On December 11, 2017 Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE American:ATNM) ("Actinium" or "the Company") reported positive preliminary data from its ongoing Phase 2 trial of Actimab-A in patients newly diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) who are over the age of 60 and not able to tolerate induction chemotherapy (Press release, Actinium Pharmaceuticals, DEC 11, 2017, View Source [SID1234522522]). Actinium Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing targeted therapies for safer myeloablation and conditioning of the bone marrow prior to a bone marrow transplant, and for the targeting and killing of cancer cells. Actimab-A is an ARC or Antibody Radio-Conjugate comprised of the anti-CD33 antibody lintuzumab labeled with the alpha-emitting isotope Actinium-225. Actimab-A is the lead candidate from Actinium’s CD33 Program, which now includes two additional indications; Actimab-M in Multiple Myeloma and Actimab-MDS as a bridge to transplant in TP53 positive patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

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Patients in the Phase 2 trial had an Overall Response Rate (ORR) of 69% when treated with 2.0 µCi/kg/fraction of Actimab-A administered as a single agent via two infusions administered on day 1 and day 8. In addition, patients that were evaluable had a median reduction in bone marrow blasts of 98%. Actinium had previously reported a 56% response rate in patients that were evaluable at time of the abstract submission when data were available on 9 patients compared to the 13 patients reported in the poster. The Phase 2 trial of Actimab-A is designed to enroll 53 patients, with a formal interim analysis scheduled when 31 patients have been enrolled with the target ORR for the study being thirty-five percent. This hurdle rate has been exceeded with the first thirteen patients treated at 2.0 µCi/kg/fraction and the number of responses needed at the interim analysis of 31 patients to progress the trial to the full 53 patients was also cleared in these initial 13 patients. Consequently, the Company has elected to continue the trial at a lower dose in order to develop the best therapeutic profile based on balancing the myelosupressive effect seen at 2.0 µCi/kg/fraction versus the efficacy seen at both the 2.0 µCi/kg/fraction (50% ORR in Phase 1 and 69% ORR in Phase 2) and the 1.5 µCi/kg/fraction (67% ORR in Phase 1). After making suitable protocol modifications the trial is again robustly enrolling patients who will now receive Actimab-A at 1.5 µCi/kg/fraction. This dose had the highest response rate of any dose cohort in the most recent Phase 1 trial of Actimab-A with patients receiving this dose having a 67% ORR.

Dr. Mark Berger, Actinium’s Chief Medical Officer, said, "It is incredibly exciting to see these high response rates and the huge reduction in bone marrow blasts from Actimab-A as a single agent, which I attribute to the targeting ability and potency of our ARC based approach. Having led the development and initial approval of Mylotarg, the only CD33 targeting agent approved in AML, I have since had tremendous interest in this field and today’s results confirm my initial inclination that Actimab-A has the potential to be highly differentiated and potentially best-in-class. In addition to these highly encouraging results, we have gained invaluable insights into the profile of Actimab-A that we will leverage to drive value going forward. Given that Actimab-A had a higher response rate of 67% at the 1.5 µCi/kg/fraction compared to a 50% response rate at 2.0 µCi/kg/fraction in our most recent Phase 1 trial, I am excited to be moving ahead with our new dose level, which I believe will be associated with strong efficacy, acceptable myelosuppression and meet the goals for the remainder of the study. Given Actimab-A’s highly differentiated mechanism of action, we believe it can be used synergistically with other treatments to increase efficacy but with minimal increase in toxicities."

Compared to other AML agents, very few possibly related extramedullary toxicities were observed with only two (pneumonia and septic shock) being observed in more than one patient, both of which were observed in two patients each. Importantly, no case of veno-occlusive disease, a potentially fatal complication of the liver that can preclude a patient from receiving a stem cell transplant, was observed in any of the patients. Grade 4 myelosuppression was observed in all evaluable patients.

