AbbVie Presents Data at the 64th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting for Investigational Navitoclax in Combination With Ruxolitinib for JAK Inhibitor-Naïve Myelofibrosis Patients

On December 10, 2022 AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) reported new data from Cohort 3 of its Phase 2 REFINE study of investigational navitoclax in combination with ruxolitinib in JAK inhibitor-naïve patients with myelofibrosis (MF) (Press release, AbbVie, DEC 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234625007]). The exploratory analysis suggests the combination of navitoclax and ruxolitinib led to reductions in bone marrow fibrosis (BMF) and variant allele frequency (VAF) for common genetic mutations found in individuals with myelofibrosis that may indicate potential disease modification.1 The findings were shared in an oral presentation (abstract #237) at the 64th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting & Exposition (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper).

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"While the current standard of care for patients with myelofibrosis can improve disease symptoms, impact on underlying disease biology is limited. It is our hope that patients have an option that goes beyond symptom control," said Mohamed Zaki, M.D., Ph.D., vice president and global head of oncology clinical development, AbbVie. "Consistent with previous evidence, these results suggest navitoclax combination may have disease modifying potential, both as an anti-fibrosis agent and by reducing variant allele frequency of driver mutations."

REFINE (NCT03222609) is a Phase 2 non-randomized open-label multi-cohort study evaluating the safety and efficacy of navitoclax alone or in combination with ruxolitinib in MF.2

These data build on AbbVie’s history of transforming standards of care in blood cancers, including recent presentations of investigational navitoclax data from the REFINE study earlier this year at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Congress.

The findings presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) were based on an exploratory analysis of 32 JAK inhibitor-naïve patients with MF from Cohort 3 of the Phase 2 REFINE study. The primary endpoint was spleen volume reduction of ≥35 percent (SVR35) from baseline at week 24.1 Key secondary and exploratory endpoints evaluated in this analysis were a reduction in BMF and a reduction in VAF for the driver gene mutations (JAK2V617, CALR, MPL or Triple-negative), respectively.1

In this exploratory analysis, SVR35 at week 24 was observed in higher-risk groups, improving over time. The four poor prognosis subgroups were: Type (primary or secondary) of MF (primary MF, 59 percent [n = 10/17]; age (≥75 years, 50 percent [n = 4/8]); prognostic risk score, as measured by Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System or DIPSS (intermediate-2, 63 percent [n = 12/19]; high, 33 percent [n = 1/3]); and presence of high molecular risk (HMR) mutations (47 percent [n = 9/19].1

In Cohort 3, BMF grade improvement was evaluable in 81 percent (26/32) of patients.1 Of these study participants, 35 percent (9/26) achieved ≥ 1 grade improvement at any time during treatment with a median time-to-improvement of 12.3 weeks.1 Complete resolution of BMF was observed in 22 percent (2/9) of patients.1

Reduction in driver gene mutation VAF > 20% from baseline at week 12 or 24 was observed in 50 percent (14/28) of patients, while 18 percent (5/28) of patients achieved > 50% VAF reduction from baseline. There were no differences in > 20% VAF reductions from baseline to week 12 or 24 between those with or without HMR mutations (47 percent [7/15] versus 54 percent [7/13], respectively).

Preliminary safety analysis identified no new safety signals. Twenty-five (78 percent) patients reported one or more adverse events (AE). The most common grade ≥3 AEs were thrombocytopenia (47 percent), anemia (34 percent), and neutropenia (25 percent). 9.4 percent of patients discontinued therapy due to an AE.3

"These results are promising for patients who need a treatment option that goes beyond just symptom control," said Francesco Passamonti, full professor of hematology, University of Insubria and chief, hematology, Varese Hospital, Italy. "The suggestion of disease modification in this analysis from combination therapy with navitoclax is encouraging, particularly when combined with clinical efficacy in terms of SVR35 rates in the higher risk groups that improved over time."

About Navitoclax
Navitoclax is an investigational, oral BCL-XL/BCL-2 inhibitor. Navitoclax is not approved by any health authority worldwide at this time. Its safety and efficacy are under evaluation as part of ongoing Phase 2 and registrational Phase 3 studies.

AbbVie has an extensive late-stage clinical trial program for investigational navitoclax that is currently enrolling. Please visit us here for more information about enrolling in a clinical trial.

