Aurinia to Participate in 2024 Cantor Fitzgerald Global Healthcare Conference

On September 13, 2024 Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. reported that the Company’s management team will attend the 2024 Cantor Fitzgerald Global Healthcare Conference in New York City, September 17-19, 2024 (Press release, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, SEP 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234646563]).

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Aurinia management will host one-on-one meetings with investors and will participate in a fireside chat and Q&A session on Tuesday, September 17th, at 3:05 PM EDT. A live webcast of the session will be available on the Investor section of Aurinia’s website, which can be found here.

Ascendis to Present First Results from Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer (PROC) Cohort of the Phase 1/2 IL-Believe Trial at ESMO 2024

On September 13, 2024 Ascendis Pharma A/S reported initial data showing signs of clinical activity in heavily pre-treated patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) treated with TransCon IL-2 β/γ in combination with chemotherapy in its ongoing Phase 1/2 IL-Believe Trial of TransCon IL-2 β/γ (Press release, Ascendis Pharma, SEP 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234646562]). First results will be shared in Poster 762P at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2024, the annual meeting of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) being held in Barcelona from September 13-17, 2024.

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Of the 18 patients (median age 64 years) included in the initial data, 14 were efficacy evaluable patients who had 1 or more post-baseline tumor assessment(s), plus an additional 4 who discontinued treatment before the first post-baseline tumor assessment due to disease progression or death. Anti-tumor clinical responses were observed in 29% (4/14) of the efficacy evaluable patients (2 confirmed and 2 unconfirmed partial responses in patients who had received three to seven prior lines of treatment – including patients whose disease had previously progressed on Elahere, also called mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx), suggesting clinical activity in heavily pre-treated patients. The data suggest that TransCon IL-2 β/γ was generally well-tolerated: the most common treatment-emergent adverse events related to combination therapy with TransCon IL-2 β/γ plus chemotherapy were fatigue, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and anemia. Most TransCon IL-2 β/γ-related TEAEs were grade 1 or 2.

"Building on results announced at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2024 in melanoma, we are excited now to see meaningful signs of anti-tumor activity in combination with chemotherapy in our second indication-specific cohort of heavily pretreated patients who have exhausted standard-of-care options," said Stina Singel, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Head of Clinical Development, Oncology, at Ascendis Pharma. "We look forward to providing further updates as patients continue on study treatment."

About TransCon IL-2 β/γ & IL-Believe
TransCon IL-2 β/γ is a novel prodrug with sustained release of an IL-2Rβ/γ-selective IL-2 analogue (IL-2 β/γ). IL-2 β/γ is transiently attached to an inert carrier by a TransCon linker, which under physiological conditions releases active IL-2 β/γ in a predictable, sustained manner. This results in lower Cmax and longer half-life, which is expected to widen the therapeutic index.

TransCon IL-2 β/γ is being investigated in IL Believe, a multicenter Phase 1/2, multi-cohort study in adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors. As of the July 29, 2024, data cut off, 42 patients whose disease had progressed within six months after completing platinum-based chemotherapy were enrolled in the PROC dose expansion cohort (Cohort 3 in the trial). Treatment for patients in Cohort 3 included intravenous TransCon IL-2 β/γ at the recommended Phase 2 dose of 120 μg/kg every 3 weeks in combination with the physician’s choice of paclitaxel, docetaxel, or pemetrexed. Disease response was assessed every 9 weeks using RECIST v1.1. and safety, efficacy, and biomarkers were evaluated.

AMGEN TO PRESENT DATA FROM MULTIPLE EARLY-STAGE CLINICAL TRIALS AT ESMO 2024

On September 13, 2024 Amgen reported the presentation of new data across its broad oncology pipeline and portfolio at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2024, taking place Sept. 13-17 in Barcelona (Press release, Amgen, SEP 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234646561]). The abstracts showcase data from Amgen-sponsored and investigator-sponsored studies for colorectal, lung, prostate and gastric cancers using molecularly targeted modalities.

