On December 4, 2018 Celyad (Euronext Brussels and Paris, and Nasdaq: CYAD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of CAR-T cell-based therapies, reported updated clinical data for the CYAD-01 program in hematological malignancies presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) 60th Annual Meeting (Press release, Celyad, DEC 4, 2018, View Source [SID1234531882]).

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THINK Phase 1 Trial Update – Hematological Malignancies

Results from the dose-escalation trial were accepted as an oral presentation at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) and presented by Principal Investigator David A. Sallman, M.D., Department of Malignant Hematology at Moffitt Cancer Center (abstracts #902). Interim analysis was reported for ten r/r AML patients across the three dose levels of CYAD-01 without preconditioning.
Out of eight r/r AML patient evaluable per protocol (at least one cycle of treatment) in the dose escalation segment of the trial:
Five patients (62%) showed anti-leukemic activity with three out of eight patients (38%) exhibiting objective response and two patients (25%) exhibiting disease stabilization with relevant bone marrow blasts decrease.
As previously reported, one r/r AML patients achieved a complete response with partial hematological recovery (CRh). This patient was bridged to allotransplant and remains in minimal residual disease negative complete response (CRMRD-) for over 14 months. Two r/r AML patients achieved a complete response with incomplete marrow recovery (CRi) with a duration of one month.
Two r/r AML patients treated at dose level 2 experienced disease stabilization with relevant bone marrow blast decrease. One patient experienced a decrease in blast counts from 9.8% to 5.5% after an initial cycle of CYAD-01. This patient subsequently received a second cycle of CYAD-01 at dose level 2, with the first injection of the second cycle administered seven weeks after the last injection of cycle one. Treatment with a second cycle of CYAD-01 was associated with relevant reduction in bone marrow blast in the patient from 12.5% to 5.8%, which could be considered as an induction of a partial response (PR) post hematological relapse between the two cycles. Further analysis showed both patients achieved CYAD-01 engraftment in the bone marrow at day 28 of treatment.
A sixth r/r AML patient with adverse risk according the 2017 ELN stratification demonstrated a stabilization of disease at two months and is scheduled to initiate a second cycle of CYAD-01.
Only two patients evaluable per protocol progressed in the dose escalation phase of the trial.
Two additional r/r AML patients have been enrolled at dose level 3 of the trial and full results from these patients are anticipated during first half 2019.
CYAD-01 without preconditioning chemotherapy was generally reported to be well-tolerated.
Overall, 14 patients with hematological malignancies (AML, myelodysplastic syndrome and multiple myeloma) treated with CYAD-01 in the trial reached the safety follow -up.
Overall, six patients experienced grade 3/4 treatment-related AEs, which included cytokine release syndrome (CRS), lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia.
CRS occurred in six patients (three grade 1/2 AEs, two grade 3 AEs and one grade 4 AE). Patients experiencing grade 1-3 CRS showed rapid resolution following the appropriate treatment, including tocilizumab.
One r/r AML patient experienced a grade 4 CRS, which was considered a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), following the first injection of CYAD-01 at dose level 3. The single injection resulted in a reduction of peripheral blast counts from 14% to 4%.
Dr. Christian Homsy, CEO of Celyad, commented, "Preliminary data from 14 patients with relapsed or refractory AML enrolled in the THINK trial have exceeded our expectations with five out of eight patients treated with CYAD-01 without preconditioning demonstrating a relevant anti-leukemic activity. In addition, we are encouraged by the initial safety data that shows CYAD-01 is well-tolerated. We are diligently working to enroll additional patients in our multiple ongoing clinical trials evaluating CYAD-01 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia to better assess this CAR T therapy’s ability to drive a potentially meaningful impact on the treatment of the disease."

DEPLETHINK Phase 1 Trial Update

In October 2018, Celyad enrolled the first patient in the DEPLETHINK Phase 1 trial (NCT03466320). The open-label, dose-escalation trial will evaluate a single injection of CYAD-01 following treatment with the standard preconditioning regimen of cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m²) and fludarabine (30 mg/m²), or CyFlu.
The trial includes two different intervals between lymphodepletion and administration of CYAD-01. In addition, the trial will evaluate two dose levels of CYAD-01 including 100 million and 300 million cells per injection, respectively. Following disease assessment at day 35, patients presenting no signs of progression are eligible to receive a cycle of three CYAD-01 injections without preconditioning with two-week intervals at their initial dose levels. The primary endpoint of the trial is safety and secondary endpoints include clinical activity and pharmacokinetics.
As of November 27, 2018, three patients have received an administration of CYAD-01 following preconditioning with CyFlu. Initial data demonstrate that the regimen was well tolerated, with no DLTs nor treatment-related grade 3 or above AEs observed. All three patients were not yet evaluated for clinical response.
Preliminary data from the DEPLETHINK Phase 1 trial are expected in mid-2019.
THINK Phase 1 Trial – Schedule Optimization Cohort 10

