Jazz Pharmaceuticals to Present Advancements in Solid Tumors and Blood Cancer Research at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium and American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting

On December 3, 2024 Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) reported that the Company and its partners will present two abstracts at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) from December 10-13 and 13 abstracts at the 66th Annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting from December 7-10 (Press release, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, DEC 3, 2024, View Source [SID1234648772]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

A trial-in-progress poster presentation at SABCS outlines the trial design of the ongoing Phase 3 EmpowHER-303 trial (NCT06435429), which is evaluating the efficacy and safety of Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii) vs trastuzumab with chemotherapy in patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have progressed on, or are intolerant to, trastuzumab deruxtecan. New data from a Phase 1b/2 study of zanidatamab plus evorpacept (NCT05027139) in patients with pre-treated HER2-positive and HER2-low metastatic breast cancer will be featured as a poster spotlight.

"Following the recent FDA approval of Ziihera for the treatment of adults with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) biliary tract cancer, we are pleased to present meaningful data at SABCS on the positive impact zanidatamab can have for patients with HER2-expressing cancers. We continue to advance our clinical program for zanidatamab with the goal to improve outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat HER2-positive cancers. Our development program includes multiple ongoing Phase 3 trials evaluating 1L BTC, 1L GEA, with top-line PFS results expected in the second quarter of 2025, and metastatic breast cancer after T-DXd treatment, supporting the use of zanidatamab after other HER2-targeted therapies," said Rob Iannone, M.D., M.S.C.E., executive vice president, global head of research and development, and chief medical officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "Additionally, we look forward to highlighting 13 abstracts featuring oncology research at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2024, which underscores our commitment to improving standards of care in blood cancer and other hematologic diseases."

The full SABCS abstracts are available here. The Jazz and partner-supported presentations at SABCS 2024 are:

Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii) Presentations

Topic

Author

Presentation Details

EmpowHER 303: A phase 3 study to
evaluate the efficacy and safety of
zanidatamab vs trastuzumab with
chemotherapy in patients (pts) with
metastatic HER2-positive breast
cancer who have progressed on, or are
intolerant to, trastuzumab deruxtecan

Sara M Tolaney, et al.

Presentation Type: Poster Session

Abstract Number: SESS-1922

Date: Friday December 13, 2024

Time: 12:00-2:00 PM (PST)

Zanidatamab in combination with
evorpacept in HER2-positive and
HER2-low metastatic breast cancer:
Results from a phase 1b/2 study

Alberto J Montero, et al.

Presentation Type: Poster Spotlight Presentation

Abstract Number: SESS-2007

Date: Thursday December 12, 2024

Time: 7:00-8:30 AM (PST)

The full ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) abstracts are available here. The Jazz and partner-supported presentations at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2024 are:

Vyxeos (daunorubicin and cytarabine) Presentations

Topic

Author

Presentation Details

A Randomized Comparison of CPX-
351 and FLAG-Ida in Patients With
High-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia
(AML)/Myelodysplastic Syndrome
(MDS) And MDS-Related Gene
Mutations: A Subgroup Analysis of the
UK NCRI AML19 Trial

Priyanka Mehta, et al.

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Abstract Number: #55

Date: Saturday December 7, 2024

Time: 9:30 AM (PST)

AML-MR Mutations Drive the Benefit of
CPX-351 over 7+3 in the Pivotal Phase
3 AML Trial

Shai O Shimony, et al.

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Abstract Number: #60

Date: Saturday December 7, 2024

Time: 10:45 AM (PST)

Phase Ib/II Study of CPX-351 in
Combination with Venetoclax in
Patients with Newly Diagnosed, High
Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Emmanuel Almanza, et al.

Presentation Type: Poster Presentation

Abstract Number: #1511

Date: Saturday December 7, 2024

Time: 5:30-7:30 PM (PST)

A Randomised Comparison of CPX-
351 versus Standard Daunorubicin and
Cytarabine plus Fractionated
Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin in Older
AML Adults Without Known Adverse
Risk Cytogenetics: Results of the NCRI
AML18 Trial

Steven Knapper, et al.

