On December 15, 2018 BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative molecularly-targeted and immuno-oncology drugs for the treatment of cancer, reported that updated clinical data from an ongoing Phase 1A/1B trial of tislelizumab, an investigational anti-PD-1 antibody, were presented in an oral session and a poster at the European Society for Medical Oncology Immuno-Oncology (ESMO-IO) Congress, being held December 13-16 in Geneva, Switzerland (Press release, BeiGene, DEC 15, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2380786 [SID1234532073]).

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"We continue to be pleased with the results of tislelizumab in solid tumors," commented Amy Peterson, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Immuno-Oncology, at BeiGene. "We believe that these updated results provide support for the continued development of tislelizumab in patients with bladder, esophageal, stomach, liver and non-small cell lung cancers, and we have registration-enabling studies ongoing or planned to start soon in each of these indications."

Summary of ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper)-IO Presentations from the Ongoing Phase 1A/1B Trial
The multi-center, open-label Phase 1A/1B trial (NCT02407990) of tislelizumab as monotherapy in advanced solid tumors is being conducted in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Taiwan and South Korea and consists of dose-escalation and dose-expansion phases in disease-specific cohorts.

Updated Results in Patients with Urothelial Carcinoma (UC)
Data presented at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper)-IO included updated results from an analysis of tislelizumab in 17 patients with UC. At the time of the data cutoff on August 31, 2018, median treatment duration was 4.1 months (0.7-30.4 months), with two patients still on treatment.

Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) as assessed by the investigator occurred in 15 patients (88.2%). Of those, fatigue (n=5), infusion-related reactions (n=3), rash (n=3), nausea (n=2), pain in extremity (n=2), peripheral adema (n=2), and proteinuria (n=2) occurred in two or more patients. Three treatment-related Grade 3 or 4 AEs occurred in two patients, fatigue (n=1), and hyperglycemia and latent autoimmune diabetes (n=1). One patient discontinued treatment due to recurrent infusion-related reactions considered related to tislelizumab.

At the time of the data cutoff, all 17 patients were evaluable for response, defined as having a baseline tumor assessment with at least one post-baseline tumor response assessment, or progression or death. The confirmed response rate was 29.4 percent, with one complete response (CR) and four partial responses (PR). Three additional patients achieved stable disease (SD) as their best response. There was one CR, one PR and one SD among the eight patients with PD-L1 high tumors and two PRs and two SDs among the eight patients with PD-L1 low or negative tumors (one tumor was not-evaluable for PD-L1 expression). The median duration of response was 18.7 months (6.2-18.7 months).

Updated Results in Patients with Esophogeal, Gastric, Hepatocellular and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers
In an oral presentation at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper)-IO, data on patients with esophageal (EC, n=54), gastric (GC, n=54), hepatocellular (HC, n=50) and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC, n=49) were reported.

TRAEs occurring in at least five percent of patients across all cohorts included fatigue (8.7%), pruritis (7.7%), hypothyroidism (7.2%), decreased appetite (6.8%), rash (6.8%) and nausea (6.3%). Ten patients experienced one or more serious adverse events considered related to tislelizumab, including pneumonitis (n=3) and one case each of acute hepatitis, dermatitis, diarrhea, increased ALT, increased AST, infusion-related reaction, pyrexia and vomiting. Grade 3 or 4 TRAEs occurring in more than one patient included increased AST (n=4), increased ALT (n=3) and pneumonitis (n=2). There were two fatal TRAEs reported, including acute hepatitis in a patient with HCC confounded by rapidly progressive disease, and pneumonitis in a patient with NSCLC with compromised pulmonary capacity at baseline.

Confirmed response rates and disease control rates in patients with EC were 11.1 percent and 37.0 percent, respectively; 13.0 percent and 29.6 percent in patients with GC, respectively; 12.2 percent and 51.0 percent in patients with HCC, respectively, and 13.0 percent and 63.0 percent in patients with NSCLC, respectively. For patients with EC and NSCLC, the median duration of response (mDOR) had not been reached. The mDOR in patients with GC was 8.5 months and for patients with HCC it was 15.7 months.

About Tislelizumab
Tislelizumab (BGB-A317) is an investigational humanized IgG4 anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody specifically designed to minimize binding to FcγR on macrophages. In pre-clinical studies, binding to FcγR on macrophages has been shown to compromise the anti-tumor activity of PD-1 antibodies through activation of antibody-dependent macrophage-mediated killing of T effector cells.

