On May 26, 2022 Forma Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on sickle cell disease (SCD), prostate cancer and other rare hematologic diseases and cancers, reported that it will hold a virtual R&D Day today to provide a comprehensive update on its pipeline and strategic vision (Press release, Forma Therapeutics, MAY 26, 2022, View Source [SID1234615083]).
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The R&D event is taking place today at 8:00 a.m. ET. A live webcast will be available in the "News & Investors" section of Forma’s website.
"We are pleased to share insights into Forma’s unique commitment to patients and expansion of etavopivat development into transfusion-dependent populations that have tremendous unmet need across sickle cell disease, thalassemia and MDS," said Frank Lee, president and chief executive officer of Forma.
"In our early stage research pipeline, we are excited to introduce a USP1 program that targets a novel DNA damage repair pathway relevant to a broad range of tumor types." said David Cook, chief scientific officer of Forma. "We are also capitalizing on our knowledge of the emerging science of red blood cell health by exploring areas beyond hematologic disease."
Etavopivat (oral PKR activator) Program in SCD, thalassemia and MDS:
In addition to ongoing enrollment in the Phase II/III Hibiscus Study in SCD, Forma will outline ongoing and anticipated future development plans:
A Phase II trial is enrolling patients in three cohorts: SCD with chronic transfusion, and both transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Etavopivat has the potential to address RBC health, hemolytic anemia and/or ineffective erythropoiesis in these populations, leading to reduction of transfusion burden and associated iron overload and improvement of anemia.
A Phase II trial in lower risk MDS is planned to commence in the second half of 2022. Dr. Michael Savona of Vanderbilt University will review the significant unmet need in lower-risk MDS and the potential for etavopivat to provide a well-tolerated oral treatment that may be able to improve the ability of bone marrow to produce healthier RBCs.
Analyses from the completed Phase I trial in SCD show benefit in both pain events reported in the trial and vaso-occlusive crises (VOC’s) occurring on treatment.
Enrollment in the Phase II/III Hibiscus Study in SCD is on track for the first interim analysis (IA1) in late 2022.
FT-7051 (oral CBP/p300 inhibitor) in prostate cancer:
Forma’s Phase I trial continues to enroll men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
As of May 12, 2022, 25 patients have enrolled in the Phase I dose escalation trial, assessing the predicted efficacious exposure range supported by target engagement.
The trial population is heavily pre-treated, with a high AR-v7 positivity rate and mutation burden.
Future trial enrollment to include less heavily pre-treated patients and alternative dosing schedule to address adverse events, with updated results expected in the first half of 2023.
Research Pipeline/RBC Health:
Forma’s ongoing research efforts are focused on novel mechanisms of action in oncology and expansion in red blood cell health and hematologic diseases:
Forma’s research pipeline is led by the USP1 program (FT-3171), targeting a novel DNA damage repair pathway with potential to address multiple tumor types in both poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi)-sensitive and resistant settings.
FT-3171 IND filing is expected in the first half of 2023.
Ongoing pre-clinical research is targeting areas of expansion for RBC health, novel mechanisms that may be complementary to etavopivat in rare hematology, and targeted oncology.