Pacira BioSciences, Inc. Announces Pricing of $250.0 Million Aggregate Principal Amount of 2.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029

On May 10, 2024 Pacira BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: PCRX) reported the pricing of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2029 (the "notes") in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") (Press release, Pacira Pharmaceuticals, MAY 10, 2024, View Source [SID1234643234]). Pacira also granted the initial purchasers of the notes an option to purchase, for settlement within a period of 13 days from, and including, the date the notes are first issued, up to an additional $37.5 million aggregate principal amount of notes. The sale of the notes to the initial purchasers is expected to settle on May 14, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

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Pacira estimates that the net proceeds from the offering will be approximately $242.0 million (or approximately $278.4 million if the initial purchasers fully exercise their option to purchase additional notes), after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. Pacira expects to use (i) approximately $191.4 million of the net proceeds to repurchase $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 0.750% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes") concurrently with the note offering in privately negotiated transactions effected through one of the initial purchasers of the notes or its affiliate, as Pacira’s agent, (ii) approximately $23.2 million (or approximately $26.7 million if the initial purchasers exercise their option to purchase additional notes), of the net proceeds to fund the cost of entering into the capped call transactions described below and (iii) approximately $25.0 million of the net proceeds to repurchase 837,240 shares of Pacira’s common stock concurrently with the pricing of the note offering in privately negotiated transactions. Pacira intends to use the remainder of the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including working capital, and research and development expenditures. Holders of the 2025 Notes that are repurchased in the concurrent repurchases described above may purchase shares of Pacira’s common stock in the open market to unwind any hedge positions they may have with respect to the 2025 Notes. These activities may affect the trading price of Pacira common stock and the initial conversion price of the notes.

The notes will be general unsecured senior obligations of Pacira and will mature on May 15, 2029, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted in accordance with their terms. The notes will bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.125% per year, payable semi- annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on November 15, 2024.

Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding November 15, 2028, the notes are convertible at the option of the holders only under certain conditions. On or after November 15, 2028, until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their notes at their option, irrespective of these conditions. Pacira will settle conversions of the notes by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock, at its election, based on the applicable conversion rate.

The conversion rate will initially be 25.2752 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. This represents an initial conversion price of approximately $39.56 per share, representing a conversion premium of approximately 32.5% over the closing price of $29.86 per share of Pacira common stock on May 9, 2024.

On or after May 17, 2027, Pacira may redeem for cash all or part of the notes under certain circumstances at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, calling any note for redemption will constitute a make-whole fundamental change (as defined in the indenture governing the notes) with respect to that note, in which case the conversion rate applicable to the conversion of that note, if it is converted in connection with the redemption, will be increased in certain circumstances.

In connection with the pricing of the notes, Pacira entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions with one or more of the initial purchasers and/or their respective affiliates and/or other financial institutions (the "option counterparties"). The capped call transactions are expected to cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the notes, the number of shares of Pacira’s common stock underlying the notes.

The capped call transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution to Pacira’s common stock upon any conversion of the notes and/or offset any potential cash payments Pacira is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted notes, as the case may be, upon any conversion of the notes, with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap. The cap price of the capped call transactions will initially be approximately $53.75 per share, representing a premium of approximately 80% over the closing price of $29.86 per share of Pacira common stock on May 9, 2024, and is subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the capped call transactions.

In connection with establishing their initial hedges of the capped call transactions, the option counterparties or their respective affiliates expect to enter into various derivative transactions with respect to Pacira’s common stock and/or purchase shares of Pacira’s common stock concurrently with or shortly after the pricing of the notes. This activity could increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) the market price of Pacira’s common stock or the notes at that time.

In addition, the option counterparties and/or their respective affiliates may modify their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivatives with respect to Pacira’s common stock and/or purchasing or selling Pacira’s common stock or Pacira’s other securities in secondary market transactions from time to time prior to the maturity of the notes (and (x) are likely to do so during any observation period related to a conversion of notes or following redemption of the notes by Pacira or following any repurchase of the notes by Pacira in connection with any fundamental change and (y) are likely to do so following any repurchase of the notes by Pacira other than in connection with any such redemption or fundamental change if Pacira elects to unwind a corresponding portion of the capped call transactions in connection with such repurchase). This activity could also cause or avoid an increase or a decrease in the market price of Pacira’s common stock or the notes, which could affect the ability to convert the notes and, to the extent the activity occurs during any observation period related to a conversion of notes, it could affect the number of shares of Pacira’s common stock and value of the consideration that noteholders will receive upon conversion of such notes.