About the REFINE Study
REFINE is a multi-cohort, Phase 2, randomized, open-label, multicenter study evaluating the tolerability and efficacy of navitoclax alone or when added to ruxolitinib in patients with myelofibrosis (MF).2 The primary outcome measure is the percentage of patients who achieve spleen volume reduction of greater than or equal to 35 percent (SVR35) from baseline to week 24.2 Secondary outcomes measures include percentage of participants achieving 50 percent reduction in total symptom score from baseline to week 24; anemia response every 12 weeks up to approximately 96 weeks, measured according to current International Working Group-Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and European LeukemiaNet (IWG-MRT/ELN) criteria; and change in grade of bone marrow fibrosis assessed according to the European Consensus Grading System.2

Data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2022 include safety and efficacy results from Cohort 3 of REFINE (n=32). Patients in Cohort 3 had primary or secondary MF with splenomegaly (DIPSS ≥ intermediate-1) and had not received JAK-2 therapy or bromodomain and extra terminal motif (BET) inhibitors prior to enrollment. The primary endpoint of SVR35 was assessed by MRI conducted by central review. Key secondary and exploratory endpoints evaluated in this analysis were a reduction in BMF obtained from BM biopsies by local evaluation and a reduction in VAF for the driver gene mutations (JAK2V617, CALR, or MPL), respectively. Studied HMR mutations included ASXL1, EZH2, SRSF2, IDH1/2, and U2AF1 p.Q157. Driver gene VAF and HMR mutations were determined in whole blood with a 50-gene focus myeloid next-generation sequencing panel. The findings presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2022 are representative of data from Cohort 3 of the REFINE study as of February 7, 2022.

More information about the REFINE study can be found at View Source (NCT03222609).

About Myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis (MF) is a rare, difficult-to-treat blood cancer that results in excessive scar tissue formation (fibrosis) in the bone marrow. Patients living with MF experience symptoms such as an enlarged spleen, fatigue, weakness, and severe anemia which are often debilitating and greatly impact quality of life. MF also carries a risk of transformation to more aggressive disease such as acute myeloid leukemia.

Takeda to Present Data at 64th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, Demonstrating Commitment to Patients with Hematologic Cancers and Other Blood Diseases

On December 9, 2022 Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) reported that it will present 15 company-sponsored abstracts at the 64th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting being held December 10-13, 2022 in New Orleans (Press release, Takeda, DEC 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234625001]). Takeda’s latest research focuses on improving long-term outcomes for patients with hematologic diseases.

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Takeda’s presentations will include oral sessions detailing a three-year update of the Phase 3 OPTIC trial demonstrating the efficacy and safety of ICLUSIG (ponatinib) in patients with resistant chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML), and results from a first-in-human Phase 1/2 study evaluating modakafusp alfa (TAK-573) in patients with relapsed / refractory multiple myeloma.

"Our latest research is focused on investigating novel mechanisms of action, as well as optimizing approved treatments to improve long-term outcomes and more deeply understand and address unmet needs for patients across a range of hematologic diseases," said Awny Farajallah, M.D., Head of Global Medical Affairs Oncology at Takeda. "We look forward to sharing our latest clinical trial results and real-world data with the goal of contributing to a more holistic view of the patient experience, and ultimately, profound improvements in care."

A full list of company-sponsored abstracts, which include data in multiple myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia, von Willebrand disease and hemophilia can be found here.

Modakafusp alfa (TAK-573) is an investigational compound that has not been approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA) or any other regulatory authorities.

About ICLUSIG (ponatinib) tablets
ICLUSIG is a kinase inhibitor targeting BCR::ABL1, an abnormal tyrosine kinase that is expressed in CML and Ph+ ALL. ICLUSIG is a targeted cancer medicine developed using a computational and structure-based drug-design platform, specifically designed to inhibit the activity of BCR::ABL1 and its mutations. ICLUSIG inhibits native BCR::ABL1, as well as all BCR::ABL1 treatment-resistant mutations, including the most resistant T315I mutation. ICLUSIG received full approval from the FDA in November 2016. ICLUSIG is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic-phase (CP) CML with resistance or intolerance to at least two prior kinase inhibitors, accelerated-phase (AP) or blast-phase (BP) CML or Ph+ ALL for whom no other kinase inhibitor is indicated, and T315I+ CML (CP, AP or BP) or T315I-positive Ph+ ALL. ICLUSIG is not indicated and is not recommended for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed CP-CML.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: ARTERIAL OCCLUSIVE EVENTS, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLIC EVENTS, HEART FAILURE, and HEPATOTOXICITY

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.