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Abstract Number: #59

Date: Saturday December 7, 2024

Time: 10:30 AM (PST)

Phase 1/1b Dose Escalation and
Expansion of CPX-351 in Combination
with Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin in
Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid
Leukemia

Onyee Chan, et al.

Presentation Type: Poster Presentation

Abstract Number: #4270

Date: Monday December 9, 2024

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM (PST)

A Phase 3 Randomized Trial for
Patients with de novo AML Comparing
Standard Therapy Including
Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (GO) to
CPX-351 with GO – A report from the
Children’s Oncology Group

Jessica A Pollard, et al.

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Abstract Number: #967

Date: Monday December 9, 2024

Time: 4:30 PM (PST)

Combination of CPX-351 and
Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (GO) in
Relapsed Refractory (R/R) Acute
Myeloid Leukemia and Post
Hypomethylating Agent (HMA) Failure
High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome
(HR-MDS)

Jayastu Senapati, et al.

Presentation Type: Poster Presentation

Abstract Number: #2903

Date: Sunday December 8, 2024

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM (PST)

Phase Ib/II Study of CPX-351 plus
Venetoclax in Patients with
Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid
Leukemia (AML)

Vanthana Bharathi, et al.

Presentation Type: Poster Presentation

Abstract Number: #4272

Date: Monday December 9, 2024

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM (PST)

Rapid, Reliable, and Comprehensive
Identification of MDS-Defining
Cytogenetic Changes By a FISH-Panel
Containing Six Probes in a Real-World
Population of Patients with Suspected
AML

Katayoon Shirneshan, et al.

Presentation Type: Poster Presentation

Abstract Number: #4308

Date: Monday December 9, 2024

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM (PST)

Prospective Evaluation of the Impact of
Measurable Residual Disease (MRD)
by Error Corrected Next-Generation
Sequencing (NGS) with CPX-351 in
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

David Sallman, et al.

Presentation Type: Poster Presentation

Abstract Number: #4332

Date: Monday December 9, 2024

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM (PST)

A Phase 1 Study of CPX-351 Plus
Gilteritinib in Relapsed or Refractory,
FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Onyee Chan, et al.

Presentation Type: Poster Presentation

Abstract Number: #1520

Date: Saturday December 7, 2024

Time: 5:30-7:30 PM (PST)

Defitelio (defibrotide sodium) Presentations

Topic

Author

Presentation Details

Genetic Susceptibility in Sinusoidal
Obstruction Syndrome/Veno-Occlusive
Disease

Ioulia Mavrikou, et al.

Presentation Type: Poster presentation

Abstract Number: #4778

Date: Monday December 9, 2024

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM (PST)

Defibrotide reduces hypercoagulable
state in patients with Sickle Cell
Disease-Related Acute Chest
Syndrome

Edo Schaefer, et al.

Presentation Type: Poster presentation

Abstract Number: #2515

Date: Sunday December 8, 2024

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM (PST)

About Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii)

Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii) is a bispecific HER2-directed antibody that binds to two extracellular sites on HER2. Binding of zanidatamab-hrii with HER2 results in internalization leading to a reduction of the receptor on the tumor cell surface. Zanidatamab-hrii induces complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). These mechanisms result in tumor growth inhibition and cell death in vitro and in vivo.1 In the United States, Ziihera is indicated for the treatment of adults with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) biliary tract cancer (BTC), as detected by an FDA-approved test.1 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval for this indication based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).1

Zanidatamab is not approved anywhere else in the world.

Zanidatamab is being developed in multiple clinical trials as a targeted treatment option for patients with solid tumors that express HER2. Zanidatamab is being developed by Jazz and BeiGene, Ltd. (BeiGene) under license agreements from Zymeworks, which first developed the molecule.

The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for zanidatamab development in patients with previously treated HER2 gene-amplified BTC, and two Fast Track designations for zanidatamab: one as a single agent for refractory BTC and one in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy for 1L gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). Additionally, zanidatamab has received Orphan Drug designations from FDA for the treatment of BTC and GEA, as well as Orphan Drug designation from the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of BTC and gastric cancer.