The THINK trial was recently amended to add a cohort to assess a more frequent dosing schedule of CYAD-01 for the treatment of r/r AML. The cohort will evaluate six injections of CYAD-01 without preconditioning over two months of administration. The first cycle (induction) will include three injections of CYAD-01 separated by one-week intervals. The second cycle will include three injections of CYAD-01 separated by two-week intervals. All patients in enrolled in the cohort will received 1 billion cells per injection.
Enrollment in the cohort has begun and preliminary data are expected in first half 2019.
EPITHINK Phase 1 Trial Update

The EPITHINK trial is a dose-escalation trial designed to evaluate the administration of CYAD-01 concurrently with 5-azacytidine in treatment-naïve and/or elderly AML patients ineligible for intensive treatment.
As of November 27, 2018, no patients have been enrolled in the trial.
CYAD-01 and THINK Trial Design

CYAD-01 is an investigational CAR-T therapy in which a patient’s T cells are engineered to express the chimeric antigen receptor NKG2D, a receptor expressed on natural killer (NK) cells that binds to eight stress-induced ligands expressed on tumor cells.

The THINK trial (NCT03018405) is an open-label, dose-escalation Phase 1 trial assessing the safety and clinical activity of multiple CYAD-01 administrations without prior preconditioning in two parallel cohorts: i) patients with hematological malignancies, including r/r AML, and ii) patients with metastatic solid tumors. The dose escalation segment of the study evaluates three dose levels (300 million, 1 billion and 3 billion cells per injection) of one cycle of three CYAD-01 administrations with two-week intervals.

On December 4, 2018 AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, reported its results from the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (ECOG-ACRIN), National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored, Phase 3 study (E1912) evaluating IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) plus rituximab versus the current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines Category 1 treatment of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR) in previously untreated younger patients (70 years old or younger) with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) (Press release, AbbVie, DEC 4, 2018, View Source [SID1234531879]).1,2 This interim analysis showed that IMBRUVICA plus rituximab significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS), the primary endpoint of the study, compared to FCR, with a 65 percent reduction in risk of progression or death. Furthermore, IMBRUVICA plus rituximab significantly improved overall survival (OS) compared to FCR. The findings were presented today during the Late-Breaker abstract oral session at the 2018 American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA (abstract #LBA-4).

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This study evaluated 529 patients in the United States from centers spanning four cooperative groups. The study was led by ECOG-ACRIN with additional study site participation by SWOG, ALLIANCE and NRG Oncology, and was sponsored by the NCI in collaboration with Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie company, through the existing Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with NCI. IMBRUVICA is a once-daily, first-in-class BTK inhibitor that is administered orally, and is jointly developed and commercialized by Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie company, and Janssen Biotech, Inc.

"We have been eagerly awaiting a new treatment regimen that could help younger chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. These findings further support IMBRUVICA-based therapy as an efficacious first-line treatment for many patients with CLL," said Danelle James, M.D., M.A.S., Head of Clinical Science, Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie company. "We are proud to participate and collaborate with the National Cancer Institute and the Division of Cancer Treatment."

At a median follow-up of 33.4 months, IMBRUVICA plus rituximab showed superior PFS compared to FCR in younger and previously untreated CLL patients (HR: 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22-0.56; p<0.0001). The study also demonstrated an improved OS for the IMBRUVICA plus rituximab treatment arm versus FCR (HR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.05-0.54; p=0.0003).

