ENHERTU® (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) granted Priority Review in the US for patients with metastatic HER2-positive solid tumors

On January 29, 2024 AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo’s reported that its supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for ENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) has been accepted and granted Priority Review in the US for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 3+) solid tumors who have received prior treatment or who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options (Press release, AstraZeneca, JAN 29, 2024, View Source [SID1234639695]).

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The sBLA is based on data from the ongoing DESTINY-PanTumor02 Phase II trial where ENHERTU demonstrated clinically meaningful and durable responses leading to a clinically meaningful survival benefit in previously treated patients across HER2-expressing metastatic solid tumors, including biliary tract, bladder, cervical, endometrial, ovarian cancers, and other tumors. Data from other supporting trials in patients with HER2-positive IHC3+ tumors in the ENHERTU clinical development program, including DESTINY-Lung01 and DESTINY-CRC02, were also included in the submission.

ENHERTU is a specifically engineered HER2-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) being jointly developed and commercialized by AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants Priority Review to applications for medicines that, if approved, would offer significant improvements over available options by demonstrating safety or efficacy improvements, preventing serious conditions or enhancing patient compliance.1 The Prescription Drug User Fee Act date, the FDA action date for their regulatory decision, is during the second quarter of 2024.

Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: "Today’s Priority Review for the first tumor-agnostic submission for ENHERTU reflects the potential of this medicine to redefine the treatment of HER2-expressing cancers. Biomarkers for HER2 expression are already established in breast and gastric cancers, but we must now define them across tumor types. We will continue working closely with the FDA to bring this potential first tumor-agnostic HER2-targeted medicine and biomarker to patients as quickly as possible."

Ken Takeshita, MD, Global Head, R&D, Daiichi Sankyo, said: "The clinical benefit seen across HER2-expressing metastatic solid tumors in the DESTINY-PanTumor02 trial and ongoing data from the ENHERTU clinical development program continues to demonstrate the potential of this medicine beyond its approved indications. If approved, ENHERTU could become the first HER2-directed therapy and antibody drug conjugate with a tumor-agnostic indication, providing patients with a potential new treatment option."

The sBLA is being reviewed under the Real-Time Oncology Review (RTOR) program and Project Orbis, two initiatives of the FDA which are designed to bring safe and effective cancer treatments to patients as early as possible. RTOR allows the FDA to review components of an application before submission of the complete application. Project Orbis provides a framework for concurrent submission and review of oncology medicines among participating international partners.

Results from DESTINY-PanTumor02 were presented at the 2023 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress and simultaneously published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.2

The safety profile observed across the trials was consistent with previous clinical trials of ENHERTU with no new safety concerns identified.

The Priority Review follows receipt of Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) in the US in August 2023 for ENHERTU in metastatic HER2-positive solid tumors.

Important Safety Information

Indications

ENHERTU is a HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen either:
– In the metastatic setting, or

– In the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting and have developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing therapy

Unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have received a prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during or within 6 months of completing adjuvant chemotherapy

Unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
Locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen
WARNING: INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis, including fatal cases, have been reported with ENHERTU. Monitor for and promptly investigate signs and symptoms including cough, dyspnea, fever, and other new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in all patients with Grade 2 or higher ILD/pneumonitis. Advise patients of the risk and to immediately report symptoms.
Exposure to ENHERTU during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception.
Contraindications

None.

Warnings and Precautions

Interstitial Lung Disease / Pneumonitis

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Advise patients to immediately report cough, dyspnea, fever, and/or any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ILD. Promptly investigate evidence of ILD. Evaluate patients with suspected ILD by radiographic imaging. Consider consultation with a pulmonologist. For asymptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 1), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 0, then if resolved in ≤28 days from date of onset, maintain dose. If resolved in >28 days from date of onset, reduce dose one level. Consider corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥0.5 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent). For symptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2 or greater), permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Promptly initiate systemic corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥1 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent) and continue for at least 14 days followed by gradual taper for at least 4 weeks.

Metastatic Breast Cancer and HER2-Mutant NSCLC (5.4 mg/kg)

In patients with metastatic breast cancer and HER2-mutant NSCLC treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 12% of patients. Fatal outcomes due to ILD and/or pneumonitis occurred in 1.0% of patients treated with ENHERTU. Median time to first onset was 5 months (range: 0.9 to 23).