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"The breadth of these data reflects our strategy to advance diverse modalities for difficult-to-treat cancers," said Jay Bradner, M.D., executive vice president, Research and Development, and chief scientific officer at Amgen. "These ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) results underscore our leadership in oncology, contributing significant advancements with both investigational and established therapies. Guided by a deep understanding of cancer biology and leveraging incisive therapeutics, we can target dominant drivers of disease with unprecedented precision."

Key presentations include:

First findings from the Phase 1b study of LUMAKRAS plus Vectibix in combination with FOLFIRI in first-line patients with KRAS G12C-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Phase 1 dose escalation and initial dose expansion data from AMG 193 selected for a presidential symposium session.
First-in-human study of xaluritamig in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
For more information on the Amgen abstracts, see below.

Abstracts and Presentation Times:

Amgen Sponsored Abstracts

LUMAKRAS (sotorasib) plus Vectibix (panitumumab)

Sotorasib (soto) + panitumumab (pani) and FOLFIRI in the first line (1L) setting for KRAS-G12C mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Safety and efficacy from the phase 1b CodeBreaK 101 study
Abstract #505O, Proffered Paper Oral Session: 2, Madrid Auditorium – Hall 2, Sunday, September 15 from 3:05 – 3:15 p.m. CEST
AMG 193

Phase 1 dose escalation and initial dose expansion results of AMG 193, an MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor, in patients (pts) with MTAP-deleted solid tumors
Abstract #3482, Proffered Paper Oral Session: Presidential Symposium III: Eyes to the Future, Barcelona Auditorium – Hall 2, Monday, September 16 from 16:30 – 18:15 p.m. CEST
Xaluritamig

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) enumeration and overall survival (OS) in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with xaluritamig
Abstract #1610P, Poster, September 15
Xaluritamig, a STEAP1 x CD3 XmAb 2+1 immune therapy, in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): Initial results from dose expansion cohorts in a Phase 1 study
Abstract #1598P, Poster, September 15
LUMAKRAS (sotorasib) for NSCLC

Sotorasib long-term clinical outcomes in pre-treated KRAS G12C-mutated advanced NSCLC: pooled analysis from the CodeBreaK clinical trials
Abstract #1305P, Poster, September 14
Clinical characteristics and therapeutic sequences of KRAS G12C advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (aNSCLC) patients (pts) treated by sotorasib in the French post-marketing authorization early access (post-MA EA)
Abstract #1307P, Poster, September 14
Bemarituzumab

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 isoform IIIb (FGFR2b) protein overexpression and biomarker overlap in patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC)
Abstract #1420P, Poster, September 16
Investigator Sponsored Studies

Vectibix (panitumumab)

**mRNA profiling as a biomarker of prognosis and response to first-line treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer: discovery and validation of a gene expression signature in three randomized trials
Abstract #581P, Poster, September 16
Circulating tumor DNA driving anti-EGFR rechallenge therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer: the RASINTRO prospective multicenter study
Abstract #517P, Poster, September 16
Prospective validation of the metastatic colon cancer score (mCCS) in patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer treated with first-line panitumumab plus FOLFIRI/FOLFOX: Final results of the non-interventional study VALIDATE
Abstract #585P, Poster, September 16
About LUMAKRAS/LUMYKRAS (sotorasib)
LUMAKRAS received accelerated approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 28, 2021. The U.S. FDA completed its review of Amgen’s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) seeking full approval of LUMAKRAS on December 26, 2023, which resulted in a complete response letter. In addition, the FDA concluded that the dose comparison postmarketing requirement (PMR) issued at the time of LUMAKRAS accelerated approval, to compare the safety and efficacy of LUMAKRAS 960 mg daily dose versus a lower daily dose, has been fulfilled. 960 mg once-daily is the indicated dose for patients with KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC under accelerated approval. The U.S. FDA also issued a new PMR for an additional confirmatory study to support full approval that will be completed no later than February 2028.

