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CTI BioPharma Presents Nonclinical Pharmacology Study Demonstrating Pacritinib Has Distinct Profile Amongst JAK Inhibitors At EORTC-NCI-AACR Molecular Targets And Cancer Therapeutics Symposium

On December 1, 2016 CTI BioPharma Corp. (CTI BioPharma) (NASDAQ and MTA: CTIC) reported the results of a translational pharmacology study comparing biomarker activity profiles for three JAK inhibitors: pacritinib, ruxolitinib and momelotinib, using the BioMAP Diversity PLUS panel of in vitro human primary cell-based systems (Press release, CTI BioPharma, DEC 1, 2016, View Source [SID1234516869]). The results demonstrated distinct profiles amongst these JAK inhibitors and suggest that clinical responses are likely to be distinct with each agent. The results were presented at the EORTC-NCI-AACR (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics Symposium, November 29 – December 2 in Munich, Germany.

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At clinically relevant concentrations, each of the JAK inhibitors reduced inflammatory mediators associated with myelofibrosis such as TNF and IL-6, however they had divergent effects on other immunological and inflammatory pathways. When tested on human lymphoid cells, pacritinib had the strongest inhibitory activities on sIL-17A, sIL-2 and sIL-6, mediators involved in autoimmune responses, while ruxolitinib had the broader inhibitory activities in multiple systems. Both ruxolitinib and pacritinib were inhibitory to B cells, but only ruxolitinib inhibited T cells that are associated with cell-mediated immunity. Only pacritinib was anti-proliferative to endothelial cells and fibroblasts, effects commonly seen in agents with anti-cancer properties. The resulting distinct phenotypic profiles of pacritinib, ruxolitinib and momelotinib, illustrate that although all were developed as JAK2-ATP binding site inhibitors, they have divergent biological effects and likely will have distinct clinical activities.

The poster for Abstract #P094: "Comparative Biomarker Profiles of Pacrtitinib, Momelotinib, Pexidartinib and Ruxolitinib Using BIOMAP Diversity Plus Panel" is available at www.ctibiopharma.com.

About Pacritinib

Pacritinib is an investigational oral kinase inhibitor with specificity for JAK2, FLT3, IRAK1 and CSF1R. The JAK family of enzymes is a central component in signal transduction pathways, which are critical to normal blood cell growth and development, as well as inflammatory cytokine expression and immune responses. Mutations in these kinases have been shown to be directly related to the development of a variety of blood-related cancers, including myeloproliferative neoplasms, leukemia and lymphoma. In addition to myelofibrosis, the kinase profile of pacritinib suggests its potential therapeutic utility in conditions such as acute myeloid leukemia, or AML, myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, or CMML, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, due to its inhibition of c-fms, IRAK1, JAK2 and FLT3.

Kura Oncology Presents Preclinical Data on KO-947 and Menin-MLL Inhibitor Program at the EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics

On December 1, 2016 Kura Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq:KURA), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, reported preclinical data highlighting the identification and characterization of KO-947, its development candidate targeting ERK1/2 kinases (Press release, Kura Oncology, DEC 1, 2016, View Source [SID1234516867]). The company has also presented preclinical data relating to the identification and optimization of potent and selective inhibitors of the menin-MLL interaction. Both presentations took place at the EORTC-NCI-AACR (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC) in Munich, Germany.

"We are excited to present preclinical data from these two innovative programs at EORTC, both of which showed compelling activity in preclinical models of cancer," said Yi Liu, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer. "Looking forward, we anticipate nominating a development candidate for our menin-MLL program by the end of 2016, and initiating a Phase 1 clinical trial for KO-947 in the first half of 2017."

KO-947 – A potent and selective inhibitor of ERK1/2 kinases

The RAS/RAF/MEK pathway is estimated to be activated in more than 30% of human cancers, including cancers arising from mutations in KRAS, NRAS and BRAF. Although inhibitors of both BRAF and MEK have been approved for treatment of melanoma, acquired resistance to these inhibitors has been documented both in preclinical and clinical samples due to reactivation of ERK1/2 kinases.

In preclinical studies presented today at EORTC, KO-947 showed potent inhibition of ERK signaling pathways and proliferation of tumor cells exhibiting dysregulation of MAPK pathway, including mutations in BRAF, NRAS or KRAS. KO-947 also inhibits MAPK signaling and cell proliferation in preclinical models that are resistant to BRAF and MEK inhibitors. Results obtained from screening a large panel of PDX models demonstrate that KO-947 induces tumor regressions in BRAF or RAS mutated tumor models as well as in tumor models lacking BRAF/RAS mutations but characterized by other dysregulation of the MAPK pathway.

