Monte Rosa Therapeutics Announces Global License Agreement with Novartis to Advance T and B Cell-modulating VAV1-directed Molecular Glue Degraders

On October 28, 2024 Monte Rosa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GLUE), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel molecular glue degrader (MGD)-based medicines, reported a global exclusive development and commercialization license agreement with Novartis to advance VAV1 MGDs, including MRT-6160 (Press release, Monte Rosa Therapeutics, OCT 28, 2024, View Source [SID1234647445]). MRT-6160 is currently in an ongoing Phase 1, single ascending dose (SAD)/multiple ascending dose (MAD) healthy volunteer study for immune-mediated conditions. Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will obtain exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize MRT-6160 and other VAV1 MGDs and will be responsible for all clinical development and commercialization, starting with Phase 2 clinical studies. Monte Rosa remains responsible for completion of the ongoing Phase 1 clinical study of MRT-6160.

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We are thrilled to announce this agreement with Novartis, a key player in immune-mediated conditions, and we are excited about the transformative potential it provides for Monte Rosa and MRT-6160. We expect this will accelerate and broaden the scope of clinical development of MRT-6160 to advance this unique, orally bioavailable modality while retaining substantial value for Monte Rosa. We believe the transaction validates our unique and industry leading QuEEN discovery engine, and it further increases our conviction to rationally design and develop highly selective and safe MGDs for undruggable targets, including in the areas of immunology and inflammation, metabolism, and genetic diseases," said Markus Warmuth, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Monte Rosa Therapeutics. "The financial resources provided by this agreement are expected to extend our operational runway, enable us to advance our pipeline to potential value-creating milestones and anticipated proof-of-concept readouts, and further leverage our QuEEN discovery engine."

"Novartis has had a long-standing interest in molecular glue degraders, which offer the potential to tackle challenging biological targets. We ar excited about their application in immunology and the early progress we have seen by Monte Rosa in this space and with MRT-6160. We look forward to advancing MRT-6160 and learning more about its potential to provide a new therapeutic option for people living with a range of immune-mediated conditions," said Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis. "Novartis is committed to bringing forward new therapeutic options for these patients, and we are happy to be working with Monte Rosa to harness the potential of this approach to address unmet medical needs."

MRT-6160 is a potent, highly selective, and orally bioavailable investigational degrader of VAV1, a key signaling protein downstream of both the T- and B-cell receptors. Preclinical studies have demonstrated deep degradation of VAV1, resulting in a significant decrease in cytokines linked to immune-mediated conditions, with no detectable effects on other proteins. MRT-6160 has shown promising activity in preclinical models of multiple immune-mediated conditions.

Agreement Details and Financial Terms

Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis has agreed to pay Monte Rosa $150 million up front. Monte Rosa is eligible to receive up to $2.1 billion in development, regulatory, and sales milestones, beginning upon initiation of Phase 2 studies, as well as tiered royalties on ex-U.S. net sales. Monte Rosa will co-fund any Phase 3 clinical development and will share any profits and losses associated with the manufacturing and commercialization of MRT-6160 in the U.S.

The agreement is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory clearance.

Monte Rosa plans to provide further information regarding its updated cash position and runway in its third quarter 2024 earnings update.

Immutep to Present New Phase IIb Data in PD-L1 Negative (CPS <1) Head and Neck Cancer at ESMO Immuno-Oncology 2024

On October 28, 2024 Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM; NASDAQ: IMMP) ("Immutep" or "the Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel LAG-3 immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune disease, reported it will present new data from Cohort B of the TACTI-003 Phase IIb trial in first line recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients with negative PD-L1 expression (CPS <1) at the European Society for Medical Oncology Immuno-Oncology (ESMO I-O) Congress 2024 taking place 11-13 December in Geneva, Switzerland (Press release, Immutep, OCT 28, 2024, View Source [SID1234647441]).

