Degron Therapeutics Announces Multi-Target Collaboration and Exclusive License Agreement with Takeda to Discover Molecular Glue Degraders

On May 23, 2024 Degron Therapeutics ("Degron"), the company using its molecular glue-based targeted protein degradation drug-discovery platform to advance human health, reported it has entered into a collaboration and exclusive license agreement with Takeda to discover and develop novel molecular glue degraders for multiple targets in oncology, neuroscience, and inflammation (Press release, Takeda, MAY 23, 2024, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/degron-therapeutics-announces-multi-target-collaboration-and-exclusive-license-agreement-with-takeda-to-discover-molecular-glue-degraders-302152086.html [SID1234643644]).

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Degron and Takeda will collaborate to utilize Degron’s GlueXplorer platform to identify, validate, and optimize molecular glue degraders for specific therapeutic targets selected by Takeda. Upon reaching a certain stage of advancement, the projects would be transitioned to Takeda for further development and commercialization.

"We are excited to collaborate with Takeda, expanding the use of our platform into new therapeutic areas," said Lily Zou, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Degron Therapeutics. "Degron’s differentiated and powerful GlueXplorer platform has been validated by its robust, first-in-class pipeline of novel molecular glue drugs for disease targets that are undruggable by other modalities or better addressed with this new modality. By partnering with Takeda, we combine our molecular glue discovery expertise with Takeda’s vast drug development and commercialization experience in hopes of offering patients worldwide a new class of treatments."

Under the terms of the agreement, Degron Therapeutics will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive potential future preclinical, clinical development and commercial milestone payments that could total $1.2 billion if all related milestones are achieved over the course of the agreement. Degron is also eligible to receive tiered royalty payments on sales of any potential commercialized products. The parties have the option to expand the collaboration to include more targets. Additionally, Takeda will make an equity investment in Degron. Degron Therapeutics will retain full ownership of its pipeline programs.

"Molecular glue degraders are a new class of drugs that can be directed at targets previously inaccessible or inadequately modulated by other treatment modalities," said Chris Arendt, Chief Scientific Officer, Head of Research at Takeda. "This collaboration with Degron not only adds an innovative new platform to our drug discovery toolbox, it is also an example of cutting-edge innovation emerging in the exciting China biotech sector."

Founded in 2021, Degron Therapeutics builds on research from the laboratory of ShanghaiTech University professor and company co-founder Yong Cang, Ph.D. Degron developed a proprietary GlueXplorer platform, which encompasses a unique and expanding library of structurally differentiated molecular glue degraders, multiple complementary screening approaches, and extensive assays to thoroughly validate the molecular glue mechanism for degraders discovered by the platform. Degron has generated a large amount of proprietary data and developed an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to predict novel molecular glue targets and accelerate compound discovery. Degron has created more than 60 novel diverse cores and 10,000 compounds for its library and a robust pipeline of programs targeting important disease targets including previously undruggable ones across multiple therapeutic areas.

Servier Highlights Commitment to Improving Cancer Outcomes at ASCO 2024

On May 23, 2024 Servier, a global leader in oncology focused on delivering meaningful therapeutic progress for the patients it serves, reported that it will showcase data from across its oncology portfolio at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, May 31-June 4 (Press release, Servier, MAY 23, 2024, View Source [SID1234643643]). New data including two abstracts highlight Servier’s continued leadership in IDH-inhibition.

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Among the data to be presented are preliminary findings from real-world evidence that show trends on treatment patterns in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Servier will also share initial results from a Phase 1/2, safety lead-in and dose expansion, open-label, multicenter trial investigating the safety, tolerability, and preliminary activity of ivosidenib in combination with nivolumab and ipilimumab in previously treated subjects with IDH1-mutated nonresectable or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).

"Servier is doubling down its conviction to address the unmet needs of patients battling cancer, and our dedication shines through as we prepare to attend and present at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) this year," said Becky Martin, PhD, Chief of Medical, Servier Pharmaceuticals. "With over half of our global research & development budget allocated to oncology, our team is committed to advancing scientific studies and being open to innovation both through internal and external means. We’re focused on advancing our reputation of being a key innovator in cancer treatment and are actively seeking partnerships that can expedite access to life-changing therapies for patients."

For more information on Servier’s abstracts for ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), please visit ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper)’s website.

Eisai Showcases Oncology Portfolio and Pipeline at ASCO 2024

On May 23, 2024 Eisai reported the presentation of research across multiple types of cancer from its oncology portfolio and pipeline during the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (#ASCO24), which is taking place virtually and in-person in Chicago, Illinois from May 31 to June 4 (Press release, Eisai, MAY 23, 2024, View Source [SID1234643642]).

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Notable data include an oral presentation on biomarker analyses from the pivotal Phase 3 CLEAR (Study 307)/KEYNOTE-581 trial (NCT02811861), which evaluated lenvatinib (LENVIMA), the orally available multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor discovered by Eisai, plus pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, versus sunitinib for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (Abstract #4504). An analysis of patterns of disease progression and subsequent therapy from this trial will also be presented in a poster presentation (Abstract #4524).