Discovered by BeiGene scientists, tislelizumab is being developed as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies for the treatment of a broad array of both solid tumor and hematologic cancers. The new drug application (NDA) for tislelizumab in China for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cHL) has been accepted by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA, formerly known as CFDA) and granted priority review status. BeiGene and Celgene Corporation have a global strategic collaboration for the development of tislelizumab in solid tumors in the United States, Europe, Japan and the rest of world outside Asia.

On December 15, 2018 Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATRA), a leading off-the-shelf, allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy company developing novel treatments for patients with cancer, autoimmune and viral diseases, reported its results indicating that tab-cel (tabelecleucel) was generally well tolerated with responses for patients with Epstein-Barr virus-associated leiomyosarcoma (EBV+ LMS) (Press release, Atara Biotherapeutics, DEC 15, 2018, View Source [SID1234532076]). EBV+ LMS is a rare soft tissue sarcoma that occurs in transplant and immunosuppressed patients and is typically an aggressive radiation- and chemotherapy-resistant disease with poor patient outcomes. The results were presented in an oral session at the European Society for Medical Oncology Immuno-Oncology (ESMO I‑O) Congress 2018 taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.

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"The EBV+ LMS results presented at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) I-O are the second example, along with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), of a difficult-to-treat, EBV-associated solid tumor with encouraging responses to tab‑cel," said Dietmar Berger, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head of Research and Development of Atara Biotherapeutics. "Observations of responses based on standard-CT and metabolic PET-CT imaging, in the context of prolonged survival, further highlight the opportunity for tab‑cel and off-the-shelf, allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy in EBV-associated cancers beyond our ongoing studies for patients with post‑transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) and NPC."

The oral presentation summarized the evaluation of tab-cel in an analysis of EBV+ LMS patients from three clinical studies, 2 single-center, open-label studies (NCT00002663, NCT01498484) and the multi‑center expanded access protocol (EAP) study (NCT02822495). Twelve patients with EBV+ LMS received one or more doses of tab-cel, of whom 10 were assessed for responses with two patients not evaluable. Two of the 10 patients achieved a partial response via CT-based RECIST 1.1 criteria and eight patients achieved stable disease. In the two single-center studies with longer follow-up, six of eight patients survived more than 27 months and the estimated median survival was 77.4 months. At the time of this analysis, responses assessed by PET-CT imaging were available from the multi-center EAP study where 3 of the 4 patients achieved a metabolic response. Tab-cel was generally well tolerated and the safety appeared consistent with a favorable risk profile and previous clinical studies.

About tab-cel (tabelecleucel)
Atara’s most advanced T-cell immunotherapy in development, tab-cel, is a potential treatment for patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV+ PTLD) who have failed rituximab, as well as other EBV-associated hematologic and solid tumors, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In February 2015, the FDA granted tab-cel Breakthrough Therapy Designation for EBV+ PTLD following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT), and in October 2016, tab-cel was accepted into the EMA Priority Medicines (PRIME) regulatory pathway for the same indication, providing enhanced regulatory support. In addition, tab-cel has orphan status in the U.S. and EU. Tab-cel is in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of EBV+ PTLD following an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (MATCH study) or solid organ transplant (ALLELE study), and Atara recently initiated a Phase 1/2 study in NPC.

On December 14, 2018 Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLCM), a leader in developing novel, controllable cellular immunotherapies for cancers and orphan inherited blood disorders, reported safety and promising activity of BPX-601 in Part 1 of a Phase 1/2 dose-escalation study in patients with advanced, metastatic pancreatic cancer expressing PSCA (prostate stem cell antigen) (Press release, Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, DEC 14, 2018, View Source [SID1234532061]). BPX-601 is a novel GoCAR-T cell candidate incorporating Bellicum’s co-activation domain, iMC, designed to boost T cell proliferation and persistence via administration of rimiducid. Data were reviewed during an oral presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology Immuno-Oncology Congress (ESMO-IO) held in Geneva, Switzerland from December 13-16.