Dr. Berger continued, "These additional data are consistent with previous data indicating that an anti-CD33 antibody labeled with Actinium-225 has minimal extramedullary toxicities and is highly potent. The combination of these factors has allowed us to pursue Actimab-MDS as a bridge to transplant for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome that have a genetic mutation of the TP53 gene. We are excited to leverage the strengths of the Actimab-A trial to expand the patient population that we can treat with this agent."

Sandesh Seth, Actinium’s Chairman and CEO, said, "In less than a year we have expanded our CD33 Program from a single asset, Actimab-A, to a full-fledged drug development program with the addition of Actimab-M and Actimab-MDS. This is early evidence of the potential of the newly infused talent and upgraded functionality that is being developed in the Company. We take comfort in the fact that now our team has enrolled more patients in our three trials in the second half of 2017 than the combined total enrollment in the four years prior. In 2018, we expect to have topline results with both Actimab-A and Actimab-M, in line with prior guidance, and also begin the newly announced Actimab-MDS trial. Our CD33 targeting ARC’s are showing promise to be utilized for both therapeutic and safer myeloablative purposes. Exemplifying the unique therapeutic promise of our CD33 targeting ARC’s compared to other modalities is the recent involvement of thought leader Dr. Gail Roboz and her consortium who will spearhead the new Actimab-MDS initiative. With these new data in hand, we look forward to continuing to develop our CD33 program as the leading one in the industry in 2018 and beyond."

About Actimab-A

Actimab-A, Actinium’s most advanced CD33 Program candidate, is currently in a multi-center, open-label Phase 2 trial for patients newly diagnosed with AML, age 60 and above, that are ineligible for standard induction chemotherapy. Actimab-A is being developed as a first-line therapy and is a monotherapy that is administered via two 30-minute infusions that are given 7 days apart. Actimab-A is an ARC or Antibody Radio-Conjugate that targets CD33, a protein that is expressed in virtually all patients with AML cells via the monoclonal antibody, lintuzumab, which carries the potent cytotoxic radioisotope Actinium-225 to the AML cancer cells. Actinium-225 gives off high-energy alpha particles as it decays, which kill cancer cells and as actinium-225 decays it produces a series of daughter atoms, each of which gives off its own alpha particle, increasing the chances that the cancer cell will be destroyed by crossfire. Actimab-A is a second-generation therapy from the Company’s CD33 Program, which was developed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and has now been studied in over 100 patients in four clinical trials. Actimab-A has been granted Orphan Drug Designation for newly diagnosed AML in patients 60 and above by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency.

On December 11, 2017 Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:PPHM) (NASDAQ:PPHMP), a company committed to improving patient lives by manufacturing and delivering high quality biologics, reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2018 ended October 31, 2017, and provided an update on its contract manufacturing operations, and other corporate highlights (Press release, Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, DEC 11, 2017, View Source [SID1234522574]).

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Highlights Since July 31, 2017

"Today, we are pleased to report that the company has made great progress in its transition from an R&D focused business to a dedicated contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO)," stated Roger J. Lias, Ph.D., president of Avid Bioservices. "In late November, the company came to an agreement with an investor group, appointing a highly qualified new board of directors consisting of three new independent members from this investor group and one mutually designated independent member in addition to myself and the two independent members previously appointed. We have now added six highly qualified and independent board members since October. In addition, we are focused on hiring experienced and successful CDMO professionals who are dedicated to revenue growth through the expansion and diversification of Avid’s client base, as evidenced by the recently announced hiring of Tracy Kinjerski as vice president of business operations. We are actively planning to expand Avid’s service offerings and enhance our manufacturing infrastructure to ensure that we are offering the highest quality services, and state-of-the-art facilities to our customers. We are also taking steps to officially change the name of the entire organization to Avid Bioservices, Inc. to formalize this transition. Lastly, we are in continued discussions with third parties regarding the divestiture of the company’s remaining R&D assets and we will keep you apprised on our progress as we advance the process."

