On September 3, 2024 Cogent Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: COGT), a biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases, reported several updates from the company’s ongoing registration-directed clinical trials of its potential best-in-class KIT mutant inhibitor, bezuclastinib (Press release, Cogent Biosciences, SEP 3, 2024, View Source [SID1234646288]).

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Patient enrollment is now complete in Cogent’s Phase 3 PEAK trial evaluating bezuclastinib in combination with sunitinib for the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Based on strong global patient interest, a total of 413 patients were enrolled in the study. In addition, Cogent recently completed a pre-planned interim futility analysis, and the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) recommended continuing the PEAK study without modification. This pre-specified analysis was based on an assessment of progression-free survival (PFS) as determined by independent central review and did not include the option for early stopping due to efficacy. 

Separately, based on significant patient interest in the ongoing SUMMIT trial in nonadvanced systemic mastocytosis (NonAdvSM), Cogent also announced today that it expects to complete enrollment in this study during Q1 2025, approximately three months earlier than originally projected.

"We are excited to announce these important updates to the PEAK and SUMMIT studies today," said Andrew Robbins, Cogent’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "Strong continued interest from patients around the world to participate in our bezuclastinib trials has allowed us to accelerate development and surpass our original enrollment timelines. Completing enrollment in our Phase 3 PEAK trial of bezuclastinib and sunitinib for second-line GIST patients several months ahead of schedule represents a significant milestone for the program and we are extremely grateful to the patients, families, caregivers, advocacy groups and clinical investigators for their participation in, and support of, the PEAK trial." 

PEAK is a randomized, open-label, global Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating bezuclastinib in combination with sunitinib vs. sunitinib alone in GIST patients previously treated with imatinib. The primary endpoint of the trial is median progression free survival (mPFS). PEAK is a registration study intended to support a New Drug Application (NDA) in GIST. 

SUMMIT is a randomized, blinded, global, registration-directed clinical trial evaluating bezuclastinib vs. placebo in NonAdvSM patients. The primary endpoint of the trial is mean improvement in patient symptoms measured at 24 weeks. SUMMIT is intended to be a registrational study designed to support a New Drug Application (NDA) in NonAdvSM. 

Appointment of Darara Dibabu as Vice President of Marketing
In addition to the updates to PEAK and SUMMIT trials, Cogent announced today that Mr. Dibabu has joined Cogent as the VP of Marketing. Mr. Dibabu has 25 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, most recently as the Global Brand Lead of TUKYSA at Pfizer and SeaGen, where he led the global launch and marketing strategy of the product for metastatic breast cancer patients. Previously, he served in various roles of increasing responsibility at Seagen, Bayer and Merck. Mr. Dibabu holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Southern California. In connection with Mr. Dibabu joining the company, he was granted an "inducement" equity award in accordance with Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) of the corporate governance rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market.  The award was approved by the Compensation Committee of Cogent’s Board of Directors, made up entirely of independent directors, as an inducement material to Mr. Dibabu’s employment. The award consists of nonqualified options to purchase 100,000 shares of Cogent common stock with a 10-year term, at an exercise price of $10.74 per share, and a 4-year vesting schedule with 25% vesting on the 1-year anniversary of Mr. Dibabu’s employment and the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over the subsequent 36 months, provided Mr. Dibabu’s remains employed through each such vesting date.