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 10% of patients. Median time to first onset was 2.8 months (range: 1.2 to 21).

Neutropenia

Severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Monitor complete blood counts prior to initiation of ENHERTU and prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count [ANC] <1.0 to 0.5 x 109/L), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 x 109/L), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then reduce dose by one level. For febrile neutropenia (ANC <1.0 x 109/L and temperature >38.3º C or a sustained temperature of ≥38º C for more than 1 hour), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved, then reduce dose by one level.

Metastatic Breast Cancer and HER2-Mutant NSCLC (5.4 mg/kg)

In patients with metastatic breast cancer and HER2-mutant NSCLC treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 65% of patients. Sixteen percent had Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 22 days (range: 2 to 664). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 1.1% of patients.

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 72% of patients. Fifty-one percent had Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 16 days (range: 4 to 187). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 4.8% of patients.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Patients treated with ENHERTU may be at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including ENHERTU. Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ENHERTU and at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. Manage LVEF decrease through treatment interruption. When LVEF is >45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, continue treatment with ENHERTU. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is <10%, continue treatment with ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF has not recovered to within 10% from baseline, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. If LVEF recovers to within 10% from baseline, resume treatment with ENHERTU at the same dose. When LVEF is <40% or absolute decrease from baseline is >20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure. Treatment with ENHERTU has not been studied in patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease or LVEF <50% prior to initiation of treatment.

Metastatic Breast Cancer and HER2-Mutant NSCLC (5.4 mg/kg)

In patients with metastatic breast cancer and HER2-mutant NSCLC treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, LVEF decrease was reported in 3.6% of patients, of which 0.4% were Grade 3.

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, no clinical adverse events of heart failure were reported; however, on echocardiography, 8% were found to have asymptomatic Grade 2 decrease in LVEF.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ENHERTU. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

Additional Dose Modifications

Thrombocytopenia

For Grade 3 thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 to 25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (platelets <25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then reduce dose by one level.

Adverse Reactions

Metastatic Breast Cancer and HER2-Mutant NSCLC (5.4 mg/kg)

The pooled safety population reflects exposure to ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks in 984 patients in Study DS8201-A-J101 (NCT02564900), DESTINY-Breast01, DESTINY-Breast03, DESTINY-Breast04, and DESTINY-Lung02. Among these patients 65% were exposed for >6 months and 39% were exposed for >1 year. In this pooled safety population, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (76%), decreased white blood cell count (71%), decreased hemoglobin (66%), decreased neutrophil count (65%), decreased lymphocyte count (55%), fatigue (54%), decreased platelet count (47%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (48%), vomiting (44%), increased alanine aminotransferase (42%), alopecia (39%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (39%), constipation (34%), musculoskeletal pain (32%), decreased appetite (32%), hypokalemia (28%), diarrhea (28%), and respiratory infection (24%).

HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

DESTINY-Breast03

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 257 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received at least one dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every three weeks in DESTINY-Breast03. The median duration of treatment was 14 months (range: 0.7 to 30).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 19% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were vomiting, interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, pyrexia, and urinary tract infection. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 0.8% of patients including COVID-19 and sudden death (one patient each).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 14% of patients, of which ILD/pneumonitis accounted for 8%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pneumonia, nausea, fatigue, and ILD/pneumonitis. Dose reductions occurred in 21% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were nausea, neutropenia, and fatigue.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (76%), decreased white blood cell count (74%), decreased neutrophil count (70%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (67%), decreased hemoglobin (64%), decreased lymphocyte count (55%), increased alanine aminotransferase (53%), decreased platelet count (52%), fatigue (49%), vomiting (49%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (49%), alopecia (37%), hypokalemia (35%), constipation (34%), musculoskeletal pain (31%), diarrhea (29%), decreased appetite (29%), respiratory infection (22%), headache (22%), abdominal pain (21%), increased blood bilirubin (20%), and stomatitis (20%).

HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer

DESTINY-Breast04

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 371 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks in DESTINY-Breast04. The median duration of treatment was 8 months (range: 0.2 to 33) for patients who received ENHERTU.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 28% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were ILD/pneumonitis, pneumonia, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, sepsis, anemia, febrile neutropenia, hypercalcemia, nausea, pyrexia, and vomiting. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 4% of patients including ILD/pneumonitis (3 patients); sepsis (2 patients); and ischemic colitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, dyspnea, febrile neutropenia, general physical health deterioration, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure (1 patient each).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 16% of patients, of which ILD/pneumonitis accounted for 8%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 39% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, fatigue, anemia, leukopenia, COVID-19, ILD/pneumonitis, increased transaminases, and hyperbilirubinemia. Dose reductions occurred in 23% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were fatigue, nausea, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (76%), decreased white blood cell count (70%), decreased hemoglobin (64%), decreased neutrophil count (64%), decreased lymphocyte count (55%), fatigue (54%), decreased platelet count (44%), alopecia (40%), vomiting (40%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (38%), increased alanine aminotransferase (36%), constipation (34%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (34%), decreased appetite (32%), musculoskeletal pain (32%), diarrhea (27%), and hypokalemia (25%).

Unresectable or Metastatic HER2-Mutant NSCLC (5.4 mg/kg)

DESTINY-Lung02 evaluated two dose levels (5.4 mg/kg [n=101] and 6.4 mg/kg [n=50]); however, only the results for the recommended dose of 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks are described below due to increased toxicity observed with the higher dose in patients with NSCLC, including ILD/pneumonitis.

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 101 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-mutant NSCLC who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every three weeks in DESTINY‑Lung02. Nineteen percent of patients were exposed for >6 months.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 30% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were ILD/pneumonitis, thrombocytopenia, dyspnea, nausea, pleural effusion, and increased troponin I. Fatality occurred in 1 patient with suspected ILD/pneumonitis (1%).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 8% of patients. Adverse reactions which resulted in permanent discontinuation of ENHERTU were ILD/pneumonitis, diarrhea, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, myocarditis, and vomiting. Dose interruptions of ENHERTU due to adverse reactions occurred in 23% of patients. Adverse reactions which required dose interruption (>2%) included neutropenia and ILD/pneumonitis. Dose reductions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 11% of patients.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (61%), decreased white blood cell count (60%), decreased hemoglobin (58%), decreased neutrophil count (52%), decreased lymphocyte count (43%), decreased platelet count (40%), decreased albumin (39%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (35%), increased alanine aminotransferase (34%), fatigue (32%), constipation (31%), decreased appetite (30%), vomiting (26%), increased alkaline phosphatase (22%), and alopecia (21%).

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 187 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma in DESTINY-Gastric01. Patients intravenously received at least one dose of either ENHERTU (N=125) 6.4 mg/kg every 3 weeks or either irinotecan (N=55) 150 mg/m2 biweekly or paclitaxel (N=7) 80 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks. The median duration of treatment was 4.6 months (range: 0.7 to 22.3) for patients who received ENHERTU.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients receiving ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg. Serious adverse reactions in >2% of patients who received ENHERTU were decreased appetite, ILD, anemia, dehydration, pneumonia, cholestatic jaundice, pyrexia, and tumor hemorrhage. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 2.4% of patients: disseminated intravascular coagulation, large intestine perforation, and pneumonia occurred in one patient each (0.8%).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 15% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 62% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, decreased appetite, leukopenia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, ILD, pneumonia, lymphopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and hypokalemia. Dose reductions occurred in 32% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were neutropenia, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, and febrile neutropenia.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were decreased hemoglobin (75%), decreased white blood cell count (74%), decreased neutrophil count (72%), decreased lymphocyte count (70%), decreased platelet count (68%), nausea (63%), decreased appetite (60%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (58%), fatigue (55%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (54%), increased alanine aminotransferase (47%), diarrhea (32%), hypokalemia (30%), vomiting (26%), constipation (24%), increased blood bilirubin (24%), pyrexia (24%), and alopecia (22%).

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.
Lactation: There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. Contraception: Females: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose. Males: Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose. Infertility: ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility.
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use: Of the 883 patients with breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 22% were ≥65 years and 3.6% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy within clinical studies were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged ≥65 years (60%) as compared to younger patients (48%). Of the 101 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-mutant NSCLC treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 40% were ≥65 years and 8% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients. Of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Gastric01, 56% were ≥65 years and 14% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients.
Renal Impairment: A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Monitor patients with moderate renal impairment more frequently. The recommended dosage of ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min).
Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, due to potentially increased exposure, closely monitor for increased toxicities related to the topoisomerase inhibitor. The recommended dosage of
ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >3 times ULN and any AST).