Recent Developments at Avid Bioservices

· Established a dedicated CDMO management infrastructure with the hiring of Roger J. Lias, Ph.D., as the President of Avid Bioservices and director.
o Dr. Lias brings more than 20 years of experience in the industry having held senior management positions at several leading CDMOs including Cytovance Biologics, KBI BioPharma, Diosynth RTP (formerly Covance Biotechnology Services) and Lonza Biologics.

· Strengthened Avid’s sales and business development function with the hiring of Tracy Kinjerski as vice president of business operations.
o Ms. Kinjerski brings more than 17 years of experience with a focus in contract development and manufacturing. She is charged with driving Avid’s growth through the strategic expansion and diversification of the company’s commercial and clinical client base.

· Reconstituted the board of directors to include six independent directors, all with significant CDMO experience.
o In October 2017, Mark R. Bamforth was appointed as an independent member of the board of directors. Mr. Bamforth has 30 years of biologics leadership experience including founding two CDMOs, Brammer Bio, where he is currently the president and CEO, and Gallus BioPharmaceuticals, which was acquired by DPx Holdings B.V., the parent company of Patheon. Additionally, he served for more than 20 years in key roles at Genzyme Corporation, including 10 years as a corporate officer responsible for running global manufacturing.
o In October 2017, Patrick Walsh was appointed as an independent member of the board of directors. Mr. Walsh has a record of leading successful, high-growth CDMOs and he has also led complex laboratory and pharmaceutical manufacturing operations including parenteral and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) on a global scale.
o In November 2017, the company entered into a settlement agreement with its largest shareholder (Ronin/SWIM) regarding the composition of Peregrine’s board of directors. Under the terms of the Agreement, on November 27, 2017, directors Steven W. King, Carlton M. Johnson, Jr., Eric S. Swartz and David H. Pohl each tendered his resignation, effective immediately, from Peregrine’s board of directors, and from the board of directors of Avid Bioservices. The vacancies created by these resignations were immediately filled by three individuals who were nominated by Ronin/SWIM for election at Peregrine’s upcoming 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Richard B. Hancock, Gregory P. Sargen and Joel McComb), and one director (Joseph Carleone, Ph.D.) who is independent of Ronin/SWIM and new to Peregrine.

• Joseph Carleone, Ph.D. (independent appointee): Dr. Carleone is Chairman of the Board of AMPAC Fine Chemicals LLC, a leading manufacturer of pharmaceutical active ingredients. Prior to this position, Dr. Carleone was President, Chief Executive Officer and director of American Pacific Corporation, a leading custom manufacturer of fine and specialty chemicals and propulsion products.
• Richard B. Hancock (Ronin/SWIM appointee): Richard (Rick) B. Hancock has worked in the biologic CDMO industry for over 30 years in various operational and executive roles, serving most recently as President and CEO of Althea Technologies, Inc., a large molecule CDMO producing a wide range of biologics, vaccines and parenteral products.
• Joel McComb (Ronin/SWIM appointee): Joel McComb is the CEO, Chairman and Co-Founder of BioSpyder Technologies, Inc. Prior to BioSpyder, Mr. McComb served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Illumina, Inc., President of GE Healthcare’s Life Sciences and Discovery Systems division, and President of GE Healthcare’s Interventional Medicine division.
• Gregory P. Sargen (Ronin/SWIM appointee): Gregory P. Sargen currently serves as Executive Vice President – Corporate Development and Strategy of Cambrex Corporation ("Cambrex"), a global manufacturer and provider of services to life sciences companies. Prior to his current role, Mr. Sargen served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cambrex.

· Expanded production capacity in the Myford facility to allow organic and significant growth using existing facilities.

o In recent months, the company expanded its capacity in its Myford facility by installing two new 2,000 liter single-use bioreactors.

2

Financial Highlights and Results

· The company maintains its manufacturing revenue guidance for the full FY 2018 of $50 million – $55 million.

