Neogap Therapeutics partners with NorthX Biologics to advance scalable manufacturing for its novel cancer cell therapy

On November 4, 2024 Neogap Therapeutics, a Swedish clinical-stage biotechnology company, reported that it has entered a strategic collaboration with NorthX Biologics, a leading CDMO, to advance manufacturing strategies for Neogap’s personalised cancer cell therapy (Press release, Neogap Therapeutics, NOV 4, 2024, View Source [SID1234647663]). Supported by ongoing funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, the partnership aims to optimise and scale production for future clinical trials.

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Neogap Therapeutics develops pTTL (personalised Tumour Trained Lymphocytes), a cell therapy designed to treat solid tumours by training the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells through the patient’s unique neoantigens. Currently, pTTL is under evaluation in a Phase I/II clinical trial focused on assessing its safety and tolerability in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

The collaboration, carried out within the framework of the EIC Accelerator program, aims to establish a robust, cost-effective production setup that enhances both productivity and scalability.

The project includes a comprehensive analysis of Neogap’s manufacturing protocols, with a focus on scale-out strategies and GMP process industrialisation to support large-scale clinical trials and eventual commercialisation. The goal is to implement streamlined production processes and logistics, increasing resilience and cost-effectiveness as Neogap progresses toward broader clinical applications and greater patient access.

Samuel Svensson, CEO of Neogap Therapeutics, comments: "Partnering with NorthX Biologics is an important step in preparing our therapy for future trials beyond the current Phase 1 study. Establishing a reliable and cost-effective manufacturing process is key to our clinical and commercial goals. We’re excited for our team to work closely with NorthX’s experts, combining our strengths to develop a scalable solution that will allow us to treat a larger patient population as we advance."

Janet Hoogstraate, CEO of NorthX Biologics, comments: "At NorthX Biologics, we are proud to be ‘beyond CDMO’ – a proactive partner that actively contributes to the development of future medicines by collaborating with innovative companies like Neogap Therapeutics. Through our close partnership, we leverage our expertise and Innovation Hub to support at every stage, from initial concept to scalable production of pioneering cell therapies. Together, we are driving groundbreaking innovations forward to improve patients’ lives around the world."

ImmunoPrecise to Host TECHDAY: Cutting-Edge AI and Biologics Innovation

On November 4, 2024 ImmunoPrecise Antibodies Ltd. (the "Company" or "IPA") (NASDAQ: IPA),an AI-driven biotherapeutic research and technology company, reported the details of its upcoming TECHDAY event on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST in Cambridge, Massachusetts (Press release, ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, NOV 4, 2024, View Source [SID1234647660]). This exclusive gathering will highlight IPA’s latest advancements in AI-driven design, biologics innovation, and strategic technological developments.

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Highlights of TECHDAY:


Presentation by Dr. Dirk Van Hyfte: Dr. Van Hyfte will present "Accelerating Drug Discovery with LENSai: A Comprehensive Solution." He will showcase LENSai, BioStrand’s revolutionary platform, and discuss how it transforms drug discovery by integrating biotechnology, biotherapeutics, and artificial intelligence. Key topics include using HYFT Universal Fingerprints to revolutionize multi-omics and data integration while accelerating drug discovery, development and optimization with AI-driven insights.

LENSai Demo: A live demonstration of the LENSai platform, showcasing its capabilities in accelerating and enhancing the discovery and design of therapeutic antibodies through AI-driven insights.

Presentation by Dr. Shuji Sato: Dr. Sato will present IPA’s B Cell Discovery Platform and discuss its integration with the company’s advanced AI and NGS workflows for highly efficient hit expansion. This process includes:

Fast analysis of complete NGS repertoires

Multimodal feature extraction that combines sequence, structure, and large language model (LLM) embeddings to deliver enhanced insights into sample diversity.

Add-ons that complement outputs from phage display, B-cell, and hybridoma technologies, enabling the retrieval of antibody sequences with characteristics similar to known binders.

Fireside Chat: Disruptive Dialogue: Empowering Drug Discovery Through Seamless Data Integration and AI-Powered Insights

Participants:


Dr. Dirk Van Hyfte, Head of Innovation and Co-founder, BioStrand (IPA)

Jeff Fried, Director of Platform Strategy and Innovation, InterSystems

This discussion will explore how vector search intelligence is at the core of the LENSai platform, seamlessly integrated with the InterSystems IRIS data platform to deliver precise, scalable solutions that accelerate antibody discovery, enhance accuracy, and increase candidate diversity.