About Metastatic Colorectal Cancer and the KRAS G12C Mutation
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, comprising 10% of all cancer diagnoses.1 It is also the third most commonly diagnosed cancer globally.2

KRAS mutations are among the most common genetic alterations in colorectal cancers, with the KRAS G12C mutation present in approximately 3-5% of colorectal cancers.3-5

About Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and the KRAS G12C Mutation
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and it accounts for more deaths worldwide than colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.6

KRAS G12C is the most common KRAS mutation in NSCLC.7 About 13% of patients with non-squamous NSCLC harbor the KRAS G12C mutation.8

About CodeBreaK
The CodeBreaK clinical development program for Amgen’s drug sotorasib is designed to study patients with an advanced solid tumor with the KRAS G12C mutation and address the longstanding unmet medical need for these cancers.

Amgen also has several Phase 1b studies investigating sotorasib monotherapy and sotorasib combination therapy across various advanced solid tumors (CodeBreaK 101) open for enrollment.9 A Phase 2 randomized study evaluating sotorasib in patients with stage IV KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC in need of first-line treatment is ongoing (CodeBreaK 201).10 A Phase 3 study of LUMAKRAS plus carboplatin and pemetrexed as front-line therapy in KRAS G12C-mutant, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) negative advanced NSCLC is enrolling patients (CodeBreaK 202). A Phase 3 study of LUMAKRAS in combination with Vectibix and FOLFIRI in first-line KRAS G12C–mutated CRC is also enrolling patients (CodeBreak-301).

LUMAKRAS (sotorasib) U.S. Indication
LUMAKRAS is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with KRAS G12C-mutated locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have received at least one prior systemic therapy.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).

LUMAKRAS (sotorasib) Important U.S. Safety Information

Hepatotoxicity

LUMAKRAS can cause hepatotoxicity, which may lead to drug-induced liver injury and hepatitis.
Among 357 patients who received LUMAKRAS in CodeBreaK 100, hepatotoxicity occurred in 1.7% (all grades) and 1.4% (Grade 3). A total of 18% of patients who received LUMAKRAS had increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST); 6% were Grade 3 and 0.6% were Grade 4. In addition to dose interruption or reduction, 5% of patients received corticosteroids for the treatment of hepatotoxicity.
Monitor liver function tests (ALT, AST and total bilirubin) prior to the start of LUMAKRAS every 3 weeks for the first 3 months of treatment, then once a month or as clinically indicated, with more frequent testing in patients who develop transaminase and/or bilirubin elevations.
Withhold, reduce or permanently discontinue LUMAKRAS based on severity of adverse reaction.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis

LUMAKRAS can cause ILD/pneumonitis that can be fatal. Among 357 patients who received LUMAKRAS in CodeBreaK 100, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 0.8% of patients, all cases were Grade 3 or 4 at onset, and 1 case was fatal. LUMAKRAS was discontinued due to ILD/pneumonitis in 0.6% of patients.
Monitor patients for new or worsening pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis (e.g., dyspnea, cough, fever). Immediately withhold LUMAKRAS in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue LUMAKRAS if no other potential causes of ILD/pneumonitis are identified.
Most Common Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 20% were diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, fatigue, hepatotoxicity and cough.
Drug Interactions

Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of all concomitant medications, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary and herbal products.
Inform patients to avoid proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists while taking LUMAKRAS.
If coadministration with an acid-reducing agent cannot be avoided, inform patients to take LUMAKRAS 4 hours before or 10 hours after a locally acting antacid.
Please see LUMAKRAS full Prescribing Information.

About Vectibix (panitumumab)
Vectibix is the first and only fully human monoclonal anti-EGFR antibody approved by the FDA for the treatment of mCRC. Vectibix was approved in the U.S. in September 2006 as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with EGFR-expressing mCRC after disease progression after prior treatment with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-containing chemotherapy.

