Interim Phase 1/2 Data Show Encouraging Clinical Benefit for Lirilumab in Combination With Opdivo (nivolumab) in Patients With Advanced Platinum Refractory Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

On November 12, 2016 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) and Innate Pharma SA (Euronext Paris: FR0010331421 – IPH) reported an interim efficacy analysis from a Phase 1/2 study of the combination of lirilumab and Opdivo (nivolumab) in the cohort of advanced platinum refractory squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), including exploratory biomarker analyses of patient response by level of PD-L1 expression (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, NOV 12, 2016, View Source [SID1234516510]). Among 29 evaluable patients with SCCHN, the objective response rate (ORR), a secondary endpoint measured by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST), was 24% (n=7). Seventeen percent (n=5) of these evaluable patients had deep responses, with reductions in tumor burden greater than 80%. Early signals of enhanced clinical benefit were observed in PD-L1 positive tumors, with an ORR of 41% (7/17) in patients with ≥1% PD-L1 expression.

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Lirilumab is directed against the inhibitory killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) expressed predominantly on natural killer (NK) cells, which belong to the innate immune system, while Opdivo blocks the inhibitory function of the PD-1 receptor on T cells. These data mark the first report of potential efficacy with an anti-KIR antibody in combination with an anti-PD-1 therapy, and were presented at a late-breaking oral presentation (abstract 456) at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 31 Annual Meeting on November 12 at 11:15 a.m. EST in National Harbor, Maryland. Preliminary efficacy and exploratory biomarker analyses of patient response by biomarker subgroups were presented.

The safety profile associated with lirilumab in combination with Opdivo was generally consistent with that observed with Opdivo monotherapy. The overall rate of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) was reported as 72% (114/159) and the rate of Grade 3-4 TRAEs was 15% (24/159). Discontinuations due to TRAEs occurred in 8% of patients (12/159). These safety data were also reported at the 2016 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress.

"The interim efficacy results indicate that targeting both the KIR and PD-1 pathways with lirilumab and Opdivo, respectively, may provide enhanced clinical activity, particularly in PD-L1 positive tumors, with deep and durable responses in some patients," said Rom Leidner, Medical Oncologist, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Center, and lead author of the study. "We look forward to continuing the study of this novel combination in patients with advanced platinum refractory squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, which is the seventh-leading cause of cancer globally."

"The preliminary signals of anti-tumor activity we are seeing with the combination of lirilumab and Opdivo in head and neck cancer patients compare favorably to data previously presented on Opdivo monotherapy in a similar patient population. We are encouraged by the suggestion of enhanced benefit, particularly in inflamed tumors as defined by increasing PD-L1 expression," said Tim Reilly, head of Oncology Early Assets Development at Bristol-Myers Squibb. "We aim to apply what we have been learning about these complementary mechanisms and biomarker subgroups to maximize the potential clinical benefit of lirilumab and Opdivo across a range of tumor types and are excited about continuing to expand our study of Opdivo with complementary pathways."

"We are very encouraged by these interim efficacy data and are eagerly awaiting the next steps of the clinical development of the combination of lirilumab and Opdivo" said Pierre Dodion, Chief Medical Officer of Innate Pharma. "These clinical data constitute crucial progress that validates our pioneering work on the role of innate immunity and NK cells in cancer. They support our ambition to be at the forefront of developing novel combination immunotherapies."

About CA223-001: A Phase 1/2 Dose Escalation and Cohort Expansion Study of the Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Anti-KIR (Lirilumab) Administered in Combination With Anti-PD-1 (Nivolumab) in Advanced Refractory Solid Tumors

CA223-001 is a Phase 1/2 dose escalation and cohort expansion study of lirilumab in combination with nivolumab in 159 patients with advanced solid tumors. In this trial, patients received lirilumab (0.1, 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg) once every 4 weeks and nivolumab (3 mg/kg) once every 2 weeks.