CLL is one of the two most common forms of leukemia in adults and is a type of cancer that can develop from cells in the bone marrow that later mature into certain white blood cells (called lymphocytes).3 While these cancer cells start in the bone marrow, they then later spread into the blood. The prevalence of CLL is approximately 115,000 patients in the U.S. with approximately 20,000 newly diagnosed patients every year.4,5 CLL is predominately a disease of the elderly, with a median age at diagnosis ranging from 65-70 years.6

About Abstract #LBA-4: A Randomized Phase III Study of Ibrutinib (PCI-32765)-Based Therapy Vs. Standard Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide, and Rituximab (FCR) Chemoimmunotherapy in Untreated Younger Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): A Trial of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (E1912)

Late-Breaker Oral Presentation: Tuesday, December 4 at 7:30am PT

The Phase 3 study (E1912) evaluated previously untreated CLL patients age 70 or younger, who were randomly assigned to receive IMBRUVICA (420 mg/day until disease progression) and rituximab (50 mg/m2 on day 1 of cycle 2; 325 mg/m2 on day 2 of cycle 2; 500 mg/m2 on day 1 of cycles 3-7) (n=354) or six courses of intravenous fludarabine (25 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (250 mg/m2) days 1-3 with rituximab (50 mg/m2 on day 1 of cycle 1; 325 mg/m2 on day 2 of cycle 1; 500 mg/m2 on day 1 of cycles 2-6) every 28-days (n=175). The primary endpoint was PFS with a secondary endpoint of OS.

With a median follow-up of 33.4 months, the pre-determined, interim analysis observed 77 PFS events and 14 deaths. IMBRUVICA plus rituximab significantly improved PFS compared to FCR (HR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.22-0.56; p<0.0001), which crossed the pre-specified boundary. The IMBRUVICA plus rituximab treatment arm also significantly improved OS compared to FCR (HR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.05-0.54; p=0.0003, pre-specified boundary for superiority p=0.0005).

FCR was more frequently associated with Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia (FCR: 44 percent vs. IMBRUVICA plus rituximab: 23 percent; p<0.0001) and infectious complications (FCR: 18 percent vs. IMBRUVICA plus rituximab: 7 percent; p<0.0001). Grade 3 and 4 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 58 percent of IMBRUVICA plus rituximab treated patients and 72 percent of FCR treated patients (p=0.0042).

To view all IMBRUVICA company-sponsored or investigator-initiated studies being presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2018, please visit: View Source

About IMBRUVICA
IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) is a first-in-class, oral, once-daily therapy that mainly works by inhibiting a protein called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). BTK is a key signaling molecule in the B-cell receptor signaling complex that plays an important role in the survival and spread of malignant B cells.7 IMBRUVICA blocks signals that tell malignant B cells to multiply and spread uncontrollably.

IMBRUVICA is FDA-approved in six distinct patient populations: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM), along with previously-treated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), previously-treated marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and previously-treated chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD).8

IMBRUVICA was first approved for adult patients with MCL who have received at least one prior therapy in November 2013.
Soon after, IMBRUVICA was initially approved in adult CLL patients who have received at least one prior therapy in February 2014. By July 2014, the therapy received approval for adult CLL patients with 17p deletion, and by March 2016, the therapy was approved as a frontline CLL treatment.
IMBRUVICA was approved for adult patients with WM in January 2015.
In May 2016, IMBRUVICA was approved in combination with bendamustine and rituximab (BR) for adult patients with CLL/SLL.
In January 2017, IMBRUVICA was approved for adult patients with MZL who require systemic therapy and have received at least one prior anti-CD20-based therapy.
In August 2017, IMBRUVICA was approved for adult patients with cGVHD that failed to respond to one or more lines of systemic therapy.
In August 2018, IMBRUVICA plus rituximab was approved for adult patients with WM.
Accelerated approval was granted for the MCL and MZL indications based on overall response rate. Continued approval for MCL and MZL may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

IMBRUVICA has been granted four Breakthrough Therapy Designations from the U.S. FDA. This designation is intended to expedite the development and review of a potential new drug for serious or life-threatening diseases.9 IMBRUVICA was one of the first medicines to receive FDA approval via the new Breakthrough Therapy Designation pathway.

IMBRUVICA is being studied alone and in combination with other treatments in several blood and solid tumor cancers and other serious illnesses. IMBRUVICA has one of the most robust clinical oncology development programs for a single molecule in the industry, with more than 130 ongoing clinical trials. There are approximately 30 ongoing company-sponsored trials, 14 of which are in Phase 3, and more than 100 investigator-sponsored trials and external collaborations that are active around the world. To date, more than 135,000 patients around the world have been treated with IMBRUVICA in clinical practice and clinical trials.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hemorrhage: Fatal bleeding events have occurred in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. Grade 3 or higher bleeding events (intracranial hemorrhage [including subdural hematoma], gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria, and post-procedural hemorrhage) have occurred in 3% of patients, with fatalities occurring in 0.3% of 1,011 patients exposed to IMBRUVICA in clinical trials. Bleeding events of any grade, including bruising and petechiae, occurred in 44% of patients treated with IMBRUVICA.

