Peptone and The Institute of Oncology Research (IOR) Bellinzona Announce Collaborative Research Agreement

On November 30, 2023 Peptone, a leader in translational biophysics and the design of novel therapeutics against intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), and The Institute of Oncology Research (IOR) reported the commencement of a collaborative sponsored research agreement in prostate cancer (Press release, The lOR Institute of Oncology Research, NOV 30, 2023, View Source [SID1234638079]). The collaboration will focus on the identification and progression of novel targets in oncology using translational models to develop innovative medicines for patients suffering from prostate cancer.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"A collaboration with IOR combines Peptone’s unique expertise targeting disordered proteins with the power of generative machine learning, unique structural insights into disordered targets and patient insights about cancer born out of seminal work from Professor Alimonti’s group in Bellinzona," said Kamil Tamiola, PhD, CEO of Peptone. "Our collaboration is an excellent example of efficient technology transfer process and a burgeoning research and biotech ecosystem in Ticino, Switzerland."

Peptone is applying advanced biophysics atomic-level experimental approaches, including a novel ultra-low latency hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), supercomputing and generative AI to interrogate and drug intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). IDPs are proteins that play a significant role in health and disease but because they lack a fixed structure, have been intractable or undruggable with conventional drug discovery approaches.

"Prostate cancer remains a highly prevalent disease with significant unmet clinical needs," said Professor Andrea Alimonti, MD, Incoming Director, and Professor of Molecular Oncology at IOR. "We are delighted to partner with Peptone on this research collaboration focused on novel target discovery in prostate cancer. Recent findings from my team demonstrate that advanced prostate cancer is regulated by several intrinsically disordered proteins, many of which can also control the tumor immune response. Targeting these proteins is a promising approach to this challenging disease."

Shuttle Pharmaceuticals to Present at the Emerging Growth Conference on December 7, 2023

On November 30, 2023 Shuttle Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SHPH), a discovery and development stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on improving the outcomes of cancer patients treated with radiation therapy ("RT") (the "Company" or "Shuttle Pharmaceuticals"), reported that its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Anatoly Dritschilo, will be participating in the Emerging Growth Conference on December 7, 2023 (the "Conference") (Press release, Shuttle Pharmaceuticals, NOV 30, 2023, View Source [SID1234638078]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Dr. Dritschilo will conduct a presentation and subsequently open the floor to questions during the Conference. If you have any questions, please submit your questions in advance to [email protected].

Dr. Dritschilo’s presentation will be on Thursday, December 7th 2023 at 10:15 am ET. A webcast link of the presentation can be found on the investor relations page of the Company’s website or accessed HERE.

If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the Conference, an archived webcast will also be made available on EmergingGrowth.com and on the Emerging Growth YouTube Channel, View Source

Dr. Dritschilo will also host one-on-one investor meetings after the Conference. To request a virtual one-on-one meeting with Dr. Dritschilo and the Company’s management team, please contact your respective Emerging Growth Conference representative or email the Company’s investor relations team at [email protected].

Jazz Pharmaceuticals to Present New Data Highlighting Advancements in Solid Tumors and Rare Blood Cancers at Upcoming Oncology Meetings

On November 30, 2023 Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) reported that the Company and its partners will present two abstracts at the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) from December 5-9; 11 abstracts at the 65th Annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting from December 9-12; and two abstracts at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2023 North America Conference on Lung Cancer (NACLC) from December 1-3 (Press release, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, NOV 30, 2023, View Source [SID1234638077]). New data include updated findings from a Phase 2a trial of the investigational HER2-targeted bispecific antibody zanidatamab in combination with palbociclib and fulvestrant as a chemotherapy-free option for HER2+/ HR+ metastatic breast cancer (mBC).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"Following recent trial results showing the potential of zanidatamab to treat HER2-expressing gastric and biliary tract cancers at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GI, ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) and ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) this year, we’re excited to share updated data at SABCS in HER2-amplified and hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer when zanidatamab is used in combination to target the HER2, CDK4/6 and hormone receptor pathways," said Rob Iannone, M.D., M.S.C.E., executive vice president, global head of research and development of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "SABCS will also feature data from a trial of zanidatamab in neoadjuvant breast cancer. Additionally, we look forward to sharing new data through numerous presentations at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2023 that underscore our commitment to improving standards of care in blood cancer and other hematologic diseases, as well as real-world findings at NACLC that provide evidence of Zepzelca’s safety in clinical practice for the treatment of second-line small cell lung cancer."

