Oak Hill Bio Launches With Pipeline and Senior Leadership From Takeda

On February 1, 2022 Oak Hill Bio ("Oak Hill"), a clinical-stage rare disease therapeutics company developing life-changing medicines for extremely preterm infants and patients suffering from rare autoimmune diseases, reported the Company’s launch and plans to advance a pipeline of promising clinical and preclinical investigational therapeutics acquired and licensed from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited ("Takeda") (Press release, Takeda, FEB 1, 2022, View Source [SID1234607592]).

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Under the terms of the agreements, Takeda will receive an upfront payment, an ownership stake in Oak Hill and potential milestones and royalty payments in exchange for the acquired and licensed programs. Takeda will also support the transition for continued research and development of the acquired programs. The pipeline includes two clinical-stage and four preclinical-stage programs.

Two Takeda executives with direct experience working on the acquired programs will join Oak Hill, including Victoria Niklas, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer, and Norman Barton, M.D., as a senior scientific advisor. Daniel Curran, M.D., Head, Rare Genetics & Hematology Therapeutic Area Unit at Takeda, will join the Oak Hill board of directors.

"Oak Hill has a significant opportunity to take these promising programs and advance them through clinical development to bring life-altering new medicines to patients in need," said Josh Distler, J.D., President and Chief Financial Officer of Oak Hill Bio. "We are confident not only in these potentially transformative compounds, but also in the extraordinary team that has come together to deliver these innovative therapies."

Oak Hill’s lead therapeutic candidate, OHB-607 (formerly TAK-607), is a proprietary, recombinant version of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), the natural version of which is a key driver of fetal growth and development in utero, and its binding protein, IGFBP-3.

Mothers are the primary source of IGF-1 for the developing fetus, with the fetus producing very little of its own until reaching 30 weeks of gestational age. At birth, extremely premature infants, born at less than 28 weeks of gestational age, have low levels of IGF-1 which are associated with greater complication rates. OHB-607, as a human IGF-1 replacement, is designed to help promote continued development and maturation of vital organs and the vasculature that supports them.

OHB-607 has been evaluated in both preclinical and clinical studies. A Phase 2 clinical trial showed a statistically significant shift towards milder bronchopulmonary dysplasia and a positive trend in reducing intraventricular hemorrhage (pre-specified secondary endpoints), with no significant safety signal observed.

"Every year, hundreds of thousands of infants worldwide are born extremely prematurely and, as a result, suffer from severe complications in their lungs, brain, and eyes that hinder their long-term development and quality of life. While prenatal steroids, surfactants, ventilators and improved resuscitation protocols have increased the survival rate of premature infants, there has been little progress in protecting their not fully developed organs from the trauma of life-saving measures at birth, including supplemental oxygen and breathing machines," said Victoria Niklas, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Oak Hill Bio and former Global Program Lead for OHB-607 at Takeda. "We are committed to delivering innovation into this area of high unmet medical need for infants born extremely premature. OHB-607 has the potential to be the first breakthrough in more than 30 years to improve outcomes for these infants and their families."

OHB-101 (Formerly TAK-752), a Phase 2a program, is currently being investigated for the treatment of a wide array of rare autoimmune diseases. It is a soluble recombinant version of the FcγR2B receptor that is designed to bind to immune complexes to prevent them from interacting with the fc gamma receptors that drive inflammation and autoimmune cascades. Preliminary clinical studies have been conducted in multiple autoimmune indications, including systemic lupus erythematosus, a rare autoimmune primary glomerular disease, and immune thrombocytopenia, a rare autoimmune blood disorder.

Oak Hill intends to advance the ongoing Phase 2b clinical study of OHB-607 for complications of premature birth in 2022 and initiate two Phase 2b clinical studies of OHB-101 in rare autoimmune diseases. The company also anticipates commencing IND-enabling activities for certain of its four preclinical programs, which include three novel anti-FCγR2B receptor monoclonal antibodies for autoimmune disease and an oral pKAL inhibitor for diabetic macular edema.

