Roche announces CHMP recommendation for EU approval of Venclyxto for people with hard-to-treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

On October 14, 2016 Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) reported that the EU Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has adopted a positive opinion for Venclyxto (venetoclax) for the treatment of people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in the presence of 17p deletion or TP53 mutation who are unsuitable for or have failed a B-cell receptor pathway inhibitor (Press release, Hoffmann-La Roche , OCT 14, 2016, View Source [SID:SID1234515807]). Venclyxto is also recommended for the treatment of people with CLL without 17p deletion or TP53 mutation who have failed both chemo-immunotherapy and a B-cell receptor pathway inhibitor. Based on this positive CHMP recommendation, a final decision regarding the conditional marketing authorisation of Venclyxto is expected from the European Commission in the coming months. Venclyxto is being co-developed by AbbVie and Roche.

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"We are pleased that this positive CHMP opinion brings us closer to providing a much needed new treatment option to people in Europe with this difficult-to-treat disease," said Sandra Horning, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. "We look forward to continuing the development of this promising medicine in other blood cancers with our partner AbbVie."

Venclyxto is marketed as Venclexta in the United States. Venclexta received accelerated approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April of this year for the treatment of people with CLL with 17p deletion, as detected by an FDA approved test, who have received at least one prior therapy. Venclexta/Venclyxto is the first approved medicine designed to trigger a natural process that helps cells self-destruct, providing a new way to help people who received previous treatment for their CLL or who have a high-risk form of CLL.

About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)
CLL is the most common type of leukaemia in the Western world. CLL mainly affects men and the median age at diagnosis is about 70 years. Worldwide, the incidence of all leukaemias is estimated to be over 350,000 and CLL is estimated to affect around one-third of all people newly diagnosed with leukaemia. Although signs of CLL may disappear for a period of time after initial treatment, the disease is considered incurable and many people will require additional treatment due to the return of cancerous cells.
In certain cases of CLL, a part of chromosome 17 is lost and along with it an important gene that controls apoptosis (programmed cell death) called p53. The 17p deletion is found in 3 to 10 percent of previously untreated cases and up to 30 to 50 percent of relapsed or refractory cases.

About Venclexta/Venclyxto
Venclexta/Venclyxto is a small molecule designed to selectively bind and inhibit the BCL-2 protein, which plays an important role in a process called apoptosis (programmed cell death). Overexpression of the BCL-2 protein in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has been associated with resistance to certain therapies. It is believed that blocking BCL-2 may restore the signalling system that tells cells, including cancer cells, to self-destruct. Venclexta/Venclyxto is being co-developed by AbbVie and Roche. Together, the companies are committed to research with Venclexta/Venclyxto, which is currently being evaluated in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of relapsed, refractory and previously untreated CLL, along with studies in several other cancers. Venclexta/Venclyxto is jointly commercialised by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, in the United States and commercialised by AbbVie outside of the United States.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Receives Positive CHMP Opinion for Opdivo (nivolumab) for the Treatment of Adult Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma After Autologous Stem Cell Transplant and Treatment With Brentuximab Vedotin

On October 14, 2016 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency has recommended the approval of Opdivo (nivolumab) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and treatment with brentuximab vedotin (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, OCT 14, 2016, View Source [SID:SID1234515805]). The CHMP recommendation will now be reviewed by the European Commission, which has the authority to approve medicines for the European Union.

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"We recognize the enormous challenges facing classical Hodgkin lymphoma patients who do not respond to or who progress following currently available treatments, and we are dedicated to helping these patients in their fight against this devastating disease," said Emmanuel Blin, senior vice president and chief strategy officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "Today’s CHMP positive opinion marks an important milestone in applying our Immuno-Oncology science to delivering a treatment option for patients with this hematologic malignancy. If approved by the European Commission, Opdivo will become the first PD-1 inhibitor approved to treat a hematologic malignancy in the European Union, further building on our established heritage in blood cancer care."

The CHMP positive opinion is based on data from the Phase 2 CheckMate -205 and the Phase 1 CheckMate -039 trials, evaluating patients with relapsed or refractory cHL after ASCT and treatment with brentuximab vedotin. These results showed Opdivo delivered an objective response rate, as assessed by an independent radiologic review committee, of 66%. In CheckMate -205 and -039, among all patients (safety population: n=263), the most common adverse events (reported in at least 20%) were fatigue (32.3%), diarrhea (28.9%), pyrexia (27.1%) and cough (25.9%).

About Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), also known as Hodgkin disease, is a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system. In the European Union, about 12,200 new cases and 2,600 deaths occurred in 2012 as a result of HL. The disease is most often diagnosed in early adulthood (ages 20-40) and late adulthood (older than 55 years of age). Classical Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common type of HL, accounting for 95% of cases. There remains a significant unmet need for patients who relapse or who become refractory to approved treatments that are currently available.

Bristol-Myers Squibb: At the Forefront of Immuno-Oncology Science & Innovation

At Bristol-Myers Squibb, patients are at the center of everything we do. Our vision for the future of cancer care is focused on researching and developing transformational Immuno-Oncology (I-O) medicines that will raise survival expectations in hard-to-treat cancers and will change the way patients live with cancer.