In May 2014, the FDA approved Vectibix for use in combination with FOLFOX as first-line treatment in patients with wild-type KRAS (exon 2) mCRC. With this approval, Vectibix became the first-and-only biologic therapy indicated for use with FOLFOX, one of the most commonly used chemotherapy regimens, in the first-line treatment of mCRC for patients with wild-type KRAS mCRC.

In June 2017, the FDA approved a refined indication for Vectibix for use in patients with wild-type RAS (defined as wild-type in both KRAS and NRAS as determined by an FDA-approved test for this use) mCRC.

INDICATION AND LIMITATION OF USE

Vectibix is indicated for the treatment of patients with wild-type RAS (defined as wild-type in both KRAS and NRAS as determined by an FDA-approved test for this use) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): as first-line therapy in combination with FOLFOX, and as monotherapy following disease progression after prior treatment with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-containing chemotherapy.

Limitation of Use: Vectibix is not indicated for the treatment of patients with RAS mutant mCRC or for whom RAS mutation status is unknown.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: DERMATOLOGIC TOXICITY

Dermatologic Toxicity: Dermatologic toxicities occurred in 90% of patients and were severe (NCI-CTC grade 3 and higher) in 15% of patients receiving Vectibix monotherapy [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

In Study 20020408, dermatologic toxicities occurred in 90% of patients and were severe (NCI-CTC grade 3 and higher) in 15% of patients with mCRC receiving Vectibix. The clinical manifestations included, but were not limited to, acneiform dermatitis, pruritus, erythema, rash, skin exfoliation, paronychia, dry skin, and skin fissures.
Monitor patients who develop dermatologic or soft tissue toxicities while receiving Vectibix for the development of inflammatory or infectious sequelae. Life-threatening and fatal infectious complications including necrotizing fasciitis, abscesses, and sepsis have been observed in patients treated with Vectibix. Life-threatening and fatal bullous mucocutaneous disease with blisters, erosions, and skin sloughing has also been observed in patients treated with Vectibix. It could not be determined whether these mucocutaneous adverse reactions were directly related to EGFR inhibition or to idiosyncratic immune- related effects (e.g., Stevens Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis). Withhold or discontinue Vectibix for dermatologic or soft tissue toxicity associated with severe or life-threatening inflammatory or infectious complications. Dose modifications for Vectibix concerning dermatologic toxicity are provided in the product labeling.
Vectibix is not indicated for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer that harbor somatic RAS mutations in exon 2 (codons 12 and 13), exon 3 (codons 59 and 61), and exon 4 (codons 117 and 146) of either KRAS or NRAS and hereafter is referred to as "RAS."
Retrospective subset analyses across several randomized clinical trials were conducted to investigate the role of RAS mutations on the clinical effects of anti-EGFR-directed monoclonal antibodies (panitumumab or cetuximab). Anti-EGFR antibodies in patients with tumors containing RAS mutations resulted in exposing those patients to anti-EGFR related adverse reactions without clinical benefit from these agents. Additionally, in Study 20050203, 272 patients with RAS-mutant mCRC tumors received Vectibix in combination with FOLFOX and 276 patients received FOLFOX alone. In an exploratory subgroup analysis, OS was shorter (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.45) in patients with RAS-mutant mCRC who received Vectibix and FOLFOX versus FOLFOX alone.
Progressively decreasing serum magnesium levels leading to severe (grade 3-4) hypomagnesemia occurred in up to 7% (in Study 20080763) of patients across clinical trials. Monitor patients for hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia prior to initiating Vectibix treatment, periodically during Vectibix treatment, and for up to 8 weeks after the completion of treatment. Other electrolyte disturbances, including hypokalemia, have also been observed. Replete magnesium and other electrolytes as appropriate.
