On December 22, 2022 PureTech Health plc (Nasdaq: PRTC, LSE: PRTC) ("PureTech" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company dedicated to changing the treatment paradigm for devastating diseases, reported on the key progress made across its Wholly Owned Programs[1] and Founded Entities[2] in 2022 (Press release, PureTech Health, DEC 22, 2022, View Source [SID1234625550]).
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Daphne Zohar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PureTech, commented: "2022 has been a particularly successful and productive year in both crystallizing value and shaping the future of PureTech. Our primary focus is to progress our Wholly Owned Pipeline to commercialization and deliver new classes of medicines for patients with serious, debilitating conditions. We are advancing toward this goal by deepening our commitment to programs with compelling clinical data that are moving into late-stage studies and that we believe have the potential for broad impact.
"Over the next 12 months, we anticipate multiple important catalysts that will further guide how we prioritize our pipeline, informing our decisions regarding which programs we will drive to commercial launches ourselves and which programs could be most successfully advanced through other avenues such as a partnership, sale, or spinout into another entity."
PureTech’s Wholly Owned Programs are centered on developing breakthrough medicines for patients with underserved and serious diseases. The Company’s therapeutic candidates are being advanced for the potential treatment of devastating conditions including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), metastatic solid tumors, leukemia and certain neurological and neuropsychological indications.
Additionally, PureTech’s Founded Entities are advancing 20 therapeutics and therapeutic candidates, of which two (Plenity for weight management[3] and EndeavorRx for treating inattention in ADHD ages 8-12[4]) have received both U.S. FDA clearance and European marketing authorization and a third (KarXT for schizophrenia) will soon be filed for FDA approval, as of the most recent update by the company. Key highlights include the following:
Key Wholly Owned Program Updates
LYT-100 (deupirfenidone) is in development for the potential treatment of conditions involving inflammation and fibrosis, including IPF, for which current standards of care are associated with significant tolerability issues, resulting in approximately three out of four patients in the U.S. foregoing treatment with these otherwise efficacious medicines.[5]LYT-100 is a deuterated form of one of these treatments, pirfenidone, which has proven efficacy and has been shown to improve survival in these patients by approximately three years, but its side effects cause patients to discontinue or dose reduce, thereby limiting its effectiveness.[6]
o Announced results from a randomized, double-blind crossover study in healthy older adults demonstrating that approximately 50% fewer subjects treated with PureTech’s LYT-100 experienced gastrointestinal-related adverse events compared to subjects treated with pirfenidone.
Initiated a global, randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial of LYT-100 in patients with IPF. This trial is expected to serve as the first of two registration-enabling trials, and topline results are expected by the end of 2023.
Initiated a preclinical study of LYT-100 for the prevention and treatment of radiation induced fibrosis, an indication for which the United States government stockpiles medical countermeasures. This program is subject to the Animal Rule, which allows for the approval of drugs based on validated animal models when human efficacy studies are not feasible.
Completed a Phase 2a trial of LYT-100 in patients with breast cancer-related, upper limb secondary lymphedema, which met the primary endpoint of safety and tolerability, adding to the growing body of data demonstrating a favorable tolerability profile for LYT-100. Secondary endpoints assessed exploratory biomarkers related to lymphedema, and the data did not provide support for a clear development path for this indication. Given the Company’s current priorities in IPF, where the regulatory path is well-defined and there is a wealth of strong efficacy data with pirfenidone, the Company has deprioritized lymphedema as an indication.
PureTech is also exploring the potential evaluation of LYT-100 in other inflammatory and fibrotic conditions, such as progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases, myocardial and other organ system fibrosis, based on the strength of existing clinical data around the use of pirfenidone in these indications.
LYT-200 (anti-galectin-9 mAb) is in development for the potential treatment of metastatic solid tumors that have poor survival rates as well as hematological malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where more than 50% of patients either don’t respond to initial treatment or experience relapse after responding to initial treatment.[8]
Completed the bi-monthly and weekly monotherapy dose escalation portion of the Phase 1 program assessing the safety and tolerability of escalating doses of LYT-200 as a potential treatment for metastatic solid tumors. No dose-limiting toxicities were reported, and the full results will be presented in an upcoming scientific forum. Evaluation of LYT-200 in combination with tislelizumab is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2023.
Shared new preclinical data supporting the clinical potential of LYT-200 as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of leukemia in a scientific poster at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) 64th Annual Meeting. The data presented support the role of galectin-9 in multiple types of leukemia and the ability of anti-galectin-9 antibodies to provide effective anti-tumor activity in these cancers. Based on these and other compelling preclinical data generated with LYT-200 in blood cancers, PureTech initiated a clinical trial to evaluate LYT-200 as a single agent for the treatment of AML, with results expected in 2023.
Given the expansion of the clinical evaluation of LYT-200, the Company has deprioritized preclinical development of LYT-210.
LYT-300 (oral allopregnanolone) is in development for the potential treatment of neurological and neuropsychological conditions where there is a need for more effective treatments that work quickly, have more favorable tolerability and can be administered conveniently.
o Completed the multi-part Phase 1 trial of LYT-300, which demonstrated oral bioavailability in healthy adults, achieving blood levels of allopregnanolone at or above those associated with therapeutic effect and ninefold greater than orally administered allopregnanolone, based on third-party published data.[9] The data also demonstrated target engagement with GABAA receptors, which are known to regulate mood and other neurological conditions. LYT-300 was generally well-tolerated with no treatment-related severe or serious adverse events observed. A Phase 1b/2a trial is expected to begin in the first half of 2023.