We are leading the scientific understanding of I-O through our extensive portfolio of investigational and approved agents, including the first combination of two I-O agents in metastatic melanoma, and our differentiated clinical development program, which is studying broad patient populations across more than 20 types of cancers with 11 clinical-stage molecules designed to target different immune system pathways. Our deep expertise and innovative clinical trial designs uniquely position us to advance the science of combinations across multiple tumors and potentially deliver the next wave of I-O combination regimens with a sense of urgency. We also continue to pioneer research that will help facilitate a deeper understanding of the role of immune biomarkers and inform which patients will benefit most from I-O therapies.

We understand making the promise of I-O a reality for the many patients who may benefit from these therapies requires not only innovation on our part but also close collaboration with leading experts in the field. Our partnerships with academia, government, advocacy and biotech companies support our collective goal of providing new treatment options to advance the standards of clinical practice.

About Opdivo

Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body’s own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers.

Opdivo’s leading global development program is based on Bristol-Myers Squibb’s scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has enrolled more than 25,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression.

In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 57 countries, including the United States, the European Union and Japan. In October 2015, the company’s Opdivo + Yervoy combination was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 47 countries, including the United States and the European Union.

U.S. FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR OPDIVO

OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 wild-type unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and post-transplantation brentuximab vedotin. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

Please refer to the end of the Important Safety Information for a brief description of the patient populations studied in the CheckMate trials.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: IMMUNE-MEDIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS

YERVOY can result in severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. These immune-mediated reactions may involve any organ system; however, the most common severe immune-mediated adverse reactions are enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis), neuropathy, and endocrinopathy. The majority of these immune-mediated reactions initially manifested during treatment; however, a minority occurred weeks to months after discontinuation of YERVOY.

Assess patients for signs and symptoms of enterocolitis, dermatitis, neuropathy, and endocrinopathy and evaluate clinical chemistries including liver function tests (LFTs), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function tests at baseline and before each dose.

Permanently discontinue YERVOY and initiate systemic high-dose corticosteroid therapy for severe immune-mediated reactions.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

Immune-mediated pneumonitis, including fatal cases, occurred with OPDIVO treatment. Across the clinical trial experience with solid tumors, fatal immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred with OPDIVO. In addition, in CheckMate 069, there were six patients who died without resolution of abnormal respiratory findings. Monitor patients for signs with radiographic imaging and symptoms of pneumonitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 and withhold until resolution for Grade 2. In CheckMate 069 and 067, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 6% (25/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Fatal (n=1), Grade 3 (n=6), Grade 2 (n=17), and Grade 1 (n=1). In CheckMate 037, 066, and 067, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 1.8% (14/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=2) and Grade 2 (n=12). In CheckMate 057, immune-mediated pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 3.4% (10/287) of patients: Grade 3 (n=5), Grade 2 (n=2), and Grade 1 (n=3). In CheckMate 025, pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 5% (21/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO and 18% (73/397) of patients receiving everolimus. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 4.4% (18/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 4 (n=1), Grade 3 (n=4), Grade 2 (n=12), and Grade 1 (n=1). In CheckMate 205 and 039, pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 4.9% (13/263) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.4% (9/263) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 2 (n=8).

Immune-Mediated Colitis

Immune-mediated colitis can occur with OPDIVO treatment. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 (of more than 5 days duration), 3, or 4 colitis. As a single agent, withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 or recurrent colitis upon restarting OPDIVO. When administered with YERVOY, withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent colitis upon restarting OPDIVO. In CheckMate 069 and 067, diarrhea or colitis occurred in 56% (228/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 26% (107/407) of patients: Grade 4 (n=2), Grade 3 (n=60), Grade 2 (n=32), and Grade 1 (n=13). In CheckMate 037, 066, and 067, diarrhea or colitis occurred in 31% (242/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 4.1% (32/787) of patients: Grade 3 (n=20), Grade 2 (n=10), and Grade 1 (n=2). In CheckMate 057, diarrhea or colitis occurred in 17% (50/287) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.4% (7/287) of patients: Grade 3 (n=3), Grade 2 (n=2), and Grade 1 (n=2). In CheckMate 025, diarrhea or colitis occurred in 25% (100/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO and 32% (126/397) of patients receiving everolimus. Immune-mediated diarrhea or colitis occurred in 3.2% (13/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=5), Grade 2 (n=7), and Grade 1 (n=1). In CheckMate 205 and 039, diarrhea or colitis occurred in 30% (80/263) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated diarrhea (Grade 3) occurred in 1.1% (3/263) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal (diarrhea of ≥7 stools above baseline, fever, ileus, peritoneal signs; Grade 3-5) immune-mediated enterocolitis occurred in 34 (7%) patients. Across all YERVOY-treated patients in that study (n=511), 5 (1%) developed intestinal perforation, 4 (0.8%) died as a result of complications, and 26 (5%) were hospitalized for severe enterocolitis.

