On May 9, 2018 IGEM Therapeutics (IGEM), an immuno-oncology company developing novel immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to treat cancer, reported the award of a £1.45 million grant from the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK (Press release, IGEM Therapeutics, MAY 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234526370]). IGEM will use the Biomedical Catalyst award to further the development of IGEM-Ch, a novel IgE antibody targeting solid tumours.

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IGEM-Ch is a novel and proprietary humanised IgE antibody that binds to the cancer antigen CSPG4 (chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan 4). The CSPG4 antigen is overexpressed in melanoma and various other cancers including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Pre-clinical studies in the laboratory of Dr Sophia Karagiannis at King’s College London demonstrated that an anti-CSPG4 IgE outperformed an equivalent IgG antibody in a variety of challenging models. The company will receive £1.02M in net funding from the Biomedical Catalyst award to help progress IGEM-Ch into clinical trials by generation of a pre-clinical development package and efficient GMP manufacturing process. IGEM has issued patents covering the antibody in the US, Europe and Australia.

IGEM is building a portfolio of IgE antibodies directed against various cancer antigens including folate receptor alpha, CSPG4, HER2 and EGFR. The epsilon constant region of IgE has evolved to fight complex, multicellular parasitic organisms resident in tissue by recruiting powerful immune effector cells such as macrophages, basophils and monocytes. IGEM believes that potent immune responses arising from IgE are suited to the destruction of solid tumours which also reside in tissue. IGEM has demonstrated superior efficacy for IgE versus IgG equivalent antibodies in a range of pre-clinical cancer models. The company’s scientific founders, Dr Sophia Karagiannis, Professor James Spicer and Dr Vivienne Cox have previously transitioned the first-in-class IgE, IGEM-F, into a Phase 1 clinical trial in cancer patients.

On May 9, 2018 Protagen AG has reported the start of a collaboration with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to utilize Protagen’s SeroTag technology to investigate the immuno-profiling of prostate cancer patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors and therapeutic vaccines (Press release, Protagen, MAY 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234526386]).

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Cancer immunotherapies can be very powerful and provide novel opportunities for the treatment of cancer. However, they currently work for a limited number of indications and patients. In addition, as these therapies re-activate the immune system to fight the cancer, they sometimes can cause severe immune-related Adverse Events (irAEs). Through the collaboration, Protagen and UCSF intend to provide further insight into utilizing immune system profiling to predict treatment response and monitor prostate cancer patients for irAEs, specifically, a so-called cold tumor that it is difficult to target with immuno-therapies.

Dr. Peter Schulz-Knappe, Protagen’s Chief Scientific Officer, commented: "Our proprietary SeroTag technology has enabled patient stratification and immuno-profiling of patients into homogenous disease subgroups for several autoimmune indications. The strong link between immuno-oncology and autoimmune disease, confirmed by the observed irAEs under immunotherapy, provides us with an opportunity to improve immuno-profiling of cancer patients. We feel honored that Dr. Fong and UCSF share this view and we are excited about our collaboration, especially in an indication like prostate cancer that has shown to be difficult to target with immuno-therapies."

Dr. Lawrence Fong, the UCSF Efim Guzik Distinguished Professor in Cancer Biology and leader of the Cancer Immunotherapy Program in the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center added: "Although cancer immunotherapies can be effective in many different cancers, success in prostate cancer has been more limited. Nevertheless, we know that a small proportion of prostate cancer patients can respond to monotherapies. Immunologic profiling of these patients could enable approaches to patient selection. This collaboration could provide opportunities to accomplish this goal."

Disclaimer

The information stated above was prepared by Protagen AG and reflects solely the opinion of Protagen AG. Nothing in this statement shall be construed to imply any support or endorsement of Protagen AG, or any of its products, by the Regents of the University of California, its officers, agents and employees.

About UC San Francisco (UCSF)

UCSF is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It includes top ranked graduate schools of dentistry, medicine, nursing and pharmacy; a graduate division with nationally renowned programs in basic, biomedical, transitional and population sciences; and a preeminent biomedical research enterprise.

It also includes UCSF Health, which comprises three top-ranked hospitals, UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland, and other partner and affiliated hospitals and healthcare providers throughout the Bay Area.