Notable presentations at this year’s SABCS, ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) and NACLC meetings include:

A SABCS oral presentation (late-breaking abstract) featuring primary results from a Phase 2a study for a chemotherapy-free option in heavily pretreated patients with HER2+/HR+ mBC treated with the combination of zanidatamab plus palbociclib and fulvestrant.
An investigator-sponsored (MD Anderson Cancer Center) SABCS poster presentation featuring results of a Phase 1 trial evaluating neoadjuvant zanidatamab in patients with stage 1 node-negative HER2+ breast cancer as a single-agent chemotherapy-free option.
An ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) poster presentation of the complete pivotal, Phase 2/3 trial results of Rylaze (asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn) in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL), which includes efficacy, safety and population pharmacokinetic modeling from intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) dosing. The combination of observed and modeled results demonstrates Rylaze achieved therapeutic nadir serum asparaginase activity (NSAA) levels in the vast majority of patients via multiple dosing schedules with a safety profile consistent with prior studies and no new safety signals identified. Treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs) ≥ grade 3 occurred in 126/228 (55%) patients with no TRAEs that led to death.1
Two NACLC poster presentations of real-world data for Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) in the second-line and later settings for the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
The Jazz and partner-supported presentations at SABCS 2023 are:

Zanidatamab Presentations

Presentation Title

Author

Presentation Details (All times CDT)

Primary Results From a Phase 2a Study of Zanidatamab (zani) + Palbociclib (palbo) + Fulvestrant (fulv) in HER2+/HR+ Metastatic Breast Cancer (mBC)

Santiago Escrivá-de-Romani, et al.

Type: Oral

Session: Late Breaking Abstracts

Presentation Number: LBO1-04

Date/Time: Friday, December 8, 2023, 12:20 PM – 12:25 PM

Neoadjuvant Zanidatamab for Stage 1 Node Negative HER2 Positive Breast Cancer (BC)

[IST]

V. Valero, et al.

Type: Poster

Session: Spotlight poster session

Presentation Number: PS09-03

Date / Time: Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

The Jazz-supported presentations at the 2023 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting are:

Rylaze Presentations

Presentation Title

Author

Presentation Details (All times PDT)

Efficacy and Safety of Recombinant Erwinia Asparaginase in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) or Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (LBL): Complete Follow-up of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) AALL1931 study

Luke Maese, et al.

Type: Poster

Number: 1498

Session: 614. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemias: Therapies, Excluding Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapies: Poster I

Date/Time: Saturday, December 9, 5:30-7:30 PM

Abstract Link

A Meta-analysis Comparing the Relative Efficacy of Pediatric-Inspired Regimens Versus Hyper-CVAD for the Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in Adolescents, Young Adults and Adults

Wenqing Su, et al.

Type: Poster

Number: 3779

Session: 905. Outcomes Research—Lymphoid Malignancies: Poster II

Date/Time: Sunday, December 10, 6:00-8:00 PM

Abstract Link

Asparaginase Collaboration Studies

Presentation Title

Author

Presentation Details

Overcoming Venetoclax (Ven) Resistance Through Glutamine (Gln) Depletion: Final Analysis of the Phase 1 Trial of Ven and Pegcrisantaspase (PegC) Combination in Relapsed and Refractory (R/R) Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Yuchen Liu, et al.

Type: Oral

Number: 60

Session: 616. Acute Myeloid Leukemias: Investigational Therapies, Excluding Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapies: Upcoming Therapies in Newly Diagnosed and Relapsed/Refractory AML

Date/Time: Saturday, December 9, 10:45 AM

Abstract link

Vyxeos Presentations

Presentation Title

Author

Presentation Details

Population Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Neutrophil and Platelet Count for Lower-Intensity Therapy of CPX-351 Combined With Venetoclax in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Yali Liang, et al.

Type: Poster

Number: 2902

Session: 615. Acute Myeloid Leukemias: Commercially Available Therapies, Excluding Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapies: Poster II

Date/Time: Sunday, December 10, 6:00-8:00 PM

Abstract Link

CPX-351 With Venetoclax in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Results of a Phase Ib Study

Alex Bataller, et al.

Type: Poster

Number: 4259

Session: 615. Acute Myeloid Leukemias: Commercially Available Therapies, Excluding Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapies: Poster III

Date/Time: Monday, December 11, 6:00-8:00 PM

Abstract link

Phase 2 Study of CPX-351 in Combination with Venetoclax in Patients with Newly Diagnosed, High Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Wei-Ying Jen, et al.

