On February 28, 2022 Elpiscience Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Elpiscience"), a global clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing next-generation cancer immunotherapies, reported that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1/2 clinical study, evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary anti-tumor efficacy of ES104 for the treatment of unresectable locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) in China (Press release, Elpiscience, FEB 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234609169]). ES104 is a bispecific antibody that simultaneously blocks the Delta-like ligand 4/Notch (DLL4) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) signaling pathways that are critical to angiogenesis and tumor vascularization.

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In prior clinical testing, ES104 demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity in patients who had failed multiple lines of therapy and were considered resistant to currently approved anti-VEGF therapies. Elpiscience received Center of Drug Evaluation (CDE) INC clearance for ES104 in October 2021. ES104 is currently the only clinical-stage bispecific antibody targeting VEGF and DLL4 in China.

"We are excited to initiate this Phase 1/2 clinical study of ES104. In a recent Phase 1 study, ES104 showed single-agent activity in advanced gastric cancer and CRC patients who were considered treatment resistant to anti-VEGF containing regimens," said Steve Chin, CMO of Elpiscience. "We look forward to the potential therapeutic benefit of ES104 for the treatment of CRC patients in China."

For more information on the Phase 1/2 clinical study, refer to Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT05167448.

About ES104:

ES104 is a bispecific antibody that simultaneously blocks Delta-like ligand 4/Notch (DLL4) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) signaling pathways, which are critical to angiogenesis and tumor vascularization. Pre-clinical and early clinical data of ES104 show that blocking both pathways provides robust anti-tumor activity across several solid tumors, including colorectal, gastric, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic, and non-small cell lung cancer. Partial responses to ES104 as monotherapy have been observed in heavily pre-treated cancer patients, who were resistant to currently approved anti-VEGF therapies. ES104 has completed a Phase 1 monotherapy dose-escalation and expansion study (NCT03292783). Phase 1b and Phase 2 clinical studies (NCT04492033) in combination with chemotherapy are ongoing. Elpiscience licensed greater China rights to ES104 in January 2021.

On February 28, 2022 Thermo Fisher Scientific reported that it is calling for new proposals for its Oncomine Clinical Research Grant (Press release, Thermo Fisher Scientific, FEB 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234609168]). The latest request for submissions from the global scientific community will award funding for molecular profiling research that helps accelerate the use of genomic sequencing in oncology .

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"Next-generation sequencing is vital to match eligible patients with lung carcinomas with targeted therapies, but often this testing takes too long to inform their care"

The recipients of the grants will each be awarded up to $200,000 in reagents and general funding for independent clinical research proposals that demonstrate excellence in cancer molecular profiling. Project proposals harnessing the value of next generation sequencing (NGS) in either the context of solid or hematological cancers will be reviewed by independent and internationally recognized experts for scientific rigor and merit. Grant proposals are now being accepted through April 7, 2022.

"The Oncomine Clinical Research Grant program aims to fund research furthering our understanding of cancer at the genomic level. The identification of specific cancer biomarkers associated with response or resistance to treatment can inform clinical care and potentially help predict patient outcomes," said José Luis Costa, Ph.D., director of medical affairs for clinical next-generation sequencing and oncology, Thermo Fisher Scientific. "Thermo Fisher is committed to supporting scientists and researchers globally as we look to advance cutting-edge genetic research."

Since launching the program in 2020, Thermo Fisher has awarded Oncomine Clinical Research Grants to 16 projects worldwide in support of research in hematology-oncology, immuno-oncology, liquid biopsy, and fusion gene detection. Recipients of the last funding round, which supported clinical research programs using NGS technology in solid tumors and hematology-oncology applications, included: Myung-shin Kim, The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, South Korea; Wolfram Jochum, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland; Fernando Lopez-Rios, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Spain; Tarek Bismar, University of Calgary, Canada.

"Next-generation sequencing is vital to match eligible patients with lung carcinomas with targeted therapies, but often this testing takes too long to inform their care," said grant recipient Fernando Lopez-Rios, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. "With the support from the Oncomine Clinical Research Grant, we hope to demonstrate that comprehensive genomic sequencing with very rapid turnaround times can increase patient access and advance the idea of universal testing of all patients with lung carcinomas, including those with early-stage disease."

On February 28, 2022 Blue Earth Diagnostics, a Bracco company and recognized leader in the development and commercialization of innovative PET radiopharmaceuticals, reported the appointment of David E. Gauden, D.Phil. as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (Press release, Blue Earth Diagnostics, FEB 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234609167]). Former CEO and Executive Chairman Jonathan Allis, D.Phil., assumes the role of Honorary Chairman of the Blue Earth Diagnostics Board of Directors. Dr. Gauden will retain his current responsibilities as President, Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer and report to Bracco Imaging CEO Fulvio Renoldi Bracco. Terri Wilson, President of BED Inc. (US), will assume additional responsibilities in support of Blue Earth Diagnostics, including global commercial responsibilities. The Company also announced the promotion of Eugene J. Teoh, MBBS, MRCP, FRCR, D.Phil., to Chief Medical Officer (CMO). The changes reflect a new phase of growth and global corporate development for Blue Earth Diagnostics.

