Aptevo Therapeutics Amends Collaboration Agreement with MorphoSys AG for Novel Immunotherapeutic, MOR209/ES414

On December 15, 2016 Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:APVO) a biotechnology company focused on developing novel oncology and hematology therapeutics, reported that it has amended the terms of its collaboration agreement with MorphoSys AG, originally executed in August 2014, for the joint worldwide development and commercialization of MOR209/ES414, a novel bispecific immuno-oncology therapeutic currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical study for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC.) (Press release, Aptevo Therapeutics, DEC 15, 2016, View Source [SID1234517083]).

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Aptevo and MorphoSys agreed to modify their collaboration agreement to, among other things, adjust the allocation of certain manufacturing and development costs and extend MorphoSys’ convenience termination rights. Under the amendment, the timeframe for a one-time right to terminate the collaboration agreement by MorphoSys has been extended from December 31, 2016 to June 30, 2017, or after review of clinical data from the first 6 patients enrolled and dosed in the MOR209/ES414 Phase I clinical trial. In addition, the companies have agreed that Aptevo will be responsible for 75% of the development costs of the program through June 30, 2017 with MorphoSys responsible for the remaining 25%, after which time the cost-sharing ratio shifts to 49% for Aptevo and 51% for MorphoSys through 2018, and subsequently 36% for Aptevo and 64% for MorphoSys in 2019 and thereafter.

"Bispecific antibodies represent an emerging new class of protein therapeutics that holds promise as an important new immunotherapeutic approach to cancer treatment," commented Marvin L. White, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aptevo. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with MorphoSys on the development of MOR209/ES414 and look forward to the results of the ongoing Phase I dose escalation study."

argenx launches Phase I/II study of ARGX-110 in combination with azacitidine in newly diagnosed AML patients

On December 15, 20166 argenx (Euronext Brussels: ARGX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on creating and developing differentiated therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of cancer and severe autoimmune diseases, reported the initiation of a Phase I/II clinical trial of ARGX-110 in combination with azacitidine in newly diagnosed, elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients (Press release, arGEN-X, DEC 15, 2016, View Source [SID1234517082]). ARGX-110 is the Company’s SIMPLE Antibody targeting CD70. Azacitidine is a hypomethylating agent that upregulates CD70 expression on AML blasts, and is currently the standard of care treatment for elderly AML patients.

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"AML blasts and leukemic stem cells of newly diagnosed AML patients strongly overexpress CD70, regardless genetic factors or risk class. Targeting CD70 has proven to be a very promising therapeutic approach in various preclinical models of AML. The idea of combining ARGX-110 with the current standard of care azacitidine, which seems to sensitize cancer cells to a CD70 treatment, is an exciting one since it allows us to go into the first-line therapy setting," commented Tim Van Hauwermeiren, CEO of argenx. "This trial marks the first combination study for ARGX-110. We believe that combination therapies for cancer will be a mainstay approach to enhance synergistic mechanisms and we are eager to see how ARGX-110 and azacitidine may support this hypothesis in newly diagnosed AML patients."

The Phase I/II trial is an open-label, dose-escalating study (Phase I) with a proof-of-concept cohort (Phase II). In this Phase I study safety and tolerability will be determined whilst for the Phase II efficacy will be assessed in up to 42 newly diagnosed AML patients in total. Top-line data from the dose escalation are expected in about 18 months.

About ARGX-110

ARGX-110 is a SIMPLE Antibody targeting CD70, an immune checkpoint target involved in hematological malignancies, several solid tumors and severe autoimmune diseases. ARGX-110 works in three ways: i) blocks growth of tumor cells, ii) kills cancer cells and iii) restores immune surveillance against tumors (Silence K. et al. mAbs 2014; 6 (2):523-532). ARGX-110 is currently being evaluated in hematological and solid tumors. Preclinical work on ARGX-110 in AML was done in collaboration with the Tumor Immunology Lab of Prof. A. F. Ochsenbein at the University of Bern, who won together with Prof Manz from the University Hospital of Zürich, the prestigious 2016 Otto Naegeli Prize for his breakthrough research on CD70/CD27 signaling with therapeutic potential for cancer patients.