The offering of the notes is being made to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The offer and sale of the notes and the shares of Pacira common stock, if any, issuable upon conversion of the notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws, and, unless so registered, the notes and such shares may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall it constitute an offer, or the solicitation of any sale, of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful.

Rocket Pharmaceuticals Presents Positive Data from LV Hematology Portfolio at the 27th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT)

On May 10, 2024 Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCKT), a fully integrated, late-stage biotechnology company advancing a sustainable pipeline of genetic therapies for rare disorders with high unmet need, reported longer-term data updates from its lentiviral (LV) vector hematology portfolio presented at the 27th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Press release, Rocket Pharmaceuticals, MAY 10, 2024, View Source [SID1234643098]). Data updates demonstrate the continued safety and efficacy of the Phase 1/2 pivotal studies of KRESLADI (marnetegragene autotemcel) for severe Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency-I (LAD-I) and RP-L102 for Fanconi Anemia (FA), in addition to the Phase 1 study of RP-L301 for Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD).

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"The positive updates presented at this year’s annual meeting demonstrate the sustained safety and efficacy across the totality of our LV hematology portfolio," said Jonathan Schwartz, M.D., Chief Medical & Gene Therapy Officer, Rocket Pharmaceuticals. "Ahead of the upcoming PDUFA date, KRESLADITM continues to demonstrate 100% HSCT-free survival and significant reductions in infection-related hospitalizations following engraftment in patients with severe LAD-I. In our pivotal studies of RP-L102 for Fanconi Anemia, we continue to see maintained genetic and phenotypic correction combined with hematologic stabilization. Additionally, our Phase 1 study of RP-L301 for PKD shows sustained clinically meaningful hemoglobin improvement in all patients. We are very pleased with the safety profile demonstrated across our LV hematology portfolio, with no drug-related serious adverse events observed to date."

Autologous Ex-Vivo Lentiviral Gene Therapy for Pediatric Patients with Severe Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency-I Provides Sustained Efficacy with a Well-Tolerated Safety Profile

The oral presentation includes positive, updated data (cut-off July 24, 2023) from the global Phase 1/2 pivotal studies demonstrating sustained efficacy and safety of KRESLADITM from 18 to 45 months of follow-up for all nine patients with severe LAD-I.

Observed 100% survival in the absence of allogeneic HSCT at least 18 months post-infusion in all nine patients; all patients enrolled at less than 12 months of age have surpassed 24 months without HSCT. All primary and secondary endpoints were met, including sustained genetic and phenotypic correction.
When compared with pre-treatment history, data showed substantial decreases in the incidences of significant infections requiring hospitalization or intravenous antimicrobials, combined with evidence of resolution of LAD-I-related skin and periodontal lesions and restoration of wound repair capabilities.
KRESLADITM was well-tolerated in all patients with no drug-related serious adverse events reported to date. Adverse events related to other study procedures, including busulfan conditioning, have been previously disclosed and are consistent with the safety profiles of those agents and procedures. No cases of graft failure or autologous graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD) were reported.
Based on the positive efficacy and safety data from the global pivotal studies of KRESLADITM for severe LAD-I, the Biologics License Application (BLA) was accepted for review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) who has set the New Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target date of June 30, 2024.
Lentiviral-Mediated Gene Therapy (RP-L102) for Fanconi Anemia [Group A] is Associated with Polyclonal Integration Patterns in the Absence of Conditioning

The oral presentation includes positive, updated data (cut-off September 11, 2023) from the global Phase 1/2 pivotal studies of RP-L102, Rocket’s ex vivo LV gene therapy candidate for FA.

Consistent with results observed from the clinical program, RP-L102 is a potentially curative therapy to prevent FA-related bone marrow failure (BMF), which can be administered without a suitable allogeneic donor or transplant-related toxicities.
RP-L102 demonstrates sustained and progressively increasing genetic correction in eight of 12 patients with greater than 12 months of follow-up. Observed genetic correction is associated with phenotypic correction and hematologic stability.
RP-L102 remains well-tolerated with no significant safety signals.
For the first time, data demonstrate that RP-L102 confers polyclonal insertion patterns indicative of long-term hematopoietic stem cell repopulation of the bone marrow and peripheral blood and clonal diversity in the absence of conditioning.
Based on the positive efficacy and safety data from the global pivotal studies of RP-L102 for FA, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) accepted the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for review. Rocket expects to submit the BLA to the FDA in the first half of 2024.
Gene Therapy for Adult and Pediatric Patients with Severe Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency: Results from a Global Study of RP-L301

The oral presentation includes positive, updated data (cut-off February 5, 2024) from the Phase 1 study from two adult patients with PKD treated with RP-L301 followed up to 36 months and two pediatric patients followed up to 12 months.

