studies, of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU 5.4mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 62% of patients. Sixteen percent had Grade 3 or 4 decrease in neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 23 days (range: 6 to 547). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 1.7% of patients.

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer
In DESTINY-Gastric01, of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 72% of patients. Fifty-one percent had Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 16 days (range: 4 to 187). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 4.8% of patients.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Patients treated with ENHERTU may be at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including ENHERTU. In the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU, two cases (0.9%) of asymptomatic LVEF decrease were reported. In DESTINY-Gastric01, of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, no clinical adverse events of heart failure were reported; however, on echocardiography, 8% were found to have asymptomatic Grade 2 decrease in LVEF. Treatment with ENHERTU has not been studied in patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease or LVEF <50% prior to initiation of treatment.

Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ENHERTU and at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. When LVEF is >45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, continue treatment with ENHERTU. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is <10%, continue treatment with ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF has not recovered to within 10% from baseline, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. If LVEF recovers to within 10% from baseline, resume treatment with ENHERTU at the same dose. When LVEF is <40% or absolute decrease from baseline is >20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ENHERTU. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

Additional Dose Modifications
Thrombocytopenia
For Grade 3 thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 to 25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (platelets <25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less. Reduce dose by one level.

Adverse Reactions
Metastatic Breast Cancer
The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in a pooled analysis of 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received at least one dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Breast01 and Study DS8201-A-J101. ENHERTU was administered by intravenous infusion once every three weeks. The median duration of treatment was 7 months (range: 0.7 to 31).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 20% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, vomiting, nausea, cellulitis, hypokalemia, and intestinal obstruction. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 4.3% of patients including interstitial lung disease (2.6%), and the following events occurred in one patient each (0.4%): acute hepatic failure/acute kidney injury, general physical health deterioration, pneumonia, and hemorrhagic shock.

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 9% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, nausea, and ILD. Dose reductions occurred in 18% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were fatigue, nausea, and neutropenia.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (79%), white blood cell count decreased (70%), hemoglobin decreased (70%), neutrophil count decreased (62%), fatigue (59%), vomiting (47%), alopecia (46%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (41%), alanine aminotransferase increased (38%), platelet count decreased (37%), constipation (35%), decreased appetite (32%), anemia (31%), diarrhea (29%), hypokalemia (26%), and cough (20%).

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer
The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 187 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma in DESTINY‑Gastric01. Patients intravenously received at least one dose of either ENHERTU (N=125) 6.4 mg/kg once every three weeks or either irinotecan (N=55) 150 mg/m2 biweekly or paclitaxel (N=7) 80 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks. The median duration of treatment was 4.6 months (range: 0.7 to 22.3) in the ENHERTU group and 2.8 months (range: 0.5 to 13.1) in the irinotecan/paclitaxel group.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients receiving ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg. Serious adverse reactions in >2% of patients who received ENHERTU were decreased appetite, ILD, anemia, dehydration, pneumonia, cholestatic jaundice, pyrexia, and tumor hemorrhage. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 2.4% of patients: disseminated intravascular coagulation, large intestine perforation, and pneumonia occurred in one patient each (0.8%).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 15% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 62% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, decreased appetite, leukopenia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, ILD, pneumonia, lymphopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and hypokalemia. Dose reductions occurred in 32% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were neutropenia, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, and febrile neutropenia.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were hemoglobin decreased (75%), white blood cell count decreased (74%), neutrophil count decreased (72%), lymphocyte count decreased (70%), platelet count decreased (68%), nausea (63%), decreased appetite (60%), anemia (58%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (58%), fatigue (55%), blood alkaline phosphatase increased (54%), alanine aminotransferase increased (47%), diarrhea (32%), hypokalemia (30%), vomiting (26%), constipation (24%), blood bilirubin increased (24%), pyrexia (24%), and alopecia (22%).

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU.
Lactation: There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. Contraception: Females: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 7 months following the last dose. Males: Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months following the last dose. Infertility: ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility.
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use: Of the 234 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 26% were ≥65 years and 5% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged ≥65 years (53%) as compared to younger patients (42%). Of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Gastric01, 56% were ≥65 years and 14% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients.
Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, due to potentially increased exposure, closely monitor for increased toxicities related to the topoisomerase inhibitor.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. at 1-877-437-7763 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide.

About Daiichi Sankyo in Oncology

The oncology portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo is powered by our team of world-class scientists that push beyond traditional thinking to create transformative medicines for people with cancer. Anchored by our DXd antibody drug conjugate (ADC) technology, our research engines include biologics, medicinal chemistry, modality and other research laboratories in Japan, and Plexxikon, our small molecule structure-guided R&D center in the U.S. We also work alongside leading academic and business collaborators to further advance the understanding of cancer as Daiichi Sankyo builds towards our ambitious goal of becoming a global leader in oncology by 2025.

Accutar Biotechnology Announces First Patient Dosed with AC0682 in Phase 1 Study in Patients with ER-Positive / HER2-Negative Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer

On December 1, 2021 Accutar Biotechnology, Inc., a biotechnology company focusing on artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled drug discovery, reported the dose administration for the first patient in a Phase 1 study of AC0682, an orally bioavailable, chimeric degrader molecule designed to target and degrade ERα protein with high potency and selectivity (Press release, Accutar Biotechnology, DEC 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234596352]).