The mechanism for the bleeding events is not well understood.

IMBRUVICA may increase the risk of hemorrhage in patients receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapies and patients should be monitored for signs of bleeding.

Consider the benefit-risk of withholding IMBRUVICA for at least 3 to 7 days pre and post-surgery depending upon the type of surgery and the risk of bleeding.

Infections: Fatal and non-fatal infections (including bacterial, viral, or fungal) have occurred with IMBRUVICA therapy. Grade 3 or greater infections occurred in 24% of 1,011 patients exposed to IMBRUVICA in clinical trials. Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) have occurred in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. Consider prophylaxis according to standard of care in patients who are at increased risk for opportunistic infections.

Monitor and evaluate patients for fever and infections and treat appropriately.

Cytopenias: Treatment-emergent Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias including neutropenia (23%), thrombocytopenia (8%), and anemia (3%) based on laboratory measurements occurred in patients with B-cell malignancies treated with single agent IMBRUVICA.

Monitor complete blood counts monthly.

Cardiac Arrhythmias: Fatal and serious cardiac arrhythmias have occurred with IMBRUVICA therapy. Grade 3 or greater ventricular tachyarrhythmias occurred in 0.2% of patients, and Grade 3 or greater atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter occurred in 4% of 1,011 patients exposed to IMBRUVICA in clinical trials. These events have occurred particularly in patients with cardiac risk factors, hypertension, acute infections, and a previous history of cardiac arrhythmias.

Periodically monitor patients clinically for cardiac arrhythmias. Obtain an ECG for patients who develop arrhythmic symptoms (e.g., palpitations, lightheadedness, syncope, chest pain) or new onset dyspnea. Manage cardiac arrhythmias appropriately, and if it persists, consider the risks and benefits of IMBRUVICA treatment and follow dose modification guidelines.

Hypertension: Hypertension has occurred in 12% of 1,011 patients treated with IMBRUVICA in clinical trials with a median time to onset of 5 months (range, 0.03 to 22 months). Monitor patients for new onset hypertension or hypertension that is not adequately controlled after starting IMBRUVICA. Adjust existing anti-hypertensive medications and/or initiate anti-hypertensive treatment as appropriate.

Second Primary Malignancies: Other malignancies (9%) including non-skin carcinomas (2%) have occurred in 1,011 patients treated with IMBRUVICA in clinical trials. The most frequent second primary malignancy was non-melanoma skin cancer (6%).

Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Tumor lysis syndrome has been infrequently reported with IMBRUVICA therapy. Assess the baseline risk (e.g., high tumor burden) and take appropriate precautions.

Monitor patients closely and treat as appropriate.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on findings in animals, IMBRUVICA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise women to avoid becoming pregnant while taking IMBRUVICA and for 1 month after cessation of therapy. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus. Advise men to avoid fathering a child during the same time period.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

B-cell malignancies: The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients with B-cell malignancies (MCL, CLL/SLL, WM and MZL) were thrombocytopenia (58%)*, neutropenia (58%)*, diarrhea (42%), anemia (39%)*, rash (31%), musculoskeletal pain (31%), bruising (31%), nausea (28%), fatigue (27%), hemorrhage (23%), and pyrexia (20%).

The most common Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients with B-cell malignancies (MCL, CLL/SLL, WM and MZL) were neutropenia (36%)*, thrombocytopenia (15%)*, and pneumonia (10%).

Approximately 6% (CLL/SLL), 14% (MCL), 14% (WM) and 10% (MZL) of patients had a dose reduction due to adverse reactions. Approximately 4%-10% (CLL/SLL), 9% (MCL), and 7% (WM [5%] and MZL [13%]) of patients discontinued due to adverse reactions.

cGVHD: The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients with cGVHD were fatigue (57%), bruising (40%), diarrhea (36%), thrombocytopenia (33%)*, stomatitis (29%), muscle spasms (29%), nausea (26%), hemorrhage (26%), anemia (24%)*, and pneumonia (21%).

The most common Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (≥5%) reported in patients with cGVHD were fatigue (12%), diarrhea (10%), neutropenia (10%)*, pneumonia (10%), sepsis (10%), hypokalemia (7%), headache (5%), musculoskeletal pain (5%), and pyrexia (5%).