Type: Poster

Number: 4273

Session: 615. Acute Myeloid Leukemias: Commercially Available Therapies, Excluding Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapies: Poster III

Date/Time: Monday, December 11, 6:00-8:00 PM

Abstract link

Results of a Phase 1/2 Study of Lower Dose CPX-351 for Patients with Int-2 or High Risk IPSS Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia after Failure to Hypomethylating Agents

Guillermo Montalban-Bravo, et al.

Type: Poster

Number: 1873

Session: 637. Myelodysplastic Syndromes Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster I

Date/Time: Saturday, Dec. 9, 5:30 PM-7:30 PM

Abstract link

CRISPR/Cas9 Screen Identifies CPX-351 and 7+3 Regimens Response Modulators with Distinct Sensitive and Resistant Profiles

[IST]

Nam Nguyen, et al.

Type: Poster

Number: 1412

Session: 604. Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Resistance: Myeloid Neoplasms: Poster I

Date/Time: Saturday, Dec. 9, 5:30-7:30 PM

Abstract link

CPX-351 in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Post Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Acute Myeloid Leukemia

[IST]

Sylvain Garciaz, et al.

Type: Poster

Number: 2917

Session: 616. Acute Myeloid Leukemias: Investigational Therapies, Excluding Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapies: Poster II

Date/Time: Sunday, Dec. 10, 6:00-8:00 PM

Abstract link

Defitelio Presentations

Presentation Title

Author

Presentation Details

Resolution of Veno-occlusive Disease/Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome (VOD/SOS) With Defibrotide Following HCT in Adult and Pediatric Patients: Pooled Analysis of DEFIFrance and EBMT PASS Registries

Mohamad Mohty, et al.

Type: Poster

Number: 3527

Session: 721. Allogeneic Transplantation: Conditioning Regimens, Engraftment and Acute Toxicities: Poster II

Date/Time: Sunday, December 10, 6:00-8:00 PM

Abstract link

A Phase II Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Defibrotide and Changes in Plasma Biomarkers in Sickle Cell Disease-Related Acute Chest Syndrome (IND 127812)

[IST]

Edo Schaefer, et al.

Type: Poster

Number: 2520

Session: 114. Sickle cell Disease, Sickle Cell Trait and Other Hemoglobinopathies, Excluding Thalassemias: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster II

Date/Time: Sunday, December 10, 6:00-8:00 PM

Abstract link

The Jazz-supported presentations at NACLC 2023 are:

Zepzelca Presentations

Presentation Title

Author

Presentation Details (All times CDT)

Real-World Use of Lurbinectedin in Patients with Small Cell Lung Cancer: Jazz EMERGE 402 Updated Analysis

Balazs Halmos, et al.

Type: Poster

Number: PP01.119

Session: Poster Viewing Reception

Date/Time: Saturday, December 2, 5:40-6:55 PM CT

Real-World Effectiveness and Safety Profile of Lurbinectedin and Other Second-Line Treatments in Small Cell Lung Cancer

Apar Ganti, et al.

Type: Poster

Number: PP01.117

Session: Poster Viewing Reception

Date/Time: Saturday, December 2, 2023/5:40-6:55 PM CT

About Zanidatamab
Zanidatamab is an investigational bispecific antibody that can simultaneously bind two non-overlapping epitopes of HER2, known as biparatopic binding. This unique design results in multiple mechanisms of action including dual HER2 signal blockade, increased binding and removal of HER2 protein from the cell surface, and immune-mediated cytotoxicity leading to encouraging antitumor activity in patients. Zanidatamab is being developed in multiple clinical trials as a targeted treatment option for patients with solid tumors that express HER2. Zanidatamab is being developed by Jazz and BeiGene, Ltd. (BeiGene) under license agreements from Zymeworks, which first developed the molecule.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for zanidatamab in patients with previously treated HER2 gene-amplified biliary tract cancers (BTC), and two Fast Track designations for zanidatamab: one as a single agent for refractory BTC and one in combination with standard of care chemotherapy for first-line gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). Additionally, zanidatamab has received Orphan Drug designations from FDA for the treatment of BTC and GEA, as well as Orphan Drug designation from the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of BTC and gastric cancer. Zanidatamab was also granted Breakthrough Therapy designation from the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) in China.