Important Safety Information for ZIIHERA

WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

Exposure to ZIIHERA during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients
of the risk and need for effective contraception.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
ZIIHERA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In literature reports, use of a HER2-directed antibody during pregnancy resulted in cases of oligohydramnios and oligohydramnios sequence manifesting as pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal abnormalities, and neonatal death.

Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ZIIHERA. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential that exposure to ZIIHERA during pregnancy or within 4 months prior to conception can result in fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZIIHERA and for 4 months following the last dose of ZIIHERA.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction
ZIIHERA can cause decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). LVEF declined by >10% and decreased to <50% in 4.3% of 233 patients. Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) leading to permanent discontinuation of ZIIHERA was reported in 0.9% of patients. The median time to first occurrence of LVD was 5.6 months (range: 1.6 to 18.7). LVD resolved in 70% of patients.

Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ZIIHERA and at regular intervals during treatment. Withhold dose or permanently discontinue ZIIHERA based on severity of adverse reactions.

The safety of ZIIHERA has not been established in patients with a baseline ejection fraction that is below 50%.

Infusion-Related Reactions
ZIIHERA can cause infusion-related reactions (IRRs). An IRR was reported in 31% of 233 patients treated with ZIIHERA as a single agent in clinical studies, including Grade 3 (0.4%), and Grade 2 (25%). IRRs leading to permanent discontinuation of ZIIHERA were reported in 0.4% of patients. IRRs occurred on the first day of dosing in 28% of patients; 97% of IRRs resolved within one day.

Prior to each dose of ZIIHERA, administer premedications to prevent potential IRRs. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of IRR during ZIIHERA administration and as clinically indicated after completion of infusion. Have medications and emergency equipment to treat IRRs available for immediate use.

If an IRR occurs, slow, or stop the infusion, and administer appropriate medical management. Monitor patients until complete resolution of signs and symptoms before resuming. Permanently discontinue ZIIHERA in patients with recurrent severe or life-threatening IRRs.

Diarrhea
ZIIHERA can cause severe diarrhea.

Diarrhea was reported in 48% of 233 patients treated in clinical studies, including Grade 3 (6%) and Grade 2 (17%). If diarrhea occurs, administer antidiarrheal treatment as clinically indicated. Perform diagnostic tests as clinically indicated to exclude other causes of diarrhea. Withhold or permanently discontinue ZIIHERA based on severity.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 53% of 80 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive BTC who received ZIIHERA. Serious adverse reactions in >2% of patients included biliary obstruction (15%), biliary tract infection (8%), sepsis (8%), pneumonia (5%), diarrhea (3.8%), gastric obstruction (3.8%), and fatigue (2.5%). A fatal adverse reaction of hepatic failure occurred in one patient who received ZIIHERA.

The most common adverse reactions in 80 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive BTC who received ZIIHERA (≥20%) were diarrhea (50%), infusion-related reaction (35%), abdominal pain (29%), and fatigue (24%).

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of ZIIHERA have not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use
Of the 80 patients who received ZIIHERA for unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive BTC, there were 39 (49%) patients 65 years of age and older. Thirty-seven (46%) were aged 65-74 years old and 2 (3%) were aged 75 years or older.

No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between these patients and younger adult patients.

About Vyxeos (daunorubicin and cytarabine) liposome for injection
Vyxeos is a liposomal combination of daunorubicin, an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor, and cytarabine, a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor.

In the U.S., Vyxeos (daunorubicin and cytarabine) liposome for injection is indicated for the treatment of newly-diagnosed therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) in adults and pediatric patients 1 year and older.3

More information about Vyxeos in the United States, including Full Prescribing Information and BOXED Warning, is available here.

Important Safety Information for VYXEOS

WARNING: VYXEOS has different dosage recommendations from other medications that contain daunorubicin and/or cytarabine. Do not substitute VYXEOS for other daunorubicin and/or cytarabine-containing products.

VYXEOS should not be given to patients who have a history of serious allergic reaction to daunorubicin, cytarabine, or any of its ingredients.

VYXEOS can cause a severe decrease in blood cells (red and white blood cells and cells that prevent bleeding, called platelets) which can result in serious infection or bleeding and possibly lead to death. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts during treatment with VYXEOS. Patients should tell the doctor about new onset fever or symptoms of infection or if they notice signs of bruising or bleeding.