Otsuka Signs Japan-Exclusive License Agreement with Takara Bio for the Investigational Cancer Treatment HF10, an Oncolytic Virus

On December 15, 2016 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) and Takara Bio Inc. (Takara Bio) reported that it entered into an exclusive license agreement on December 15 for the joint development and commercialization in Japan of Takara’s investigational oncolytic virus HF10 therapy (HF10) for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, melanoma and other tumors (Press release, Otsuka, DEC 15, 2016, View Source [SID1234517079]).

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HF10 is an attenuated strain of Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) *1, an oncolytic virus which in clinical trials to date has demonstrated antitumor activity when injected into cancerous areas. Oncolytic viruses, which rarely proliferate in normal cells, destroy cancer cells directly by proliferating inside them.

Under the terms of the agreement, Otsuka and Takara Bio are to jointly pursue remaining clinical development of HF10 in Japan. Otsuka is to pay Takara Bio an up-front milestone payment and development progression milestone payments (up to approximately 3 billion yen).

Otsuka is to hold exclusive commercialization rights in Japan. Related to this, Otsuka is to make up to two milestone payments to Takara Bio based on the attainment of specified sales targets.

Takara Bio is to manufacture the product for use in clinical trials and for post-approval supply in return for unspecified fees to be paid by Otsuka.

Assuming HF10 receives regulatory approvals, the aim is launch HF10 in Japan as an oncolytic virotherapy for melanoma, pancreatic cancer and other tumors.

10-Q – Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)]

Champions Oncology has filed a 10-Q – Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)] with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission .

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Pfizer and Astellas Announce Top-Line Results from Phase 4 PLATO Trial of XTANDI® (enzalutamide) Capsules in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

On December 14, 2016 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) and Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE:4503) reported the Phase 4 PLATO study, evaluating the efficacy and safety of continued treatment with XTANDI (enzalutamide), plus abiraterone acetate and prednisone as compared to treatment with abiraterone acetate and prednisone alone, did not meet its primary endpoint of improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with chemotherapy-naïve metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) whose prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has previously progressed on XTANDI (Press release, Pfizer, DEC 14, 2016, View Source [SID1234517076]).

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"While the PLATO trial did not meet its primary endpoint, it is critical that we continue to focus on addressing the unmet needs of men with metastatic CRPC, who have a poor prognosis despite treatment advances," said Mohammad Hirmand, M.D., interim chief medical officer at Medivation, Inc., which is now part of Pfizer. "We will continue to analyze these data to better understand the results with the goal of further helping these patients."

understand the results with the goal of further helping these patients."

"XTANDI continues to remain an important treatment option for men with metastatic CRPC and their physicians. We are committed to continuing to explore the clinical potential of XTANDI across the disease continuum," said Steven Benner, M.D., senior vice president, therapeutic area head for oncology development, Astellas.

XTANDI is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), based on clinical studies showing statistically significant overall survival benefit versus placebo.

About PLATO

The Phase 4 PLATO trial (NCT01995513) is a global randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of continued treatment with XTANDI plus abiraterone acetate and prednisone at the time of confirmed PSA progression, as compared to treatment with abiraterone acetate and prednisone alone at the time of PSA progression. The study enrolled 509 patients with chemotherapy-naïve metastatic CRPC who received open label XTANDI during period 1 of the study, until PSA progression was confirmed. Eligible patients were then randomized to one of the two treatments and assessed for the primary endpoint of the study, PFS, defined by either: 1) radiographic progression or 2) unequivocal clinical progression or 3) death during the study.

Period 1 patients were treated with XTANDI 160mg/day orally and period 2 patients were treated with blinded XTANDI 160 mg/day orally in combination with abiraterone at a dose of 1,000 mg/day administered orally and prednisone at a dose of 5 mg administered orally twice daily, versus placebo plus the same doses of abiraterone acetate and prednisone.

For additional information regarding the PLATO trial, visit clinicaltrials.gov (link is external).

About Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC)

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) refers to prostate cancer that has spread to parts of the body other than the prostate, and continues to spread despite treatment.1 Up to 40 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer who undergo therapy develop metastatic, or advanced, prostate cancer.2 In the U.S., the five-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer patients with metastatic disease is 28 percent, compared with 100 percent for prostate cancer patients with non-metastatic disease.3

About XTANDI (enzalutamide) capsules

XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor that blocks multiple steps in the androgen receptor signaling pathway within the tumor cell. In preclinical studies, enzalutamide has been shown to competitively inhibit androgen binding to androgen receptors, and inhibit androgen receptor nuclear translocation and interaction with DNA. The clinical significance of this mechanism of action (MOA) is unknown.