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

Immune-mediated hepatitis can occur with OPDIVO treatment. Monitor patients for abnormal liver tests prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater transaminase elevations. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 immune-mediated hepatitis. In CheckMate 069 and 067, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 13% (51/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Grade 4 (n=8), Grade 3 (n=37), Grade 2 (n=5), and Grade 1 (n=1). In CheckMate 037, 066, and 067, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 2.3% (18/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 4 (n=3), Grade 3 (n=11), and Grade 2 (n=4). In CheckMate 057, one patient (0.3%) developed immune-mediated hepatitis. In CheckMate 025, there was an increased incidence of liver test abnormalities compared to baseline in AST (33% vs 39%), alkaline phosphatase (32% vs 32%), ALT (22% vs 31%), and total bilirubin (9% vs 3.5%) in the OPDIVO and everolimus arms, respectively. Immune-mediated hepatitis requiring systemic immunosuppression occurred in 1.5% (6/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=5) and Grade 2 (n=1). In CheckMate 205 and 039, hepatitis occurred in 11% (30/263) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 3.4% (9/263): Grade 3 (n=7) and Grade 2 (n=2).

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal hepatotoxicity (AST or ALT elevations >5x the ULN or total bilirubin elevations >3x the ULN; Grade 3-5) occurred in 8 (2%) patients, with fatal hepatic failure in 0.2% and hospitalization in 0.4%.

Immune-Mediated Dermatitis

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal immune-mediated dermatitis (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or rash complicated by full thickness dermal ulceration, or necrotic, bullous, or hemorrhagic manifestations; Grade 3-5) occurred in 13 (2.5%) patients. 1 (0.2%) patient died as a result of toxic epidermal necrolysis. 1 additional patient required hospitalization for severe dermatitis.

Immune-Mediated Neuropathies

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, 1 case of fatal Guillain-Barré syndrome and 1 case of severe (Grade 3) peripheral motor neuropathy were reported.

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

Hypophysitis, adrenal insufficiency, thyroid disorders, and type 1 diabetes mellitus can occur with OPDIVO treatment. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis, signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency during and after treatment, thyroid function prior to and periodically during treatment, and hyperglycemia. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hypophysitis. Withhold for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hypophysitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Administer hormone-replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Initiate medical management for control of hyperthyroidism. Administer insulin for type 1 diabetes. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hyperglycemia.

In CheckMate 069 and 067, hypophysitis occurred in 9% (36/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Grade 3 (n=8), Grade 2 (n=25), and Grade 1 (n=3). In CheckMate 037, 066, and 067, hypophysitis occurred in 0.9% (7/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=2), Grade 2 (n=3), and Grade 1 (n=2). In CheckMate 025, hypophysitis occurred in 0.5% (2/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 1 (n=1). In CheckMate 069 and 067, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 5% (21/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Grade 4 (n=1), Grade 3 (n=7), Grade 2 (n=11), and Grade 1 (n=2). In CheckMate 037, 066, and 067, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1% (8/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=2), Grade 2 (n=5), and Grade 1 (n=1). In CheckMate 057, 0.3% (1/287) of OPDIVO-treated patients developed adrenal insufficiency. In CheckMate 025, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 2.0% (8/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=3), Grade 2 (n=4), and Grade 1 (n=1). In CheckMate 205 and 039, adrenal insufficiency (Grade 2) occurred in 0.4% (1/263) of patients receiving OPDIVO. In CheckMate 069 and 067, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis occurred in 22% (89/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Grade 3 (n=6), Grade 2 (n=47), and Grade 1 (n=36). Hyperthyroidism occurred in 8% (34/407) of patients: Grade 3 (n=4), Grade 2 (n=17), and Grade 1 (n=13). In CheckMate 037, 066, and 067, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis occurred in 9% (73/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1), Grade 2 (n=37), Grade 1 (n=35). Hyperthyroidism occurred in 4.4% (35/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1), Grade 2 (n=12), and Grade 1 (n=22). In CheckMate 057, Grade 1 or 2 hypothyroidism, including thyroiditis, occurred in 7% (20/287) and elevated thyroid stimulating hormone occurred in 17% of patients receiving OPDIVO. Grade 1 or 2 hyperthyroidism occurred in 1.4% (4/287) of patients. In CheckMate 025, thyroid disease occurred in 11% (43/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO, including one Grade 3 event, and in 3.0% (12/397) of patients receiving everolimus. Hypothyroidism/thyroiditis occurred in 8% (33/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=2), Grade 2 (n=17), and Grade 1 (n=14). Hyperthyroidism occurred in 2.5% (10/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 2 (n=5) and Grade 1 (n=5). In CheckMate 205 and 039, hypothyroidism/thyroiditis occurred in 12% (32/263) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 2 (n=18) and Grade 1: (n=14). Hyperthyroidism occurred in 1.5% (4/263) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 2: (n=3) and Grade 1 (n=1). In CheckMate 069 and 067, diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis occurred in 1.5% (6/407) of patients: Grade 4 (n=3), Grade 3 (n=1), Grade 2 (n=1), and Grade 1 (n=1). In CheckMate 037, 066, and 067, diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis occurred in 0.8% (6/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=2), Grade 2 (n=3), and Grade 1 (n=1). In CheckMate 025, hyperglycemic adverse events occurred in 9% (37/406) patients. Diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis occurred in 1.5% (6/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=3), Grade 2 (n=2), and Grade 1 (n=1). In CheckMate 205 and 039, diabetes mellitus occurred in 0.8% (2/263) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 1 (n=1).