"At Eisai, we let the science drive us to new approaches that accelerate progress in oncology, while also remaining grounded in our human health care concept that reinforces our commitment to prioritize the needs of patients and families impacted by a cancer diagnosis," said Dr. Takashi Owa, Chief Scientific Officer, Senior Vice President, Eisai Co., Ltd. "With this in mind, we look forward to sharing research that provides further insight into the role of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab as a first-line standard of care option in advanced renal cell carcinoma, as well as research that explores various modalities in our pipeline for the potential treatment of advanced diseases with the goal of improving patients’ lives."

Other key research of note from Eisai’s pipeline include an oral presentation of Phase 3 data from the JBCRG-M06/EMERALD study in Japan evaluating trastuzumab and pertuzumab in combination with Eisai’s eribulin mesylate or a taxane in patients with HER2-positive, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (NCT03264547; Abstract #1007). Additional pipeline research to be presented in poster sessions include an overview of a Phase 2 study of BB-1701, an antibody drug conjugate targeting HER2, in previously treated patients with HER2-positive or HER2-low unresectable or metastatic breast cancer (NCT06188559; Abstract #TPS1122), findings from a Phase 1b trial of tasurgratinib (development code: E7090) with or without endocrine therapies for patients with ER positive, HER2 negative recurrent/metastatic breast cancer after receiving a CDK4/6 inhibitor (NCT04572295; Abstract #3103), as well as the dose-expansion part of a Phase 1b global study of E7386 (a Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulator) in combination with lenvatinib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and other solid tumors including endometrial cancer (NCT04008797; Abstract #TPS3169).

This release discusses investigational compounds and investigational uses for FDA-approved products. It is not intended to convey conclusions about efficacy and safety. There is no guarantee that any investigational compounds or investigational uses of FDA-approved products will successfully complete clinical development or gain FDA approval.

The full list of Eisai presentations is included below. These abstracts will be made available via the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) website on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 5:00 PM EDT.

Cancer Type

Study/Compound

Abstract Title

Abstract Type & Details

Lenvatinib Plus Pembrolizumab

Genitourinary Cancer

CLEAR

Biomarker analyses in patients with
advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) from
the phase 3 CLEAR trial

Oral Abstract Session

Abstract #4504

June 3, 2024

10:00 AM EDT /

9:00 AM CDT

Genitourinary Cancer

CLEAR

Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab (L+P) vs
sunitinib (S) in advanced renal cell
carcinoma (aRCC): Patterns of progression
and subsequent therapy in the CLEAR trial

Poster Session

Abstract #4524

June 2, 2024

10:00 AM EDT /

9:00 AM PM CDT

Melanoma

LEAP-004

Lenvatinib (len) plus pembrolizumab
(pembro) in patients with advanced
melanoma that progressed on anti-PD-(L)1
therapy: Over 4 years of follow-up from the
phase 2 LEAP-004 study

Poster Session

Abstract #9559

June 1, 2024

2:30 PM EDT /

1:30 PM CDT

Lenvatinib

Differentiated

Thyroid Cancer

Real-World Evidence

Patients with radioiodine-refractory
differentiated thyroid cancer (RAI-R DTC)
with BRAF V600E and/or K601E mutation
status: A real-world view of effectiveness of
lenvatinib monotherapy

Poster Session

Abstract #6098

June 2, 2024

10:00 AM EDT /

9:00 AM CDT

Gastrointestinal
Cancer

REFLECT

ctDNA analysis of patients (pts) with
unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
(uHCC) treated with lenvatinib (LEN) or
sorafenib (SOR) as 1L therapy

Poster Session

Abstract #4094

June 1, 2024

2:30 PM EDT /

1:30 PM CDT

Eribulin

Breast Cancer

JBCRG-M06/

EMERALD

Trastuzumab and pertuzumab in
combination with eribulin mesylate or a
taxane as first-line chemotherapeutic
treatment for HER2-positive, locally
advanced or metastatic breast cancer:
Results of a multicenter, randomized, non-
inferiority phase 3 trial in Japan (JBCRG-
M06/EMERALD)

Oral Abstract Session

Abstract #1007

June 1, 2023

6:00 PM EDT /

5:00 PM CDT

Pipeline

Breast Cancer

BB-1701

An open-label, multicenter, phase 2 study to
evaluate the safety and efficacy of BB-1701,
a novel antibody drug conjugate (ADC)
targeting human epidermal
growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), in
previously treated patients with HER2-
positive (HER2+) or HER2-low unresectable
or metastatic breast cancer (BC)

Poster Session

Abstract #TPS1122

June 2, 2024

10:00 AM EDT /

9:00 AM CDT

tasurgratinib

Phase Ib trial of tasurgratinib (E7090) with
or without endocrine therapies for patients
(pts) with ER+, HER2− recurrent/metastatic
breast cancer (BC) after receiving a CDK4/6
inhibitor

Poster Session

Abstract #3103

June 1, 2024

10:00 AM EDT / 9:00 AM CDT

H3B-6545

H3B-6545 in women with locally
advanced/metastatic estrogen receptor-
positive (ER+), HER2 negative (-) breast
cancer (BC)

Rapid Oral Session

Abstract #1015

June 3, 2024

12:36 PM EDT /

11:36 AM CDT

H3B-6545

H3B-6545 + palbociclib in patients (pts) with
locally advanced/metastatic estrogen
receptor-positive (ER+), HER2 negative (-)
breast cancer (BC)

Poster Session

Abstract #1051

June 2, 2024

10:00 AM EDT /

9:00 AM CDT

Solid Tumors

E7386

Dose-expansion part of a phase 1b global
study of E7386 in combination with
lenvatinib (LEN) in patients (pts) with
hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other
solid tumors including endometrial cancer
(EC)

Poster Session

Abstract #TPS3169

June 1, 2024

10:00 AM EDT /

9:00 AM CDT

In March 2018, Eisai and Merck (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada), through an affiliate, entered into a strategic collaboration for the worldwide co-development and co-commercialization of lenvatinib, both as monotherapy and in combination with Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, pembrolizumab. Eisai and Merck are studying the lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab combination through the LEAP (LEnvatinib And Pembrolizumab) clinical program in various tumor types across multiple clinical trials.

