On November 8, 2018 Palleon Pharmaceuticals, a leading biotech company focused on developing drugs that target Glyco-Immune Checkpoints to treat cancer, reported that the company will present preclinical data from its EAGLE platform at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper)’s (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, in Washington, D.C (Press release, Palleon Pharmaceuticals, NOV 8, 2018, View Source [SID1234530957]).

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Palleon’s EAGLE platform enables the development of drugs that inhibit Glyco-Immune Checkpoints by disabling the immunosuppressive function of tumor cell surface glycans. The critical challenge in this area arises from the complexity, heterogeneity and rapidly evolving nature of the tumor glycans. Palleon’s EAGLE platform employs an enzyme/antibody bi-specific construct, which removes terminal sialic acids, the molecules that are responsible for suppressing the immune system, from cancer cell surface glycans in the tumor micro-environment. This enzymatic approach uniquely overcomes tumor glycan heterogeneity and makes tumors vulnerable to both innate and adaptive immune responses.

"Palleon’s EAGLE platform has allowed us to develop a first-in-class therapeutic modality that enhances both the innate and adaptive responses to cancer, which is critical for targeting patients who are resistant to current therapies," said Jim Broderick, M.D., chief executive officer and founder of Palleon. "In addition, the EAGLE platform is robust and adaptable, and it can turn any existing targeted antibody therapy into a potent immuno-oncology agent."

Poster #037, titled "A New Immunomodulatory Strategy of Inhibiting Glyco-Immune Checkpoints Using EAGLE Technology" will be on display in Hall E. Presentation hours are Friday, November 9 from 12:45 – 2:15 p.m. and 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. ET. Li Peng, Ph.D., vice president, biotherapeutics discovery at Palleon, will make an oral presentation on Sunday, November 11 at 9:25 a.m. ET during SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper)’s Next Generation Bispecifics and Antibody-Like Molecules session.

Additionally, Poster #676, from Palleon’s Scientific Advisory Board member, Heinz Läubli, titled, "Targeting the Sialoglycan/Siglec Pathway in Combination with Checkpoint Inhibitors for Cancer Immunotherapy" will be on display in Hall E. Presentation hours are Saturday, November 10 from 12:20 – 1:50 p.m. and 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

About Glyco-Immune Checkpoints
Cancer uses multiple pathways to evade the immune system, and Glyco-Immune Checkpoints are a significant and under-appreciated axis of immunosuppression in cancer. Tumors exploit Glyco-Immune Checkpoints through the alteration of glycans on the surface of their cells, impairing both innate and adaptive immune cells and resulting in a broad, comprehensive suppression of the anti-tumor immune response. Glyco-Immune Checkpoints had been overlooked relative to other anti-cancer strategies due to the complexity of glycoscience, and, until recently, the lack of scientific tools to demonstrate its relevance to immuno-oncology. Palleon has assembled the technologies needed to overcome these barriers and make drug development in this field possible.

On November 8, 2018 CytRx Corporation (NASDAQ: CYTR), a biopharmaceutical research and development company specializing in oncology, reported its two poster presentations by its licensee NantCell, Inc. at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper)’s (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 33rd Annual Meeting, taking place November 7-11, 2018 in Washington, DC (Press release, CytRx, NOV 8, 2018, View Source [SID1234530976]). The abstracts describe early safety and efficacy data from the Phase 1b portion of Phase 1b/2 clinical trials evaluating NantCell’s high-affinity natural killer (haNK) cell therapy in combination with anti-cancer agents, including aldoxorubicin, in patients with third-line or greater triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), fourth-line or greater head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) or recurrent metastatic pancreatic cancer.

