On September 7, 2016 CytRx Corporation (NASDAQ: CYTR), a biopharmaceutical research and development company specializing in oncology, reported that it has reached its enrollment target of 132 patients for the company’s global Phase 2b clinical trial of aldoxorubicin in patients with previously treated small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (Press release, CytRx, SEP 7, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514980]). The Phase 2b study is a randomized, comparative trial being conducted at 41 sites in the United States, Hungary and Spain. Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! "Patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer who have relapsed or are refractory to first-line chemotherapy have few treatment options," said Steven A. Kriegsman, Chairman and CEO of CytRx. "Aldoxorubicin represents a potential new therapy to combat this aggressive form of cancer. The Phase 2b trial uses a lower dose of aldoxorubicin than our Phase 3 trial in soft tissue sarcoma, which may improve the tolerability and potentially allow patients to stay on treatment longer. We look forward to reporting the trial results once they are available."
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Because of the unmet medical need for patients with second-line SCLC, if the global Phase 2b clinical trial results are positive, CytRx intends to meet with the U.S. FDA to discuss the regulatory pathway for the submission of a New Drug Application for aldoxorubicin in this patient population.
Trial Design
The multicenter, randomized, open-label, global Phase 2b clinical trial enrolled 132 patients with metastatic SCLC who either did not respond to, or who progressed following treatment with one systemic therapy. Trial patients were randomized 1:1 to be treated with aldoxorubicin at a dose of 230mg/m2 (170mg/m2 of doxorubicin equivalents) or standard dose topotecan. The primary endpoint of the study is progression-free survival, and secondary endpoints include overall survival, response rates and safety.
About Small Cell Lung Cancer
An estimated 1.6 million new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed worldwide each year. In the Western world, approximately 13-15% of cases are SCLC, a deadly form of lung cancer associated with tobacco use. The five-year survival rate is less than 7%, in part, because an estimated 70% of patients have extensive disease at diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 33,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the USA in 2016. GlobalData estimates the 2016 incidence of SCLC in Europe and Asia to be greater than 32,000 and 175,000, respectively.
About Aldoxorubicin
Aldoxorubicin is a rationally-engineered cytotoxic which combines doxorubicin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, with a novel linker molecule that binds directly and specifically to circulating albumin, the most abundant protein in the bloodstream. Protein-hungry tumors concentrate albumin, which facilitates the delivery of the linker molecule with the attached doxorubicin to tumor sites. In the acidic environment of the tumor, but not the neutral environment of healthy tissues, doxorubicin is released. Typically, doxorubicin is delivered systemically and is highly toxic, which limits dosing to a level below its maximum therapeutic benefit. Doxorubicin also is associated with many side effects, especially the potential for damage to heart muscle at cumulative doses greater than 450 mg/m2. Using this acid-sensitive linker technology, aldoxorubicin delivers greater doses of doxorubicin (3 ½ to 4 times). To date, there has been no evidence of clinically significant effects of aldoxorubicin on heart muscle, even at cumulative doses of drug well in excess of 2,000 mg/m2. Aldoxorubicin is the first-ever single agent to show superiority over doxorubicin in a randomized, global Phase 2b clinical trial in first-line STS.
8-K – Current report
On September 7, 2016 Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the "Company") reported that its collaboration partner Celgene Corporation ("Celgene") expects to submit a new drug application ("NDA") to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for enasidenib (AG-221), a first-in-class, oral, selective, potent inhibitor of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 ("IDH2"), in relapsed and/or refractory acute myeloid leukemia ("AML") (Filing, 8-K, Agios Pharmaceuticals, SEP 7, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514978]). Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! The NDA will be based on data from the ongoing phase 1/2 study of AG-221 in patients with advanced hematologic malignancies with an IDH2 mutation. The NDA submission is expected to occur by year-end 2016. Celgene will be discussing the planned enasidenib NDA submission at the Citi 11th Annual Biotech Conference in Boston in a webcast event on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at 12:00 pm ET.
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Patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 ("IDH1") mutant-positive AML whose disease has progressed after standard therapies also have limited treatment options, and the Company plans to explore a similar regulatory path for AG-120, its wholly-owned, first-in-class, oral, potent inhibitor of mutant IDH1, which could lead to a NDA submission in 2017 in the U.S. The Company plans to provide a regulatory update on AG-120 by the end of 2016.