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"These initial results in advanced pancreatic cancer suggest that having greater control over the expansion and persistence of therapeutic cells may provide unique treatment benefits. We have observed promising initial clinical activity with BPX-601 in patients with one of the most challenging solid tumors, where there is a critical need for better treatments," commented Carlos R. Becerra, M.D., lead study investigator and oncologist and medical director of the Innovative Clinical Trials Center at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. "I am looking forward to the next phase of our study, which allows for a standard lymphodepletion regimen and administration of multiple doses of rimiducid to further increase the expansion and persistence of BPX-601 cells and the potential for greater impact against pancreatic and other tumor types."

Study Overview
A total of 12 patients with advanced metastatic pancreatic cancer expressing PSCA were treated with escalating doses of BPX-601 cells in a 3+3 design. Nine of 12 patients received a single dose of rimiducid following BPX-601 treatment to evaluate its effect on cell expansion and persistence. Patients in the study received a reduced conditioning regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide only.

Interim Results:

The administration of BPX-601 without rimiducid resulted in limited expansion of cells, but the cells did not persist; A single dose of rimiducid 7 days following BPX-601 administration resulted in significant expansion of cells (three-fold to 20-fold) in four patients in spite of a reduced conditioning regimen; BPX-601 cells persisted longer than three weeks in three patients after a single dose of rimiducid; Increases in key cytokine levels were observed in patients receiving higher doses of BPX-601 cells and rimiducid; 4 of 6 efficacy-evaluable patients treated with BPX-601 and a single dose of rimiducid had stable disease, with two patients demonstrating tumor shrinkage greater than 20 percent; No cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity of any grade was reported; The most frequently observed AEs were consistent with those experienced by advanced cancer patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy or other cancer immunotherapies; Patients continue to be evaluated in the study.
"These results provide the first clinical evidence suggesting that our GoCAR-T technology drives expansion and persistence of therapeutic T cells in patients," said Rick Fair, President & CEO of Bellicum Pharmaceuticals. "We are excited about BPX-601 and the broader application of our technology intended to improve the safety and efficacy of cell therapies. With these promising results, we’re preparing to begin Part 2 of the BPX-601 study, adding patients with prostate and gastric cancers, allowing multiple doses of rimiducid and a more complete conditioning regimen. We’re looking forward to reporting updated results in 2019."

About BPX-601
BPX-601, the Company’s first GoCAR-T product candidate, incorporates iMC, Bellicum’s inducible co-activation domain. iMC (inducible MyD88/CD40) is designed to provide a powerful boost to T cell proliferation and persistence, and enable the CAR-T to override key immune inhibitory mechanisms, including PD-1 and TGF-beta. BPX-601 is being evaluated as a treatment for solid tumors expressing prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA), including pancreatic, prostate and gastric cancers.

On December 14, 2018 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) reported that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion, recommending marketing authorization for ZIRABEV (bevacizumab), a potential biosimilar to Avastin (bevacizumab) (Press release, Pfizer, DEC 14, 2018, View Source [SID1234532063]).1 ZIRABEV is a monoclonal antibody for the treatment of metastatic carcinoma of the colon or rectum, metastatic breast cancer, unresectable advanced, metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), advanced and/or metastatic renal cell cancer and persistent, recurrent or metastatic carcinoma of the cervix.2

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"If approved, ZIRABEV has the potential to expand access to this life-changing biologic cancer therapy for appropriate patients and healthcare professionals across Europe," said Joe McClellan, Vice President, Biosimilars Development at Pfizer. "Today’s positive CHMP opinion underscores Pfizer’s strong heritage in oncology and its ongoing commitment to bringing high-quality biosimilars to market, providing additional options for people living with certain cancers."

The regulatory submission is supported with a comprehensive data package and evidence demonstrating biosimilarity to the originator product. This includes results from the phase 3 REFLECTIONS B739-03 clinical comparative study, which demonstrated clinical equivalence and found no clinically meaningful differences between ZIRABEV and Avastin in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC.3 As part of the overall REFLECTIONS clinical trial program, ZIRABEV has been studied in approximately 400 subjects.3,4

ZIRABEV is Pfizer’s second therapeutic oncology biosimilar to receive a positive CHMP opinion from the EMA in 2018.5 Pfizer has a robust portfolio of potential biosimilar candidates in mid to late stage development and we are confident about our ability to bring these important medicines to the patients who need them around the world.6

On December 14, 2019 Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX, FSE: "HBP"), a an immuno-oncology company developing drug candidates for the prevention and treatment of cancer, reported its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 ending October 31, 2018 (Press release, Helix BioPharma, DEC 14, 2018, View Source [SID1234533058]).

