FDA Accepts Larotrectinib New Drug Application and Grants Priority Review

On May 29, 2018 Loxo Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq:LOXO), a biopharmaceutical company innovating the development of highly selective medicines for patients with genetically defined cancers, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the company’s New Drug Application (NDA) and granted Priority Review for larotrectinib for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors harboring an NTRK gene fusion (Press release, Loxo Oncology, MAY 29, 2018, View Source [SID1234526924]). The FDA has set a target action date of November 26, 2018, under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA).

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"We are excited the larotrectinib NDA has been accepted by FDA and granted Priority Review status," said Josh Bilenker, M.D., chief executive officer of Loxo Oncology. "Larotrectinib marks an important shift towards treating cancer based on the tumor’s genetics rather than its site of origin in the body."

The FDA grants Priority Review for the applications of medicines that, if approved, would provide significant improvements in the safety or effectiveness of the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of serious conditions when compared to standard applications. Larotrectinib has also been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Rare Pediatric Disease Designation and Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA.

Loxo Oncology and Bayer are engaged in a collaboration for the development and commercialization of larotrectinib. Bayer plans to submit a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) in the European Union in 2018.
About Larotrectinib (LOXO-101)
Larotrectinib is an oral and highly selective investigational tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of patients with cancers that harbor a neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusion. Growing research suggests that the NTRK genes, which encode for TRKs, can become abnormally fused to other genes, resulting in growth signals that can lead to cancer in many sites of the body. In clinical trials, larotrectinib demonstrated anti-tumor activity in patients with tumors harboring NTRK gene fusions, regardless of patient age or tumor type. In an analysis of 55 RECIST-evaluable adult and pediatric patients with NTRK gene fusions, larotrectinib demonstrated a 75 percent centrally-assessed confirmed overall response rate (ORR) and an 80 percent investigator-assessed confirmed ORR, across many different types of solid tumors. The majority of all adverse events were grade 1 or 2.

Larotrectinib has been granted Priority Review, Breakthrough Therapy Designation, Rare Pediatric Disease Designation and Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. FDA.

In November 2017, Loxo Oncology and Bayer entered into an exclusive global collaboration for the development and commercialization of larotrectinib and LOXO-195, a next-generation TRK inhibitor. Bayer and Loxo Oncology will jointly develop the two products with Loxo Oncology leading the ongoing clinical studies as well as the filing in the U.S., and Bayer leading ex-U.S. regulatory activities and worldwide commercial activities. In the U.S., Loxo Oncology and Bayer will co-promote the products.

For additional information about the larotrectinib clinical trials, please refer to www.clinicaltrials.gov. Interested patients and physicians can contact the Loxo Oncology Physician and Patient Clinical Trial Hotline at 1-855-NTRK-123 or visit www.loxooncologytrials.com/trk-trials.

About TRK Fusion Cancer
TRK fusion cancer occurs when a neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fuses with another unrelated gene, producing an altered tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) protein. The altered protein, or TRK fusion protein, is constantly active, triggering a permanent signal cascade. These proteins become the primary driver of the spread and growth of tumors in patients with TRK fusion cancer. TRK fusion cancer is not limited to certain types of cells or tissues and can occur in any part of the body. NTRK gene fusions occur in various adult and pediatric solid tumors with varying prevalence, including appendiceal cancer, breast cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, GIST, infantile fibrosarcoma, lung cancer, mammary analogue secretory carcinoma of the salivary gland, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, and various sarcomas. It may affect greater than 60 percent of both adult and pediatric patients with certain rare tumor types, such as secretory breast, secretory salivary gland and infantile fibrosarcoma. Only sensitive and specific tests can reliably detect TRK fusion cancer. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can provide a comprehensive view of genomic alterations across a large number of genes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can also be used to test for TRK fusion cancer, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) can be used to detect the presence of TRK protein

Oncoceutics Abstracts at ASCO Highlight Efficacy of ONC201 in High-Grade Gliomas

On May 29, 2018 Oncoceutics, Inc. reported that two abstracts will be presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) that will highlight clinical success of the company’s lead compound in treating high-grade gliomas (HGG), including those that harbor the H3 K27M mutation (Press release, Oncoceutics, MAY 29, 2018, View Source [SID1234558368]).