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Preliminary Phase 1b Results in TNBC and HNSCC

In this Phase 1b, single-arm, open-label trial, treatment was administered in 3-week cycles of low-dose chemotherapy (aldoxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, nab-paclitaxel, 5-FU/L), antiangiogenic therapy (bevacizumab), engineered allogeneic high affinity CD-16 NK-92 cells (haNK), IL-15RαFc (N803), adenoviral vector-based CEA, MUC1, Brachyury, HER2 vaccine, yeast vector-based RAS, Brachyury and CEA vaccine, and an IgG1 PD-L1 inhibitor, avelumab plus cetuximab. All patients in both trials received aldoxorubicin. The primary endpoint is incidence of treatment-related adverse events (AEs). Secondary endpoints include overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

The abstract includes data from three patients with third-line or greater TNBC and two patients with fourth-line or greater HNSCC. All treatment was completed in the outpatient setting, with no immune-related AEs. Four hematologic dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed and managed with a planned dose reduction of cisplatin. Of the three patients with TNBC, two (67%) experienced a partial response (PR). Of the two patients with HNSCC, both (100%) experienced objective tumor response (100% and 47% decrease, respectively). Overall, four out of the five TNBC and HNSCC patients (80%) had confirmed overall responses, including one patient (20%) with fifth-line metastatic disease who demonstrated a complete response (CR). All responding patients are still undergoing therapy. These preliminary data suggest that the NANT Cancer Vaccine (NCV), comprised of low-dose chemo-radiation combined with innate and adaptive immunotherapy, can be administered safely in an outpatient setting without any observed increase in immune-related AEs.

Preliminary Phase 1b Results in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

In this Phase 1b, single-arm, open-label trial, treatment was administered in 3-week cycles of low-dose chemotherapy (aldoxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, oxaliplatin, nab-paclitaxel, 5-FU/L), antiangiogenic therapy (bevacizumab), engineered allogeneic high affinity CD-16 NK-92 cells (haNK), IL-15RαFc (N-803), adenoviral vector-based CEA vaccine, yeast vector-based RAS vaccine, and an IgG1 PDL1 inhibitor, avelumab. All metastatic pancreatic cancer patients received aldoxorubicin. The primary endpoint is incidence of treatment-related AEs. Secondary endpoints include ORR, DCR, PFS, and OS.

The abstract includes data from ten patients with third-line or greater metastatic pancreatic cancer. All treatment was safely administered in the outpatient setting. AEs were primarily hematologic which were managed by appropriate planned chemo dose reductions. No DLTs have occurred and no haNK-related AEs have occurred to date. Of the ten evaluable patients, nine have achieved stable disease (SD) for ≥ 8 weeks for a DCR of 90%. Median PFS was 5.8 months (95% confidence interval: 3.3 – 8.8) and OS was 9.5 months (95% CI: 5.0 – upper limit not yet reached) with patients continuing treatment. One patient demonstrated resolution of a metastatic lung tumor within 8 weeks of initiating NCV therapy. These preliminary results suggest that the NCV treatment regimen was well tolerated and support the safety and tolerability of the regimen. These preliminary efficacy results are encouraging and the overall survival of 9.5 months currently exceeds all standards of care for patients at this advanced stage of disease.

Eric Curtis, CytRx’s President and Chief Operating Officer, stated, "The data presented by NantCell at SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper)’s 33rd Annual Meeting are optimistic. We are pleased to see that these NCV regimens including aldoxorubicin are well tolerated and support the overall thesis being investigated. These data may ultimately lead to more combinations of aldoxorubicin with cutting edge therapies being studied in tumor types with high unmet needs. We look forward to seeing more data as these clinical trials progress."

"In the oncology marketplace, we have seen clear treatment trends by Big Pharma and recent regulatory approvals moving toward combining the category of potential Centurion drug candidates such as LADR 7, 8, 9 and 10 with immunotherapy."

Aldoxorubicin is a rationally-engineered cytotoxic which employs a linker bound to albumin to deliver doxorubicin directly into the tumor. CytRx out-licensed global development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights for aldoxorubicin to NantCell, Inc., a private subsidiary of NantWorks, LLC, in July 2017.

These data were highlighted at SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper)’s 33rd Annual Meeting in a presentation titled, "First in Human Data in Advanced Solid Tumors of NANT Cancer Vaccine: A Novel Temporospatial Orchestration of the Innate (NK) & Adaptive Immune System to Induce Antigen Cascade & Immunogenic Cell Death" which took place on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 from 5:45-6:00pm ET.