During dose escalation, patients with advanced solid tumors who progressed after ≥ 1 prior therapy received lirilumab 0.1–3.0 mg/kg once every 4 weeks (Q4W) plus nivolumab 3.0 mg/kg Q2W. Cohort expansion was initiated at the maximum dose of lirilumab 3.0 mg/kg Q4W plus nivolumab 3.0 mg/kg Q2W in patients with advanced solid tumors. The data reported at SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) pertain to an expansion cohort in SCCHN. Key study endpoints include safety (primary), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DOR), and biomarker assessments.

The purpose of this Phase 1/2 open label study is to determine the safety of the combination of lirilumab and nivolumab and to explore the preliminary anti-tumor activity of the combination in patients with a range of advanced solid tumors.

About Lirilumab (IPH2102/BMS-986015):

Lirilumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that is designed to act as a checkpoint inhibitor by blocking the interaction between KIR2DL-1,-2,-3 inhibitory receptors and their ligands. Blocking these receptors facilitates activation of NK cells and potentially some subsets of T cells, ultimately leading to destruction of tumor cells.

Lirilumab is licensed to Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. As part of the agreement with Innate Pharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb holds exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize lirilumab and related compounds blocking KIR receptors, for all indications. Under the agreement, Innate Pharma conducts the development of lirilumab through Phase 2 in acute myeloid leukemia ("AML").

Innate Pharma is currently testing lirilumab in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial as maintenance treatment in elderly patients with AML in first complete remission ("EffiKIR" trial). In addition, lirilumab is also being evaluated by Bristol-Myers Squibb in clinical trials in combination with other agents in a variety of tumor types.

About Head & Neck Cancer

Cancers that are known as head and neck cancers usually begin in the squamous cells that line the moist mucosal surfaces inside the head and neck, such as inside the mouth, the nose and the throat. Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer globally, with an estimated 400,000 to 600,000 new cases per year and 223,000 to 300,000 deaths per year. The five-year survival rate is reported as less than 4% for metastatic Stage IV disease. Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) accounts for approximately 90% of all head and neck cancers with global incidence expected to increase by 17% between 2012 and 2022. Risk factors for SCCHN include tobacco and alcohol consumption. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is also a risk factor leading to rapid increase in oropharyngeal SCCHN in Europe and North America. Quality of life is often impacted for SCCHN patients, as physiological function (breathing, swallowing, eating, drinking), personal characteristics (appearance, speaking, voice), sensory function (taste, smell, hearing), and psychological/social function can be affected.

About Opdivo

Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body’s own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers.

Opdivo’s leading global development program is based on Bristol-Myers Squibb’s scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has enrolled more than 25,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression.

In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 57 countries, including the United States, the European Union and Japan. In October 2015, the company’s Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 47 countries, including the United States and the European Union.

U.S. FDA APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR OPDIVO

OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials

OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 wild-type unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and post-transplantation brentuximab vedotin. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: IMMUNE-MEDIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS

YERVOY can result in severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. These immune-mediated reactions may involve any organ system; however, the most common severe immune-mediated adverse reactions are enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis), neuropathy, and endocrinopathy. The majority of these immune-mediated reactions initially manifested during treatment; however, a minority occurred weeks to months after discontinuation of YERVOY.

Assess patients for signs and symptoms of enterocolitis, dermatitis, neuropathy, and endocrinopathy and evaluate clinical chemistries including liver function tests (LFTs), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function tests at baseline and before each dose.

Permanently discontinue YERVOY and initiate systemic high-dose corticosteroid therapy for severe immune-mediated reactions.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. Fatal cases have been reported. Monitor patients for signs with radiographic imaging and for symptoms of pneumonitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or more severe pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 and withhold until resolution for Grade 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, fatal cases of immune-mediated pneumonitis have occurred. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% (61/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 6% (25/407) of patients.

In Checkmate 205 and 039, pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 4.9% (13/263) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.4% (9/263) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 2 (n=8).

Immune-Mediated Colitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated colitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 (of more than 5 days duration), 3, or 4 colitis. Withhold OPDIVO monotherapy for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 or recurrent colitis upon re-initiation of OPDIVO. When administered with YERVOY, withhold OPDIVO and YERVOY for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent colitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.9% (58/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 26% (107/407) of patients including three fatal cases.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal (diarrhea of ≥7 stools above baseline, fever, ileus, peritoneal signs; Grade 3-5) immune-mediated enterocolitis occurred in 34 (7%) patients. Across all YERVOY-treated patients in that study (n=511), 5 (1%) developed intestinal perforation, 4 (0.8%) died as a result of complications, and 26 (5%) were hospitalized for severe enterocolitis.