AI-Driven Drug Discovery Summit USA 2024

Additionally, earlier that same week at the AI-Driven Drug Discovery Summit USA 2024, IPA will participate in another fireside chat titled Beyond conventional biologics: the intersection of machine learning and biological engineering to invent.

Participants at the AI-Driven Drug Discovery Summit USA 2024:


Adam Root, Vice President and Head of Protein Sciences, Generate Biomedicines

Dr. Dirk Van Hyfte, Head of Innovation and Co-founder, BioStrand (IPA)

The chat will focus on the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning with wet lab infrastructure to accelerate biologics development.

A recorded webcast of the TECHDAY presentations will be available in the Investors section of the IPA website under "Events and Presentations" at ir.ipatherapeutics.com.

IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On November 4, 2024 IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDYA), a precision medicine oncology company committed to the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics, reported a business update, and announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 (Press release, Ideaya Biosciences, NOV 4, 2024, View Source [SID1234647659]).

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"This was a transformational quarter for IDEAYA, including completion of an oversubscribed ~$302.4 million follow-on financing, a late breaker oral presentation at ENA 2024 for IDE397 in heavily pre-treated MTAP-deletion urothelial and lung cancer patients, and a successful Type C meeting with the FDA to enable a potential registration-enabling trial for darovasertib in neoadjuvant uveal melanoma. Next, we received IND clearance for Werner Helicase inhibitor IDE275 with our partner GSK, representing our fifth potential first-in-class clinical program," said Yujiro S. Hata, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, IDEAYA Biosciences. "We continue to execute on our strategic vision to build a leading precision medicine oncology pipeline, and are on track to nominate our 6th, 7th, and 8th development candidate by year-end, including from our B7H3/PTK7 bi-specific topo-ADC, MTAP-deletion, and KAT6 pathway programs. We look forward to highlighting IDEAYA’s potential first-in-class preclinical and clinical programs, and to continue to establish our scientific leadership in precision medicine oncology at our upcoming investor R&D day," said Michael White, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, IDEAYA Biosciences.

"This past quarter, we made significant progress on the darovasertib program, including being ahead of our enrollment targets for the first-line MUM potential registration-enabling trial, and a successful Type C meeting with the FDA to inform a potentially registration-enabling trial in the neoadjuvant uveal melanoma setting. Next, the clinical data update from ENA 2024, provides further clinical proof-of-concept for IDE397 at the RP2D in MTAP-deletion urothelial and lung cancer. We are excited to advance our broader IDE397 rational combination strategy, including target expansion with AMG 193 in MTAP-deletion NSCLC in late 2024 to early 2025, and target expansion with Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy), Gilead’s Trop-2 directed antibody-drug conjugate, in MTAP-deletion urothelial cancer in the fourth quarter. Lastly, we are targeting to select a monotherapy expansion dose for IDE161, and achieve FPI in combination with Keytruda in MSI-High and MSS endometrial cancer by year-end," added Darrin Beaupre, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, IDEAYA Biosciences.

Summary of Q3 and Recent Key Developments

Research and Clinical Development


Darovasertib in 1L MUM and Neoadjuvant Uveal Melanoma (UM)

Enrollment in darovasertib + crizotinib 1L HLA-A2+ MUM potential Ph2/3 registration-enabling trial is ahead of schedule and has exceeded 150 patients

Positive interim Phase 2 results of darovasertib (IDE196) from the company-sponsored and investigator-sponsored trials (IST) were highlighted during an Investor Webcast in September 2024, and over 75 patients have been enrolled in company-sponsored trial.

Following a successful Type C meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), IDEAYA is finalizing the Phase 3 registrational trial protocol and is targeting to initiate its potential registration-enabling trial in the first half of 2025.

IDE397 in MTAP-Deletion Solid Tumors

Phase 1 expansion results of IDE397 in 27 evaluable MTAP-deletion urothelial cancer (UC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were presented as a late-breaking oral presentation at the 36th EORTC-NCI-AACR (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) Symposium (ENA 2024) in Barcelona, Spain. Additional preclinical data on the anti-tumor activity by combinatorial inhibition of IDE397 and clinical stage PRMT5 inhibitors AMG 193 and BMS-986504 in MTAP-deleted tumors were included in a poster presentation.


