Portola Pharmaceuticals Appoints Industry Veteran John H. Lawrence, M.D., as Senior Vice President of Product Development and Chief Medical Officer

On November 6, 2017 Portola Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:PTLA) reported the appointment of John H. (Jack) Lawrence, M.D., as senior vice president and chief medical officer (CMO), effective immediately (Press release, Portola Pharmaceuticals, NOV 6, 2017, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2314505 [SID1234521587]). Dr. Lawrence will report to William Lis, chief executive officer, and will be responsible for leading all product development, as well as clinical strategies. He will also serve on the company’s Executive Committee.

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"Jack’s reputation and achievements in global thrombosis product development and regulatory approvals will be valuable assets to Portola as we begin to launch betrixaban and prepare for the potential approval of andexanet in 2018," said Mr. Lis. "We’re pleased to add his executive leadership and expertise to our management team to help us continue to advance Portola as a leading thrombosis and hematologic biotechnology company."

Dr. Lawrence joins Portola from Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), where he held positions of increasing responsibility in the company’s cardiovascular division. He was vice president and cardiovascular therapeutic area head with responsibility for global clinical development and regulatory activities of the Factor Xa inhibitor, apixaban. He also provided strategic input into the discovery and early development efforts for BMS’ cardiovascular programs, including phase 2 trials in heart failure and stroke prevention.

"I have long admired Portola’s leadership team and am incredibly excited by the unique opportunity to bring two important new therapies – andexanet alfa, the first ever reversal agent for Factor Xa inhibitors, and Bevyxxa (betrixaban), the first and only drug approved for extended-duration prophylaxis of VTE – to patients in need," said Dr. Lawrence. "I’m confident that my experience will support the company’s goals of continuing to develop transformative medicines and getting them to the patients who need them most."

Dr. Lawrence received his medical degree from the University of Virginia and completed his cardiology fellowship training at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he later served as an associate professor.

Compugen to Initiate Manufacturing of COM902, its Lead
anti-TIGIT Monoclonal Antibody

On November 6, 2017 Compugen Ltd. (NASDAQ: CGEN), a leader in predictive discovery and development of first-in-class therapeutics for cancer immunotherapy, reported that it is advancing COM902, its lead anti-TIGIT antibody, into manufacturing in anticipation of filing an investigational new drug (IND) application in 2019 (Press release, Compugen, NOV 6, 2017, View Source [SID1234521581]). As part of these activities, Compugen has entered into a process development and manufacturing service agreement with Bayer HealthCare LLC (Bayer) to produce COM902 for future use in clinical trials. This program follows COM701, an anti-PVRIG antibody, for which the submission of an IND application is anticipated towards the end of the first quarter of 2018.

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"As a company with long-standing advanced biologics manufacturing experience and a commitment to advancing novel cancer therapies, we collaborate with a few select partners to develop and manufacture their own pipeline programs," said Sunil Gupta, Vice President of Biological Development at Bayer. "Compugen has been a valued partner for Bayer and we look forward to working with the Compugen team to produce and prepare COM902 for clinical testing."

"The development of COM902 will allow us to address various drug combination possibilities of COM701, which can potentially offer significant therapeutic value for cancer patients. We are delighted to enter this service agreement with Bayer for the manufacture of COM902, and to benefit from their expertise and the quality of their cGMP operations," said Anat Cohen-Dayag, PhD, President and CEO of Compugen. "We are working towards filing an IND for COM902 in 2019, making it available for our clinical testing in combination with COM701 and enabling us to more fully explore the commercial value of COM701."

Opdivo (nivolumab) Demonstrates Superior Three-Year Survival Benefit for Patients with Previously Treated Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

On November 6, 2017 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported a three-year overall survival (OS) update from its phase 3 CheckMate -025 study, evaluating patients treated with Opdivo (nivolumab) versus everolimus in previously treated advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, NOV 6, 2017, View Source [SID1234521580]). These data are the first of any anti-PD-1 agent to demonstrate durable survival at three years in previously treated RCC. No new safety signals were identified and the data showed a safety profile consistent with two-year results. Findings from CheckMate -025 were presented on November 4 during the 16th International Kidney Cancer Symposium (KCS) in Miami, Florida.

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The median OS, the primary endpoint in this study, for Opdivo was 25.8 months compared to 19.7 months with everolimus (HR 0.74; 95.45% CI: 0.63 to 0.88; p: 0.0005). The three-year OS rate was 39% for Opdivo and 30% for everolimus. The safety profile of Opdivo was consistent with that of previous reports.

"The updated results of CheckMate -025 reinforce the overall survival benefit and safety profile of Opdivo and provide further support for this therapeutic option as a standard of care for patients with previously treated advanced renal cell carcinoma," said Padmanee Sharma, M.D., PhD., scientific director, Immunotherapy Platform, MD Anderson Cancer Center.