The ongoing AG-221 phase 1/2 trial includes a dose-escalation phase and the following five expansion cohorts, all of which have completed accrual: (i) a cohort of 25 patients aged 60 years or older with IDH2 mutant-positive relapsed or refractory AML, or any IDH2-mutant positive AML patient, regardless of age, who has relapsed following a bone marrow transplant ("BMT"); (ii) a cohort of 25 patients aged less than 60 years with IDH2 mutant-positive relapsed or refractory AML, not including patients with AML who have relapsed following a BMT; (iii) a cohort of 25 patients aged 60 years or older with untreated IDH2 mutant-positive AML who decline standard of care chemotherapy; (iv) a cohort of 25 patients with IDH2 mutant-positive advanced hematologic malignancies not eligible for cohorts (i) to (iii); and (v) a cohort of approximately 125 patients with IDH2 mutant-positive AML who are in second or later relapse, refractory to second-line induction or reinduction treatment, or have relapsed after allogeneic transplantation.
BioLineRx Announces Clinical Research Collaboration to Investigate Combination of BL-8040 with Atezolizumab in Multiple Oncology Indications
On September 7, 2016 BioLineRx Ltd. (NASDAQ/TASE: BLRX) reported that it has entered into a collaboration with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, to support several Phase 1b studies investigating BioLineRx’s BL-8040 in combination with Atezolizumab, Genentech’s anti-PDL1 cancer immunotherapy, in multiple cancer indications (Press release, BioLineRx, SEP 7, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514964]). The Phase 1b studies will evaluate the clinical response, safety and tolerability of the combination of these therapies, as well as multiple pharmacodynamic parameters, in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! Under the agreement, Genentech will sponsor and conduct several Phase 1b trials in multiple solid cancer indications. In addition, BioLineRx will sponsor and conduct a Phase 1b study in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. The studies are planned as open-label, multicenter, single-arm trials designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination of BL-8040 and Atezolizumab. Upon completion of the studies, both parties will have the option to expand the collaboration to include a pivotal registration study. Additional details of the collaboration were not disclosed.
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BL-8040, BioLineRx’s lead oncology platform, is a CXCR4 antagonist that has been shown in several clinical trials to be a robust mobilizer of immune cells and to be effective at inducing direct tumor cell death. Additional findings in the field of immuno-oncology suggest that CXCR4 antagonists may be effective in inducing the migration of anti-tumor T cells into the tumor micro-environment. Atezolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to bind with a protein called PD-L1. Atezolizumab is designed to bind to PD-L1 expressed on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, blocking its interactions with both PD-1 and B7-1 (CD80) receptors. By inhibiting PD-L1, Atezolizumab may enable the activation of T cells, whose migration into the tumor may be enhanced by BL-8040.
"This collaboration agreement in multiple cancer indications with Genentech marks our second collaboration with a world leader in cancer immunotherapy for the combination of BL-8040 with an approved immune checkpoint inhibitor," stated Philip Serlin, Chief Financial and Operating Officer of BioLineRx. "Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a new class of promising drugs that have revolutionized anti-cancer treatment; however, it is becoming clear that certain tumor types will require a combination of immunotherapy with other classes of drugs. We are hopeful that the combination of BL-8040 and Atezolizumab will demonstrate the potential to expand the benefit of immunotherapy to cancer types currently resistant to cancer immunotherapy treatments."
About BL-8040
BL-8040 is a short peptide for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, solid tumors, and certain hematological indications. It functions as a high-affinity antagonist for CXCR4, a chemokine receptor that is directly involved in tumor progression, angiogenesis, metastasis and cell survival. CXCR4 is over-expressed in more than 70% of human cancers and its expression often correlates with disease severity. In a number of clinical and pre-clinical studies, BL-8040 has shown robust mobilization of cancer cells from the bone marrow, thereby sensitizing these cells to chemo- and bio-based anti-cancer therapy, as well as a direct anti-cancer effect by inducing apoptosis. In addition, BL-8040 has also demonstrated robust stem-cell mobilization, including the mobilization of colony-forming cells, and T, B and NK cells. BL-8040 was licensed by BioLineRx from Biokine Therapeutics and was previously developed under the name BKT-140.