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe to life-threatening immune-mediated endocrinopathies (requiring hospitalization, urgent medical intervention, or interfering with activities of daily living; Grade 3-4) occurred in 9 (1.8%) patients. All 9 patients had hypopituitarism, and some had additional concomitant endocrinopathies such as adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, and hypothyroidism. 6 of the 9 patients were hospitalized for severe endocrinopathies.

Immune-Mediated Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction

Immune-mediated nephritis can occur with OPDIVO treatment. Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine prior to and periodically during treatment. For Grade 2 or 3 increased serum creatinine, withhold and administer corticosteroids; if worsening or no improvement occurs, permanently discontinue. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 4 serum creatinine elevation and permanently discontinue. In CheckMate 069 and 067, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 2.2% (9/407) of patients: Grade 4 (n=4), Grade 3 (n=3), and Grade 2 (n=2). In CheckMate 037, 066, and 067, nephritis and renal dysfunction of any grade occurred in 5% (40/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 0.8% (6/787) of patients: Grade 3 (n=4) and Grade 2 (n=2). In CheckMate 057, Grade 2 immune-mediated renal dysfunction occurred in 0.3% (1/287) of patients receiving OPDIVO. In CheckMate 025, renal injury occurred in 7% (27/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO and 3.0% (12/397) of patients receiving everolimus. Immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 3.2% (13/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 5 (n=1), Grade 4 (n=1), Grade 3 (n=5), and Grade 2 (n=6). In CheckMate 205 and 039, nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 4.9% (13/263) of patients treated with OPDIVO. This included one reported case (0.3%) of Grade 3 autoimmune nephritis.

Immune-Mediated Rash

Immune-mediated rash can occur with OPDIVO treatment. Severe rash (including rare cases of fatal toxic epidermal necrolysis) occurred in the clinical program of OPDIVO. Monitor patients for rash. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 rash. Withhold for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4. In CheckMate 069 and 067, immune-mediated rash occurred in 22.6% (92/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Grade 3 (n=15), Grade 2 (n=31), and Grade 1 (n=46). In CheckMate 037, 066, and 067, immune-mediated rash occurred in 9% (72/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=7), Grade 2 (n=15), and Grade 1 (n=50). In CheckMate 057, immune-mediated rash occurred in 6% (17/287) of patients receiving OPDIVO including four Grade 3 cases. In CheckMate 025, rash occurred in 28% (112/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO and 36% (143/397) of patients receiving everolimus. Immune-mediated rash, defined as a rash treated with systemic or topical corticosteroids, occurred in 7% (30/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=4), Grade 2 (n=7), and Grade 1 (n=19). In CheckMate 205 and 039, rash occurred in 22% (58/263) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated rash occurred in 7% (18/263) of patients on OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=4), Grade 2 (n=3), and Grade 1 (n=11).

Immune-Mediated Encephalitis

Immune-mediated encephalitis can occur with OPDIVO treatment. Withhold OPDIVO in patients with new-onset moderate to severe neurologic signs or symptoms and evaluate to rule out other causes. If other etiologies are ruled out, administer corticosteroids and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for immune-mediated encephalitis. In CheckMate 067, encephalitis was identified in one patient (0.2%) receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY. In CheckMate 057, fatal limbic encephalitis occurred in one patient (0.3%) receiving OPDIVO. In CheckMate 205 and 039, encephalitis occurred in 0.8% (2/263) of patients after allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO.

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Based on the severity of adverse reaction, permanently discontinue or withhold treatment, administer high-dose corticosteroids, and, if appropriate, initiate hormone-replacement therapy. In < 1.0% of patients receiving OPDIVO, the following clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred: uveitis, iritis, pancreatitis, facial and abducens nerve paresis, demyelination, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hypopituitarism, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, gastritis, duodenitis, and sarcoidosis. Across clinical trials of OPDIVO as a single agent administered at doses of 3 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, additional clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions were identified: motor dysfunction, vasculitis, and myasthenic syndrome.

Infusion Reactions

Severe infusion reactions have been reported in <1.0% of patients in clinical trials of OPDIVO. Discontinue OPDIVO in patients with Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with Grade 1 or 2. In CheckMate 069 and 067, infusion- related reactions occurred in 2.5% (10/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Grade 2 (n=6) and Grade 1 (n=4). In CheckMate 037, 066, and 067, Grade 2 infusion related reactions occurred in 2.7% (21/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=2), Grade 2 (n=8), and Grade 1 (n=11). In CheckMate 057, Grade 2 infusion reactions requiring corticosteroids occurred in 1.0% (3/287) of patients receiving OPDIVO. In CheckMate 025, hypersensitivity/infusion-related reactions occurred in 6% (25/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO and 1.0% (4/397) of patients receiving everolimus. In CheckMate 205 and 039, hypersensitivity/infusion- related reactions occurred in 16% (42/263) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=2), Grade 2 (n=24), and Grade 1 (n=16).