About RYLAZE (asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn)
RYLAZE, also known as JZP458, is approved in the U.S. for use as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) in adult and pediatric patients one month or older who have developed hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase. RYLAZE has orphan drug designation for the treatment of ALL/LBL in the United States. RYLAZE, or recombinant Erwinia is a short-acting distinct asparaginase derived from a novel Pseudomonas fluorescens expression platform to help ensure robustness of supply to meet patient needs. JZP458 was granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2019 for the treatment of this patient population. RYLAZE was approved as part of the Real-Time Oncology Review program, an initiative of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence designed for efficient delivery of safe and effective cancer treatments to patients.2

The full U.S. Prescribing Information for RYLAZE is available at:
View Source

Important Safety Information for Rylaze
RYLAZE should not be given to people who have had:

Serious allergic reactions to RYLAZE
Serious swelling of the pancreas (stomach pain), serious blood clots, or serious bleeding during previous asparaginase treatment
RYLAZE may cause serious side effects, including:

Allergic reactions (a feeling of tightness in your throat, unusual swelling/redness in your throat and/or tongue, or trouble breathing), some of which may be life-threatening
Swelling of the pancreas (stomach pain), which, if left untreated, may be fatal
Blood clots (may be experienced as headache, arm or leg swelling, shortness of breath, or chest pain), which may be life-threatening
Bleeding, which may be life-threatening
Liver problems
Contact your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur.

Some of the most common side effects with RYLAZE include: liver problems, nausea and vomiting, bone and muscle pain, infection, tiredness, headache, fever with low white blood cell count, fever, bleeding, mouth swelling (sometimes with sores), pain in the abdomen, decreased appetite, allergic reactions, high blood sugar levels, diarrhea, swelling of the pancreas, and low levels of potassium in your blood.

RYLAZE can harm your unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing. Females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception (other than hormonal contraceptives) during treatment and for 3 months following the final dose. Do not breastfeed while receiving RYLAZE and for 1 week after the final dose.

Tell your healthcare provider if there are any side effects that are bothersome or that do not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of RYLAZE. For more information, ask your healthcare provider.

Call your doctor for medical advice about any side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

About Vyxeos (daunorubicin and cytarabine) liposome for injection
Vyxeos is a liposomal combination of daunorubicin, an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor, and cytarabine, a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor.

In the U.S., Vyxeos (daunorubicin and cytarabine) liposome for injection is indicated for the treatment of newly-diagnosed therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) in adults and pediatric patients 1 year and older.3

More information about Vyxeos in the United States, including Full Prescribing Information and BOXED Warning, is available here.

Important Safety Information for VYXEOS

WARNING: VYXEOS has different dosage recommendations from other medications that contain daunorubicin and/or cytarabine. Do not substitute VYXEOS for other daunorubicin and/or cytarabine-containing products.

VYXEOS should not be given to patients who have a history of serious allergic reaction to daunorubicin, cytarabine, or any of its ingredients.

VYXEOS can cause a severe decrease in blood cells (red and white blood cells and cells that prevent bleeding, called platelets) which can result in serious infection or bleeding and possibly lead to death. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts during treatment with VYXEOS. Patients should tell the doctor about new onset fever or symptoms of infection or if they notice signs of bruising or bleeding.

VYXEOS can cause heart-related side effects. Tell your doctor about any history of heart disease, radiation to the chest, or previous chemotherapy. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms of heart failure such as:
shortness of breath or trouble breathing
swelling or fluid retention, especially in the feet, ankles, or legs
unusual tiredness

VYXEOS may cause allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis such as:
trouble breathing
severe itching
skin rash or hives
swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or tongue

VYXEOS contains copper and may cause copper overload in patients with Wilson’s disease or other copper-processing disorders.

VYXEOS can damage the skin if it leaks out of the vein. Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of burning, stinging, or blisters and skin sores at the injection site.

VYXEOS can harm your unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing. Do not breastfeed while receiving VYXEOS. Females and males of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months following the last dose of VYXEOS.

The most common side effects are bleeding events, fever, rash, swelling, nausea, sores in the mouth or throat, diarrhea, constipation, muscle pain, tiredness, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, headache, cough, decreased appetite, irregular heartbeat, pneumonia, blood infection, chills, sleep disorders, and vomiting.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Jazz Pharmaceuticals at 1-800-520-5568.

About Defitelio (defibrotide sodium)
In the U.S., Defitelio (defibrotide sodium) injection 80mg/mL received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marketing approval on March 30, 2016, and it is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), with renal or pulmonary dysfunction following hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) and is the first and only FDA-approved therapy for patients with this rare, potentially fatal complication. Defitelio is not approved for the prevention of VOD.6

Please see full Prescribing Information for Defitelio in the United States.
In Europe, defibrotide is marketed under the name Defitelio ▼ (defibrotide). In October 2013, the European Commission granted marketing authorization to Defitelio under exceptional circumstances for the treatment of severe VOD in patients after HSCT therapy. In Europe, Defitelio is indicated in patients over one month of age. It is not indicated in patients with hypersensitivity to defibrotide or any of its excipients or with concomitant use of thrombolytic therapy.

