Cellectar Biosciences Granted Orphan Drug Designation for CLR 131 to Treat Neuroblastoma

On March 19, 2018 Cellectar Biosciences (Nasdaq: CLRB), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of drugs for the treatment of cancer, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Orphan Products Development has granted Orphan Drug Designation to CLR 131, the company’s lead Phospholipid Drug Conjugate (PDC) product candidate, for the treatment of neuroblastoma, a rare pediatric cancer (Press release, Cellectar Biosciences, MAR 19, 2018, View Source [SID1234524884]).

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"Neuroblastoma is the third most common childhood cancer for which there are currently no approved treatments for children with relapsed or refractory disease," stated John Friend, M.D., chief medical officer of Cellectar. "The FDA’s granting of orphan drug designation for CLR 131 highlights the significant need for new treatments for children with neuroblastoma, and we believe that the targeted delivery of CLR 131 represents a promising novel approach to its treatment."

Orphan drug designation provides seven year market exclusivity benefit, increased engagement and assistance from the FDA, tax credits for certain research, research grants and a waiver of the New Drug Application user fee. Neuroblastoma is recognized by the FDA as an orphan disease, usually defined as a condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people nationwide.

The FDA previously accepted the Company’s Investigational New Drug application for a Phase 1 open-label, dose-escalating study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a single intravenous administration of CLR 131 in up to 30 children and adolescents with cancers including neuroblastoma, sarcomas, lymphomas (including Hodgkin’s lymphoma) and malignant brain tumors. Cellectar expects to initiate this study during the second quarter of 2018.

H3 Biomedicine to Present at the BioCentury Annual Future Leaders in the Biotech Industry Conference

On March 19, 2018 H3 Biomedicine Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery and development of next generation cancer medicines using its data science and precision chemistry product engine, reported that management will present an overview of the company at the BioCentury 25th Annual Future Leaders in the Biotech Industry Conference on Friday, March 23, 2018, at 10:15 a.m. EST at the Millennium Broadway Hotel & Conference Center in New York (Press release, H3 Biomedicine, MAR 19, 2018, View Source [SID1234524968]).

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RedHill Biopharma Announces Poster Presentation on New Potential Therapeutic Applications of RHB-107 at the AACR 2018 Annual Meeting

On March 19, 2018 RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (NASDAQ:RDHL) (Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange:RDHL) ("RedHill" or the "Company"), a specialty biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on late clinical-stage development and commercialization of proprietary drugs for gastrointestinal diseases and cancer, reported the presentation of a poster at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2018 Annual Meeting (Press release, RedHill Biopharma, MAR 19, 2018, View Source [SID1234524878]). The abstract (number 4200) will be presented by Mark L. Levitt, MD, Ph.D., Medical Director, Oncology at RedHill, on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM CDT, at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.

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The abstract1 presentation, entitled ‘New potential therapeutic applications of WX-UK1, as a specific and potent inhibitor of human trypsin-like proteases’, describes data from non-clinical studies concluding that WX-UK1, the active metabolite of RHB-107 (formerly MESUPRON) (INN: upamostat), is a potent and specific inhibitor of five human serine proteases (trypsin-3, trypsin-2, trypsin-1, matriptase-1 and trypsin-6). Several of these serine proteases are associated with cancer progression and metastasis. The non-clinical studies suggest new potential therapeutic applications of WX-UK1 in oncology and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. The abstract was authored by scientists from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics of Aarhus University in collaboration with RedHill2.

RHB-107 is a proprietary, first-in-class, orally-administered potent serine protease inhibitor, presenting a new non-cytotoxic approach to cancer therapy, as well as other indications of high unmet need, such as inflammatory digestive diseases and inflammatory lung diseases. RHB-107 has undergone several Phase I studies and two Phase II proof-of-concept studies in cancer patients.

With the recent identification of several serine proteases as high-affinity molecular targets, RedHill is evaluating utilization of RHB-107 in both cancer and inflammatory digestive diseases.

About RHB-107 (upamostat):
RHB-107 (formerly MESUPRON) (INN: upamostat) is a proprietary, first-in-class, orally-administered potent inhibitor of several serine proteases targeting cancer and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. Protease inhibitors have been shown to play key roles in tumor invasion and the metastasis process. High levels of certain proteases are associated with poor prognosis in various solid tumor cancers, such as pancreatic, gastric, breast and prostate cancers. RHB-107 was previously granted FDA Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. RHB-107 presents a new non-cytotoxic approach to cancer therapy with several potential mechanisms of action to inhibit tumor invasion and metastasis. RHB-107 has undergone several Phase I studies and two Phase II proof-of-concept studies. The first Phase II study was in locally-advanced, non-metastatic pancreatic cancer and the second study in metastatic breast cancer in combination with first-line chemotherapeutic agents. RedHill was granted a new patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) directed to a combination of RHB-107, YELIVA, RedHill’s two Phase II-stage investigational compounds, and a known antibiotic. RedHill acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to RHB-107, excluding China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao, from Germany’s Heidelberg Pharmaceuticals (formerly WILEX AG) for all indications.