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Monitor patients for abnormal liver tests prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater transaminase elevations. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 immune-mediated hepatitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.8% (35/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 13% (51/407) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal hepatotoxicity (AST or ALT elevations >5x the ULN or total bilirubin elevations >3x the ULN; Grade 3-5) occurred in 8 (2%) patients, with fatal hepatic failure in 0.2% and hospitalization in 0.4%.

Immune-Mediated Neuropathies

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, 1 case of fatal Guillain-Barré syndrome and 1 case of severe (Grade 3) peripheral motor neuropathy were reported.

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis, immune-mediated adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune thyroid disorders, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis, signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, thyroid function prior to and periodically during treatment, and hyperglycemia. Administer hormone replacement as clinically indicated and corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hypophysitis. Withhold for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hypophysitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Administer hormone-replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Initiate medical management for control of hyperthyroidism. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hyperglycemia.

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypophysitis occurred in 9% (36/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1% (20/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 5% (21/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 2.7% (54/1994) of patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 22% (89/407) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 8% (34/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, diabetes occurred in 0.9% (17/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, diabetes occurred in 1.5% (6/407) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe to life-threatening immune-mediated endocrinopathies (requiring hospitalization, urgent medical intervention, or interfering with activities of daily living; Grade 3-4) occurred in 9 (1.8%) patients. All 9 patients had hypopituitarism, and some had additional concomitant endocrinopathies such as adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, and hypothyroidism. 6 of the 9 patients were hospitalized for severe endocrinopathies.

Immune-Mediated Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grades 2-4 increased serum creatinine. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 increased serum creatinine. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 1.2% (23/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 2.2% (9/407) of patients.

Immune-Mediated Skin Adverse Reactions and Dermatitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated rash, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), some cases with fatal outcome. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 rash. Withhold for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 rash. For symptoms or signs of SJS or TEN, withhold OPDIVO and refer the patient for specialized care for assessment and treatment; if confirmed, permanently discontinue. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated rash occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated rash occurred in 22.6% (92/407) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal immune-mediated dermatitis (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or rash complicated by full thickness dermal ulceration, or necrotic, bullous, or hemorrhagic manifestations; Grade 3-5) occurred in 13 (2.5%) patients. 1 (0.2%) patient died as a result of toxic epidermal necrolysis. 1 additional patient required hospitalization for severe dermatitis.

Immune-Mediated Encephalitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated encephalitis. Evaluation of patients with neurologic symptoms may include, but not be limited to, consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture. Withhold OPDIVO in patients with new-onset moderate to severe neurologic signs or symptoms and evaluate to rule out other causes. If other etiologies are ruled out, administer corticosteroids and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for immune-mediated encephalitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, encephalitis occurred in 0.2% (3/1994) of patients. Fatal limbic encephalitis occurred in one patient after 7.2 months of exposure despite discontinuation of OPDIVO and administration of corticosteroids. Encephalitis occurred in one patient receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY (0.2%) after 1.7 months of exposure.

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Based on the severity of adverse reaction, permanently discontinue or withhold treatment, administer high-dose corticosteroids, and, if appropriate, initiate hormone-replacement therapy. Across clinical trials of OPDIVO the following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in <1.0% of patients receiving OPDIVO: uveitis, iritis, pancreatitis, facial and abducens nerve paresis, demyelination, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hypopituitarism, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, gastritis, duodenitis, sarcoidosis, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), myositis, myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, motor dysfunction, vasculitis, and myasthenic syndrome.

Infusion Reactions

OPDIVO can cause severe infusion reactions, which have been reported in <1.0% of patients in clinical trials. Discontinue OPDIVO in patients with Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with Grade 1 or 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, infusion-related reactions occurred in 6.4% (127/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2.5% (10/407) of patients.