▼This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system found under section 4.8 of the SmPC
(View Source)

The full Summary of Product Characteristics of Defitelio in Europe is available here.

Important Safety Information for Defitelio
Defitelio should not be given to patients who are:

Currently taking anticoagulants or fibrinolytics
Allergic to Defitelio or any of its ingredients
Defitelio may increase the risk of bleeding in patients with VOD and should not be given to patients with active bleeding. During treatment with Defitelio, patients should be monitored for signs of bleeding. In the event that bleeding occurs during treatment with Defitelio, treatment should be temporarily or permanently stopped.

Patients should tell the doctor right away about any signs or symptoms of hemorrhage such as unusual bleeding, easy bruising, blood in urine or stool, headache, confusion, slurred speech, or altered vision.

Defitelio may cause allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Patients who develop signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis such as trouble breathing, severe itching, skin rash or hives, or swelling of the face, lips, mouth or tongue should seek medical attention immediately.

The most common side effects of Defitelio are decreased blood pressure, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and nose bleeds.

About Zepzelca (lurbinectedin)

Zepzelca is an alkylating drug that binds guanine residues within DNA. This triggers a cascade of events that can affect the activity of DNA binding proteins, including some transcription factors, and DNA repair pathways, resulting in disruption of the cell cycle and eventual cell death.4

The FDA approved Zepzelca under accelerated approval in June 2020 for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic SCLC with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. The approval is based on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response demonstrated in an open-label, monotherapy clinical study. In December 2021, Jazz and PharmaMar announced the initiation of LAGOON, a confirmatory Phase 3 clinical trial of Zepzelca for the treatment of patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer. If positive, LAGOON could confirm the benefit of Zepzelca in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) when patients progress following 1L treatment with a platinum-based regimen and support full approval in the U.S.

Zepzelca is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with SCLC that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) and who have received treatment with chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working. Zepzelca is approved based on response rate and how long the response lasted. Additional studies will further evaluate the benefit of Zepzelca for this use.

Important Safety Information for ZEPZELCA

Before receiving ZEPZELCA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

have liver or kidney problems.
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ZEPZELCA can harm your unborn baby.
Females who are able to become pregnant:

Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with ZEPZELCA.
You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with and for 6 months after your final dose of ZEPZELCA.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think that you are pregnant during treatment with ZEPZELCA.
Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with and for 4 months after your final dose of ZEPZELCA.
Females who are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ZEPZELCA passes into your breastmilk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 2 weeks after your final dose of ZEPZELCA. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with ZEPZELCA.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain other medicines may affect how ZEPZELCA works.

What should I avoid while using ZEPZELCA?
Avoid eating or drinking grapefruit, or products that contain grapefruit juice during treatment with ZEPZELCA.

ZEPZELCA can cause serious side effects, including:

Low blood cell counts. Low blood counts including low neutrophil counts (neutropenia) and low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) are common with ZEPZELCA, and can also be severe. Some people with low white blood cell counts may get fever, or an infection throughout the body (sepsis), that can cause death. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before you receive each treatment with ZEPZELCA to check your blood cell counts.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop:

fever or any other signs of infection
unusual bruising or bleeding
tiredness
pale colored skin
Liver problems. Increased liver function tests are common with ZEPZELCA, and can also be severe. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your liver function before you start and during treatment with ZEPZELCA.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems including:

loss of appetite
nausea or vomiting
pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen)
Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop treatment, lower your dose, or permanently stop ZEPZELCA if you develop low blood cell counts or liver problems during treatment with ZEPZELCA.
The most common side effects of ZEPZELCA include:

Tiredness
low white and red blood cell counts
increased kidney function blood test (creatinine)
increased liver function blood tests
increased blood sugar (glucose)
nausea
decreased appetite
muscle and joint (musculoskeletal) pain
low level of albumin in the blood
constipation
trouble breathing
low levels of sodium and magnesium in the blood
vomiting
cough
diarrhea
These are not all of the possible side effects of ZEPZELCA.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Jazz Pharmaceuticals at 1-800-520-5568.

More information about Zepzelca, including Full Prescribing Information and Patient Information, is available here.