· Contract manufacturing revenue from Avid’s clinical and commercial biomanufacturing services was $12.8 million for the second quarter of FY 2018 compared to $23.4 million for the second quarter of FY 2017.

· Avid’s current manufacturing revenue backlog is $33.0 million, representing estimated future manufacturing revenue to be recognized under committed contracts. Most of the backlog is expected to be recognized during the remainder of FY 2018 and into FY 2019.

· Total operating expenses for the second quarter of FY 2018 were $9.2 million, compared to $12.0 million for the second quarter of FY 2017. For the second quarter of FY 2018, total operating expenses included restructuring charges of $1.6 million associated with termination benefits including severance and other employee related costs related to a workforce reduction pursuant to a restructuring plan implemented in August 2017. The company is also actively evaluating its overall operating expenses and cost structure as a dedicated CDMO and plans to align its cost structure to match the future needs of the business.

· Research and development expenses decreased to $3.7 million in the second quarter of FY 2018 compared to $7.0 million for the second quarter of FY 2017. Over the next 60 or fewer days, the Company will continue to rapidly wind down all research and development costs to zero and plans to support only those efforts needed to pursue the license or sale of its research and development assets.

· Cost of contract manufacturing increased to $16.2 million in the second quarter of FY 2018 compared to $15.4 million for the second quarter of FY 2017.

· For the second quarter of FY 2018, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $3.9 million compared to $5.0 million for FY 2017.

· Peregrine’s consolidated net loss attributable to common stockholders was $14.1 million or $0.31 per share, for the second quarter of FY 2018, compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $5.5 million, or $0.16 per share, for the same prior year quarter.

· Peregrine reported $27.7 million in cash and cash equivalents as of October 31, 2017, compared to $46.8 million at fiscal year ended April 30, 2017. As further discussed in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company plans to raise additional capital within the next six months to support its continued operations and other initiatives that will enhance its CDMO operations.

More detailed financial information and analysis may be found in Peregrine’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today.

Conference Call

Peregrine will host a conference call and webcast this afternoon, December 11, 2017, at 4:30 PM EST (1:30 PM PST).

To listen to the conference call, please dial (877) 312-5443 or (253) 237-1126 and request the Peregrine Pharmaceuticals conference call. To listen to the live webcast, or access the archived webcast, please visit: View Source;

On December 11, 2017 GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) reported promising new data from the dose expansion phase of the DREAMM-1 study of GSK2857916, an investigational anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) antibody-drug conjugate (Press release, GlaxoSmithKline, DEC 11, 2017, View Source [SID1234522570]). In this study of heavily pre-treated multiple myeloma patients (n=35), GSK2857916 monotherapy demonstrated a 60% response rate (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.1% – 76.1%) and a median progression free survival of 7.9 months (95% CI: 3.1 – not estimable). Results were presented during an oral presentation at the 59th annual meeting of the American Society for Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper).

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Patients were enrolled in DREAMM-1 independent of BCMA expression levels. The study participants were heavily pre-treated, with 57% of the patients having at least five prior lines of treatment and 40% having prior daratumumab treatment. The most commonly reported adverse events were corneal events (63%) and thrombocytopenia (57%); no dose-limiting toxicities were reported. Infusion-related reactions (IRRs) occurred in 23% of patients (without pre-medication) on the first infusion and no IRRs occurred on subsequent infusions.

Axel Hoos, SVP Oncology R&D, GSK said "The patients participating in the DREAMM-1 trial had very limited options for further treatment, so we are encouraged by the response rate seen in this trial. GSK2857916 is the leading asset in our emerging pipeline of potentially transformative Oncology medicines and we plan to rapidly progress its development programme, initiating pivotal monotherapy studies as well as new combination studies in 2018."

Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the United Statesi and is generally considered treatable but not curable. Multiple myeloma commonly becomes refractory to available treatments, so research into new treatments is vital. GSK2857916 was recently awarded Breakthrough Therapy designation from the US Food and Drug Administration and PRIME designation from the European Medicines Agency; these designations are intended to facilitate development of investigational medicines that have shown clinical promise for conditions where there is significant unmet need.

