On November 1, 2018 Verastem, Inc. (Nasdaq:VSTM) (Verastem Oncology or the Company), focused on developing and commercializing medicines to improve the survival and quality of life of cancer patients, reported that eight abstracts have been selected for presentation, including one oral presentation, at the upcoming American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2018 Annual Meeting being held December 1-4, 2018, in San Diego (Press release, Verastem, NOV 1, 2018, View Source;p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2374805 [SID1234530539]).

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"At ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) this year, we look forward to the presentation of a wealth of data highlighting further results from the duvelisib development programs," said Hagop Youssoufian, MSc, MD, Head of Medical Strategy at Verastem Oncology. "The breadth of data to be presented at the meeting reflects our commitment to addressing the clinical needs of patients with hematologic malignancies by advancing the science behind PI3K-delta and PI3K-gamma inhibition, underscoring our dedication to develop practice-changing medicines that improve outcomes for patients."

Details for the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2018 presentations are as follows:

Oral Presentation

Title: The combination of Duvelisib, a PI3K-δ,γ Inhibitor, and Romidepsin is highly active in relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma with low rates of transaminitis: Results of a multicenter, multi-arm phase 1 study with expansion cohorts
Presenter: Steven Horwitz, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 683
Session: 624. Hodgkin Lymphoma and T/NK Cell Lymphoma—Clinical Studies: Immunotherapy and Targeted Strategies
Date and Time: Monday, December 3, 2018; 11:30 AM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 6F

Poster Presentations

Title: Clinical and Biological Indicators of Duvelisib Efficacy in CLL from the Phase 3 DUO Study
Presenter: Jennifer Brown, Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 1856
Session: 642. CLL: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster I
Date and Time: Saturday, December 1, 2018; 6:15-8:15 PM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Title: The Efficacy and Safety of Duvelisib Following Disease Progression on Ofatumumab in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory CLL or SLL: Updated Results from the DUO Crossover Extension Study
Presenter: Matthew Davids, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 3140
Session: 642. CLL: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster II
Date and Time: Sunday, December 2, 2018; 6:00-8:00 PM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Title: Characterization of the Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Duvelisib Monotherapy in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory CLL/SLL on Treatment for > 2 Years across 4 Clinical Studies
Presenter: Ian Flinn, Sarah Cannon Research Institute
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 3146
Session: 642. CLL: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster II
Date and Time: Sunday, December 2, 2018; 6:00-8:00 PM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Title: Simultaneous inhibition of BCL-2 and PI3K signaling overcomes ibrutinib resistance in mantle cell lymphoma
Presenter: Haige Ye, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 2950
Session: 625. Lymphoma: Pre-Clinical—Chemotherapy and Biologic Agents: Poster II
Date and Time: Sunday, December 2, 2018; 6:00-8:00 PM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Title: Prognostic and Immune-Related Factors for Response to Duvelisib in the Phase 2 DYNAMO Clinical Trial in iNHL
Presenter: Pier Luigi Zinzani, University of Bologna Institute of Hematology
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 4167
Session: 623. Mantle Cell, Follicular, and Other Indolent B-Cell Lymphoma—Clinical Studies: Poster III
Date and Time: Monday, December 3, 2018; 6:00-8:00 PM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Title: Dual Inhibition of PI3K-δ and PI3K-γ by Duvelisib Impairs CLL B Cells and CLL-Supporting Cells and Overcomes Ibrutinib Resistance in a Patient-Derived Xenograft Model
Presenter: Shih-Shih Chen, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 4420
Session: 642. CLL: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster III
Date and Time: Monday, December 3, 2018; 6:00-8:00 PM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Title: Dynamic BH3 Profiling Predicts Patient Response and MRD Status in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Patients Undergoing Frontline Treatment with Kinase Inhibitor Augmented (KIA) FCR
Presenter: Timothy Z. Lehmberg, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 4395
Session: 641. CLL: Biology and Pathophysiology, excluding Therapy: Poster III
Date and Time: Monday, December 3, 2018; 6:00 – 8:00 PM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

On November 1, 2018 Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT), the nation’s only public charity exclusively funding cancer cell and gene therapy research, reported that Kevin Honeycutt will be joining ACGT as its new CEO and President, effective December 3, 2018 (Press release, Alliance Pharma, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530649]). Mr. Honeycutt was most recently the President and CEO of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade (ABCC) since 2015. At ACGT, his principal role will be to enhance the vision of ACGT, begun in 2001 by its co-founders, Barbara Netter and her late husband Edward, to spearhead ACGT’s current focus on funding the next generation of challenges brought by metastatic cancers and solid tumors, and to continue to build our alliances and joint ventures.

