On May 11, 2015 Eli Lilly and BioNTech reported they have entered into a research collaboration to discover novel cancer immunotherapies (Press release, Eli Lilly, MAY 11, 2015, View Source [SID:1234504196]). The companies will seek to use the power of the body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells and create possible new treatment options for cancer patients.

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Leveraging the scientific expertise between the two organizations, Lilly and BioNTech will collaborate to identify and validate novel tumor targets and their corresponding T cell receptors (TCRs) in one or more types of cancer. These tumor targets and TCRs may then be engineered and developed into potent and selective cancer therapies.

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Under the terms of the agreement, BioNTech will receive a $30 million signing fee. For each potential medicine, BioNTech could receive over $300 million in development, regulatory and commercial milestones. If successfully commercialized, BioNTech would also be eligible for tiered royalty payments up to double-digits. In addition, subject to the terms of the agreement, Lilly will make a $30 million equity investment in BioNTech’s subsidiary, Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, which specializes in the research and development of TCR and chimeric antigen receptor immunotherapeutics. Further financial terms were not disclosed.

"In the past few years, we’ve seen some amazing breakthroughs in immuno-oncology; however, we believe these are just the tip of the iceberg," said Greg Plowman, M.D., Ph.D., vice president of Lilly Oncology Research. "Lilly’s partnership with BioNTech represents the next wave of cancer immunotherapy and is focused on the identification of functional T cell receptors that can be used to redirect a patient’s natural immune system to fight cancer."

Ugur Sahin, CEO of BioNTech, said, "We are very pleased to collaborate with a leading oncology company such as Lilly. Lilly’s expertise and track record make it an ideal collaborator for both companies to leverage the full power of BioNTech’s functional T cell receptor technologies to develop novel cancer therapies that harness the immune system." He further added, "This alliance is in line with our strategy to collaborate with companies that have a similar fascination, drive and commitment in developing and commercializing truly innovative and disruptive immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer."

Lilly has a robust oncology pipeline that includes both small molecules and monoclonal antibodies, which are being studied to treat a wide range of cancers including breast, colorectal, liver and non-small cell lung.

On May 11, 2015 CEL-SCI reported that Spain’s Agency for Medicinal Products and Medicinal Devices has authorized the Company to commence patient enrollment for its ongoing Phase 3 trial of its investigational immunotherapy Multikine* (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection) in patients with advanced primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity/soft palate, a type of head and neck cancer (Filing, 8-K, Cel-Sci, MAY 11, 2015, View Source [SID:1234504177]). Spain is the 22nd country to authorize CEL-SCI’s Phase 3 trial for patient enrollment.

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CEL-SCI recently announced it had reached a key milestone of receiving authorization to conduct the Phase 3 study from 21 countries, as originally planned. The Company is aiming to expand the trial into a total of approximately 100 clinical centers in about 25 countries. As of April 30, 2015, 437 patients had been enrolled in the global Phase 3 study.

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About the Multikine Phase 3 Study

The Multikine Phase 3 study is enrolling patients with advanced primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The objective of the study is to demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in the overall survival of enrolled patients who are treated with the Multikine treatment regimen plus standard of care ("SOC") vs. subjects who are treated with SOC only.

About Multikine

Multikine (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection) is an investigational immunotherapeutic agent that is being tested in an open-label, randomized, controlled, global pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial as a potential first-line treatment for advanced primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Multikine is designed to be a different type of therapy in the fight against cancer: one that appears to have the potential to work with the body’s natural immune system in the fight against tumors.

Multikine is also being tested in a Phase 1 study under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement ("CRADA") with the U.S. Naval Medical Center, San Diego, as a potential treatment for peri-anal warts in HIV/HPV co-infected men and women. CEL-SCI has also entered into two co-development agreements with Ergomed Clinical Research Limited to further the development of Multikine for cervical dysplasia/neoplasia in women who are co-infected with HIV and HPV and for peri-anal warts in men and women who are co-infected with HIV and HPV.

On May 11, 2015 Can-Fite BioPharma reported it recently received clearance from the European Medicines Agency to commence dosing patients in Europe in its global Phase II trial for CF102 in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer (Filing, 6-K, Can-Fite BioPharma, MAY 11, 2015, View Source [SID:1234504176]). Shortly after receiving approval, the first patient in Europe was dosed.

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The Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial is being conducted in the U.S., Israel, and Europe. The trial protocol has been approved by regulatory agencies in all three regions and patients have been dosed in Israel and Europe. The study plans to enroll 78 HCC patients with Child-Pugh Class B cirrhosis who failed the only FDA approved drug on the market, Nexavar (sorafenib). Patients are treated twice daily with 25 mg of CF102, which has been found to be the most efficacious dose in Can-Fite’s earlier Phase I/II study resulting in the longest overall survival time, with excellent safety results.

CF102 has already been granted Orphan Drug Status for the treatment of HCC by the FDA. CF102 is also approved for Compassionate Use by Israel’s Ministry of Health.

"There are no treatment options for patients with advanced liver cancer who have not benefitted from treatment with Nexavar, the only FDA-approved drug on the market for this indication. As patients, who have virtually no other options, are being dosed with CF102, it is certainly our hope that the drug will be of benefit to them," stated Can-Fite CEO Dr. Pnina Fishman.

According to Global Industry Analysts, the global market for liver cancer is projected to exceed $2 billion in 2015. Based on data reported in industry publications, Nexavar annual sales were approximately $1 billion in 2012 and 2013.

About CF102

CF102 is a small orally bioavailable drug that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). A3AR is highly expressed in tumor cells whereas low expression is found in normal cells. This differential effect accounts for the excellent safety profile of the drug. In Can-Fite’s pre-clinical and clinical studies, CF102 has demonstrated a robust anti-tumor effect via deregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, resulting in apoptosis of liver cancer cells.