"There is a tremendous need for new therapies to prevent the complications of prematurity and for those suffering from rare autoimmune disorders," said Dr. Curran. "Making a strategic investment in Oak Hill Bio and their strong leadership team is an ideal path to continue the development of these promising programs."

Executive Team

Oak Hill’s executive team includes experienced biopharma executives, biotech entrepreneurs and financial operations and capital markets experts as well as rare disease and neonatology experts from Takeda:

Josh Distler, J.D., President and Chief Financial Officer, has extensive experience building and investing in biotechnology companies, having served as Head of Crossover and Quantitative Equity at Athanor Capital, COO of Global Private Investing for D. E. Shaw & Co., Chief Operating Officer at Attenuon, a cancer drug development firm and as a Director of Schrödinger, Inc.
Mark McHale, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, most recently helped found Aslan Pharmaceuticals and served as its Chief Development Officer and Head of R&D. He has also held leadership positions with AstraZeneca and SmithKline Beecham (now GlaxoSmithKline Plc.).
Victoria Niklas, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, has served in several roles at Takeda, including Global Program Leader of the OHB-607 program. She has extensive experience as a translational scientist and academic neonatologist including serving as Chief of the Division of Neonatology for Nemours Children’s Hospital and Professor of Pediatrics, Division Chief and Medical Director, at UCLA’s Olive View Medical Center.

IDEAYA Biosciences to Participate in Investor Conferences in February 2022

On February 1, 2022 IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDYA), a synthetic lethality focused precision medicine oncology company committed to the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics, reported its participation in an investor conference in February 2022 (Press release, Ideaya Biosciences, FEB 1, 2022, View Source [SID1234607591]).

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Guggenheim Oncology Day
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 3:30pm ET

Fireside chat with Yujiro Hata, Chief Executive Officer, hosted by Charles Zhu, Ph.D. Vice President, Biotechnology Equity Research

A live audio webcast of the event will be available, as permitted by conference host, at the "Investors/News and Events/Investor Calendar" section of the IDEAYA website at View Source A replay of available webcasts will be accessible for 30 days following the live event.

Janssen Data at ASCO GU Demonstrate Longstanding Leadership in Prostate Cancer and Commitment to Advancing Potential New Therapeutic Options for Genitourinary Cancers

On February 1, 2022 The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson reported that 17 presentations will be featured at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Genitourinary (ASCO GU) Cancers Symposium, taking place in San Francisco and virtually from February 17-19 (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, FEB 1, 2022, View Source [SID1234607590]). Building on its long-term leadership in prostate cancer, Janssen is committed to advancing innovative treatments and transforming patient experiences, while focusing on research that may drive better outcomes for people across the genitourinary cancer spectrum. Data to be presented include Phase 3 results for the selective poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor niraparib in combination with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone in prostate cancer, and updated clinical trial information on the Phase 2b study of TAR-200, a novel drug delivery system, in combination with cetrelimab in early-stage bladder cancer. Janssen will also present new analyses for the androgen receptor inhibitor ERLEADA (apalutamide).

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"This year’s ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU annual meeting commemorates nearly a decade of Janssen generating outcomes demonstrating the utility of ERLEADA as a transformational therapy in advanced prostate cancer," said Luca Dezzani, M.D., U.S. Vice President, Medical Affairs, Solid Tumor, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC. "We continue to deepen our understanding of how our medicines are being used in real-world settings, as we strive to optimize treatment and care delivery to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes."

"Despite the advancements Janssen has made in delivering innovative medicines for the treatment of genitourinary cancers, we recognize the continued unmet needs that persist for patients and physicians," said Kiran Patel M.D., Vice President, Clinical Development, Solid Tumors, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "At this year’s ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU meeting, we look forward to presenting new data from our portfolio and pipeline, highlighting our commitment to improving patient outcomes, the benefits of our approved treatments and the possibilities for new potential therapeutic options."