XTANDI is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Important Safety Information

Contraindications

XTANDI is not indicated for women. XTANDI can cause fetal harm and potential loss of pregnancy.

Warnings and Precautions

Seizure occurred in 0.5% of patients receiving XTANDI in clinical studies. In placebo-controlled studies, 8 of 1671 (0.5%) patients treated with XTANDI and 1 of 1243 (0.1%) patients treated with placebo experienced a seizure. In patients who previously received docetaxel, 7 of 800 (0.9%) patients treated with XTANDI experienced a seizure and no patients treated with placebo experienced a seizure. In a placebo-controlled study in chemotherapy-naïve patients, 1 of 871 (0.1%) treated with XTANDI and 1 of 844 (0.1%) patients treated with placebo experienced a seizure. In bicalutamide-controlled studies conducted in chemotherapy-naïve patients, 3 of 380 (0.8%) patients treated with XTANDI and 1 of 387 (0.3%) patients treated with bicalutamide experienced a seizure. Permanently discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) In post approval use, there have been reports of PRES in patients receiving XTANDI. PRES is a neurological disorder which can present with rapidly evolving symptoms including seizure, headache, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances, with or without associated hypertension. A diagnosis of PRES requires confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI. Discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop PRES.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) that occurred more commonly (≥ 2% over placebo) in the XTANDI patients from the two placebo-controlled clinical trials were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, decreased appetite, constipation, arthralgia, diarrhea, hot flush, upper respiratory tract infection, peripheral edema, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, weight decreased, headache, hypertension, and dizziness/vertigo. In the bicalutamide-controlled study of chemotherapy naïve patients, the most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) reported in XTANDI patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, hot flush, hypertension, nausea, constipation, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and weight loss.

In the study of patients taking XTANDI who previously received docetaxel, Grade 3 and higher adverse reactions were reported among 47% of XTANDI patients and 53% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 16% of XTANDI patients and 18% of placebo patients. In the placebo-controlled study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, Grade 3-4 adverse reactions were reported in 44% of XTANDI patients and 37% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 6% of both study groups. In the bicalutamide-controlled study of chemotherapy naïve patients, Grade 3-4 adverse reactions were reported in 38.8% of XTANDI patients and 37.6% of bicalutamide patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 7.6% of XTANDI patients and 6.3% of bicalutamide patients.

Lab Abnormalities: In the two placebo-controlled trials Grade 1-4 neutropenia occurred in 15% of XTANDI patients (1% Grade 3-4) and 6% of placebo patients (0.5% Grade 3-4). Grade 1-4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 6% of XTANDI patients (0.3% Grade 3-4) and 5% of placebo patients (0.5% Grade 3-4). Grade 1-4 elevations in ALT occurred in 10% of XTANDI patients (0.2% Grade 3-4) and 16% of placebo patients (0.2% Grade 3-4). Grade 1-4 elevations in bilirubin occurred in 3% of XTANDI patients (0.1% Grade 3-4) and 2% of placebo patients (no Grade 3-4).

Infections: In a study of patients taking XTANDI who previously received docetaxel, 1% of XTANDI patients compared to 0.3% of placebo patients died from infections or sepsis. In the placebo-controlled study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, 1 patient in each treatment group (0.1%) had an infection resulting in death.

Falls (including fall-related injuries) occurred in 9% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients in the two placebo-controlled trials. Falls were not associated with loss of consciousness or seizure. Fall-related injuries were more severe in XTANDI patients, and included non-pathologic fractures, joint injuries, and hematomas.

Hypertension occurred in 11% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients in the two placebo-controlled trials. No patients experienced hypertensive crisis. Medical history of hypertension was balanced between arms. Hypertension led to study discontinuation in < 1% of all patients in each arm.

Drug Interactions

Effect of Other Drugs on XTANDI Avoid strong CYP2C8 inhibitors, as they can increase the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, reduce the dose of XTANDI.

Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers as they can decrease the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, increase the dose of XTANDI.

Effect of XTANDI on Other Drugs Avoid CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, as XTANDI may decrease the plasma exposures of these drugs. If XTANDI is co-administered with warfarin (CYP2C9 substrate), conduct additional INR monitoring.

Please see Full Prescribing Information at View Source (link is external) for additional safety information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.

Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch (link is external) or call 1-800-FDA-1088.