The DREAMM -1 study is a first-in-human, open-label study of GSK2857916 in patients with relapsed/ refractory multiple myeloma. The primary objective is safety; response rate, pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity are secondary endpoints. The study consists of two parts: a dose escalation phase in which patients received GSK2857916 at escalating doses and a dose expansion phase in which all patients received GSK2857916 at the recommended phase II dose. Results from the dose escalation phase of the study were presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2016ii

GSK in Oncology
GSK is focused on delivering transformational therapies for cancer patients. GSK’s pipeline is focused on immuno-oncology, cell therapy, and epigenetics. Our goal is to achieve a sustainable flow of new treatments for cancer patients based on a diversified portfolio of investigational medicines utilising modalities such as small molecules, antibodies, multi-specific molecules, adjuvants and cells, either alone or in combination.

The data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) show important R&D progress in GSK’s Oncology pipeline. The company has also strengthened its commercial and R&D interface within Oncology through the recent appointment of Christine Roth as Oncology Franchise Head, who will be responsible for shaping the commercial and global product strategy for GSK’s innovative pipeline of Oncology assets.

In 2015 GSK divested its Oncology business for an aggregate cash consideration of $16 billion, while retaining its portfolio of early stage Oncology assets. Novartis has a right of first negotiation (ROFN) that is triggered upon a decision to seek a partner or divest certain Oncology assets or if GSK proposes to seek a marketing authorisation for such Oncology assets, on an asset by asset basis. The ROFN does not oblige GSK to sell to, or partner with, Novartis. Novartis does not have an "opt-in" or a "call" option related to GSK’s Oncology pipeline. Under the ROFN, GSK is able to continue to develop and commercialise assets on its own. GSK’s obligation is to negotiate in good faith. GSK would only enter into a transaction if GSK believes it was in the best interest of its shareholders. The ROFN extends for 12.5 years from closing; i.e. September 2027.The complete contractual terms of the ROFN are available at View Source

Conference call for investors and analysts
GSK will host a conference call for investors and analysts at 18:00 GMT/ 1:00PM EST on Tuesday, 12 December 2017.

On December 11, 2017 Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATRA), a leading off-the-shelf T-cell immunotherapy company developing novel treatments for patients with cancer, autoimmune and viral diseases, reported that the Company’s collaborating investigators presented updated, positive interim results for tabelecleucel (formerly known as ATA129) from a multicenter expanded access protocol (EAP) study for patients with EBV associated cancers (Press release, Atara B59thiotherapeutics, DEC 11, 2017, View Source [SID1234522568]). The findings were reported at the ongoing 59th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, taking place in Atlanta, GA, December 9-12, 2017. Tabelecleucel is Atara’s off-the-shelf T-cell immunotherapy in development for the treatment of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV+PTLD), as well as other EBV associated hematologic and solid tumors.

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"We are gratified to see that the multicenter clinical findings in patients with EBV+PTLD are consistent with the tabelecleucel profile observed in the Phase 2 studies conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center," said Chris Haqq M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer of Atara Biotherapeutics. "We look forward to initiating Phase 3 clinical studies with tabelecleucel by the end of this year, which are expected to enroll the same EBV+PTLD patient populations as presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper)."

