On May 9, 2017 Atossa Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics and delivery methods for breast cancer and other breast conditions, reported that the Institutional Review Board associated with Montefiore Medical Center (Biomedical Research Alliance of New York IRB) has approved the Fulvestrant Microcatheter Phase 2 study that was recently transferred to Montefiore (Press release, Atossa Genetics, MAY 9, 2017, View Source [SID1234518985]). Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! The Fulvestrant Microcatheter Phase 2 study includes women with ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) or invasive breast cancer slated for mastectomy or lumpectomy. This study will assess the safety, tolerability and distribution of fulvestrant when delivered directly into breast milk ducts of these patients compared to those who receive the same product intramuscularly. The secondary objective of the study is to determine if there are changes in the expression of Ki67 as well as estrogen and progesterone receptors between a pre-fulvestrant biopsy and post-fulvestrant surgical specimen. Digital breast imaging before and after drug administration in both groups will also be performed to determine the effect of fulvestrant on any lesions as well as breast density of the participant. Six study participants will receive the standard intramuscular fulvestrant dose of 500 mg to establish the reference drug distribution, and 24 participants will receive fulvestrant by intraductal instillation utilizing Atossa’s microcatheter device.
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"This study was initiated at The Columbia University Medical Center Breast Cancer Program and then transferred to Montefiore Medical Center at the beginning of 2017 when the principal investigator moved his practice to Montefiore," commented Steven Quay, CEO and President. "We are pleased that the study continues to move forward at Montefiore, which is a leading center for breast cancer treatment."
Author: [email protected]
Aeglea BioTherapeutics Provides Corporate Update and Reports First Quarter 2017 Financial Results
On May 9, 2017 Aeglea BioTherapeutics, Inc., (NASDAQ:AGLE) a biotechnology company committed to developing enzyme-based therapeutics in the field of amino acid metabolism to treat rare genetic diseases and cancer, reported a corporate update and reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017 (Press release, Aeglea BioTherapeutics, MAY 9, 2017, View Source [SID1234518984]). Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! "AEB1102 remains the primary focus of our clinical and preclinical work across rare genetic diseases and cancer," said David G. Lowe, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Aeglea. "We are especially pleased with recent preclinical data which demonstrated that AEB1102 was not immunosuppressive in combination with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors. We believe this opens a unique opportunity at the intersection of tumor metabolism and existing or emerging therapies in immuno-oncology."
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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing
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Recent Highlights
Presented preclinical data at the 2017 American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting demonstrating that reducing systemic arginine with AEB1102 did not suppress the immune response induced by anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1, and exerted an additive anti-tumor and synergistic survival benefit.
Expanded research and development capabilities with the opening of an internal laboratory at Aeglea in Austin, TX.
Upcoming Events
David G. Lowe, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Aeglea, will present a corporate update at the UBS 2017 Global Healthcare Conference being held May 22 – 24, 2017 in New York City.
First Quarter 2017 Financial Results At March 31, 2017, Aeglea had available cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $57.9 million. Based on Aeglea’s current operating plan, management believes that it has sufficient capital resources to fund anticipated operations through March 31, 2019. Aeglea recognized grant revenues of $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared with $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2016. The grant revenues are the result of a $19.8 million research grant received from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The increase was primarily due to higher qualifying expenditures associated with AEB1102 for grant-related clinical trials. Research and development expenses totaled $4.9 million for the first quarter of 2017, compared with $3.6 million for the first quarter of 2016. The increase was primarily associated with hiring additional personnel to expand Aeglea’s internal regulatory, laboratory, and clinical development capabilities. General and administrative expenses totaled $2.3 million for the first quarter of 2017, compared to $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2016. This increase was primarily due to additional compensation and personnel costs, and increased costs associated with operating as a public company. Net loss totaled $6.2 million and $4.5 million for the first quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Fibrocell and Intrexon Announce Two Oral Presentations at the 20th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy
On May 9, 2017 Fibrocell Science, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCSC), a gene therapy company focused on transformational autologous cell-based therapies for skin and connective tissue diseases, and Intrexon Corporation (NYSE: XON), a leader in synthetic biology, reported that two abstracts will be presented in oral sessions at the 20th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) from May 10-13, 2017 in Washington, D.C (Press release, Intrexon, MAY 9, 2017, View Source [SID1234518983]). Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! The schedule for each presentation is as follows:
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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing
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Session: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Assay Development
Presentation: Pre-Clinical Development of a Genetically-Modified Human Dermal Fibroblast (FCX-007) for the Treatment of Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB)
Presenter: Anna Malyala, PhD, Director, New Product Development, Fibrocell Science
Abstract ID: 301
Presentation on Thursday, May 11, 2017, 4:45 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Room: Maryland ABC Room
Session: Somatic Stem Cell Therapies
Presentation: Development of an Autologous Gene-Modified Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Linear Scleroderma
Presenter: Darby Thomas, PhD, Director, Rare Diseases, Human Therapeutics Division, Intrexon Corporation
Abstract ID: 740
Presentation on Saturday, May 13, 2017, 11:00 – 11:15 a.m. ET
Location: Delaware AB Room
About FCX-007
FCX-007 is Fibrocell’s clinical-stage, gene therapy product candidate for the treatment of RDEB, a congenital and progressive orphan skin disease caused by the deficiency of the protein type VII collagen (COL7). FCX-007 is a genetically-modified autologous fibroblast that encodes the gene for COL7 and is being developed in collaboration with Intrexon Corporation. By genetically modifying autologous fibroblasts ex vivo to produce COL7, culturing them and then treating wounds locally via injection, FCX-007 offers the potential to address the underlying cause of the disease by providing high levels of COL7 directly to the affected areas while avoiding systemic distribution. The FDA has granted Orphan Designation to FCX-007 for the treatment of Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa, which includes RDEB. In addition, FCX-007 has been granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation and Fast Track Designation by the FDA for treatment of RDEB.
About FCX-013
Fibrocell is in pre-clinical development of FCX-013, its gene therapy candidate for the treatment of linear scleroderma, a form of localized scleroderma. FCX-013 incorporates Intrexon’s proprietary RheoSwitch Therapeutic System, a biologic switch activated by an orally administered compound to control future protein expression once the initial fibrosis has been resolved. FCX-013 is designed to be injected under the skin at the location of the fibrosis where the genetically-modified fibroblast cells will produce a protein to break down excess collagen accumulation. The patient takes an oral compound to facilitate protein expression. Once the fibrosis is resolved, the patient will stop taking the oral compound which will stop further production of the subject protein by FCX-013. Fibrocell has received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for FCX-013 for the treatment of localized scleroderma.
Foamix Reports First Quarter 2017 Financial Results and Provides Business Update
On May 9, 2017 Foamix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (NASDAQ: FOMX) ("Foamix Pharmaceuticals" or the "Company"), a clinical stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing proprietary topical foams to address unmet needs in dermatology, reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (Press release, Foamix, MAY 9, 2017, View Source [SID1234518982]). Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! Clinical, business and corporate developments for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and to date:
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On March 27, 2017, we provided the top-line data from our two Phase 3 clinical trials (Trial 04 and 05) for FMX101 in the treatment of moderate-to-severe acne. In the intent-to-treat analysis, FMX101 demonstrated statistical significance compared to vehicle on both co-primary endpoints in Trial 05 (specifically the absolute reduction in inflammatory lesions at week 12, and investigator global assessment (IGA) treatment success at week 12 compared to baseline). In Trial 04, statistical significance was demonstrated for FMX101 compared to vehicle in the co-primary endpoint of absolute reduction in inflammatory lesions, however, statistical significance was not achieved in the co-primary endpoint of IGA treatment success.
On May 3, 2017, we provided new data from our two Phase 3 clinical trials for FMX101, including pooled analysis of our co-primary endpoints and certain secondary clinical endpoints (absolute reduction of non-inflammatory lesions at week 12; and percent change in inflammatory lesions at weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12). Highlights from our further analyses included:
Statistical significance was demonstrated for FMX101 compared to vehicle in the pooled analysis of both co-primary endpoints – absolute reduction of inflammatory lesions and Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA)
% Change in inflammatory lesion count was statistically significant in both Trials 04 and 05 at all timepoints (beginning at Week 3)
Non-inflammatory lesion count reduction at Week 12 was statistically significant in both Trials 04 and 05
Overall high level of patient satisfaction with FMX101 (based on patient satisfaction questionnaires).
FMX101 was generally safe and tolerable. No serious adverse events drug-related systemic side effects were recorded.
