Calithera Biosciences Announces CB-839 Preclinical Data Selected for Presentation at the 58th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting

On December 2, 2016 Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:CALA), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the discovering and developing novel small molecule drugs directed against tumor metabolism and tumor immunology targets for the treatment of cancer, reported that preclinical data for its lead drug candidate CB-839, the company’s novel, orally bioavailable glutaminase inhibitor, will be presented at the 58th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, which is being held from December 3-6, 2016 in San Diego, California (Press release, Calithera Biosciences, DEC 2, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2227168 [SID1234516878]). Data to be presented include the following two poster presentations:

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Glutaminase Inhibitor CB-839 Enhances Proteasome Inhibitor Sensitivity in Multiple Myeloma Cells
Presenter: Ravyn Thompson, Nathan Dolloff, Medical University of South Carolina
Oral and Poster Abstracts Session 652: Myeloma: Pathophysiology and Preclinical Studies, Hall GH, Abstract 3294
Sunday, December 4, 2016, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. PT
Gls Inhibitor CB-839 Modulates Cellular Metabolism in AML and Potently Suppresses AML Cell Growth When Combined with 5-Azacitidine
Presenter: Tianyu Cai, Marina Konopleva, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Oral and Poster Abstracts Session 616: Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Novel Therapy, Hall GH, Abstract 4064
Monday, December 5, 2016, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. PT

Regenacy Pharmaceuticals to be Launched by Acetylon Pharmaceuticals and Celgene Corporation Agrees to Complete Acquisition of Acetylon

On December 2, 2016 Acetylon Pharmaceuticals reported that it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Celgene Corporation (Press release, Acetylon, DEC 2, 2016, View Source [SID1234516903]). Prior to the consummation of the acquisition, Acetylon will spin out a new company, Regenacy Pharmaceuticals, LLC, which will focus on the development of novel drug candidates that selectively regenerate intracellular transport and upregulate gene expression to modify the course of disease. Regenacy will receive exclusive worldwide rights to Acetylon’s Phase 2 selective histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibitor, ricolinostat (ACY-1215), for the treatment of certain non-cancer disease indications including neuropathies, as well as Acetylon’s preclinical selective HDAC1,2 inhibitor candidates and patent families for development in all human disease indications including sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia.

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The acquisition will provide Celgene with, among other things, worldwide rights to Acetylon’s selective HDAC6 inhibitor programs and intellectual property in oncology, neurodegeneration, and autoimmune disease, including its lead drug candidates citarinostat (ACY-241) and ricolinostat (ACY-1215).

Financial terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. BMO Capital Markets Corp. served as exclusive financial advisor to Acetylon in the transaction.

Key members of the Acetylon executive team will join Regenacy, which will operate out of Acetylon’s former headquarters in Boston’s Seaport District. Regenacy will be owned by Acetylon shareholders (excluding Celgene) and will receive net working capital in Acetylon to fund Regenacy operations.

"Since its founding in 2008, Acetylon has made substantial progress in the development of selective HDAC inhibitors for enhanced therapeutic outcomes," said Walter C. Ogier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Regenacy. "We are excited to continue Acetylon’s legacy through the receipt of rights to many of Acetylon’s most promising compounds and the continued advancement of these clinical and preclinical programs in disease indications outside of Celgene’s areas of strategic focus, where we believe patients may especially benefit from selective HDAC inhibition."

"Acetylon has had a longstanding partnership with Celgene, and their acquisition of our HDAC6 inhibitor programs is a positive event for patients and a favorable outcome for our shareholders and employees," said Marc A. Cohen, Chairman of Acetylon. "Celgene is the optimal partner to realize the fullest potential of Acetylon’s selective HDAC6 inhibitor programs in multiple myeloma and other oncology indications. Their intimate knowledge of citarinostat and extensive experience in oncology make them uniquely qualified to continue development of these exciting programs."