Twenty-four percent of patients receiving IMBRUVICA in the cGVHD trial discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction occurred in 26% of patients.

*Treatment-emergent decreases (all grades) were based on laboratory measurements and adverse reactions.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

CYP3A Inhibitors: Dose adjustments may be recommended.

CYP3A Inducers: Avoid coadministration with strong CYP3A inducers.

SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Hepatic Impairment (based on Child-Pugh criteria): Avoid use of IMBRUVICA in patients with severe baseline hepatic impairment. In patients with mild or moderate impairment, reduce IMBRUVICA dose.

On December 4, 2018 GlycoMimetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: GLYC) reported at the 60thAmerican Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting yesterday two posters with preclinical data presentations: on GMI-1687, the company’s highly potent E-selectin antagonist that is bioavailable via subcutaneous administration, and GMI-1757, the company’s dual-function E-selectin/galectin-3 antagonist (Press release, GlycoMimetics, DEC 4, 2018, View Source [SID1234531877]).

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"The new preclinical data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) underscore GlycoMimetics’ commitment to pioneering advances in the field of glycobiology and to rationally designing innovative drug candidates that address areas of significant unmet medical need," said John Magnani, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer. "The two compounds, debuted in posters, are currently in preclinical testing. The GMI-1687 poster points to the potential for a life-cycle extension for uproleselan, which is more highly-potent and is subcutaneously bioavailable in animal models. The poster on GMI-1757, a novel galectin-3/E-selectin antagonist, suggests the compound may be able to play a role in the treatment of a variety of cancers and fibrotic conditions."

Details for the two poster presentations on GlycoMimetics’ wholly owned drug candidates follow:

Publication Number: 4678
TITLE: A Novel and Potent Inhibitor of E-Selectin, GMI-1687, Attenuates Thrombus Formation and Augments Chemotherapeutic Intervention of AML in Preclinical Models Following Subcutaneous Administration
Publication Number: 2211
TITLE: A Novel Glycomimetic Compound (GMI-1757) with Dual Functional Antagonism to E-Selectin and Galectin-3 Demonstrates Inhibition of Thrombus Formation in an Inferior Vena Cava Model

On December 4, 2018 Fate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: FATE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of programmed cellular immunotherapies for cancer and immune disorders, reported new preclinical data on the Company’s induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) product platform and its iPSC-derived, off-the-shelf cell-based cancer immunotherapy pipeline at the 60thAmerican Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition (Press release, Fate Therapeutics, DEC 4, 2018, View Source [SID1234531876]). Last week, the Company announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed its Investigational New Drug (IND) Application for FT500, the Company’s universal, off-the-shelf natural killer (NK) cell product candidate derived from a clonal master iPSC line. The clinical trial of FT500 is expected to be the first-ever clinical investigation in the U.S. of an iPSC-derived cell product.

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"Fate Therapeutics is at the forefront in developing off-the-shelf, cell-based cancer immunotherapies, and is rapidly progressing multiple iPSC-derived CAR T- and NK cell product candidates that have the potential to disrupt autologous and allogeneic approaches to cell therapy," said Scott Wolchko, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fate Therapeutics. "The clearance of our FT500 IND by the FDA is a landmark achievement and serves as a roadmap for advancement of our iPSC-derived cell product pipeline into clinical development. We believe the use of clonal master iPSC lines uniquely enables the production of multi-functional, cell-based cancer immunotherapies that are uniformly engineered, are available for off-the-shelf administration to patients and can be effectively combined in multi-dose, multi-cycle regimens with well-established immune-oncology agents, such as checkpoint inhibitor blockade and monoclonal antibody therapy, including in earlier lines of therapy."

Several of the Company’s iPSC-derived cell product candidates undergoing development were discussed during an investor event at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) by its collaborating experts in the field of cell-based cancer immunotherapy including:

Michel Sadelain, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Center for Cell Engineering & Gene Transfer and Gene Expression Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center;

Jeffrey S. Miller, M.D., Deputy Director, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota; and

Dan S. Kaufman, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Director of Cell Therapy, University of California – San Diego.
FT500
The clinical trial of FT500 is intended to evaluate the safety and tolerability of multiple doses of FT500, in multiple dosing cycles with nivolumab, pembrolizumab or atezolizumab, in subjects that have progressed or failed on immune checkpoint blockade (CPB) therapy. Although CPB therapy can lead to prolonged responses, refractory disease and progression after initial response remain major causes of mortality. In patients receiving CPB therapy, mutations in beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), an essential component for the stable presentation of antigens by tumor cells, have been identified in approximately 30% of patients with progressing disease and are associated with poor overall survival. Investigators have demonstrated in various tumor model systems that NK cells have the potential to rescue CPB therapy by recognizing and killing B2M-deficient target cells. An oral presentation at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) by Dr. Miller showed that FT500 synergizes with T cells and anti-PD1 antibody to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and completely clear target cancer cells in an in vitro three-dimensional tumor spheroid model.