Further details about these data and the science Janssen is advancing will be made available throughout ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU via the Janssen Oncology Virtual Newsroom. Key highlights include:

Niraparib late-breaking data:

First results from the Phase 3 MAGNITUDE study of niraparib in combination with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone as a first-line therapy in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with and without homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene alterations (Abstract #12)
ERLEADA data:

Association between patient-reported outcomes and changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in patients with advanced prostate cancer treated with ERLEADA in the SPARTAN and TITAN studies
Real-world Comparative Evidence: Attainment of early, deep PSA response in metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC): A comparison of patients initiated on ERLEADA and enzalutamide
TAR-200 and cetrelimab update:

Clinical Trial in Progress: SunRISe-1: Phase 2b study of TAR-200 plus cetrelimab, TAR-200 alone, or cetrelimab alone in participants with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer unresponsive to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin who are ineligible for or elected not to undergo radical cystectomy
About Niraparib
Niraparib is an orally administered, poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor that is currently being studied by Janssen for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer. Ongoing studies include the Phase 3 AMPLITUDE study evaluating niraparib in combination with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone in a biomarker-selected patient population with mCSPC; the Phase 3 MAGNITUDE study evaluating niraparib in combination with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone as a first-line treatment option compared to abiraterone acetate and prednisone plus placebo in adults with mCRPC; and QUEST, a Phase 1b/2 study of niraparib combination therapies for the treatment of mCRPC.

In April 2016, Janssen Biotech, Inc. entered a worldwide (except Japan) collaboration and license agreement with TESARO, Inc. (acquired by GSK in 2018), for exclusive rights to niraparib in prostate cancer. In the U.S., niraparib is indicated for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in a complete or partial response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy; for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in a complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy; for the treatment of adult patients with advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who have been treated with three or more prior chemotherapy regimens and whose cancer is associated with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) positive status defined by either: a deleterious or suspected deleterious BRCA mutation, or genomic instability and who have progressed more than six months after response to the last platinum-based chemotherapy. Niraparib is currently marketed by GSK as ZEJULA.1

About ERLEADA
ERLEADA (apalutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and for the treatment of patients with mCSPC.2 ERLEADA received U.S. FDA approval for nmCRPC in February 2018, and was approved for mCSPC in September 2019.2 To date, more than 50,000 patients worldwide have been treated with ERLEADA. For more information, visit www.ERLEADA.com.

About TAR-200
TAR-200 is an investigational drug delivery system, enabling controlled release of gemcitabine into the bladder, increasing dwell time and local drug exposure. The safety and efficacy of TAR-200 is being evaluated in Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

About Cetrelimab
Cetrelimab is an investigational programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody being studied to treat bladder cancer, prostate cancer and multiple myeloma as a combination treatment. Cetrelimab is also being evaluated in multiple combination regimens across the Janssen oncology portfolio.

ERLEADA IMPORTANT Safety Information
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Cerebrovascular and Ischemic Cardiovascular Events — In a randomized study (SPARTAN) of patients with nmCRPC, ischemic cardiovascular events occurred in 3.7% of patients treated with ERLEADA and 2% of patients treated with placebo. In a randomized study (TITAN) in patients with mCSPC, ischemic cardiovascular events occurred in 4.4% of patients treated with ERLEADA and 1.5% of patients treated with placebo. Across the SPARTAN and TITAN studies, 4 patients (0.3%) treated with ERLEADA and 2 patients (0.2%) treated with placebo died from an ischemic cardiovascular event. Patients with history of unstable angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, or transient ischemic attack within 6 months of randomization were excluded from the SPARTAN and TITAN studies.

In the SPARTAN study, cerebrovascular events occurred in 2.5% of patients treated with ERLEADA and 1% of patients treated with placebo. In the TITAN study, cerebrovascular events occurred in 1.9% of patients treated with ERLEADA and 2.1% of patients treated with placebo. Across the SPARTAN and TITAN studies, 3 patients (0.2%) treated with ERLEADA, and 2 patients (0.2%) treated with placebo died from a cerebrovascular event.