Arterial occlusive events (AOEs), including fatalities, have occurred in ICLUSIG-treated patients. AOEs included fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, stenosis of large arterial vessels of the brain, severe peripheral vascular disease, and the need for urgent revascularization procedures. Patients with and without cardiovascular risk factors, including patients age 50 years or younger, experienced these events. Monitor for evidence of AOEs. Interrupt or discontinue ICLUSIG based on severity. Consider benefit-risk to guide a decision to restart ICLUSIG.
Venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) have occurred in ICLUSIG-treated patients. Monitor for evidence of VTEs. Interrupt or discontinue ICLUSIG based on severity.
Heart failure, including fatalities, occurred in ICLUSIG-treated patients. Monitor for heart failure and manage patients as clinically indicated. Interrupt or discontinue ICLUSIG for new or worsening heart failure.
Hepatotoxicity, liver failure and death have occurred in ICLUSIG-treated patients. Monitor liver function tests. Interrupt or discontinue ICLUSIG based on severity.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Arterial Occlusive Events (AOEs): AOEs, including fatalities, have occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG in OPTIC and PACE. These included cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular events. The incidence of AOEs in OPTIC (45 mg->15 mg) was 14% of 94 patients; 6% experienced Grade 3 or 4. In PACE, the incidence of AOEs was 26% of 449 patients; 14% experienced Grade 3 or 4. Fatal AOEs occurred in 2.1% of patients in OPTIC, and in 2% of patients in PACE. Some patients in PACE experienced recurrent or multisite vascular occlusion. Patients with and without cardiovascular risk factors, including patients age 50 years or younger, experienced these events. The most common risk factors observed with these events in PACE were history of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and non-ischemic cardiac disease. In OPTIC and PACE, AOEs were more frequent with increasing age.

In OPTIC, patients with uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes and patients with clinically significant, uncontrolled, or active cardiovascular disease were excluded. In PACE, patients with uncontrolled hypertriglyceridemia and patients with clinically significant or active cardiovascular disease within the 3 months prior to the first dose of ICLUSIG were excluded. Consider whether the benefits of ICLUSIG are expected to exceed the risks.

Monitor for evidence of AOEs. Interrupt, then resume at the same or decreased dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity. Consider benefit-risk to guide a decision to restart ICLUSIG.

Venous Thromboembolic Events (VTEs): Serious or severe VTEs have occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG. In PACE, VTEs occurred in 6% of 449 patients including serious or severe (Grade 3 or 4) VTEs in 5.8% of patients. VTEs included deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, superficial thrombophlebitis, retinal vein occlusion, and retinal vein thrombosis with vision loss. The incidence was higher in patients with Ph+ ALL (9% of 32 patients) and BP-CML (10% of 62 patients). One of 94 patients in OPTIC experienced a VTE (Grade 1 retinal vein occlusion). Monitor for evidence of VTEs. Interrupt, then resume at the same or decreased dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity.

Heart Failure: Fatal, serious or severe heart failure events have occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG. In PACE, heart failure occurred in 9% of 449 patients; 7% experienced serious or severe (Grade 3 or higher). Heart failure occurred in 13% of 94 patients in OPTIC; 1.1% experienced serious or severe (Grade 3 or 4). In PACE, the most frequently reported heart failure events (≥2%) were congestive cardiac failure (3.1%), decreased ejection fraction (2.9%), and cardiac failure (2%). In OPTIC, the most frequently reported heart failure events (>1 patient each) were left ventricular hypertrophy (3.2%) and BNP increased (3.2%). Monitor patients for signs or symptoms consistent with heart failure and manage heart failure as clinically indicated. Interrupt, then resume at reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG for new or worsening heart failure.