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Mrs. Netter stated that, "We are delighted to have Kevin as ACGT’s new CEO and President at this momentous time in the field of cancer cell and gene therapy. His experience at ABCC, in which he led several highly successful fundraising campaigns, positions him to hit the ground running to oversee ACGT‘s fundraising and grants program. Kevin brings a depth of knowledge and experience in the oncology space and strategic thinking which perfectly fits within the ACGT model."

Mr. Honeycutt said that, "ACGT’s outstanding Board of Directors and pre-eminent Scientific Advisory Council, together with the leadership of Barbara Netter, the ACGT staff, and ACGT’s current and past grant recipients, were key to my enthusiasm in joining ACGT. Given the remarkable advances being made in the field of cancer cell and gene therapy, it is an opportune time to be working in cancer research with significant opportunities to advance the understanding of how to treat the disease and give patients the best chances for successful long-term favorable outcomes."

Prior to his years at ABCC, Mr. Honeycutt served as Executive Director of the Avon Foundation for Women for five years, and in cause marketing. He previously led projects for, among others, the American Diabetes Association, DaVita, Inc. / The Kidney Trust, the Entertainment Industry Foundation and the Jane Goodall Institute

On November 1, 2018 Unum Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: UMRX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of cellular immunotherapies based on its novel, universal Antibody-Coupled T cell Receptor (ACTR) technology platform, reported that the Company will present preliminary results from the ongoing Phase 1 ATTCK-20-03 study, testing ACTR707 in combination with rituximab in patients with relapsed/refractory CD20+ B cell lymphoma (r/r/ NHL), and the ongoing Phase 1 ATTCK-17-01 study, testing ACTR087 in combination with SEA-BCMA in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (r/r MM), at the upcoming American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting taking place December 1-4, 2018, in San Diego, CA (Press release, Unum Therapeutics, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530466]).

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"Preliminary data from these two trials demonstrate ACTR T cell activity and a well-tolerated safety profile of both ACTR707 and ACTR087 product candidates in their respective patient populations," said Michael Vasconcelles, Chief Medical Officer of Unum. "We remain encouraged by the emerging potential best-in-class profile of ACTR707 in combination with rituximab in patients with r/r NHL and the early safety data of ACTR087 in combination with the novel antibody, SEA-BCMA, in patients with r/r MM."

Data from the first dose level in the multicenter Phase 1 study, ATTCK-20-03, testing ACTR707 in combination with rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory CD20+ B cell lymphoma, was presented in September 2018 at the Fourth Annual CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference (CIMT) (Free CIMT Whitepaper). Three of the six patients treated at the first dose level in the study achieved a complete response, two of which remained ongoing at the time of the September 4, 2018 data cut off. No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed in any of the four DLT-evaluable patients, and no serious or severe adverse events of cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity were observed in any patients. Updated data from this cohort, along with data on the subsequent dose cohort will be presented at the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting.

In addition, first-in-human dosing of single agent SEA-BCMA, and of ACTR087 in combination with SEA-BCMA, in the ATTCK-17-01 multi-center Phase 1 dose-escalation study was well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities in the first two single-subject cohorts. Following infusion, ACTR+ T cells were detectable in these patients and demonstrated expansion post infusion. These data have supported the continued dose escalation of ACTR087 in combination with SEA-BCMA. Updated data from the first three dose cohorts of the trial will be presented at the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting, with subsequent updates anticipated in 2019.