Valeant And Progenics Announce The U.S. Commercial Launch Of FDA-Approved Relistor® Tablets
On September 6, 2016 Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE: VRX and TSX: VRX) ("Valeant") and Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PGNX) ("Progenics") reported the U.S. commercial launch of RELISTOR (methylnaltrexone bromide) Tablets, which is now available for prescribing. RELISTOR Tablets (450 mg once daily) were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adults with chronic non-cancer pain on July 19, 2016.
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"We are very pleased to launch RELISTOR Tablets in the U.S. and provide an exceptional new treatment option for the millions of patients who suffer from extreme discomfort due to OIC," said Joseph C. Papa, Chief Executive Officer of Valeant. "This new method of delivery for RELISTOR offers healthcare professionals a novel alternative to address the treatment of OIC – a growing need in pain management – and demonstrates Valeant’s continued commitment to delivering innovative products that improve people’s lives."
In addition, RELISTOR Tablets will be highlighted during poster presentations at PAINWeek, the largest U.S. pain conference for frontline clinicians, in Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 6-10. The posters will include the following:
Webster LR, Harper JR, Israel RJ. "Oral methylnaltrexone is efficacious and well tolerated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in patients with chronic noncancer pain taking concomitant methadone." PAINWeek Poster, public viewing begins on
Thursday, September 8 at 12:30 p.m. PT.
Webster LR, Harper JR, Israel RJ. "Oral methylnaltrexone does not negatively impact analgesia in patients with opioid-induced constipation and chronic noncancer pain." PAINWeek Poster, public viewing begins on Thursday, September 8 at 12:30 p.m. PT.
The RELISTOR Tablets data will also be presented by Steven Simon, M.D., Professor of Pathology, University of Miami Health System, during a product theatre, "Opioid-Induced Constipation When Reliable and Rapid Relief Matters," on Friday, September 9 at 8 a.m. PT.
Important Safety Information about RELISTOR
RELISTOR (methylnaltrexone bromide) Tablets are contraindicated in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction and patients at increased risk of recurrent obstruction, due to the potential for gastrointestinal perforation.
Cases of gastrointestinal perforation have been reported in adult patients with OIC and advanced illness with conditions that may be associated with localized or diffuse reduction of structural integrity in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., peptic ulcer disease, Ogilvie’s syndrome, diverticular disease, infiltrative gastrointestinal tract malignancies or peritoneal metastases). Take into account the overall risk-benefit profile when using RELISTOR in patients with these conditions or other conditions which might result in impaired integrity of the gastrointestinal tract wall (e.g., Crohn’s disease). Monitor for the development of severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain; discontinue RELISTOR in patients who develop this symptom.
If severe or persistent diarrhea occurs during treatment, advise patients to discontinue therapy with RELISTOR and consult their healthcare provider.
Symptoms consistent with opioid withdrawal, including hyperhidrosis, chills, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anxiety, and yawning have occurred in patients treated with RELISTOR.
Patients having disruptions to the blood-brain barrier may be at increased risk for opioid withdrawal and/or reduced analgesia. Take into account the overall risk-benefit profile when using RELISTOR in such patients. Monitor for adequacy of analgesia and symptoms of opioid withdrawal in such patients.
Avoid concomitant use of RELISTOR with other opioid antagonists because of the potential for additive effects of opioid receptor antagonism and increased risk of opioid withdrawal.
The most common adverse reactions (≥ 12%) in adult patients with opioid-induced constipation and chronic non-cancer pain receiving RELISTOR tablets were abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, abdominal distention, hyperhidrosis, anxiety, muscle spasms, rhinorrhea, and chills. Adverse reactions of abdominal pain, diarrhea, hyperhidrosis, anxiety, rhinorrhea, and chills may reflect symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
Please see complete Prescribing Information for RELISTOR at www.valeant.com. For more information about RELISTOR, please visit www.relistor.com.
About RELISTOR
Progenics has exclusively licensed development and commercialization rights for its first commercial product, RELISTOR, to Valeant. RELISTOR Tablets (450 mg once daily) is approved in the United States for the treatment of OIC in patients with chronic non-cancer pain. RELISTOR Subcutaneous Injection (12 mg and 8 mg) is a treatment for opioid-induced constipation approved in the United States and worldwide for patients with advanced illness and chronic non-cancer pain.