Updated efficacy findings were presented:

In 6 patients with rituximab-refractory EBV+PTLD following solid organ transplant (SOT) the Objective Response Rate (ORR) was 83%, with 5 of 6 patients responding to treatment.
Additionally, in 5 patients with rituximab-refractory EBV+PTLD following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) an ORR of 80% was observed, with 4 of 5 patients responding to treatment.
An additional patient with EBV+PTLD following HCT remains alive, but was not evaluable due to lack of post-baseline assessment.
The estimated one-year overall survival for the 12 tabelecleucel treated patients with EBV+PTLD following HCT or SOT, was 90.9% [95% confidence interval (50.8%, 98.7%)].
Updated safety findings were reported for a total of 23 patients, including an additional 11 patients with other EBV associated cancers who were included in the safety analysis:

Tabelecleucel was generally well-tolerated in this study population, which comprised quite ill, mostly immunosuppressed patients with multiple comorbidities.
5 patients experienced treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs).
One HCT patient died due to PTLD disease progression.
Two possibly related cases of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in patients with EBV+PTLD following HCT were reported.
A tumor flare was observed in one patient with EBV+ HIV-associated plasmablastic lymphoma that resolved without clinical sequelae.
Atara’s collaborating investigators at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center presented updated results for ATA230, an allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy targeting antigens expressed by cytomegalovirus (CMV), from 50 post-transplant patients with refractory CMV viremia and disease, including those with disease in the CNS. The reported response rate of 64% in all patients was similar in those with CMV viremia and disease. Patients who responded to ATA230 showed improved 6-month survival of 81.3% versus 33.3% in patients who did not respond to treatment. One of the 32 patients who responded to ATA230 died of CMV disease. ATA230 was generally well-tolerated. Five patients experienced grade 4 or 5 serious adverse events deemed possibly related to ATA230.

About EBV+PTLD
Since its discovery as the first human oncovirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been implicated in the development of a wide range of lymphoproliferative disorders, including lymphomas and other cancers. EBV is widespread in all human populations and persists as a lifelong, asymptomatic infection. In immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) or solid organ transplants (SOT), EBV associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV+PTLD), represents a life-threatening condition. Median overall survival in patients with EBV+PTLD following HCT who have failed rituximab-based first line therapy is 16-56 days. In EBV+PTLD following SOT, patients failing rituximab experience increased chemotherapy-induced treatment-related mortality compared to other lymphoma patients. One- and two-year survival in patients with high-risk EBV+PTLD following SOT is 36% and 0%, respectively.

About tabelecleucel (formerly known as ATA129)
Atara’s most advanced T-cell immunotherapy in development, tabelecleucel, is a potential treatment for patients with rituximab-refractory Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV+PTLD), as well as other EBV associated hematologic and solid tumors, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In February 2015, FDA granted tabelecleucel Breakthrough Therapy Designation for EBV+PTLD following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) and in October 2016, tabelecleucel was accepted into the EMA Priority Medicines (PRIME) regulatory pathway for the same indication, providing enhanced regulatory support. Atara also received positive regulatory feedback from Health Canada in September 2017 supporting the submission of tabelecleucel for an expedited approval pathway. In addition, tabelecleucel has orphan status in the U.S. and EU. Phase 3 studies of tabelecleucel in EBV+PTLD following HCT (MATCH study) or solid organ transplant (ALLELE study) are expected to start in 2017, and a Phase 1/2 study in NPC is planned for 2018. Tabelecleucel is also available to eligible patients with EBV associated hematologic and solid tumors through an ongoing multicenter expanded access protocol (EAP) clinical study.

About CMV
In patients with weakened immune systems, including bone marrow and solid organ transplant recipients, newborns with immature immune systems and those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause potentially life-threatening disease or may result in blindness, brain damage, and deafness. While small molecule antiviral drugs are approved to treat and prevent CMV infection, there remains a high unmet need due to viral resistance, modest neurodevelopmental activity and adverse effects, such as toxicity and reduction in white blood cell count impairing the ability to fight other infections, with these agents.

About ATA230
ATA230, an allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy targeting antigens expressed by cytomegalovirus (CMV), has been investigated in one Phase 1 and two Phase 2 clinical studies in immunocompromised patients with CMV viremia or disease who are refractory or resistant to antiviral drug treatment in the post-transplant setting. In October 2017, Atara announced that ATA230 was granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation by the FDA for the treatment of congenital CMV infection, and in September 2017, ATA230 received orphan drug designation in the U.S. for the treatment of CMV viremia and disease in immunocompromised patients. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) in October 2016 also issued a positive orphan drug designation opinion for ATA230 for the treatment of CMV infection in patients with impaired cell-mediated immunity. Atara intends to further evaluate ATA230 development plans with the FDA and other global health authorities following the initiation of tabelecleucel EBV+PTLD Phase 3 studies.