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Presentation details:

Title: TACTI-003 Cohort B: Eftilagimod Alpha (Soluble LAG-3) and Pembrolizumab in FirstLine Recurrent or Metastatic Head & Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma with CPS <1

Presenter: Martin Forster, M.D., Ph.D., University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute and UCL Hospital NHS Foundation, London, UK

Presentation Number: 152P
Date and Time: Thursday, 12 December 2024 at 12:30 – 13:30PM CET

Abstracts will be made available on the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) I-O website on 5 December 2024 at 00:05 CET. The poster containing new data, not in the abstract, will be available on the Posters & Publications section of Immutep’s website after its presentation on 12 December 2024.

Exact Sciences Presents Multiple Studies at ACG 2024 Demonstrating Leadership in Noninvasive Colorectal Cancer Screening and Patient Engagement

On October 27, 2024 Exact Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ: EXAS), a leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, reported the company will present modeling data evaluating the simulated benefit and burden of established CRC screening strategies, including the Cologuard Plus test during the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Annual Meeting (Press release, Exact Sciences, OCT 27, 2024, View Source [SID1234647439]). ACG takes place October 25-30, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Exact Sciences will also present new data on improving adherence to help close the gap in CRC screening. ACG abstracts are available on the meeting website.

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"Exact Sciences is pleased to share new modeling data which demonstrates the Cologuard Plus test as an efficient CRC screening strategy across modeled age ranges and screening intervals, given its high sensitivity and specificity for both cancer and precancer," said Paul Limburg, MD, MPH, AGAF, chief medical officer for Screening, Exact Sciences. "The data demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation to deliver best in class, patient-centric cancer screening and diagnostic solutions."

Researchers used a validated simulation model to assess the benefit to burden ratio of the Cologuard Plus test and other established and emerging CRC screening options. Benefit was defined as life-years gained and burden as the lifetime number of colonoscopies.

The efficient frontier abstract summary and presentation details are as follows:

Next Generation mt-sDNA Has the Best Balance Between Benefit and Burden of Age- and Interval-Recommended CRC Screening Among Stool- and Blood-Based Tests (P2119)
Summary: The next-generation mt-sDNA (ng-mt-sDNA) test was the only efficient non-invasive modality for screening over the guideline-recommended age interval of 45-75 years; Blood-based screening strategies were not efficient or near-efficient at any screening interval or age-range.
Session: Monday, October 28, 2024, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
Increasing real-world adherence

The seven remaining abstracts share patient-centric research on improving CRC screening adherence rates, particularly in underserved populations. With industry-leading patient navigation and personalized outreach, these strategies directly impact millions of lives. When modeled against the U.S. general screening population, widespread implementation of the reported strategies could drive as much as a 10% reduction in the CRC screening gap.*

The abstracts at ACG are as follows:

Cross Sectional Adherence with the Multi Target Stool DNA Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Four Largest Payors in the Country (P0437)
Summary: This study demonstrates high adherence rates to mt-sDNA testing across a large, national sample of insured individuals between ages 45-85 years, with an overall cross-sectional adherence of 71.2% and an average return time of 27.3 days.
Session: Sunday, October 27, 2024, 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM EDT
Real-World Multi-Target Stool DNA Longitudinal Adherence for Colorectal Cancer Re-screening in a Large, National Spanish-Speaking Population (P3827)
Summary: The overall adherence rate in this population was 76.7%, with a mean time to test return of 20.2 days; Personalized patient navigation outreach with Spanish language support resulted in adherence rates exceeding 70% for CRC re-screening, across all analyzed age subgroups.
Session: Monday, October 28, 2024, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
Gap Closure Adherence to Multi-Targeted Stool DNA Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening in an Insured Cohort (P0436)
Summary: The gap closure program achieved nearly 50% adherence, with an average of 25.5 days to return the kit; This supports mt-sDNA as an effective modality to enhance CRC screening participation.
Session: Sunday October 27, 2024, 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM EDT
Impact of Personalized Patient Outreach on Multi-Target Stool DNA Test Adherence in a Large Colorectal Cancer Screening Population (P2120)
Summary: Personalized patient outreach significantly improved mt-sDNA adherence for CRC screening compared to standard outreach, 63% vs 61.1% respectively.
Session: Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
Impact of Spanish Language Outreach on Multi-Target Stool DNA Test Adherence in a Spanish-Speaking Population in a Federally Qualified Health Center (P3825)
Summary: Preference-based multichannel navigation with Spanish language outreach significantly improved patient adherence to CRC screening in the FQHC Spanish-speaking population, increasing adherence from 45.10% to 51.60%.
Session: Monday, October 28, 2024, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
Impact of Preference-Based Digital Navigation on Multi-Target Stool DNA Test Adherence in a Large Colorectal Cancer Screening Population (P2118)
Summary: Overall mt-sDNA adherence was 63.7% and analysis by communication type revealed that mt-sDNA significantly improved adherence: SMS + email (66.5%), SMS (62.9%), email (64.2%), no digital (57.4%). Additionally, SMS + email demonstrated the shortest average return time (20.1 days).
Session: Monday, October 28, 2024, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
Impact of Spanish Language Patient Navigation on Multi-Target Stool DNA Test Adherence Among Spanish-Speaking Patient Population (P3826)
Summary: Personalized Spanish-language outreach in a predominantly Spanish-speaking Hispanic patient population significantly improved mt-sDNA adherence rates; The Spanish language outreach group exhibited higher mt-sDNA adherence than English language outreach group (62.0% vs. 57.3%), while also exhibiting increased odds of mt-sDNA adherence.
Session: Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
Meet Exact Sciences Booth Event