Hepatotoxicity: ICLUSIG can cause hepatotoxicity, including liver failure and death. Fulminant hepatic failure leading to death occurred in 3 patients, with hepatic failure occurring within 1 week of starting ICLUSIG in one of these patients. These fatal cases occurred in patients with BP-CML or Ph+ ALL. Hepatotoxicity occurred in 28% of 94 patients in OPTIC and 32% of 449 patients in PACE. Grade 3 or 4 hepatotoxicity occurred in OPTIC (6% of 94 patients) and PACE (13% of 449 patients). The most frequent hepatotoxic events were elevations of ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase. Monitor liver function tests at baseline, then at least monthly or as clinically indicated. Interrupt, then resume at a reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity.

Hypertension: Serious or severe hypertension, including hypertensive crisis, has occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG. Patients may require urgent clinical intervention for hypertension associated with confusion, headache, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Monitor blood pressure at baseline and as clinically indicated and manage hypertension as clinically indicated. Interrupt, dose reduce, or stop ICLUSIG if hypertension is not medically controlled. For significant worsening, labile or treatment-resistant hypertension, interrupt ICLUSIG and consider evaluating for renal artery stenosis.

Pancreatitis: Serious or severe pancreatitis has occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG. Elevations of lipase and amylase also occurred. In the majority of cases that led to dose modification or treatment discontinuation, pancreatitis resolved within 2 weeks. Monitor serum lipase every 2 weeks for the first 2 months and then monthly thereafter or as clinically indicated. Consider additional serum lipase monitoring in patients with a history of pancreatitis or alcohol abuse. Interrupt, then resume at the same or reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on severity. Evaluate for pancreatitis when lipase elevation is accompanied by abdominal symptoms.

Increased Toxicity in Newly Diagnosed Chronic Phase CML: In a prospective randomized clinical trial in the first line treatment of newly diagnosed patients with CP-CML, single agent ICLUSIG 45 mg once daily increased the risk of serious adverse reactions 2-fold compared to single agent imatinib 400 mg once daily. The median exposure to treatment was less than 6 months. The trial was halted for safety. Arterial and venous thrombosis and occlusions occurred at least twice as frequently in the ICLUSIG arm compared to the imatinib arm. Compared to imatinib-treated patients, ICLUSIG-treated patients exhibited a greater incidence of myelosuppression, pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity, cardiac failure, hypertension, and skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders. ICLUSIG is not indicated and is not recommended for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed CP-CML.

Neuropathy: Peripheral and cranial neuropathy occurred in patients in OPTIC and PACE. Some of these events in PACE were Grade 3 or 4. Monitor patients for symptoms of neuropathy, such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain or weakness. Interrupt, then resume at the same or reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity.

Ocular Toxicity: Serious or severe ocular toxicity leading to blindness or blurred vision have occurred in ICLUSIG-treated patients. The most frequent ocular toxicities occurring in OPTIC and PACE were dry eye, blurred vision, and eye pain. Retinal toxicities included age-related macular degeneration, macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, retinal hemorrhage, and vitreous floaters. Conduct comprehensive eye exams at baseline and periodically during treatment.

Hemorrhage: Fatal and serious hemorrhage events have occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG. Fatal hemorrhages occurred in PACE and serious hemorrhages occurred in OPTIC and PACE. In PACE, the incidence of serious bleeding events was higher in patients with AP-CML, BP-CML, and Ph+ ALL. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage and subdural hematoma were the most frequently reported serious hemorrhages. Events often occurred in patients with Grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Monitor for hemorrhage and manage patients as clinically indicated. Interrupt, then resume at the same or reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity.

Fluid Retention: Fatal and serious fluid retention events have occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG. In PACE, one instance of brain edema was fatal and serious events included pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and angioedema. Monitor for fluid retention and manage patients as clinically indicated. Interrupt, then resume at the same or reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity.

Cardiac Arrhythmias: Cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular and atrial arrhythmias, occurred in patients in OPTIC and PACE. For some patients, events were serious or severe (Grade 3 or 4) and led to hospitalization. Monitor for signs and symptoms suggestive of slow heart rate (fainting, dizziness) or rapid heart rate (chest pain, palpitations or dizziness) and manage patients as clinically indicated. Interrupt, then resume at the same or reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity.