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. at 1-877-437-7763 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide.

Notes

HER2 expression in solid tumors

HER2 is a tyrosine kinase receptor growth-promoting protein expressed on the surface of various tissue cells throughout the body and is involved in normal cell growth.3,4 In some cancers, HER2 expression is amplified or the cells have activating mutations.3,5 HER2 protein overexpression may occur as a result of HER2 gene amplification and is often associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis.6

While HER2-directed therapies have been used to treat breast, gastric, lung and colorectal cancers, more research is needed evaluating their potential role in treating other HER2-expressing solid tumor types.4,7,8

HER2 is an emerging biomarker in solid tumor types including biliary tract, bladder, cervical, endometrial, ovarian and pancreatic cancers.5 Testing is not routinely performed in these additional tumor types and as a result, available literature is limited. In these solid tumors, HER2-positive expression, classified as IHC 3+, has been observed at rates from 1% to 28%.9,10 There is an unmet need for effective therapies for certain HER2-expressing solid tumors, particularly for those who have progressed on or are refractory to standard of care therapies as there are currently no approved HER2-directed therapies for these cancers.4,11

DESTINY-PanTumor02

DESTINY-PanTumor02 is a global, multicenter, multi-cohort, open-label Phase II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) for the treatment of previously treated HER2-expressing tumors, including biliary tract cancer, bladder cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer or other tumors.

The primary efficacy endpoint of DESTINY-PanTumor02 is confirmed objective response rate (ORR) as assessed by investigator. Secondary endpoints include duration of response (DoR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics.

DESTINY-PanTumor02 has enrolled 267 patients at multiple sites in Asia, Europe and North America. For more information about the trial, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

DESTINY-Lung01

DESTINY-Lung01 is a global Phase II, open-label, two-cohort trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg or 6.4mg/kg) in patients with HER2-mutant (cohort 2, n=91) or HER2-overexpressing (defined as IHC 3+ or IHC 2+) [cohort 1 and 1a, n=90] unresectable or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had progressed after one or more systemic therapies.

The primary endpoint is confirmed ORR by independent central review. Key secondary endpoints include DoR, DCR, PFS, OS and safety.

DESTINY-Lung01 enrolled 181 patients at multiple sites, including Asia, Europe and North America. For more information about the trial, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

DESTINY-CRC02

DESTINY-CRC02 is a global, randomized, two arm, parallel, multicenter Phase II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of two doses (5.4mg/kg or 6.4mg/kg) of ENHERTU in patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive colorectal cancer of BRAF wild-type, or RAS wild-type and RAS mutant tumor types previously treated with standard therapy.

The trial was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, patients (n=80) were randomized 1:1 to receive either 5.4mg/kg or 6.4mg/kg of ENHERTU. In the second stage, additional patients (n=42) were enrolled in the 5.4mg/kg arm.

The primary endpoint is confirmed ORR as assessed by blinded independent central review. Secondary endpoints include DoR, DCR, investigator-assessed confirmed ORR, clinical benefit ratio, PFS, OS and safety.

DESTINY-CRC02 enrolled 122 patients at multiple sites in Asia, Europe and North America. For more information about the trial, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

ENHERTU

ENHERTU is a HER2-directed ADC. Designed using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC technology, ENHERTU is the lead ADC in the oncology portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo and the most advanced program in AstraZeneca’s ADC scientific platform. ENHERTU consists of a HER2 monoclonal antibody attached to a number of topoisomerase I inhibitor payloads, (an exatecan derivative, DXd) via tetrapeptide-based cleavable linkers.

ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 55 countries for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received a (or one or more) prior anti-HER2-based regimen, either in the metastatic setting or in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting, and have developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing therapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast03 trial.

ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 45 countries for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/in-situ hybridization [ISH]-) breast cancer who have received a prior systemic therapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing adjuvant chemotherapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast04 trial.

ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 30 countries worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer whose tumors have activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutations, as detected by a locally or regionally-approved test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Lung02 trial. Continued approval in the US for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

ENHERTU (6.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 30 countries for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen based on the results from the DESTINY-Gastric01 trial and/or DESTINY-Gastric02 trial.