Sustained and clinically meaningful hemoglobin improvement observed in all patients including hemoglobin normalization in three of four patients. No patients have required red blood cell transfusion following neutrophil engraftment. Improvements in hemoglobin supported by improved markers of hemolysis and quality of life have been observed.
RP-L301 remains well-tolerated, with no drug-related serious adverse events.
Insertion site analyses in the peripheral blood and bone marrow for both adult patients through 36 months post-RP-L301 demonstrated highly polyclonal patterns with no clonal dominance or insertional mutagenesis. Testing is ongoing for pediatric patients who were more recently treated.
Based on the positive safety and efficacy data from the global Phase 1 study of RP-L301 for PKD, Rocket is working towards initiation of the Phase 2 pivotal study.
About KRESLADITM (marnetegragene autotemcel)

KRESLADITM is an investigational gene therapy for severe Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency-I (LAD-I) that contains autologous (patient-derived) hematopoietic stem cells that have been genetically modified with a lentiviral (LV) vector to deliver a functional copy of the ITGB2 gene, which encodes for the beta-2 integrin component CD18, a key protein that facilitates leukocyte adhesion and enables their extravasation from blood vessels to fight infection. Rocket holds FDA Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT), Rare Pediatric, and Fast Track designations in the U.S., PRIME and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) designations in the EU, and Orphan Drug designations in both regions for the program. KRESLADITM was in-licensed from the Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz. The LV vector was developed in a collaboration between University College London and CIEMAT.

About Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency-I

Severe Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency-I (LAD-I) is a rare, autosomal recessive pediatric disease caused by mutations in the ITGB2 gene encoding for the beta-2 integrin component CD18. CD18 is a key protein that facilitates leukocyte adhesion and extravasation from blood vessels to combat infections. As a result, children with severe LAD-I are often affected immediately after birth. During infancy, they suffer from recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections that respond poorly to antibiotics and require frequent hospitalizations. Children who survive infancy experience recurrent severe infections including pneumonia, gingival ulcers, necrotic skin ulcers, and septicemia. Without a successful bone marrow transplant, survival beyond childhood is rare. Currently the only potential curative treatment is an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), which may not be available in time for these children and itself has substantial morbidity and mortality. There is a high unmet medical need for patients with severe LAD-I.

Rocket’s LAD-I research is made possible by a grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (Grant Number CLIN2-11480). The contents of this press release are solely the responsibility of Rocket and do not necessarily represent the official views of CIRM or any other agency of the State of California.

About RP-L102

RP-L102 is an investigational gene therapy for Fanconi Anemia (FA) that contains autologous (patient-derived) hematopoietic stem cells that have been genetically modified with a lentiviral (LV) vector to contain a functional copy of the FANCA gene. Rocket holds FDA Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT), Rare Pediatric Disease, and Fast Track designations in the U.S., PRIME and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) designations in the EU, and Orphan Drug designation in both regions for the program. RP-L102 was in-licensed from the Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz.

About Fanconi Anemia

Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by bone marrow failure (BMF), cancer predisposition, and congenital malformations. In the absence of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), the primary cause of death among patients with FA is BMF, which typically occurs during the first decade of life. Allogeneic HSCT, when available, corrects the hematologic component of FA, but requires myeloablative conditioning. Both chemotherapy conditioning and graft-versus-host disease, a known complication of allogeneic HSCT, are associated with an increased risk of solid tumors, mainly squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region. Approximately 60-70% of patients with FA have a Fanconi Anemia complementation group A (FANCA) gene mutation, which encodes for a protein essential for DNA repair. Mutations in the FANCA gene lead to chromosomal breakage and increased sensitivity to oxidative and environmental stress. Increased sensitivity to DNA-alkylating agents such as mitomycin-C (MMC) or diepoxybutane (DEB) is a "gold standard" test for FA diagnosis. Somatic mosaicism occurs when there is a spontaneous correction of the mutated gene that can lead to stabilization or correction of an FA patient’s blood counts in the absence of any administered therapy. Somatic mosaicism, often referred to as "natural gene therapy" provides a strong rationale for the development of FA gene therapy because of the selective growth advantage of gene-corrected hematopoietic stem cells over FA cells. There is a high unmet medical need for patients with FA.

