LifeMap Sciences Partners with MedGenome to Enrich NGS Analysis Reporting with Oncology Data

On December 2, 2015 LifeMap Sciences, Inc. ("LifeMap"), a life sciences technology company and a subsidiary of BioTime, Inc., and MedGenome, Inc. ("MedGenome"), a genomics-based diagnostics and research company, reported a global collaboration agreement (Press release, BioTime, DEC 2, 2015, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2119546 [SID:1234508385]). The agreement will strengthen LifeMap’s next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis solutions in the oncology field by incorporating data from MedGenome’s OncoMD database for use by LifeMap clients. The Oncology NGS market is a significant growth driver within the multi-billion dollar global NGS market.

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LifeMap‘s NGS products facilitate and enhance biomedical research and healthcare outcomes. Powered by its comprehensive, proprietary GeneCards knowledgebase, LifeMap’s NGS analytics software can rapidly and cost-effectively identify genetic variants that impact disease management and health outcomes. The GeneCards knowledgebase is used by more than 3000 institutions in over 200 countries worldwide.

OncoMD is a comprehensive knowledge base of cancer specific somatic and germ line variations collected from peer-reviewed scientific publications. It enables users to easily identify mutation prevalence in multiple cancer types as well as sensitivity to approved therapies via linkage of mutations to approved drugs and open clinical trials.

"Integrating OncoMD into our NGS analysis products is another important milestone in our ongoing NGS solutions development initiatives," said David Warshawsky, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of LifeMap Sciences. "MedGenome’s OncoMD provides the latest scientific evidence and drug information to enable identification of driver mutations and the impact of targeted, personalized drugs in the oncology area; elements of significant interest to our current and future clients in the oncology arena."

"We are happy to partner with LifeMap Sciences and to offer its users our unique annotations on cancer variants," said Dr Kartik Kumaramangalam, Chief of Global Products & Services at MedGenome. "This is in line with our commitment to develop products and solutions that enable oncologists and researchers to gather insights into the genetics of cancers."

Oncothyreon Announces Webcast to Review Updated Clinical Data on ONT-380 in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients

On December 02, 2015 Oncothyreon Inc. (Nasdaq:ONTY), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of therapeutic products that can improve the lives and outcomes of patients with cancer, reported that it will conduct a conference call on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific) to discuss new clinical data from ongoing clinical trials of ONT-380, an orally active, reversible and selective small-molecule HER2 inhibitor being developed for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (Press release, Oncothyreon, DEC 2, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508382]). The data, which include additional and updated clinical trial data on ONT-380 for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, as well as an analysis of patients who suffer from central nervous system (CNS) metastases, are slated for presentation during the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) being held December 8-12, 2015 in San Antonio, TX.

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To participate in the call by telephone, please dial (877) 280-7291 (United States) or (707) 287-9361 (International). In addition, the call will be webcast live and can be accessed on the "Events" page of the "News & Events" section of Oncothyreon’s website at www.oncothyreon.com. An archive of the webcast will be available after completion of the discussion and will be posted on the Oncothyreon website.

Delcath Announces CHEMOSAT Treatment Milestones In Europe

On December 2, 2015 Delcath Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: DCTH), a specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company focused on oncology with an emphasis on the treatment of primary and metastatic liver cancers, reported that physicians in Europe have completed over 250 treatments with Delcath Hepatic CHEMOSAT Delivery System (CHEMOSAT) since the second generation of CHEMOSAT was launched (Press release, Delcath Systems, DEC 2, 2015, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2119515 [SID:1234508381]). Physicians in Europe have used CHEMOSAT in both commercial and clinical settings to treat patients for a wide variety of cancers in the liver, including ocular melanoma liver metastases, hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and liver metastases from colorectal cancer, breast cancer and others.