In May 2023, Eisai entered into a joint development agreement with Bliss Biopharmaceutical (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Zhejiang Province, China, "BlissBio"), for BB-1701, a HER2-targeting antibody drug conjugate (ADC), with option rights for a strategic collaboration. Eisai and BlissBio are currently investigating BB-1701 in a Phase 2 clinical trial in Japan and the United States for breast cancer, and a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in the United States and China for HER2-expressing solid tumors.

About BB-1701
BB-1701 is an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) that is composed of Eisai’s in-house developed cytotoxic agent eribulin, and an anti-HER2 antibody using a linker, and is expected to have anti-tumor effects on breast, lung and other solid tumors that express HER2 through direct cytotoxicity (including immunogenic cell death), a bystander effect* and immune response-induced cell death.

*Bystander effect: When the cytotoxic agent and antibody parts of an ADC are separated inside a targeted antigen-positive cancer cell, the released cytotoxic agent also affects neighboring antigen-negative cancer cells and the component cells of the cancer microenvironment.

About E7386
E7386 is a selective inhibitor of the interaction between the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) binding protein (CBP) / β-catenin and a modulator of the Wnt / β-catenin signaling pathway. E7386 is thought to block the protein-protein interaction between a transcriptional co-activator, CBP and β-catenin, resulting in the inhibition of Wnt / β-catenin pathway-dependent gene expression. Since E7386 is thought to act on the CBP / β-catenin transcription complex located at the most downstream of the Wnt signaling, it is expected to inhibit not only ligand-dependent activation but also activation caused by gene mutations in Wnt signaling factors such as adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and β-catenin. E7386 is created through collaboration research between Eisai and PRISM BioLab Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kanagawa)

About HALAVEN (eribulin mesylate) Injection (0.5 mg/mL)
HALAVEN (eribulin mesylate) Injection is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) who have previously received at least 2 chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of metastatic disease. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline and a taxane in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting. HALAVEN is also indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma who have received a prior anthracycline-containing regimen.

Eribulin is a microtubule dynamics inhibitor in the halichondrin class with a novel mechanism of action, developed in-house by Eisai. Structurally, eribulin is a simplified and synthetically produced version of halichondrin B, a natural product isolated from the marine sponge Halichondria okadai. Eribulin is believed to work by inhibiting the growth phase of microtubule dynamics which prevents cell division. In addition, non-clinical studies showed eribulin’s unique actions in the tumor microenvironment such as an increase in vascular perfusion and permeability in tumor cores, promotion of the epithelial state, decrease in capacity of breast cancer cells to migrate, etc.

Important Safety Information for HALAVEN

Warnings and Precautions

Neutropenia: Severe neutropenia (ANC <500/mm3) lasting >1 week occurred in 12% of patients with mBC. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 5% of patients with mBC and 2 patients (0.4%) died from complications. Patients with mBC with elevated liver enzymes >3 × ULN and bilirubin >1.5 × ULN experienced a higher incidence of Grade 4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia than patients with normal levels. Monitor complete blood cell counts prior to each dose, and increase the frequency of monitoring in patients who develop Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias. Delay administration and reduce subsequent doses in patients who experience febrile neutropenia or Grade 4 neutropenia lasting >7 days.

Peripheral Neuropathy: Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy occurred in 8% of patients with mBC (Grade 4=0.4%) and 22% developed a new or worsening neuropathy that had not recovered within a median follow-up duration of 269 days (range 25-662 days). Neuropathy lasting >1 year occurred in 5% of patients with mBC. Patients should be monitored for signs of peripheral motor and sensory neuropathy. Withhold HALAVEN in patients who experience Grade 3 or 4 peripheral neuropathy until resolution to Grade 2 or less.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: HALAVEN can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with HALAVEN and for at least 2 weeks following the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with HALAVEN and for 3.5 months following the final dose.

QT Prolongation: Monitor for prolonged QT intervals in patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, drugs known to prolong the QT interval, and electrolyte abnormalities. Correct hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia prior to initiating HALAVEN and monitor these electrolytes periodically during therapy. Avoid in patients with congenital long QT syndrome.

Adverse Reactions

In patients with mBC receiving HALAVEN, the most common adverse reactions (≥25%) were neutropenia (82%), anemia (58%), asthenia/fatigue (54%), alopecia (45%), peripheral neuropathy (35%), nausea (35%), and constipation (25%). Febrile neutropenia (4%) and neutropenia (2%) were the most common serious adverse reactions. The most common adverse reaction resulting in discontinuation was peripheral neuropathy (5%).