Exact Sciences will host two information sessions at the company’s booth (#839), These sessions will be led by Burak Ozbay, PhD, MBA, BPharm, Vice President of Health Economics and Outcomes Research. The sessions will focus on precancer detection and what modeling can inform about CRC screening tests. The booth sessions will take place Sunday, October 27 and Monday, October 28 at 5:30 pm and 10:45 am EDT.

*Estimates based on modeling abstract performance against U.S. based population cohorts of: # of Medicare Advantage members, U.S. Hispanics and unscreened U.S. citizens.

About the BLUE-C Study

BLUE-C was a multi-center, prospective study (NCT04144738) of more than 20,000 adults 40 years of age and older. The trial was designed to evaluate the performance of next-generation Cologuard (multi-target stool DNA or mt-sDNA). Using colonoscopy as a reference method, the robust study design compared next-generation Cologuard and a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Blood samples were also collected for later evaluation of a blood-based screening test being developed by Exact Sciences. BLUE-C is one of the largest colorectal cancer screening trials ever conducted, and the study population reflects the racial and ethnic makeup of the United States according to the 2020 census.

About the Cologuard Plus test

Developed in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, the Cologuard Plus test features novel biomarkers and improved laboratory processes. It also incorporates enhanced sample stability components to provide patients more time to return their sample to Exact Sciences’ lab and increase the valid result rate. Exact Sciences expects to launch the test with Medicare coverage and guideline inclusion in 2025.

About the Cologuard Test

The Cologuard test is a first-line colorectal cancer screening test for use in adults age 45 or older who are at average risk for the disease. It is included in national colorectal cancer screening guidelines by the American Cancer Society (2018) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2021).

The Cologuard test revolutionized colorectal cancer screening by providing a best-in-class, noninvasive testing option for those at average risk. The test looks for certain DNA markers and blood in the stool that are associated with colorectal cancer and precancer and was shown to effectively detect colorectal cancer and precancer in the pivotal phase 3 DeeP-C study. The Cologuard test is easy to use. It can be completed at home and does not require any time off or special preparation. In the initial 10 years since launch, the Cologuard test was used more than 16 million times.

Important Information About the Cologuard Test

Do not use the Cologuard test if you have had precancer, have inflammatory bowel disease and certain hereditary syndromes, or have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. The Cologuard test is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high-risk patients. The Cologuard test performance in adults ages 45-49 is estimated based on a large clinical study of patients 50 and older. The Cologuard test performance in repeat testing has not been evaluated.

The Cologuard test result should be interpreted with caution. A positive test result does not confirm the presence of cancer. Patients with a positive test result should be referred for colonoscopy. A negative test result does not confirm the absence of cancer. Patients with a negative test result should discuss with their doctor when they need to be tested again. Medicare and most major insurers cover the Cologuard test. For more information about the Cologuard test, visit Cologuard.com. Rx only.