On December 11,2017 Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519) reported that the phase III IMmotion151 study met its co-primary endpoint of investigator-assessed progression free survival (PFS), and demonstrated that the combination of atezolizumab and Avastin showed statistically significant improvement in PFS compared with sunitinib in patients whose disease expressed PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1: Expression ≧1%) for the first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC)(Press release, Chugai, DEC 11, 2017, View Source [SID1234522503]).

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Observations of as pre-specified subgroup analysis of the atezolizumab and Avastin combination indicated that, in people whose disease expressed PD-L1, a numerical difference favoring atezolizumab and Avastin group was seen across all patient risk factor groups (favorable, intermediate and poor) compared to sunitinib; however, due to the study design these data could not be assessed for statistical significance and are descriptive only. As data is not fully matured, analysis for another co-primary endpoint of overall survival (OS) as well as the assessment of secondary endpoints is ongoing. Safety for the atezolizumab and Avastin combination appeared consistent with the known safety profile of the individual medicines and what was previously reported in the Phase II IMmotion150 study. No new safety signals were identified with the combination. The data of the IMmotion151 study will be presented at an upcoming oncology conference in 2018.

"Avastin is currently approved overseas for the treatment of RCC in combination with interferon. We are pleased that IMmotion151 study in which Japanese patients are participating showed the combination of atezolizumab and Avastin demonstrated an improvement in PFS," said Dr. Yasushi Ito, Senior Vice President and Head of Project & Lifecycle Management Unit. "We are committed to prepare the filing for approval in order to deliver both drugs to patients as a new treatment option as soon as possible."

About the IMmotion151 Study
A global phase III, multi-center, open label, randomized study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of atezolizumab plus Avastin compared to sunitinib in previously untreated patients with locally advanced or metastatic RCC.

The study’s co-primary endpoints include PFS in people whose tumors expressed PD-L1 (PD-L1 expression ≧1%) on immune cells (IC) and OS in intent to treat (ITT) population. PD-L1 expression was assessed using an immunohistochemistry (IHC) test, SP142 developed by Roche.

Depending on the presence of one or several of five risk factors, patients are classified in one of the three risk groups: "Favorable" with 0 risk factors, "Intermediate" with 1-2 risk factors and "Poor" with 3 or more factors.
Study design
915 patients were randomized into atezolizumab plus Avastin or sunitinib arm in a 1:1 ratio to receive treatment according to each group’s treatment regimen.
In Japan, Avastin is not approved for the treatment of RCC.

About atezolizumab
Atezolizumab is a monoclonal antibody designed to target a protein called PD-L1 (programmed death ligand-1), which is expressed on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. PD-L1 binds to PD-1 and B7.1, both found on the surface of T cells, causing inhibition of T cells. By blocking this coupling, atezolizumab may enable to release the suppression of T cells and promotes T cells to effectively attack tumor cells.
Atezolizumab (overseas brand name: TECENTRIQ) is an anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor. In US, atezolizumab was granted accelerated approval for the second line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) by the FDA in May, 2016. The FDA also approved atezolizumab as the treatment of metastatic NSCLC who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy in October, 2016 and granted accelerated approval as the first line treatment of locally advanced or mUC who are ineligible for cisplatin chemotherapy in April, 2017. In EU, EMA approved atezolizumab for the second line treatment of locally advanced or mUC, the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy and the first line treatment of locally advanced or mUC who are ineligible for cisplatin chemotherapy in September, 2017. In Japan, the new drug application of atezolizumab for the treatment of unresectable advanced or recurrent NSCLC was filed in February, 2017.

Trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law