Complications of Allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO

Complications, including fatal events, occurred in patients who received allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Outcomes were evaluated in 17 patients from CheckMate 205 and 039, who underwent allogeneic HSCT after discontinuing OPDIVO (15 with reduced-intensity conditioning, 2 with myeloablative conditioning). Thirty-five percent (6/17) of patients died from complications of allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Five deaths occurred in the setting of severe or refractory GVHD. Grade 3 or higher acute GVHD was reported in 29% (5/17) of patients. Hyperacute GVHD was reported in 20% (n=2) of patients. A steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, without an identified infectious cause, was reported in 35% (n=6) of patients. Two cases of encephalitis were reported: Grade 3 (n=1) lymphocytic encephalitis without an identified infectious cause, and Grade 3 (n=1) suspected viral encephalitis. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) occurred in one patient, who received reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic SCT and died of GVHD and multi-organ failure. Other cases of hepatic VOD after reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT have also been reported in patients with lymphoma who received a PD-1 receptor blocking antibody before transplantation. Cases of fatal hyperacute GVHD have also been reported. These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT.

Follow patients closely for early evidence of transplant-related complications such as hyperacute GVHD, severe (Grade 3 to 4) acute GVHD, steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, hepatic VOD, and other immune-mediated adverse reactions, and intervene promptly.

Embryo-fetal Toxicity

Based on their mechanisms of action, OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with an OPDIVO- or YERVOY- containing regimen and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO.

Lactation

It is not known whether OPDIVO or YERVOY is present in human milk. Because many drugs, including antibodies, are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from an OPDIVO-containing regimen, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment. Advise women to discontinue nursing during treatment with YERVOY and for 3 months following the final dose.

Serious Adverse Reactions

In CheckMate 067, serious adverse reactions (73% and 37%), adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation (43% and 14%) or to dosing delays (55% and 28%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (72% and 44%) all occurred more frequently in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm relative to the OPDIVO arm. The most frequent (≥10%) serious adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm and the OPDIVO arm, respectively, were diarrhea (13% and 2.6%), colitis (10% and 1.6%), and pyrexia (10% and 0.6%). In CheckMate 037, serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse drug reactions reported in 2% to <5% of patients receiving OPDIVO were abdominal pain, hyponatremia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased lipase. In CheckMate 066, serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving OPDIVO. Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were gamma-glutamyltransferase increase (3.9%) and diarrhea (3.4%). In CheckMate 057, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients were pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure. In CheckMate 025, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients were acute kidney injury, pleural effusion, pneumonia, diarrhea, and hypercalcemia. In CheckMate 205 and 039, among all patients (safety population [n=263]), adverse reactions leading to discontinuation (4.2%) or to dosing delays (23%) occurred. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥1% of patients were infusion-related reaction, pneumonia, pleural effusion, pyrexia, rash and pneumonitis. Ten patients died from causes other than disease progression, including 6 who died from complications of allogeneic HSCT. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 21% of patients in the safety population (n=263) and 27% of patients in the subset of patients evaluated for efficacy (efficacy population [n=95]).

Common Adverse Reactions

In CheckMate 067, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm were fatigue (59%), rash (53%), diarrhea (52%), nausea (40%), pyrexia (37%), vomiting (28%), and dyspnea (20%). The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO arm were fatigue (53%), rash (40%), diarrhea (31%), and nausea (28%). In CheckMate 037, the most common adverse reaction (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO was rash (21%). In CheckMate 066, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO vs dacarbazine were fatigue (49% vs 39%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 25%), rash (28% vs 12%), and pruritus (23% vs 12%). In CheckMate 057, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO were fatigue (49%), musculoskeletal pain (36%), cough (30%), decreased appetite (29%), and constipation (23%). In CheckMate 025, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO vs everolimus were asthenic conditions (56% vs 57%), cough (34% vs 38%), nausea (28% vs 29%), rash (28% vs 36%), dyspnea (27% vs 31%), diarrhea (25% vs 32%), constipation (23% vs 18%), decreased appetite (23% vs 30%), back pain (21% vs 16%), and arthralgia (20% vs 14%). In CheckMate 205 and 039, among all patients (safety population [n=263]) and the subset of patients in the efficacy population (n=95), respectively, the most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20%) were fatigue (32% and 43%), upper respiratory tract infection (28% and 48%), pyrexia (24% and 35%), diarrhea (23% and 30%), and cough (22% and 35%). In the subset of patients in the efficacy population (n=95), the most common adverse reactions also included rash (31%), musculoskeletal pain (27%), pruritus (25%), nausea (23%), arthralgia (21%), and peripheral neuropathy (21%).

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, the most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients who received YERVOY at 3 mg/kg were fatigue (41%), diarrhea (32%), pruritus (31%), rash (29%), and colitis (8%).

CheckMate Trials and Patient Populations

CheckMate 069 and 067 – advanced melanoma alone or in combination with YERVOY; CheckMate 037 and 066 – advanced melanoma; CheckMate 057 – non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); CheckMate 025 – renal cell carcinoma; CheckMate 205/039 – classical Hodgkin lymphoma

Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING regarding immune-mediated adverse reactions, for YERVOY.

Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO.