Cerebrovascular and ischemic cardiovascular events, including events leading to death, occurred in patients receiving ERLEADA. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disorders. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Consider discontinuation of ERLEADA for Grade 3 and 4 events.

Fractures — In a randomized study (SPARTAN) of patients with nmCRPC, fractures occurred in 12% of patients treated with ERLEADA and in 7% of patients treated with placebo. In a randomized study (TITAN) of patients with mCSPC, fractures occurred in 9% of patients treated with ERLEADA and in 6% of patients treated with placebo. Evaluate patients for fracture risk. Monitor and manage patients at risk for fractures according to established treatment guidelines and consider use of bone-targeted agents.

Falls — In a randomized study (SPARTAN), falls occurred in 16% of patients treated with ERLEADA compared with 9% of patients treated with placebo. Falls were not associated with loss of consciousness or seizure. Falls occurred in patients receiving ERLEADA with increased frequency in the elderly. Evaluate patients for fall risk.

Seizure — In two randomized studies (SPARTAN and TITAN), 5 patients (0.4%) treated with ERLEADA and 1 patient treated with placebo (0.1%) experienced a seizure. Permanently discontinue ERLEADA in patients who develop a seizure during treatment. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with ERLEADA. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while receiving ERLEADA and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause harm to themselves or others.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity — The safety and efficacy of ERLEADA have not been established in females. Based on findings from animals and its mechanism of action, ERLEADA can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy when administered to a pregnant female. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of ERLEADA [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) that occurred more frequently in the ERLEADA-treated patients (≥2% over placebo) from the randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials (TITAN and SPARTAN) were fatigue, arthralgia, rash, decreased appetite, fall, weight decreased, hypertension, hot flush, diarrhea, and fracture.

Laboratory Abnormalities — All Grades (Grade 3-4)

Hematology — In the TITAN study: white blood cell decreased ERLEADA 27% (0.4%), placebo 19% (0.6%). In the SPARTAN study: anemia ERLEADA 70% (0.4%), placebo 64% (0.5%); leukopenia ERLEADA 47% (0.3%), placebo 29% (0%); lymphopenia ERLEADA 41% (1.8%), placebo 21% (1.6%)
Chemistry — In the TITAN study: hypertriglyceridemia ERLEADA 17% (2.5%), placebo 12% (2.3%). In the SPARTAN study: hypercholesterolemia ERLEADA 76% (0.1%), placebo 46% (0%); hyperglycemia ERLEADA 70% (2%), placebo 59% (1.0%); hypertriglyceridemia ERLEADA 67% (1.6%), placebo 49% (0.8%); hyperkalemia ERLEADA 32% (1.9%), placebo 22% (0.5%)
Rash — In 2 randomized studies (SPARTAN and TITAN), rash was most commonly described as macular or maculopapular. Adverse reactions of rash were 26% with ERLEADA vs 8% with placebo. Grade 3 rashes (defined as covering >30% body surface area [BSA]) were reported with ERLEADA treatment (6%) vs placebo (0.5%).

The onset of rash occurred at a median of 83 days. Rash resolved in 78% of patients within a median of 78 days from onset of rash. Rash was commonly managed with oral antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, and 19% of patients received systemic corticosteroids. Dose reduction or dose interruption occurred in 14% and 28% of patients, respectively. Of the patients who had dose interruption, 59% experienced recurrence of rash upon reintroduction of ERLEADA.