ENHERTU development program

A comprehensive clinical development program is underway globally, evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU monotherapy across multiple HER2-targetable cancers. Trials in combination with other anticancer treatments, such as immunotherapy, are also underway.

Asieris Presents for the First Time Interim Analysis Data of Oral APL-1202 in Combination with PD-1 Inhibitor Tislelizumab for Neoadjuvant Treatment of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer at 2024 ASCO-GU

On January 29, 2024 Asieris Pharmaceuticals (Stock Code: 688176.SH), a global biopharmaceutical company specializing in discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative drugs for the treatment of genitourinary tumors and other related diseases, reported the first-time release of interim analysis data for the Phase II clinical trial of oral APL-1202 in combination with the PD-1 inhibitor tislelizumab for neoadjuvant treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) (Press release, Asieris Pharmaceuticals, JAN 29, 2024, View Source [SID1234639694]). Release of the interim analysis data was made in the form of a rapid oral presentation abstract (Abstract No: 632) at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU). Patient enrollment of the trial was recently completed.

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Primary objective of the Phase II clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of APL-1202 in combination with tislelizumab compared to tislelizumab monotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy for MIBC patients. The trial population includes patients with newly diagnosed MIBC for whom radical cystectomy (RC) is planned, and who are cisplatin ineligible or refuse to receive cisplatin based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The primary efficacy endpoint is pathological complete response (pCR) rate. pCR is defined as the absence of residual tumor lesions in the bladder and lymph node specimens confirmed by histopathological assessment after RC (pT0N0).

The interim analysis results of the Phase II clinical trial showed that in the APL-1202 and tislelizumab combination treatment group, out of 18 subjects evaluated, 7 achieved pCR, accounting for 7/18 (39%). In the tislelizumab monotherapy group, out of 14 subjects evaluated, 3 achieved pCR, accounting for 3/14 (21%). Additionally, among 6 participants in the combination treatment group with clinical stage T3N0M0, 2 achieved pCR, accounting for 2/6 (33%). No pCR was observed in the tislelizumab monotherapy group among participants with clinical stage T3N0M0. The interim analysis results showed that both groups met the efficacy requirements of the Simon’s two-stage trial design for the first stage, and further evaluation will be conducted in the next stage, with a particular focus on confirming the favorable efficacy signals demonstrated by the combination treatment group. In terms of safety, the combination treatment group exhibited acceptable safety characteristics.

The recommended standard of care for MIBC is radical cystectomy (RC) with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection, preceded by the administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients who are eligible to receive cisplatin1. However, approximately 50% of the patients are cisplatin-ineligible because of pre-existing contraindications, and some refuse to receive any chemotherapy2,3. Currently, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed in the treatment of MIBC.

Dr. Linda Wu, Chief Development Officer of Asieris, said, "Bladder cancer is the tenth most common cancer globally, with approximately 573,000 new cases and 213,000 deaths reported each year. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) accounts for approximately 20% of newly diagnosed cases. The interim analysis of clinical data demonstrates that the combination of APL-1202 and the PD-1 inhibitor tislelizumab has promising therapeutic potential in neoadjuvant treatment for MIBC. This further strengthens our confidence in its safety and efficacy. This combination treatment regimen holds the potential to provide an effective treatment option for MIBC patients who are intolerant to or refuse platinum-based therapy."

APL-1202 is currently conducting two concurrent phase III/pivotal clinical trials. A pivotal Phase II trial studying the use of APL-1202 in combination with intravesical chemotherapy for the treatment of intermediate and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients who have relapsed from chemotherapy; and a phase III clinical trial investigating the use of APL-1202 as a monotherapy in treatment naive patients with intermediate-risk NMIBC.

enGene Reports Full Year 2023 Financial Results and Recent Operational Progress

On January 29, 2024 enGene Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: ENGN) (or "enGene" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage genetic medicines company whose non-viral lead program is in a pivotal study for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), reported its financial results for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023 and provided a corporate update (Press release, enGene, JAN 29, 2024, View Source [SID1234639693]).