Please visit www.ucsf.edu/news.

On May 9, 2018 Savara Inc. (NASDAQ:SVRA), an orphan lung disease company, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 and provided a business update (Press release, Savara, MAY 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234526406]).

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"It has been an incredibly productive quarter, including the launch of two new clinical studies, OPTIMA and IMPALA-X, with our lead product candidate Molgradex," stated Rob Neville, chief executive officer of Savara. "With a total of four ongoing clinical studies, our focus for the remainder of the year will continue to be the advancement of our core programs, while actively exploring the further expansion of our pipeline."

Upcoming Milestones and Recent Developments

Anticipating completion of enrollment in the Molgradex Phase 3 IMPALA study in Q3 2018. The IMPALA study is evaluating our inhaled formulation of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, or GM-CSF, for the treatment of autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, or aPAP. At the end of Q1, enrollment was at 96 patients out of a total target of 135 patients, with completion of enrollment currently on track for Q3 2018 and topline data anticipated in Q2 2019.

Anticipating completion of enrollment in the AeroVanc Phase 3 AVAIL study in Q1 2019. The AVAIL study is evaluating our vancomycin hydrochloride inhalation powder for the treatment of persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) lung infection in individuals living with cystic fibrosis. At the end of Q1, enrollment was at 62 patients out of a total target of 200 patients, with completion of enrollment currently on track for Q1 2019 and topline data anticipated in H2 2019.

Anticipating completion of enrollment in the Molgradex Phase 2a OPTIMA study in Q3 2018. The OPTIMA study is evaluating our inhaled GM-CSF for the treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infection. The study was initiated in mid-March 2018 and is expected to be completed in Q3 2018. As OPTIMA is an open-label study, depending on enrollment and other factors, interim results from the study may be provided during 2018.

Announcing first patient enrolled in the Molgradex IMPALA-X safety extension study. The IMPALA-X study is an open-label, multicenter study designed to determine the long-term safety and utilization of Molgradex in patients with aPAP. IMPALA-X offers patients the opportunity to continue treatment with Molgradex for up to three years after completion of the pivotal Phase 3 IMPALA study. Savara plans to initiate the IMPALA-X study in a rolling fashion in 12 of the countries participating in the IMPALA study by the end of 2018.
First Quarter Financial Results

Savara’s net loss attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $26.8 million, or $(0.88) per share, compared with a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $5.0 million, or $(1.65) per share, for the first quarter of 2017, which represents the historical financial information of the private company Savara Inc., which completed its merger transaction with Mast Therapeutics, Inc. on April 27, 2017 (the "Merger").

Research and development expenses were $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with $2.9 million for the first quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily due to $2.7 million in increased expenses associated with the development of Molgradex, including the expansion of the IMPALA study in the U.S. and other countries and the commencement of the Molgradex NTM study, an increase of $2.2 million in AeroVanc study costs related to Phase 3 activities, and $0.7 million related to non-recurring milestone payments relating to the Aironite study acquired in the Merger, which was not a part of our product pipeline in the first quarter of 2017.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were $1.8 million, compared with $1.7 million for the first quarter of 2017.

Also, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recognized a one-time noncash impairment charge of $21.7 million to the carrying value of IPR&D related to the Aironite product candidate assumed in the Merger due to the unfavorable results from a Phase 2 study in which Aironite failed to meet the endpoints of the study and showed limited effectiveness in patients. We do not intend to further support or pursue the development of Aironite.

We reported a $4.6 million tax benefit for the first quarter of 2018 related to the reversal of a deferred tax liability resulting from the impairment of IPR&D acquired in the Merger.

As of March 31, 2018, Savara had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of approximately $85.0 million. The company’s operating expenses for the first quarter of 2018 were approximately $32.1 million which included the one-time noncash impairment charge of $21.7 million to the carrying value of IPR&D acquired in the Merger. Savara ended the first quarter of 2018 with approximately $14.9 million in debt.