Complications of Allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO

Complications, including fatal events, occurred in patients who received allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Outcomes were evaluated in 17 patients from Checkmate 205 and 039, who underwent allogeneic HSCT after discontinuing OPDIVO (15 with reduced-intensity conditioning, 2 with myeloablative conditioning). Thirty-five percent (6/17) of patients died from complications of allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Five deaths occurred in the setting of severe or refractory GVHD. Grade 3 or higher acute GVHD was reported in 29% (5/17) of patients. Hyperacute GVHD was reported in 20% (n=2) of patients. A steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, without an identified infectious cause, was reported in 35% (n=6) of patients. Two cases of encephalitis were reported: Grade 3 (n=1) lymphocytic encephalitis without an identified infectious cause, and Grade 3 (n=1) suspected viral encephalitis. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) occurred in one patient, who received reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT and died of GVHD and multi-organ failure. Other cases of hepatic VOD after reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT have also been reported in patients with lymphoma who received a PD-1 receptor blocking antibody before transplantation. Cases of fatal hyperacute GVHD have also been reported. These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT.

Follow patients closely for early evidence of transplant-related complications such as hyperacute GVHD, severe (Grade 3 to 4) acute GVHD, steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, hepatic VOD, and other immune-mediated adverse reactions, and intervene promptly.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on their mechanisms of action, OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with an OPDIVO- or YERVOY- containing regimen and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO.

Lactation

It is not known whether OPDIVO or YERVOY is present in human milk. Because many drugs, including antibodies, are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from an OPDIVO-containing regimen, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment. Advise women to discontinue nursing during treatment with YERVOY and for 3 months following the final dose.

Serious Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 037, serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=268). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse drug reactions reported in 2% to <5% of patients receiving OPDIVO were abdominal pain, hyponatremia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased lipase. In Checkmate 066, serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=206). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were gamma-glutamyltransferase increase (3.9%) and diarrhea (3.4%). In Checkmate 067, serious adverse reactions (73% and 37%), adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation (43% and 14%) or to dosing delays (55% and 28%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (72% and 44%) all occurred more frequently in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) relative to the OPDIVO arm (n=313). The most frequent (≥10%) serious adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm and the OPDIVO arm, respectively, were diarrhea (13% and 2.6%), colitis (10% and 1.6%), and pyrexia (10% and 0.6%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, pyrexia, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and respiratory failure. In Checkmate 025, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients were acute kidney injury, pleural effusion, pneumonia, diarrhea, and hypercalcemia. In Checkmate 205 and 039, among all patients (safety population [n=263]), adverse reactions leading to discontinuation (4.2%) or to dosing delays (23%) occurred. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥1% of patients were infusion-related reaction, pneumonia, pleural effusion, pyrexia, rash and pneumonitis. Ten patients died from causes other than disease progression, including 6 who died from complications of allogeneic HSCT. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 21% of patients in the safety population (n=263) and 27% of patients in the subset of patients evaluated for efficacy (efficacy population [n=95]). In Checkmate 141, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, dyspnea, respiratory failure, respiratory tract infections, and sepsis.

Common Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 037, the most common adverse reaction (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=268) was rash (21%). In Checkmate 066, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=206) vs dacarbazine (n=205) were fatigue (49% vs 39%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 25%), rash (28% vs 12%), and pruritus (23% vs 12%). In Checkmate 067, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) were fatigue (59%), rash (53%), diarrhea (52%), nausea (40%), pyrexia (37%), vomiting (28%), and dyspnea (20%). The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO (n=313) arm were fatigue (53%), rash (40%), diarrhea (31%), and nausea (28%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418) were fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, cough, dyspnea, and decreased appetite. In Checkmate 025, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406) vs everolimus (n=397) were asthenic conditions (56% vs 57%), cough (34% vs 38%), nausea (28% vs 29%), rash (28% vs 36%), dyspnea (27% vs 31%), diarrhea (25% vs 32%), constipation (23% vs 18%), decreased appetite (23% vs 30%), back pain (21% vs 16%), and arthralgia (20% vs 14%). In Checkmate 205 and 039, among all patients (safety population [n=263]) and the subset of patients in the efficacy population (n=95), respectively, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue (32% and 43%), upper respiratory tract infection (28% and 48%), pyrexia (24% and 35%), diarrhea (23% and 30%), and cough (22% and 35%). In the subset of patients in the efficacy population (n=95), the most common adverse reactions also included rash (31%), musculoskeletal pain (27%), pruritus (25%), nausea (23%), arthralgia (21%), and peripheral neuropathy (21%). In Checkmate 141, the most common adverse reactions (≥10%) in patients receiving OPDIVO were cough and dyspnea at a higher incidence than investigator’s choice.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, the most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients who received YERVOY at 3 mg/kg were fatigue (41%), diarrhea (32%), pruritus (31%), rash (29%), and colitis (8%).