Reported positive interim data from 18 evaluable MTAP-deletion UC and NSCLC patients and selected the move-forward Phase 2 expansion dose (RP2D) in an Investor Webcast in July 2024.

Enrollment is ongoing in the IDE397 and AMG 193 Phase 1 dose escalation, and targeting expansion in NSCLC in late 2024 to early 2025.

Ongoing Phase 1 trial evaluating IDE397 in combination with Trodelvy in MTAP-deletion UC; targeting combination expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024. The PR reported at ENA 2024 has confirmed by RECIST 1.1.

IDE161 in Tumors with Homologous Recombination Deficiency

Targeting Phase 1/2 monotherapy expansion for IDE161 PARG inhibitor in priority solid tumor type(s) in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Targeting first-patient-in for the Phase 1 trial evaluating IDE161, IDEAYA’s first-in-class potential PARG inhibitor, in combination with Merck’s (known as MSD outside of the US and Canada) anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), in MSI-High and MSS endometrial cancer (EC) in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Preclinical data on IDE161 and antibody drug conjugate (ADC) combination rationale presented as a poster at ENA 2024.

Received FDA IND clearance for IDE275 (GSK959), a potential first-in-class and best-in-class Werner Helicase inhibitor, for a Phase 1 trial in high microsatellite instability (MSI-High) tumors and earned a $7.0 million milestone from GSK.

Targeting Development Candidate nomination for MTAP-deletion, KAT6 pathway and B7H3/PTK7 Topo-Payload Bispecific-ADC programs in the fourth quarter of 2024.

IDEAYA is targeting to host a Virtual Investor R&D Day on Monday, December 16, 2024, to highlight IDEAYA’s potential first-in-class preclinical and clinical pipeline with management, leading Key Opinion Leader(s) (KOLs), and Pharma partner(s).

Corporate Development


Raised gross proceeds of approximately $302.4 million in July 2024 through public offering, generating net proceeds of approximately $283.8 million.

Appointed Douglas B. Snyder as Senior Vice President, General Counsel. Mr. Snyder brings over 25 years of legal experience with leading healthcare organizations, including GW Pharmaceuticals, Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Eisai, GSK, and the U.S. FDA.

Clinical Programs and Upcoming Milestones

Darovasertib (IDE196) Program in Tumors with GNAQ or GNA11 Mutations

Darovasertib is a potent and selective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor being developed to broadly address primary and metastatic UM. Darovasertib is currently being evaluated in four ongoing clinical trials. The darovasertib and crizotinib combination in MUM has FDA Fast Track designation:


IDE196-002 (NCT05987332) is a Phase 2/3 potentially registration-enabling clinical trial of darovasertib + crizotinib in first-line human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-A2*02:01 negative (-) MUM. Over 150 patients enrolled as of October 31, 2024.


IDE196-001 (NCT03947385) is a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of darovasertib + crizotinib in which we are planning to enroll additional HLA-A2*02:01 positive (+) patients.

Phase 2 trials of darovasertib as neoadjuvant / adjuvant therapy in primary UM:

IDE196-009 (NCT05907954) is a company-sponsored Phase 2 trial evaluating darovasertib as neoadjuvant treatment of UM prior to primary interventional treatment of enucleation or radiation therapy, and as adjuvant therapy following the primary treatment. Over 75 patients enrolled as of October 31, 2024.

NADOM (NCT05187884) is a Phase 2 neoadjuvant / adjuvant trial of darovasertib in ocular melanoma. This is an IST led by Anthony Joshua, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, Head Department of Medical Oncology, Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney with additional participating sites in Melbourne, Australia.

Positive interim efficacy data from both the company-sponsored and the IST trials were highlighted during an Investor webcast in September 2024:

31 enucleation and 18 plaque brachytherapy evaluable UM patients treated with darovasertib neoadjuvant therapy in Phase 2 company-sponsored and IST trials.

~59% (29 of 49) of patients with >20% ocular tumor shrinkage by product of diameters.

~49% (24 of 49) of patients with >30% ocular tumor shrinkage by product of diameters.

~61% (19 of 31) eye preservation rate observed.

Evidence of predicted visual preservation observed by reducing the amount of radiation associated with plaque brachytherapy.