About RP-L301

RP-L301 is an investigational gene therapy that contains autologous hematopoietic stem cells that have been genetically modified with a lentiviral (LV) vector to contain a functional copy of the PKLR gene, which is responsible for energy production in red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs carry oxygen to the rest of the body. Rocket holds FDA Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) and Fast Track designations in the U.S., EMA PRIME designation in the EU, and Orphan Drug designation in both regions for the program. RP-L301 was in-licensed from the Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD).

About Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) is a rare, monogenic red blood cell disorder resulting from a mutation in the PKLR gene encoding for the pyruvate kinase enzyme, a key component of the red blood cell glycolytic pathway. Mutations in the PKLR gene result in increased red blood cell destruction and potentially life-threatening anemia with a significant impact to quality of life. PKD has an estimated prevalence of 4,000 to 8,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe. Children are the most commonly and severely affected subgroup of patients. Patients with PKD have a high unmet medical need, as currently available treatments include splenectomy and red blood cell transfusions, which are associated with immune defects and chronic iron overload. Mitapivat, an oral enzyme activator, is approved for use in adult patients, however its efficacy is limited in more severely-afflicted patients, most notably in those who are splenectomized, transfusion-dependent, or whose disease results from deleterious mutations.

SN Bioscience Receives FDA Fast Track Designation for Small Cell Lung Cancer

On May 10, 2024 SN Bioscience Co. Ltd. (CEO Park Young-hwan) reported that the FDA has granted Fast Track Designation for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) for SNB-101 (API: SN-38), a new drug for polymer nanoparticle anticancer under clinical trial (Press release, SN BioScience, MAY 10, 2024, View Source [SID1234643095]). SNB-101 was designated as an orphan drug for small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer in July of last year and February of this year, respectively. By receiving fast-track designation this time, it is evaluated that it has laid the groundwork that can be commercialized immediately after completion of phase 2 clinical trials.

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Despite a long period of research and development, SCLC still remains a field with high medical unmet needs. Currently, the first-line standard treatment is a combination therapy of cisplatin and etoposide, a classic cytotoxic anticancer drug, and ‘clinical trials’ are included as second-line treatments in the NCCN guidelines.

Fast track is a process designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need. The Fast Track designation facilitates the interactions with the FDA and allows a rolling review for the submission package so it can be reviewed in each section, rather than waiting until every section of the NDA is completed. Additionally, it may be possible to apply for accelerated approval after the completion of phase 2 clinical trials and priority review immediately after the completion of phase 3 clinical trials when qualified.

SNB-101 is the world’s first nanoparticle anticancer drug that has been developed extremely insoluble SN-38 into polymer nanoparticles. The nano micelle technology, a core platform technology of SN Bioscience, has been applied. Preclinical and phase 1 clinical results showed that it significantly reduced digestive system adverse events (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) compared to existing anticancer drugs, and especially showed excellent efficacy in patients related to lung cancer through lung targeting. The phase 1 clinical trial has been completed, IND for phase 2 has been approved in Korea, and global clinical trials are scheduled to begin after IND approval for phase 2 in the US and Europe in the second half of this year. Following small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, attempts are being made to expand its indications to other solid cancers such as colon cancer, gastric cancer, and biliary tract cancer, and will be verified through phase 2 clinical trials.

WestGene’s mRNA Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine Receives FDA Approval

On May 10, 2024 WestGene, a biotech company dedicated to mRNA technology, reported a historic milestone with the FDA IND approval of its mRNA therapeutic cancer vaccine, WGc-043 (Press release, WestGene Biopharma, MAY 10, 2024, View Source [SID1234643094]). This landmark achievement marks the world’s first approval of an EB virus-related mRNA therapeutic cancer vaccine.

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Founded by renowned Dr. Yuquan Wei, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Xiangrong Song, WestGene has become a driving force in mRNA technology research and innovative drug development. With a relentless pursuit of scientific excellence, WestGene’s latest milestone underscores its commitment to advancing the frontiers of biomedicine.

The FDA approval of WGc-043 represents a significant advance in cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients with advanced EB virus-related cancers. EB virus is highly correlated with more than ten malignancies, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), natural killer T-cell lymphoma (NKTL), gastric cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. These are potential indications for WGc-043.