AbbVie Receives CHMP Positive Opinion for VENCLYXTO™ (venetoclax) Tablets for Appropriate Patients with Difficult-To-Treat Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia

On October 14, 2016 AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global biopharmaceutical company, reported that the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has granted a positive opinion for VENCLYXTO (venetoclax) tablets for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in the presence of 17p deletion or TP53 mutation in adult patients who are unsuitable for or have failed a B-cell receptor pathway inhibitor; and for the treatment of CLL in the absence of 17p deletion or TP53 mutation in adult patients who have failed both chemo-immunotherapy and a B-cell receptor pathway inhibitor (Press release, AbbVie, OCT 14, 2016, View Source [SID:SID1234515804]). The European Commission will review the opinion and make a final decision in late 2016. VENCLYXTO is being developed by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

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"People living with CLL who have failed other treatments or who harbor the 17p deletion or TP53 mutation have limited options and typically a poor prognosis. Today’s CHMP positive opinion marks a major step forward for these patients," said Michael Severino, M.D., executive vice president of research and development and chief scientific officer, AbbVie. "This innovation delivers on AbbVie’s promise to develop cancer medicines where an unmet need exists. We will continue to work with European regulators to make venetoclax available to appropriate CLL patients."

CLL, a cancer of the bone marrow and blood, is typically a slow-progressing cancer. The 17p deletion – a genomic alteration in which a part of chromosome 17 is absent – is found in 3 to 10 percent of previously untreated CLL cases and up to 30 to 50 percent of relapsed or refractory CLL cases.1 A TP53 mutation occurs in 8 to 15 percent of patients at first-line treatment and up to 35 to 50 percent of cases in refractory CLL.1 Those with the 17p deletion or TP53 mutations often have a particularly poor prognosis1 and a median life expectancy of less than two to three years with current standard-of-care regimens.2

The positive CHMP opinion is a scientific recommendation for conditional marketing authorization to the European Commission. Review of the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) is being conducted under the centralized licensing procedure. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) grants conditional marketing authorization to medicines in the interest of public health where the benefit of its immediate availability to patients outweighs the risk due to the need for additional data. If approved, the authorization will be valid in all 28 member states of the European Union, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

About VENCLYXTO Orphan Drug Designations
Recently, the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) of the EMA adopted positive opinions on Orphan Drug Designation applications for VENCLYXTO for the treatment of multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that forms in plasma cells in bone marrow,3 and for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), an aggressive type of lymphoma and the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).4 Previously, the EMA granted Orphan Drug Designation to VENCLYXTO for the treatment of CLL and for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), the most common type of acute leukaemia in adults.5

Orphan Drug Designation is granted to therapies aimed at the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of life-threatening diseases that affect no more than five in 10,000 persons in the European Union (EU) and for which no satisfactory therapy is available. The medicine must also provide significant benefit to those affected by the condition.6

About VENCLYXTO (venetoclax)
VENCLYXTO is an investigational oral B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of patients with various blood cancer types.7,8,9,10 The BCL-2 protein prevents apoptosis (programmed cell death) of some cells, including lymphocytes, and can be overexpressed in some cancer types. VENCLYXTO, which is given once daily, is designed to selectively inhibit the function of the BCL-2 protein.11

VENCLYXTO is being developed by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. It is jointly commercialized by the companies in the U.S. and by AbbVie outside of the U.S. Together, the companies are committed to BCL-2 research with venetoclax, which is currently being evaluated in Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), along with studies in several other cancers.

In April 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval of venetoclax tablets for the treatment of patients with CLL with 17p deletion, as detected by an FDA-approved test, who have received at least one prior therapy.7 The FDA approved this indication under accelerated approval based on overall response rate, and continued approval may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.7

Venetoclax is under evaluation by health authorities in multiple countries, and is currently approved in Argentina, Puerto Rico and Canada. AbbVie, in collaboration with Roche and Genentech, is currently working with regulatory agencies around the world to bring this medicine to eligible patients in need.

ENZO Biochem Reports Strong 2016 Operating Results

On October 13, 2016 Enzo Biochem Inc. (NYSE:ENZ) reported strong results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, paced by revenue growth, margin expansion and litigation successes (Press release, Enzo Biochem, OCT 13, 2016, View Source [SID:SID1234515809]).

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Highlights
Fourth quarter fiscal 2016 revenue was $26.6 million and full year fiscal 2016 revenue was $102.8 million; increases of 4% and 5%, over the respective prior year periods. Enzo Clinical Labs revenue grew 5% in the fourth quarter of 2016 and generated double digit year over year revenue growth of 12%.

Clinical Labs and Life Sciences operating segments continue to be profitable and generate positive cash flow from operations.
Gross profit margins increased both quarterly and full year in both Life Sciences and Clinical Labs. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, consolidated gross margin was 45% compared to 44% in the prior year period.

Net income for the fourth fiscal quarter was $36.1 million or $0.77 on a diluted share basis compared to $8.4 million or $0.18 on a diluted share basis in the prior year period. Full year net income was $45.3 million or $0.97 on a diluted basis compared to a loss of $2.3 million or $0.05 on a diluted share basis in the prior year.

New product approvals, along with a strong product development pipeline, underscore Enzo’s growth opportunities as a supplier of advanced lower cost molecular diagnostics for reimbursement constrained independent clinical labs.