About the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper)

The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) is the world’s leading member-driven organization specifically dedicated to improving cancer patient outcomes by advancing the science and application of cancer immunotherapy. Established in 1984, SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, serves scientists, clinicians, academicians, patients, patient advocates, government representatives and industry leaders from around the world. Currently, SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) has more than 2,000 members who represent 22 medical specialties in 42 countries around the world. Through emphasis on high-caliber scientific meetings; dedication to education and outreach activities; focus on initiatives of major importance in the field; and commitment to collaborations with like-minded domestic and international organizations, government and regulatory agencies, associations and patient advocacy groups, SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) brings together all aspects of the cancer immunology and immunotherapy community. Through educational programs that foster scientific exchange and collaboration, SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) aims to one day make the word "cure" a reality for cancer patients everywhere.

On November 8, 2018 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported that it will participate in the Credit Suisse 27th Annual Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 (Press release, Eli Lilly, NOV 8, 2018, View Source [SID1234531002]). Enrique Conterno, senior vice president of Lilly and president of Lilly Diabetes and Lilly USA, will participate in a fireside chat at 3:40 p.m., Eastern Time.

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A live audio webcast will be available on the "Webcasts & Presentations" section of Lilly’s Investor website at View Source A replay of the presentation will be available on this same website for approximately 90 days.

On November 8, 2018 Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (Nasdaq: MBRX) ("Moleculin" or the "Company"), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of oncology drug candidates, all of which are based on license agreements with The University of Texas System on behalf of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, reported that a new mechanism of action may have been uncovered expanding the potential use of its inhibitor of glycolysis, WP1122 (Press release, Moleculin, NOV 8, 2018, View Source [SID1234531034]).

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A study recently published in the American Cancer Journal of Cancer Research (Am J Cancer Res 2018;8(9):1837-1846) involving researchers at MD Anderson and the Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute has found that 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) has the potential to decrease resistance to immune checkpoint blockade therapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in a process known as "glycosylation."

"This study provides a strong rationale for targeting glycosylation with 2-DG in order to improve outcomes for TNBC," commented Dr. Donald Picker, Moleculin’s Chief Science Officer. "Historically, 2-DG hasn’t been successfully developed into a drug because of its lack of drug-like properties, including a very short half-life. Fortunately, based on preclinical data, WP1122, a proprietary prodrug of 2-DG, appears to address that problem and significantly increases the circulation time of 2-DG and its ability to reach specific organs harboring tumors, including the pancreas."

Walter Klemp, Moleculin’s Chairman and CEO added, "The timing of this discovery is perfect for us. We were already pushing forward with IND-enabling preclinical testing of WP1122 for use in brain tumors and pancreatic cancer and now we see a significant expansion of its potential uses."

On November 8, 2018 Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:AUPH / TSX:AUP) ("Aurinia" or the "Company") reported that it has released its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. Amounts, unless specified otherwise, are expressed in U.S. dollars (Press release, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, NOV 8, 2018, View Source [SID1234531051]).

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"We achieved a significant milestone in September with the completion of enrollment for the AURORA Phase III trial ahead of schedule. Our target enrollment of 324 patients was surpassed due to high patient demand with 358 LN patients randomized in sites across 27 countries." said Richard M. Glickman, Aurinia’s CEO and Chairman of the Board. "I continue to be impressed by our clinical team which has delivered on our important milestones, and to that end, I am pleased to announce enrollment for the phase II dry eye trial will be completed in the next couple of days, and we expect top-line data in January 2019."

Clinical Highlights

Our Phase III clinical trial ("AURORA") to evaluate voclosporin for the treatment of lupus nephritis ("LN"), which we initiated in May of 2017, completed enrollment in September 2018. We expect top-line data to be available in late 2019.
A significant percentage of patients who have completed the AURORA trial are rolling over into the AURORA 2 blinded extension study ("AURORA 2") from the AURORA Phase III clinical trial. The purpose of AURORA 2 is to assess the long-term benefit/risk of voclosporin in patients with LN; however, this study is not a requirement for potential regulatory approval for voclosporin.
We initiated a Phase II head-to-head tolerability study of voclosporin ophthalmic solution ("VOS") versus Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% for the treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome ("DES") in July 2018, and full enrollment is anticipated imminently. This four-week study of approximately 90 patients is expected to complete by the end of 2018 with data available in January 2019. We believe calcineurin inhibitors ("CNIs") are a mainstay of treatment for DES, and the goal of this program is to develop a best-in-class treatment option.
We also initiated a Phase II proof-of-concept study in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis ("FSGS") in June 2018 and are currently in the process of enrolling patients. This is an open-label study of 20 treatment naïve patients diagnosed with primary FSGS.
Corporate Development

