On December 1, 2021 Surface Oncology (Nasdaq: SURF), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing next-generation immunotherapies that target the tumor microenvironment, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for GSK4381562 (formerly SRF813) to proceed into a first-in-human clinical trial (Press release, Surface Oncology, DEC 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234596341]). GSK4381562 is a fully human IgG1 antibody targeting PVRIG (also known as CD112R), an inhibitory protein expressed on natural killer cells (NK cells) and T cells.

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In December 2020, Surface announced it had entered into an agreement in which GSK exclusively licensed worldwide development and commercial rights to GSK4381562. Surface will receive a $30 million milestone payment in conjunction with the initiation of the first Phase 1 study for GSK4381562 and is eligible to receive an additional $700 million in future milestone payments, as well as be eligible to receive tiered royalties on global net sales.

"GSK4381562 is a differentiated anti-PVRIG antibody and represents a new therapeutic approach designed to enhance NK and T cell activation in the tumor microenvironment," said Rob Ross, M.D., chief executive officer. "We are pleased to have reached this milestone with our partners at GSK and look forward to continued advancement of this promising program in the clinic."

About GSK4381562:

GSK4381562 is a fully human, IgG1 antibody targeting PVRIG (also known as CD112R), an inhibitory protein expressed on natural killer cells (NK cells) and T cells. GSK4381562 binds to a distinct epitope on PVRIG and blocks the interaction of PVRIG with CD112, its binding partner that is overexpressed on tumor cells. Preclinically, GSK4381562 promotes the activation of both NK cells and T cells, with the potential to elicit a strong anti-tumor response and promote immunological memory.

On December 1, 2021 Genomic Testing Cooperative, LCA (GTC) reported that it will be presenting at the annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting new data on the use of their proprietary machine learning approaches in the diagnosis of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and for the stratifying of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) based on outcome after treatment with the standard R-CHOP (Press release, Genomic Testing Cooperative, DEC 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234596340]). GTC will also present studies on their liquid biopsy and its reliability in detecting cytogenetic abnormalities in myeloid neoplasms and in monitoring minimal residual disease after stem cell transplant. These studies were performed in collaboration with multiple academic institutions that contributed clinical data. GTC is the only diagnostic company that offers molecular testing based on cooperative (Co-Op) business model. By working with other members of the Co-Op, the company is able to develop and validate tests in efficient ways reducing the cost of testing and innovation. GTC shares the intellectual property rights of three of the four innovative tests with John Theurer Cancer Center and Hackensack Meridian Health, both members of the Co-Op. Dr. Andre Goy, Chairman and Chief Physician Officer at John Theurer Cancer Center, Chairman of Oncology at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Professor of Medicine at Georgetown University said "being a part of the cooperative group at GTC has been extremely productive and enabled John Theurer Cancer Center to offer state-of-the-art precision medicine, not only for selecting therapy but for developing cutting edge approaches for monitoring patients".

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The presented work reflects the current GTC innovation strategy in improving cancer care. GTC uses RNA data and targeted transcriptome generated by next generation sequencing (NGS) along with new machine learning approaches to predict the presence of aGVHD and for stratifying patients with DLBCL. These are examples of how genomics can improve patient care. aGVHD remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Proper and early diagnosis of this serious complication of transplant will trigger prophylaxis therapy and treatment that may improve outcome. Similarly predicting patients with DLBCL who will not respond well to the current standard R-CHOP therapy will help in selecting different therapeutic approaches and new clinical trials.

GTC is developing new indications in liquid biopsy testing and extensively exploring new technology to improve patient care. ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) presentations show that their liquid biopsy can reliably predict cytogenetic abnormalities in patient with hematologic neoplasms and can be used for diagnosis and management of patients with myeloid neoplasm. Another presentation shows that liquid biopsy is reliable in monitoring patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Dr. Maher Albitar, founder, chief medical officer, and chief executive officer of GTC stated "GTC was established as a co-op business to improve patient and democratizing genomics through efficient innovation and collaboration". He added "Advances in genomics and machine learning are opening new opportunities in medicine to improve outcome in cancer care. Our new studies that are presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) are examples of how a cooperative business model can deliver".