Details on the presentations are as follows:

Presentation Title: Preliminary Clinical Results of a Phase 1 Study Evaluating the Safety and Anti-tumor activity of ACTR707 in Combination with Rituximab in Subjects with Relapsed or Refractory CD20+ B-cell Lymphoma
Session Title: 626. Aggressive Lymphoma (Diffuse Large B-Cell and Other Aggressive B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas) – Results from Prospective Clinical Trials: Poster II
Date & Time: Sunday, 2 December, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00pm
Location:San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Presentation Title: A Phase 1 Study of Two Investigational Agents, ACTR087, an Autologous T Cell Product Expressing an Antibody-Coupled T cell Receptor, in Combination With SEA-BCMA, a Novel Non-fucosylated Monoclonal Antibody, in Subjects with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Session Title: 653. Myeloma: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster I
Date & Time:Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 6:15 – 8:15pm
Location:San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

On November 1, 2018 Constellation Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company using its expertise in epigenetics to discover and develop novel therapeutics, reported that it has received Fast Track designation from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CPI-0610 in treatment of myelofibrosis (MF) based on preliminary results from the Company’s Phase 2 study, MANIFEST (Press release, Constellation Pharmaceuticals, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530508]).

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Constellation is developing CPI-0610 with the goal of providing a new treatment option for patients with MF who have progressed after treatment with Jakafi (ruxolitinib), the only approved therapy for MF. Enrollment is ongoing in the Phase 2 portion of the open-label Phase 1/2 MANIFEST clinical trial, which is exploring CPI-0610’s potential both as a monotherapy and as a combination therapy with Jakafi. As previously reported, preliminary data demonstrated clinical activity, such as spleen volume reduction, symptom improvement, increase in hemoglobin levels, and conversion to transfusion independent status in a patient who was transfusion dependent. Constellation recently expanded the MANIFEST study to include a third cohort, designed to evaluate CPI-0610 as a first-line therapy in combination with ruxolitinib in JAK 1/2-inhibitor-naïve MF patients.

"We believe there is an opportunity to improve the standard of care for MF patients with agents that modify the underlying disease," said Adrian Senderowicz, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Constellation Pharmaceuticals. "This Fast Track designation highlights CPI-0610’s potential to address a significant unmet need. Based on promising early data and our progress with site initiation and patient enrollment, we continue to expect to determine proof of concept in mid-2019."

The FDA grants Fast Track designation to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious or life-threatening diseases and fill unmet medical needs. A drug that receives Fast Track designation is

eligible for more frequent meetings with the FDA to discuss the drug’s development plan and ensure collection of appropriate data needed to support drug approval, more frequent written communication about the design of the proposed clinical trials and use of biomarkers, eligibility for accelerated approval and priority review, and rolling review.

About Myelofibrosis

MF is part of a collection of progressive blood cancers known as myeloproliferative neoplasms and is associated with significantly reduced quality of life and shortened survival. As the disease progresses, the bone marrow produces fewer red blood cells. Within one year of diagnosis, the incidence of thrombocytopenia (a condition characterized by low platelet counts in the blood) and severe anemia (a condition characterized by low red blood cell counts) and the need for red blood cell transfusion increase significantly. Among other complications, most patients with MF have enlarged spleens, as well as many other physical symptoms, including abdominal discomfort, bone pain, and extreme fatigue.

About CPI-0610

CPI-0610 is a potent and selective small molecule designed to promote anti-tumor activity by selectively inhibiting the function of BET proteins to decrease the expression of abnormally expressed genes in cancer. Constellation’s epigenetics platform includes a deep understanding of the biological contexts in which BET proteins operate, including cancer pathways that are highly sensitive to CPI-0610. The results from preclinical studies, as well as translational insights from the successful first-in-human study of CPI-0610, led to prioritizing the clinical development of CPI-0610 in myelofibrosis (MF). Enrollment is ongoing in the Phase 2 portion of the open-label Phase 1/2 MANIFEST clinical trial of CPI-0610, either as a monotherapy or in combination with ruxolitinib, in patients with MF who are refractory or intolerant or have relapsed or lost response to the standard of care. MANIFEST also includes a third cohort designed to evaluate treatment with CPI-0610 in combination with ruxolitinib as a first-line therapy in JAK 1/2-inhibitor-naïve MF patients. The company expects to determine proof of concept for CPI-0610 in MF in mid-2019.

On November 1, 2018 OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:OMED), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel anti-cancer therapeutics, reported third quarter 2018 financial results and provided a corporate update (Press release, OncoMed, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530524]). As of September 30, 2018, cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $70.9 million.