Checkmate Trials and Patient Populations

Checkmate 067 – advanced melanoma alone or in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 037 and 066 – advanced melanoma; Checkmate 017 – squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); Checkmate 057 – non-squamous NSCLC; Checkmate 025 – renal cell carcinoma; Checkmate 205/039 – classical Hodgkin lymphoma; Checkmate 141 – squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY, including Boxed WARNING regarding immune-mediated adverse reactions for YERVOY.

Advaxis to Present Phase 1 Combination Data and New Preclinical Data Using AXAL at Upcoming Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 2016 Annual Meeting

On November 11, 2016 Advaxis, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADXS), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing cancer immunotherapies, reported new data highlighting the potential therapeutic benefit of Advaxis’ lead immunotherapy candidate, axalimogene filolisbac (AXAL), both as a monotherapy and in combination with antibody-based immunotherapies in multiple patient populations with HPV+ cancers (Press release, Advaxis, NOV 11, 2016, View Source [SID1234516490]). These data will be presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Annual Meeting & Associated Programs this week in National Harbor, MD.

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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A Phase 1/2 study of durvalumab alone or in combination with AXAL in recurrent/persistent or metastatic cervical or human papillomavirus (HPV)+ squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (HNSCC): Preliminary Phase 1 results (SITC 2016 abstract no. 215354)
This Phase 1 (Part A; 3+3) dose-escalation study was designed to assess the overall safety and select the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of AXAL in combination with durvalumab in patients with recurrent/metastatic cervical or HPV+ HNSCC cancer. Patients received AXAL (1×109 colony-forming units [CFU]) every four weeks and durvalumab (3 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg) every two weeks.

Preliminary results from Part A dose escalation showed that there were no dose limiting toxicities observed, and the safety profile was consistent with previous findings for both AXAL and durvalumab. The recommended phase 2 dose was established as 1×109 CFU for AXAL and 10 mg/kg for durvalumab. One patient with cervical cancer achieved a complete response, which remains ongoing after 12 months of follow-up, and one patient, also with cervical cancer, achieved a partial response with subsequent disease progression. In addition, two patients with HNSCC achieved stable disease. Treatment related adverse events (TRAE) were reported in 91 percent of patients; the majority were either grade 1 or grade 2 events such as chills, fever, nausea and hypotension. Grade 3 TRAEs occurred in three patients, and one patient experienced a grade 4 event.

"When treating or evaluating investigational therapies for these kinds of metastatic, recurrent tumors, it is rare for an immunotherapy to result in a complete response," said Brian Slomovitz, MD, principal investigator and Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. "These early data show encouraging anti-tumor activity of the combination of AXAL and durvalumab and the regimen was generally well tolerated, which supports continued study of this combination regimen."

Combination of Listeria-based human papillomavirus (HPV)-E7 cancer vaccine (AXAL) with CD137 agonistic antibody provides an effective immunotherapy for HPV+ tumors in a mouse model (SITC 2016 abstract no. 215321)
A preclinical study evaluated the ability of AXAL to control tumor growth, prolong survival and reprogram the tumor microenvironment in combination with agonistic antibodies of T cell co-stimulatory receptors or with antagonistic antibodies of immune checkpoint inhibitors in an HPV+ tumor model. Of the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) tested, anti-CD137 mAb and anti-CTLA-4 mAb were the most effective at synergizing with AXAL to eradicate established HPV+ tumors and to provide long-term survival (>8 weeks). Complete tumor regression was observed in 28 percent of the AXAL + anti-CD137 mAb treatment group and in 33 percent of the AXAL + anti-CTLA-4 mAb treatment group.