VYXEOS can cause heart-related side effects. Tell your doctor about any history of heart disease, radiation to the chest, or previous chemotherapy. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms of heart failure such as:

shortness of breath or trouble breathing
swelling or fluid retention, especially in the feet, ankles, or legs
unusual tiredness
VYXEOS may cause allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis such as:

trouble breathing
severe itching
skin rash or hives
swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or tongue
VYXEOS contains copper and may cause copper overload in patients with Wilson’s disease or other copper-processing disorders.

VYXEOS can damage the skin if it leaks out of the vein. Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of burning, stinging, or blisters and skin sores at the injection site.

VYXEOS can harm your unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing. Do not breastfeed while receiving VYXEOS. Females and males of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months following the last dose of VYXEOS.

The most common side effects are bleeding events, fever, rash, swelling, nausea, sores in the mouth or throat, diarrhea, constipation, muscle pain, tiredness, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, headache, cough, decreased appetite, irregular heartbeat, pneumonia, blood infection, chills, sleep disorders, and vomiting.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Jazz Pharmaceuticals at 1-800-520-5568.

About Defitelio (defibrotide sodium)
In the U.S., Defitelio (defibrotide sodium) injection 80mg/mL received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marketing approval on March 30, 2016, and it is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), with renal or pulmonary dysfunction following hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) and is the first and only FDA-approved therapy for patients with this rare, potentially fatal complication.6

Please see full Prescribing Information for Defitelio in the United States.

In Europe, defibrotide is marketed under the name Defitelio ▼ (defibrotide). In October 2013, the European Commission granted marketing authorization to Defitelio under exceptional circumstances for the treatment of severe VOD in patients after HSCT therapy. In Europe, Defitelio is indicated in patients over one month of age.

▼This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system found under section 4.8 of the SmPC

(View Source)

The full Summary of Product Characteristics of Defitelio in Europe is available here.

Important Safety Information for Defitelio

Defitelio should not be given to patients who are:

Currently taking anticoagulants or fibrinolytics
Allergic to Defitelio or any of its ingredients
Defitelio may increase the risk of bleeding in patients with VOD and should not be given to patients with active bleeding. During treatment with Defitelio, patients should be monitored for signs of bleeding. In the event that bleeding occurs during treatment with Defitelio, treatment should be temporarily or permanently stopped.

Patients should tell the doctor right away about any signs or symptoms of hemorrhage such as unusual bleeding, easy bruising, blood in urine or stool, headache, confusion, slurred speech, or altered vision.

Defitelio may cause allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Patients who develop signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis such as trouble breathing, severe itching, skin rash or hives, or swelling of the face, lips, mouth or tongue should seek medical attention immediately.

The most common side effects of Defitelio are decreased blood pressure, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and nose bleeds.

Defitelio is not approved for the prevention of VOD. It is not indicated in patients with hypersensitivity to defibrotide or any of its excipients or with concomitant use of thrombolytic therapy.

Congruence and Ono Announce Multi-Target Research Collaboration to Generate Small Molecule Correctors for the Treatment of Cancer

On December 3, 2024 Congruence Therapeutics reported that it has entered into a research collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Ono) to discover novel drug candidates leveraging Congruence’s proprietary drug discovery platform, Revenir (Press release, Ono, DEC 3, 2024, View Source [SID1234648771]). Congruence will apply its technology and expertise toward multiple cancer protein targets. Once the discovery effort advances to a prespecified stage, Ono has the option to acquire exclusive worldwide rights to further develop and commercialize small molecule correctors generated during the collaboration.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"We believe that this collaboration with Congruence may help generating novel small molecule correctors for validated targets in the oncology area by leveraging their own technologies in protein dynamics and computational biology, leading to our development pipeline," said Seishi Katsumata, PhD, Corporate Officer / Executive Director, Discovery & Research of Ono. "We will be committed to delivering innovative new drugs to cancer patients as soon as possible."

The collaboration will leverage Congruence’s purpose-built computational drug discovery engine called Revenir, which captures the biophysical changes caused by mutations in proteins. By examining surface features and numerous biophysical descriptors of both the mutated and wild-type proteins, Congruence can derive novel insights regarding protein defects and how to correct them. Congruence’s current pipeline consists of both first-in-class and best-in-class potential therapeutic candidates that address significant unmet medical need in a number of high value indications.