At 36 months, Opdivo demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR), a secondary endpoint, of 26% compared to 5% with everolimus (95% CI: 3.82 to 10.06), and the median durations of response for Opdivo and everolimus were 12.3 (95% CI: 9.1 to 18.2) and 12 months (95% CI: 6.4 to 21.7), respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS), another secondary endpoint, was 4.2 months for Opdivo and 4.5 months for everolimus (HR 0.85; 95% CI: 0.73 to 0.99; p: 0.0371).

"The CheckMate -025 data reinforce Opdivo as the standard of care in previously treated renal cell carcinoma, with the three-year data demonstrating a continued survival benefit with a greater than six-month improvement over everolimus," said Arvin Yang, M.D., Ph.D., development lead, melanoma and genitourinary cancers, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "Building on the unprecedented two-year overall survival data from this trial, these are the first three-year overall survival for an anti-PD-1 agent in advanced RCC, showcasing our ongoing commitment to improving survival rates for people living with the most common type of kidney cancer in adults worldwide."

About CheckMate -025

CheckMate -025 is an open-label, randomized phase 3 study of Opdivo versus everolimus in patients with previously treated advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after prior anti-angiogenic therapy. Patients (N=803) received either Opdivo (N=406) 3 mg/kg intravenously (IV) every two weeks or everolimus (N=397) 10 mg orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), quality of life (QoL) and safety. Patient-reported QoL was measured using the kidney-specific, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Kidney Symptom Index–Disease Related Symptoms (FKSI-DRS) scale, and European Quality of Life (EuroQol)-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire.

With a minimum of three years of follow-up, the incidence and type of treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were consistent with the primary analysis. Treatment-related grade 3/4 AEs were experienced by 21% of patients in the Opdivo group and 37% in the everolimus group. Treatment-related grade AEs leading to discontinuation were experienced by 8% of patients in the Opdivo group and 13% in the everolimus group. The most common grade 3/4 AEs in the Opdivo arm were hepatic (3%) and GI (2%). In the everolimus arm, the most common grade 3/4 AEs were pulmonary (3%), GI (2%), and skin (1%). There were no treatment-related deaths reported in the Opdivo group and two treatment-related deaths reported in the everolimus arm at three years.

About Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults, accounting for more than 100,000 deaths worldwide each year. Clear-cell RCC is the most prevalent type of RCC and constitutes 80% to 90% of all patients. RCC is approximately twice as common in men as in women, with the highest rates of the disease in North America and Europe. Globally, the five-year survival rate for those diagnosed with metastatic, or advanced, kidney cancer is 12.1%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb & Immuno-Oncology: Advancing Oncology Research

At Bristol-Myers Squibb, patients are at the center of everything we do. Our vision for the future of cancer care is focused on researching and developing transformational Immuno-Oncology (I-O) medicines for hard-to-treat cancers that could potentially improve outcomes for these patients.

We are leading the scientific understanding of I-O through our extensive portfolio of investigational compounds and approved agents. Our differentiated clinical development program is studying broad patient populations across more than 50 types of cancers with 14 clinical-stage molecules designed to target different immune system pathways. Our deep expertise and innovative clinical trial designs position us to advance I-O/I-O, I-O/chemotherapy, I-O/targeted therapies and I-O radiation therapies across multiple tumors and potentially deliver the next wave of therapies with a sense of urgency. We also continue to pioneer research that will help facilitate a deeper understanding of the role of immune biomarkers and how patients’ tumor biology can be used as a guide for treatment decisions throughout their journey.

We understand making the promise of I-O a reality for the many patients who may benefit from these therapies requires not only innovation on our part but also close collaboration with leading experts in the field. Our partnerships with academia, government, advocacy and biotech companies support our collective goal of providing new treatment options to advance the standards of clinical practice.

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 60 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 50 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 adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. 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.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. 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 adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. 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 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

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 6.0% (16/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 4.9% (13/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 2 (n=12).

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. For patients without HCC, withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for Grade 3 or 4. For patients with HCC, withhold OPDIVO and administer corticosteroids if AST/ALT is within normal limits at baseline and increases to >3 and up to 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), if AST/ALT is >1 and up to 3 times ULN at baseline and increases to >5 and up to 10 times the ULN, and if AST/ALT is >3 and up to 5 times ULN at baseline and increases to >8 and up to 10 times the ULN. Permanently discontinue OPDIVO and administer corticosteroids if AST or ALT increases to >10 times the ULN or total bilirubin increases >3 times the ULN. 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 Checkmate 040, immune-mediated hepatitis requiring systemic corticosteroids occurred in 5% (8/154) of patients receiving OPDIVO.