ZEPZELCA is a trademark of Pharma Mar, S.A. used by Jazz Pharmaceuticals under license.

Presage Biosciences Announces New Pharma Partnership to Evaluate Novel Immuno-Oncology Drug Combinations with CIVO® Technology

On November 30, 2023 Presage Biosciences, a pioneering translational oncology company whose mission is to use CIVO and spatial molecular profiling to understand the complexity of drug response in the tumor microenvironment (TME), reported to have entered into an agreement with AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN), a global biopharmaceutical company (Press release, Presage Biosciences, NOV 30, 2023, View Source [SID1234638076]). According to the agreement, Presage’s platform will be used by AstraZeneca in translational analysis to evaluate several investigational bispecific antibody combinations in samples taken from head and neck cancer patients. The work will contribute to advancing AstraZeneca’s growing portfolio of immuno-oncology agents looking to harness the immune system against cancer.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Rich Klinghoffer, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Presage, said: "Prior studies have demonstrated that the CIVO platform provides accurate guidance about the therapeutic potential of novel agents in the only context that matters: Fully intact patient tumors. We are very pleased to be working with an innovator like AstraZeneca and supporting their quest to discover, develop, and deliver transformative medicines to patients."

Earlier this month, Presage presented results from a completed Phase 0 study evaluating Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) alone and in combination with other immune-oncology agents at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 2023 Annual Meeting. The study enrolled patients across six US-based cancer centers in both soft tissue sarcoma and head and neck cancer. Study data highlight the importance of evaluating novel therapies in patient tumors and revealed a contradiction between results from in-vivo animal studies versus results in the intact TME.

"For too long, we have put our trust in laboratory models of cancer that do not capture the complexity of the intact TME," said Klinghoffer. "The CIVO technology was developed to address this fundamental issue in cancer drug development and the results from this study demonstrate the true power of our platform – the ability to know, early in development, how a drug impacts patient tumors."

KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

Adela Presents Data Demonstrating Strong Prognostic Prediction Capabilities in Lung Cancer at the 2023 Multidisciplinary Thoracic Cancers Symposium

On November 30, 2023 Adela, Inc., an innovator in blood testing for minimal residual disease monitoring and early cancer detection through a proprietary genome-wide methylome approach, reported data demonstrating the feasibility of using its platform for cfDNA cancer signal quantification and prognostic prediction in early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), during the Plenary Abstract Session at the 2023 Multidisciplinary Thoracic Cancers Symposium in New Orleans (Press release, Adela, NOV 30, 2023, View Source [SID1234638075]). In samples from patients with newly-diagnosed NSCLC, collected at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre at University Health Network, cancer signal from cfDNA was detected and quantified using Adela’s platform, and recurrence-free survival was compared between samples with high and low cfDNA cancer signal.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"Significant progress is being made in the field of oncology to develop additional adjuvant treatment options for patients with early-stage NSCLC. To maximize the benefit of these novel therapies on patient outcomes, clinicians need additional tools to stratify patients with NSCLC based on their likelihood of relapsing," said Geoffrey Liu, MSc, MD, Senior Scientist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre at University Health Network. "The genome-wide methylome platform has the potential to be a meaningful tool to help predict a patient’s likelihood of recurrence in NSCLC, if the results presented today demonstrating strong prognostic prediction are replicated in future studies that include post-treatment samples."

In individuals with newly diagnosed stage I-II NSCLC, cfDNA cancer signal was quantified in 41 pre-treatment samples with a median follow-up time of 55.8 months. Individuals with higher quantities of cfDNA cancer signal prior to treatment had a significantly worse recurrence-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) 2.70 (95% CI 1.26, 5.78), log-rank P = 0.008].

"These data build upon Adela’s existing body of evidence in Head & Neck Cancer and Renal Cell Carcinoma, demonstrating that our genome-wide methylome enrichment platform has strong prognostic prediction across multiple cancer types," said Anne-Renee Hartman, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Adela. "In NSCLC, acquiring a tumor tissue sample for patients is often not possible. Our tissue-agnostic blood test, in development for predicting outcomes and informing adjuvant treatment decisions following surgery, will increase accessibility of MRD testing for patients and clinicians."

Presentation Details

Prognostic Performance of a Genome-Wide Methylome Enrichment Platform in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Presenter: Geoffrey Liu, MD, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre at University Health Network

Scientific Session Title: Plenary Abstract Session

Session Date/Time: Thursday, November 30, 1:30 – 3:00 pm CT