20-F – Annual and transition report of foreign private issuers [Sections 13 or 15(d)]

(Filing, Annual, Oncolytics Biotech, 2015, MAR 24, 2016, View Source [SID:1234509936])

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Equivalence of MammaPrint array types in clinical trials and diagnostics.

MammaPrint is an FDA-cleared microarray-based test that uses expression levels of the 70 MammaPrint genes to assess distant recurrence risk in early-stage breast cancer. The prospective RASTER study proved that MammaPrint Low Risk patients can safely forgo chemotherapy, which is further subject of the prospective randomized MINDACT trial. While MammaPrint diagnostic results are obtained from mini-arrays, clinical trials may be performed on whole-genome arrays. Here we demonstrate the equivalence and reproducibility of the MammaPrint test. MammaPrint indices were collected for breast cancer samples: (i) on both customized certified array types (n = 1,897 sample pairs), (ii) with matched fresh and FFPE tissues (n = 552 sample pairs), iii) for control samples replicated over a period of 10 years (n = 11,333), and iv) repeated measurements (n = 280). The array type indicated a near perfect Pearson correlation of 0.99 (95 % CI: 0.989-0.991). Paired fresh and FFPE samples showed an excellent Pearson correlation of 0.93 (95 % CI 0.92-0.94), in spite of the variability introduced by intratumoral tissue heterogeneity. Control samples showed high consistency over 10 year’s time (overall reproducibility of 97.4 %). Precision and repeatability are overall 98.2 and 98.3 %, respectively. Results confirm that the combination of the near perfect correlation between array types, excellent equivalence between tissue types, and a very high stability, precision, and repeatability demonstrate that results from clinical trials (such as MINDACT and I-SPY 2) are equivalent to current MammaPrint FFPE and fresh diagnostics, and can be used interchangeably.

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Pivotal Phase III Trial of enzalutamide Initiated in Metastatic Hormone Sensitive Prostate Cancer(pdf 111KB)

On March 24, 2016 Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503) and Medivation, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDVN) reported that the ARCHES (AR Inhibition with ChemoHormonal Therapy in Men with MEtastatic Castrate Sensitive Prostate Cancer) Phase III registrational trial, which will evaluate the efficacy and safety of enzalutamide with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) versus placebo with ADT in metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) patients, has been initiated and the first patient has been randomized (Press release, Astellas, MAR 24, 2016, View Source [SID:1234509946]).

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Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 181,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed, and 26,000 men will die of prostate cancer in the United States in 2016.i Androgen deprivation therapy, which reduces the levels of androgens (male hormones), is the standard of care for patients with mHSPC. The ARCHES trial will investigate whether the addition of enzalutamide to ADT may benefit this patient population compared to ADT alone.

"Dosing of the first patient in this trial demonstrates our ongoing commitment to continuing to investigate enzalutamide," said Claire Thom, Pharm D., senior vice president and oncology therapeutic area head, Astellas.

"This trial targets an important patient population as we advance the development of enzalutamide," said Mohammad Hirmand, M.D., interim chief medical officer, Medivation. "The initiation of this trial demonstrates our ongoing commitment to fully develop enzalutamide in this serious disease."

The global, Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which is being led by Astellas, will evaluate the efficacy and safety of enzalutamide with ADT versus placebo with ADT in patients with mHSPC. ARCHES will enroll approximately 1,100 patients with mHSPC at approximately 250 centers globally. The 2 primary endpoint of the trial is radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), defined as the time from randomization to the first objective evidence of radiographic disease progression as assessed by central review or death, whichever occurs first. The trial will evaluate enzalutamide at a dose of 160 mg to be taken orally once daily versus placebo, administered with ADT.

For more information about this trial, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov, trial identifier NCT02677896.

Enzalutamide is being developed through a collaboration between Astellas and Medivation. Enzalutamide, which is known by the brand name XTANDI, is not approved for use in patients with metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).

About XTANDI XTANDI (enzalutamide) capsules is an androgen receptor inhibitor that blocks multiple steps in the androgen receptor signaling pathway within the tumor cell. In preclinical studies, enzalutamide has been shown to competitively inhibit androgen binding to androgen receptors, and inhibit androgen receptor nuclear translocation and interaction with DNA. The clinical significance of this MOA is unknown. XTANDI is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Important Safety Information

Contraindications XTANDI is not indicated for women and is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. XTANDI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.

