Antengene Announces XPOVIO® Regulatory Approval in Hong Kong for the Treatment of Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

On July 16, 2023 Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene" SEHK: 6996.HK), a leading innovative, commercial-stage global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class and/or best-in-class therapeutics in hematology and oncology, reported that the Department of Health, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has approved a New Drug Application (NDA) for XPOVIO (selinexor), applicable in combination with dexamethasone (Xd), for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) who have received at least four prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least two proteasome inhibitors (PIs), two immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs), an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, and who have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy (Press release, Antengene, JUL 16, 2023, View Source [SID1234633247]).

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XPOVIO is the world’s first oral selective inhibitor of the nuclear export protein (XPO1), with regulatory approvals in 41 countries and regions including the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, the European Union (the 27 member countries including France and Italy), Canada, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, South Korea, mainland of China, Taiwan China, Hong Kong China, Singapore, Australia and Northern Ireland. To date, 6 XPOVIO regimens received a total of 27 inclusions into 7 clinical guidelines of major oncology societies in the U.S., the EU, and APAC, including 5 regimens for the treatment of myeloma and 1 regimen for the treatment of lymphoma added to the guidelines of the National Cancer Care Network (NCCN); 4 regimens for the treatment of myeloma and 1 regimen for the treatment of lymphoma added to the guidelines of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO); 5 regimens for the treatment of myeloma added to the guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of First Relapsed Multiple Myeloma in China; 4 regimens for the treatment of myeloma added to the guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Multiple Myeloma in China; 4 regimens for the treatment of myeloma added to the China Anti-Cancer Association’s Guidelines for the Holistic lntegrative Management of Cancers (CACA); 2 regimens for the treatment of myeloma added to the guidelines of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper); and 1 regimen for the treatment of myeloma added to the guidelines of the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG).

"Antengene is very pleased to receive regulatory approval for XPOVIO in Hong Kong. Despite recent advances in the treatment of R/R MM, there remains an unmet need to extend survival for patients with this life-threatening disease and the approval of XPOVIO presents Hong Kong patients with access to a novel therapy in their treatment of R/R MM. We will continue to build out Antengene’s presence across APAC markets and strive to expand the indications of XPOVIO in Hong Kong and the broader APAC region, in efforts to bring renewed hope to more cancer patients." said Thomas Karalis, Antengene’s Corporate Vice President, Head of Asia Pacific Region.

"I am pleased that XPOVIO has become the first and only XPO1 inhibitor approved for the treatment of R/R MM in Hong Kong," said Dr. Jay Mei, Antengene’s Founder, Chairman and CEO. Dr. Mei continued, "the Company’s Named Patient Program (NPP), a growing group of investigator-sponsored studies and ongoing advisory boards have helped us to ready the path for the successful adoption of XPOVIO in Hong Kong. Moving forward, we will establish access to ASEAN markets that have a total population exceeding 600 million. To date, Antengene has successfully submitted NDAs in Macau China, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia."

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is caused by the dysregulated proliferation of plasma cells. It is the second most common hematologic malignancy in many countries. Despite availability of a number of treatments for relapsed patients, MM is prone to relapse and most patients still succumb to their disease. MM is the second most common hematologic malignancy in China, with an estimated about 15,000 to 20,000 new MM patients and 10,300 deaths per year.[1]

About XPOVIO (selinexor)

XPOVIO is the world’s first approved orally-available, selective inhibitor of the nuclear export protein XPO1. It offers a novel mechanism of action, synergistic effects in combination regimens, fast onset of action, and durable responses.

By blocking the nuclear export protein XPO1, XPOVIO can promote the intranuclear accumulation and activation of tumor suppressor proteins and growth regulating proteins, and down-regulate the levels of multiple oncogenic proteins. XPOVIO delivers its antitumor effects through three mechanistic pathways: 1) exerting antitumor effects by inducing the intranuclear accumulation of tumor suppressor proteins; 2) reducing the level of oncogenic proteins in the cytoplasm by inducing the intranuclear accumulation of oncogenic mRNAs; 3) restoring hormone sensitivity by activating the glucocorticoid receptors (GR) pathway. To utilize its unique mechanism of actions, XPOVIO is being evaluated for use in multiple combination regimens in a range of indications. At present, Antengene is conducting 8 clinical studies of XPOVIO in mainland of China for the treatment of relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies and solid tumors (3 of these studies are being jointly conducted by Antengene and Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. [Nasdaq:KPTI]).

XPOVIO is approved in South Korea for the following two indications:

In combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) who have received at least four prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least two proteasome inhibitors, at least two immunomodulatory agents, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.
As a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL), not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma, after at least 2 lines of systemic therapy.
XPOVIO is approved in mainland of China for the following indication:

In combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) who have received prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least one proteasome inhibitor, at least one immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.
XPOVIO is approved in Taiwan China for the following three indications:

In combination with dexamethasone (Xd) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) who have received at least four prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least two proteasome inhibitors (PIs), at least two immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs), and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.
In combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (XVd) for the treatment of adult patients with MM who have received at least on prior therapy.
As a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) , not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma, after at least 2 lines of systemic therapy.
XPOVIO is approved in Hong Kong China, for the following indication:

In combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) who have received at least four prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least two proteasome inhibitors (PIs), two immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs), an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (mAb), and who have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy.
XPOVIO is approved in Australia for the following two indications:

In combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (XVd) for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least one prior therapy.
In combination with dexamethasone (Xd) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) who have received at least three prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least one proteasome inhibitor (PI), at least one immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (mAb).
XPOVIO is approved in Singapore for the following three indications:

In combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone for treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least one prior therapy.
In combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) who have received at least four prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least two proteasome inhibitors, at least two immunomodulatory agents, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.
As a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL), not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma, after at least 2 lines of systemic therapy who are not eligible for haematopoietic cell transplant.