Aurinia also announced today that Richard M. Glickman, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, intends to retire from his position once a suitable replacement is identified and appointed. The Board of Directors will retain a search firm and initiate a search for his successor.

"Richard is a gifted entrepreneur who has established Aurinia as a leading biotech company and shepherded it to its next phase of growth. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank him for his inspired leadership and significant contribution to both the Company and patient community since Aurinia’s inception in 2012," said George M. Milne Jr, Ph.D., Independent Director and Chairman of the Governance Committee. "Under his direction, the Company has delivered on all its key milestones and evolved into a patient-centric, late-stage clinical company with investigational drugs addressing multiple indications across the global immunology market."

"Two years ago – a critical time in the company’s growth – my decision to come out of retirement to join Aurinia as CEO was fueled by my absolute belief in the potential for voclosporin to transform the lupus nephritis treatment landscape," said Dr. Glickman. "I’m incredibly proud of Aurinia’s progress over the last 21 months, and I know this is the optimal time to bring in a new CEO who will build on our clinical success as we approach commercialization. My commitment to the Company and the patients it serves is steadfast, and I plan to remain a resource to the Board and management team as it enters its next chapter."

Financial Liquidity at September 30, 2018

At September 30, 2018, we had cash, cash equivalents and short term investments of $138.9 million compared to $150.2 million at June 30, 2018 and $173.5 million at December 31, 2017. Net cash used in operating activities was $11.3 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018 compared to $8.5 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017.

We believe that our cash position is sufficient to fund our existing LN program including the AURORA clinical trial, conduct our current studies in FSGS and DES, complete the work required for the NDA submission to the FDA, and fund operations into 2020.

Financial Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

We reported a consolidated net loss of $18.3 million or $0.21 per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to a consolidated net loss of $13.1 million or $0.16 per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

The increase in the loss for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was primarily due to the non-cash change of $5.2 million in the estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities. The three months ended September 30, 2018 reflected a $4.8 million increase in the estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities compared to a reduction of $355,000 in the estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The change in the revaluation of the derivative warrant liabilities is primarily driven by the change in our share price at each period end. An increase in our share price results in an increase in the estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities and vice versa. The derivative warrant liabilities will ultimately be eliminated on the exercise or forfeiture of the warrants and will not result in any cash outlay by the Company.

The net loss before the non-cash change in estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities was $13.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $13.5 million for the same period in 2017.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the consolidated net loss was $49.5 million or $0.59 per common share compared to a consolidated net loss of $67.5 million or $0.91 per common share for the comparable period in 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 we recorded an increase of $9.4 million in the estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities compared to $32.9 million for the comparable period in 2017.

The net loss before the non-cash change in estimated fair value of derivative warrant liabilities was $40.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $34.5 million for the same period in 2017. The increased loss was primarily due to higher research and development expenses.

Research and development expenses increased to $11.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $10.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. We incurred research and development expenses of $30.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $25.2 million for the same period in 2017. The increased research and development expenses reflected costs associated with the commencements of AURORA 2 and the FSGS and DES studies.

Corporate, administration and business development expenses increased to $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $2.7 million for the same period in 2017. We incurred corporate, administration and business development expenses of $10.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $9.0 million for the comparable period in 2017. The increase was due primarily to higher non-cash stock compensation expense in 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017.

This press release should be read in conjunction with our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the MD&A for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018 which are accessible on Aurinia’s website at www.auriniapharma.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.

Aurinia will host a conference call and webcast to discuss third quarter 2018 financial results today, Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. ET. This event can be accessed on the investor section of the Aurinia website at www.aurinia.com.