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The first abstract, entitled "Integrated clinical experience with ONC201 in H3 K27M glioma," describes preliminary clinical data indicating ONC201 induces durable radiographic regressions and clinical benefit in patients with HGG that harbor the H3 K27M mutation. This mutation is prevalent among certain types of brain tumors that develop in children and young adults and is known to confer one of the most dismal and uniformly lethal prognoses amongst HGG. There is no proven medical therapy for these patients. The integrated cohort of H3 K27M-mutant glioma patients who have received ONC201 that will be reported at the meeting include children and adults with different tumor locations. The durability of regressions and clinical benefit will be reported, which is an important measure of efficacy in this disease that is consistent with the immunostimulatory activity of ONC201 that was recently reported in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. ONC201 is currently being evaluated in pediatric and adult H3 K27M-mutant gliomas in three ongoing clinical trials at several institutions around the United States: NCT03416530, NCT03295396, NCT02525692.

The second abstract, entitled "Intratumoral activity of ONC201 in adult recurrent glioblastoma patients" describes the concentrations, targeted signaling pathways, and apoptosis associated with ONC201 directly within tumors that have been surgically removed from adult recurrent glioblastoma patients who have received two doses ONC201. These results serve as an important complement to macroscopic clinical imaging by enabling microscopic studies that demonstrate the drug is inducing the intended therapeutic impact that causes tumor cells to undergo cell death.

In addition to the two abstracts focused on HGG, there is another abstract that reports the safety and pharmacodynamics of ONC201 in advanced solid tumor patients. Additional results support the conclusion that weekly, oral ONC201 is well-tolerated and results in prolonged stable disease, intratumoral apoptotic signaling and immunomodulatory activity.

The abstracts are listed below.

2059. Integrated clinical experience with ONC201 in H3 K27M glioma. Presented Saturday, June 2, 2018.

E14034. Intratumoral activity of ONC201 in adult recurrent glioblastoma patients.

2595. Safety and pharmacodynamics of the DRD2 antagonist ONC201 in advanced solid tumor patients with weekly oral administration. Presented Monday, June 4, 2018,

Ipsen Announces Clinical Data to Be Presented at ASCO Demonstrating Its Commitment to Patients with Cancer

On May 29, 2018 Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY) reported that cabozantinib (Cabometyx) and irinotecan liposome injection (Onivyde) are the subject of 8 presentations at the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting. The meeting takes place in Chicago, Illinois, June 1-5, 2018 (Press release, Ipsen, MAY 29, 2018, View Source [SID1234526925]).

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Alexandre Lebeaut, Executive Vice President, R&D and Chief Scientific Officer, Ipsen stated: "Ipsen’s oncology products, notably Onivyde, Decapeptyl and Cabometyx, have been evaluated by many scientific teams around the world: either directly by investigators, our partners or by Ipsen. Results from some of these investigations will be the subject of oral abstract sessions. We are committed in our efforts against cancer, and through our interactions at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2018 we will continue to advance innovation for patient care in Oncology ."