Ultragenyx Reports Inducement Grant Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

On July 15, 2023 Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ: RARE), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapies for rare and ultra-rare diseases, reported the grant of 36,300 restricted stock units of the company’s common stock to 21 newly hired non-executive officers of the company (Press release, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, JUL 15, 2023, View Source [SID1234633244]). The awards were approved by the compensation committee of the company’s board of directors and granted under the Ultragenyx Employment Inducement Plan, with a grant date of July 16, 2023, as an inducement material to the new employees entering into employment with Ultragenyx in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

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The restricted stock units vest over four years, with 25% of the underlying shares vesting on each anniversary of the grant date, subject to the employee being continuously employed by the company as of such vesting dates.

CEL-SCI Concludes Positive Meeting With U.S. FDA Concerning Multikine’s Approval for Head & Neck Cancer

On July 14, 2023 CEL-SCI Corporation (NYSE American: CVM) reported that it has concluded a productive meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the path forward for bringing Multikine* (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection) immunotherapy to market for the treatment of newly diagnosed locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) (Press release, Cel-Sci, JUL 14, 2023, View Source [SID1234633246]). During the recent meeting, the FDA acknowledged the longstanding need for improved treatments for head and neck cancer.

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CEL-SCI believes the agency was collaborative and positive. Preliminary feedback from the FDA included that the selection criteria developed by CEL-SCI could be used to determine which patients should receive Multikine. Based on the feedback received at this recent meeting, CEL-SCI is preparing additional information about its development plan for the next meeting with the agency.

CEL-SCI is expecting scientific advice meetings with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK in the fall of 2023. These are priority markets for CEL-SCI, as Europe has more than twice the number of head and neck cancer cases diagnosed each year as compared to the U.S.

The Company believes that it is even further along the regulatory path in Canada, as Health Canada already advised CEL-SCI earlier this year that it would be appropriate to request advance consideration for approval of Multikine under the Notice of Compliance with Conditions (NOCC) policy. If Health Canada grants the NOCC, then it is possible that CEL-SCI could begin commercialization in Canada as early as 2024.

Geert Kersten, CEO of CEL-SCI stated, "The almost 4-year median survival benefit and complete tumor elimination in some patients in just 3 weeks are very strong indications that we have a drug that can help patients with this horrible cancer. It is also important to note that 15.2% of the patients treated with Multikine exhibited a tumor response in only 3 weeks and patients who have a tumor response have an 82.2% survival at 5-years, compared to 48.6% for the control group. Tumor response has often been used in conditional approvals as an important indicator of the effectiveness of a treatment. A confirmatory clinical trial will be required by the FDA based on the agreed upon selection criteria for patients that will be treated with Multikine as assessed by methods including PET-CT/MRI screening. We will collaborate closely with the FDA to design a clinical protocol that will allow us to generate, as expeditiously as possible, the confirmatory data they require for approval of Multikine. This includes confirming the pre-surgical tumor responses that arise within just weeks of Multikine treatment in the agreed upon population. Our meeting with Health Canada earlier this year was also positive, and we are preparing our application for the NOCC approval as they suggested, which we hope to file later this year/early next year. Our planned meetings with the MHRA in Britain and the EMA in Europe will help us understand if a conditional approval can be given in those countries with a promise to do confirmatory studies after approval or if it is possible to get a conditional approval with the enrollment of just a small number of patients. Our goal is to obtain approval of Multikine worldwide and then make it available to patients as fast as possible."

Multikine is a neoadjuvant immunotherapy given to newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients for three weeks immediately after diagnosis, before the standard of care (SOC) treatments of surgery and radiation, because that is when the immune system is still thought to be the strongest. The completed pivotal Phase 3 study demonstrated that patients who received Multikine followed by surgery and radiation reported a 5-year statistically significant overall survival (OS) absolute benefit of 14.1% in the intent to treat (ITT) subjects (n=380) who were categorized as lower risk for recurrence (LR) per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines as compared to control LR subjects who received only SOC. With PET-CT/MRI, these subjects can be identified at screening to permit Multikine treatment before surgery.

Gilead Sciences To Release Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results On Thursday, August 3, 2023

On July 14, 2023 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) reported that its second quarter 2023 financial results and guidance will be released on Thursday, August 3, 2023 after the market closes (Press release, Gilead Sciences, JUL 14, 2023, View Source [SID1234633245]). At 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time that day, Gilead’s management will host a webcast to discuss the company’s second quarter 2023 financial results and provide a business update.

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A live webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of www.gilead.com and will be archived there for one year.

Infinity Pharmaceuticals Announces Stockholder Approval of Merger with MEI Pharma

On July 14, 2023 Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: INFI) ("Infinity"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing eganelisib, a first-in-class, oral, immuno-oncology macrophage reprogramming drug candidate, reported that, based on a preliminary vote count, its stockholders have adopted the previously announced merger agreement providing for the merger with MEI Pharma, Inc. ("MEI") at the special meeting of Infinity stockholders held earlier today (the "Special Meeting") (Press release, Infinity Pharmaceuticals, JUL 14, 2023, View Source [SID1234633243]).

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The transaction remains subject to approval by MEI stockholders.

Final voting results for the Special Meeting will be disclosed on Form 8-K filed by Infinity with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.