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 the adverse reaction, permanently discontinue or withhold OPDIVO, administer high-dose corticosteroids, and, if appropriate, initiate hormone-replacement therapy. Across clinical trials of OPDIVO monotherapy or in combination with YERVOY, the following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions, some with fatal outcome, occurred in <1.0% of patients receiving OPDIVO: myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, myositis, 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), 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, adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 7% and dose delays due to adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients (n=266). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥1% of patients were pneumonia, infusion-related reaction, pyrexia, colitis or diarrhea, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and rash. Eleven patients died from causes other than disease progression: 3 from adverse reactions within 30 days of the last OPDIVO dose, 2 from infection 8 to 9 months after completing OPDIVO, and 6 from complications of allogeneic HSCT. 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 infection, and sepsis. In Checkmate 275, serious adverse reactions occurred in 54% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were urinary tract infection, sepsis, diarrhea, small intestine obstruction, and general physical health deterioration. In Checkmate 040, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients (n=154). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pyrexia, ascites, back pain, general physical health deterioration, abdominal pain, and pneumonia.

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, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=266) were upper respiratory tract infection (44%), fatigue (39%), cough (36%), diarrhea (33%), pyrexia (29%), musculoskeletal pain (26%), rash (24%), nausea (20%) and pruritus (20%). 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 Checkmate 275, the most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270) were fatigue (46%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), nausea (22%), and decreased appetite (22%).. In Checkmate 040, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=154) were fatigue (38%), musculoskeletal pain (36%), abdominal pain (34%), pruritus (27%), diarrhea (27%), rash (26%), cough (23%), and decreased appetite (22%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients who received OPDIVO as a single agent were fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, asthenia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, decreased appetite, back pain, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, and pyrexia.

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%).

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

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; Checkmate 275 – urothelial carcinoma; Checkmate 040 – hepatocellular carcinoma.

About the Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Collaboration

In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (Ono), Bristol-Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono further expanded the companies’ strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies – as single agents and combination regimens – for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Thermo Fisher Scientific and Cellular Biomedicine Group Announce Strategic Partnership to Develop Manufacturing Processes

On November 6, 2017 Cellular Biomedicine Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CBMG) ("CBMG" or the "Company"), a leading clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm engaged in the development of immunotherapies for cancer and effective stem cell therapies for degenerative diseases, reported the establishment of a strategic partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Ltd. (Thermo Fisher) to build a joint Cell Therapy Technology Innovation and Application Center (Center) at CBMG’s newly opened Shanghai Zhangjiang GMP facility (Press release, Cellular Biomedicine Group, NOV 6, 2017, View Source [SID1234521571]). The Center is named "CBMG-Thermo Fisher Scientific Joint Innovation & Application Center". The partnership focuses on the research and development of an automated cell therapy manufacturing system.

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"Break-through cell therapy technology such as CAR-T provides unprecedented medical needs to cancer patients, yet the successful commercialization of this technology will require robust logistics, manufacturing and complex management systems," commented Tony (Bizuo) Liu, CEO of CBMG. "When we combine Thermo Fisher’s strengths in biopharmaceutical products and manufacturing quality control processes with CBMG’s vertically integrated cell therapy manufacturing system, we believe we can further increase productivity, reduce cost, improve batch stability, reduce variability and institutionalize the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) processes, which we believe will help to address some of the primary logistical challenges faced by the CAR-T cell therapy industry. We are optimistic that this partnership will not only bring mutual benefit to CBMG and Thermo Fisher, but also to the cell therapy industry sector as a whole."

"This cooperation demonstrates our commitment to China. As a world leader in serving science, Thermo Fisher seeks to provide total solutions for cell therapy research, development, and manufacturing. We believe this will help to accelerate the development of the cell therapy industry in China. Based on our broad product portfolio, Thermo Fisher has developed outstanding capabilities in global CAR-T manufacturing, including our Cell Therapy Systems (CTS) Dynabeads technology in the first FDA-approved cell therapy." said Gianluca Pettiti, President of Thermo Fisher China, "We look forward to this strategic partnership and the benefits that the Joint Innovation and Application Center will provide to a vast Chinese patient population."

CBMG’s new Zhangjiang facility, together with an expanded Wuxi and Beijing GMP facilities combined, comprises 70,000 square feet for development and production. This will enable CBMG to conduct simultaneous clinical trials for multiple CAR-T and stem cell product candidates. At full production volumes, these facilities could support treating 10,000 cancer patients and 10,000 Knee Osteoarthritis patients per year. The Company’s combined GMP expansion will enable scaled-up supply for current and future CAR-T clinical trials and streamline efficiency from R&D into manufacturing of CAR-T cells for clinical use, IND filings and future commercialization. The Company currently has ongoing CAR-T Phase I clinical trials in China; CARD-1 for Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) and CALL-1 for adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), utilizing CBMG’s proprietary and optimized CD19 construct.