Cabozantinib (Cabometyx) will be presented in 7 abstracts:

Cabozantinib (Cabometyx) will be featured in one oral poster discussion:

[Abstract 4019] Poster 208 Discussion: Sunday, 3 June, 16:45–18:00, Hall D2
Cabozantinib (C) versus placebo (P) in patients (pts) with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have received prior sorafenib: results from the randomized phase 3 CELESTIAL trial
Presenting author: Ghassan Abou-Alfa [Sponsor: Exelixis]
Cabozantinib (Cabometyx) will be featured in other presentations:

[Abstract 4556] Poster 382 – Category: Genitourinary (Nonprostate) Cancer; Saturday, 2 June, 8:00–11:30, Hall A
Title: Quality-adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity (Q-TWiST): Analysis of cabozantinib (Cabo) vs sunitinib (Sun) in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) of intermediate or poor risk (Alliance A031203)
Presenting author: Ronald Chen [Sponsor: Ipsen]
[Abstract 4598] Poster 418a – Category: Genitourinary (Nonprostate) Cancer; Saturday, 2 June, 8:00–11:30, Hall A
A phase 3, randomized, open-label study of nivolumab combined with cabozantinib vs sunitinib in patients with previously untreated advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC; CheckMate 9ER)
Presenting author: Toni Choueiri [Sponsor: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Exelixis & Ipsen]
[Abstract 4601] Poster 419b – Category: Genitourinary (Nonprostate) Cancer; Saturday, 2 June, 8:00–11:30, Hall A
CANTATA: A randomized phase 2 study of CB-839 in combination with cabozantinib vs. placebo with cabozantinib in patients with advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Presenting author: Nizar Tannir [Sponsor: Calithera Biosciences, Inc]
[Abstract 4088] Poster 277 – Category: Gastrointestinal (Noncolorectal) Cancer; Sunday, 3 June, 8:00–11:30, Hall A
Outcomes based on receipt of sorafenib (S) as the only prior systemic therapy in the phase 3 CELESTIAL trial of cabozantinib (C) versus placebo (P) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Presenting author: Robin Kelley [Sponsor: Exelixis]
[Abstract 4090] Poster 279 – Category: Gastrointestinal (Noncolorectal) Cancer; Sunday, 3 June, 8:00–11:30, Hall A
Outcomes based on age in the phase 3 CELESTIAL trial of cabozantinib (C) versus placebo (P) in patients (pts) with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Presenting author: Lorenza Rimassa [Sponsor: Exelixis]
[Abstract TPS 4157] Poster 333a – Category: Gastrointestinal (Noncolorectal) Cancer; Sunday, 3 June, 8:00–11:30, Hall A
A phase II trial of cabozantinib and erlotinib for patients with EGFR and c-MET co-expressing metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Presenting author: Olumide Gbolahan [Sponsor: Exelixis]
nal-IRI / liposomal irinotecan (ONIVYDE) will be featured in 1 poster:

[Abstract 4111] Poster 300 – Category: Gastrointestinal (Noncolorectal) Cancer; Sunday, 3 June, 8:00–11:30, Hall A
A phase 1/2, open-label dose-escalation study of liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) plus 5- fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV) and oxaliplatin (OX) in patients with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPAC).
Presenting author: Andrew Dean [Sponsor: Ipsen]
ABOUT ONIVYDE (irinotecan liposome injection)

ONIVYDE is an encapsulated formulation of irinotecan available as a 43 mg/10 mL single dose vial. This long-circulating liposomal form is designed to increase length of tumor exposure to both irinotecan and its active metabolite, SN- 38.

On April 3, 2017, Ipsen completed the acquisition from Merrimack Pharmaceuticals of ONIVYDE and gained exclusive commercialization rights for the current and potential future indications for ONIVYDE in the U.S., as well as the current licensing agreements with Shire for commercialization rights ex-U.S. and PharmaEngine for Taiwan.