Manageable AE profile observed from Phase 2 company-sponsored trial (n=38), including 11% grade 3 or higher AEs, and 5% serious AE rate. The discontinuation rate observed was 3%. The most common AEs observed included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

IDEAYA had a successful Type C meeting with the FDA to discuss the clinical trial design for a registration-enabling Phase 3 trial in neoadjuvant UM patients. The planned trial aims to enroll approximately 400 patients in two cohorts: cohort 1 of plaque brachytherapy eligible UM patients, and cohort 2 of enucleation eligible UM patients. Cohort 1 will be randomized to darovasertib followed by plaque brachytherapy versus plaque brachytherapy alone, and cohort 2 will be randomized with or without darovasertib as neoadjuvant therapy. The primary endpoint of the trial is planned to be time to vision loss and eye preservation rate for cohort 1 and 2, respectively. The secondary endpoint for the trial is no detriment to Event-Free-Survival (EFS). Discussions with the FDA are ongoing regarding surrogate and composite endpoints to support earlier approval scenarios. IDEAYA is currently finalizing the trial protocol and is targeting to initiate the potential Phase 3 registration-enabling study in the first half of 2025.

IDE397 Program in Tumors with MTAP Deletion

IDE397 is a potent and selective small molecule inhibitor targeting methionine adenosyltransferase 2 alpha (MAT2A) in patients having solid tumors with methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) deletion. IDEAYA continues to evaluate IDE397 in two trials in select monotherapy indications and in high conviction clinical combinations:


IDE397-001 (NCT04794699) is a Phase 1/2 treatment study with a monotherapy expansion in MTAP-deletion UC and NSCLC. The estimated U.S. MTAP-deletion annual incidence in UC and NSCLC is approximately 48,000 patients.

Encouraging clinical activity at the 30 mg once-a-day Phase 2 monotherapy expansion dose was observed in the Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating IDE397 in heavily pre-treated MTAP-deletion UC and NSCLC patients presented at ENA 2024 in October 2024. The patients evaluated had a median of two to three prior lines-of-therapy, ranging from one to seven. The reported Phase 1 clinical expansion data was based on 27 evaluable MTAP-deletion patients, including 10 UC, nine adenocarcinoma (Adeno) NSCLC, and eight squamous (Sq) NSCLC patients at the expansion dose of 30 mg once-a-day of IDE397 :

~33% Overall Response Rate (ORR). One complete response (CR) and eight partial responses (PRs) by RECIST 1.1 evaluation out of 27 evaluable patients. Nine of nine responses have been confirmed by RECIST 1.1, including four UC patients, of which one was a CR, three squamous NSCLC patients, and two adenocarcinoma NSCLC patients. Two patients confirmed after the data cutoff date. In the earlier reported July 8, 2024, IDE397 webcast program update, five confirmed responses were reported out of 18 evaluable MTAP-deletion UC and NSCLC patients by RECIST 1.1. There were zero non-evaluable patients reported as of the data analysis.

Confirmed ORR% by RECIST 1.1 by Solid Tumor Type: MTAP-deletion UC = 40% (4 of 10) confirmed ORR%; MTAP-deletion squamous NSCLC = ~38% (3 of 8) confirmed ORR%; MTAP-deletion adenocarcinoma NSCLC = ~22% (2 of 9) confirmed ORR%.

Multiple confirmed partial responses by RECIST 1.1 harbor genetic co-alterations, including MTAP-deletion and KRAS G12D mutation in NSCLC, and MTAP-deletion and FGFR-TACC3 fusion in UC.

~93% Disease Control Rate (DCR). One CR, eight PRs, and 16 stable disease (SD) by RECIST 1.1 evaluation out of 27 evaluable patients.

Preliminary durability assessment: 15 of 27 patients still on treatment. Seven of nine RECIST 1.1 responses remain on treatment. Median duration of treatment (DOT) has not been reached and is greater than 6.2 months and median time to response (TTR) is ~2.7 months. The median duration of response and median progression free survival data is still immature. Three UC patients on treatment greater than 250 days, four squamous NSCLC patients on treatment greater than 200 days, and three adenocarcinoma NSCLC patients on treatment greater than 200 days

~81% circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) Molecular Response Rate (MRR). 17 of 21 patients with 50% or greater ctDNA reduction, and ~33% (7 of 21) with deep 90% or greater ctDNA reduction. All MRs (17 of 17) were rapid occurring at the first ctDNA sample analysis. There were several quality control failures of patient samples that led to unavailability for MR analysis

Favorable adverse event (AE) profile. Approximately 18% grade 3 or higher drug-related AEs and no drug-related serious adverse events (SAEs) observed at the IDE397 30mg once-a-day expansion dose. No drug-related AEs leading to discontinuations were observed. We anticipate that the favorable AE profile and dosing convenience of a 30 mg once-a-day tablet has the potential to enable long-term dosing and combination development, including with MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitors and topoisomerase payload antibody drug conjugates (ADCs)

Over 35 global clinical trial sites activated in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia Pasic to enable rapid enrollment.