In Study 20020408, 4% of patients experienced infusion reactions and 1% of patients experienced severe infusion reactions (NCI-CTC grade 3-4). Infusion reactions, manifesting as fever, chills, dyspnea, bronchospasm, and hypotension, can occur following Vectibix administration. Fatal infusion reactions occurred in postmarketing experience. Terminate the infusion for severe infusion reactions.
Severe diarrhea and dehydration, leading to acute renal failure and other complications, have been observed in patients treated with Vectibix in combination with chemotherapy.
Fatal and nonfatal cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD) (1%) and pulmonary fibrosis have been observed in patients treated with Vectibix. Pulmonary fibrosis occurred in less than 1% (2/1467) of patients enrolled in clinical studies of Vectibix. In the event of acute onset or worsening of pulmonary symptoms interrupt Vectibix therapy. Discontinue Vectibix therapy if ILD is confirmed.
In patients with a history of interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis, or evidence of interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis, the benefits of therapy with Vectibix versus the risk of pulmonary complications must be carefully considered.
Exposure to sunlight can exacerbate dermatologic toxicity. Advise patients to wear sunscreen and hats and limit sun exposure while receiving Vectibix.
Keratitis and ulcerative keratitis, known risk factors for corneal perforation, have been reported with Vectibix use. Monitor for evidence of keratitis or ulcerative keratitis. Interrupt or discontinue Vectibix for acute or worsening keratitis.
In an interim analysis of an open-label, multicenter, randomized clinical trial in the first-line setting in patients with mCRC, the addition of Vectibix to the combination of bevacizumab and chemotherapy resulted in decreased OS and increased incidence of NCI-CTC grade 3-5 (87% vs 72%) adverse reactions. NCI-CTC grade 3-4 adverse reactions occurring at a higher rate in Vectibix-treated patients included rash/acneiform dermatitis (26% vs 1%), diarrhea (23% vs 12%), dehydration (16% vs 5%), primarily occurring in patients with diarrhea, hypokalemia (10% vs 4%), stomatitis/mucositis (4% vs < 1%), and hypomagnesemia (4% vs 0).
NCI-CTC grade 3-5 pulmonary embolism occurred at a higher rate in Vectibix-treated patients (7% vs 3%) and included fatal events in three (< 1%) Vectibix-treated patients. As a result of the toxicities experienced, patients randomized to Vectibix, bevacizumab, and chemotherapy received a lower mean relative dose intensity of each chemotherapeutic agent (oxaliplatin, irinotecan, bolus 5-FU, and/or infusional 5-FU) over the first 24 weeks on study compared with those randomized to bevacizumab and chemotherapy.
Vectibix can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment, and for at least 2 months after the last dose of Vectibix.
In monotherapy, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥ 20%) in patients with Vectibix were skin rash with variable presentations, paronychia, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥ 20%) with Vectibix + FOLFOX were diarrhea, stomatitis, mucosal inflammation, asthenia, paronychia, anorexia, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, rash, acneiform dermatitis, pruritus, and dry skin. The most common serious adverse reactions (≥ 2% difference between treatment arms) were diarrhea and dehydration.
To see the Vectibix Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning visit www.vectibix.com.

Alligator Bioscience and Aptevo Therapeutics present at ESMO Congress 2024: positive interim data from the phase 1 study evaluating ALG.APV-527 as monotherapy in several solid tumor types

On September 13, 2024 Alligator Bioscience AB and Aptevo Therapeutics reported that positive interim data from the dose escalation portion of the companies’ Phase 1 study evaluating ALG.APV-527 will be presented at a poster on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Annual Congress, taking place September 13-17, 2024, in Barcelona, ​​Spain (Press release, Alligator Bioscience, SEP 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234646560]).