"Congruence is thrilled to partner with Ono, which has established itself as a global leader in drug development, particularly in the oncology space. We believe that our Revenir platform and capabilities in protein dynamics will accelerate the discovery of novel therapies for compelling targets of interest to both companies," said Sharath Hegde PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of Congruence.

Under the terms of the collaboration, Congruence will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and is eligible to receive milestone payments upon the achievement of certain discovery, development, approval and sales events – as well as tiered royalties based on annual net sales of related products. Ono will additionally reimburse Congruence for the research costs it incurs in connection with the collaboration. Ono has the option to take an exclusive worldwide license to development candidates discovered under the collaboration.

About Revenir Drug Discovery Platform

Revenir, Congruence’s proprietary computational drug discovery platform, captures the dynamic biophysical changes caused by mutations in proteins, offering unique insights into protein defects and their correction. By examining surface features and a spectrum of biophysical descriptors across an ensemble of protein conformers, Revenir predicts small molecule induced correction of the underlying defect.

SCITECH DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCES PROMISING PRELIMINARY RESULTS IN PHASE 1A TRIAL FOR T-CELL NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA

On December 3, 2024 SciTech Development, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on advancements in cancer treatment, reported promising updates from its clinical trial of ST-001 nanoFenretinide (ST-001) (Press release, SciTech Development, DEC 3, 2024, View Source [SID1234648770]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Preliminary Trial Findings
Preliminary data from the accelerated Phase 1a trial in patients with Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma indicates favorable clinical improvements to ST-001 treatment, including earlier-than-anticipated stable disease and partial responses – one initial and one confirmed.

In addition, results from patients treated with ST-001 demonstrate that the advanced nanoparticle delivery system successfully achieves the desired pharmacokinetic profile. It enables rapid and targeted delivery of fenretinide directly to tissues while minimizing side effects and toxicity. These findings exceed expectations and mark a significant milestone in the continued development of ST-001.

ST-001 Clinical Trial Information
SciTech’s initial trial is targeting T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (T-cell NHL) indications including all sub-types of Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), Mycosis Fungoides (MF), Sézary Syndrome (SS), Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), and other types of systemic T-cell lymphomas. The trial is activated and enrolling at 8 prestigious cancer institutions across the U.S., supported by world-renowned scientific advisors and principal investigators specializing in T-cell NHL. View Source

"The early findings from the Phase 1a trial of ST-001 nanoFenretinide are incredibly promising. Achieving a partial response at this stage is a remarkable step forward and highlights the potential of this innovative treatment to address significant gaps in care for patients with Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL)," said Dr. Larisa Geskin, Director of the Comprehensive Cutaneous Oncology Center at Columbia University. "Fenretinide has shown an excellent safety profile so far, with minimal side effects, including no reported thyroid abnormalities or significant lipid issues. If responses continue to improve as doses are escalated, this trial could mark a turning point in CTCL therapy and bring renewed hope to patients."

"We are extremely encouraged by the preliminary data from the ST-001 trial," said Earle Holsapple, CEO of SciTech Development. "The findings to date strengthen our resolve to gather additional data and advance to the next phase of the trial, as we work toward bringing a new therapeutic option to oncology patients."

Trial Design and Advancements
The FDA approved the Phase 1a accelerated dose-escalation design based on extensive research, prior clinical testing, and the safety profile of fenretinide in more than 3,000 patients. This accelerated portion of the trial is designed to achieve early clinical development objectives including confirming safety, assessing pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and determine the optimal therapeutic dosing in patients with T-cell NHL.

Upcoming Trial Milestones
The accelerated Phase 1a portion is nearing completion. SciTech is preparing to progress to the next phase of the T-cell NHL study and plans to enroll approximately 45 additional patients. An upcoming clinical trial for ST-001 targeting small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is anticipated to commence in Q2 2025.