Enzo Clinical Labs is growing market share in the women’s health market and expanding beyond the current regional New York area. During the year, three assays were approved by New York State.

At July 31, 2016, cash and cash equivalents were $67.8 million; working capital was $70.8 million. Cash flow provided by operations in the fourth quarter and year ended July 31, 2016 was $36.1 million and $53.1 million, respectively, driven by legal settlements and licenses and operating performance of business segments.

Comments by Barry Weiner, Enzo President:
"Fiscal 2016 was a highly successful year for Enzo Biochem. We solidified our growth opportunities on every front, setting a strong foundation for the future. Life Sciences’ product development emphasis on high profit margin products is paying off with several key approvals awarded in 2016. Enzo Labs came off a strong year with solid forward momentum from its expanding line of innovative molecular diagnostics, especially in the women’s health category, and a growing client roster. The unique combination of our Life Sciences development and marketing team with our Clinical Labs’ hands-on testing capabilities, and our deep patent estate, has resulted in a formidable development program, to prepare our broad pipeline of products for regulatory approval.

"This past year, New York State’s Health Department conditionally approved three new, highly efficient assays. We also have reported to the scientific community new analysis pointing to the effectiveness of our AmpiProbe platform technology. Included among the approved tests was our Candidiasis assay based on AmpiProbe and, last month, that of the stand-alone PLAQPRO Lp-PLA2 activity assay for identifying arterial inflammation, a possible potential indicator of coronary risk. Notably, both received approval for laboratory use just months after submission, and both are testaments to our growing expertise and recognition as a leading diagnostics supplier-producer in the women’s health field.

"On the operating side, we have also made significant progress. Costs are well under control, profit margins are enjoying an upward trend, and operating income at both Clinical Labs and Life Sciences remains positive. By bringing to resolution several court cases, legal expenses have trended lower, though this might change as possible trials could take place in calendar 2017. Meanwhile, with total patent infringement settlements and licenses in the past twenty-four months of over $100 million, our financial condition is robust and highly liquid. This is enabling us to pursue our growth strategies in the diagnostics market where, with Enzo’s highly efficient, economic and effective products, we are increasingly making our mark."

Fourth Quarter Results
Total revenues increased to $26.6 million, a $0.9 million or 4% improvement over a year ago. Gross profit was up 7%, to $12.1 million, equal to gross margin of 45%, compared to 44% a year ago. Research and development expenses held steady, as a percentage of revenues declined 100 basis points to 3%, while selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") costs likewise improved 100 basis points, to 42%, all of which underscores the Company’s effective management controls. The provision for uncollectible expenses remained flat at 3% of revenues, as a result of the Company’s effective credit procedures. Legal fees for the quarter declined by more than half, to $0.7 million, from $1.6 million a year ago.

Including $38.8 million legal settlements and licensing agreements, and a $0.4 million foreign currency loss, net income amounted to $36.1 million, or $0.77 per fully diluted share. In the year ago quarter, with net legal settlements at $11.3 million, net income totaled $8.4 million, or $0.18 per fully diluted share. Adjusted for the 2016 legal settlements and licensing agreements, the non-GAAP quarterly net loss amounted to $1.9 million or $0.04 on a fully diluted share basis, compared to a year ago non-GAAP net loss of $2.6 million, a 27% improvement. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) was a negative $0.7 million, compared to a year ago negative $1.5 million, a 53% improvement.

Fiscal 2016 Results
With Clinical Labs revenues increasing by double digits, consolidated revenues rose to $102.8 million, up 5% from fiscal 2015’s $97.6 million. Gross profit for the year increased 6%, to $45.6 million, equaling gross margin of 44% in both years. R&D expenses were up modestly by 5% year over year, but flat at 3% as a percentage of revenues; SG&A increased 6%, but again held firm at 42% of revenues for both years; and legal expenses declined $2.4 million, or 27%, to $6.4 million.

Net income amounted to $45.3 million, or $0.97 per fully diluted share, including $57.3 million in net legal settlements and license agreement for the year. This compared to a year ago net loss of $2.3 million, or ($0.05) per share fully diluted, with net legal settlements and license agreements at $11.5 million in the prior year period. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted for legal settlements and license agreements, extraordinary proxy and other expenses and related tax effects, the net loss was $9.2 million, or ($0.20) per share fully diluted, vs. a year earlier loss on a similar adjusted basis of $13.5 million, or ($0.30) per fully diluted share, a $4.3 million improvement. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was a negative $5.0 million and $9.4 million, respectively, for the past two years, a $4.4 million improvement. Excluding direct legal litigation costs, adjusted EBITDA would be positive in the full year 2016 results.

As of July 31, 2016, cash and cash equivalents amounted to $67.8 million and total assets of were approximately $112.0 million.

Segment Results
Enzo Clinical Labs continued its strong growth, the result of the increased role of molecular diagnostics in its services mix, particularly those targeted to women’s health, as well as adding new clients and effective management of the Labs’ cost base. Fourth quarter revenues grew 5%, to $18.1 million. Gross profit improved 7%, to $12.1 million, and the gross margin percentage increased to 40%, from 39%. Operating income amounted to $0.8 million, compared to $0.5 million, up 60%.

