1stOncology™: Cancer Intelligence Service – Page 16495 – 1stOncology is recognized as a Top 10 Global Pharma Analytic Provider

10-Q/A [Amend] – Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)]

(Filing, Q2, Mannkind, 2016, AUG 10, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514491])

Heron Therapeutics Announces U.S. FDA Approval of SUSTOL® (granisetron) Extended-Release Injection for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

On August 10, 2016 Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:HRTX), reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved SUSTOL (granisetron) extended-release injection (Press release, Heron Therapeutics, AUG 10, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514460]). SUSTOL is a serotonin-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist indicated in combination with other antiemetics in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) or anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) combination chemotherapy regimens (Press release, Heron Therapeutics, AUG 10, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514460]).

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SUSTOL is an extended-release, injectable 5-HT3 receptor antagonist that utilizes Heron’s Biochronomer polymer-based drug delivery technology to maintain therapeutic levels of granisetron for ≥5 days, covering both the acute and delayed phases of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

"Despite advances in the management of CINV, up to half of patients receiving chemotherapy can still experience CINV, with delayed CINV being particularly challenging to control," commented Ralph V. Boccia, MD, FACP, Medical Director, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. "In our experience, other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, including palonosetron, are generally effective for 48 hours or less. SUSTOL, due to its extended-release profile, represents a novel option that can protect patients from CINV for a full 5 days."

The SUSTOL global Phase 3 development program was comprised of two, large, guideline-based clinical trials that evaluated SUSTOL’s efficacy and safety in more than 2,000 patients with cancer. SUSTOL’s efficacy in preventing nausea and vomiting was evaluated in both the acute phase (day 1 following chemotherapy) and the delayed phase (days 2-5 following chemotherapy).
"The SUSTOL clinical trial populations and results are highly representative of cancer patients in our real-world clinical practice," said Jeffrey Vacirca, MD, FACP, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Clinical Research, North Shore Hematology Oncology Associates and Vice President, Community Oncology Alliance. "Use of MEC regimens is widespread, and AC-based regimens are among the most commonly prescribed highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens. The most significant challenge for my breast cancer patients receiving AC is chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. SUSTOL represents a better option to manage this devastating side effect of therapy."

"We would like to thank the investigators, caregivers and most of all the patients who have helped us to achieve this important milestone," commented Barry D. Quart, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer of Heron Therapeutics. "In addition to bringing an important product to patients, we are extremely pleased to have obtained the first approval of a product utilizing Heron’s Biochronomer polymer-based drug delivery technology."

"The approval of SUSTOL is a major step in Heron’s evolution into a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company with both development and commercial capabilities," said Robert H. Rosen, President of Heron Therapeutics. "Our focus now turns to ensuring patients have access to this important therapy. We look forward to collaborating with the oncology community to make SUSTOL available in the fourth quarter of this year."

Lilly Provides Update on MONARCH 2 Phase 3 Trial of Abemaciclib

On August 10, 2016 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported that following a pre-planned interim analysis for MONARCH 2, an independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) provided the recommendation to continue the study without modification as the interim efficacy criteria were not met (Press release, Eli Lilly, AUG 10, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514459]). The MONARCH 2, Phase 3 trial compares abemaciclib plus fulvestrant* versus placebo with fulvestrant in women with hormone-receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

"We had stringent criteria set for this interim analysis and we look forward to receiving the final MONARCH 2 results in the first half of 2017," said Richard Gaynor, M.D., senior vice president, product development and medical affairs for Lilly Oncology. "We remain optimistic that treatment with abemaciclib, in combination with fulvestrant could offer improved outcomes for patients."

The Phase 3, double-blind study, designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of abemaciclib in combination with fulvestrant, was conducted across 142 sites worldwide. The intent-to-treat population of 669 patients was randomized to receive abemaciclib or placebo orally every 12 hours on a continuous dosing schedule, given in combination with fulvestrant at the approved dose and schedule, until disease progression. Patients enrolled in the study had experienced disease progression on or within 12 months of receiving endocrine treatment in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting or while receiving first-line endocrine therapy for metastatic disease. Patients who had received chemotherapy in the metastatic setting were not eligible for the study. The primary endpoint for MONARCH 2 is progression-free survival (PFS).

The trial will continue into the first half of 2017 and will include a final analysis of PFS, overall survival and safety data.

Lilly will await further data and continue to work with the FDA to inform its submission plan for single-agent abemaciclib, based on the MONARCH 1 study. This Phase 2 study evaluated the single-agent activity and safety of abemaciclib in patients with refractory metastatic breast cancer, whose disease had progressed following multiple prior treatments, including chemotherapy.

Along with MONARCH 1 and MONARCH 2, Lilly currently has three additional MONARCH trials evaluating abemaciclib in breast cancer. MONARCH 3 is a Phase 3 trial of abemaciclib in combination with a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor in patients with HR+, HER2- locoregionally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. Additionally, there are two Phase 2 MONARCH trials: neoMONARCH, which is evaluating abemaciclib in combination with a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor in the neoadjuvant setting, and monarcHER, which is evaluating abemaciclib plus trastuzumab (with or without fulvestrant) in women with HR+, HER2+ locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

For more information on additional abemaciclib trials, a complete listing can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov.

About Metastatic Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide with nearly 1.7 million new cases diagnosed in 2012.1 In the U.S. this year, approximately 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed and about 40,450 people will die from breast cancer.2 Of all early stage breast cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S., approximately 30 percent will become metastatic, spreading to other parts of the body. In addition, an estimated six to 10 percent of all new breast cancer cases are initially diagnosed as being stage IV, or metastatic.3 Metastatic breast cancer is considered incurable, but is generally treatable.

About Abemaciclib
Abemaciclib (LY2835219) is an investigational, oral cell cycle inhibitor, designed to block the growth of cancer cells by specifically inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases, CDK 4 and CDK 6. In many cancers, uncontrolled cell growth arises from a loss of cell cycle regulation due to increased signaling from CDK 4 and CDK 6. Abemaciclib inhibits both CDK 4 and CDK 6, and was shown in cell-free enzymatic assays to be most active against Cyclin D 1 and CDK 4.

In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted abemaciclib Breakthrough Therapy Designation based on data from the breast cancer cohort expansion of the company’s Phase 1 trial, JPBA, which studied the efficacy and safety of abemaciclib in women with advanced or metastatic breast cancer. In addition to its current MONARCH clinical trials evaluating abemaciclib in breast cancer, a Phase 3 trial of abemaciclib in lung cancer is also underway.

Moleculin Expands Research Sponsorship at MD Anderson Cancer Center

On August 9, 2016 Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (NASDAQ: MBRX) ("Moleculin" or the "Company"), a preclinical and clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of anti-cancer drug candidates, some of which are based on license agreements with The University of Texas System on behalf of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, reported it has agreed to extend through August of 2017 and expand its sponsored research agreement with MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson), the world’s largest cancer research facility (Press release, Moleculin, AUG 9, 2016, View Source [SID1234519562]).

Moleculin’s Chairman and CEO, Walter Klemp, commented, "The research we have sponsored to date at MD Anderson has generated some very promising new technologies, including WP1066, a novel small molecule that is an effective stimulator of patients’ natural immune response and inducer of tumor cell death in the in vivo models of even the most difficult to treat cancers." He added, "We are now extending and expanding this agreement in light of new indications that we may be able to improve upon the WP1066 technology significantly."

Dr. Waldemar Priebe, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at MD Anderson and Scientific Advisor to Moleculin, a shareholder and inventor of licensed technology, explained, "We are very excited about the potential for orally administered WP1066 in clinic, and we are now actively investigating expansion of clinical uses of Moleculin’s licensed therapeutics and researching their methods of administration while preserving drugability of this and similar compounds. For example, the injectable/iv administered versions of WP1066 would greatly expand its clinical applications and commercial potential. The continued research sponsored by Moleculin could make this possible."

Mr. Klemp concluded, "Moleculin’s continuing research sponsorship also facilitates access to grant funding from both public and private sources, and we are pleased that the expansion of this critical research collaboration will provide access to cutting edge research capability and potentially create more patentable discoveries."

Sophiris Bio Reports Second Quarter 2016 Financial Results and Key Business Highlights

On August 9, 2016 Sophiris Bio Inc. (NASDAQ: SPHS) (the "Company" or "Sophiris"), a biopharmaceutical company developing topsalysin (PRX302) for the treatment of urological diseases, reported financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 (Press release, Sophiris Bio, AUG 9, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514574]).

Business Highlights:

On June 9, 2016, the Company announced successful results from its completed Phase 2a study of topsalysin in localized prostate cancer.
On May 12, 2016, the Company announced the engagement Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. as its financial advisor to assist with the evaluation of various strategic options for advancing topsalysin development programs.
On May 11, 2016, the Company announced the closing of a registered offering in which the Company raised net proceeds of $4.6 million. During June and July, the Company received proceeds of $2.4 million from the exercise of warrants included in this transaction bringing the total proceeds from this offering to $7.0 million.
On May 7, 2016, the Company presented positive data from its successful Phase 3 clinical trial of topsalysin as a treatment for the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia ("BPH") as a late breaking poster at the 111th American Urological Association Annual Meeting. A copy of the poster is available on the Company’s website at www.sophirisbio.com.
"2016 is proving to be a transformational year for Sophiris," stated Randall Woods, president and CEO of Sophiris Bio. "In the past quarter, we completed a Phase 2a proof of concept trial of topsalysin in localized prostate cancer in which topsalysin demonstrated the ability to ablate tumor cells in 50 percent of patients, including two men who experienced complete ablation of their targeted tumor with no evidence of any tumor remaining at 6 months post treatment. We also presented complete results from the Phase 3 BPH study in a late breaking presentation at the AUA 2016 Annual Meeting, demonstrating that topsalysin met the primary endpoint of a reduction in symptom score compared to the vehicle control arm. These two indications represent very large patient populations with very few adequate treatment options, and these clinical results are generating interest from investigators and the medical community. We are currently evaluating our options for moving these programs forward into additional clinical trials."

Financial Results:

At June 30, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of $8.3 million and net working capital of $5.7 million. We expect that our cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months assuming that we do not initiate any new development activities for topsalysin. We do not plan to initiate any new clinical trials, including a second Phase 3 trial in BPH or a second Phase 2 trial in localized prostate cancer unless we obtain additional financing. We are actively evaluating strategic alternatives, including potential partnering arrangements, financings or a strategic transaction. As of June 30, 2016, the outstanding principal balance of our term loan was $4.3 million on which we make principal and interest payments monthly.

For the three months ended June 30, 2016

The Company reported a net loss of $4.1 million ($0.21 per share) for the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to a net loss of $3.7 million ($0.22 per share) for the three months ended June 30, 2015.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses were $1.0 million for the three months, ended June 30, 2016, compared to $2.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015. The decrease in research and development costs are primarily attributable to a decrease in the costs associated with the Company’s Phase 3 PLUS-1 clinical trial and our Phase 2a proof of concept clinical trial for the low to intermediate risk prostate cancer. These decreases are partially offset by an increase in personnel related costs and a $0.1 million milestone payment payable as the result of the completion of Phase 1 clinical activities of topsalysin for the treatment of prostate cancer.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses were $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015. The increase is primarily due to increases in personnel related costs, legal costs and closing costs which were allocated to the warrants issued in our financing completed in May 2016. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

For the six months ended June 30, 2016

The Company reported a net loss of $6.3 million ($0.35 per share) for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to a net loss of $8.0 million ($0.48 per share) for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses were $1.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $5.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The decrease in research and development costs are primarily attributable to a decrease in the costs associated with the Company’s completed Phase 3 PLUS-1 clinical trial of topsalysin and costs associated with the manufacturing activities for topsalysin. These decreases are partially offset by increases in personnel related costs and a $0.1 million milestone payment payable as the result of the completion of Phase 1 clinical activities of topsalysin for the treatment of prostate cancer.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses were $2.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $2.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The increase is primarily due to an increase in legal, accounting, professional services, personnel related costs and closing costs which were allocated to the warrants issued in our financing completed in May 2016. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in non-cash stock-based compensation expense.