The study demonstrated a reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment in favor of antitumor immunity in both of the combination treatment groups. Importantly, there were increased percentages of tumor antigen-specific T cells and mature dendritic cells as well as decreased percentages of regulatory T cells and immunosuppressive macrophages compared to the single-agent treatments. Together, these data show that AXAL in combination with a CD137 agonistic antibody or with a CTLA-4 antagonistic antibody synergize to enhance antitumor immunity.

AIM2CERV: a randomized phase 3 study of adjuvant AXAL immunotherapy following chemoradiation in patients who have high-risk locally advanced cervical cancer (HRLACC) (SITC 2016 abstract no. 214095)
Advaxis’ Phase 3 AIM2CERV trial is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational, multicenter, randomized study (NCT02853604). AIM2CERV is designed to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of AXAL as an adjuvant treatment in patients with stage I-IVA high risk, locally-advanced cervical cancer who have received cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT). Following CCRT, patients will receive AXAL for up to one year. A disease-free survival analysis will be conducted following at least 184 events. The study will enroll approximately 450 patients at 150 sites. Several trial sites are currently open and actively screening patients. In July, Advaxis received a Special Protocol Assessment for the AIM2CERV trial, as well as Fast Track designation for AXAL as an adjuvant therapy for HRLACC patients. For more information on Advaxis clinical trials, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

The presentation slides and audio are now available at www.advaxis.com.

Calithera Biosciences Announces Four Abstracts Selected for Presentation at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 2016 Annual Meeting

On November 11, 2016 Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:CALA), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule drugs directed against tumor metabolism and tumor immunology targets for the treatment of cancer, reported that data for its drug candidates CB-839, the company’s novel glutaminase inhibitor, and CB-1158, the company’s novel arginase inhibitor, will be presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 2016 Annual Meeting, which is being held from November 9-13, 2016 in National Harbor, Maryland (Press release, Calithera Biosciences, NOV 11, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2221726 [SID1234516491]).

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"Both CB-839 and CB-1158 have the distinction of targeting metabolic and immune checkpoints which we believe, through rational combinations, have the potential to be transformational in the treatment of cancer. CB-839 and CB-1158 are each in clinical trials with cohorts planned in combination with approved immunotherapy agents," said Susan Molineaux, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Calithera. "We are pleased that CB-1158 shows significant pharmacodynamic effects in patients at the first dose level tested."

Preclinical CB-839 data will be presented in a poster titled, "Targeting tumor glutamine metabolism with CB-839 enhances the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors," by Andy MacKinnon, Ph.D., Calithera Biosciences (Poster #230). Included in the presentation are data that provide further insights into the mechanism by which inhibition of glutaminase by CB-839 enhances T-cell activation and increases the anti-tumor activity of anti-PD-L1 and anti-PD-1 antibodies. Glutamine deprivation during T-cell activation was shown to block Myc expression and Myc-driven metabolic re-programming, and to promote expression of T-cell suppressive markers such as BTLA, CTLA-4, PD-1, and CD73. In two syngeneic animal models, CT26 (colon cancer) and B16 (melanoma) the combination of CB-839 and anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-1 showed significantly enhanced anti-tumor activity over checkpoint inhibition alone resulting in increased tumor regressions in the CT26 model. Depletion of CD8+ T-cells from these tumor-bearing animals reversed the anti-tumor effects of the combination, confirming an immune-mediated mechanism of action.