Hypothyroidism — In 2 randomized studies (SPARTAN and TITAN), hypothyroidism was reported for 8% of patients treated with ERLEADA and 1.5% of patients treated with placebo based on assessments of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) every 4 months. Elevated TSH occurred in 25% of patients treated with ERLEADA and 7% of patients treated with placebo. The median onset was at the first scheduled assessment. There were no Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions. Thyroid replacement therapy, when clinically indicated, should be initiated or dose-adjusted.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Effect of Other Drugs on ERLEADA — Co-administration of a strong CYP2C8 or CYP3A4 inhibitor is predicted to increase the steady-state exposure of the active moieties. No initial dose adjustment is necessary; however, reduce the ERLEADA dose based on tolerability [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Effect of ERLEADA on Other Drugs
CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and UGT Substrates — ERLEADA is a strong inducer of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, and a weak inducer of CYP2C9 in humans. Concomitant use of ERLEADA with medications that are primarily metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2C19, or CYP2C9 can result in lower exposure to these medications. Substitution for these medications is recommended when possible or evaluate for loss of activity if medication is continued. Concomitant administration of ERLEADA with medications that are substrates of UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) can result in decreased exposure. Use caution if substrates of UGT must be co-administered with ERLEADA and evaluate for loss of activity.

P-gp, BCRP, or OATP1B1 Substrates — Apalutamide is a weak inducer of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), and organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) clinically. Concomitant use of ERLEADA with medications that are substrates of P-gp, BCRP, or OATP1B1 can result in lower exposure of these medications. Use caution if substrates of P-gp, BCRP, or OATP1B1 must be co-administered with ERLEADA and evaluate for loss of activity if medication is continued.

Minerva Biotechnologies Announces Opening 1st-In-Human Phase I/II Trial of a MUC1* Targeting CAR T for Metastatic Breast Cancers at City of Hope

On February 1, 2022 Minerva Biotechnologies Corporation reported that its trial of huMNC2-CAR44 T cells (NCT04020575) has now opened at City of Hope, Duarte, California (Press release, Minerva Biotechnologies, FEB 1, 2022, View Source [SID1234607589]). This is a first-in-human trial targeting the tumor-associated form of MUC1, called MUC1* (muk 1 star). MUC1* is the transmembrane cleavage product that is a growth factor receptor that drives growth of an estimated 93% of breast cancers. The antibody that targets Minerva’s CAR T to the tumor binds to an ectopic site that is only exposed after cleavage and release of the tandem repeat domain. Other attempts at targeting MUC1 with antibodies, ADCs, or CAR Ts have targeted the tandem repeat domain, which is cleaved in the tumor microenvironment and shed from the cell surface.

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The huMNC2-CAR44 therapy was developed by, and is proprietary to, Minerva Biotechnologies. The targeting head of the CAR, the antibody MNC2, recognizes a unique conformation of MUC1 after cleavage by a specific enzyme in the tumor microenvironment. "The ability of our antibody to bind specifically to the cancerous form of MUC1 without binding to MUC1 on normal tissues is a real breakthrough," said Dr. Cynthia Bamdad, CEO of Minerva Biotechnologies.

"Demonstration of safety and early signs of efficacy of huMNC2-CAR44 represent a significant milestone for Minerva. We have a broad, deep pipeline that includes next generation CAR Ts, with enhanced in vivo persistence, and the ability to target cells with much lower antigen density, allowing us to challenge the persistence issues seen elsewhere in the field. We can now progress these to the clinic with increased confidence. We are also developing therapeutics that target the onco-embryonic growth factor, NME7, that activates the MUC1* growth factor receptor across many different types of solid tumors and the preclinical results are very encouraging," said Minerva Chief Business Officer, Michael Crowther.

We would like to express our gratitude to our collaborators, our scientists, and the patients and their physicians for their support and participation in this trial.

About the trial

NCT04020575 is a first-in-human trial of huMNC2-CAR44, an autologous CAR T therapy targeting MUC1* in metastatic breast cancer in patients with MUC1* reactive tumors. For more information about the trial, including the study description, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and intake contact information, visit: View Source or contact Dr. Yuan Yuan 1-800-826-4673 or email [email protected]

Personalis to Present at the BTIG MedTech, Digital Health, Life Science & Diagnostic Tools Conference

On February 1, 2022 Personalis, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSNL), a leader in advanced genomics for cancer, reported that its management team will present at the BTIG MedTech, Digital Health, Life Science & Diagnostic Tools Conference on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (Press release, Personalis, FEB 1, 2022, View Source [SID1234607588]).

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The webcast link is available only for those who are attending the BTIG conference.