In patients with liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma receiving HALAVEN, the most common adverse reactions (≥25%) reported in patients receiving HALAVEN were fatigue (62%), nausea (41%), alopecia (35%), constipation (32%), peripheral neuropathy (29%), abdominal pain (29%), and pyrexia (28%). The most common (≥5%) Grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities reported in patients receiving HALAVEN were neutropenia (32%), hypokalemia (5.4%), and hypocalcemia (5%). Neutropenia (4.9%) and pyrexia (4.5%) were the most common serious adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions resulting in discontinuation were fatigue and thrombocytopenia (0.9% each).

Use in Specific Populations

Lactation: Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from eribulin mesylate, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with HALAVEN and for 2 weeks after the final dose.

Hepatic and Renal Impairment: A reduction in starting dose is recommended for patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment and/or moderate or severe renal impairment.

For more information about HALAVEN, click here for the full Prescribing Information.

HALAVEN is a registered trademark used by Eisai Inc. under license from Eisai R&D Management Co., Ltd.

About LENVIMA (lenvatinib) Capsules

LENVIMA is indicated:

For the treatment of adult patients with locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)
In combination with pembrolizumab, for the first line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
In combination with everolimus for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following one prior anti-angiogenic therapy
For the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
In combination with pembrolizumab, for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma (EC) that is mismatch repair proficient (pMMR), as determined by an FDA-approved test, or not microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
LENVIMA, discovered and developed by Eisai, is a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits the kinase activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors VEGFR1 (FLT1), VEGFR2 (KDR), and VEGFR3 (FLT4). LENVIMA inhibits other kinases that have been implicated in pathogenic angiogenesis, tumor growth, and cancer progression in addition to their normal cellular functions, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors FGFR1-4, the platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA), KIT, and RET. Lenvatinib also exhibited antiproliferative activity in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines dependent on activated FGFR signaling with a concurrent inhibition of FGF-receptor substrate 2 alpha (FRS2) phosphorylation. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, the combination of lenvatinib with an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody decreased tumor-associated macrophages, increased activated cytotoxic T cells, and demonstrated greater antitumor activity compared to either treatment alone. The combination of LENVIMA and everolimus showed increased antiangiogenic and antitumor activity as demonstrated by decreased human endothelial cell proliferation, tube formation, and VEGF signaling in vitro and tumor volume in mouse xenograft models of human renal cell cancer greater than each drug alone.

Important Safety Information for LENVIMA

Warnings and Precautions

Hypertension. In DTC (differentiated thyroid cancer), hypertension occurred in 73% of patients on LENVIMA (44% grade 3-4). In RCC (renal cell carcinoma), hypertension occurred in 42% of patients on LENVIMA + everolimus (13% grade 3). Systolic blood pressure ≥160 mmHg occurred in 29% of patients, and 21% had diastolic blood pressure ≥100 mmHg. In HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma), hypertension occurred in 45% of LENVIMA-treated patients (24% grade 3). Grade 4 hypertension was not reported in HCC.

Serious complications of poorly controlled hypertension have been reported. Control blood pressure prior to initiation. Monitor blood pressure after 1 week, then every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, and then at least monthly thereafter during treatment. Withhold and resume at reduced dose when hypertension is controlled or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Cardiac Dysfunction. Serious and fatal cardiac dysfunction can occur with LENVIMA. Across clinical trials in 799 patients with DTC, RCC, and HCC, grade 3 or higher cardiac dysfunction occurred in 3% of LENVIMA-treated patients. Monitor for clinical symptoms or signs of cardiac dysfunction. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Arterial Thromboembolic Events. Among patients receiving LENVIMA or LENVIMA + everolimus, arterial thromboembolic events of any severity occurred in 2% of patients in RCC and HCC and 5% in DTC. Grade 3-5 arterial thromboembolic events ranged from 2% to 3% across all clinical trials.

Among patients receiving LENVIMA with pembrolizumab, arterial thrombotic events of any severity occurred in 5% of patients in CLEAR, including myocardial infarction (3.4%) and cerebrovascular accident (2.3%).

Permanently discontinue following an arterial thrombotic event. The safety of resuming after an arterial thromboembolic event has not been established, and LENVIMA has not been studied in patients who have had an arterial thromboembolic event within the previous 6 months.

Hepatotoxicity. Across clinical studies enrolling 1327 LENVIMA-treated patients with malignancies other than HCC, serious hepatic adverse reactions occurred in 1.4% of patients. Fatal events, including hepatic failure, acute hepatitis, and hepatorenal syndrome, occurred in 0.5% of patients. In HCC, hepatic encephalopathy occurred in 8% of LENVIMA-treated patients (5% grade 3-5). Grade 3-5 hepatic failure occurred in 3% of LENVIMA-treated patients; 2% of patients discontinued LENVIMA due to hepatic encephalopathy, and 1% discontinued due to hepatic failure.

Monitor liver function prior to initiation, then every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, and at least monthly thereafter during treatment. Monitor patients with HCC closely for signs of hepatic failure, including hepatic encephalopathy. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Renal Failure or Impairment. Serious including fatal renal failure or impairment can occur with LENVIMA. Renal impairment was reported in 14% and 7% of LENVIMA-treated patients in DTC and HCC, respectively. Grade 3-5 renal failure or impairment occurred in 3% of patients with DTC and 2% of patients with HCC, including 1 fatal event in each study. In RCC, renal impairment or renal failure was reported in 18% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients (10% grade 3).

Initiate prompt management of diarrhea or dehydration/hypovolemia. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue for renal failure or impairment based on severity.

