On November 4, 2021 Aptose Biosciences Inc. (Nasdaq: APTO; TSX: APS), reported that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Hanmi Pharmaceutical, a South Korean pharmaceutical company, to develop and commercialize HM43239, an oral, highly potent, clinical-stage myeloid kinome inhibitor (MKI), designed to target a distinct constellation of kinases operative in myeloid malignancies, including SYK, FLT3, and others (Press release, Aptose Biosciences, NOV 4, 2021, View Source [SID1234594478]). HM43239 has demonstrated significant genotype-agnostic anti-leukemic activity in an ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial, including multiple complete responses in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

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Under the terms of the agreement, Hanmi has granted Aptose exclusive worldwide rights to HM43239 for all indications. Hanmi will receive an upfront payment of $12.5 million, including $5 million in cash and $7.5 million in Aptose shares. Hanmi will also receive up to $407.5 million in future milestone payments contingent upon the achievement of certain clinical, regulatory and sales milestones across several potential indications, as well as tiered royalties on net sales.

"Our deep experience with kinase inhibitors has led us to appreciate and develop agents covering constellations of kinases associated with specific malignancies. HM43239 is a well-tolerated, once-daily oral agent with validated anti-leukemic activity in a highly challenging and heterogeneous malignancy like AML. We believe that HM43239 has a clear development and commercial path, while being a natural fit with our strategic focus, technical expertise, and clinical experience," said William G. Rice, Ph.D., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

"We believe that the myeloid kinome inhibitor HM43239 furthers our leadership in leukemia and lymphoma therapeutics, alongside our dual lymphoid and myeloid kinome inhibitor luxeptinib. We believe that today’s agreement brings significant value to our company and shareholders, and we are pleased to add this novel clinical compound to our evolving pipeline," said Jotin Marango, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer.

"We view HM43239 as a promising drug for the treatment of myeloid hematologic malignancies, which can specifically target mutations that are commonly found in AML patients, while overcoming drug resistance observed with currently approved drugs. We are thrilled to establish a partnership with Aptose, who has strong expertise in the field of hematology, to enhance the quality of life of patients suffering from refractory hematologic tumors," said Se-Chang Kwon, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at Hanmi Pharmaceutical.

Aptose has scheduled a conference call and webcast today, Thursday, November 4, 2021:

Conference Call & Webcast Details

About HM43239
HM43239 is an oral genotype agnostic small molecule inhibitor of a constellation of kinases operative in myeloid malignancies and known to be involved in tumor proliferation, resistance to therapy, and differentiation. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that HM43239 may be an effective monotherapy and combination therapy in patients with hematologic malignancies including AML. An international Phase 1/2 clinical trial in patients with relapsed or refractory AML is ongoing. The dose escalation portion of this study thus far has delivered multiple complete responses in a diverse set of patients with various disease genotypes, and no toxicity trends that prevent further dose escalation to date. HM43239 was granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) in AML in the US in October 2018. For more information, please visit clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03850574).