CB-1158 data will be presented in a poster titled, "Arginase inhibitor CB-1158 alleviates immunosuppression and enhances anti-tumor responses as a single agent and in combination with other immunotherapies," by Amani Makkouk, Ph.D., Calithera Biosciences (Poster #231). Arginase is expressed in myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and exerts an immunosuppressive effect on T-cells and NK cells by depleting arginine and blocking activation. Tumor cell infiltrates in patients with solid tumor cancers contain significant numbers of arginase-expressing MDSCs; as a result, these patients have increased levels of plasma arginase and decreased levels of plasma arginine compared to healthy individuals. CB-1158, a highly selective, orally bioavailable, small molecule inhibitor of human arginase with nanomolar potency, has single agent immune-mediated efficacy in multiple syngeneic animal models. Inhibition of tumor growth was accompanied by an increase in the local concentration of arginine, and the induction of multiple pro-inflammatory changes in the tumor microenvironment. Treatment with CB-1158 also enhanced the anti-tumor activity of adoptive T-cell therapy, checkpoint blockade and chemotherapy in these animal models. CB-1158 is currently being tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with solid tumors. Three patients in the first cohort were treated with 50 mg of CB-1158 twice daily. This dose was well-tolerated and was pharmacologically active, resulting in sustained elevation of arginine in the plasma of all three patients. The trial is continuing to enroll patients to complete the dose escalation phase of the study, to be followed by combination studies with a PD-1 antibody.

In addition, two posters describing trial design will be presented during the "Clinical Trials in Progress" session:

CX-1158-101: A first-in-human phase I study of a small molecule inhibitor of arginase (CB-1158) as monotherapy and in combination with an anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor in patients with solid tumors

Presenter: Siqing Fu, M.D., Ph.D., University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Poster #155

CX-839-004: A phase I/II study of the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the glutaminase inhibitor CB-839 combined with nivolumab in patients with renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and non-small cell lung cancer

Presenter: Elaine Lam, M.D., University of Colorado, Denver, Poster #166

CytRx Presents Positive Interim Results from On-going Phase 1b/2 Aldoxorubicin Combination Clinical Trial at the 2016 CTOS Annual Meeting

On November 11, 2016 CytRx Corporation (NASDAQ: CYTR), a biopharmaceutical research and development company specializing in oncology, reported a poster with updated interim results from its on-going Phase 1b/2 trial of aldoxorubicin in combination with ifosfamide/mesna in patients with advanced sarcomas at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) being held in Lisbon, Portugal (Press release, CytRx, NOV 11, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2221789 [SID1234516494]).

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Forty-two patients have been enrolled to date and 36 were evaluable as of the data cutoff. Of the 36 evaluable patients receiving either 170mg/m2 (n=7) or 250mg/m2 (n=29) of aldoxorubicin plus ifosfamide and mesna, 14 of 36 (39%) achieved a partial response of the target lesion by RECIST 1.1 criteria, 21 of 36 (58%) had stable disease, and one patient had progressive disease. As previously reported in October at the 2016 ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress, median progression-free survival has not yet been reached. Dose-limiting toxicities were not observed in either cohort, and no clinically significant cardiac toxicities were seen. The most common Grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (71%), anemia (54%), thrombocytopenia (17%) and febrile neutropenia (14%). There were nine treatment-related serious adverse events, and no treatment-related deaths. The trial has been expanded to allow continued enrollment of additional sarcoma patients at the 250 mg/m2 dose of aldoxorubicin with ifosfamide and mesna.

"The CTOS annual meeting is the preeminent medical conference focused on sarcomas and provides an opportunity to update the international sarcoma community with the latest results for aldoxorubicin, said Sant Chawla, M.D., F.R.A.C.P., the trial’s principal investigator and Director of the Sarcoma Oncology Center in Santa Monica, California. "Our poster highlights that nearly 40% of the sarcoma patients receiving the combination of aldoxorubicin with ifosfamide and mesna achieved a partial response of the target lesion by RECIST criteria, and half of those had greater than 50% shrinkage of their tumors. This is important because it allowed some patients who initially could not have surgery to become eligible for surgery."

The Phase 1b/2 clinical study is a single-center trial that has enrolled 42 patients to date with locally advanced, unresectable, and/or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma, intermediate-grade or high-grade chondrosarcoma or osteosarcoma. In the dose escalation phase, patients received either 170mg/m2 or 250mg/m2 of aldoxorubicin in combination with up to a 14-day continuous infusion of ifosfamide (1g/m2/day) plus mesna over a 28-day cycle. Up to six cycles of ifosfamide/mesna with aldoxorubicin can be administered, and aldoxorubicin may be continued until tumor progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs. The expansion phase is enrolling patients at the 250mg/m2 dose of aldoxorubicin and will allow for patients that had received prior chemotherapy to be included. The primary endpoint of the study is safety, and secondary endpoints include overall response rates and progression-free survival.