Agios Announces First Patient Dosed with MAT2A Inhibitor AG-270 in Phase 1 Study in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors or Lymphoma with an MTAP Deletion

On March 19, 2018 Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AGIO), a leader in the field of cellular metabolism to treat cancer and rare genetic diseases, reported dosing of the first patient in a Phase 1 study of AG-270, a first-in-class methionine adenosyltransferase 2a (MAT2A) inhibitor (Press release, Agios Pharmaceuticals, MAR 19, 2018, View Source [SID1234524881]). This open-label, dose-escalation and expansion study investigates AG-270 in patients with solid tumors or lymphoma with deletion of the metabolic gene methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP).

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"In addition to significant milestones for our late-stage portfolio this year, we are pleased to demonstrate the continued productivity of our research engine by advancing our sixth internally discovered molecule into the clinic," said Scott Biller, M.D., chief scientific officer of Agios. "As a first-in-class MAT2A inhibitor, AG-270 has the potential to benefit the large number of patients whose cancer is characterized by the loss of MTAP. We look forward to conducting the early clinical work that will explore the pharmacology and clinical activity of MAT2A inhibition in tumors carrying this deletion."

"We are excited to participate in the development of this novel and targeted approach to cancer treatment," said Howard (Skip) Burris, M.D., chief medical officer and president of clinical operations at Sarah Cannon. "Bringing AG-270 into the clinic represents an opportunity for Sarah Cannon and Agios to continue a partnership that began with the IDH inhibitors and remains focused on transforming cancer care and personalizing treatment."

AG-270 Phase 1 Study Design

The purpose of this Phase 1 multi-center, open-label study is to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical activity of AG-270 in approximately 50 patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma with MTAP deletion. AG-270 will be administered as a single agent dosed orally once daily in 28-day cycles. The first part of the study is a dose-escalation phase in which cohorts of patients will receive ascending doses of AG-270 to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or optimal dose. The second part of the study is a dose expansion phase where additional patients will receive AG-270 at the MTD or optimal dose to further evaluate its safety, tolerability and clinical activity as a potential dose for future studies. Patients must have evidence of loss of the MTAP protein from their tumor tissue, or evidence of loss of the CDKN2A tumor suppressor gene (commonly co-deleted with the MTAP gene), in order to be eligible for the study. Please refer to www.clinicaltrials.gov for additional clinical trial information.

About the MAT2A Inhibitor AG-270
AG-270 is part of a 2016 global research collaboration agreement with Celgene Corporation. Through Phase 1 dose escalation, Celgene has the option, for a fee of at least $30 million, to participate in a worldwide cost and profit share with Agios. Upon exercise of the option the parties will share all development costs, subject to specified exceptions, and any profits on net sales and Agios will be eligible for up to $169 million in clinical and regulatory milestone payments for the program. As described in a 2016 Cell Reports publication, Agios discovered that MAT2A is a component of a novel pathway in MTAP-deleted tumors which, when inhibited, results in robust anti-tumor activity. Preclinical data presented at the 2017 Keystone Tumor Metabolism meeting demonstrated that small molecule inhibitors of MAT2A are efficacious in MTAP-deleted tumor xenograft models.

U.S. FDA Grants Priority Review for a Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for XTANDI® (enzalutamide) in Non-Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC)

On March 19, 2018 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Yoshihiko Hatanaka, "Astellas") reported that a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for XTANDI (enzalutamide) has been accepted for filing and granted Priority Review designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If approved, the sNDA would expand the indication of XTANDI to include men with non-metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC), based on data from the Phase 3 PROSPER trial (Press release, , 19 19, 2018, View Source [SID1234524898]). XTANDI is currently indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic CRPC.

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"Treatment options have been limited for men with non-metastatic CRPC, in whom the only evidence of progressive disease is a rapidly rising PSA"

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The FDA grants Priority Review designation to applications for drugs that, if approved, may offer significant improvements in the safety and effectiveness of the treatment of serious conditions when compared to standard applications. Under Priority Review, the FDA aims to take action on an application within six months of receipt, as compared to ten months under standard review. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date assigned by the FDA is July 2018. In addition, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has validated the Type II Variation submitted for XTANDI seeking to expand the current indication to the same patient population and started the review process on March 5.

"Once cancer spreads and metastasizes, men with castration-resistant prostate cancer face a daunting prognosis and challenging odds," said Steven Benner, M.D., senior vice president and global therapeutic area head, Oncology Development, Astellas. "We’re pleased to see the FDA’s Priority Review designation as we work to potentially bring XTANDI to men living with non-metastatic CRPC."

"Treatment options have been limited for men with non-metastatic CRPC, in whom the only evidence of progressive disease is a rapidly rising PSA," said Mace Rothenberg, M.D., chief development officer, Oncology, Pfizer Global Product Development. "XTANDI is already established as a standard of care for men with metastatic CRPC. This milestone marks an important step toward our ability to bring XTANDI to CRPC patients in an earlier setting."