About Selective HDAC Inhibition

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) comprise a family of 18 related enzymes found in most human cells, 11 of which utilize zinc atoms to catalyze the removal of acetyl groups from intracellular proteins. By this function, HDACs can induce structural changes in the DNA-histone complex to result in altered gene expression and protein synthesis. Inappropriate deacetylation can disrupt these processes and contribute to a wide range of diseases, whereas regeneration of acetylation selectively causes apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells and also induces favorable immunomodulatory effects. Currently available HDAC drugs non-selectively affect the expression of numerous other genes in normal cells as well as disease-causing cells, which can result in side effects such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, lowered blood platelet levels and risk of hemorrhage, and profound fatigue as well as potential for significant cardiac toxicity. Selective inhibition of HDACs is anticipated to reduce or eliminate these often-severe side effects associated with non-selective HDAC inhibition and to enable the development of optimized treatment regimens, including maximally effective combination drug therapies.

Promedior Announces Completion of Patient Enrollment Milestones in Phase 2 Clinical Studies of PRM-151 in Both Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Myelofibrosis

On December 2, 2016 Promedior, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis, reported that it completed enrollment in two Phase 2 clinical trials to evaluate PRM-151, its lead product candidate (Press release, Promedior, DEC 2, 2016, View Source [SID1234516904]). The idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) trial completed the enrollment of 117 patients while the myelofibrosis trial completed enrollment of 84 patients. Promedior plans to present the results of these Phase 2 clinical studies at appropriate medical meetings once they are completed and analyzed.

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"We believe attaining these enrollment milestones speaks to both the need for new disease-modifying therapies for IPF and myelofibrosis and the promise that others see in PRM-151, Promedior’s lead product candidate" said Rick Jack, Ph.D., Promedior’s President and COO. "We look forward to completing these trials with the goal to bring PRM-151 forward as a potential new treatment option for patients with IPF and myelofibrosis, and ultimately for other fibrotic diseases."

The IPF clinical trial is a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRM-151 administered once-a-month to subjects with IPF. The primary endpoint is forced vital capacity (FVC)% predicted change from baseline. For additional details about this clinical trial (NCT02550873), please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

The myelofibrosis clinical trial is a randomized, double blind Phase 2 study to determine the efficacy and safety of three different doses of PRM-151 in subjects with Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF), Post-Polycythemia Vera MF (post-PV MF), or Post-Essential Thrombocythemia MF (post-ET MF). Subjects were randomized to one of three dose cohorts: 0.3 mg/kg, 3.0 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg of PRM-151 administered once-a-month. The primary endpoint is bone marrow response rate, defined as the percent of subjects with a reduction in bone marrow fibrosis score by at least one grade according to WHO criteria at any time during the study. For additional details about this clinical trial (NCT01981850), please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
IPF is a serious, life-limiting lung disease characterized by fibrosis and scarring of lung tissue with a median survival of 3–5 years after diagnosis. Replacement of normal lung tissue by fibrosis results in restriction in the ability to fill the lungs with air and decreased transfer of oxygen from inhaled air into the bloodstream resulting in lower oxygen delivery to the brain and other organs. Patients with IPF most often suffer from progressive shortness of breath, particularly with exertion; chronic, sometimes debilitating, hacking cough; fatigue and weakness, and chest discomfort. Currently available approved drugs slow down but do not halt disease progression and the only curative therapy is lung transplant, an option merely available for a small group of patients. While estimates vary, it is believed that IPF could affect approximately 130,000 patients in the US and approximately 76,000 patients in Europe.

About Myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis (MF), a type of myeloproliferative neoplasm, is a serious, life-limiting cancer that is characterized by fibrosis of the bone marrow. Replacement of the bone marrow by scar tissue prevents the normal production of blood cells, leading to anemia, fatigue, and increased risk of bleeding and infection. Production of blood cells shifts to the spleen and liver (extramedullary hematopoiesis), which become enlarged, causing severe discomfort, inability to eat, and weakness. Symptomatic myelofibrosis affects approximately 18,000 people per year in the US, with a median age of 61-66.1 The only potentially curative treatment is allogeneic bone marrow transplant, which results in reversal of fibrosis and all symptoms, but is a realistic option for only a small number of patients. Other currently available therapies address the symptoms, but have minimal if any impact on the underlying fibrosis.