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"During 2023, enGene made substantial progress advancing our lead program, EG-70 (detalimogene voraplasmid), in our ongoing pivotal-stage LEGEND study in BCG-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer with carcinoma in situ. In addition, we were pleased to build out an accomplished leadership team and transition into a public company," said Jason Hanson, Chief Executive Officer of enGene. "Based on the highly differentiated attributes of our non-viral DDX genetic medicine platform, we believe that EG-70 may become a powerful and heavily utilized therapy in the practicing urologists’s armamentarium, providing both therapeutic benefits for patients as well as ease-of-use advantages as compared to existing NMIBC therapeutics and those in late-stage development. We continue to enroll patients in our pivotal study and look forward to reporting interim clinical results in mid-2024."

Ryan Daws, Chief Financial Officer of enGene commented: "Together with our $50M expanded debt facility with Hercules Capital, the financing transactions completed concurrent with the reverse merger provide support for the ongoing LEGEND study of EG-70 in BCG-unresponsive and BCG-naïve NMIBC patients with Cis, BLA-enabling activities, and additional clinical applications. The Company is in a strong financial position, with cash on hand expected to support operations into Q2 2025, beyond the anticipated completion of the interim EG-70 clinical data and additional expected corporate milestones."

Recent Business Highlights:

Public Company Launch and EG-70 Clinical Program Progress: On November 1, 2023, enGene Holdings Inc launched as a publicly traded company focused on developing non-viral gene therapies based on its novel and proprietary dually derived chitosan, or "DDX", gene delivery platform, which allows localized delivery of multiple gene cargos directly to mucosal tissues and other organs. The Company’s lead product candidate, EG-70, is an intravesically administered, non-viral, polymeric nanoparticle comprising a DNA plasmid encoding three genes designed to generate a local immune reaction in proximity to tumors. enGene is enrolling patients in a combined Phase 1/2 open label registrational study of EG-70, referred to as "LEGEND" (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04752722) with interim data expected mid-year.

Achieved Primary and Secondary Endpoints in Phase 1 Portion of LEGEND Study in NMIBC: The Phase 1 portion enrolled 22 BCG-unresponsive patients, exhibited an encouraging safety profile, a 3-month complete response rate of 68% and supported dose selection for the Phase 2 portion of the study.

Expanded Hercules Capital Debt Facility: On December 22, 2023, enGene announced the expansion of its existing debt facility with Hercules to up to $50 million, subject to certain milestones, with $22.5 million advanced at closing of which approximately $8.6 million was applied to refinance in full the term loans outstanding under the prior loan agreement with Hercules.

Key Leadership Hires: enGene continued to invest in its senior leadership and add experienced members to its Board of Directors. On February 2, 2023, Alex Nichols, Ph.D., joined as President and Chief Operating Officer, on September 7, 2023, Richard Bryce, M.D. was hired as Chief Medical Officer and on November 29, 2023, Ryan Daws joined as Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, on December 19, 2023, Lota Zoth, CPA, was appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors and serves as the Company’s Audit Committee Chair.
Past and Upcoming Anticipated Milestones

Presented clinical data from LEGEND Phase 1 trial at 24th Annual Meeting of the Society of Urologic Oncology in November 2023.

Announce interim readout from the pivotal Phase 2 LEGEND study mid-2024.
Full Year 2023 Financial Results

Cash and cash equivalents, as of October 31, 2023, were $81.5 million, compared to $20.4 million as of October 31, 2022. The Company expects that its existing cash and cash equivalents will fund operating expenses and capital expenditures into the second quarter of 2025.

Full Year 2023

Total operating expenses were $26.0 million for 2023, compared to $19.4 million for 2022. Research and development expenses increased by $1.0 million, mainly due to increasing CMC and clinical costs relating to our pivotal EG-70 study. General and administrative expenses increased by $5.6 million, primarily driven by share-based compensation and professional fees associated with accounting and audit related fees.

For the full year 2023, net loss attributable to common shareholders was $104.7 million, or $151.22 per share, compared to $29.0 million, or $44.30 per share, for the same period in 2022. The increase in net loss is mainly attributed to the increase in other expense. In 2023, within other expense are non-cash charges of $80.7 million arising from fair value adjustments on our convertible debentures and related derivative liabilities and a loss on extinguishment upon conversion of our convertible debentures; partially offset by non-cash fair value gain of $10.8 million from the cancellation of Series C preferred share warrants liabilities upon the Reverse Recapitalization on October 31, 2023.

Oricell Announces FDA Clearance of IND Application for OriCAR-017, a novel GPRC5D Targeted CAR-T Cell Therapy Utilizing the Company’s Proprietary Platform, for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma.

On January 29, 2024 Oricell Therapeutics (Oricell), a clinical-stage biotechnology company, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for OriCAR-017 for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) (Press release, OriCell Therapeutics, JAN 29, 2024, View Source [SID1234639692]). OriCAR-017 is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy targeting GPRC5D. The therapy leverages Oricell’s proprietary platforms including OriAb antibodies, OriCAR construct and unique CMC know-how to achieve optimal binding and superior persistence and anti-tumor efficacy out of rejuvenated CAR-T cells. The IND enables Oricell to initiate the clinical development for OriCAR-017 in the US immediately.

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The FDA IND approval for OriCAR-017 follows its NMPA IND approval in 2023 and the publication of clinical results from an Investigator Initiated Trial (POLARIS study) at the 2022 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), 2022 EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) and The Lancet Haematology. The data showed that all ten patients with R/R MM responded to the therapy per IMWG criteria, achieving a 100% overall response rate (ORR), 80% stringent complete response. 100% minimal residual disease (MRD) negative rate was detected at day 28 and further confirmed at month 3. The therapy was well-tolerated, with no Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), no cerebellar disorder, no delayed infections, and only Grade 1/Grade 2 CRS that resolved rapidly. Of the ten R/R MM patients, 40% had extramedullary disease (EMD), 50% received prior BCMA CAR-T treatment(s), 70% had high-risk cytogenetics, and 70% with ECOG 2, 80% at ISS stage II & III.

"The evidenced superior safety, efficacy and durability profile of OriCAR-017 is truly exciting and will significantly benefit multiple myeloma patients on a global scale. Ten years’ R&D cumulates not only OriCAR-017 but also the robust and integrated technology platforms that generate one-of-its-kind CAR-T products for liquid and solid tumors," said Peter He, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Oricell.

"Exceptional teamwork is what Oricell relies upon. The fact that we were able to complete technical transfer from China to the U.S. in five months speaks for the standard of our teamwork." Helen Yang, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oricell further stated that, "With a great team and support from our stakeholders, we are confident in our ability to delivering best-in-class cell therapies to patients, providing them new hope and possibilities."

Anixa Biosciences Announces Participation in 2024 NeauxCancer Oncology Conference

On January 29, 2024 Anixa Biosciences, Inc. ("Anixa" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ANIX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the treatment and prevention of cancer, reported its participation in the 2024 NeauxCancer Conference organized by the Cancer Advocacy Group of Louisiana (CAGLA), being held February 29 – March 2, 2024 in New Orleans (Press release, Anixa Biosciences, JAN 29, 2024, View Source [SID1234639691]). Anixa Chairman and CEO Dr. Amit Kumar will present and meet one-on-one with investors throughout the day on Friday, March 1st.

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Dr. Kumar’s remarks will feature Anixa’s use of the body’s immune system to take multiple approaches in fighting cancer. The Company’s vaccines focus on immunizing against "retired" proteins found to be expressed in certain forms of cancer, a mechanism that has never before been utilized for cancer vaccine development.

Attendees at the conference will include oncologists and other clinicians interested in learning and discussing the latest practices for treating and taking care of cancer patients. The investment track will enable the medical professionals attending the conference, as well as regional investment professionals, to learn about emerging technologies for cancer treatment and prevention.

Registration and attendance at the conference for investors is complimentary. Investors can register via the link below.

Investment Track Details:

Anixa presentation:

Friday, March 1, 2024, at 11:30 AM CST

Conference registration:

Available on the conference website

1×1 meetings:

Open to investors upon conference registration

Chadwick Landry, President and Executive Director of CAGLA stated, "We are pleased to be adding an investment track to our annual conference. We are also pleased that Anixa will be presenting at this inaugural year of the investment track. We plan to make the investment track a regular event at this well-attended conference to enable regional investors and medical professionals to gain firsthand exposure to some of the most exciting emerging companies developing technologies to address cancer."

The 2024 NeauxCancer Conference has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Ochsner Clinic Foundation and CAGLA. The Ochsner Clinic Foundation is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.