On June 3, 2022 Bicara Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing dual-action biologics designed to modulate the tumor microenvironment to elicit a potent and durable anti-tumor response, reported the presentation of new clinical data on BCA101, a bifunctional antibody designed to target the TGF-β trap to EGFR+ tumors (Press release, Bicara Therapeutics, JUN 3, 2022, View Source;utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bicara-therapeutics-presents-data-from-dose-escalation-portion-of-ongoing-phase-1-1b-trial-of-lead-bifunctional-program-bca101-at-the-american-society-of-clinical-oncology-2022-annual-meeting [SID1234615513]). Data from the dose escalation phase of the ongoing Phase 1/1b trial of BCA101 as a monotherapy and in combination with the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab will be presented in a poster discussion session at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL.

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"We observed durable responses across three different indications in a heavily pretreated and advanced cancer population, including a partial response in one patient with relapsed squamous cell lung cancer who was treated with BCA101 as monotherapy. Additionally, observed biomarkers support the mechanisms of action for BCA101 and demonstrate clear remodeling of the tumor microenvironment," said Liviu Niculescu, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Bicara Therapeutics. "The findings from the dose escalation phase of the ongoing Phase 1/1b trial are compelling and support our view that BCA101 offers a potentially more efficacious and durable treatment option for patients with several types of solid tumors, particularly in combination with other immunotherapies."

"BCA101 is a first-in-class antibody with a unique mechanism of anti-tumor activity that has demonstrated encouraging safety, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and efficacy profiles," said Philippe L. Bedard, M.D., Staff Medical Oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto.

BCA101 Data Highlights:

A confirmed partial response was observed in one patient with squamous-cell lung cancer (SQCLC) (refractory to chemo and PD-1) who received BCA101 monotherapy treatment. The patient continues in the study.
Durable confirmed responses were achieved with four patients treated with BCA101 in combination with pembrolizumab: two patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) (one refractory to cetuximab, PD-1 and chemotherapy) and two patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC).
BCA101 was safe at all tested dose levels as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab.
BCA101 achieved dose-proportional PK and demonstrated definitive target engagement in both plasma and tumor tissue for both EGFR and TGF-b.
The recommended dose was declared at 1500 mg once weekly for BCA101 as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab.
BCA101 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1/1b study as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab as a first-line therapy in patients with unresectable, recurrent or metastatic HNSCC and as a second-line therapy in patients with advanced SCAC who have received prior chemotherapy. A third cohort of patients with advanced or incurable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who have received previous anti-PD-1 therapy will be treated with BCA101 as a monotherapy. Bicara initiated the dose expansion arm of this study in February 2022. Primary results are expected in the second half of 2022.

ASCO Presentation Details

Title: A phase 1 trial of the bifunctional EGFR/TGF-β fusion protein BCA101 alone and in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors
Abstract: 2513
Session Type/Title: Poster Session/Developmental Therapeutics – Immunotherapy
Session Date and Time: Sunday, June 5, 2022, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. EDT
About BCA101

BCA101 is a first-in-class EGFR / TGF-β-trap bifunctional antibody designed to modulate the tumor microenvironment by binding to the well-validated EGFR antigen and disabling TGF-β, a signaling molecule that plays a key role in suppressing the immune response within the tumor microenvironment. Promising preclinical data suggest that BCA101 is superior to the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab and single-agent TGF-b inhibitors in preventing tumor recurrence, as well as in remodeling the tumor microenvironment and restoring immune activation. An ongoing Phase 1/1b dose-escalation clinical trial of BCA101 was initiated in July 2020 and has enrolled patients with various advanced solid tumors both as a single agent, as well as in combination with pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor. A recommended dose for expansion has been declared and the expansion phase of the study is currently enrolling. For more information, please visit study number NCT04429542 at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

On June 3, 2022 Myovant Sciences (NYSE: MYOV), a biopharmaceutical company that aspires to redefine care for women and for men through purpose-driven science, empowering medicines, and transformative advocacy, reported that David Marek, Chief Executive Officer and Uneek Mehra, Chief Financial and Business Officer of Myovant Sciences, Inc., will participate in a fireside chat at the Goldman Sachs 43rd Annual Global Healthcare Conference on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (Press release, Myovant Sciences, JUN 3, 2022, https://investors.myovant.com/news-releases/news-release-details/myovant-sciences-participate-goldman-sachs-43rd-annual-global [SID1234615512]).

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Investors and the general public are invited to listen to the Goldman Sachs fireside chat, which will be accessible on the Events page under the Investors & Media section of the Myovant website at www.myovant.com.