FT516
FT516 is a universal, off-the-shelf NK cell product candidate manufactured from a clonal master iPSC line engineered to uniformly express a high-affinity, non-cleavable CD16 (hnCD16) Fc receptor. Since CD16 binds the Fc region of tumor-bound antibodies, FT516 can be combined with FDA-approved monoclonal antibody therapies to target a broad spectrum of tumor-associated antigens. In preclinical studies, FT516 exhibits potent and persistent anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo against multiple tumor types, including in combination with monoclonal antibody therapies that target CD20, HER2 and EGFR. The Company plans to submit an IND to the FDA by the end of 2018 to evaluate the safety and tolerability of multiple doses of FT516 in multiple dosing cycles in combination with FDA-approved monoclonal antibody therapy.

FT596
FT596 is a universal, off-the-shelf chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cell product candidate that expresses a proprietary CAR targeting CD19, a novel IL-15 receptor fusion for cytokine-independent persistence, and a hnCD16 Fc receptor for augmented antibody-dependent cellular-cytotoxicity (ADCC). A poster presentation at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) by scientists from the Company and the University of California – San Diego highlighted new in vivo data demonstrating that FT596 displays long-term persistence without systemic cytokine support. Additionally, FT596 prevents tumor progression and promotes sustained long-term survival in a B-cell leukemia xenograft model. Moreover, as proof-of-concept for the mitigation of antigen escape, FT596 in combination with rituximab completely eliminates CD19+ and CD19- B-cell tumor cells in a co-culture cytotoxicity assay.

FT538
FT538 is a universal, off-the-shelf NK cell product candidate that expresses both a novel IL-15 receptor fusion for cytokine-independent persistence and a hnCD16 Fc receptor for augmented ADCC, and additionally lacks CD38 expression to eliminate fratricide when combined with CD38-targeting monoclonal antibody therapy. A poster presentation at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) by scientists from the Company and the University of Minnesota highlighted new in vitro data showing that FT538 in combination with daratumumab is resistant to fratricide and eliminates multiple myeloma cancer cells in a serial re-challenge assay. The Company is investigating the additional therapeutic benefit of including a novel humanized CAR targeting B-cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) as a dual-targeting mechanism to address multiple myeloma and other BCMA-positive malignancies.

FT819
FT819 is an off-the-shelf, TCR-less CD19 CAR T-cell product candidate manufactured from a clonal master iPSC line that is undergoing preclinical development under a collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) led by Dr. Sadelain. FT819 is engineered to completely eliminate expression of the T-cell receptor and to insert a next-generation CAR receptor into the T-cell receptor alpha locus, a strategy which is intended to convey enhanced safety and efficacy while eliminating the possibility of graft-versus-host disease. A poster presentation at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) by scientists from the Company and MSK showcased new in vivo data demonstrating that FT819, when thawed and directly infused, effectively controls tumor progression comparable to peripheral blood CAR T cells in a preclinical mouse model of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

A copy of the Company’s presentation from its ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) investor event can be accessed under "Events & Presentations" in the Investors & Media section of the Company’s website at www.fatetherapeutics.com.

About Fate Therapeutics’ iPSC Product Platform
The Company’s proprietary iPSC product platform enables mass production of off-the-shelf, engineered, homogeneous cell products that can be administered in repeat doses to mediate more effective pharmacologic activity, including in combination with cycles of other cancer treatments. Human iPSCs possess the unique dual properties of unlimited self-renewal and differentiation potential into all cell types of the body. The Company’s first-of-kind approach involves engineering human iPSCs in a one-time genetic modification event, and selecting a single iPSC for maintenance as a clonal master iPSC line. Analogous to master cell lines used to manufacture biopharmaceutical drug products such as monoclonal antibodies, clonal master iPSC lines are a renewable source for manufacturing cell therapy products which are well-defined and uniform in composition, can be mass produced at significant scale in a cost-effective manner, and can be delivered off-the-shelf to treat many patients. Fate Therapeutics’ iPSC product platform is supported by an intellectual property portfolio of over 100 issued patents and 100 pending patent applications.