TESARO Announces Six Data Presentations at the 2016 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Meeting
On September 6, 2016 TESARO, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSRO), an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company, reported that data from six abstracts will be presented at the 2016 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) annual meeting, October 7 to October 11, 2016, in Copenhagen (Press release, TESARO, SEP 6, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514953]). In addition, TESARO will webcast an investor and analyst briefing from Copenhagen on Saturday, October 8 at 7:00 PM local time in conjunction with the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) annual meeting.
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Please plan to visit TESARO at Booth #415 for information about our pipeline.
Presentation Details (all times local):
Niraparib
Saturday, October 8, 2016, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM — Presidential Symposium 1
A randomized, double-blind phase 3 trial of maintenance therapy with niraparib vs placebo in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer (ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial)
Presentation: LBA3_PR, Presidential Symposium 1, Location: Copenhagen Room, Time: 5:30 PM
Results selected for inclusion in the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Press Programme
Sunday, October 9, 2016, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Modeling maintenance therapy in ovarian cancer
Poster: 1043P, Location: Hall E
Niraparib is an investigational product candidate that has not been approved by any regulatory agencies.
Rolapitant
Sunday, October 9, 2016, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Efficacy and safety of rolapitant in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in elderly patients
Poster: 1441P, Location: Hall E
Sunday, October 9, 2016, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Efficacy of rolapitant for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients with gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers
Poster: 1440P, Location: Hall E
Sunday, October 9, 2016, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Safety of rolapitant for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving Breast Cancer Resistant Protein (BCRP) substrate chemotherapy agents
Poster: 1442P, Location: Hall E
Sunday, October 9, 2016, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Systematic review of the efficacy and safety of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: identification of the relevant clinical trials
Poster: 1443P, Location: Hall E
Rolapitant is marketed in the United States under trade name VARUBI. Rolapitant has not been approved by any regulatory agencies outside of the United States.
Investor Briefing and Webcast
TESARO will webcast an investor and analyst briefing in Copenhagen on Saturday, October 8 at 7:00 PM local time in conjunction with the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) annual meeting. At this briefing, TESARO management will review the niraparib development program and data presented at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) and answer questions from investors and analysts. This event will be webcast live and archived for 30 days, and may be accessed from the TESARO Investor Events and Presentations webpage at www.tesarobio.com.
About Niraparib
Niraparib is an oral, once-daily PARP inhibitor that is currently being evaluated in four ongoing pivotal trials. TESARO is building a robust niraparib franchise by assessing activity across multiple tumor types and by evaluating several potential combinations of niraparib with other therapeutics. The ongoing development program for niraparib includes the Phase 3 trial in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer (the NOVA trial); a registrational Phase 2 treatment trial in patients with ovarian cancer (the QUADRA trial); a Phase 3 trial for the treatment of patients with BRCA-positive breast cancer (the BRAVO trial); and a Phase 3 trial in patients with first-line ovarian cancer (the PRIMA trial). Several collaborator-sponsored studies are also underway, including combination trials of niraparib plus pembrolizumab and bevacizumab. Janssen Biotech has licensed rights to develop and commercialize niraparib specifically for patients with prostate cancer worldwide, except in Japan.
About VARUBI (Rolapitant)
Rolapitant is marketed in the United States under trade name VARUBI. VARUBI is a substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist indicated in the U.S. in combination with other antiemetic agents in adults for the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including, but not limited to, highly emetogenic chemotherapy. VARUBI is contraindicated in patients receiving thioridazine, a CYP2D6 substrate. The inhibitory effect of a single dose of VARUBI on CYP2D6 lasts at least seven days and may last longer. Avoid use of pimozide; monitor for adverse events if concomitant use with other CYP2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index cannot be avoided. Please see full prescribing information, including additional important safety information, available at www.varubirx.com.
An intravenous formulation of rolapitant is also being developed. TESARO licensed exclusive rights for the development, manufacture, commercialization, and distribution of VARUBI (rolapitant) from OPKO Health, Inc.