LYT-310 (oral cannabidiol [CBD]) is in development to expand the therapeutic application of CBD across a range of neurological disorders.
o Announced nomination of a new therapeutic candidate, LYT-310, which is expected to enter the clinic in Q4 of 2023. As with LYT-300, PureTech scientists applied the Glyph Platform to enable advantages such as oral capsule dosing and the potential for improved safety and tolerability. These differentiated features of LYT-310 could expand CBD use across a broad range of patient populations (such as adolescents and adults) and indications, including rare and common forms of epilepsy as well as other central nervous system disorders. LYT-310 has the potential to be a readily scalable and consistent product that can be produced in a cost-effective manner.
LYT-503/IMB-150 (partnered non-opioid pain program) is being advanced through a collaboration for the potential treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, a chronic bladder condition that consists of discomfort or pain in the bladder or surrounding pelvic region that is not adequately controlled for many patients.
o First patient, first visit was achieved in the Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating LYT-503/IMB -150 as a potential non-opioid treatment for female patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome.
LYT-510 (oral inflammation-targeting formulation of tacrolimus) is in development for the potential treatment of chronic pouchitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition for which current treatments require multiple injections over time and are associated with several limitations, including dose-limiting adverse events, loss of efficacy over time, a lack of efficacy entirely and the potential for opportunistic infections or malignancies.
LYT-510 is the lead candidate generated from the Alivio Platform, with two others, LYT-503/IMB-150 and LYT-500, also developed using PureTech’s proprietary inflammation-targeting technology. PureTech will prioritize the development of LYT-510 ahead of LYT-500.
PureTech’s technology platforms, which include the Glyph, Alivio and Orasome- platforms, contribute to the Company’s advancement by generating new wholly-owned candidates (Glyph: LYT-300 and LYT-310) and enabling strategic partnerships (Alivio: LYT-503/IMB-150). As part of its pipeline prioritization, the Company may opportunistically enter into additional strategic partnerships or spinout programs into new entities around one or several of its platforms or related candidates, especially as resources are increasingly dedicated to late-stage clinical development.
Key Founded Entity Updates:
Karuna (Nasdaq: KRTX)
Announced positive topline Phase 3 data evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of KarXT in adults with schizophrenia, meeting its primary endpoint and key secondary endpoints. Karuna plans to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) for KarXT in schizophrenia with the U.S. FDA in mid-2023, as of the most recent update by the company.
Announced the initiation of its Phase 3 ADEPT program, which is evaluating KarXT for the treatment of psychosis related to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD.)
Gelesis (NYSE: GLS)
Generated $36.8M in revenue and obtained 185,000 customers since the launch of Plenity.3
Announced that based on the extensive safety data and differentiation due to affordability, broad label and safety profile, it is preparing an application to the FDA to broaden the classification of Plenity in the U.S. from prescription-only to over the counter. Gelesis plans to submit the application to the FDA during the first quarter of 2023 and could receive market clearance by the third quarter of 2023.
Vor (Nasdaq: VOR)
o Announced initial clinical data from VBP101, Vor’s Phase 1/2a multicenter, open-label, first-in-human study of tremtelectogene empogeditemcel or "trem-cel" (formerly VOR33) in patients with AML. The data observed from the first treated patient support the potential of a trem-cel transplant to be successfully manufactured, to engraft normally and to maintain blood counts following treatment with the CD33-targeted therapy Mylotarg. The clinical trial continues to enroll patients and additional data are expected in 2023.
Akili (Nasdaq: AKLI)
Deployed first wave of its EndeavorRx4 go-to-market sales force in 14 priority territories across the U.S. with a focus on Integrated Behavioral Health Centers and pediatric providers.
Announced that Highmark, the fourth largest Blue Cross Blue Shield organization, included EndeavorRx in its medical policy for the reimbursement of prescription digital therapeutics.
Announced that its partner, Shionogi, started a pivotal Phase 3 randomized, controlled study of SDT-001 in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Vedanta
Opened a new facility designed to manufacture clinical and commercial supply for its therapeutic portfolio, including for the planned Phase 3 study (expected to begin in the first half of 2023) and potential commercial launch of lead candidate, VE303, in Clostridioides difficile infection. Vedanta believes it was the first company to manufacture CGMP-grade defined bacterial consortia in powdered form, which enables stable, consistent oral formulations.
Board Composition & Committee Changes:
As noted in PureTech’s 2022 Half-Year Report, Dame Marjorie Scardino, Senior Independent Director, chair of the Nomination Committee and member of the Audit Committee, will retire as of the close of business on December 31, 2022. Raju Kucherlapati, Ph.D., will assume the role of PureTech’s Senior Independent Director as well as the chair of its Nomination Committee, effective as of Dame Scardino’s retirement.
Christopher Viehbacher, Chair of PureTech’s Board, was recently appointed President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB). Given the time commitment required by this new role, Mr. Viehbacher will not stand for re-election at the Company’s 2023 Annual General Meeting. The Nomination Committee will initiate a process to identify a new Chair.
Mr. Viehbacher noted: "It has been truly rewarding to work with such a talented group of people who share a genuine passion for helping patients. Together, we have developed a pharmaceutical pioneer delivering innovative medicines with a proven track record that is truly differentiated across the industry. The foundation for these successes is supported by a strong cash position and unique business model to support continued growth. I’m proud of these collective accomplishments and I look forward to continuing to interact with my colleagues at PureTech in this next exciting phase for the company."
Ms. Zohar commented: "For nearly a decade, Chris has brought a balance of enthusiasm and skepticism to the PureTech Board that is emblematic of our approach. His commercial expertise, deal-making ethos and patient-centered focus have helped to shape our mission and laid the foundation for our future growth. I am grateful that Chris will remain a trusted advisor, and we wish him much success as he takes the helm at Biogen."