The PROSPER trial evaluated XTANDI plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) versus ADT alone in 1,401 patients with non-metastatic CRPC. The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating that the use of XTANDI plus ADT significantly reduced the risk of developing metastasis or death compared to ADT alone. Adverse events in the PROSPER trial were higher in the enzalutamide plus ADT arm compared to ADT alone (87% vs. 77%), and were generally consistent with those reported in prior enzalutamide clinical trials in patients with metastatic CRPC. Results from the PROSPER trial were presented at the 2018 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU) in February.1 For more information on the PROSPER trial, go to www.clinicaltrials.gov.

The FDA approved XTANDI in 2012 for the treatment of patients with metastatic CRPC who had previously received docetaxel. In 2014, the FDA approved XTANDI to treat patients with metastatic CRPC.

About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide.2 More than 164,000 men in the United States are estimated to be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018.3 In the European Union, the estimated number of new prostate cancer cases in 2015 was 365,000.4

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) refers to the subset of men whose prostate cancer progresses despite castration levels of testosterone.5 Non-metastatic CRPC means there is no clinically detectable evidence of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body (metastases), and there is a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.6 Many men with non-metastatic CRPC and a rapidly rising PSA level go on to develop metastatic CRPC.7

About XTANDI (enzalutamide) capsules

XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Important Safety Information for XTANDI

Contraindications

XTANDI is not indicated for women. XTANDI can cause fetal harm and potential loss of pregnancy.

Warnings and Precautions

Seizure occurred in 0.5% of patients receiving XTANDI in clinical studies. In a study of patients with predisposing factors, seizures were reported in 2.2% of patients. See section 5.1 of the Prescribing Information for the list of predisposing factors. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with XTANDI. Permanently discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) In post approval use, there have been reports of PRES in patients receiving XTANDI. PRES is a neurological disorder which can present with rapidly evolving symptoms including seizure, headache, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances, with or without associated hypertension. A diagnosis of PRES requires confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI. Discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop PRES.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) that occurred more commonly (≥2% over placebo) in the XTANDI patients from the two placebo-controlled clinical trials were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, decreased appetite, constipation, arthralgia, diarrhea, hot flush, upper respiratory tract infection, peripheral edema, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, weight decreased, headache, hypertension, and dizziness/vertigo. In the bicalutamide-controlled study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, the most common adverse reactions (≥10%) reported in XTANDI patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, hot flush, hypertension, nausea, constipation, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and weight loss.

In the placebo-controlled study of patients taking XTANDI who previously received docetaxel, Grade 3 and higher adverse reactions were reported among 47% of XTANDI patients and 53% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 16% of XTANDI patients and 18% of placebo patients. In the placebo-controlled study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, Grade 3-4 adverse reactions were reported in 44% of XTANDI patients and 37% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 6% of both study groups. In the bicalutamide-controlled study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, Grade 3-4 adverse reactions were reported in 38.8% of XTANDI patients and 37.6% of bicalutamide patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 7.6% of XTANDI patients and 6.3% of bicalutamide patients.

Lab Abnormalities: In the two placebo-controlled trials, Grade 1-4 neutropenia occurred in 15% of XTANDI patients (1% Grade 3-4) and 6% of placebo patients (0.5% Grade 3-4). Grade 1-4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 6% of XTANDI patients (0.3% Grade 3-4) and 5% of placebo patients (0.5% Grade 3-4). Grade 1-4 elevations in ALT occurred in 10% of XTANDI patients (0.2% Grade 3-4) and 16% of placebo patients (0.2% Grade 3-4). Grade 1-4 elevations in bilirubin occurred in 3% of XTANDI patients (0.1% Grade 3-4) and 2% of placebo patients (no Grade 3-4).

Infections: In the study of patients taking XTANDI who previously received docetaxel, 1% of XTANDI patients compared to 0.3% of placebo patients died from infections or sepsis. In the study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, 1 patient in each treatment group (0.1%) had an infection resulting in death.

Falls (including fall-related injuries) occurred in 9% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients in the two placebo-controlled trials. Falls were not associated with loss of consciousness or seizure. Fall-related injuries were more severe in XTANDI patients, and included non-pathologic fractures, joint injuries, and hematomas.

Hypertension occurred in 11% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients in the two placebo-controlled trials. No patients experienced hypertensive crisis. Medical history of hypertension was balanced between arms. Hypertension led to study discontinuation in <1% of patients in each arm.

Drug Interactions

Effect of Other Drugs on XTANDI Avoid strong CYP2C8 inhibitors, as they can increase the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, reduce the dose of XTANDI.

Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers as they can decrease the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, increase the dose of XTANDI.

Effect of XTANDI on Other Drugs Avoid CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, as XTANDI may decrease the plasma exposures of these drugs. If XTANDI is co-administered with warfarin (CYP2C9 substrate), conduct additional INR monitoring.

Please see Full Prescribing Information for additional safety information.

About the Enzalutamide Development Program

Pfizer and Astellas are collaborating on a comprehensive development program that includes studies of enzalutamide across the full spectrum of advanced prostate cancer. Ongoing studies of enzalutamide in prostate cancer include the ARCHES trial in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and the EMBARK trial in non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.