About PRM-151
PRM-151, Promedior’s lead product candidate, is a recombinant form of the endogenous human innate immunity protein, pentraxin-2 (PTX-2), which is specifically active at the site of tissue damage. PRM-151 is an agonist that acts as a macrophage polarization factor to prevent and potentially reverse fibrosis. PRM-151 has shown broad anti-fibrotic activity in multiple preclinical models of fibrotic disease, including pulmonary fibrosis, myelofibrosis2, acute and chronic nephropathy, liver fibrosis, and age-related macular degeneration.

Phase 1a and 1b clinical studies in healthy subjects and IPF patients have demonstrated that PRM-151 was well tolerated. Additionally, a Phase 1b study in patients with IPF showed encouraging results in exploratory efficacy end points3. In an earlier Phase 2 trial in myelofibrosis, PRM-151 treatment was well-tolerated and demonstrated decreases in bone marrow fibrosis and stable or improved hematologic parameters4.

Regenacy Pharmaceuticals to be Launched by Acetylon Pharmaceuticals and Celgene Corporation Agrees to Complete Acquisition of Acetylon

On December 2, 2016 Acetylon Pharmaceuticals reported that it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Celgene Corporation (Press release, Acetylon, DEC 2, 2016, View Source [SID1234556812]). Prior to the consummation of the acquisition, Acetylon will spin out a new company, Regenacy Pharmaceuticals, LLC, which will focus on the development of novel drug candidates that selectively regenerate intracellular transport and upregulate gene expression to modify the course of disease. Regenacy will receive exclusive worldwide rights to Acetylon’s Phase 2 selective histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibitor, ricolinostat (ACY-1215), for the treatment of certain non-cancer disease indications including neuropathies, as well as Acetylon’s preclinical selective HDAC1,2 inhibitor candidates and patent families for development in all human disease indications including sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia.

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The acquisition will provide Celgene with, among other things, worldwide rights to Acetylon’s selective HDAC6 inhibitor programs and intellectual property in oncology, neurodegeneration, and autoimmune disease, including its lead drug candidates citarinostat (ACY-241) and ricolinostat (ACY-1215).

Financial terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. BMO Capital Markets Corp. served as exclusive financial advisor to Acetylon in the transaction.

Key members of the Acetylon executive team will join Regenacy, which will operate out of Acetylon’s former headquarters in Boston’s Seaport District. Regenacy will be owned by Acetylon shareholders (excluding Celgene) and will receive net working capital in Acetylon to fund Regenacy operations.

"Since its founding in 2008, Acetylon has made substantial progress in the development of selective HDAC inhibitors for enhanced therapeutic outcomes," said Walter C. Ogier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Regenacy. "We are excited to continue Acetylon’s legacy through the receipt of rights to many of Acetylon’s most promising compounds and the continued advancement of these clinical and preclinical programs in disease indications outside of Celgene’s areas of strategic focus, where we believe patients may especially benefit from selective HDAC inhibition."

"Acetylon has had a longstanding partnership with Celgene, and their acquisition of our HDAC6 inhibitor programs is a positive event for patients and a favorable outcome for our shareholders and employees," said Marc A. Cohen, Chairman of Acetylon. "Celgene is the optimal partner to realize the fullest potential of Acetylon’s selective HDAC6 inhibitor programs in multiple myeloma and other oncology indications. Their intimate knowledge of citarinostat and extensive experience in oncology make them uniquely qualified to continue development of these exciting programs."