ONIVYDE is approved by the U.S. FDA in combination with fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV) for the treatment of patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas after disease progression following gemcitabine-based therapy. Limitation of Use: ONIVYDE is not indicated as a single agent for the treatment of patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION – UNITED STATES

BOXED WARNINGS: SEVERE NEUTROPENIA and SEVERE DIARRHEA

Fatal neutropenic sepsis occurred in 0.8% of patients receiving ONIVYDE. Severe or life- threatening neutropenic fever or sepsis occurred in 3% and severe or life-threatening neutropenia occurred in 20% of patients receiving ONIVYDE in combination with 5-FU and LV. Withhold ONIVYDE for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm3 or neutropenic fever. Monitor blood cell counts periodically during treatment
Severe diarrhea occurred in 13% of patients receiving ONIVYDE in combination with 5-FU/LV. Do not administer ONIVYDE to patients with bowel obstruction. Withhold ONIVYDE for diarrhea of Grade 2–4 severity. Administer loperamide for late diarrhea of any severity. Administer atropine, if not contraindicated, for early diarrhea of any severity
CONTRAINDICATION

ONIVYDE is contraindicated in patients who have experienced a severe hypersensitivity reaction to ONIVYDE or irinotecan HCl
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Severe Neutropenia: See Boxed WARNING. In patients receiving ONIVYDE/5-FU/LV, the incidence of Grade 3/4 neutropenia was higher among Asian (18/33 [55%]) vs White patients (13/73 [18%]). Neutropenic fever/neutropenic sepsis was reported in 6% of Asian vs 1% of White patients
Severe Diarrhea: See Boxed WARNING. Severe and life-threatening late-onset (onset >24 hours after chemotherapy [9%]) and early-onset diarrhea (onset ≤24 hours after chemotherapy [3%], sometimes with other symptoms of cholinergic reaction) were observed
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): Irinotecan HCl can cause severe and fatal ILD. Withhold ONIVYDE in patients with new or progressive dyspnea, cough, and fever, pending diagnostic evaluation. Discontinue ONIVYDE in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ILD
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions: Irinotecan HCl can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions. Permanently discontinue ONIVYDE in patients who experience a severe hypersensitivity reaction
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: ONIVYDE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and for 1 month after ONIVYDE treatment
ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were diarrhea (59%), fatigue/asthenia (56%), vomiting (52%), nausea (51%), decreased appetite (44%), stomatitis (32%), and pyrexia (23%)
The most common Grade 3/4 adverse reactions (≥10%) were diarrhea (13%), fatigue/asthenia (21%), and vomiting (11%)
Adverse reactions led to permanent discontinuation of ONIVYDE in 11% of patients receiving ONIVYDE/5-FU/LV; The most frequent adverse reactions resulting in discontinuation of ONIVYDE were diarrhea, vomiting, and sepsis
Dose reductions of ONIVYDE for adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients receiving ONIVYDE/5-FU/LV; the most frequent adverse reactions requiring dose reductions were neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, and anemia
ONIVYDE was withheld or delayed for adverse reactions in 62% of patients receiving ONIVYDE/5-FU/LV; the most frequent adverse reactions requiring interruption or delays were neutropenia, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, and thrombocytopenia
The most common laboratory abnormalities (≥20%) were anemia (97%), lymphopenia (81%), neutropenia (52%), increased ALT (51%), hypoalbuminemia (43%), thrombocytopenia (41%), hypomagnesemia (35%), hypokalemia (32%), hypocalcemia (32%), hypophosphatemia (29%), and hyponatremia (27%)
DRUG INTERACTIONS

Avoid the use of strong CYP3A4 inducers, if possible, and substitute non-enzyme inducing therapies ≥2 weeks prior to initiation of ONIVYDE
Avoid the use of strong CYP3A4 or UGT1A1 inhibitors, if possible, and discontinue strong CYP3A4 inhibitors ≥1 week prior to starting therapy
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy and Reproductive Potential: See WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during and for 4 months after ONIVYDE treatment
Lactation: Advise nursing women not to breastfeed during and for 1 month after ONIVYDE treatment
Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information for ONIVYDE.