WGc-043 shows promising efficacy, low toxicity, broad applicability, efficient scalability, and cost effectiveness. WGc-043 has already completed investigator-initiated trials (IIT) in NPC and NKTL, demonstrating superior safety and efficacy compared to other publicly available mRNA therapeutic cancer vaccines. Once successfully launched, WGc-043 will provide a new treatment option for patients with advanced EB virus-positive solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

As WestGene moves forward, its strategic focus on global collaboration underscores its vision for commercial expansion and market penetration. With a diverse pipeline of over 20 mRNA-based therapeutic products targeting a spectrum of diseases, WestGene is poised to reshape the biopharmaceutical landscape. WestGene has made significant breakthroughs in the three key technologies of mRNA drug development: mRNA sequence design, delivery vectors, and manufacturing. And the patent for ionizable lipids has been granted in countries and regions such as China, the United States and Europe.

The FDA approval of WGc-043 marks a turning point in the fight against cancers and underscores WestGene’s commitment to mRNA technology. As WestGene continues to push the boundaries of scientific discovery, its pioneering spirit promises to open new frontiers in cancer therapy and beyond.

Intensity Therapeutics, Inc. and The Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research SAKK Sign a Collaboration Agreement to Conduct a Phase 2 Randomized, Clinical Trial in Early-Stage Breast Cancer in Europe for INT230-6, Intensity’s Lead Drug Candidate

On May 10, 2024 Intensity Therapeutics, Inc. ("Intensity" or "the Company") (Nasdaq: INTS), a late-stage clinical biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of proprietary, novel immune-based intratumoral cancer therapies designed to kill tumors and increase immune system recognition of cancers, reported that the Company executed a collaboration agreement with The Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research SAKK ("SAKK") to conduct a Phase 2 randomized, (one to one), controlled trial evaluating clinical and biological effects of intratumoral INT230-6 followed by the standard of care ("SOC") immuno/chemotherapy vs. SOC immune/chemotherapy alone in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer ("TNBC") in 54 patients in Switzerland and selected countries in Europe (the "INVINCIBLE-4 Study") (Press release, Intensity Therapeutics, MAY 10, 2024, View Source [SID1234643093]). The INVINCIBLE-4 Study is an open-label randomized two-cohort phase 2 clinical trial.

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SAKK shall undertake the trial as the "Legal Sponsor" of the study, with the regulatory agencies in Switzerland and the European Union as described in the study protocol. SAKK will also ensure that all investigators and personnel who participate in the study are informed and trained. Intensity shall fund the study, provide the investigational drug product, and other necessary information to conduct the trial. The primary efficacy endpoint of the INVINCIBLE-4 Study is pathological complete response (pCR) in the primary tumor (ypT0/Tis) and affected lymph nodes (ypN0). Additional key research questions include the immune landscape of the tumor microenvironment and peripheral blood, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes predictive for pCR, and adverse events according to National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0.

"We are excited to be working with SAKK on our INVINCIBLE-4 Study in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer," said Lewis H. Bender, Founder, President and CEO of Intensity Therapeutics, Inc. "TNBC poses significant challenges due to its aggressiveness, high relapse rates, and increased mortality especially in patients with large tumors. Achieving pathological complete response (pCR) and clearing positive lymph nodes are crucial prognostic factors for event-free survival. Results from our first INVINCBLE-2 study showed that INT230-6 could cause greater than 95% necrosis in large breast cancer tumors following a single dose with the induction of an immune response. By adding up to 2 doses of our unique drug before the standard of care, we hope to increase the rate of patients’ pCR, which is an FDA-approved endpoint for accelerated approval. The pCR data from this study, which we expect in the second half of 2025, should provide the information needed to size our Phase 3 trial in presurgical TNBC."

About INT230-6

INT230-6, Intensity’s lead proprietary investigational product candidate, is designed for direct intratumoral injection. INT230-6 was discovered using Intensity’s proprietary DfuseRx℠ technology platform. The drug is composed of two proven, potent anti-cancer agents, cisplatin and vinblastine, and a penetration enhancer molecule (SHAO) that helps disperse potent cytotoxic drugs throughout tumors for diffusion into cancer cells. These agents remain in the tumor resulting in a favorable safety profile. In addition to local disease control, direct killing of the tumor by INT230-6 releases a bolus of neoantigens specific to the patient’s malignancy, leading to engagement of the immune system and systemic anti-tumor effects. Importantly, these effects are mediated without immunosuppression that so often occurs with systemic chemotherapy.

About Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Approximately 11-17% of breast cancers test negative for estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and excess human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein, qualifying them as triple negative. TNBC is considered to be more aggressive and has a poorer prognosis than other types of breast cancer, mainly because there are fewer available targeted medicines. Most patients with local TNBC typically receive immune/chemotherapy before surgery.