On June 3, 2022 Innate Pharma SA (Euronext Paris: IPH; Nasdaq: IPHA) ("Innate" or the "Company") reported that IPH5201, an anti-CD39 blocking monoclonal antibody developed in collaboration with AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN), will advance into a Phase 2 clinical trial in lung cancer (Press release, Innate Pharma, JUN 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234615511]). Innate will receive a $5M milestone payment from AstraZeneca and will be responsible for conducting the study. AstraZeneca and Innate will share study costs and AstraZeneca will supply clinical trial drugs.

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"We are very pleased that our collaboration with AstraZeneca continues to advance with this Phase 2 trial of our anti-CD39, IPH5201. We are particularly excited about the progress of our assets targeting the adenosine pathway, which is increasingly recognized as critical in tumor immunosuppression. In addition to IPH5201, Innate’s anti-CD73 program, IPH5301 is in a Phase 1 study," said Mondher Mahjoubi, Chief Executive Officer of Innate Pharma. "The decision to advance IPH5201 illustrates our growing late stage pipeline and progress in building a sustainable business, as well as the positive collaboration we have with AstraZeneca, which also includes two Phase 3 trials with monalizumab in non-small cell lung cancer and head and neck cancer."

AstraZeneca conducted a Phase 1 trial in solid tumors with IPH5201 alone or in combination with durvalumab (PD-L1). The data are expected to be presented at an upcoming medical meeting in due course.

About IPH5201:

IPH5201 is a blocking antibody targeting the CD39 immunosuppressive pathway. CD39 is an extracellular enzyme that is expressed in the tumor microenvironment, on both tumor infiltrating cells and stromal cells in several cancer types. CD39 inhibits the immune system by degrading adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into adenosine monophosphate (AMP), that is then further degraded into adenosine by CD73. By promoting the accumulation of immune-stimulating ATP and preventing the production of immune-suppressive adenosine, the blockade of CD39 may stimulate anti-tumor activity.

About the Innate Pharma-AstraZeneca Multi-Term Agreement:

In October 2018, Innate Pharma and AstraZeneca entered into a development collaboration that included an option agreement for IPH5201, an anti-CD39 blocking monoclonal antibody. As part of the option agreement AstraZeneca paid Innate a $50m upfront payment for the option to the exclusive license to co-develop and co-commercialize IPH5201 and up to $825m in opt-in payments, development and commercial milestones and high-single to double-digit tiered royalties. Innate retains the right to receive profit sharing within the EU.

On June 3, 2022 Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) reported that the company has withdrawn a supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) for Reblozyl (luspatercept-aamt) for the treatment of anemia in adults with non-transfusion dependent (NTD) beta thalassemia (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, JUN 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234615510]). The Company could not appropriately address the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s questions about the benefit-risk profile of Reblozyl in this patient population based on the current dataset from the Phase 2 BEYOND trial.

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"While we will not pursue this indication in the U.S., we’re continuing to evaluate Reblozyl in a broad clinical development program to bring this important therapeutic option to more patients living with the burden of anemia," said Noah Berkowitz, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president, Hematology Development, Bristol Myers Squibb.

Reblozyl, a first-in-class therapeutic option, is currently approved in the United States, European Union and Canada to address transfusion-dependent anemia-associated beta thalassemia and lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes.

About BEYOND

BEYOND (NCT03342404) is a Phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to determine the efficacy and safety of luspatercept-aamt (ACE-536) versus placebo in adults with non-transfusion dependent beta thalassemia. The study is divided into the screening period, double-blind treatment period (DBTP) and post-treatment follow-up period (PTFP) and randomized 145 subjects at a 2:1 ratio of Reblozyl versus placebo. All patients were eligible to receive best supportive care, which included red blood cell transfusions; iron-chelating agents; use of antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal therapy; and/or nutritional support, as needed. The primary endpoint of the study is the proportion of subjects who have an increase from baseline ≥1.0 g/dL in mean of hemoglobin values over a continuous 12-week interval from Week 13 to Week 24 of treatment in the absence of transfusions. Key secondary endpoints include mean change in non-transfusion dependent beta thalassemia-patient reported outcome (NTDT-PRO) Tiredness and Weakness (TW) domain score and baseline hemoglobin (Hb).