ABOUT CABOMETYX (UK)

CABOMETYX 20mg, 40mg and 60mg film-coated unscored tablets

Active ingredient: Cabozantinib (S)-malate 20mg, 40mg and 60mg

Other components: Lactose

Indications: CABOMETYX is indicated for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in treatment-naïve adults with intermediate or poor risk or in adults following prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy

Dosage and Administration: The recommended dose of CABOMETYX is 60 mg once daily. Treatment should continue until the patient is no longer clinically benefiting from therapy or until unacceptable toxicity occurs. Management of suspected adverse drug reactions may require temporary interruption and/or dose reduction of CABOMETYX therapy. For dose modification, please refer to full SmPC. CABOMETYX is for oral use. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed. Patients should be instructed to not eat anything for at least 2 hours before through 1 hour after taking CABOMETYX.

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in the SmPC.

Special warnings and precautions for use:

Monitor closely for toxicity during first 8 weeks of therapy. Events that generally have early onset include hypocalcaemia, hypokalaemia, thrombocytopenia, hypertension, palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (PPES), proteinuria, and gastrointestinal (GI) events.

Perforations and fistulas: serious gastrointestinal perforations and fistulas, sometimes fatal, have been observed with cabozantinib. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, GI tumour infiltration or complications from prior GI surgery should be evaluated prior to therapy and monitored; if perforation and unmanageable fistula occur, discontinue cabozantinib.

Thromboembolic events: use with caution in patients with a history of or risk factors for thromboembolism; discontinue if acute myocardial infarction (MI) or other significant arterial thromboembolic complication occurs.

Haemorrhage: not recommended for patients that have or are at risk of severe haemorrhage.

Wound complications: treatment should be stopped at least 28 days prior to scheduled surgery (including dental).

Hypertension: monitor blood pressure (BP); reduce with persistent hypertension and discontinue should uncontrolled hypertension or hypertensive crisis occur.

Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia (PPES): interrupt treatment if severe PPES occurs.

Proteinuria: discontinue in patients with nephrotic syndrome.

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS): discontinue in patients with RPLS.

QT interval prolongation: use with caution in patients with a history of QT prolongation, those on antiarrythmics or with pre-existing cardiac disease.

Excipients: do not use in patients with hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Interactions: Cabozantinib is a CYP3A4 substrate. Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in cabozantinib plasma exposure (e.g. ritonavir, itraconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, grapefruit juice). Co-administration with CYP3A4 inducers may result in decreased cabozantinib plasma exposure (e.g. rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, St John’s Wort). Cabozantinib may increase the plasma concentration of P-glycoprotein substrates (e.g. fexofenadine, aliskiren, ambrisentan, dabigatran etexilate, digoxin, colchicine, maraviroc, posaconazole, ranolazine, saxagliptin, sitagliptin, talinolol, tolvaptan). MRP2 inhibitors may increase cabozantinib plasma concentrations (e.g. cyclosporine, efavirenz, emtricitabine). Bile salt sequestering agents may impact absorption or reabsorption resulting in potentially decreased cabozantinib exposure. No dose adjustment when co-administered with gastric pH modifying agents. A plasma protein displacement interaction may be possible with warfarin. INR values should be monitored in such a combination. Women of childbearing potential/contraception in males and females: Ensure effective measures of contraception (oral contraceptive plus a barrier method) in male and female patients and their partners during therapy and for at least 4 months after treatment.

Pregnancy and lactation: CABOMETYX should not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the woman requires treatment. Lactation – discontinue breast-feeding during and for at least 4 months after completing treatment. Drive and use machines: Caution is recommended