About Aldoxorubicin

Aldoxorubicin is a rationally-engineered cytotoxic which combines doxorubicin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, with a novel linker molecule that binds directly and specifically to circulating albumin, the most abundant protein in the bloodstream. Protein-hungry tumors concentrate albumin, which facilitates the delivery of the linker molecule with the attached doxorubicin to tumor sites. In the acidic environment of the tumor, but not the neutral environment of healthy tissues, doxorubicin is released. Typically, doxorubicin is delivered systemically and is highly toxic, which limits its dose to a level below its maximum therapeutic benefit. Doxorubicin also is associated with many side effects, especially the potential for damage to heart muscle at cumulative doses greater than 450 mg/m2. Using this acid-sensitive linker technology, aldoxorubicin delivers greater doses of doxorubicin (3 ½ to 4 times). To date, there has been no evidence of clinically significant effects of aldoxorubicin on heart muscle, even at cumulative doses of doxorubicin in excess of 5,000 mg/m2. Aldoxorubicin is the first-ever single agent to show superiority over doxorubicin in a randomized global Phase 2b clinical trial in first-line STS.

Five Prime to Present Preclinical Data at 2016 SITC Annual Meeting Demonstrating Potent Anti-Tumor Activity with Novel Tetravalent Anti-GITR Antibody

On November 11, 2016 Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:FPRX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative immuno-oncology protein therapeutics, reported that a poster featuring preclinical data related to its tetravalent anti-GITR agonist antibody, FPA154, was presented today at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland (Press release, Five Prime Therapeutics, NOV 11, 2016, View Source [SID1234516495]). Poster #175 titled, "Novel tetravalent anti-GITR antibody is a potent anti-tumor agent in vivo," is available at View Source

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"With our lead anti-GITR candidate, FPA154, now in pre-IND enabling studies, we are pleased to highlight our first preclinical data supporting the development and differentiation of this novel, tetravalent antibody," said Luis Borges, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Research, at Five Prime. "In vitro data demonstrates that our tetravalent antibody has agonistic activity in the absence of Fc-mediated crosslinking. In vivo, the antibody has potent anti-tumor activity in various murine tumor models and it confers long-term anti-tumor immunity. It alters the ratio of Tregs to effector T cells, creating a favorable environment for an effective anti-tumor immune response. These findings suggest the potential for FPA154 to activate T cell immunity against various tumors and we are working to move this program rapidly toward clinical development."

FPA154 has been designed using single-domain antibodies in a tetravalent format, inducing effector T cell stimulation in vitro that is superior to a conventional bivalent antibody format and conferring agonistic activity even in the absence of Fc-mediated crosslinking. The poster features preclinical data provided by a mouse-reactive surrogate molecule that demonstrate potent inhibition of tumor growth in mouse tumor models:

Potent anti-tumor activity following a single dose: A single dose of tetravalent anti-GITR significantly inhibited tumor growth in multiple models including CT26 and MC38. Treatment was capable of inducing complete tumor rejection, and activity was observed at doses as low as 0.08 mg/kg in both models.

Fc-independent activity: Tetravalent anti-GITR antibody retained partial tumor growth inhibition activity even in the absence of Fc-mediated crosslinking or effector function, whereas a conventional bivalent antibody (DTA-1) required Fc function.
Pharmacodynamic responses: Tetravalent anti-GITR antibody treatment reduced the number of T cells in the peripheral blood 3 days post-treatment. In the tumor, Treg and conventional CD4 T cells decreased, but CD8 T cell numbers were maintained. This resulted in a ratio of CD4 and CD8 effector T cells to Treg that created a favorable environment for an effective anti-tumor immune response.

Induction of long-term immunity: Mice that eliminated CT26 tumors in response to tetravalent anti-GITR were resistant to tumor regrowth upon re-challenge with the same tumor, but not to an antigenically-unrelated tumor.