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Information om presentationen
Posternummer: #668P
Titel: First-in-Human Phase I Dose Escalation Study of ALG.APV-527, a 5T4 Tumor Antigen-Conditional 4-1BB Bispecific Antibody, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors, Demonstrates Positive Safety, Signals of Biological Activity and Patients with Lasting Stable Disease
Presentatör: Thomas Marron, MD, PhD
Datum: Lördag, 14 september, 2024

About the study
The Phase 1 study with ALG.APV-527 is an open-label, multicenter study that will include six cohorts in a 3+3 design*. The study will be conducted in adult patients with multiple solid tumor types/histologies likely to express the 5T4 antigen, including (but not limited to) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), gastric/gastroesophageal cancer, and head and neck cancer, in up to 10 clinics in the US. ALG.APV-527 will be administered intravenously every two weeks. The study will evaluate the safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and preliminary anti-tumor activity of ALG.APV-527.

*In a 3+3 design, cohorts of three patients are treated with increasing dose levels. If at least two out of three or six patients suffer a so-called Dose Limiting Toxicity (DLT), the dose escalation is stopped at the current dose level.

About ALG.APV-527
ALG.APV-527 is a bispecific 4-1BB agonist, which is active only upon simultaneous binding to 4-1BB and 5T4. The molecule has the potential to be of clinical utility as 4-1BB has the ability to stimulate the immune cells (anti-tumor-specific T cells) involved in tumor fighting, making 4-1BB a particularly attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. 5T4 is a tumor-associated antigen that is expressed during fetal development but is also overexpressed on a number of solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast, head and neck, cervical, renal, gastric, colon and rectal cancers.

Preclinical studies have been published in the peer-reviewed publication Molecular Cancer Therapeutics , a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper). The study, which highlights the molecule’s differentiated design that minimizes systemic immune activation, while enabling highly effective tumor-specific responses, demonstrates the drug candidate’s potent activity in preclinical models.

Oncopeptides signs license agreement with SCBIO for Pepaxti in South Korea

On September 12, 2024 Oncopeptides AB, a biotech company focused on difficult-to-treat cancers, reported it has signed an exclusive license and supply agreement with SCBIO Inc., a Korean pharmaceutical company for the commercialization of Oncopeptides’ flagship drug Pepaxti in South Korea (Press release, Oncopeptides, SEP 12, 2024, View Source [SID1234646773]).

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Oncopeptides estimates the total potential deal value to be SEK 150-300 million (USD 15-30 million) until 2032 consisting of a fixed share of all sales of Pepaxti in the country, an upfront payment and several one-time payments after reaching certain milestones including the submission of a marketing authorization application and first commercial sales of Pepaxti. Should longer market exclusivity be granted, which is the ambition of the parties, market potential is larger. Based on the high unmet need of Pepaxti, Oncopeptides and SCBIO are aiming for an accelerated regulatory approval path with first sales potentially in 2026.

"Based on the strong interest among physicians, the high unmet medical need and the expanding market opportunity with a growing elderly population we believe that South Korea is an ideal steppingstone into our communicated endeavor to expand sales of Pepaxti outside EU", said Sofia Heigis, CEO of Oncopeptides. "In SCBIO, we have found a solid partner providing a good network within multiple myeloma."

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Daejon, South Korea, SCBIO is a pharmaceutical company specialized within immune-oncology, focusing on improving wellbeing to all patients in need by smart and timely solutions for R&D, product selection, and launch strategies.

South Korea, a country with a population of just over 50 million, with both an aging population and a high average lifespan, has been identified as a good fit for Pepaxti as a maintained quality of life is particularly beneficial for elderly multiple myeloma patients. South Korea was also included in the development program of the drug and experts in the country have clinical experience from using Pepaxti.

This year, Oncopeptides has announced partnership agreements for the sale of Pepaxti on a so called named-patient basis in the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and Eurasia. The agreement with SCBIO marks the company´s first licensing agreement, where SCBIO will support Oncopeptides through multiple steps in the value chain, from regulatory approval to commercial sales. Oncopeptides continues to explore similar agreements for other markets including China and Japan.

For more information, please visit oncopeptides.com where questions and answers for investors also will be published.