Targeting development of IDE397 registrational plan in MTAP-deletion solid tumors in 2025.

Phase 1/2 trial of IDE397 and AMG 193 in MTAP-Deletion NSCLC (Amgen-sponsored study, NCT05975073)

Preclinical poster presentation on the antitumor activity by combinatorial inhibition of MAT2A and PRMT5 in MTAP-deleted tumors presented at ENA 2024.

Enrollment is ongoing in the IDE397 and AMG193 Phase 1 dose escalation. Targeting expansion in NSCLC in late 2024 to early 2025.

Phase 1 trial of IDE397 and Trodelvy in MTAP-deletion UC (IDEAYA-sponsored, NCT04794699) evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and efficacy is ongoing.

Reported the first preliminary clinical case study of the IDE397 and Trodelvy combination in MTAP-deletion UC at ENA 2024, including a PR by RECIST 1.1 in a patient case report with a genetic co-alteration of MTAP-deletion and a FGFR3-TACC3 fusion, and rapid and deep first-evaluation molecular responses with ctDNA reduction of greater than 95% observed. The PR reported at ENA 2024 has now confirmed by RECIST 1.1.

Targeting to initiate the IDE397 and Trodelvy Phase 1/2 combination expansion in MTAP-deletion UC in Q4 2024.

Pursuant to the clinical study collaboration and supply agreement, IDEAYA and Gilead retain the commercial rights to their respective compounds, including with respect to use as a monotherapy or combination agent. IDEAYA is the study sponsor and Gilead will provide the supply of Trodelvy to IDEAYA.

IDE397 monotherapy or in combination with Trodelvy has not been approved by any regulatory agency and the efficacy and safety of this combination has not been established.

IDE161 Program in Tumors with Homologous Recombination Deficiency

IDE161 is a potential first-in-class inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG), a novel, mechanistically distinct target in the same clinically validated biological pathway as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). IDE161 received two FDA Fast Track designations in platinum-resistant advanced or metastatic ovarian cancer patients having tumors with BRCA1/2 mutations, and in pretreated advanced or metastatic HR+, Her2-, BRACA1/2 mutant breast cancer.

IDE161 is currently being evaluated in IDE161-001 (NCT05787587), a Phase 1 trial of IDE161 monotherapy in solid tumors with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and in the planned combination with Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in microsatellite instability high (MSI-High) and microsatellite stable (MSS) endometrial cancer. Selection of an initial Phase 1/2 IDE161 monotherapy expansion dose in priority solid tumors type(s) is targeted in the fourth quarter of 2024. Separately, a first-patient-in for IDE161 in combination with KEYTRUDA is targeted in the fourth quarter of 2024. KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

In addition, preclinical results on IDE161 and ADC combination rationale were presented as a poster at ENA 2024.

GSK-Partnered Programs

IDE705 (GSK101) Program in Tumors with HRD

IDE705 (GSK101) is a potential first-in-class small molecule inhibitor of Pol Theta Helicase being developed as a combination treatment with niraparib for advanced solid tumors with HRD. The dose escalation portion of the GSK-sponsored Phase 1/2 clinical trial to evaluate GSK101 in combination with niraparib, the GSK small molecule inhibitor of PARP, for patients having solid tumors with BRCA or other HR mutations, or with HRD is currently ongoing.

Upon initiation of the Phase 1 dose expansion, IDEAYA will be eligible to receive a $10.0 million milestone payment, with the collaboration having potential further aggregate later-stage development and regulatory milestones of up to $465.0 million. GSK is responsible for all research and development costs for the program. Upon commercialization, IDEAYA will be eligible to receive up to $475 million of commercial milestones, and tiered royalties on global net sales of GSK101 – ranging from high single-digit to sub-teen double-digit percentages, subject to certain customary reductions.