Conference Call and Webcast
Savara will hold a conference call today beginning at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 4:30 p.m. Central Time to provide a business update. Shareholders and other interested parties may access the conference call by dialing (855) 239-3120 from the U.S., (855) 669-9657 from Canada, and (412) 542-4127 from elsewhere outside the U.S. and should request the Savara Inc. call. A live webcast of the conference call will be available online from the Investors section of Savara’s website at View Source Replays of the webcast will be available on Savara’s website for 30 days and a telephone replay will be available through May 16th, 2018 by dialing (877) 344-7529 from the U.S., (855) 669-9658 from Canada, and (412) 317-0088 from elsewhere outside the U.S. by entering replay access code 10119917.

On May 8, 2018 Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) reported that new data from its early and late-stage clinical studies, on more than 19 approved and investigational cancer medicines, will be presented at the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, taking place from 1-5 June, in Chicago, IL, United States (Press release, Hoffmann-La Roche, MAY 8, 2018, View Source [SID1234526184]). More than 180 abstracts have been accepted across 13 cancer types, including two "late breakers" and 15 oral presentations.

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"New data to be presented from our industry-leading oncology portfolio, including our lung and haematology programmes, will demonstrate how our science-driven approach aims to improve outcomes for people living with cancer," said Sandra Horning, MD, Roche’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. "At ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), we look forward to sharing our progress and commitment to build the future of personalised healthcare in oncology."

Further information on Roche’s contribution to the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2018 scientific programme, as well as Roche’s wider progress in cancer care, will be featured during the Roche Media Briefing from 09:00 – 10:45 CDT on Friday, 1 June at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, US. This event, independently organised by Roche, is open to journalists from outside the United States who have registered as media with the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2018 Annual Meeting. To register for the Roche Media Briefing, please follow this link: https://roche.cvent.com/d/6gq8k1/.

Follow Roche on Twitter via @Roche and keep up to date with ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2018 congress news and updates by using the hashtag #ASCO18.

Key presentations in lung cancer
Key data to be presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) cover advances from Roche’s lung cancer programme, including a combination approach using the cancer immunotherapy, Tecentriq (atezolizumab) with targeted therapies and a range of different chemotherapies.

Updated OS data and new patient reported outcomes (PROs) data from the Phase III IMpower150 study of Tecentriq plus Avastin (bevacizumab) and chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel), in people with previously-untreated, advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), will be presented. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted Priority Review for this combination in the same patient population.

New PFS results from the Phase III IMpower131 study of Tecentriq plus chemotherapy (carboplatin and Abraxane [albumin-bound paclitaxel; nab-paclitaxel]) as an initial (first-line) treatment for people with advanced squamous NSCLC will also be shared and feature as part of ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper)’s official press programme on Saturday, 2 June.

Additional results in lung cancer include longer follow-up results from the Phase III ALEX study of Alecensa (alectinib) versus crizotinib in people with previously untreated anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive NSCLC. These data build on the primary results from the ALEX study, first presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2017, which demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of disease progression or death versus crizotinib. New data that utilise the application of a real world endpoint to identify and characterise genetic profiles of people with a poor prognosis in advanced NSCLC will also be presented at the congress.

Additional presentations with cancer immunotherapy
Additional cancer immunotherapy data presentations of note include new Tecentriq plus Avastin PROs from the Phase III IMmotion151 study in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and Phase Ib data for the combination of Tecentriq plus Avastin in first-line hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These studies add to the growing body of evidence that support the use of Tecentriq plus Avastin across multiple tumour types.

New tumour mutational burden (TMB) data from two studies of Tecentriq will also be presented, including blood-based TMB data from the Phase II B-F1RST study in advanced NSCLC, and tissue-based TMB data across multiple tumour types including NSCLC, metastatic urothelial carcinoma and melanoma.

Key presentations in blood cancers
Data from pivotal studies in haematology will also be presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper). Additional analyses on minimal residual disease (MRD) rates will be shared from the Phase III MURANO study evaluating Venclexta/Venclyxto (venetoclax) plus MabThera/Rituxan (rituximab), compared to bendamustine plus MabThera/Rituxan, in people with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). A supplemental new drug application (sNDA) based on the MURANO data was granted Priority Review by the FDA, with an action date of 28 June 2018.

Additional data will also be presented from the Phase Ib M14-358 study of Venclexta/Venclyxto plus azacitidine or decitabine in people with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Venclexta/Venclyxto is being developed by AbbVie and Roche.

