On September 27, 2015 NewLink Genetics Corporation (NASDAQ:NLNK), a biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of discovering, developing and commercializing novel immuno-oncology product candidates to improve the lives of patients with cancer, reported promising early-stage clinical data from a phase 1a study of GDC-0919, an IDO checkpoint inhibitor being developed in collaboration with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, was presented today at the European Cancer Congress 2015 (ECC) in Vienna, Austria (Press release, NewLink Genetics, SEP 27, 2015, View Source [SID:1234507576]).

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The data reported today are from a Phase 1a study of the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GDC-0919 in 19 patients with recurrent or advanced solid tumors. The primary objectives of this study are to evaluate the safety and tolerability of GDC-0919 in patients with advanced solid tumors as well as to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or maximum biologically effective dose and recommended Phase 2 dose. GDC-0919, a small molecule investigational immunotherapy designed to inhibit IDO1 for the treatment of immune tolerance associated with cancer, is intended as a combination therapy with other immunotherapies and oncology therapeutics.

The data showed an acceptable safety profile, disease stabilization and preliminary evidence of peripheral pharmacodynamic modulation.

GDC-0919 was well tolerated up to 800 mg BID (twice daily) on a 21/28 day cycle. Thirty seven percent of patients available for tumor assessments (7/17) achieved stable disease. The MTD was not reached.

Single and multiple dose exposure from 50 to 800 mg of GDC-0919 increased in approximately dose-proportional manner, and higher doses of GDC-0919 modulated plasma Kynurenine in a manner consistent with the half-life of GDC-0919.

The most common adverse events related to GDC-0919 were lower grade and included pruritus or itching (37%), fatigue, (26%) and decreased appetite (21%).

The study continues to evaluate safety, PK, activity and pharmacodynamics of GDC-0919 at a continuous dosing schedule (BID 28/28) to enable greater flexibility in future dosing regimens. GDC-0919 also is being evaluated in a Phase 1b study in combination with atezolizumab (PD-L1 inhibitor) in patients with recurrent or advanced solid tumors.

About NewLink Genetics’ IDO Collaboration with Genentech

NewLink Genetics entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Genentech in October 2014 for the development of GDC-0919, NewLink Genetics’ IDO checkpoint inhibitor, previously known as NLG919. The parties also entered into a research collaboration for the discovery of next generation IDO/TDO compounds.

Under the terms of the agreement, NewLink Genetics received an upfront payment of $150 million and will be eligible to receive in excess of $1 billion in milestone payments based on achievement of certain predetermined milestones as well as escalating double-digit royalties on potential commercial sales of multiple products by Genentech.

Genentech continues to fund future research, development, manufacturing and commercialization costs and also provides research funding to NewLink Genetics for support of the research collaboration. NewLink Genetics retains the option for co-promotion rights for GDC-0919 and potential next generation IDO/TDO compounds in the U.S.