Adaptive Biotechnologies and Collaborators to Present 28 Studies at ASH 2018 that Support the Use of the clonoSEQ® Assay to Detect and Monitor Minimal Residual Disease in Patients with Blood Cancers

On November 30, 2018 Adaptive Biotechnologies and its collaborators reported it will present 28 studies, including a late-breaker presentation, at the 60th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Diego, December 1-4, 2018 (Press release, Adaptive Biotechnologies, NOV 30, 2018, View Source [SID1234531753]). The data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) builds on the recent FDA clearance of the clonoSEQ Assay to detect and monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with multiple myeloma or B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), using DNA from a patient’s bone marrow sample.

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Among the 28 clonoSEQ studies at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper), new research supports expanded use in myeloma and ALL, efficacy in other blood cancers like chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL), and ability to detect MRD in blood-based samples. New data generated using clonoSEQ will be presented that demonstrate the value of a highly sensitive, standardized next-generation sequencing MRD test to determine early response to treatment and predict potential relapse in myeloma and ALL patients. Data will also be presented that look at the sensitivity of clonoSEQ and other technologies to assess MRD.

"This year has been a landmark year for minimal residual disease. It’s one of the first new endpoints we’ve seen in hematology clinical trials since progression-free survival," said Chad Robins, chief executive officer and co-founder of Adaptive Biotechnologies. "The volume and the quality of MRD data being presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) establish that MRD has firmly taken root as a clinical trial endpoint and biomarker that can help predict patient outcomes. With greater reliance on MRD in clinical trials, as well as a growing focus on monitoring MRD to inform patient care, having access to a highly sensitive, standardized test like clonoSEQ is paramount."

clonoSEQ, the first clinical application of Adaptive’s pioneering immune profiling platform, will be featured in a late-breaker presentation, 12 oral presentations and 15 posters. Data on approved, investigational and research uses will be presented across a range of cancers – 14 multiple myeloma, 4 ALL, 4 CLL, 4 mantle cell lymphoma, 1 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and 1 Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Key highlights include:

Abstract Title Date, Time, Location
Multiple myeloma and ALL
Abstract #LBA-2, Late-Breaker Presentation

LBA-2: Phase 3 Randomized Study of Daratumumab Plus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (D-Rd) Versus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (Rd) in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM) Ineligible for Transplant (MAIA) Tuesday, December 4, 7:30 AM PT, Hall AB, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract #156, Oral Presentation

One-Year Update of a Phase 3 Randomized Study of Daratumumab Plus Bortezomib, Melphalan, and Prednisone (D-VMP) Versus Bortezomib, Melphalan, and Prednisone (VMP) in Patients (Pts) with Transplant-Ineligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM): Alcyone Saturday, December 1, 1:15 PM PT, Grand Ballroom 7, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Abstract #123, Oral Presentation

Ixazomib-Lenalidomide-Dexamethasone (IRd) Consolidation Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: A Large Multi-Center Phase II Trial Saturday, December 1, 10:00 AM PT, Grand Hall C, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Abstract #281, Oral Presentation

Multivariable Modeling of Disease and Treatment Characteristics of Adults with B-ALL in MRD-Negative CR after CD19 CAR-T Cells Identifies Factors Impacting Disease-Free Survival Sunday, December 2, 8:30 AM PT, Ballroom 20D, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract #1551, Poster Presentation

Molecular Detection of Minimal Residual Disease Precedes Morphological Relapse and Could be Used to Identify Relapse in Pediatric and Young Adult B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients Treated with Tisagenlecleucel Saturday, December 1,
6:15 PM PT, Hall GH, San Diego Convention Center

Abstract #3272, Poster Presentation

Evaluation of Sustained Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Negativity in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM) Patients (Pts) Treated with Daratumumab in Combination with Lenalidomide Plus Dexamethasone (D-Rd) or Bortezomib Plus Dexamethasone (D-Vd): Analysis of Pollux and Castor Sunday, December 2, 6:00 PM PT, Hall GH, San Diego Convention Center
Blood-based MRD Monitoring
Abstract #147, Oral Presentation

Circulating Tumor DNA Dynamics during Therapy Predict Outcomes in Mantle Cell Lymphoma Saturday, December 1, 12:30 PM PT, Pacific Ballroom 20, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Abstract #3137, Poster Presentation

Undetectable-Minimal Residual Disease (U-MRD6) (10-6 sensitivity) Is Associated with Best Progression-Free Survival for Patients Who Achieve Bone Marrow Undetectable MRD4 (10-4 sensitivity) with First-Line FCR Sunday, December 2, 6:00 PM PT, Hall GH, San Diego Convention Center
About Minimal Residual Disease

Minimal residual disease (MRD), also referred to as measurable residual disease, refers to cancer cells that remain in the body after treatment for patients with lymphoid cancers. These cells can be present at levels undetectable by traditional morphologic methods, microscopic examination of blood, or a bone marrow or a lymph node biopsy.