Myelosuppression: Grade 3 or 4 events of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia occurred in patients in OPTIC and PACE. The incidence of myelosuppression was greater in patients with AP-CML, BP-CML, and Ph+ ALL than in patients with CP-CML. Obtain complete blood counts every 2 weeks for the first 3 months and then monthly or as clinically indicated. If ANC less than 1 x 109/L or platelets less than 50 x 109/L, interrupt ICLUSIG until ANC at least 1.5 x 109/L and platelets at least 75 x 109/L, then resume at same or reduced dose.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): Serious TLS was reported in ICLUSIG-treated patients in OPTIC and PACE. Ensure adequate hydration and treat high uric acid levels prior to initiating ICLUSIG.

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): RPLS (also known as Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome) has been reported in patients who received ICLUSIG. Patients may present with neurological signs and symptoms, visual disturbances, and hypertension. Diagnosis is made with supportive findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Interrupt ICLUSIG until resolution. The safety of resumption of ICLUSIG in patients upon resolution of RPLS is unknown.

Impaired Wound Healing and Gastrointestinal Perforation: Impaired wound healing occurred in patients receiving ICLUSIG. Withhold ICLUSIG for at least 1 week prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of ICLUSIG after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. Gastrointestinal perforation or fistula occurred in patients receiving ICLUSIG. Permanently discontinue in patients with gastrointestinal perforation.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal studies, ICLUSIG can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ICLUSIG and for 3 weeks after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common (>20%) adverse reactions are rash and related conditions, arthralgia, abdominal pain, headache, constipation, dry skin, hypertension, fatigue, fluid retention and edema, pyrexia, nausea, pancreatitis/lipase elevation, hemorrhage, anemia, hepatic dysfunction and AOEs. The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (>20%) are platelet count decreased, neutrophil cell count decreased, and white blood cell decreased.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Takeda Pharmaceuticals at 1-844-817-6468 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid coadministration or reduce ICLUSIG dose if coadministration cannot be avoided.
Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid coadministration.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ICLUSIG and for 6 days following last dose

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ICLUSIG.
Ponatinib may impair fertility in females, and it is not known if these effects are reversible.

Pre-existing Hepatic Impairment: Reduce the starting dose of ICLUSIG to 30mg orally once daily for patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment as these patients are more likely to experience adverse reactions compared to patients with normal hepatic function.

Erasca Announces Pricing of Underwritten Offering of Common Stock

On December 9, 2022 Erasca, Inc. (Nasdaq: ERAS), a clinical-stage precision oncology company singularly focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing therapies for patients with RAS/MAPK pathway-driven cancers, reported the pricing of an underwritten offering of 15,384,616 shares of its common stock at a price of $6.50 per share (Press release, Erasca, DEC 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234639372]). All of the shares to be sold in the offering are to be sold by Erasca. The gross proceeds to Erasca from the offering, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, are expected to be approximately $100 million. The offering is expected to close on December 13, 2022, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

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Erasca intends to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with its existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, to fund the research and development of its product candidates and other development programs and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering.

The securities described above are being offered by Erasca pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3, including a base prospectus, that was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and was declared effective on August 18, 2022. A prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to this offering will be filed with the SEC. When available, copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained from: J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717, by telephone at (866) 803-9204, or by email at [email protected], or from Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, by telephone at (866) 471-2526, or by email at [email protected]. Electronic copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus will also be available on the website of the SEC at View Source

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

ERASCA ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE LICENSE FOR PAN-RAF INHIBITOR NAPORAFENIB

On December 09, 2022 Erasca, Inc. (Nasdaq: ERAS), a clinical-stage precision oncology company singularly focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing therapies for patients with RAS/MAPK pathway-driven cancers, reported it has entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Novartis (NYSE: NVS) for naporafenib, a Phase 2 pivotal-ready pan-RAF inhibitor with a potential first-in-class and best-in-class profile in NRAS mutant (NRASm) melanoma and other RAS/MAPK pathway-driven tumors (Press release, Erasca, DEC 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234634765]). To date, naporafenib has been dosed in over 500 patients across multiple trials and has demonstrated preliminary clinical proof-of-concept as well as favorable safety and tolerability data both as a single agent and in combination with other molecularly targeted and immuno-oncology therapies.

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As separately announced, Erasca has priced a $100 million equity offering with select healthcare investors.