Further to sharing the detailed analyses, we announced that based on the results of the first two pivotal trials (Trial 04 and 05), we intend to conduct a third U.S. Phase 3 trial in patients with moderate-to-severe acne. This double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial is planned to enroll 1,500 patients who will be randomized 1:1 (FMX101 vs vehicle) across an estimated 80 investigator sites. The trial is expected to commence mid-year. If the results are positive, this trial will form the basis for a New Drug Application (NDA) which the company plans to submit in the second half of 2018.
The two Phase 3 clinical trials for FMX103 in patients with moderate-to-severe papulopustular rosacea are expected to commence mid-2017. We also announced on May 3, 2017, that we plan to increase the sample size for each of the two Phase 3 trials from 600 to 750 patients (total of 1,500 patients) randomized 2:1 (FMX103 vs vehicle) across an estimated 80 investigator sites in the U.S. FMX103 demonstrated clinically and statistically significant efficacy in treating moderate-to-severe rosacea in a Phase 2 trial which enrolled 233 patients across 18 sites in Germany.
During the first quarter of 2017 we successfully manufactured three registration-quality batches for FMX101.
U.S. Sales of Finacea Foam, azelaic acid 15% for the treatment of rosacea, continue to grow.
Based on sales of Finacea Foam reported by Bayer HealthCare AG for Q1, 2017 Foamix is entitled to royalty payments of $927,000, up 26% from the fourth quarter of 2016.
Finacea Foam was developed through a research and development collaboration between Foamix and Bayer, utilizing Foamix’s proprietary foam technology platform. The drug was launched by Bayer in the USA in September 2015.
Financial highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2017:
Total revenues were $927,000 compared with $745,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase is due to increase in sales of Finacea Foam by Bayer HealthCare AG.
Research and development expenses were $12.7 million, compared with $3.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016. This increase resulted primarily from an increase in costs relating to the FMX101 and FMX103 clinical trials as well as an increase in payroll and related expenses due to an increase in the number of R&D employees.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $2.8 million, compared with $1.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses resulted primarily from increases in payroll and other payroll-related expenses, market research costs, advisors, maintenance and office expenses.
Operating expenses totaled $15.5 million, compared with $5.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Net loss was $14.4 million or $0.39 per share, basic and diluted, compared with a loss of $4.5 million or $0.15 per share, basic and diluted, for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Cash and investments as of March 31, 2017 totaled $118.7 million, compared with $131.0 million as of December 31, 2016.
Management overview
On March 27, 2017, we provided the top-line data from our two Phase 3 clinical trials (Trial 04 and 05) for FMX101 in the treatment of moderate-to-severe acne. In the intent-to-treat analysis, FMX101 demonstrated statistical significance compared to vehicle on both co-primary endpoints in Trial 05 (specifically the absolute reduction in inflammatory lesions at week 12, and investigator global assessment (IGA) treatment success at week 12 compared to baseline). In Trial 04, statistical significance was demonstrated for FMX101 compared to vehicle in the co-primary endpoint of absolute reduction in inflammatory lesions, however, statistical significance was not achieved in the co-primary endpoint of IGA treatment success. On May 3, 2017, we provided new data from our two Phase 3 clinical trials for FMX101, including pooled analysis of our co-primary endpoints and certain secondary clinical endpoints (absolute reduction of non-inflammatory lesions at week 12; and percent change in inflammatory lesions at weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12). Statistical significance was demonstrated for FMX101 compared to vehicle in the pooled analysis of the co-primary endpoints as well as the secondary endpoints presented.
