On May 30, 2024 – NH TherAguix (NHT), a phase II clinical stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of novel nanomedicine solutions applicable to precision radiotherapy in oncology, reported that its lead drug candidate, AGuIX, has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a next-generation radio-enhancer for the treatment of malignant gliomas, and in particular glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and deadliest brain cancer globally (Press release, NH TherAguix, MAY 30, 2024, View Source [SID1234643862]).
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A nanodrug capable of improving the precision and effectiveness of radiotherapy without damaging surrounding tissues
The result of over 10 years of research, AGuIX is a nanodrug designed to meet the growing medical need in brain cancer, by significantly improving the efficacy and precision of radiotherapy directly within tumors.
Its structure mostly made of gadolinium provides it with strong contrast imaging properties, coupled with the potential to indirectly increase the delivered X ray dose. AGuIX thus enables precise tumor delineation via MRI and can significantly improve radiotherapy efficacy. AGuIX also boasts an excellent safety profile, as demonstrated by the results of the first In Human Phase Ib clinical trial NANORAD-1.
This new designation marks an important regulatory milestone for NH TherAguix, paving the way for accelerated development of its lead drug candidate, and is in line with the deployment of the company’s new development strategy, following the recent appointment of Vincent Carrère as CEO.
Vincent Carrère, a pharmaceutical industry expert, appointed as CEO to steer the late-stage clinical development of AGuIX
Last September, Vincent joined NH TherAguix to lead the final steps of AGuIX clinical developments through registration trials, until expected market approval. Formerly Vice President-Head of the Northern and Central Europe Region at Ipsen, he brings over 15 years of experience in thepharmaceutical and biotech industry. His deep knowledge of the processes and final stages of drug development and commercial launch will be instrumental in finalizing the upcoming developments of AGuIX.
"We are delighted to have received this FDA Fast Track designation for AGuIX in the treatment of malignant glioma. It demonstrates the strong interest of the US regulatory authorities in our nextgeneration radio-enhancer. We are convinced that AGuIX holds great potential to offer an effective clinical and therapeutic response to patients suffering from these deadly cancers, for whom existing treatments remain largely insufficient. 2024 should be a major turning point in the development of our promising nano-drug, and we look forward to sharing the first results from our clinical trials later this year," said Vincent Carrère, CEO of NH TherAguix.
Major clinical inflection points expected in H2 2024
AGuIX is currently being evaluated in four Phase II clinical trials, out of which three should provide major inflection points before the end of 2024:
• The Phase II NANORAD 2 study, conducted by Grenoble University Hospital (p.i. Pr. C. Verry) on 100 patients with multiple brain metastases, is evaluating AGuIX in combination with whole brain radiotherapy1. Recruitment has been finalized and results of the interim efficacy analysis are expected by the end of 2024 at the latest.
• The Phase II NANOBRAINMETS trial, conducted in collaboration with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (p.i. Dr. A. Aizer), the world’s leading institute for adult and pediatric cancer research and treatment, is evaluating AGuIX in 134 patients with brain metastases in combination with stereotactic radiotherapy2. A futility analysis (50% of patients enrolled) is scheduled for August 2024 to assess the first potential effects of the treatment on patients. Validation of the continuation of the study would underline the strong therapeutic potential of AGuIX in the treatment of these patients. Initial results from an interim efficacy analysis are then expected in November 2024.
• The Phase I/II NANOGBM trial, conducted by Clermont Ferrand Centre Jean Perrin (p.i. Dr. J. Biau), is evaluating AGuIX in the treatment of glioblastoma in 62 patients. Results from the interim efficacy analysis are expected by the end of 2024.
"Glioblastoma are the most common type of malignant primary brain tumor and account for most deaths among patient with primary tumors. Although there has been progresses in understanding the biology of these tumors, the unmeet therapeutic need remains very important. This Fast Track designation will facilitate NH TherAguix more frequent interactions with the FDA as well as accelerated approval and priority review in glioblastoma indications. This program will be led in parallel to our ongoing clinical development program in brain metastases, where preliminary signal of efficacy of AGuIX has already been detected," concluded Olivier de Beaumont, CMO of NH TherAguix.