IDE275 (GSK959) Program in Tumors with MSI-High
IDE275 (GSK959) is a potential first-in-class Werner helicase inhibitor that received FDA IND clearance for a Phase 1 trial in October 2024. The GSK-sponsored Phase 1 trial will evaluate IDE275 (GSK959) in patients having MSI-High tumors, as a monotherapy and in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor.

IDEAYA earned a $7 million milestone payment for the IND clearance and has the potential to earn up to an additional $10.0 million upon initiation of Phase 1 clinical dose expansion. In addition, IDEAYA is entitled to receive up to $465.0 million in further later-stage development and regulatory milestones. GSK is responsible for 80% of global research and development costs and IDEAYA is responsible for 20% of such costs. Upon commercialization, IDEAYA will be eligible to receive up to $475 million of commercial milestones, 50% of U.S. net profits and tiered royalties on global non-U.S. net sales of the Werner Helicase inhibitor development candidate (DC) – ranging from high single-digit to sub-teen double-digit percentages, subject to certain customary reductions.

B7H3/PTK7 Topo-Payload BsADC Program

IDEAYA entered into an option and license agreement for a potential first-in-class B7H3/PTK7 Topo-Payload BsADC program with Biocytogen in July 2024. The agreement grants IDEAYA an option for an exclusive worldwide license from Biocytogen for a potential first-in-class B7H3/PTK7 Topo-Payload BsADC program. B7H3/PTK7 has been found to be co-expressed in multiple solid tumor types, including double-digit percent prevalence in lung, colorectal, and head and neck cancers, among others. Based on preclinical data, the potential first-in-class B7H3/PTK7 Topo-Payload BsADC program has the potential to be developed as a monotherapy agent and used in combination with multiple programs in IDEAYA’s pipeline targeting DDR-based therapies, including the PARG inhibitor IDE161. A development candidate nomination for the B7H3/PTK7 Topo-Payload BsADC program is targeted in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Next-Generation Precision Medicine Pipeline Programs

Early preclinical research programs focused on pharmacological inhibition of several new targets for patients with solid tumors characterized by defined biomarkers based on genetic mutations and/or molecular signatures are ongoing. These programs have the potential for discovery and development of first-in-class or best-in-class therapeutics with multiple wholly owned DC nominations targeted in the fourth quarter of 2024, including in MTAP-deletion solid tumors indications to enable a potential wholly-owned clinical combination with IDE397, and separately a DC nomination in the lysine acetyltransferase 6 (KAT6) pathway.

Financial Results

As of September 30, 2024, IDEAYA had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling $1.2 billion. This compared to cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $952.7 million as of June 30, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to $283.8 million in net proceeds from the underwritten public offering of common stock and pre-funded warrants to purchase common stock in July 2024, partially offset by net cash used in operations.

Research and development (R&D) expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 totaled $57.2 million compared to $54.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to clinical trial and outside services expenses.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 totaled $9.7 million compared to $10.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to stock-based compensation expense.

The net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $51.8 million compared to the net loss of $52.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Total stock compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $9.2 million compared to $9.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

Foghorn Therapeutics Provides Third Quarter 2024 Financial and Corporate Update

On November 4, 2024 Foghorn Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: FHTX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering a new class of medicines that treat serious diseases by correcting abnormal gene expression, reported a financial and corporate update in conjunction with the Company’s 10-Q filing for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 (Press release, Foghorn Therapeutics, NOV 4, 2024, View Source [SID1234647658]). With an initial focus in oncology, Foghorn’s Gene Traffic Control Platform and resulting broad pipeline have the potential to transform the lives of people suffering from a wide spectrum of diseases.

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"We continue to advance our pipeline of multiple therapeutics targeting novel biology in the chromatin regulatory system. The first patient was recently dosed with FHD-909, a highly selective SMARCA2 (BRM) inhibitor, that targets the SMARCA2 synthetic lethal relationship with SMARCA4 (BRG1) mutated NSCLC. We look forward to further clinical progress with the FHD-909 program in collaboration with our partner Lilly," said Adrian Gottschalk, President and Chief Executive Officer of Foghorn. "By year-end, we expect data from our FHD-286 combination study in AML and expect to initiate IND-enabling studies for our Selective CBP degrader program targeting tumors harboring EP300 mutations, including bladder, gastric, and endometrial cancers. With our strong cash position and runway into 2027, we are poised to advance our clinical and preclinical pipeline."