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FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Company recorded a net loss and total comprehensive loss of $1,379,000 ($0.01 loss per common share) and $2,303,000 ($0.02 loss per common share) for the three-month periods ended October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Due to Helix’s cash constraints, the Company has proactively had to manage its limited cash resources which has resulted in an overall reduction in spending and in turn delays to its clinical development programs.

Research and development

Research and development costs for the three-month periods ended October 31, 2018 and 2017 totalled $1,014,000 and $1,764,000, respectively.

L-DOS47 research and development expenses for the three-month periods ended October 31, 2018 and 2017 totalled $861,000 and $1,482,000, respectively. L-DOS47 research and development expenditures relate primarily to the Company’s LDOS002 European Phase I/II clinical study in Poland and the LDOS001 U.S. Phase I clinical study in the U.S in addition to some preliminary expenditures related to the Company’s LDOS003 Phase II clinical study in Poland and Ukraine. The lower LDOS47 spending is mainly the result of the winding down of the Company’s LDOS002 European Phase I/II clinical study in Poland. Given the limited cash resources, the Company had slowed down the previously committed LDOS003 clinical trial. The Company has recently advanced the funds to the CRO for the commencement of enrollment which is now underway. The Company continues to be committed to the LDOS001 study and has re-allocated resources to improve patient enrollment. The Company has begun early development of a Phase I/II study, L-DOS47 given in combination with doxorubicin, for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. An initial draft study protocol was circulated in July 2018 and ongoing development continues.

V-DOS47 research and development expenses for the three-month periods ended October 31, 2018 and 2017 totalled $130,000 and $113,000, respectively. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary in Poland has a grant funding agreement with the Polish National Centre for Research and Development ("PNCRD") for research and development expenditures associated with V-DOS47. The Company’s subsidiary received $135,000 and $83,000 in the three-month periods ended October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, from the PNCRD. The Company is looking at the possibility of selling its Polish subsidiary to raise capital in order to fund its L-DOS47 program and deal with its working capital deficiency.

Trademark and patent related expenses for the three-month periods ended October 31, 2018 and 2017 totalled $25,000 and $99,000, respectively. The Company previous had committed spend in order to adequately protect the Company’s intellectual property.

Operating, general and administration

Operating, general and administration expenses for the three-month periods ended October 31, 2018 and 2017 totalled $373,000 and $526,000, respectively. The decrease in operating, general and administration expenses mainly reflects ongoing cost cutting initiatives.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company reported a consolidated net loss and total comprehensive loss of $1,379,000 for the three-month period ended October 31, 2018 (October 31, 2017 – $2,303,000). As at October 31, 2018 the Company had a working capital deficiency of $1,997,000, shareholders’ deficiency of $1,651,000 and a deficit of $165,384,000. As at July 31, 2018 the Company had a working capital deficiency of $1,901,000, shareholders’ deficiency of $1,527,000 and a deficit of $164,005,000.

The Company continues to work with vendors to manage its cash position while ensuring vendors continue providing services while being paid, albeit over a longer period of time than previously agreed terms. The Company has raised gross proceeds of approximately $8,518,000 from private placement financings during fiscal 2018 and an additional $1,616,000 in the current quarter, the Company’s cash reserves of $871,000 as at October 31, 2018 in addition to the subsequent private placements the Company closed on October 30, 2018 for gross proceeds of approximately $871,000 are insufficient to meet anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures through the next twelve months, nor are they sufficient to see the current or any planned research and development initiatives through to completion. Though the funds raised have somewhat assisted the Company in dealing with its working capital deficiency and attempts to make vendors current, additional funds are required to advance the various clinical and preclinical programs, pay for the Company’s overhead costs and its past due vendors. To the extent that the Company does not believe it has sufficient liquidity to meet its current obligations, management considers securing additional funds, primarily through the issuance of equity securities of the Company, to be critical for its development needs. The Company is looking at the possibility of selling its Polish subsidiary to raise capital in order to fund its L-DOS47 program and deal with its working capital deficiency.