Following are the list and dates and times of the presentations:

1)Reliability of Liquid Biopsy and Next Generation Sequencing in Monitoring Residual Disease Post-Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant, Saturday, December 11, 2021: 5:30 PM-7:30 PM

2)Bone Marrow-Based Biomarkers for Predicting aGVHD Using Targeted RNA Next Generation Sequencing and Machine Learning , Sunday, December 12, 2021: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

3)Determining Clinical Course of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Using Targeted Transcriptome and Machine Learning Algorithms; Sunday, December 12, 2021: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
4) Reliability of Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) Next Generation Sequencing in Predicting Chromosomal Structural Abnormalities and Cytogenetic-Risk Stratification of Patients with Myeloid Neoplasms; Monday, December 13, 2021: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

On December 1, 2021 2seventy bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSVT), an emerging immuno-oncology company, reported financial results and recent highlights for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 (Press release, 2seventy bio, DEC 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234596339]).

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"We launched 2seventy bio a few short weeks ago and I’m highly encouraged by the way our team has taken this challenge head on," said Nick Leschly, chief kairos officer. "Our urgency to bring transformative cell therapies forward is driven by the ultimate goal, which is to provide more time to patients and their families devastated by cancer. We have hit the ground running, with the first IND acceptance for our program in AML, and another anticipated in the bNHL program by the end of the year. Exciting times are ahead, and we are fired up for 2022 as ABECMA continues to deliver for MM patients and our product engine drives more disruptive next-gen cell therapies forward in both liquid and solid tumors."

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

COMPANY LAUNCH – On November 4, 2021, 2seventy bio launched as an independent, publicly traded company with a robust cell therapy pipeline across a range of hematologic and solid tumors including the SC-DARIC33 and bbT369 candidates that are planned, subject to IND acceptance, to enter the clinic by the first half of 2022. 2seventy bio’s portfolio also includes a development and 50/50 U.S. commercialization partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) for ABECMA, a first-in-class B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CAR T cell immunotherapy, in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
SC-DARIC33 IND – Today, 2seventy bio is announcing that the FDA has accepted the IND for SC-DARIC33, an investigational, pharmacologically controlled CD33-targeted autologous T cell product, developed in collaboration with Seattle Children’s Therapeutics for the potential treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). PLAT-08, the Phase 1 study of SC-DARIC33 in relapsed/refractory pediatric AML, led by Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, is now open and enrolling patients (NCT: 05105152). This study is a first-in-human investigation of the DARIC T cell platform.
ASH PRESENTATIONS – On November 4, 2021, 2seventy bio announced that it will present data from its portfolio of oncology cell therapies at the 63rd American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. These presentations include new pre-clinical data on SC-DARIC33, and in partnership with BMS, updated results from the ongoing Phase 1 CRB-402 study of the BCMA-targeted CAR T cell therapy bb21217 in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). In addition, a range of analyses will be presented from the pivotal KarMMa trial of ide-cel, in partnership with BMS.
UPCOMING ANTICIPATED MILESTONES

Acceptance of investigational new drug (IND) application for bbT369 in bNHL by the end of 2021.
Presentation of new preclinical data from the SC-DARIC33 program at the 63rd ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in December 2021.
Presentation of clinical data from the ongoing CRB-402 study of bb21217 at the 63rd ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in December 2021.
SELECT THIRD QUARTER AND YEAR-TO-DATE 2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS

The results for the period ended September 30, 2021, have been prepared on a carve-out basis and are derived from bluebird bio, Inc.’s consolidated financial statements and accounting records. Upon separation on November 4, 2021, bluebird bio made a contribution to 2seventy bio of approximately $441.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, which is expected to be sufficient to fund current planned operations for at least the next twelve months.
Revenues: Total revenues were $19.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $18.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Total revenues were $38.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $238.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase for the three-month period was primarily driven by revenue recognized under our collaboration arrangement with BMS. The decrease in the nine-month period was primarily driven by revenue recorded in connection with the May 2020 BMS contract modification in the second quarter of 2020.
ABECMA Revenue: BMS reported total U.S. revenues of $67 million for ABECMA (idecabtagene vicleucel; ide-cel) in the third quarter of 2021. 2seventy bio reported net collaboration revenue of $12.3 million for the third quarter of 2021, which includes our share of revenue and costs associated with the commercialization of ABECMA in the U.S.
R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $61.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $72.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Research and development expenses were $202.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $227.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The decrease for the three-month period was primarily driven by decreased R&D costs under our collaboration with BMS and decreased manufacturing expenses. The decrease for the nine-month period was primarily driven by decreased manufacturing expenses.
SG&A Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses were $23.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $22.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $69.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020. The increase for the three-month period was primarily driven by an increase in employee compensation, benefit, and other headcount related expenses.
Net Loss: Net loss was $60.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $72.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Net loss was $231.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $43.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

On December 1, 2021 GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plc reported Target the Future, an international, multi-year initiative dedicated to advancing innovation and addressing key needs in the multiple myeloma community (Press release, GlaxoSmithKline, DEC 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234596337]). The programme will provide education on progress in the field of multiple myeloma, identify key challenges the community faces, and facilitate solutions to help create a better future for patients, their caregivers and loved ones.