On December 4, 2018 Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTLA) reported updated interim results from the Company’s ongoing Phase 2a study of cerdulatinib, an investigational, oral Syk/JAK inhibitor, in patients with specific subtypes of T-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, including relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL); angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), a subset of PTCL; and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) (Press release, Portola Pharmaceuticals, DEC 4, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2379193 [SID1234531875]). The data will be presented today during an oral session at the 60th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in San Diego (December 1-4).

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As of the November 1, 2018 cut-off date, 41 PTCL patients and 27 CTCL patients were evaluable for response. The objective response rate (ORR) was 34 percent in the PTCL cohort and 26 percent in the CTCL cohort. Among the subset of patients in the PTCL cohort with AITL, the ORR was 57 percent.

PTCL Cohort Data

Eleven of 41 patients (27 percent) achieved a complete response (CR), and three patients (7 percent) achieved a partial response (PR).
In the subgroup of 14 patients with AITL, seven patients (50 percent) achieved a CR and one patient (7 percent) achieved a PR.
One patient who achieved a CR went on to transplant.
Eight responding patients have remained on drug for three to more than 12 months and five patients have had a duration of response of six months or greater. Follow-up is ongoing.
CTCL Cohort Data

In the CTCL cohort, two patients (7 percent) achieved a CR and five patients (19 percent) achieved a PR. Responses have been seen in patients with Mycosis Fungoides and Sezary Syndrome.
Eleven of 23 patients (48 percent) achieved a ≥ 50 percent reduction in skin lesions, based on the Modified Severity Weighted Assessment Tool (mSWAT).
Rapid improvements in pruritus, or severe itching – a common and often serious condition associated with CTCL – have been observed, as measured by the Likert scale.
The CTCL cohort continues to enroll and data analysis is ongoing.
Cerdulatinib has demonstrated tolerability in both PTCL and CTCL. The most common grade 3 or greater adverse events across the PTCL and CTCL cohorts with a frequency > 5 percent were lipase increase (23 percent), amylase increase (18 percent), sepsis/bacteremia (8 percent), and neutropenia, pneumonia/lung infection and diarrhea (7 percent each). These events are manageable and further accrual is ongoing.

"The ongoing Phase 2a cerdulatinib data continue to demonstrate meaningful clinical activity, with particularly compelling complete response rates among AITL patients and the potential for durable response among patients with PTCL and CTCL," said Steven M. Horwitz, M.D., Memorial Sloan Kettering Center, and study investigator. "Like many others with T-cell malignancies, the patients in this study have failed prior therapies and are in need of additional treatment options. It is encouraging to see such a strong early signal in both disease response and quality-of-life measures, such as itching."

"While still early, the continuing and durable response rates in PTCL and the encouraging responses in CTCL underscore the potential of cerdulatinib to control relapsed/refractory T-cell malignancies," said John Curnutte, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president and head of research and development at Portola. "We will apply our learnings from this study to inform the design of a pivotal trial, and look forward to continuing discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about the potential for an accelerated approval pathway for cerdulatinib in PTCL."

ASH Oral Session Details – Monday, December 3, 2018 at 7:15 p.m. PST

Title: 1001. The Novel Syk/JAK Inhibitor Cerdulatinib Demonstrates Good Tolerability
and Clinical Response in a Phase 2a Study in Relapsed/Refractory Peripheral
T-Cell Lymphoma and Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Session: 624 (Hodgkin Lymphoma and T/NK Cell Lymphoma—Clinical Studies: T Cell
Lymphoma: Chemotherapy and Targeted Approaches)

Presenter: Steven M. Horwitz, M.D., Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Session Time: 6:15 – 7:45 p.m. PST; Room 6F

About Cerdulatinib
Cerdulatinib is an investigational oral, dual spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that uniquely inhibits two key cell signaling pathways implicated in certain hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases. There is a strong rationale for inhibiting both Syk (B-cell receptor pathway) and JAK (cytokine receptors) in B-cell malignancies where both targets have been shown to promote cancer cell growth and survival. In addition, pre-clinical data suggest an important role for Syk and JAK in PTCL tumor survival.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted cerdulatinib Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of PTCL in September 2018.