Recent Corporate Updates

Presented at 7th Annual Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) Summit. In October, Foghorn participated in multiple sessions at the 7th Annual TPD Summit, including a CEO Think Tank keynote session entitled "A Strategic Look at Targeted Protein Degradation & Induced Proximity Field" featuring Foghorn’s CEO Adrian Gottschalk, and a presentation by Steve Bellon, Foghorn’s Chief Scientific Officer, on the recent developments from Foghorn’s degrader pipeline.

Dosed First Patient with FHD-909. In October, the first patient was dosed with FHD-909 in the Phase 1 open-label, multicenter trial for SMARCA4 mutated cancers, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as the primary target patient population.

Strengthened Executive Leadership. In September, Foghorn appointed Anna Rivkin, Ph.D., as Chief Business Officer. Dr. Rivkin brings over two decades of expertise establishing strategic alliances, R&D partnerships, in-licensing and M&A. Most recently, she held leadership roles at Bristol Myers Squibb where she successfully oversaw a broad range of complex business transactions across multiple disease areas.

Program Overview and Upcoming Milestones

FHD-286. FHD-286 is a potent, first-in-class, selective inhibitor of the SMARCA2 (BRM) and SMARCA4 (BRG1) subunits of the BAF chromatin remodeling complex where dependency on SMARCA2/SMARCA4 is well-established preclinically with multiple tumor types, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML)/myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), NSCLC and prostate cancer.
•AML Phase 1 trial. The ongoing Phase 1 dose escalation trial is evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and preliminary clinical activity of FHD-286 in combination with decitabine or low-dose cytarabine in patients with relapsed and/or refractory AML who have failed multiple courses of therapy. FHD-286 previously demonstrated a promising mutation-agnostic differentiation effect in a single-agent dose escalation trial.
•Topline safety, tolerability, initial efficacy, and PK/PD data expected by year-end 2024.

FHD-909 (LY4050784). FHD-909 is a first-in-class oral SMARCA2 selective inhibitor that has demonstrated in preclinical studies to have high selectivity over its closely related paralog SMARCA4, two proteins that are the catalytic engines across all forms of the BAF complex. SMARCA4 mutations are common across tumor types, including approximately 10% of NSCLC, and result in tumors being dependent on SMARCA2 activity for their survival. Selectively blocking SMARCA2 activity is a promising synthetic lethal strategy intended to induce tumor death while sparing healthy cells.
•Dosed first patient. In October 2024, the first patient was dosed in the Phase 1 trial for FHD-909 in SMARCA4 mutated cancers, with NSCLC as the primary target patient population.
•Strategic collaboration with Lilly. In December 2021, Foghorn announced a strategic collaboration with Lilly to create novel oncology medicines that includes a U.S. 50/50 co-development and co-commercialization agreement for Foghorn’s Selective SMARCA2 oncology program, agreements for a selective inhibitor and a selective degrader, and an additional undisclosed oncology target. The collaboration also includes three discovery programs using Foghorn’s proprietary Gene Traffic Control platform.

Selective CBP degrader program. Foghorn is advancing its Selective CBP degrader program to selectively target CBP in EP300 mutated cancer cells. CBP and EP300 are highly similar acetyltransferases that create a synthetic lethal relationship when EP300 is mutated. Attempts to selectively drug CBP have been challenging due to the high level of similarity between the two proteins, while dual inhibition of CBP/EP300 has been limited by hematopoietic toxicity.
•Robust antitumor activity in EP300 loss tumors. In April, Foghorn presented new pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic preclinical data at the 2024 AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and during a pipeline update call. In October, Foghorn presented additional data on efficacy, tolerability, and formulation at the 7th Annual TPD & Induced Proximity Summit. These data include:
◦Deep and sustained CBP degradation significantly inhibited tumor growth in mouse xenograft solid tumor models.
◦Robust monotherapy preclinical anti-tumor activity that was not associated with significant body weight loss, thrombocytopenia or anemia.