About Beta Thalassemia

Beta thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder caused by a genetic defect in hemoglobin. It is one of the most common autosomal recessive disorders, and the total annual incidence of symptomatic individuals is estimated at 1 in 100,000 people globally.1 While beta thalassemia remains a rare disease, its prevalence has increased in the United States by approximately 7.5% over the last 50 years.2 The disease is associated with ineffective erythropoiesis, which results in the production of fewer and less healthy red blood cells (RBCs), often leading to severe anemia—a condition that can be debilitating and can lead to other complications for patients—as well as other serious health issues.3 Treatment options for anemia associated with beta thalassemia are limited, consisting mainly of frequent RBC transfusions that have the potential to contribute to iron overload, which can cause serious complications such as organ damage.1 Non-transfusion dependent beta thalassemia is a term used to describe patients who do not require lifelong regular transfusions for survival, although they may experience a range of clinical complications and require occasional or even frequent transfusions, usually for defined periods of time.4

About Reblozyl

Reblozyl, a first-in-class therapeutic option, promotes late-stage red blood cell maturation in animal models.1Reblozyl is being developed and commercialized through a global collaboration with Merck following Merck’s acquisition of Acceleron Pharma, Inc. in November 2021. Reblozyl is currently approved in the U.S. for the treatment of:

anemia in adult patients with beta thalassemia who require regular red blood cell transfusions, and
anemia failing an erythropoiesis stimulating agent and requiring 2 or more red blood cell units over 8 weeks in adult patients with very low- to intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndrome with ring sideroblasts (MDS-RS) or with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN-RS-T).
Reblozyl is not indicated for use as a substitute for red blood cell transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia.

Important Safety Information

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Thrombosis/Thromboembolism

In adult patients with beta thalassemia, thromboembolic events (TEE) were reported in 8/223 (3.6%) REBLOZYL-treated patients. TEEs included deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, portal vein thrombosis, and ischemic stroke. Patients with known risk factors for thromboembolism (splenectomy or concomitant use of hormone replacement therapy) may be at further increased risk of thromboembolic conditions. Consider thromboprophylaxis in patients at increased risk of TEE. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of thromboembolic events and institute treatment promptly.

Hypertension

Hypertension was reported in 10.7% (61/571) of REBLOZYL-treated patients. Across clinical studies, the incidence of Grade 3 to 4 hypertension ranged from 1.8% to 8.6%. In patients with beta thalassemia with normal baseline blood pressure, 13 (6.2%) patients developed systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥130 mm Hg and 33 (16.6%) patients developed diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥80 mm Hg. In adult patients with MDS with normal baseline blood pressure, 26 (29.9%) patients developed SBP ≥130 mm Hg and 23 (16.4%) patients developed DBP ≥80 mm Hg. Monitor blood pressure prior to each administration. Manage new or exacerbations of preexisting hypertension using anti-hypertensive agents.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

REBLOZYL may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. REBLOZYL caused increased post-implantation loss, decreased litter size, and an increased incidence of skeletal variations in pregnant rat and rabbit studies. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the final dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Beta Thalassemia

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 3.6% of patients on REBLOZYL. Serious adverse reactions occurring in 1% of patients included cerebrovascular accident and deep vein thrombosis. A fatal adverse reaction occurred in 1 patient treated with REBLOZYL who died due to an unconfirmed case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Most common adverse reactions (at least 10% for REBLOZYL and 1% more than placebo) were headache (26% vs 24%), bone pain (20% vs 8%), arthralgia (19% vs 12%), fatigue (14% vs 13%), cough (14% vs 11%), abdominal pain (14% vs 12%), diarrhea (12% vs 10%) and dizziness (11% vs 5%).
Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Grade >3 (≥2%) adverse reactions included fatigue, hypertension, syncope and musculoskeletal pain. A fatal adverse reaction occurred in 5 (2.1%) patients.
The most common (≥10%) adverse reactions included fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, hypersensitivity reactions, hypertension, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, and urinary tract infection.
LACTATION

It is not known whether REBLOZYL is excreted into human milk or absorbed systemically after ingestion by a nursing infant. REBLOZYL was detected in milk of lactating rats. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, and because of the unknown effects of REBLOZYL in infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue treatment. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.

Please see full Prescribing Information for REBLOZYL.

Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer

Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision — transforming people’s lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine, and through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep scientific expertise, cutting-edge capabilities and discovery platforms enable the company to look at cancer from every angle. Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient’s life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. Because as a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future.

On June 3, 2022 United Therapeutics Corporation (Nasdaq: UTHR) reported that James Edgemond, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will provide an overview and update on the company’s business during a fireside chat session at the Jefferies Healthcare Conference in New York City (Press release, United Therapeutics, JUN 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234615509]).

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The session will take place virtually on Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:25 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, and can be accessed via a live webcast on the United Therapeutics website at View Source An archived, recorded version of the session will be available approximately 24 hours after the session ends and can be accessed at the same location for 90 days.