KO-947 appears to be differentiated from other published ERK inhibitors by an extended residence time and prolonged pathway inhibition in vitro and in vivo. The data further suggest that the drug properties of KO-947 may allow Kura to maximize the therapeutic window with flexible administration routes and schedules, including intermittent dosing.

Inhibitors of the Menin-MLL Interaction

Chromosomal translocations that affect the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene result in aggressive acute myeloid and lymphoid leukemias that are often resistant to standard chemotherapy. Approximately 5-10% of acute leukemias in adults, and 70% of acute leukemias in infants, are characterized by tumors with abnormal MLL fusions. MLL fusion proteins require menin for leukemogenic activity and selective disruption of the menin-MLL interaction represents a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of acute leukemias with MLL rearrangements.

In preclinical studies presented at EORTC, inhibitors of the menin-MLL interaction showed potent inhibition of the proliferation of MLL leukemic cells. Inhibitors of the menin-MLL interaction displayed a greater than 50-fold reduction in potency in non-MLL-fusion leukemia cell lines and induced regression in a MV4:11 mouse xenograft model. The data show that the anti-tumor activity of menin-MLL inhibitors correlates with target engagement in tumors as well as inhibition of expression of downstream genes under the regulation of the fusion protein. Moreover, the inhibitors demonstrated potent efficacy in subcutaneous and disseminated models of MLL-fusion leukemias.

Both of the posters presented at EORTC can be found on Kura’s website in the Scientific Presentations and Papers section or by clicking here.

IGNYTA ANNOUNCES COMPELLING PHASE 1/1b CLINICAL DATA ON RXDX-105, ITS VEGFR-SPARING RET INHIBITOR, AT THE 2016 EORTC-NCI-AACR ANNUAL MEETING

On December 1, 2016 Ignyta, Inc. (Nasdaq: RXDX), a biotechnology company focused on precision medicine in oncology, reported data from an ongoing Phase 1/1b study of RXDX-105—Ignyta’s VEGFR-sparing, potent RET inhibitor—at the 2016 EORTC-NCI-AACR (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) (ENA) Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics Symposium in Munich, Germany, highlighting RXDX-105’s clinical activity in patients harboring RET molecular alterations, with five out of nine patients with RET fusion-positive cancers who were RET inhibitor-naïve achieving a RECIST response (1 complete response, 3 partial responses, and 1 unconfirmed partial response), for a preliminary objective response rate (ORR) of 56% (Abstract number 437, Poster number P116) (Filing, 8-K, Ignyta, DEC 1, 2016, View Source [SID1234516866]).

"This substantial update of our Phase 1/1b clinical data on RXDX-105 provides compelling evidence of its potent anti-tumor activity with promising durability and acceptable safety in patients with RET-fusion positive tumors," said Pratik Multani, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Ignyta. "With approximately 500-fold higher potency against RET than VEGFR2 in vitro, RXDX-105 has the potential to address a critical unmet medical need in RET-positive patients for whom the clinical utility of multikinase inhibitors with both RET and VEGFR activity is constrained by safety liabilities and limited efficacy. We look forward to the continuation of the study to further explore the safety and efficacy of RXDX-105."
As of the November 2016, data cut-off, the findings showed:
Safety
A total of 91 patients with a range of solid tumors have been treated in the Phase 1/1b clinical trial, with 55 patients treated in the Phase 1 study and 36 patients treated in the Phase 1b study.

• RXDX-105 continues to demonstrate a safety profile similar to what has been previously reported: across both studies, the most common treatment-related adverse events (>10% incidence) were rash (31%), fatigue (22%), diarrhea (20%), nausea (18%), hypophosphatemia (14%), vomiting (14%), muscle spasms (13%), and decreased appetite (10%);

• The majority of treatment-related adverse events were Grade 1 or 2, and were reversible with dose modification;

• The most common Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (>5% incidence) were rash (9%), hypophosphatemia (7%), and ALT increase (6%);

• One patient experienced a Grade 3 drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, in which the patient recovered with drug discontinuation. One patient experienced Grade 3 rash complicated by fatal alveolar hemorrhage. No other treatment-related Grade 4 or higher events were observed.

• Toxicities commonly associated with VEGFR inhibition, such as hypertension, hypothyroidism, proteinuria, and neurotoxicity, were rarely observed (<5%).
Efficacy
Of the 36 patients treated in the Phase 1b study, 35 had RET or BRAF molecular alterations.
Nine RET inhibitor-naïve patients (n = 8 in the Phase 1b cohort; n = 1 in the Phase 1 cohort) with RET fusion-positive tumors were treated at a daily dose of 275 mg or 350 mg in the fed state, and were evaluable for response.