MRD is used by physicians to detect and monitor disease burden in patients and to inform their treatment decisions. Clinical practice guidelines recommend assessing MRD at multiple time points during treatment and maintenance in MM and ALL, and guidelines for both diseases include NGS as a recommended testing method. The prognostic value of MRD assessment has been demonstrated in multiple lymphoid cancers. Controlled trials have shown that even small amounts of disease are profoundly significant for predicting a patient’s long-term clinical outcomes. Therefore, highly sensitive, standardized molecular technologies are needed for reliable detection of MRD.

Measurement of MRD is currently being evaluated as a way to measure efficacy in drug trials, with the potential to expedite the approval of emerging therapies.

About the clonoSEQ Assay

The Adaptive Biotechnologies clonoSEQ Assay has been granted De Novo designation by the FDA as an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) to detect and monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) using DNA from bone marrow samples. It identifies and quantifies specific DNA sequences found in malignant cells, allowing clinicians to monitor patients for changes in disease burden during and after treatment. This robust assay provides sensitive and accurate measurement of residual disease that allows physicians to predict patient outcomes, assess response to therapy over time, monitor patients during remission and detect potential relapse. The clonoSEQ Assay is a single-site assay performed at Adaptive Biotechnologies. It is also available as a CLIA-regulated laboratory developed test (LDT) service for use in other lymphoid cancers.

clonoSEQ was reviewed under the FDA’s De Novo premarket review pathway, a regulatory pathway for some low- to moderate-risk novel devices for which there is no legally marketed predicate device.

For important information about the FDA-cleared uses of clonoSEQ, including the full intended use, limitations, and detailed performance characteristics, please visit www.clonoSEQ.com/technical-summary

Bausch Health Announces Redemption Of $200 Million Aggregate Principal Amount Of Its Outstanding 5.625% Senior Notes Due 2021

On November 30, 2018 Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) ("Bausch Health" or the "Company") reported that it will redeem $200 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 5.625% Senior Notes due 2021, CUSIP Nos. 91911KAD4, C94143AD3 (the "Notes") on Dec. 31, 2018 (Press release, Valeant, NOV 30, 2018, View Source [SID1234531770]). Bausch Health intends to use cash generated from operations to fund the aggregate redemption price for the Notes.

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"Reducing our debt remains a priority for Bausch Health as we continue to transform the company, and due to strong recent operational cash flow, we are able to redeem these senior unsecured notes due in 2021," said Joseph C. Papa, chairman and CEO, Bausch Health.

Bausch Health issued today an irrevocable notice of redemption for the Notes, and a copy was issued to the record holders of such Notes. Payment of the redemption price and surrender of the Notes for redemption will be made through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company in accordance with the applicable procedures of the Depository Trust Company. The name and address of the paying agent are as follows: The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., c/o The Bank of New York Mellon; 111 Sanders Creek Parkway, East Syracuse, N.Y. 13057; Attn: Redemption Unit; Tel: 800-254-2826.

bluebird bio to Host Live Webcast of Investor and Analyst Event at the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology

On November 30, 2018 bluebird bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLUE) reported that the company will host a live webcast of an investor and analyst event being held on Monday, December 3, 2018, during the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) (Press release, bluebird bio, NOV 30, 2018, View Source [SID1234531754]). Speaker presentations will begin at 8:30 p.m. PST (11:30 p.m. EST) and will review the company’s data being presented at the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting.

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To access the live webcast of bluebird bio’s presentation, please visit the "Events & Presentations" page within the Investors & Media section of the bluebird bio website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be available on the bluebird bio website for 90 days following the event.

OncoCyte Corporation to Present at the LD Micro 11th Annual Main Event Investor Conference

On November 30, 2018 OncoCyte Corporation (NYSE American: OCX), a developer of novel, non-invasive tests for the early detection of lung cancer, reported that the Company will provide a corporate overview at the LD Micro 11th Annual Main Event Investor Conference, being held December 4-6, 2018 at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles, CA (Press release, BioTime, NOV 30, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2378868 [SID1234531771]).

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OncoCyte Corporation Presentation Details:
Date: Tuesday, December 4
Time: 8:00am Pacific Time/11:00am Eastern Time
Location: Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel

Eureka Therapeutics Announces Data Presentations Validating Its Proprietary E-ALPHA Discovery Platform at the 2018 ASH Annual Meeting

On November 30, 2018 Eureka Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company with the goal of curing cancer by developing novel T-cell therapies that harness the evolutionary power of the immune system, reported that five abstracts, including four oral presentations and one poster discussion, highlighting clinical programs in multiple myeloma and NHL using binding domains developed by Eureka, have been accepted for presentation at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting being held December 1-4 in San Diego, California (Press release, Eureka Therapeutics, NOV 30, 2018, View Source [SID1234531755]).