Data from the randomised Phase II study evaluating polatuzumab vedotin in combination with bendamustine chemotherapy and MabThera/Rituxan in people with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) will also be presented at the meeting.

Key presentations in breast cancer
Updates from two investigational medicines in breast cancer will be presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper). Data includes results from the Phase III SANDPIPER study of taselisib (GDC-0332) and fulvestrant, compared to fulvestrant alone, in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, PIK3CA-mutant, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, and updated OS data from the LOTUS trial of ipatasertib (GDC-0068, RG7440) and paclitaxel for previously untreated, locally advanced or metastatic, triple-negative breast cancer. The SANDPIPER data will be featured as part of ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper)’s official press programme on Saturday, 2 June.

Overview of key presentations featuring Roche medicines at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2018

About Roche in Oncology
Roche has been working to transform cancer care for more than 50 years, bringing the first specifically designed anti-cancer chemotherapy drug, fluorouracil, to patients in 1962. Roche’s commitment to developing innovative medicines and diagnostics for cancers remains steadfast.

The Roche Group’s portfolio of innovative cancer medicines includes: Alecensa (alectinib); Avastin (bevacizumab); Cotellic (cobimetinib); Erivedge (vismodegib); Gazyva/Gazyvaro (obinutuzumab); Herceptin (trastuzumab); Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine); MabThera/Rituxan (rituximab); Perjeta (pertuzumab); Tarceva (erlotinib); Tecentriq (atezolizumab); Venclexta/Venclyxto (venetoclax); Xeloda (capecitabine); Zelboraf (vemurafenib). Furthermore, the Roche Group has a robust investigational oncology pipeline focusing on new therapeutic targets and novel combination strategies.

For more information on Roche’s approach to cancer, visit Roche.com.

On May 8, 2018 Abeona Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:ABEO), a leading clinical- stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel cell and gene therapies for life-threatening rare genetic diseases, reported upcoming presentations during two conferences, both to take place May 16 – 19, 2018; the 21st annual American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy 2018 conference being held in Chicago, IL, and the International Investigative Dermatology conference being held in Orlando, FL (Press release, Abeona Therapeutics, MAY 8, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2347659 [SID1234526221]).

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American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy
View Source

Oral Presentations:

Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial for Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Using EB-101 (COL7A1 Gene-Corrected Autologous Keratinocytes)
Presenter: Jean Yuh Tang, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Time: 8:20 AM Central Time

Update on Phase 1/2 Gene Transfer Clinical Trial of Systemic Gene Transfer of scAAV9.U1a.hSGSH for MPSIIIA (Sanfilippo Syndrome)
Presenter: Kevin Flanigan, M.D., Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Friday, May 18, 2018
Time: 8:30 AM Central Time

A Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial of Systemic Gene Transfer of rAAV9.CMV.hNAGLU for MPS IIIB: Safety, Tolerability, and Preliminary Evidence of Biopotency
Presenter: Kevin Flanigan, M.D., Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Friday, May 18, 2018
Time: 4:30 PM Central Time

Symposium and Forum:

Assessing Neurodevelopment in Neurodegenerative Disease: The Use and Interpretation of Cognitive Scales
Presenter: Maria Escolar, M.D., Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
Moderator: Barry Byrne, M.D., Ph.D., University of Florida
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Time: 7:00 AM Central Time

Tools and Technologies Forum
Co-Chair: S. Kaye Spratt, Ph.D., Abeona Therapeutics Inc.
Friday, May 18, 2018
Time: 5:45 PM – 7:45 PM Central Time

Poster Presentations:

Poster 547: Development of a Multi-Domain Responder Index for Clinical Trials with Multi-Domain Diseases
Presenter: Magdalena Tyrpien, Abeona Therapeutics Inc.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Time: 5:15 PM Central Time

Poster 399: Identification of Novel AAV Capsids for Enhanced CNS Gene Transfer
Presenter: Daphne Chen, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Time: 5:15 PM Central Time

International Investigative Dermatology

View Source

Poster Presentation:

Poster 328: 50% Wound Healing Correlates with RDEB Patient Reported Outcomes in Pain, Itch, and Skin Durability
Friday, May 18, 2018
Time: 12:00 PM Eastern Time