• A preliminary ORR of 56% was observed in patients with RET fusion-positive solid tumors who were RET inhibitor-naïve (five out of nine treated patients had a RECIST response);

• Of the five patients demonstrating a RECIST response, one patient with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) achieved a complete response; three patients, all with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), achieved a partial response; and one patient with NSCLC had an unconfirmed partial response;

• Among the seven patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC who were RET inhibitor-naïve, three achieved a partial response and one achieved an unconfirmed response (a second scan had not been obtained at the date of data cutoff), for a preliminary ORR of 57%;

• Duration of response to RXDX-105 ranged from 2+ to 7+ months, with all responder patients currently continuing on treatment in active response; median duration of response, therefore, has not yet been determined;

• Additionally, a previously disclosed Phase 1 patient with RET-mutated M918T medullary thyroid cancer had a confirmed partial response and continues on treatment after ten cycles.

• These data confirm that RXDX-105 is active across a range of different histologies, with confirmed RECIST responses now observed in medullary thyroid cancer, NSCLC, and mCRC, and across a range of RET molecular alterations, including the M918T point mutation, and CCDC6-, EML4-, and PARD3-RET fusions.
Among the remaining patients treated in Phase 1b who were either RET fusion-positive and received prior RET inhibitor treatments (n = 4) or had BRAF molecular alterations (n = 23), durable disease control but no objective responses have been observed to date.
Based on the promising efficacy data observed thus far in patients with RET fusion-positive solid tumors who are RET inhibitor-naïve, this population will remain the primary focus of future development of RXDX-105. Enrollment in the Phase 1b study is ongoing to further explore the safety and efficacy of RXDX-105 in various molecular baskets at several doses.

FDA Grants Priority Review to Supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Merck’s KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in Relapsed or Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

On December 1, 2016 Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), the company’s anti-PD-1 therapy, for the treatment of patients with refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) or for patients who have relapsed after three or more prior lines of therapy (Press release, Merck & Co, DEC 1, 2016, View Source [SID1234516863]). The FDA granted Priority Review with a PDUFA, or target action, date of March 15, 2017. The sBLA will be reviewed under the FDA’s Accelerated Approval program. In April 2016, KEYTRUDA was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA for this indication.

"Patients with refractory or relapsed classical Hodgkin lymphoma have limited treatment options," said Dr. Roger Dansey, senior vice president and therapeutic area head, oncology late-stage development, Merck Research Laboratories. "We believe that the expedited review of this sBLA granted by the FDA is an important step in helping us make KEYTRUDA available as quickly as possible to patients living with this disease."

The application is seeking approval for KEYTRUDA at a fixed dose of 200 mg administered intravenously every three weeks and is based on data from the KEYNOTE-087 and KEYNOTE-013 trials, which studied patients with refractory cHL or who had relapsed after three or more prior lines of therapy. This is the first application for regulatory approval of KEYTRUDA in a hematologic malignancy.

The KEYTRUDA clinical development program includes more than 30 tumor types in more than 360 clinical trials, including nearly 200 trials that combine KEYTRUDA with other cancer treatments. For hematologic malignancies specifically, Merck is conducting broad immuno-oncology research assessing the role of monotherapy and combination regimens with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab). The program includes nearly 40 ongoing studies – several of which are registration-enabling trials – across more than 20 hematologic subtypes, including leukemia, lymphomas and myeloma.

About Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that develops in the white blood cells, called lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system. Hodgkin lymphoma can start almost anywhere – most often in lymph nodes in the upper part of the body, with the most common sites being in the chest, neck or under the arms. In 2016, it is estimated that more than 8,500 people will be diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in the U.S. Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) accounts for about 95 percent of all cases of Hodgkin lymphoma in developed countries.

About KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab)

KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells.

KEYTRUDA is administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every three weeks for the approved indications. KEYTRUDA for injection is supplied in a 100 mg single use vial.

KEYTRUDA Indications and Dosing

Melanoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma at a dose of 2 mg/kg every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Lung Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have high PD-L1 expression [tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥50%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is also indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA.

In metastatic NSCLC, KEYTRUDA is administered at a fixed dose of 200 mg every three weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression.

Head and Neck Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. 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. In HNSCC, KEYTRUDA is administered at a fixed dose of 200 mg every three weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months in patients without disease progression.