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Target the Future was inspired by the recent advances in the field of multiple myeloma combined with the remaining challenges that patients face. Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer worldwide[i] and second most common blood cancer in the US;[ii] it is generally considered treatable, but not curable.[iii] Despite recent treatment advances and the availability of newer and combination therapies, outcomes remain poor for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.[iv]

"We’ve seen significant innovation in the development of new therapies for multiple myeloma during the past two decades, yet patients still face significant challenges, including access to care, emotional distress and disparities in outcomes among certain populations," said Tania Small, Vice President, Global Medical Oncology Franchise Head, GSK. "As part of our ongoing commitment to the myeloma community, we connected with patients and caregivers to identify some of the community’s key challenges, and now, we’re calling on innovative minds around the world to contribute potential solutions to help address these issues. Together, we can accelerate ideas that will make a positive and meaningful impact for patients with multiple myeloma."

Target the Future Think Tank Challenge

Target the Future aims to foster understanding of unmet needs in the multiple myeloma community and assist in developing solutions for these challenges. Beginning today, the programme’s Target the Future Think Tank Challenge will accept submissions of ideas to create a better future for the multiple myeloma community. A grant of £70,000 (equivalent to approximately $100,000) will be awarded to the strongest proposal that will bring the idea to life. Between now and 11 February 2022, patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, data scientists, advocates or non-profit organisations can submit their proposals at www.targetthefuturemm.com. GSK will share the winning idea with the community and continue the programme in the years ahead to provide additional education and solutions for the myeloma community.

Persistent Challenges in the Multiple Myeloma Community

GSK consulted with patients and caregivers to identify key issues impacting the myeloma community that entrants could address with their proposals, including:

Understanding treatment options: While more treatments are available, understanding the appropriate options at each step of the journey can be difficult.
Getting the right care: Finding or traveling to the right healthcare provider can be hard for patients with limited transportation or location options.
Relieving the emotional burden: Managing stress associated with diagnosis, treatment, relapse, or the overall disruption to one’s life can be taxing for both patients and their caregivers.
Addressing disparities and inequities: New ideas can help ensure equal access to care and resources.
Entries for the Think Tank Challenge will be judged based on criteria such as potential to impact the issue(s), novelty of the idea, feasibility to execute and alignment with unmet needs. The submissions will be evaluated by a multidisciplinary advisory group comprised of people personally and professionally connected to the multiple myeloma community.

To learn more about Target the Future or apply to the Think Tank Challenge, please visit View Source

GSK in Oncology

GSK is focused on maximising patient survival through transformational medicines. GSK’s pipeline is focused on immuno-oncology, cell therapy, tumour cell targeting therapies and synthetic lethality. Our goal is to achieve a sustainable flow of new treatments based on a diversified portfolio of investigational medicines utilising modalities such as small molecules, antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates and cell therapy, either alone or in combination.

On December 1, 2021 Melanie Comito, MD, division chief of hematology and oncology at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, reported that it has been awarded a $50,000 infrastructure grant by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation (Press release, SUNY Upstate, DEC 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234596336]).

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These one-year grant provides Upstate the staffing to open, coordinate, and treat more children on clinical trials, making it possible for more children to access these trials close to home.

Upstate was on of 24 institutions to receive an infrastructure grant, totaling more than $1.1 million.

The award supports the work at the Dr William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, which provides oncology care to children, adolescents, and young adults.

"To be able to offer clinical trials for children with cancers is one of the most important things we can do at our center," Comito said. "As a smaller center, we still see a variety of types of cancer, so we have to be prepared by having as many trials open as possible.

"We currently have 47 open clinical trials available for pediatric cancer patients which allows children in our 17-county area to have access to clinical trials closer to home, Comito added. "St. Baldrick’s infrastructure support is essential for supporting our clinical research staff so that we can meet this goal of curing as many children as possible."

"St. Baldrick’s Infrastructure Grants are designed for one reason, to treat more children on clinical trials, often their best hope for a cure," said Kathleen Ruddy, St. Baldrick’s CEO. "Thanks to donors, volunteers, advocates, and all those who are fighting every day for kids with cancer, from making these $1.1 million in grants possible. These grants are particularly critical because they often help children who are treated at smaller hospitals, or those where resources are scarce, but needs are high."

St. Baldrick’s is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers. St. Baldrick’s coordinates its signature head-shaving events worldwide where participants collect pledges to shave their heads in solidarity with kids with cancer, raising money to fund research.