Proteinuria. In DTC and HCC, proteinuria was reported in 34% and 26% of LENVIMA-treated patients, respectively. Grade 3 proteinuria occurred in 11% and 6% in DTC and HCC, respectively. In RCC, proteinuria occurred in 31% of patients receiving LENVIMA + everolimus (8% grade 3). Monitor for proteinuria prior to initiation and periodically during treatment. If urine dipstick proteinuria ≥2+ is detected, obtain a 24-hour urine protein. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Diarrhea. Of the 737 LENVIMA-treated patients in DTC and HCC, diarrhea occurred in 49% (6% grade 3). In RCC, diarrhea occurred in 81% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients (19% grade 3). Diarrhea was the most frequent cause of dose interruption/reduction, and diarrhea recurred despite dose reduction. Promptly initiate management of diarrhea. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Fistula Formation and Gastrointestinal Perforation. Of the 799 patients treated with LENVIMA or LENVIMA + everolimus in DTC, RCC, and HCC, fistula or gastrointestinal perforation occurred in 2%. Permanently discontinue in patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation of any severity or grade 3-4 fistula.

QT Interval Prolongation. In DTC, QT/QTc interval prolongation occurred in 9% of LENVIMA-treated patients and QT interval prolongation of >500 ms occurred in 2%. In RCC, QTc interval increases of >60 ms occurred in 11% of patients receiving LENVIMA + everolimus and QTc interval >500 ms occurred in 6%. In HCC, QTc interval increases of >60 ms occurred in 8% of LENVIMA-treated patients and QTc interval >500 ms occurred in 2%.

Monitor and correct electrolyte abnormalities at baseline and periodically during treatment. Monitor electrocardiograms in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, or those who are taking drugs known to prolong the QT interval, including Class Ia and III antiarrhythmics. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery based on severity.

Hypocalcemia. In DTC, grade 3-4 hypocalcemia occurred in 9% of LENVIMA-treated patients. In 65% of cases, hypocalcemia improved or resolved following calcium supplementation with or without dose interruption or dose reduction. In RCC, grade 3-4 hypocalcemia occurred in 6% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients. In HCC, grade 3 hypocalcemia occurred in 0.8% of LENVIMA-treated patients. Monitor blood calcium levels at least monthly and replace calcium as necessary during treatment. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue depending on severity.

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS). Across clinical studies of 1823 patients who received LENVIMA as a single agent, RPLS occurred in 0.3%. Confirm diagnosis of RPLS with MRI. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue depending on severity and persistence of neurologic symptoms.

Hemorrhagic Events. Serious including fatal hemorrhagic events can occur with LENVIMA. In DTC, RCC, and HCC clinical trials, hemorrhagic events, of any grade, occurred in 29% of the 799 patients treated with LENVIMA as a single agent or in combination with everolimus. The most frequently reported hemorrhagic events (all grades and occurring in at least 5% of patients) were epistaxis and hematuria. In DTC, grade 3-5 hemorrhage occurred in 2% of LENVIMA-treated patients, including 1 fatal intracranial hemorrhage among 16 patients who received LENVIMA and had CNS metastases at baseline. In RCC, grade 3-5 hemorrhage occurred in 8% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients, including 1 fatal cerebral hemorrhage. In HCC, grade 3-5 hemorrhage occurred in 5% of LENVIMA-treated patients, including 7 fatal hemorrhagic events. Serious tumor-related bleeds, including fatal hemorrhagic events, occurred in LENVIMA-treated patients in clinical trials and in the postmarketing setting. In postmarketing surveillance, serious and fatal carotid artery hemorrhages were seen more frequently in patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) than other tumors. Safety and effectiveness of LENVIMA in patients with ATC have not been demonstrated in clinical trials.

Consider the risk of severe or fatal hemorrhage associated with tumor invasion or infiltration of major blood vessels (eg, carotid artery). Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Impairment of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Suppression/Thyroid Dysfunction. LENVIMA impairs exogenous thyroid suppression. In DTC, 88% of patients had baseline thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level ≤0.5 mU/L. In patients with normal TSH at baseline, elevation of TSH level >0.5 mU/L was observed post baseline in 57% of LENVIMA-treated patients. In RCC and HCC, grade 1 or 2 hypothyroidism occurred in 24% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients and 21% of LENVIMA-treated patients, respectively. In patients with normal or low TSH at baseline, elevation of TSH was observed post baseline in 70% of LENVIMA-treated patients in HCC and 60% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients in RCC.

Monitor thyroid function prior to initiation and at least monthly during treatment. Treat hypothyroidism according to standard medical practice.

Impaired Wound Healing. Impaired wound healing has been reported in patients who received LENVIMA. Withhold LENVIMA for at least 1 week prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of LENVIMA after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). ONJ has been reported in patients receiving LENVIMA. Concomitant exposure to other risk factors, such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, dental disease, or invasive dental procedures, may increase the risk of ONJ.

Perform an oral examination prior to treatment with LENVIMA and periodically during LENVIMA treatment. Advise patients regarding good oral hygiene practices and to consider having preventive dentistry performed prior to treatment with LENVIMA and throughout treatment with LENVIMA.

Avoid invasive dental procedures, if possible, while on LENVIMA treatment, particularly in patients at higher risk. Withhold LENVIMA for at least 1 week prior to scheduled dental surgery or invasive dental procedures, if possible. For patients requiring invasive dental procedures, discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment may reduce the risk of ONJ.