◦Identification of potent and selective CBP protein degraders with first-in-class potential to address tumors harboring EP300 mutations in many types of cancer, including bladder, gastric and endometrial cancers.
◦Identification of long-acting injection formulation that resulted in tumor regression from a single dose in a mouse xenograft efficacy study.
•Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies are on track to initiate by the fourth quarter of 2024.
Selective EP300 degrader program. Foghorn is advancing its Selective EP300 degrader program for CBP mutant and EP300-dependent cancers. Attempts to selectively drug EP300 have been challenging due to the high level of similarity between the two proteins, while dual inhibition of CBP/EP300 has been limited by hematopoietic toxicity.
•Robust anti-tumor activity in CBP mutant and EP300 dependent cancers. In April, Foghorn presented new pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic preclinical data at the 2024 AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and during a pipeline update call highlighting:
•Well-tolerated in vivo with no observed decrease in platelet levels, with no effects on megakaryocyte viability at pharmacologically relevant concentrations in ex vivo studies.
•Identification of potent and selective EP300 degraders with anti-tumor activity in prostate and hematological malignancies, including prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Selective ARID1B degrader program.
ARID1A is the most mutated subunit in the BAF complex and amongst the most mutated proteins in oncology. These mutations lead to a dependency on ARID1B in several types of cancer, including ovarian, endometrial, colorectal, and bladder. Attempts to selectively drug ARID1B have been challenging because of the high degree of similarity between ARID1A and ARID1B and the fact that ARID1B has no enzymatic activity to target.
•Highly potent and selective binders developed. In April, Foghorn presented data demonstrating potent and selective small molecule binders to ARID1B. The Company is in the process of converting these selective binders into heterobifunctional degraders.

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

•Collaboration Revenues. Collaboration revenue was $7.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $17.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The three months ended September 30, 2023 included $16.1 million revenue from a Merck collaboration that ended in August 2023. The revenue in the three months ended September 30, 2024 was driven by the continued advancement of programs under the Lilly Collaboration Agreement.

•Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses were $24.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $26.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease is attributed to an increase in Lilly partnered programs of $3.3 million, partially offset by decreases in personnel-related costs, early development and other research external costs and facilities and IT related expenses of $5.0 million.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses were $7.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $8.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. This decrease was primarily due to lower personnel-related costs.

•Net Loss. Net loss was $19.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a net loss of $14.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

•Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $267.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, providing expected cash runway into 2027.

About FHD-286
FHD-286 is a highly potent, first-in-class, selective, allosteric, and orally available small-molecule, enzymatic inhibitor of SMARCA2 (BRM) and SMARCA4 (BRG1), two highly similar proteins that are the ATPases, or the catalytic engines, of the BAF complex, one of the key regulators within the chromatin regulatory system. In preclinical studies, FHD-286 has shown anti-tumor activity across a broad range of malignancies, including both hematologic and solid tumors.

About AML
Adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow and the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. AML is a diverse disease associated with multiple genetic mutations. It is diagnosed in about 20,000 people every year in the United States.

About FHD-909
FHD-909 (LY4050784) is a potent, first-in-class, allosteric, and orally available small molecule that selectively inhibits the ATPase activity of SMARCA2 (BRM) over its closely related paralog SMARCA4 (BRG1), two proteins that are the catalytic engines across all forms of the BAF complex, one of the key regulators of the chromatin regulatory system. In preclinical studies, tumors with mutations in SMARCA4 rely on SMARCA2 for their survival. FHD-909 has shown significant anti-tumor activity across multiple SMARCA4 mutant lung tumor models.

CytoDyn Announces FDA Clearance of Its Phase II Oncology Trial

On November 4, 2024 CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB: CYDY) ("CytoDyn" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company developing leronlimab, a CCR5 antagonist with the potential for multiple therapeutic indications, reported that it has received clearance from the FDA to commence its Phase II oncology trial (Press release, CytoDyn, NOV 4, 2024, View Source [SID1234647657]). The study will evaluate the efficacy of leronlimab in patients with relapsed/refractory microsatellite stable colorectal cancer ("CRC").

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This milestone reflects the continued positive development of the Company’s improved relationship with the FDA. Clearance for the Phase II oncology trial was achieved following productive feedback sessions with the FDA over the past few months and the submission of a final study protocol to the FDA in September 2024. As previously announced, the trial will be conducted in partnership with Syneos Health. A trial kickoff meeting has been set for late November 2024 and patient enrollment will begin in early 2025.

"We have appreciated the opportunity to work constructively with the FDA on the review and finalization of our CRC protocol," said Dr. Jacob Lalezari CEO. "With the agency’s input and our partnership with Syneos Health, we are well positioned to advance our clinical evaluation of leronlimab for oncology and make real strides towards developing the treatment paths of tomorrow."