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"As anticipated, our development efforts have culminated in a stream of data this year and set the stage for additional data flow in 2019," said John Lewicki, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of OncoMed. "The efficacy of navicixizumab, both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy, has been impressive in patients with heavily pretreated, late stage recurrent ovarian cancer. We continue to enroll additional patients in our ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial as we consider the possible next steps for this program. Concurrently, clinical investigation and proof of concept continues for our other clinical candidates: etigilimab (anti-TIGIT) and GITRL-Fc in metastatic solid tumor settings."

Pipeline Highlights

Navicixizumab (anti-DLL4/VEGF bispecific; OMP-305B83)

In the third quarter, OncoMed reported publication of results from its Phase 1a study of single-agent navicixizumab in patients with refractory solid tumors in Investigational New Drugs. The results showed that 19 of the 66 patients with various types of refractory solid tumors had tumor shrinkage following treatment with navicixizumab. Notably, 3 of the 12 (25%) heavily pretreated ovarian cancer patients treated in the trial achieved a partial response with single-agent navicixizumab therapy.

In addition, the company announced interim results from its Phase 1b clinical trial of navicixizumab in combination with weekly paclitaxel in ovarian cancer patients who had received a median of four prior therapies. In addition, all patients had previously received paclitaxel and 69% had received bevacizumab. The results, which were presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) meeting, showed that 22 of the 26 patients (85%) treated with the novel regimen experienced clinical benefit. Notably 11 of the 26 patients (42%) achieved a partial response, the GCIG CA-125 response rate was 61% and the median progression-free survival was 5.4 months (95% CI: 3.5-8.0 months). Historical response rates for patients with heavily pretreated platinum-resistant ovarian cancer treated with chemotherapy are typically 15% or less.
Etigilimab (Anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody; OMP-313M32)

Enrollment continues in the company’s Phase 1a/1b clinical trial of etigilimab. Specifically, the company is continuing to enroll patients with select tumor types in the single-agent expansion phase of the study and is also enrolling patients who have progressed on prior immunotherapy in the Phase 1b portion of the trial with these patients being treated with etigilimab plus anti-PD1 (nivolumab). Phase 1a data from the dose-escalation portion of the trial, designed to assess safety and tolerability of escalating doses of etigilimab monotherapy, will be reported at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) meeting in a poster presentation on Friday and Saturday, November 9 and 10, 2018 and in a rapid oral presentation on Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 12:35-1:35 pm Eastern Time.
GITRL-Fc (OMP-336B11)

Enrollment continues in the Phase 1a single-agent study of its wholly-owned GITRL-Fc in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. The company is pleased that enrollment in this trial has been robust to date. GITRL-Fc is a fusion protein with an Fc-linked fully human trimer ligand and is designed to activate the co-stimulatory receptor GITR (glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related protein) to enhance T-cell modulated immune responses. Data from the Phase 1a trial are expected to be presented in 2019.
Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $70.9 million as of September 30, 2018, compared to $103.1 million as of December 31, 2017.

Revenues were $19.5 million for the third quarter of 2018, an increase of $14.4 million, compared to $5.1 million for the same period in 2017. The increase in revenue was due to the Company’s adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers effective January 1, 2018.

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $10.0 million for the third quarter of 2018, a decrease of $2.2 million, compared to $12.2 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease in R&D expenses was due to decreases in clinical development costs and a decrease in personnel cost, including stock-based compensation.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $3.7 million for the third quarter of 2018, a decrease of $0.2 million, compared to $3.9 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease in G&A expenses was primarily due to a decrease in personnel cost, including stock-based compensation.

Net income was $6.1 million ($0.16 net income per share, basic and diluted) for the third quarter of 2018, compared to a net loss of $10.7 million ($0.28 net loss per share, basic and diluted) for the same period of 2017. The net income in the third quarter of 2018 was primarily due to higher collaboration revenue as a result of the new revenue recognition accounting standard adopted on January 1, 2018 and lower operating expenses.

2018 Financial Guidance

With resource reprioritization and additional cash management measures, OncoMed’s current cash runway has been extended by one quarter and is now estimated to fund operations through at least the fourth quarter of 2019, without taking into account future potential milestone or opt-in payments from its partners. OncoMed estimates 2018 operating cash burn to be less than $55 million, before considering potential milestone or opt-in payments.