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Concurrently, Delcath announces the activation of the prestigious Harley Street Clinic (HSC) in London, United Kingdom as a CHEMOSAT treatment site. HSC is a specialist private hospital that provides complex cardiac, cancer and neurosciences care. HSC is supported by HCA International and owned by HCA Inc., the largest provider of private healthcare in the world. Julian Hague, M.D., an interventional radiologist with HSC, performed the clinic’s first CHEMOSAT treatment on a patient with breast cancer liver metastases in November.

"I believe the future of interventional oncology lies in tailoring the treatment to the individual patient," said Dr. Hague. "I believe having CHEMOSAT in our treatment armamentarium represents major progress in our ability to provide liver directed therapies to patients."

"The completion of our 250th CHEMOSAT treatment and the activation of the Harley Street Clinic highlight the steady progress our team has made in expanding the clinical adoption of this therapy," said Jennifer K. Simpson, Ph.D., MSN, CRNP, President and Chief Executive Officer of Delcath Systems. "Over the past two years our team has built a strong commercial and clinical footprint for CHEMOSAT in Europe. We look forward to continuing to build on this momentum in the New Year in order to increase revenue and, importantly, to enhance the lives of patients suffering with these life-limiting conditions."

Novartis presents new data on targeted combination therapy at SABCS reinforcing commitment to breast cancer patients

On December 2, 2015 Novartis reported that it will present data that highlight advancements in targeted combination therapy research, and underscore the company’s continued commitment to bringing innovative treatments to patients living with advanced breast cancer at the 2015 CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), December 8-12 (Press release, Novartis, DEC 2, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508378]). Novartis will present 55 abstracts showcasing key real-world data from Afinitor (everolimus), Tykerb (lapatinib) and several investigational compounds in advanced breast cancer [1].

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"These data presented at SABCS reinforce the current focus toward combination therapies as the standard treatment for hormone receptor-positive, HER2 negative advanced breast cancer," said Alessandro Riva, MD, Global Head, Novartis Oncology Development and Medical Affairs. "Given the breadth of our portfolio, we are well positioned to explore innovative treatment combinations with the goal of providing the greatest benefit for patients living with advanced breast cancer."

Key Afinitor presentations show real-world data that add to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the benefit of staying on treatment:

BOLERO-2: cfDNA analysis from BOLERO-2 plasma samples identifies a high rate of ESR1 mutations: Exploratory analysis for prognostic and predictive correlation of mutations reveals different efficacy outcomes of endocrine therapy-based regimens (SABCS Oral Poster: #S2-07; December 9, 4:45 PM CST)

EVEREXES: Clinical effectiveness of everolimus and exemestane in advanced breast cancer patients from Asia and Africa: First efficacy and updated safety results from the phase IIIb study (SABCS Abstract #P4-13-09; December 11, 7:30 AM CST)

Evaluation of miracle mouthwash (MMW) plus hydrocortisone versus prednisolone mouth rinses as prophylaxis for everolimus-associated stomatitis: Preliminary results of a randomized phase II study (SABCS Abstract #P1-15-06; December 9, 5:00 PM CST)

BALLET: Stomatitis following everolimus (EVE) plus exemestane (EXE) in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-advanced breast cancer (ABC) in the BALLET trial (SABCS Abstract #P4-13-10; December 11, 7:30 AM CST)

BRAWO: Stomatitis in patients treated with everolimus and exemestane – Results of the 3rd interim analysis of the non-interventional trial (SABCS Abstract #P4-13-08; December 11, 7:30 AM CST)

BRAWO: Impact of physical activity/exercise on adverse events and quality of life during treatment with everolimus and exemestane for ER+ women – Results of the 3rd interim analysis (SABCS Abstract #P4-13-07; December 11, 7:30 AM CST)

BRAWO: Results of the third interim analysis – Sub-analysis of patients < 70 years and >= 70 years (SABCS Abstract #P4-13-06; December 11, 7:30 AM CST)

Investigational data in PI3K/mTOR and CDK 4/6 pathways demonstrate value of inhibiting multiple targets via dual or triplet therapy:

BELLE-2: PIK3CA status in circulating tumor DNA predicts efficacy of buparlisib plus fulvestrant in postmenopausal women with endocrine-resistant HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer: First results from the randomized, Phase III BELLE-2 trial (SABCS Oral Presentation #S6-01; December 11, 3:15 PM CST)

NeoPHOEBE: Phase II, randomized, parallel-cohort study of neoadjuvant buparlisib (BKM120) in combination with trastuzumab and paclitaxel in women with HER2-positive, PIK3CA mutant and PIK3CA wild-type primary breast cancer (SABCS Abstract #P1-14-01; December 9, 5:00pm CST)

Triplet therapy with ribociclib, everolimus, and exemestane in women with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (SABCS Abstract #P6-13-01; December 12, 7:30 AM CST)

Phase Ib/II study of ribociclib and alpelisib and letrozole in ER+, HER2- breast cancer: Safety, preliminary efficacy and molecular analysis (SABCS Abstract #P3-14-01; December 10, 5:00 PM CST)

Data from the Make Your Dialogue Count (MYDC) survey, which sought to better understand how to improve communications among advanced breast cancer patients, caregivers and health care professionals, explore emotional effects of advanced breast cancer on caregivers:

The experience of caregivers of women with metastatic breast cancer: Insights from the MYDC survey (SABCS Abstract #P1-11-06; December 9, 5:00 PM CST)
Other noteworthy data to be presented at SABCS on Tykerb (lapatinib) and Sandoz proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim:

NeoALTTO: Whole exome sequencing of pre-treatment biopsies to identify DNA aberrations associated with response to HER2-targeted therapies in breast cancer (SABCS Oral Poster #S5-01; December 11, 9:30 AM CST)

NeoALTTO (BIG 1-06): Breast ultrasound (US) and mammography (Mx) and response to neoadjuvant LAP, TRAS and their combination in HER2+ breast cancer (SABCS Abstract #P6-01-04; December 12, 7:30 AM CST)

ALTTO: The impact of early LAP-induced rash on DFS and OS (SABCS Abstract # PD5-07; December 10, 5:00 PM CST)
Results from PROTECT 1; A randomized, double-blind trial comparing the efficacy and safety of a proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim (LA-EP2006) with reference pegfilgrastim in patients with breast cancer (SABCS Abstract #P1-10-01; December 9, 5:00 PM CST)
To read more about the Novartis research approach and perspectives on current trends in the breast cancer treatment landscape, visit www.novartisoncology.com/stories.

Baxalta to Showcase Innovation Leadership in Hematology and Oncology During 57th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting

On December 2, 205 Baxalta Incorporated (NYSE: BXLT), a global biopharmaceutical leader dedicated to delivering transformative therapies to patients with orphan diseases and underserved conditions, reported that it will present data highlighting its commitment to innovation in blood disorders and hematologic oncology at the 57th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, beginning today through Dec. 8, in Orlando, Florida (Press release, Baxalta, DEC 2, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508377]).

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"Our broad presence at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2015 is a testament to our unwavering commitment to research and our progress in developing new solutions for the hematology and oncology communities," said John Orloff, M.D., head of Research & Development and chief scientific officer, Baxalta. "On the heels of our latest approvals of treatments for hemophilia and leukemia, the data we’re presenting at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) further demonstrate the depth and breadth of our clinical programs, and our efforts to improve the lives of patients through valuable therapeutic options."

Advancing Standards in Hemophilia Care with Growing Portfolio

Researchers from Baxalta and its partners will present more than a dozen scientific updates on the company’s leading hemophilia treatments ADVATE [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant)] and FEIBA [Anti-Inhibitor Coagulant Complex], newly-approved hemophilia A treatment ADYNOVATE [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), PEGylated] as well as investigational therapies.

Selected highlights include:

Characteristics of Patients Without Bleeding in a Pivotal Trial of Extended Half-Life, Pegylated, Full-Length Recombinant Factor VIII (BAX 855) in the Treatment of Hemophilia A. Pub # 1105. Session 322: Disorders of Coagulation or Fibrinolysis: Poster II. Saturday, Dec. 5, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., in Hall A.