Warnings and Precautions

Seizure In Study 1, conducted in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) who previously received docetaxel, seizure occurred in 0.9% of XTANDI patients and 0% of placebo patients. In Study 2, conducted in patients with chemotherapy-naive metastatic CRPC, seizure occurred in 0.1% of XTANDI patients and 0.1% of placebo patients. There is no clinical trial experience re- administering XTANDI to patients who experienced a seizure, and limited safety data are available in patients with predisposing factors for seizure. Study 1 excluded the use of concomitant medications that may lower threshold; Study 2 permitted the use of these medications. Because of the risk of seizure associated with XTANDI use, patients should be advised of the risk of engaging in any activity during which sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm to themselves or others. Permanently discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.

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

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) reported from two combined clinical studies that occurred more commonly (≥ 2% over placebo) in XTANDI patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, decreased appetite, constipation, arthralgia, diarrhea, hot flush, upper respiratory tract infection, peripheral edema, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, weight decreased, headache, hypertension, and dizziness/vertigo.

In Study 1, Grade 3 and higher adverse reactions were reported among 47% of XTANDI patients and 53% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 16% of XTANDI patients and 18% of placebo patients. In Study 2, Grade 3-4 adverse reactions were reported in 44% of XTANDI patients and 37% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 6% of both study groups.

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

Infections: In Study 1, 1% of XTANDI patients compared to 0.3% of placebo patients died from infections or sepsis. In Study 2, 1 patient in each treatment group (0.1%) had an infection resulting in death.

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

Hypertension occurred in 11% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients. No patients experienced hypertensive crisis. Medical history of hypertension was balanced between arms. Hypertension led to study discontinuation in < 1% of all patients.

Drug Interactions

Effect of Other Drugs on XTANDI Avoid strong CYP2C8 inhibitors, as they can increase the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, reduce the dose of XTANDI. Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers as they can decrease the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, increase the dose of XTANDI.

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

For Full Prescribing Information for XTANDI (enzalutamide) capsules, please visit View Source

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1‐800‐FDA‐1088.

Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Financial Results

On March 24, 2016 Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:CYCC) (NASDAQ:CYCCP); "Cyclacel" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company developing oral therapies that target the various phases of cell cycle control for the treatment of cancer and other serious disorders, reported its financial results and business highlights for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2015 (Press release, Cyclacel, MAR 24, 2016, View Source [SID:1234509935]).

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The Company’s net loss applicable to common shareholders for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2015 was $3.4 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, compared to net loss applicable to common shareholders of $4.8 million, or $0.21 per basic and diluted share for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2015, cash and cash equivalents totaled $20.4 million.

"In SEAMLESS, our Phase 3 pivotal study in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), approximately 4% of required events remain to be observed before mature data become available, expected around the first half of 2016 or approximately 18 months after completion of enrollment," said Spiro Rombotis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cyclacel. "The primary endpoint of the study is overall survival. After top-line data readout, the mature data will be evaluated for submissibility to regulatory authorities. In parallel, we have been progressing our CDK inhibitor programs. We have reported encouraging interim data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 combination trial of seliciclib and sapacitabine in solid tumor patients, including durable partial responses and stable disease in patients with BRCA positive breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. In particular, two ongoing patients with BRCA positive breast cancer have achieved over 1 and 4.5 years of treatment, respectively. In light of these data and investigator interest, we have started an extension cohort in a BRCA-enriched population of breast cancer patients. Last fall we initiated a first-in-human, Phase 1 study of CYC065, our second-generation CDK2/9 inhibitor, in patients with solid tumors and lymphomas following extensive preclinical data in the literature suggesting broad activity of CYC065 in both liquid and solid tumor models. The Cyclacel team continues to pursue the vision of our founders, as appreciation of the importance of CDK inhibitors is increasing among the medical community."

Recent Business Highlights

SEAMLESS Study

Continued follow up of patients enrolled in SEAMLESS, a Phase 3 study of orally-administered sapacitabine alternating with intravenous decitabine compared to decitabine alone, as first-line treatment in patients aged 70 years or older with AML.
Approximately 4% of the pre-specified events remain to be observed until mature data become available for analysis.
Submitted to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) a Paediatric Investigation Plan application for sapacitabine.
Cyclin Dependent Kinase 2/9 (CDK2/9) Inhibitor Programs

Dosed first patients in an extension cohort of the Phase 1/2 combination study of seliciclib and sapacitabine in a population of BRCA-positive breast cancer patients. In the first part of the study, several patients with BRCA positive breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers achieved durable partial responses and stable disease.
Continued patient recruitment in the first-in-human trial of CYC065, a second-generation CDK2/9 inhibitor, to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of CYC065 in patients with solid tumors and lymphomas.
Presented preclinical data on the molecular rationale and therapeutic potential in both hematologic and solid tumors of CYC065 at several medical conferences during the fourth quarter, including the Society of Hematologic Oncology (SOHO) 2015 Annual Meeting, the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC International Conference, the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) and the Neuroblastoma UK Annual Meeting.
Cyclacel’s Key Milestones for 2016