Withhold LENVIMA if ONJ develops and restart based on clinical judgement of adequate resolution.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity. Based on its mechanism of action and data from animal reproduction studies, LENVIMA can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of lenvatinib during organogenesis at doses below the recommended clinical doses resulted in embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity, and teratogenicity in rats and rabbits. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus and advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LENVIMA and for 30 days after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions
In DTC, the most common adverse reactions (≥30%) observed in LENVIMA-treated patients were hypertension (73%), fatigue (67%), diarrhea (67%), arthralgia/myalgia (62%), decreased appetite (54%), decreased weight (51%), nausea (47%), stomatitis (41%), headache (38%), vomiting (36%), proteinuria (34%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (32%), abdominal pain (31%), and dysphonia (31%). The most common serious adverse reactions (≥2%) were pneumonia (4%), hypertension (3%), and dehydration (3%). Adverse reactions led to dose reductions in 68% of LENVIMA-treated patients; 18% discontinued LENVIMA. The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) resulting in dose reductions were hypertension (13%), proteinuria (11%), decreased appetite (10%), and diarrhea (10%); the most common adverse reactions (≥1%) resulting in discontinuation of LENVIMA were hypertension (1%) and asthenia (1%).

In RCC, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) observed in LENVIMA + pembrolizumab-treated patients were fatigue (63%), diarrhea (62%), musculoskeletal pain (58%), hypothyroidism (57%), hypertension (56%), stomatitis (43%), decreased appetite (41%), rash (37%), nausea (36%), decreased weight (30%), dysphonia (30%), proteinuria (30%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (29%), abdominal pain (27%), hemorrhagic events (27%), vomiting (26%), constipation (25%), hepatotoxicity (25%), headache (23%), and acute kidney injury (21%). The most common serious adverse reactions (≥2%) were hemorrhagic events (5%), diarrhea (4%), hypertension (3%), myocardial infarction (3%), pneumonitis (3%), vomiting (3%), acute kidney injury (2%), adrenal insufficiency (2%), dyspnea (2%), and pneumonia (2%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4.3% of patients receiving LENVIMA in combination with pembrolizumab, including cardio-respiratory arrest (0.9%), sepsis (0.9%), and one case (0.3%) each of arrhythmia, autoimmune hepatitis, dyspnea, hypertensive crisis, increased blood creatinine, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, myasthenic syndrome, myocarditis, nephritis, pneumonitis, ruptured aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 51% of patients receiving LENVIMA and pembrolizumab. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients were hemorrhagic events (5%), diarrhea (4%), hypertension (3%), myocardial infarction (3%), pneumonitis (3%), vomiting (3%), acute kidney injury (2%), adrenal insufficiency (2%), dyspnea (2%), and pneumonia (2%). Permanent discontinuation of LENVIMA, pembrolizumab, or both due to an adverse reaction occurred in 37% of patients; 26% LENVIMA only, 29% pembrolizumab only, and 13% both drugs. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) leading to permanent discontinuation of LENVIMA, pembrolizumab, or both were pneumonitis (3%), myocardial infarction (3%), hepatotoxicity (3%), acute kidney injury (3%), rash (3%), and diarrhea (2%). Dose interruptions of LENVIMA, pembrolizumab, or both due to an adverse reaction occurred in 78% of patients receiving LENVIMA in combination with pembrolizumab. LENVIMA was interrupted in 73% of patients and both drugs were interrupted in 39% of patients. LENVIMA was dose reduced in 69% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) resulting in dose reduction or interruption of LENVIMA were diarrhea (26%), fatigue (18%), hypertension (17%), proteinuria (13%), decreased appetite (12%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (11%), nausea (9%), stomatitis (9%), musculoskeletal pain (8%), rash (8%), increased lipase (7%), abdominal pain (6%), and vomiting (6%), increased ALT (5%), and increased amylase (5%).

In RCC, the most common adverse reactions (≥30%) observed in LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients were diarrhea (81%), fatigue (73%), arthralgia/myalgia (55%), decreased appetite (53%), vomiting (48%), nausea (45%), stomatitis (44%), hypertension (42%), peripheral edema (42%), cough (37%), abdominal pain (37%), dyspnea (35%), rash (35%), decreased weight (34%), hemorrhagic events (32%), and proteinuria (31%). The most common serious adverse reactions (≥5%) were renal failure (11%), dehydration (10%), anemia (6%), thrombocytopenia (5%), diarrhea (5%), vomiting (5%), and dyspnea (5%). Adverse reactions led to dose reductions or interruption in 89% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) resulting in dose reductions were diarrhea (21%), fatigue (8%), thrombocytopenia (6%), vomiting (6%), nausea (5%), and proteinuria (5%). Treatment discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 29% of patients.

In HCC, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) observed in LENVIMA-treated patients were hypertension (45%), fatigue (44%), diarrhea (39%), decreased appetite (34%), arthralgia/myalgia (31%), decreased weight (31%), abdominal pain (30%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (27%), proteinuria (26%), dysphonia (24%), hemorrhagic events (23%), hypothyroidism (21%), and nausea (20%). The most common serious adverse reactions (≥2%) were hepatic encephalopathy (5%), hepatic failure (3%), ascites (3%), and decreased appetite (2%). Adverse reactions led to dose reductions or interruption in 62% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) resulting in dose reductions were fatigue (9%), decreased appetite (8%), diarrhea (8%), proteinuria (7%), hypertension (6%), and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (5%). Treatment discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 20% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥1%) resulting in discontinuation of LENVIMA were fatigue (1%), hepatic encephalopathy (2%), hyperbilirubinemia (1%), and hepatic failure (1%).