Perioperative Efficacy of an Extended Half-Life, Pegylated, Full-Length Recombinant Factor VIII (BAX 855) in Individual Procedures. Pub # 2299. Session 322: Disorders of Coagulation or Fibrinolysis: Poster II. Sunday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., in Hall A.

Pharmacokinetics of a Recombinant Von Willebrand Factor in Patients with Severe Von Willebrand Disease. Pub # 2293. Session 322: Disorders of Coagulation or Fibrinolysis: Poster II. Sunday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., in Hall A.

Adeno-Associated Virus 8 (AAV8) Vector Genome Biodistribution into Body Fluids Following Single Intravenous Administration of BAX 335 Gene Therapy for Hemophilia B. Session 801: Gene Therapy and Transfer: Poster I. Saturday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., in Hall A.

"The range of hematology data we are presenting at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) showcases the real-world value of our differentiated portfolio and our continued focus on driving the future of care for the hemophilia community," said Brian Goff, executive vice president and president, Hematology, Baxalta. "Through our ongoing pursuit of a Bleed-Free World, we are confident that our continued commitment to innovation will contribute to improved care for patients around the world with options that allow them to personalize their treatment plan."

Addressing Unmet Needs in Hematologic Cancers with Late-Stage Pipeline

In addition, the company will showcase data on pacritinib, the company’s investigational treatment for myelofibrosis with partner CTI BioPharma, and ONCASPAR (pegaspargase), the company’s recently acquired treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Highlights include:

Analysis of Outcomes by Patient Subgroups in Patients with Myelofibrosis Treated with Pacritinib vs Best Available Therapy (BAT) in the Phase III PERSIST-1 Trial. Session 634: Myeloproliferative Syndromes: Clinical: Early and Late Stage Trials in MPN. Saturday, Dec. 5, at 10:15 a.m., in Room W224.

Pacritinib, a Dual FLT3/JAK2 Inhibitor, Reduces IRAK-1 Signaling in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Session 616: Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Novel Therapy, Excluding Transplantation: Novel Targeting Approaches. Monday, Dec. 7, at 11:45 a.m., in Room W109.

Relationship Between Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Efficacy in Patients with Myelofibrosis in the Phase III PERSIST-1 Trial of Pacritinib Vs. Best Available Therapy (BAT). Session 634: Myeloproliferative Syndromes: Clinical: Poster I. Saturday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., in Hall A.

"The data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2015 illustrate our progress in building an innovative, sustainable and diverse portfolio of new oncology treatments," said David Meek, executive vice president and president, Oncology, Baxalta. "We are helping to advance the approach to treating rare and underserved cancers with new innovations and technologies that have the potential to address significant unmet patient needs worldwide."

About ADYNOVATE

ADYNOVATE, [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), PEGylated], is a human antihemophilic factor indicated in adolescent and adult patients (12 years and older) with hemophilia A (congenital factor VIII deficiency) for:

On-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes
Routine prophylaxis to reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes
ADYNOVATE is not indicated for the treatment of von Willebrand disease.

Detailed Important Risk Information for ADYNOVATE

CONTRAINDICATIONS

ADYNOVATE is contraindicated in patients who have had prior anaphylactic reaction to ADYNOVATE, to the parent molecule (ADVATE), mouse or hamster protein, or excipients of ADYNOVATE (e.g. Tris, mannitol, trehalose, glutathione, and/or polysorbate 80).

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions are possible with ADYNOVATE. Allergic-type hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with other recombinant antihemophilic factor VIII products, including the parent molecule, ADVATE. Early signs of hypersensitivity reactions that can progress to anaphylaxis may include angioedema, chest tightness, dyspnea, wheezing, urticaria, and pruritus. Immediately discontinue administration and initiate appropriate treatment if hypersensitivity reactions occur.