Selected Important Safety Information for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab)

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis, including fatal cases. Pneumonitis occurred in 94 (3.4%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 1 (0.8%), 2 (1.3%), 3 (0.9%), 4 (0.3%), and 5 (0.1%) pneumonitis, and occurred more frequently in patients with a history of prior thoracic radiation (6.9%) compared to those without (2.9%). Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pneumonitis. Evaluate suspected pneumonitis with radiographic imaging. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater pneumonitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent Grade 2 pneumonitis.

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated colitis. Colitis occurred in 48 (1.7%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.4%), 3 (1.1%), and 4 (<0.1%) colitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater colitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2 or 3; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 4 colitis.

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Hepatitis occurred in 19 (0.7%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.1%), 3 (0.4%), and 4 (<0.1%) hepatitis. Monitor patients for changes in liver function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hepatitis and, based on severity of liver enzyme elevations, withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab).

KEYTRUDA can cause hypophysitis. Hypophysitis occurred in 17 (0.6%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.2%), 3 (0.3%), and 4 (<0.1%) hypophysitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis (including hypopituitarism and adrenal insufficiency). Administer corticosteroids and hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; withhold or discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 hypophysitis.

KEYTRUDA can cause thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 96 (3.4%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.8%) and 3 (0.1%) hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurred in 237 (8.5%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (6.2%) and 3 (0.1%) hypothyroidism. The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in patients with HNSCC occurring in 28 (15%) of 192 patients with HNSCC, including Grade 3 (0.5%) hypothyroidism. Thyroiditis occurred in 16 (0.6%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.3%) thyroiditis. Monitor patients for changes in thyroid function (at the start of treatment, periodically during treatment, and as indicated based on clinical evaluation) and for clinical signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders. Administer replacement hormones for hypothyroidism and manage hyperthyroidism with thionamides and beta-blockers as appropriate. Withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 hyperthyroidism.

KEYTRUDA can cause type 1 diabetes mellitus, including diabetic ketoacidosis, which have been reported in 6 (0.2%) of 2799 patients. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Administer insulin for type 1 diabetes, and withhold KEYTRUDA and administer antihyperglycemics in patients with severe hyperglycemia.

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Nephritis occurred in 9 (0.3%) of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.1%), 3 (0.1%), and 4 (<0.1%) nephritis. Monitor patients for changes in renal function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater nephritis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 nephritis.

KEYTRUDA can cause other clinically important immune-mediated adverse reactions. For suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, ensure adequate evaluation to confirm etiology or exclude other causes. Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, withhold KEYTRUDA and administer corticosteroids. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Based on limited data from clinical studies in patients whose immune-related adverse reactions could not be controlled with corticosteroid use, administration of other systemic immunosuppressants can be considered. Resume KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) when the adverse reaction remains at Grade 1 or less following corticosteroid taper. Permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for any Grade 3 immune-mediated adverse reaction that recurs and for any life-threatening immune-mediated adverse reaction.

The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in less than 1% (unless otherwise indicated) of 2799 patients: arthritis (1.5%), exfoliative dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, rash (1.4%), uveitis, myositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, vasculitis, pancreatitis, hemolytic anemia, and partial seizures arising in a patient with inflammatory foci in brain parenchyma.

KEYTRUDA can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions, which have been reported in 6 (0.2%) of 2799 patients. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions, including rigors, chills, wheezing, pruritus, flushing, rash, hypotension, hypoxemia, and fever. For Grade 3 or 4 reactions, stop infusion and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA.

Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant during treatment, apprise the patient of the potential hazard to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use highly effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of KEYTRUDA.

In KEYNOTE-006, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 9% of 555 patients with advanced melanoma; adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in more than one patient were colitis (1.4%), autoimmune hepatitis (0.7%), allergic reaction (0.4%), polyneuropathy (0.4%), and cardiac failure (0.4%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 21% of patients; the most common (≥1%) was diarrhea (2.5%). The most common adverse reactions with KEYTRUDA vs ipilimumab were fatigue (28% vs 28%), diarrhea (26% with KEYTRUDA), rash (24% vs 23%), and nausea (21% with KEYTRUDA). Corresponding incidence rates are listed for ipilimumab only for those adverse reactions that occurred at the same or lower rate than with KEYTRUDA.

In KEYNOTE-002, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 12% of 357 patients with advanced melanoma; the most common (≥1%) were general physical health deterioration (1%), asthenia (1%), dyspnea (1%), pneumonitis (1%), and generalized edema (1%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 14% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were dyspnea (1%), diarrhea (1%), and maculopapular rash (1%). The most common adverse reactions with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) vs chemotherapy were fatigue (43% with KEYTRUDA), pruritus (28% vs 8%), rash (24% vs 8%), constipation (22% vs 20%), nausea (22% with KEYTRUDA), diarrhea (20% vs 20%), and decreased appetite (20% with KEYTRUDA). Corresponding incidence rates are listed for chemotherapy only for those adverse reactions that occurred at the same or lower rate than with KEYTRUDA.

KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of 682 patients with metastatic NSCLC. The most common adverse event resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA was pneumonitis (1.8%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 23% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were diarrhea (1%), fatigue (1.3%), pneumonia (1%), liver enzyme elevation (1.2%), decreased appetite (1.3%), and pneumonitis (1%). The most common adverse reactions (occurring in at least 20% of patients and at a higher incidence than with docetaxel) were decreased appetite (25% vs 23%), dyspnea (23% vs 20%), and nausea (20% vs 18%).

KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 17% of 192 patients with HNSCC. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pneumonia, dyspnea, confusional state, vomiting, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure. The most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) were fatigue, decreased appetite, and dyspnea. Adverse reactions occurring in patients with HNSCC were generally similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC, with the exception of increased incidences of facial edema (10% all Grades; 2.1% Grades 3 or 4) and new or worsening hypothyroidism.

It is not known whether KEYTRUDA is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, instruct women to discontinue nursing during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after the final dose.

Safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA have not been established in pediatric patients.

Our Focus on Cancer

Our goal is to translate breakthrough science into innovative oncology medicines to help people with cancer worldwide. At Merck, helping people fight cancer is our passion and supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines is our commitment. Our focus is on pursuing research in immuno-oncology and we are accelerating every step in the journey – from lab to clinic – to potentially bring new hope to people with cancer.

As part of our focus on cancer, Merck is committed to exploring the potential of immuno-oncology with one of the fastest-growing development programs in the industry. We are currently executing an expansive research program that includes more than 360 clinical trials evaluating our anti-PD-1 therapy across more than 30 tumor types. We also continue to strengthen our immuno-oncology portfolio through strategic acquisitions and are prioritizing the development of several promising immunotherapeutic candidates with the potential to improve the treatment of advanced cancers.

For more information about our oncology clinical trials, visit www.merck.com/clinicaltrials.

Celsion Corporation Announces Positive DSMB Review of Phase 1b OVATION Study in Ovarian Cancer

On December 1, 2016 Celsion Corporation (NASDAQ:CLSN) reported that the independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has completed its safety review of data from the first four patient cohorts in the ongoing Phase 1b OVATION Study (Press release, Celsion, DEC 1, 2016, View Source [SID1234516860]). Based on the DSMB’s recommendation, the study will continue as planned and the Company will proceed with completing dosing in the fourth and final patient cohort, which is currently enrolling patients. The OVATION Study is a dose-escalating clinical trial combining GEN-1, the Company’s DNA-based immunotherapy, with the standard of care for the treatment of newly-diagnosed patients with advanced ovarian cancer who will undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery.

"We are very encouraged by the data reported to date. In the first three cohorts, we saw remarkable and consistent responses across a number of clinically meaningful measures, underscoring the potential promise of our immunotherapy approach in this difficult-to-treat patient population," said Michael H. Tardugno, Celsion’s chairman, CEO and president. "The OVATION Study continues to progress on schedule and we look forward to reporting additional clinical findings from the fourth patient cohort, as well as translational data, later this month. Furthermore, we expect to report final data from this study in the first quarter of 2017."

"Our OVATION Study is achieving its objective of demonstrating that GEN-1 can be safely administered directly into the peritoneum and is well tolerated by patients when combined with standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy," said Nicholas Borys, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer of Celsion. "As we have previously reported, all nine patients in the first three cohorts experienced a clinically meaningful response, ranging from stable disease to one pathologically confirmed complete response. Two-thirds of patients treated in the trial experienced at objective tumor response. We also observed three cases of no visible residual disease at time of surgery (R0 resection). In addition, we saw sustained decreases of 90% or greater of the prospective indicator of the presence of ovarian cancer cells, CA-125 protein, in all patients, as well as highly impressive pathologically responses, which is associated with prolonged survival. We hope to build on these impressive results with our translational data, which will provide further insights on the impact of localized IL-12 production with GEN-1."
The OVATION Study is designed to enroll three to six patients per dose cohort at escalating doses of GEN-1 with the goal to identify a safe, tolerable and therapeutically active dose of GEN-1 by recruiting and maximizing an immune response. The first three cohorts each enrolled three patients. Enrollment in the fourth and final cohort is underway, and Celsion expects to report full data from the OVATION Study by the first quarter of 2017.