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"The initiation of this study represents a significant milestone for Accutar, as it marks the first program from our AI-enabled drug discovery platform and our chimeric degrader portfolio to enter the clinic," said Jie Fan, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Accutar Biotechnology, Inc. "We look forward to the clinical benefit that AC0682 treatment can potentially provide to ER-positive breast cancer patients."

The purpose of the Phase 1 multi-center, open-label study is to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary anti-tumor activity of AC0682 treatment in patients with ER-positive / HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Additional information on this clinical trial can be found on www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About AC0682

AC0682 is an investigational orally bioavailable, chimeric degrader of estrogen receptor (ER) α for the potential treatment of ER-positive / human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancers. In preclinical studies, AC0682 has demonstrated potent and selective protein degradation of ERα wildtype and mutants with favorable pharmacological properties and brain penetration, as well as promising anti-tumor activities in ER-positive animal tumor models. AC0682 offers a potential new breast cancer treatment based on a differentiated mechanism of action from fulvestrant and novel SERDs.

SQZ Biotechnologies Announces Acceptance by Roche Accelerator in China

On December 1, 2021 SQZ Biotechnologies Company (NYSE: SQZ), a cell therapy company developing novel treatments for multiple therapeutic areas, reported that its China Initiative has been accepted by the Roche Accelerator (Press release, SQZ Biotech, DEC 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234596351]). Launched earlier this year, the accelerator is Roche’s first in-house accelerator globally and further establishes its long-term commitment to Shanghai and China. China’s healthcare ecosystem is of growing global importance and provides significant opportunity for patient impact. Collaboration with the Roche Accelerator will support early strategic planning and potential China-based activities for the SQZ China Initiative.

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Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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"We are excited to be one of the first members of the Roche Accelerator and to begin working with its talented experts to support strategic planning for this important global healthcare center," said Armon Sharei, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Founder of SQZ Biotechnologies and echoed by Min Dong, Ph.D., Head of the SQZ China Initiative. "China has significant patient needs across the disease areas where we are developing SQZ cell therapies. We look forward to working with local stakeholders to explore the potential application of our cell therapy approach in China."

Roche has been a strategic partner with the company since 2015 and has an ongoing collaboration with SQZ on the SQZ APC oncology program globally.

Biodesix Partners with Spesana to Streamline Digital Access to Molecular Diagnostics for Precision Medicine in Lung Cancer

On December 1, 2021 Spesana, the developer of a novel electronic operating system to unify EMRs, and Biodesix Inc. (NSDQ: BDSX), a leading data-driven diagnostic solutions company with a focus in lung disease, reported that they have partnered to further streamline and automate the use of molecular diagnostics in clinical workflows across the United States utilizing Spesana’s digital platform solutions for comprehensive lung cancer management (Press release, Biodesix, DEC 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234596350]). Spesana is a cloud based Digital Healthcare Platform unifying all EMRs, Lab Information Systems and Molecular Diagnostics to improve what is often considered a broken electronic healthcare system that all too frequently turns what should be simple tasks into complex problems for healthcare providers. The platform automates referral management, tumor boards, molecular test orders, results, and clinical trial management. Spesana breaks down therapeutic silos by providing a unified health record allowing healthcare providers to ensure patients receive precision treatments and/or opportunities to enroll in clinical trials.

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"Molecular diagnostics are the key to precision medicine," said Spesana CEO Carla Balch. "Physicians believe in precision medicine yet struggle with the current logistics and workflow to order, track, and receive molecular diagnostic test results to make evidence-based decisions for their patients. The partnership between Spesana and Biodesix is an example of two companies joining together to solve even the most difficult challenges that exist today for healthcare providers and their patients. Together, our goal is to improve the user experience with an elegant data-driven workflow and highly sensitive molecular diagnostics to improve patients’ outcomes and significantly improve upon the unnecessarily complicated processes that exist now."

Spesana’s partnership with Biodesix includes a healthcare platform for clinicians that is beyond the various electronic medical records or lab portals. The platform will incorporate electronic ordering of molecular testing including Biodesix’s blood-based Nodify Lung Nodule Risk Assessment Testing (Nodify XL2 & Nodify CDT tests) and IQlung Testing (GeneStrat ddPCR, GeneStrat NGS, & VeriStrat tests), all part of a Biodesix’s blood-based treatment guidance portfolio with industry-leading turnaround times. The novel Spesana platform will also incorporate clinical education content, a virtual engagement platform, full tumor board capabilities, and research and clinical trial management services.

"The healthcare providers on the frontlines of comprehensive cancer care work to deliver a uniquely powerful multi-disciplinary approach for each patient who confronts a lung cancer diagnosis. Fluid communication is of the utmost importance when one considers the number of multi-disciplinary team members who treat the lung cancer patient as they move through their cancer journey," said Biodesix CEO, Scott Hutton. "The Spesana platform enables easy and open-communication and data sharing for all physicians within a health system to align on their patient’s care. The partnership with Spesana is emblematic of the leading role that both companies have in the management of lung cancer and the mutual goal of the two companies to create a positive outcome for patients."