Neutralizing Antibodies

Formation of neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) to factor VIII can occur following administration of ADYNOVATE. Monitor patients regularly for the development of factor VIII inhibitors by appropriate clinical observations and laboratory tests. Perform an assay that measures factor VIII inhibitor concentration if the plasma factor VIII level fails to increase as expected, or if bleeding is not controlled with expected dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Common adverse reactions (=1% of subjects) reported in the clinical studies were headache and nausea.

For Full Prescribing Information, visit View Source

About ADVATE

ADVATE [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant)] is a recombinant antihemophilic factor indicated for use in children and adults with hemophilia A (congenital factor VIII deficiency) for:

Control and prevention of bleeding episodes
Perioperative management
Routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes
ADVATE is not indicated for the treatment of von Willebrand disease.

Detailed Important Risk Information for ADVATE

CONTRAINDICATIONS

ADVATE is contraindicated in patients who have life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to mouse or hamster protein or other constituents of the product.

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Allergic-type hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with ADVATE. Symptoms include dizziness, paresthesia, rash, flushing, facial swelling, urticaria, dyspnea, pruritus, and vomiting.

Discontinue ADVATE if hypersensitivity symptoms occur and administer appropriate emergency treatment.

Neutralizing Antibodies

Neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) have been reported following administration of ADVATE predominantly in previously untreated patients (PUPs) and previously minimally treated patients (MTPs). Monitor all patients for the development of factor VIII inhibitors by appropriate clinical observation and laboratory testing. If expected plasma factor VIII activity levels are not attained, or if bleeding is not controlled with an expected dose, perform an assay that measures factor VIII inhibitor concentration.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Serious adverse reactions seen with ADVATE are hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, and the development of high-titer inhibitors necessitating alternative treatments to factor VIII.

The most common adverse reactions observed in clinical trials (frequency =5% of subjects) were pyrexia, headache, cough, nasopharyngitis, arthralgia, vomiting, upper respiratory tract infection, limb injury, nasal congestion, and diarrhea.

Please see full prescribing information for ADVATE at: View Source

ADVATE has a demonstrated efficacy and safety profile for the treatment of hemophilia A. ADVATE is a full-length (derived from the complete FVIII gene) recombinant FVIII product that is processed without any blood-based additives. Because no blood-derived components are added at any stage of the manufacturing process, the potential risk of transmitting pathogens that may be carried in blood-based additives is virtually eliminated. There have been no confirmed reports of transmission of HIV, HBV or HCV with rFVIII treatments.

ADVATE is the world’s most prescribed FVIII treatment. It is currently approved in 67 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, 28 countries in the European Union, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

About ONCASPAR

ONCASPAR (pegaspargase) is indicated as a component of a multiagent chemotherapeutic regimen for the first–line treatment of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and for the treatment of patients with ALL and hypersensitivity to native forms of L-asparaginase.

ONCASPAR is currently approved in the United States as a first line treatment and select European countries as a second line option.

Important Safety Information for ONCASPAR

ONCASPAR is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to ONCASPAR, and in patients with a history of serious thrombosis, pancreatitis, or serious hemorrhagic events with prior L-asparaginase therapy.

Anaphylaxis or serious allergic reactions can occur; therefore, patients should be observed for one hour after administration. Discontinue ONCASPAR in patients with serious allergic reactions. Patients with abdominal pain should be evaluated for evidence of pancreatitis. Discontinue ONCASPAR in patients with pancreatitis.

ONCASPAR should also be discontinued in patients with serious thrombotic events.

Glucose intolerance, in some cases irreversible, can occur; serum glucose should be monitored. Coagulopathy and hepatotoxicity can occur; appropriate monitoring should be performed.

The most common adverse reactions with ONCASPAR (=2%) are allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis), hyperglycemia, pancreatitis, central nervous system (CNS) thrombosis, coagulopathy, hyperbilirubinemia, and elevated transaminases.

Hyperlipidemia (hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia) has been reported in patients exposed to ONCASPAR.

Please click here to review full Product Information: View Source