Sapacitabine in SEAMLESS

Continue follow-up of patients until the requisite number of events occur, which is anticipated around the end of the first half of 2016.
Report top-line results.
Determine submissibility to regulatory authorities for marketing approval following analysis of the mature data set.
Progress a Paediatric Investigation Plan for sapacitabine with the EMA.
Sapacitabine in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS):

Initiate a Phase 1/2 trial of sapacitabine in combination with other agents to determine safety and tolerability.
Plan a Phase 2 randomized controlled trial (RCT) of sapacitabine in combination with other agents following review of all relevant clinical data with mature follow-up.
CDK Inhibitor Programs

Progress the seliciclib and sapacitabine Phase 1/2 study in an extension cohort of breast cancer patients enriched for BRCA mutations.
Report updated Phase 1 seliciclib and sapacitabine combination data in approximately 60 patients with advanced solid tumors.
Report top-line results of the CYC065 Phase 1 trial in patients with solid tumors and lymphomas.
Present additional preclinical data on CYC065 at the upcoming AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) conference in April.
Report data when available from on-going investigator sponsored trials (ISTs) evaluating seliciclib in patients with Cushing’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Seliciclib is also being evaluated in cystic fibrosis through a license and supply agreement with ManRos Therapeutics.
Fourth Quarter 2015 Financial Results

Grant Revenue

Revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2015 was $0.4 million compared to $0.2 million for the same period of the previous year. The revenue is related to previously awarded grants from the UK government being recognized over the period to progress CYC065 to IND and complete IND-directed preclinical development of CYC140, a novel, orally available, Polo-Like Kinase 1 (PLK 1) inhibitor.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses decreased to $2.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to $4.4 million for the same period in the previous year. The decrease was primarily due to reduced study and clinical supply costs associated with the SEAMLESS Phase 3 trial, which completed enrollment in December 2014, offset by increased expenditures primarily related to the first-in-human, Phase 1 study of CYC065 and grant supported research and development.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2015 increased to $1.7 million, compared to $1.6 million for the same period in 2014.

Based on current plans, the Company estimates that it has capital resources to reach beyond the final analysis of SEAMLESS and continue existing programs through the end of 2017.

Varian Honors Commitment to Algeria by Opening New Office in Country

On March 24, 2016 Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR), leader in radiotherapy systems and software for the treatment of cancer, reported the official opening of a new strategic operating entity in Algeria, providing support to customers across North Africa (Press release, Varian Medical Systems, MAR 24, 2016, View Source [SID:1234509932]). The Algerian Minister of Health’s chief of staff and the U.S. Chief of Mission in Algeria joined with local dignitaries and senior Varian personnel at an inauguration ceremony today to mark the launch of Varian Medical Systems Algeria SPA.

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"Varian is proud to meet our commitment to the Algerian Ministry of Health and the country’s clinical community by creating a strategic hub here in Algiers," said Fouad Rahal, managing director of VMS Algeria SPA. "Since we created the new entity nearly a year ago, we have established a facility and hired highly trained Algerian technical service, clinical applications, logistics and other experts to support cancer clinics here."

The new Varian facility in the Hydra district of Algiers employs 16 people and houses a training and education center, a parts depot and a service center. "This entity will provide clinics with a high level of service as well as offering educational programs to train clinicians on the use of Varian technology to deliver advanced radiotherapy for the benefit of Algerian cancer patients," added Rahal.

At today’s inauguration ceremony, former Minister of Health and head of the Algeria National Cancer Plan Professor Messaoud Zitouni presented on global and regional cancer trends and discussed the importance of collaboration with Varian in helping to address a growing cancer burden.

Burt Lang, Varian’s senior managing director in Africa, said, "The incidence of cancer is unfortunately growing rapidly in Africa and has become one of the continent’s top healthcare concerns. Radiotherapy plays a vital and cost effective role in treating cancer and we are committed to making it available to more patients across the continent."

The first Varian linear accelerator was installed in Algeria over 20 years ago and the company now has 21 systems operating across the country. Eighteen months ago, Varian announced that it had entered into an agreement with the Algerian Ministry of Health to equip six cancer treatment centers with advanced technology for radiotherapy and radiosurgery. The first six of these systems, including advanced TrueBeam treatment devices, are due to be installed by the end of this year.