Co-primary endpoint – Absolute change from baseline in inflammatory lesion count at week 12:
Trial 04: reduction of 14.16 lesions (or -14.16) for FMX101 and reduction of 11.17 lesions (or -11.17) for the vehicle (p<0.01)
Trial 05: -13.46 for FMX101 and -10.72 for vehicle (p<0.01)
Pooled Analysis: Absolute change in inflammatory lesion count was -13.79 for the FMX101, 4% treatment group and -10.94 for vehicle (p=0.0001)
Co-primary endpoint – Proportion of patients with Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) success at week 12:
Trial 04: IGA treatment success for FMX101, 4% treatment group was 8.09% versus 4.77% in vehicle (p=0.2178)
Trial 05: IGA treatment success for FMX101, 4% treatment group was 14.67% versus 7.89% in vehicle (p<0.05)
Pooled Analysis: IGA treatment success was 11.51% for FMX101, 4% treatment group and 6.34% for vehicle (p<0.05)
Secondary efficacy endpoint – Percent change from baseline in inflammatory lesion count at weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12:
Trial 04: reduction of 29% for FMX101 vs. reduction of 19% for vehicle, or -29% vs. -19%, at week 3 (p<.001); -37% vs. -26% at week 6 (p<.001); -42% vs. -28% at week 9 (p<.0001); and -44% vs. -34% at week 12 (p<0.01)
Trial 05: reduction of 34% for FMX101 vs. reduction of 21% for vehicle, or -34% vs. -21%, at week 3 (p<.0001); -39% vs. -27% at week 6 (p<.0001); -43% vs. -31% at week 9 (p<.001); and: -43% vs. -34% at week 12 (p<0.01)
Secondary efficacy endpoint – Absolute change from baseline in non-inflammatory lesion count at week 12:
Trial 04: reduction of 16.45 lesions (or -16.45) for the FMX101, 4% treatment group and reduction of 10.30 lesions (or -10.30) for the vehicle (p<0.01)
Trial 05: reduction of 13.20 (or -13.20) for the FMX101, 4% treatment group and reduction of 7.00 (or -7.00) for the vehicle (p<0.05)
Pooled Analysis: Absolute change in non-inflammatory lesion count was -14.76 for the FMX101, 4% treatment group and -8.64 for vehicle (p<0.01)
As we announced on May 3, 2017, based on the results of the first two pivotal trials (Studies 04 and 05), the company intends to conduct a third U.S. Phase 3 trial in patients with moderate-to-severe acne. If the results are positive, this trial will form the basis for an NDA which the company plans to submit in the second half of 2018. This planned clinical trial will be conducted at approximately 80 investigator sites in the U.S. In order to achieve the necessary statistical power compared with the prior Phase 3 trials, the target patient enrollment number has been increased to 1,500. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive either FMX101 (minocycline foam 4%) or vehicle foam once daily over 12 weeks. The co-primary efficacy endpoints will be identical to the prior Phase 3 trials: (1) mean change from baseline in the inflammatory lesion count, and (2) proportion of patients with IGA scores of "Clear" or "Almost Clear", with improvement of at least two grades from baseline. The inclusion criteria will be consistent with the prior Phase 3 trials.
We intend to meet with the FDA to review the results of our Phase 3 clinical trials for FMX101 (Trial 04 and 05) and our third Phase 3 trial, which we expect to commence mid-year.
Following the results of the first two pivotal trials for FMX101 in moderate-to-severe acne, we have also reviewed our Phase 3 program for FMX103 in papulopustular rosacea, which is expected to commence around mid-2017. Based on the outcome of the Phase 3 studies for FMX101, and the planned increase in the number of patients to be enrolled in the third Phase 3 trial in acne, we also intend to increase the sample size for the two planned Phase 3 studies for FMX103 in papulopustular rosacea. The sample size will be increased from 600 patients per trial to 750 patients per trial, for a total of 1,500 patients across the two studies.
Regarding manufacturing, we have successfully completed the scale-up process for FMX101 to a commercial batch size of one-ton. The production of three registration batches has been completed.
In addition to our internal drug development pipeline, we have development and license agreements relating to our proprietary foam technology with other pharmaceutical companies, including Bayer Healthcare and others, in various stages of development and commercialization. Our agreements with these licensees entitle us to development fees, contingent payments and royalties upon commercialization.
In September 2015, Bayer Healthcare began selling Finacea Foam (azelaic acid 15% for the treatment of rosacea) in the U.S. Finacea foam is a prescription foam product which was developed as part of a research and development collaboration between Foamix and Bayer, utilizing Foamix’s proprietary foam technology platform.
According to our license agreement with Bayer, we are entitled to royalties upon commercialization of Finacea Foam.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we were entitled to royalties from Bayer in an amount of $927,000, up 26% from the fourth quarter of 2016.
The Company is currently well-capitalized and has sufficient cash to fund our key development programs (FMX101 and FMX103) through NDA registration.
Financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2017
Revenues
Total revenues for the three-month ended March 31, 2017 were $927,000 compared with $745,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase is due to increase in sales of Finacea Foam by Bayer HealthCare AG.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017, and three months ended March 31, 2016, were as follows:
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses increased by $9.1 million, or 255%, from $3.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016, to $12.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in research and development expenses resulted primarily from an increase of $7.9 million in costs relating to the FMX101 and FMX103 clinical trials and an increase of $1.1 million in payroll and payroll related expenses (including bonuses and equity-based compensation) due to an increase in the number of R&D employees.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.1 million, or 65%, from $1.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016, to $2.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses resulted primarily from an increase of $300,000 in payroll and other payroll-related expenses (including bonuses and equity-based compensation), an increase of $250,000 in advisors, consultants and other professional services, $102,000 in market research costs and $122,000 in rent, maintenance and office expenses.
Finance Income, Net
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we recorded financial income of $257,000 compared to financial income of $174,000 recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The financial income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 resulted mostly from interest and financial gains from our cash investments.
Net Loss
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we recorded a loss of $14.4 million or $0.39 per share, basic and diluted, compared with a loss of $4.5 million or $0.15 per share, basic and diluted, for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 31, 2017, we had cash and investments of $118.7 million, compared with $131.0 million as of December 31, 2016. The decrease was mostly due to operating expenses primarily relating to the clinical trials. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 we used $12.1 million in cash in our operations compared to $7.0 million used in operating activities in the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Fate Therapeutics Announces FDA Clearance of Investigational New Drug Application for FATE-NK100 in Advanced Solid Tumors
On May 10, 2017 Fate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:FATE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of programmed cellular immunotherapies for cancer and immune disorders, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the Company’s investigational new drug (IND) application for FATE-NK100 in advanced solid tumors (Press release, Fate Therapeutics, MAY 9, 2017, View Source [SID1234518971]). The Company plans to promptly initiate the DIMENSION study, an open-label, multi-center, accelerated dose-escalation clinical trial of FATE-NK100 as a monotherapy and in combination with monoclonal antibody therapy in subjects who have failed approved therapies. Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! "The FDA’s clearance of this IND is a significant milestone, ushering in the opportunity to develop a powerful new immunologic approach to solid tumors that bridges innate and adaptive immunity. Activated NK cells can intrinsically seek out and directly kill transformed cancer cells, including antibody-coated tumor cells, and can trigger a long-lived adaptive T-cell immune response through pro-inflammatory cytokine release," said Chris Storgard, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Fate Therapeutics. "We are excited to begin this clinical investigation of FATE-NK100, which has demonstrated in preclinical studies the potential to selectively eliminate tumor cells while leaving normal healthy cells unharmed."
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The Company plans to enroll subjects in the DIMENSION study across three FATE-NK100 treatment arms in an outpatient setting: as monotherapy for solid tumor malignancies, including small cell lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma; in combination with trastuzumab for advanced HER2+ cancers, including breast and gastric cancers; and in combination with cetuximab for advanced EGFR1+ cancers, including colorectal and head and neck cancers. Activation of a patient’s NK cells has been clinically proven to play a major role in the anti-tumor efficacy of many monoclonal antibodies, including trastuzumab and cetuximab.
In preclinical models, FATE-NK100 has been shown to significantly augment antibody-directed cellular cytotoxicity against cancer cells when administered in combination with a monoclonal antibody, including antibodies that target CD20, HER2 and EGFR antigens. Additionally, FATE-NK100 has displayed enhanced anti-tumor activity across a broad range of hematologic and solid tumors, improved persistence and increased resistance to immune checkpoint pathways in preclinical studies compared to NK cell therapies that are being clinically administered today.
The primary objective of the DIMENSION study is to evaluate the safety and determine the maximum tolerated dose of a single intravenous infusion of FATE-NK100. Other objectives include determination of objective response rate, time-to-tumor progression, progression-free survival and overall survival.
Each of the three arms of the DIMENSION study will enroll in parallel utilizing accelerated dose-escalation, with each arm expected to include an expansion cohort of up to an additional twenty subjects at the maximum tolerated dose level. In addition, observation of a RECIST partial response or greater will enable additional expansion of up to ten subjects in that tumor type.
About FATE-NK100
FATE-NK100 is a first-in-class natural killer (NK) cell cancer immunotherapy comprised of adaptive memory NK cells, a highly specialized and functionally distinct subset of activated NK cells expressing the memory-like activating receptor NKG2C and the maturation marker CD57. FATE-NK100 is produced through a feeder-free, seven-day manufacturing process during which NK cells sourced from a healthy donor are activated ex vivo with pharmacologic modulators. An investigator-initiated clinical trial of FATE-NK100 is currently being conducted at the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota for the treatment of refractory or relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia.