Advaxis to Present Poster on ADXS-HER2 at SABCS 2015

On December 09, 2015 Advaxis, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADXS), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing cancer immunotherapies, reported that it will present a poster on Advaxis’s Lm Technology cancer immunotherapy ADXS-HER2 at the 2015 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) in San Antonio, Texas during Poster Session 1 on Wednesday, December 9, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. CST (Press release, Advaxis, DEC 9, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508514]).

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"Standard treatments for metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer are effective, but resistance develops and different approaches are needed," said Antoinette R. Tan, M.D., M.H.Sc., Chief of Breast Medical Oncology at Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, N.C. "This Phase 1b trial tests the approach of using an attenuated bacteria that has been shown in preclinical studies to disable the tumor’s ability to hide from and resist therapy, potentially offering a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with HER2-positive tumors."

The poster, titled "A multicenter, Phase 1b, first-in-human dose-escalation study of ADXS31-164, a listeria monocytogenes-LLO immunotherapy, in patients with HER2-expressing solid tumors," will be presented by Dr. Tan. As of October 20, 2015, this study has enrolled three patients.

The Phase 1b study in humans builds upon efficacy and safety data from Phase 1 clinical studies of ADXS-HER2 conducted in dogs with osteosarcoma, which may have important translational relevance for human patients with osteosarcoma and other HER2 expressing cancers. Preliminary data from a Phase 1 clinical trial in companion dogs with spontaneous osteosarcoma showed that administration of ADXS-HER2 following amputation and chemotherapy was safe and induced immune responses against HER2 expressing tumors in 15 out of 18 dogs. Median survival times for ADXS-HER2 treated dogs and a matched historical control group were 956 days and 423 days respectively. Overall survival rates at 1 and 2 years for dogs treated with ADXS-HER2 were 77.8 percent and 67 percent respectively and 55 percent and 28 percent respectively for the historical control group. Based on these encouraging results, ADXS-HER2 is being considered for expedited approval in 2016 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to treat canine osteosarcoma.

Furthermore, preliminary data from a second ongoing canine Phase 1/2 trial suggests that ADXS-HER2 in combination with palliative radiation may delay primary and metastatic tumor progression and prolong overall survival in a subset of pet dogs with spontaneous osteosarcoma that do not undergo amputation or chemotherapy.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recently granted Orphan Drug Designation for ADXS-HER2 for the treatment of osteosarcoma in humans.

About HER2 Expressing Solid Tumor Cancers

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in a percentage of solid tumors such as breast, gastric, bladder, brain, pancreatic, ovarian and pediatric bone cancer (osteosarcoma). The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2015 in the United States alone there will be 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer; 24,590 new cases of gastric cancer; 74,000 new cases of bladder cancer; 22,850 new cases of brain/spinal cancer; 48,960 new cases of pancreatic cancer; 21,290 new cases of ovarian cancer; and 207 new cases of pediatric osteosarcoma. HER2 expression is associated with more aggressive disease, increased risk of relapse and decreased overall survival, and is an important target for immunotherapy.

About ADXS-HER2

ADXS-HER2 is an Lm Technology immunotherapy product candidate being developed by Advaxis to target HER2 expressing cancers. ADXS-HER2 has received orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of osteosarcoma. Advaxis is developing ADXS-HER2 for both human and animal health, and has seen encouraging data in canine osteosarcoma, which is considered a model for human osteosarcoma. Advaxis has licensed ADXS-HER2 and three other immunotherapy constructs to Aratana Therapeutics, Inc. for the development of pet therapeutics.

Clinical trials of ADXS-HER2 have been placed on clinical hold by the FDA. Advaxis is working closely with the FDA and expects this clinical hold will be resolved expeditiously.

Abstracts at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Highlight ABRAXANE® as a Potential Backbone Therapy in Neoadjuvant and Triple-Negative-Breast Cancer

On December 9, 2015 Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ:CELG) reported that multiple studies being presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium will highlight the investigational use of ABRAXANE for Injectable Suspension (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (albumin-bound) as neoadjuvant therapy in high-risk early breast cancer and in combination with a platinum in triple-negative breast cancer (Press release, Celgene, DEC 9, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508510]). Additionally, studies will evaluate ABRAXANE as a potential backbone of therapy with new immune-oncology agents.

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"The studies being presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium this year support continued research into ABRAXANE as a taxane to combine with other agents in triple-negative breast cancer in both early and metastatic disease," said Jacqualyn A. Fouse, Ph.D., President, Hematology/Oncology for Celgene. "Our research efforts in this disease area underscore our ongoing commitment to patients who have few new therapeutic options."

Studies being presented include:

P1-14-11- New results from the neoadjuvant randomized GeparSepto study (GBG 69) of nab-paclitaxel at a dose of 125mg/m2 weekly compared to 150mg/m2 – December 9, 5 p.m. (Hall A-B).

P2-11-06 – Safety and clinical activity of atezolizumab (anti-PDL1) in combination with nab-paclitaxel in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer – December 10, 7:30 a.m. (Hall A-B)

S6-07 – Comparison of 12 weeks neoadjuvant nab-paclitaxel combined with carboplatinum vs. gemcitabine in triple-negative breast cancer: WSG-ADAPT TN randomized phase II trial – December 11, 4:45 p.m. (Hall D)

To view all abstracts for studies being presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, visit View Source

ABRAXANE for Injectable Suspension (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension)(albumin-bound) is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer after failure of combination chemotherapy for metastatic disease or relapse within 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline unless clinically contraindicated.

Important Safety Information

WARNING – NEUTROPENIA

Do not administer ABRAXANE therapy to patients who have baseline neutrophil counts of less than 1500 cells/mm3. In order to monitor the occurrence of bone marrow suppression, primarily neutropenia, which may be severe and result in infection, it is recommended that frequent peripheral blood cell counts be performed on all patients receiving ABRAXANE
Note: An albumin form of paclitaxel may substantially affect a drug’s functional properties relative to those of drug in solution. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR OR WITH OTHER PACLITAXEL FORMULATIONS

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Neutrophil Counts

ABRAXANE should not be used in patients who have baseline neutrophil counts of < 1500 cells/mm3
Hypersensitivity

Patients who experience a severe hypersensitivity reaction to ABRAXANE should not be rechallenged with the drug
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hematologic Effects

Bone marrow suppression (primarily neutropenia) is dose-dependent and a dose-limiting toxicity of ABRAXANE. In a clinical study, Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 34% of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC)

Monitor for myelotoxicity by performing complete blood cell counts frequently, including prior to dosing on Day 1
Do not administer ABRAXANE to patients with baseline absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) of less than 1,500 cells/mm3
In the case of severe neutropenia ( < 500 cells/mm3 for 7 days or more) during a course of ABRAXANE therapy, reduce the dose of ABRAXANE in subsequent courses in patients with MBC

Resume treatment with every-3-week cycles of ABRAXANE after ANC recovers to a level > 1500 cells/mm3 and platelets recover to > 100,000 cells/mm3

Nervous System

Sensory neuropathy is dose- and schedule-dependent
The occurrence of Grade 1 or 2 sensory neuropathy does not generally require dose modification
If ≥ Grade 3 sensory neuropathy develops, withhold until resolution to Grade 1 or 2 followed by a dose reduction for all subsequent courses of ABRAXANE

Hypersensitivity

Severe and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions, have been reported
Patients who experience a severe hypersensitivity reaction to ABRAXANE should not be rechallenged with this drug

Hepatic Impairment

Because the exposure and toxicity of paclitaxel can be increased with hepatic impairment, administration of ABRAXANE in patients with hepatic impairment should be performed with caution
Patients with hepatic impairment may be at an increased risk of toxicity, particularly from myelosuppression, and should be monitored for development of profound myelosuppression
For MBC, the starting dose should be reduced for patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment

Albumin (Human)

ABRAXANE contains albumin (human), a derivative of human blood
Use in Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category D

ABRAXANE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman
If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus

Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving ABRAXANE
Use in Men

Men should be advised not to father a child while receiving ABRAXANE

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Randomized Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Study

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) with single-agent use of ABRAXANE vs paclitaxel injection in the MBC study are alopecia (90%, 94%), neutropenia (all cases 80%, 82%; severe 9%, 22%), sensory neuropathy (any symptoms 71%, 56%; severe 10%, 2%), abnormal ECG (all patients 60%, 52%; patients with normal baseline 35%, 30%), fatigue/asthenia (any 47%, 39%; severe 8%, 3%), myalgia/arthralgia (any 44%, 49%; severe 8%, 4%), AST elevation (any 39%, 32%), alkaline phosphatase elevation (any 36%, 31%), anemia (any 33%, 25%; severe 1%, < 1%), nausea (any 30%, 22%; severe 3%, < 1%), diarrhea (any 27%, 15%; severe < 1%, 1%) and infections (24%, 20%), respectively

Sensory neuropathy was the cause of ABRAXANE discontinuation in 7/229 (3%) patients
Other adverse reactions of note with the use of ABRAXANE vs paclitaxel injection included vomiting (any 18%, 10%; severe 4%, 1%), fluid retention (any 10%, 8%; severe 0%, < 1%), mucositis (any 7%, 6%; severe < 1%, 0%), hepatic dysfunction (elevations in bilirubin 7%, 7%), hypersensitivity reactions (any 4%, 12%; severe 0%, 2%), thrombocytopenia (any 2%, 3%; severe < 1%, < 1%), neutropenic sepsis ( < 1%, < 1%), and injection site reactions ( < 1%, 1%), respectively. Dehydration and pyrexia were also reported

Renal dysfunction (any 11%, severe 1%) was reported in patients treated with ABRAXANE (n=229)
In all ABRAXANE-treated patients (n=366), ocular/visual disturbances were reported (any 13%; severe 1%)
Severe cardiovascular events possibly related to single-agent ABRAXANE occurred in approximately 3% of patients and included cardiac ischemia/infarction, chest pain, cardiac arrest, supraventricular tachycardia, edema, thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, pulmonary emboli, and hypertension

Cases of cerebrovascular attacks (strokes) and transient ischemic attacks have been reported
Postmarketing Experience With ABRAXANE and Other Paclitaxel Formulations

Severe and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with ABRAXANE. The use of ABRAXANE in patients previously exhibiting hypersensitivity to paclitaxel injection or to human albumin has not been studied
There have been reports of congestive heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, and atrioventricular block with ABRAXANE, primarily among individuals with underlying cardiac history or prior exposure to cardiotoxic drugs
There have been reports of extravasation of ABRAXANE. Given the possibility of extravasation, it is advisable to monitor closely the ABRAXANE infusion site for possible infiltration during drug administration

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Caution should be exercised when administering ABRAXANE concomitantly with medicines known to inhibit or induce either CYP2C8 or CYP3A4

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether paclitaxel is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother
Pediatric

The safety and effectiveness of ABRAXANE in pediatric patients have not been evaluated
Geriatric

A higher incidence of epistaxis, diarrhea, dehydration, fatigue, and peripheral edema was found in patients 65 years or older who received ABRAXANE for MBC in a pooled analysis of clinical studies
Renal Impairment

There are insufficient data to permit dosage recommendations in patients with severe renal impairment or end stage renal disease (estimated creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Do not administer ABRAXANE to any patient with total bilirubin greater than 5 x ULN or AST greater than 10 x ULN
Reduce starting dose in MBC patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment
Dose reductions or discontinuation may be needed based on severe hematologic or neurologic toxicity
Monitor patients closely

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING.

OncoGenex Announces Apatorsen Phase 2 Borealis-2 Trial Continues Following Successful Completion of Futility Analysis

On December 9, 2015 OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: OGXI) reported that the independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center has recommended that the Phase 2 Borealis-2 trial continue as planned after completing the pre-specified futility analysis (Press release, OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, DEC 9, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508509]).

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Borealis-2 is evaluating apatorsen in combination with docetaxel treatment in patients with metastatic bladder cancer. It is the third clinical trial assessing the ability of apatorsen to improve outcomes for patients in this tumor type. Previously, encouraging results were observed in the Borealis-1 trial evaluating apatorsen in combination with standard of care chemotherapy in metastatic bladder cancer, as well as a trial evaluating apatorsen as monotherapy in patients with non-muscle invasive (superficial) disease.

Investigators have concluded in the bladder cancer trials conducted to date that 600mg apatorsen administered intravenously and all apatorsen doses administered intravesically have been well tolerated. Clinical trials of apatorsen across four tumor types involving over 700 patients have been conducted or are currently ongoing with patient safety monitored throughout the course of these trials.

"We are pleased with the DSMB’s recommendation to continue the Borealis-2 trial and we look forward to final results expected in 2016," said Scott Cormack, President and Chief Executive Officer of OncoGenex. "Additionally, early next year we will receive regulatory feedback on our apatorsen clinical trial design and development strategy for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer."

Borealis-2 is an investigator-sponsored, randomized Phase 2 trial evaluating a survival benefit with apatorsen in combination with docetaxel treatment compared to docetaxel treatment alone in approximately 200 patients with metastatic bladder cancer who have disease progression following first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. The trial is being coordinated by the Hoosier Cancer Research Network at 27 sites across the United States.

Upcoming Milestones
In addition to Borealis-2, OncoGenex expects to announce progression-free survival results for the Phase 2 Spruce trial in the first quarter of 2016 with continued overall survival follow up.

The company’s other asset, custirsen, is currently being evaluated in two ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials. The Phase 3 ENSPIRIT trial is evaluating the ability of custirsen, in combination with docetaxel treatment as second-line chemotherapy, to extend survival in patients with metastatic NSCLC. ENSPIRIT passed a rigorous final futility survival analysis in July and the trial is continuing as planned. Based on current enrollment projections, ENSPIRIT results could be available in the second half of 2016.

The Phase 3 AFFINITY trial is evaluating the ability of custirsen, in combination with cabazitaxel as second-line chemotherapy, to extend survival in men with metastatic CRPC whose disease has progressed following treatment with docetaxel. Final results from the AFFINITY trial for the intent-to-treat population are expected in the second half of 2016.

About Bladder Cancer
Worldwide, more than 429,000 cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed each year, and nearly 75,000 cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2015. Approximately 70 percent of patients present with superficial or non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, with about 30 percent of patients having locally invasive or metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Of patients with locally invasive disease, 50 percent will relapse with metastases within two years. Limited options exist for both first- and second-line treatment of advanced bladder cancer and there continues to be a high unmet need for additional therapeutic options for this patient population.

About Apatorsen and ORCA
Apatorsen (OGX-427) is designed to inhibit production of heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), disable cancer cells’ defenses and overcome treatment resistance. Hsp27 is an intracellular protein that protects cancer cells by helping them survive, leading to resistance and more aggressive cancer phenotypes. Both the potential single-agent activity and synergistic activity of apatorsen with cancer treatments may increase the overall benefit of existing therapies and augment the durability of treatment outcomes, which could lead to increased patient survival.

The ORCA (Ongoing Studies Evaluating Treatment Resistance in Cancer) program encompasses clinical trials of apatorsen. Phase 2 clinical trials are underway in bladder, lung and prostate cancers. For more information on apatorsen and ORCA, please visit www.OncoGenex.com or www.orcatrials.com.

Argos Therapeutics to Participate in the ROTH Immuno-Oncology Corporate Access Day

On December 9, 2015 Argos Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:ARGS) ("Argos"), an immuno-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of fully individualized immunotherapies based on the Arcelis technology platform,reported the company will participate in the ROTH Immuno-Oncology Corporate Access Day to be held December 16, 2015 at the Park Hyatt New York in New York City (Press release, Argos Therapeutics, DEC 9, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508507]).

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Argos senior management will join a select group of companies in the immuno-oncology sector to participate in one-on-one meetings with investors. Registration is open to ROTH clients only. For more information contact [email protected].

About the Arcelis Technology Platform

Arcelis is a fully personalized immunotherapy technology that captures mutated and variant antigens that are specific to each patient’s disease. It is designed to overcome immunosuppression by producing a durable memory T-cell response without adjuvants that may be associated with toxicity. The technology is potentially applicable to a wide range of different cancers, and is designed to overcome many of the manufacturing and commercialization challenges that have impeded other personalized cancer immunotherapies. The Arcelis process uses only a small tumor or blood sample and the patient’s own dendritic cells, which are optimized from cells collected by a single leukapheresis procedure. The proprietary process uses RNA isolated from the patient’s disease sample to program dendritic cells to target disease specific antigens. The activated, antigen-loaded dendritic cells are then formulated into the patient’s plasma and administered via intradermal injection.

Cancer Research Technology appoints Deborah Harland as Non-Executive Director

On December 9, 2015 Cancer Research Technology (CRT), the development and commercialisation arm of Cancer Research UK, has reported the appointment of Dr Deborah Harland to its board of directors (Press release, Cancer Research Technology, DEC 9, 2015, View Source [SID1234523200]).

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Deborah brings more than 25 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical sector and is currently a partner at SR One – the corporate venture capital arm of GlaxoSmithKline. In addition to her current role Deborah has held various roles spanning clinical development, medical affairs and business development throughout her career. She is currently a board member for several biotech companies in which SR One has invested including MISSION Therapeutics*.

Deborah succeeds Dr Ruth McKernan, who was appointed chief executive of Innovate UK earlier this year.

Dr Deborah Harland said: "I’m thrilled to join Cancer Research Technology at a time of exciting progress in our understanding of cancer and the development of vital new therapies for cancer patients.

"I look forward to contributing to CRT’s ambitious plans to drive delivery of the Cancer Research UK research strategy by identifying innovative scientific and business solutions to unmet needs in cancer."

Dr Keith Blundy, Cancer Research Technology’s chief executive officer, said: "I’m delighted to welcome Deborah to Cancer Research Technology. She brings a wealth of experience in industrial drug discovery, licensing and venture financing.

"I have no doubt that CRT will benefit greatly from Deborah’s guidance and expertise as we continue our work to develop and advance discoveries that help beat cancer."