Adverse reactions:The most common serious adverse reactions are hypertension, diarrhoea, PPES, pulmonary embolism, fatigue and hypomagnesaemia. Very common (≥1/10): anaemia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, hypothyroidism, dehydration, decreased appetite, hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia, hypophosphataemia, hypoalbuminaemia, hypomagnesaemia, hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, hyperkalaemia, hypocalcaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, dysgeusia, headache, dizziness, hypertension, dysphonia, dyspnoea, cough, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, oral pain, dry mouth, PPES, dermatitis acneiform, rash, rash maculopapular, dry skin, alopecia, hair colour change, pain in extremity, muscle spasms, arthralgia, proteinuria, fatigue, mucosal inflammation, asthenia, weight decreased, serum ALT, AST, and ALP increased, blood bilirubin increased, creatinine increased, triglycerides increased, white blood cell decreased, GGT increased, amylase increased, blood cholesterol increased, lipase increased. Common (≥1/100 to <1/10): abscess, tinnitus, pulmonary embolism, pancreatitis, abdominal pain upper, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, haemorrhoids, pruritus, peripheral oedema, wound complications. Uncommon (≥1/1000 to <1/100): convulsion, anal fistula, hepatitis cholestatic, osteonecrosis of the jaw. Selected adverse events: GI perforation, fistulas, haemorrhage, RPLS. Prescribers should consult the SPC in relation to other adverse reactions.

For more information, see the regularly updated registered product information on the European Medicine Agency www.ema.europa.eu

ONIVYDE is a registered trademark of Ipsen Biopharm Limited.

CABOMETYX (cabozantinib), XERMELO (telotristat ethyl) and DECAPEPTYL (triptorelin) are not marketed by Ipsen in the United States. The approved indications may vary by country.

CABOMETYX is marketed by Exelixis, Inc. in the United States. Ipsen has exclusive rights for the commercialization and further clinical development of CABOMETYX outside of the United States and Japan.

Halozyme Therapeutics To Participate In Upcoming Healthcare Conferences

On May 29, 2018 Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO), a biotechnology company developing novel oncology and drug-delivery therapies reported it will participate in two upcoming investor conferences (Press release, Halozyme, MAY 29, 2018, View Source [SID1234527084]).

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Dr. Helen Torley, president and chief executive officer will represent Halozyme in a question and answer session at the Goldman Sachs 39th Annual Global Healthcare Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes on Tuesday, June 12 at 6:20 p.m. ET / 3:20 p.m. PT.

On Wednesday, June 20, Laurie Stelzer, senior vice president and chief financial officer will represent Halozyme in a question and answer session at the 2018 JMP Securities Life Sciences Conference in New York at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT.

Webcasts of both sessions can be accessed through the "Investors" section of www.halozyme.com, and a recording will be made available for 90 days following each event. To access a live webcast, please visit Halozyme’s website approximately 15 minutes prior to the presentation to register and download any necessary audio software.

Positive recommendation of IDMC to Zepsyre® to continue the Phase III trial with in small-cell lung cancer (ATLANTIS)

On May 29, 2018 PharmaMar (MSE:PHM) has reported that the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) has notified the Company of its recommendation that the Phase III (ATLANTIS) trial currently under way with Zepsyre (lurbinectedin, PM1183) in combination with doxorubicin in small-cell lung cancer patients should continue without any changes (Press release, PharmaMar, MAY 29, 2018, View Source [SID1234527441]).

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The IDMC’s recommendation came after an analysis of the safety data obtained with more than 500 patients treated in the trial. This pivotal randomized Phase III trial assesses the efficacy of PM1183 in combination compared with the standard treatment for this indication: investigator’s choice of either Topotecan or CAV (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine).

About Zepsyre
Zepsyre (lurbinectedin, PM1183) is a compound under clinical investigation. It is an inhibitor of RNA polymerase II. This enzyme is essential for the transcription process that is over-activated in tumors with transcription addiction.

About small-cell lung cancer
SCLC is a very aggressive cancer that usually presents with distant metastases and has already spread at the time of diagnosis, thus limiting the role of traditional approaches and posing a worse prognosis compared to other lung cancer types. The 5-year survival rate is about 5%i

About 18% of all the lung
cancer cases diagnosed are SCLC, and only in the US more than 34,000 new cases are recorded every year. This tumor is strongly associated with tobacco smoking, posing an important public health problemii.

After failure to treatment with a platinum-based therapy in first line, the therapeutic alternatives are very limited, and the approval of the last drug for this disease took place 20 years ago.