About Selective HDAC Inhibition

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) comprise a family of 18 related enzymes found in most human cells, 11 of which utilize zinc atoms to catalyze the removal of acetyl groups from intracellular proteins. By this function, HDACs can induce structural changes in the DNA-histone complex to result in altered gene expression and protein synthesis. Inappropriate deacetylation can disrupt these processes and contribute to a wide range of diseases, whereas regeneration of acetylation selectively causes apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells and also induces favorable immunomodulatory effects. Currently available HDAC drugs non-selectively affect the expression of numerous other genes in normal cells as well as disease-causing cells, which can result in side effects such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, lowered blood platelet levels and risk of hemorrhage, and profound fatigue as well as potential for significant cardiac toxicity. Selective inhibition of HDACs is anticipated to reduce or eliminate these often-severe side effects associated with non-selective HDAC inhibition and to enable the development of optimized treatment regimens, including maximally effective combination drug therapies.

Late-Breaking Oral Plenary Presentation of a Novel Entrectinib Combination Regimen at the 2016 EORTC-NCI-AACR Annual Meeting

On December 2, 2016 Ignyta, Inc. (Nasdaq: RXDX), a biotechnology company focused on precision medicine in oncology, reported data examining the combination of entrectinib and trametinib in overcoming resistance to TRK inhibition during a late-breaking oral plenary presentation (during the Exceptional Response and Expected Resistance Session) at the 2016 EORTC-NCI-AACR (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) (ENA) Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics Symposium in Munich, Germany (Press release, Ignyta, DEC 2, 2016, View Source [SID1234516880]). Entrectinib is the company’s orally available, CNS-penetrant tyrosine kinase inhibitor, targeting tumors that harbor TRK, ROS1 or ALK fusions, and is currently in a registration-enabling Phase 2 clinical trial known as STARTRK-2.

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"This presentation is a great example of the successful translation of preclinical observations into clinical practice for the benefit of patients," said Alexander Drilon, M.D., of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, who presented the data on behalf of the abstract authors at ENA. "The patient experience described in today’s presentation highlights the ability of entrectinib, in combination with a MEK inhibitor, to overcome potential treatment resistance that has been described for TRK inhibitors."

Data presented describe results from a single patient protocol designed to allow co-administration of entrectinib and trametinib, a commercially-approved MEK inhibitor. The patient, diagnosed with mammary analog secretory carcinoma (or MASC) with an NTRK3 fusion—~90-100% of MASC cases have TRK fusions—and previously treated with multiple surgeries, radiation, vinorelbine, carboplatin/paclitaxel, doxorubicin and crizotinib, experienced a rapid and confirmed partial response (89% reduction) with single-agent entrectinib treatment and remained on therapy for nine months. However, during the course of therapy, the patient’s tumor developed a solvent front point mutation, the predicted mechanism of resistance to first generation TRK inhibitors and analogous to a common mechanism of resistance for other TKIs against other fusion targets.

Based on both in vitro and in vivo data developed by Ignyta, indicating that entrectinib plus a MEK inhibitor could overcome such TRK inhibitor resistance, a single patient protocol was created, reviewed by the FDA and implemented to allow for dose escalation of entrectinib in combination with trametinib. While on the combination, all drug-related adverse events (AEs) were grade 1 or 2, and no new AEs specific to the combination were encountered. The patient achieved a 22% reduction in tumor volume and remained on the combination regimen for nearly seven months.

"This single-patient protocol is an excellent example of our vision at Ignyta, leveraging the molecular alterations responsible for cancer’s growth to design rational treatment strategies for patients in their fight against cancer," said Jonathan Lim, M.D., Chairman and CEO of Ignyta. "In addition to STARTRK-2, our global Phase 2 basket trial of entrectinib in multiple tumor histologies and STARTRK-NG, our Phase 1/1b trial of entrectinib in pediatric patients with solid tumors, we look forward to further exploration of entrectinib in combination with a MEK inhibitor in a Phase 1/1b clinical trial anticipated to initiate in the second half of 2017."