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The data presented at this meeting underscores the potential potency of antibodies generated from Eureka’s proprietary E-ALPHA discovery platform, which includes the human BCMA and CD19 binding domains used in the CAR-T and ARTEMIS T-cell therapies presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper). The E-ALPHA platform comprises a highly diverse human-derived antibody phage library, containing over 100 billion clones with unique antibody sequences, and a robust workflow to develop highly specific antibodies against target antigens.

"We are pleased to be working with Eureka on our multiple myeloma programs," said Eric Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Translational Development, Cellular Therapeutics Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and co-inventor of CARs for the targeting of multiple myeloma. "Working with Eureka to identify fully-human BCMA and other multiple myeloma targeted binding domains has the potential to avoid host anti-CAR immunity that may develop when using murine derived antibodies as binders. We look forward to continue working with Eureka on developing the next generation of T-cell therapies."

"We are delighted that data involving Eureka’s assets are being reported in many presentations at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) – in particular the exciting clinical data from the BCMA/multiple myeloma programs that we developed in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering in 2012 and licensed to Juno Therapeutics (now Celgene) in 2016," said Dr. Cheng Liu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Eureka Therapeutics. "In addition, the updated data from the 21-patient proof-of-concept study of our ARTEMIS T-cell therapy (ET190L1 ARTEMIS) for CD19-positive r/r NHL continues to show that our ARTEMIS T-cells have been well tolerated with no observed cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurotoxicity, validating the potential of our ARTEMIS platform to deliver safer T-cell therapy than the currently available CAR-T therapies."

The accepted abstracts are listed below and are now available on the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) website.

Multiple Myeloma

CAR T Cell Therapy Targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptor Class C Group 5 Member D (GPRC5D), a Novel Target for the Immunotherapy of Multiple Myeloma
Author: Eric L. Smith, MD, PhD
Abstract #589
Oral Session: 652. Myeloma: Pathophysiology and Pre-Clinical Studies, excluding Therapy: Development of Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches in Multiple Myeloma
Monday, December 3, 2018: 7:00 AM, Ballroom 20D
Clinical Responses and Pharmacokinetics of MCARH171, a Human-Derived BCMA Targeted CAR T Cell Therapy in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Final Results of a Phase I Clinical Trial
Author: Sham Mailankody, MBBS
Abstract #959
Oral Session: 653. Myeloma: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Immunotherapies in Plasma Cell Disorders
Monday, December 3, 2018: 5:30 PM, Ballroom 20A
JCARH125, Anti-BCMA CAR T-cell Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Initial Proof of Concept Results from a Phase 1/2 Multicenter Study (EVOLVE)
Author: Sham Mailankody, MBBS
Abstract #957
Oral Session: 653. Myeloma: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Immunotherapies in Plasma Cell Disorders
Monday, December 3, 2018: 5:00 PM, Ballroom 20A
Fully Human BCMA Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Administered in a Defined Composition Demonstrate Potency at Low Doses in Advanced Stage High Risk Multiple Myeloma
Author: Damian J. Green, MD
Abstract #1011
Oral Session: 653. Myeloma: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Immunotherapy
Monday, December 3, 2018: 6:45 PM, Ballroom 20D
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

ET190L1-ARTEMIS T Cell Therapy Results in Durable Disease Remissions with No Cytokine Release Syndrome or Neurotoxicity in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory B-Cell Lymphoma
Author: Zhitao Ying, MD, PhD
Abstract #1689
Poster Session: 626. Aggressive Lymphoma (Diffuse Large B-Cell and Other Aggressive B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas)—Results from Prospective Clinical Trials: Poster I
Saturday, December 1, 2018, 6:15 PM-8:15 PM, Hall GH
About E-ALPHA Antibody Discovery Platform
Eureka’s proprietary E-ALPHA antibody discovery platform is composed of a highly diverse human-derived antibody phage library, containing over 100 billion clones with unique antibody sequences, and a robust workflow with specificity screens designed to develop highly specific antibodies against target antigens. The E-ALPHA platform is designed to enable Eureka to rapidly discover, iterate upon and improve our antibodies. Eureka’s E-ALPHA platform enables Eureka to develop highly specific antibodies for both conventional targets, such as cell surface markets, and T-cell receptor targets, such as intracellular peptides displayed by the major histocompatibility complex, with the goal of addressing solid tumors.

About ARTEMIS T-cell Receptor Platform
Eureka’s proprietary ARTEMIS T-cell receptor platform was designed to create potentially safer and more effective T-cell therapies. In pre-clinical studies against CD19-positive malignancies, Eureka’s ARTEMIS T-cells matched the cancer killing potency of currently available CAR-T therapies but with a dramatic reduction in the levels of inflammatory cytokines released. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity are serious side effects associated with currently available CAR-T therapies.