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Dr. Gauden, a co-founder of Blue Earth Diagnostics, brings more than 20 years of industry expertise in radiopharmaceuticals and diagnostic medical imaging to his new role. Prior to the founding of Blue Earth Diagnostics in 2014, Dr. Gauden served as Product Leader for oncology molecular imaging at GE Healthcare, with business responsibility for the product portfolio, licensing, product development and strategic marketing activities across a range of developmental PET drugs. Dr. Gauden holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Warwick and a doctorate in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford.

"Blue Earth Diagnostics is poised to achieve significant near-term milestones in our mission to deliver diagnostic imaging solutions to inform and guide the clinical management of patients with cancer," said Dr. Gauden. "I am excited and honored to assume the role of CEO as our Company enters a new stage of growth. As the recognized leader in PET prostate cancer diagnostic imaging, we are actively progressing our comprehensive prostate cancer portfolio, which includes 18F-fluciclovine and our investigational rhPSMA technology platform. Our investigational program for the use of 18F-fluciclovine in neuro-oncology and other applications is well underway, as are plans to acquire additional diagnostic imaging technology. Speaking on behalf of the entire Company, we want to express our sincere thanks to our founding CEO, Jonathan Allis, who, in his eight years of unswerving commitment and deep, strategic insight, advanced Blue Earth to the industry leadership position that it holds today."

Dr. Teoh, Blue Earth Diagnostics’ new CMO, reports to CEO David Gauden. He joined the Company in 2018 as European (EU) Medical Director and was subsequently promoted to Vice President Clinical Development. He takes the reins from former CMO Peter Gardiner, MB ChB, FRCP, FFPM, who will continue to serve in a strategic advisory capacity through 2022. As CMO, Dr. Teoh has overall medical oversight and will contribute to strategic direction and guide development of innovative molecular imaging products to help guide clinicians in the diagnosis and management of cancer patients.

Since joining Blue Earth Diagnostics, Dr. Teoh has developed and progressed the Company’s brain metastases clinical program from inception to its current Phase 2/3 status. He has provided medical leadership and input to product lifecycle and pipeline research and development activities. Prior to joining Blue Earth Diagnostics, Dr. Teoh served as a consultant and investigator to the Company in research to advance its prostate cancer pipeline. Dr. Teoh obtained his medical degree from Imperial College School of Medicine, in London, UK, and completed his initial medical training in Oxford and London. This was followed by specialist training in radiology at Oxford, leading to board-certification in radiology with sub-specialization in diagnostic nuclear medicine. Dr. Teoh is a member of the Royal College of Physicians and a Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists in the UK, and holds a doctorate in cancer imaging from the University of Oxford. He has published his research in prestigious medical journals and presented at a variety of national and international meetings.

"It is an honor to take the role of CMO at Blue Earth Diagnostics, and I am committed to continuing our success in the development of radiopharmaceuticals to fulfil an unmet medical need for clinicians and improve patient care," said Dr. Teoh. "This is a pivotal time for Blue Earth Diagnostics as a growing international diagnostic imaging company. We look forward to sharing results of our efforts as we work to provide well-differentiated solutions to best inform patient care."

On February 28, 2022 Immune-Onc Therapeutics, Inc. ("Immune-Onc"), a private, clinical-stage cancer immunotherapy company developing novel biotherapeutics targeting immunosuppressive myeloid checkpoints, reported that Charlene Liao, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Immune-Onc, will host virtual one-on-one investor meetings at the Cowen 42nd Annual Health Care Conference and will deliver a company presentation at the Oppenheimer 32nd Annual Healthcare Conference (Press release, Immune-Onc Therapeutics, FEB 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234609166]). Details of the conferences are as follows:

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Cowen 42nd Annual Health Care Conference (March 7-9, 2022)

Immune-Onc will be scheduling virtual one-on-one investor meetings as a private company. Meetings may be requested through Cowen.
Oppenheimer 32nd Annual Healthcare Conference (March 15-17, 2022)

Immune-Onc will present a corporate overview on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 4:40 PM – 5:10 PM ET (Track 6) and will participate in virtual one-on-one meetings. Please contact your Oppenheimer representative to schedule.

On February 28, 2022 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) reported that invites investors and the general public to view and listen to a webcast of a discussion with Angela Hwang, Group President, Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals Group; Andy Schmeltz, Global President, Oncology; and Suneet Varma, Global President, Rare Disease at the Cowen 42nd Annual Health Care Conference on Monday, March 7, 2022 at 9:50 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (Press release, Pfizer, FEB 28, 2022, View Source [SID1234609165]).

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To view and listen to the webcast, visit our web site at www.pfizer.com/investors. Information on accessing and registering for the webcast will be available at www.pfizer.com/investors beginning today.

The transcript and webcast replay of the discussion will be made available on our web site at www.pfizer.com/investors within 24 hours after the end of the live discussion and will be accessible for at least 90 days.