Full year Lab revenues grew 12%, to $70.9 million. Gross profit consequently increased 18%, to $28.1 million, with the gross margin up 200 bps, to 40%, from 38%. The provision for uncollected receivables improved to 3.3%, from 3.8%, the result of improved collection procedures. Operating income more than doubled, to $1.2 million, from $0.5 million.

Enzo Life Sciences benefited from both higher margin product revenue and tight cost controls, although continuing to be challenged by a highly competitive environment and continued lower research funding, especially in academia. Product revenues were $8.1 million for the fourth quarters of both fiscal 2016 and 2015, with cost of revenues declining 6% in 2016, to $3.7 million. Gross profit on product revenues increased 5%, to $4.4 million, from $4.2 million, and gross margin advanced to 55%, from 52%. Excluding legal settlements, net, operating income improved to $1.0 million, compared to $0.6 million a year ago, up 66%.

Full year product revenues in 2016 amounted to $30.3 million, compared to $31.7 million in 2015. Products gross margin percentage increased by 200 basis points to 53% from 52%. Operating income amounted to $3.1 million, excluding $58.8 million from patent litigation settlements, compared to $4.4 million, excluding $11.5 million in settlements a year ago. Royalty and fee income declined to $1.5 million from $2.5 million a year earlier.

Product Development
In line with Enzo’s objective to develop, manufacture and sell high- throughput, high value reliable and affordable molecular diagnostic products and services that use our proprietary technologies to allow customers to meet their clinical needs, and to offer independent labs a counterweight to reduced reimbursement, Enzo has underway an aggressive product development program. This past year, the Company obtained conditional approval for several tests and assays from the New York State Department of Health, allowing the Company to provide these tests across the majority of the United States.

These approvals included our AmpiProbe technology platform that encompasses high sensitivity, real time nucleic acid amplification assays that is expected to provide low cost molecular diagnostics to benefit independent laboratories. At the same time, the AmpiProbe HCV Assay was approved for the quantitative detection of hepatitis C virus, which is expected to be the first in a line of expanded applications using the AmpiProbe platform. Last year, Enzo scientists presented data at the prestigious American Society for Clinical Pathology annual meeting showing new thresholds of sensitivity for the Company’s AmpiProbe – based HCV Assay. This demonstrated that the limit of detection was greater in sensitivity than leading commercially available HCV viral load assays.

Also approved was the Candidiasis Assay, the Company’s second test aimed at the rapidly expanding women’s health market, and Enzo Clinical Labs’ PLAQPRO Lp-PLA2 Assay, for evaluating lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity, a marker associated with the potential for coronary heart disease. Currently under development are tests for Hepatitis B virus, HIV viral diseases, and cancers, as well as a full spectrum of tests designed to identify a number of infectious diseases related to women’s health, one of the fastest growing segments of the molecular diagnostic market.

OncoSec Announces Acceptance of Late Breaking Abstract at Upcoming Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting 2016

On October 13, 2016 OncoSec Medical Incorporated ("OncoSec") (NASDAQ: ONCS), a company developing DNA-based intratumoral cancer immunotherapies, reported that new clinical data from the Phase II Investigator Sponsored Trial led by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to assess the combination of OncoSec’s investigational intratumoral therapy, ImmunoPulse IL-12, and Merck’s KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma and a low likelihood of response to an anti-PD1 alone will be presented at an oral poster presentation at the upcoming Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) ("SITC") Annual Meeting to be held on November 11-13, 2016, in National Harbor, MD (Press release, OncoSec Medical, OCT 13, 2016, View Source [SID:SID1234515795]).

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In August 2016, OncoSec announced the publication of a research assay in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that can be used as a predicative biomarker in melanoma patients. The assay shows that patients with a low frequency of CD8-positive inflamed tumors (that are PD-1 high and CTLA-4 positive) would pre-dispose them to low response rates to PD-1 inhibitor therapy alone. The Company is using this biomarker assay to pre-qualify patients in this ongoing combination study based on quantification of these type of CD8 cells. In the trial, patients deemed to be likely low responders were treated with a combination of systemic pembrolizumab and intratumoral ImmunoPulse IL-12 during the trial period. This presentation will provide an interim update of 15 treated patients.

The key endpoints of the study include: best overall response rate (ORR) by RECIST v1.1 and immune-related Response Criteria (irRC); safety and tolerability; duration of response; 24-week landmark progression-free survival; median progression-free survival; and overall survival.

Eligible patients were concurrently treated with pembrolizumab and ImmunoPulse IL-12 during the trial period.

Details of the presentation are as follows:

Abstract Title: Phase II Study of Intratumoral plasmid Interleukin 12 (pIL-12) with Electroporation in Combination with Pembrolizumab in Stage III/IV Melanoma Patients with Low Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (Abstract #203921)
Lead Author: Alain Algazi, MD, Clinical Instructor, Department of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), UCSF
Poster Number: 466
Date and Time: November 11, 2016 at 12:15 pm EDT (Oral poster presentation to be defined)
Location: Prince George’s Exhibition Hall AB, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

For more information about this trial, please visit:
View Source;rank=3