In EC, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) observed in LENVIMA and pembrolizumab–treated patients were hypothyroidism (67%), hypertension (67%), fatigue (58%), diarrhea (55%), musculoskeletal disorders (53%), nausea (49%), decreased appetite (44%), vomiting (37%), stomatitis (35%), decreased weight (34%), abdominal pain (34%), urinary tract infection (31%), proteinuria (29%), constipation (27%), headache (26%), hemorrhagic events (25%), palmar‐plantar erythrodysesthesia (23%), dysphonia (22%), and rash (20%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4.7% of those treated with LENVIMA and pembrolizumab, including 2 cases of pneumonia, and 1 case of the following: acute kidney injury, acute myocardial infarction, colitis, decreased appetite, intestinal perforation, lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, malignant gastrointestinal obstruction, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, myelodysplastic syndrome, pulmonary embolism, and right ventricular dysfunction. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 50% of patients receiving LENVIMA and pembrolizumab. Serious adverse reactions with frequency ≥3% were hypertension (4.4%), and urinary tract infection (3.2%). Discontinuation of LENVIMA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 26% of patients. The most common (≥1%) adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of LENVIMA were hypertension (2%), asthenia (1.8%), diarrhea (1.2%), decreased appetite (1.2%), proteinuria (1.2%), and vomiting (1.2%). Dose reductions of LENVIMA due to adverse reactions occurred in 67% of patients. The most common (≥5%) adverse reactions resulting in dose reduction of LENVIMA were hypertension (18%), diarrhea (11%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (9%), proteinuria (7%), fatigue (7%), decreased appetite (6%), asthenia (5%), and weight decreased (5%). Dose interruptions of LENVIMA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 58% of these patients. The most common (≥2%) adverse reactions leading to interruption of LENVIMA were hypertension (11%), diarrhea (11%), proteinuria (6%), decreased appetite (5%), vomiting (5%), increased alanine aminotransferase (3.5%), fatigue (3.5%), nausea (3.5%), abdominal pain (2.9%), weight decreased (2.6%), urinary tract infection (2.6%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (2.3%), asthenia (2.3%), and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (2%).

Use in Specific Populations
Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. LENVIMA may impair fertility in males and females of reproductive potential.

No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild (CLcr 60-89 mL/min) or moderate (CLcr 30-59 mL/min) renal impairment. LENVIMA concentrations may increase in patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and severe (CLcr 15-29 mL/min) renal impairment. Reduce the dose for patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and severe renal impairment. There is no recommended dose for patients with HCC and severe renal impairment. LENVIMA has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease.

No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with HCC and mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A). There is no recommended dose for patients with HCC with moderate (Child-Pugh B) or severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment. No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and mild or moderate hepatic impairment. LENVIMA concentrations may increase in patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and severe hepatic impairment. Reduce the dose for patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and severe hepatic impairment.

LENVIMA (lenvatinib) is available as 10 mg and 4 mg capsules.

Please see Prescribing Information for LENVIMA (lenvatinib) at View Source

Providence and Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) partnering to discover and develop mRNA therapeutics

On May 23, 2024 Providence Therapeutic Holdings Inc. ("Providence"), a messenger RNA (mRNA) and lipid nanoparticle platform company engaged in the development of vaccines and therapeutics, and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), Ontario’s largest publicly funded cancer research institute delivering real-world solutions to people affected by cancer, reported the signing of a collaboration agreement for mRNA drug discovery and development (Press release, Providence Therapeutics, MAY 23, 2024, View Source [SID1234643641]). This is a unique collaboration that combines OICR’s expertise in cancer genomics and translational drug discovery with Providence’s next generation of mRNA and LNP technology to accelerate preclinical drug development and launch new clinical initiatives that answer key questions in clinical oncology.

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"OICR and Providence share a common vision of advancing research in cancer prevention and treatment in Ontario, across Canada, and globally. We look forward to leveraging Providence’s next generation mRNA and LNP platform technology and drug development expertise alongside the experts at OICR to improve the lives of people battling cancer," said Brad Sorenson, CEO and Founder of Providence Therapeutics.

"Partnering with an mRNA industry leader like Providence will help OICR harness our strengths in bioinformatics, genomics and immunology to generate new and exciting ways to prevent and treat cancer," says Dr. Laszlo Radvanyi, President and Scientific Director of OICR. "I am especially excited for the impact this partnership will have for people affected by cancer as well as the potential economic value it can bring in helping drive Canada’s leadership in this rapidly growing field."

OICR and Providence’s partnership will help advance modern drug development in Canada and create new clinical initiatives that will touch the lives of people across the country. As product development and manufacturing will be done domestically, Canadians will be first in line to participate in new clinical oncology programs and access new treatments.

All programs that emerge from this strategic partnership will result in guaranteed country-of-origin rights to Canada that will ensure Canadians will have affordable access to any medicines created.