"Naporafenib aligns with our mission by expanding our addressable patient population and is a perfect strategic fit for Erasca based on its strong synergy with our pipeline," said Jonathan E. Lim, M.D., Erasca’s chairman, CEO, and co-founder. "This Phase 2 pivotal-ready molecule with favorable clinical safety, tolerability, and proof-of-concept data significantly accelerates our transition into a late-stage development company, bringing us closer to realizing our aspiration of delivering novel cancer therapies to patients in need. This license, coupled with our simultaneous financing from leading healthcare investors, solidifies our leadership in advancing treatments for RAS/MAPK pathway-driven cancers."

Naporafenib (LXH254) is a potent and selective inhibitor of BRAF and CRAF, with a potential first-in-class and best-in-class profile. Safety, tolerability, and preliminary proof of concept of naporafenib alone or in combination have been shown in over 500 patients treated to date in NRASm melanoma and other RAS/MAPK pathway-driven tumors. Erasca plans to initially focus on advancing and securing potential regulatory approval for naporafenib plus trametinib (MEKINIST) in RAS Q61X tissue agnostic solid tumors as part of the planned Phase 2 SEACRAFT-1 trial and NRASm melanoma as part of the planned Phase 3 SEACRAFT-2 trial.

Under the terms of the license agreement, in exchange for an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize naporafenib, Erasca will pay to Novartis a one-time upfront cash payment of $20 million and $80 million of shares in Erasca common stock at a price of $6.50 per share. Novartis is eligible to receive up to $80 million in cash upon the achievement of regulatory milestones covering two indications in the United States, Europe, and Japan, as well as up to $200 million in cash upon the achievement of sales milestones. Novartis is also eligible to receive a low single-digit percentage royalty on net sales of naporafenib.

Conference Call and Webcast Information
Erasca will hold a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 am ET. The webcast link for the conference call is View Source The dial-in number is 1-877-407-0792 (U.S./Canada) or 1-201-689-8263 (international). The conference ID for all callers is 13734524. The live webcast and replay may be accessed by visiting Erasca’s website at Erasca.com/events.

Treadwell Therapeutics Announces A Presentation at the 2022 SABCS Annual Meeting Featuring a Clinical Trial Update on CFI-402257, a Best-in-Class TTK inhibitor

On December 9, 2022 Treadwell Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel medicines for highly aggressive cancers, reported data presented on the ongoing CFI-402257-CL-001 clinical study of the Company’s CFI-402257 program in advanced solid tumors, continued to show a tolerable safety profile and demonstrated clinical benefit both as a monotherapy as well in combination with fulvestrant. Data were presented at the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) being held from December 6-10, 2022 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas (Press release, Treadwell Therapeutics, DEC 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234626020]).

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"CFI-402257 is well-tolerated and showed signs of anti-tumor activity either as a monotherapy or in combination with Fulvestrant, including some patients who were with durable disease control after progression on prior CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy" said Dr. Philippe Bedard, Study investigator and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and Staff Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada.

"CFI-402257 continues to demonstrate an encouraging clinical profile, and we look forward to further developing the molecule for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer," added Dr. Michael Tusche, Treadwell co-CEO.

2022 SABCS Poster Presentations and Details:

An Update to a Phase I Trial of CFI-402257, an oral TTK Inhibitor, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors with HER2-Negative Breast Cancer Expansion Cohorts

Poster Number: P6-10-13

Date: December 9th, 7:00 am CT

Data presented on CFI-402257, an oral, best-in-class TTK inhibitor, continue to show a tolerable safety profile at the recommended Phase 2 dose of 168 mg once daily with manageable, dose-dependent neutropenia being the primary toxicity. In this heavily pre-treated population (N=86), the overall response rate was 6% for monotherapy patients (4/66) and 10% for ER+/HER2- breast cancer patients treated in combination with fulvestrant (2/20). The clinical benefit rate (CR+PR+SD>6 months) for monotherapy and combination were 12% and 25%, respectively. Patients achieving stable disease or better stayed on treatment for a median of 242 days (range: 112 to 673). Significantly, several ER+ breast cancer patients who previously failed CDK4/6 inhibitors in the combination cohort remained on therapy for a year or more. The most common drug related toxicities of any grade, which occurred in greater than 10% of all patients, included fatigue (48%), nausea (48%), decreased appetite (34%), diarrhea (34%), vomiting (24%), constipation (21%) and headache (21%).