AVEO Oncology and EUSA Pharma Announce Promising Phase 1 Results from the Phase 1/2 TiNivo Study of Tivozanib and Nivolumab in Renal Cell Carcinoma

On November 6, 2017 AVEO Oncology (NASDAQ:AVEO) and EUSA Pharma reported the presentation of promising results from the ongoing Phase 1 portion of the TiNivo study, a Phase 1/2 multicenter trial of tivozanib (FOTIVDA) in combination with Bristol-Myers Squibb’s nivolumab (OPDIVO), an immune checkpoint, or PD-1, inhibitor, for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (Press release, AVEO, NOV 6, 2017, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2314412 [SID1234521570]). The results were presented on Friday, November 3, at the 16th International Kidney Cancer Symposium in Miami, in an oral presentation titled "TiNivo: A Phase Ib Dose Escalation Trial of Tivozanib and Nivolumab in Renal Cell Carcinoma" by Laurence Albiges, M.D., Ph.D., Head, Genitourinary Unit, Institute Gustave Roussy, and a lead investigator of the study. A copy of the presentation is available at www.aveooncology.com or further information can be obtained via EUSA Pharma Medical Information.

The Phase 1 portion of the trial enrolled six patients, three with previously untreated metastatic RCC and three who had received first-line treatment. RCC tumor histology included five clear cell (one with sarcomatoid features) and one papillary. Tivozanib was administered to patients in two escalating dose cohorts (1.0 mg/QD and 1.5 mg/QD) in combination with nivolumab at a constant 240 mg every 2 weeks. The combination was well tolerated to the full dose and schedule of single agent tivozanib, with no dose limiting toxicities. The most common adverse events (any grade) were hypertension, asthenia and decreased appetite. No grade 4 adverse events were reported. Two grade 3 events were reported beyond cycle 1 (stomatitis and increased ALT), which did not lead to study discontinuation and were managed concurrently. Unconfirmed best response to date includes a 67% (4/6) partial response (PR) rate and a 100% disease control rate (PR + stable disease). Enrollment of approximately 20 patients in the Phase 2 portion of the trial is ongoing.

"Combining VEGF TKIs and PD-1s holds the potential for synergistic activity against renal cell carcinoma, yet most such combinations demonstrate a high rate of toxicity in the clinic," said Dr. Albiges. "Tivozanib has several distinguishing properties that may enhance its ability to combine with checkpoint inhibitors, including a highest in-class selectivity for the VEGF-Receptor (types 1, 2 and 3), and therefore fewer off-target effects, and the ability to significantly reduce regulatory T cells, thereby enhancing immune activity against the tumor. Tivozanib’s favorable tolerability profile has been demonstrated against sorafenib in the pivotal TIVO-1 study, and early results from the TiNivo study show a tolerable combination and evidence of promising activity."

"We are encouraged by the preliminary tolerability and activity results from the TiNivo study, as we believe they begin to underscore the unique potential of tivozanib-immunotherapy combinations," said Michael Needle, M.D., chief medical officer of AVEO. "With immunotherapy combinations continuing to demonstrate improved outcomes in patients with RCC, it will become increasingly important to leverage the best-in-class VEGF therapies and immunotherapies to optimize efficacy and tolerability in defined populations within this disease. We believe tivozanib is well-positioned within this evolving landscape, and we look forward to presenting the Phase 2 portion of TiNivo in the first half of next year. We also anticipate moving into additional combination studies in the coming quarters."

Lee Morley, EUSA Pharma’s Chief Executive Officer said, "Following the recent European approval of tivozanib (FOTIVDA) for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced RCC, emerging data from the TiNivo study indicates the potential for tivozanib in the setting of combination treatment with immunotherapies. The initial results of the TiNivo study are promising and, in partnership with AVEO, we look forward to developing new and innovative options based on the unique profile of tivozanib which will be important for the future management of patients."

About Tivozanib (FOTIVDA)

Tivozanib (FOTIVDA) is an oral, once-daily, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) discovered by Kyowa Hakko Kirin and approved for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma in the European Union plus Norway and Iceland. It is a potent, selective and long half-life inhibitor of all three VEGF receptors and is designed to optimize VEGF blockade while minimizing off-target toxicities, potentially resulting in improved efficacy and minimal dose modifications.1,2 Tivozanib has been investigated in several tumors types, including renal cell, colorectal and breast cancers.