Biomica Presents Positive Clinical Data Update from Ongoing Phase 1 Trial of Microbiome-Based Therapeutic, BMC128, for Refractory RCC, NSCLC & Melanoma

On May 23, 2024 Biomica Ltd., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative microbiome-based therapeutics and a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd. (Nasdaq: EVGN) (TASE: EVGN), reported encouraging initial findings from an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial (Press release, Biomica, MAY 23, 2024, View Source;melanoma-302154259.html [SID1234643640]). In the study, Biomica is investigating the safety and tolerability of its microbiome-based immuno-oncology candidate, BMC128, in combination with nivolumab, an anti-PD1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma, or renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

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All trial participants, 11 patients, had experienced disease progression in prior immunotherapy treatment before joining the trial. These preliminary findings represent some of the initial positive evidence emerging from the burgeoning field of clinical research on cancer therapies leveraging gut microbiota. While these results are preliminary and subject to further validation, they suggest potential benefits for patients facing advanced stages of these malignancies.

ASCO 2024 Presentation Details:

Title: Preliminary results from a First-in-Human (FIH), open-label Phase 1 study with BMC128, a rationally designed live bacterial consortium, in combination with nivolumab.
Session Type: Poster Session
Abstract Number: 8631
Date and Time: June 3, 2024, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (CDT)

Key observations from the study include:

Safety Profile: As of the data cutoff date, the safety profile of BMC128 has been exceptional, with no major safety events potentially associated with BMC128 reported during the course of BMC128 monotherapy or combination treatment, indicating a favorable safety profile for the investigational therapy.
Clinical Responses: As of the data cutoff date, among the patients included in the study, 72% of refractory cases exhibited positive clinical signals, indicating a potential efficacy for the BMC128 and nivolumab combination.
Response Rates: As of the data cutoff date, one patient demonstrated partial response (PR) upon imaging and RECIST v1.1 assessment and remains actively responding to treatment. Additionally, 64% of patients’ disease stopped progressing following the combination treatment, and they displayed stable disease (SD) and sustained benefits beyond the first imaging assessment, suggesting additional important potential clinical benefit.
Durability of Response: As of the data cutoff date, 55% of patients showed sustained clinical benefit, with notable durations of response of over 16 weeks and with one patient exceeding 80 weeks.
Cross-Cancer Effectiveness: 100% of RCC patients and 60% of NSCLC patients in the study demonstrated positive clinical outcomes, indicating potential efficacy across different cancer types.
With these encouraging early results, it is important to note that the study remains ongoing. Further data will become available and analyzed through the next few months to gain a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential of BMC128 in combination with nivolumab in cancer treatment.

Prof. Gal Markel, Director of the Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center and Biomica’s Scientific Advisory Board member, said: "The positive trends emerging from the ongoing Phase 1 trial of BMC128, particularly in combination with nivolumab, underscore the transformative potential of microbiome-based therapeutics in oncology. These findings bring hope to patients contending with refractory RCC, NSCLC, and melanoma, envisioning a future where innovative treatments like BMC128 could provide meaningful solutions to longstanding challenges in cancer care. Additionally, the observed cross-cancer effectiveness hints at BMC128’s broad applicability across different cancer types, further solidifying its significance in the field of oncology. The demonstrated safety profile thus far, alongside the encouraging clinical benefits including response rate and notable durability, accentuates the potential efficacy of BMC128 in addressing the unmet needs of patients grappling with these malignancies. These initial results mark a significant advancement, reflecting our steadfast commitment to pioneering innovative solutions that address critical unmet needs in oncology."

Dr. Elran Haber, Biomica CEO, stated, "The preliminary results from this Phase 1 study show positive evidence of BMC128’s superior safety profile and potential efficacy when combined with anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. This suggests potential benefits for patients with refractory NSCLC, melanoma, or RCC who have not responded to, or developed resistance to previous immunotherapy treatments. We believe BMC128 has the promise to be a potential therapy for patients fighting cancer, and we look forward to continuing to evaluate BMC128’s beneficial activity in subsequent phases of clinical development. Furthermore, these results underscore the strength of Biomica’s computational platform for microbiome drug discovery, developed with Evogene, validating our approach to innovative therapeutic solutions."

Additional information about the trial, can be found at: View Source (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05354102).

About ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper):

Founded in 1964, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper), Inc. (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) is committed to the principle that knowledge conquers cancer. Together with the Association for Clinical Oncology, ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) represents nearly 45,000 oncology professionals who care for people living with cancer. Through research, education, and promotion of high quality, equitable patient care, ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) works to conquer cancer and create a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy. The ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting is a unique and unparalleled opportunity to connect with one of the largest, most diverse audiences in global cancer care as well as global cancer experts and professionals, to discover the latest innovations in cancer research and education.

About BMC128:

BMC128 is a rationally-designed microbial consortium identified and selected through a detailed functional microbiome analysis using PRISM, a proprietary high-resolution microbiome analysis platform powered by Evogene’s MicroBoost AI platform.

Developed as a Live Bacterial Product (LBP), BMC128 is an LBP consortium comprised of four unique bacterial strains, natural inhabitants of the human intestinal tract, that harbour specific functional capabilities with the potential to enhance immunological therapeutic responses and facilitate anti-tumor immune activity through multiple biological processes.

Rationally-designed consortia are multi-strain products designed to restore diversity and specific functionality to a host’s microbial community with individually selected, cultured bacteria.