Pantherna Therapeutics and TQ Therapeutics announce research collaboration to advance ultra-short Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) process leveraging LNP technology

On October 25, 2024 Pantherna Therapeutics GmbH and TQ Therapeutics GmbH reported a research collaboration to advance both of their proprietary platform technologies to include LNPs into an ultra-short extracorporeal cell therapy process.

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Pantherna Therapeutics GmbH, an mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform company dedicated to the research and development of innovative mRNA-based therapeutics team up with TQ Therapeutics GmbH, an advanced CGT company developing an ultrashort extracorporeal point-of-care process. The joint goal is to investigate novel strategies for combining both platforms on enhanced therapeutic cell generation. The eHorts focus on exploiting the individual platform advantages regarding flexibility, safety and eHicacy to obtain fast and cost-eHective cellular therapies. Both companies believe that combining the point of care process with LNP technology will have a major impact in solving the current challenges in cell-and-gene therapy to make cell therapies scalable and broadly accessible for many patients.

"A collaboration of visionary teams is the cornerstone of innovation. In Pantherna Therapeutics, TQx has found a partner with whom we believe we can revolutionize cell therapies as they exist today. By uniting our technologies, we are creating a new platform for the production of CAR-T cells, making them accessible to everyone." – Dr. Christian Eckert (CEO – TQ Therapeutics)

"Pantherna is pleased to collaborate with TQ Therapeutics on their novel extracorporeal process for the generation of autologous CAR-T cell therapies. Our proprietary PTX-LNPs will serve as a non-viral delivery vehicle for this innovative approach. Together, we aim to significantly advance cell therapy and provide new treatment options for patients." – Dr. Ansgar Santel (CEO – Pantherna Therapeutics)

(Press release, Pantherna Therapeutics, OCT 25, 2024, View Source [SID1234662193])

Alterome Therapeutics to Present Preclinical Data for its KRAS Selective Inhibitor ALTA3263 at the 2024 ENA Symposium

On October 25, 2024 Alterome Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of next generation, small molecule targeted therapies for the treatment of cancer, reported that data from preclinical studies of ALTA3263, the Company’s potential best-in-class KRAS selective inhibitor, will be presented in a plenary oral session at the EORTC-NCI-AACR (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) (ENA) Symposium, taking place on October 23-25 in Barcelona, Spain (Press release, Alterome Therapeutics, OCT 25, 2024, View Source [SID1234647435]).

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"ALTA3263 induces deep and durable tumor regressions in preclinical models addicted to the most common KRAS mutations, G12D, G12V, and G12C," said Eric Murphy, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Alterome Therapeutics. "Mutant KRAS is a driver in approximately 1 out of every 5 cancers and ALTA3263 has the potential to be a robust treatment option for a wide range of KRAS mutant cancers based on its compelling preclinical profile."

Key Findings:

ALTA3263 is an oral, KRAS selective inhibitor designed to enable complete target coverage of the most common mutations including G12V and G12D.
ALTA3263 demonstrates potent KRAS ON-state inhibition, picomolar to low single digit nanomolar potency against cells harboring a diverse array of KRAS driver mutations, and is highly selective for KRAS versus the NRAS and HRAS isoforms.
ALTA3263 induced complete and sustained tumor regressions in 8 KRAS G12V/D/C/A mutant xenograft models, including complete responses in 2 patient-derived xenograft non-small cell lung cancer models, while being well-tolerated during prolonged daily oral dosing in mice.
Oral Presentation Details:

Title: ALTA3263: an oral, KRAS isoform-selective, dual ON/OFF state, non-covalent inhibitor induces regressions across KRAS G12V, G12D, and G12C cancer models
Session Title: Proffered Papers: New drugs on the Horizon
Session Type: Plenary Session 6
Date and Time: Friday, October 25 at 12:36-12:48 p.m. CEST
Speaker/Lead Author: Tim Sen Wang, Ph.D., Alterome Therapeutics