About ST-001
SciTech’s lead drug candidate, ST-001 nanoFenretinide, is a patented nanoparticle formulation of fenretinide and biocompatible phospholipids, allowing for the rapid infusion (IV) of high-dose fenretinide. ST-001 solves bioavailability challenges, avoids triglyceride toxicity of prior formulations, and optimizes therapeutic efficacy. ST-001 represents a novel therapeutic approach for targeting difficult-to-treat cancers, utilizing patented methods to improve drug safety and efficacy profiles while optimizing treatment outcomes.

Duality Biologics and GSK Enter Exclusive Option Agreement for a Novel Antibody-drug Conjugate (DB-1324)

On December 3, 2024 Duality Biologics ("DualityBio"), a clinical-stage biotech company focusing on the discovery and development of next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics, reported that it has entered into an exclusive option agreement with GSK for a potentially best-in-class ADC candidate, DB-1324 (Press release, DualityBio, DEC 3, 2024, View Source [SID1234648769]). Under the agreement, DualityBio will grant GSK an exclusive option to obtain a license to develop and commercialize DB-1324 worldwide (excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau) (the "Option").

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

DB-1324 is an ADC candidate built with DualityBio’s proprietary and clinically validated Duality Immune Toxin Antibody Conjugate (DITAC) platform. The molecule, currently in preclinical development, leverages DualityBio’s DITAC platform against a gastrointestinal (GI) cancer target. There is high unmet medical need for patients with GI cancer as it represents 35% of all cancer-related deaths and approximately 26% of the global cancer incidence.[1] This ADC molecule has the potential to unlock multiple combination therapy opportunities to strategically complement GSK’s oncology portfolio.

Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will pay $30 million upfront and additional pre-option milestone payments to obtain an exclusive option for exclusive worldwide rights for DualityBio’s ADC (excluding China’s mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau). Upon GSK exercising the Option, DualityBio will receive an option exercise fee as well as potential development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments totalling up to $975 million. Upon commercialisation, GSK will pay tiered royalties on DB-1324’s global net sales outside mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. GSK will receive royalties on net sales in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Hesham Abdullah, SVP, Global Head Oncology, R&D, GSK, said: "GSK has built a portfolio of novel antibody-drug conjugates underpinned by our deep expertise in tumour cell-targeting mechanisms. Given the unique ability of ADCs to address certain targets on tumour cells while sparing healthy ones, we are confident in our strategic focus on this modality as it could advance new therapeutic treatments for the most challenging tumour types."

John Zhu, Chief Executive Officer of Duality Biologics, said: "DualityBio is dedicated to becoming a leading global next-generation ADC company. We are very glad to have entered into this agreement with GSK. Through this collaboration, we will work together to advance our innovative ADC program in gastrointestinal cancer to address unmet medical needs. DualityBio’s unique and validated ADC technology platform can continue to empower more partners around the world and provide innovative treatment options for global patients."

Medigene Receives Milestone Payment from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

On December 3, 2024 Medigene AG (Medigene or the "Company", FSE: MDG1, Prime Standard), an oncology platform company focused on the research and development of T cell receptor (TCR)-guided therapies for the treatment of cancer, reported a USD $1 million milestonepayment from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was triggered (Press release, MediGene, DEC 3, 2024, View Source [SID1234648766]). Regeneron purchased the MAGE-A4-TCR program as part of its acquisition of2seventy bio Inc.’s pre-clinical and clinical oncology and autoimmune cell therapy pipeline, which closed in April 2024. The payment was triggered by a development milestone for a trial in China led by JW Therapeutics (also a prior collaborator of 2seventy bio, Inc.) of Regeneron’s MAGE-A4 cell therapy, which contains a Medigene generated T cell receptor (TCR) targeting MAGE-A4.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"We are excited that this program is moving forward, incorporating our TCR directed at MAGE-A4 into the clinic and potentially providing the first clinical validation of our unique TCR discovery and generation capabilities and our End-to-End Platform technologies," said Dr. Selwyn Ho, Chief Executive Officer of Medigene. "We look forward to the results of this trial and remain committed to delivering best-in-class, differentiated T cell receptors for use in multiple TCR-guided therapies for patients with solid tumors."

This payment has been included in the current financial guidance provided by the Company, and therefore confirmation of this milestone does not change 2024 guidance.