Astellas Submits a New Drug Application for Gonax® 12-Week Extended-Release Formulation for Treatment of Prostate Cancer in Japan (pdf 249KB)

On November 30, 2017 Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Yoshihiko Hatanaka, "Astellas" ) reported that that it submitted an application for marketing approval in Japan of GnRH antagonist, Gonax (development code: ASP3550; generic name: degarelix acetate) 12-week extended-release formulation for treatment of prostate cancer (Press release, Astellas, NOV 30, 2017, View Source [SID1234522307]).

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Gonax became available in 4-week extended-release formulation with the indication of prostate cancer in October 2012 in Japan. The 12-week extended-release formulation is expected to improve convenience of use and increase adherence for patients.

Astellas sets that Oncology is one of focused disease areas for research and development, and expects that Gonax 12-week extended-release formulation will further expand the treatment choices available for patients with prostate cancer.

Submission of the application for marketing approval has no impact on the financial results for the fiscal year 2017 ending March 31, 2018.

About Gonax
Gonax is a gonadtrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonis with a subcutaneously injectable formulation. Astellas acquired exclusive development and commercialization rights of Gonax for the use of prostate cancer treatment in Japan from Ferring International Center SA* in January 2006. GnRH is a hormone synthesized and released from the hypothalamus in the brain and is involved in the production of the male hormone testosterone thorough binding to the GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland. Although testosterone is an important hormone that plays a central role in the maintenance of male function, it also stimulates prostate cancer to grow and to spread out and in result, often aggravates symptoms in prostate cancer patients. Gonax competitively inhibits the binding of GnRH to the GnRH receptors and controls the growth of prostate cancer by suppressing the testosterone.

*All rights and obligations under the agreement were assigned by Ferring International Center SA to Ferring Private Ltd. in January 2016.

Johnson & Johnson to Participate in the BMO Capital Markets Healthcare Conference

On November 30, 2017 Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported that it will participate in the BMO Capital Markets Healthcare Conference on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Westin Grand Central, in New York, NY (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, NOV 30, 2017, View Source [SID1234522331]). Sandi Peterson, Executive Vice President, Group Worldwide Chairman will represent the Company in a session scheduled at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time).

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This webcast will be available to investors and other interested parties by accessing the Johnson & Johnson website at www.investor.jnj.com.

A webcast and podcast replay will be available approximately two hours after the live webcast.

View original content with multimedia:View Source;johnson-to-participate-in-the-bmo-capital-markets-healthcare-conference-300564699.html

Bristol-Myers Squibb to Take Part at the Citi 2017 Global Healthcare Conference

On November 30, 2017 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported that it will take part in the Citi 2017 Global Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, in New York. Murdo Gordon, chief commercial officer, will answer questions about the company at 2:55 p.m. ET (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, NOV 30, 2017, View Source [SID1234522320]). Investors and the general public are invited to listen to a live webcast of the session at View Source An archived edition of the session will be available later that day.

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Portola Pharmaceuticals to Present New Data on Betrixaban, Andexanet Alfa and Cerdulatinib at the 59th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting

On November 30, 2017 Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:PTLA) reported that new data on the Company’s first FDA-approved anticoagulant, betrixaban, and its two investigational hematologic compounds – the anticoagulant reversal agent andexanet alfa and the oral, dual Syk/JAK kinase inhibitor cerdulatinib – will be presented at the 59th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting taking place December 9-12 in Atlanta, Georgia (Press release, Portola Pharmaceuticals, NOV 30, 2017, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2319373 [SID1234522319]). The Company also will present outcomes-based research on prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in two real-world settings.

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Oral Presentation Details:

• Presentation Title: Effect of Andexanet-TFPI Interaction on in Vitro Thrombin Formation and Coagulation Markers in the TF-Pathway

Session: 332 (Antithrombotic Therapy: Anticoagulation in Cancer and Beyond)
Presenter: Genmin Lu, Ph.D., Portola Pharmaceuticals
Presentation Date and Time: Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. ET
Location: Building B, Level 2, B207-B208 (Georgia World Congress Center)
Poster Presentation Details:

• Poster Title: Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeling for Betrixaban and the Impact of P-glycoprotein Inhibition on Betrixaban Pharmacokinetics

Poster Session: 321 (Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolytic Factors: Poster III)
Presenter: Janet M. Leeds, Ph.D., Portola Pharmaceuticals
Presentation Date and Time: Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Building A, Level 1, Hall A2 (Georgia World Congress Center)
• Poster Title: Impact of D-Dimer Assays Performed at Local Labs vs. Central Laboratory in the Evaluation of APEX Trial Outcomes

Poster Session: 332 (Antithrombotic Therapy: Poster II)
Presenter: Lisa Jennings, Ph.D., CirQuest Labs, Memphis, Tennessee
Presentation Date and Time: Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Building A, Level 1, Hall A2 (Georgia World Congress Center)
• Poster Title: Did Patients with Renal Disease Receive Sufficient Prophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism in the Real-World Settings?: A Study Among Hospitalized Acutely Medically Ill Patients

Poster Session: 903 (Outcomes Research—Non-Malignant Conditions: Poster II)
Presenter: Donna Hesari, R.N., Portola Pharmaceuticals
Presentation Date and Time: Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Building A, Level 1, Hall A2 (Georgia World Congress Center)
• Poster Title: The Frequency of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Prophylaxis Among Patients Hospitalized for Cancer in the US

Poster Session: 903 (Outcomes Research—Non-Malignant Conditions: Poster III)
Presenter: Andrea Hafeman, Ph.D., Portola Pharmaceuticals
Presentation Date and Time: Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Building A, Level 1, Hall A2 (Georgia World Congress Center)
• Poster Title: Cerdulatinib Pharmacodynamics and Relationships to Tumor Response Following Oral Dosing in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory B Cell Malignancies: Results from a Phase I Dose Escalation Study

Poster Session: 623 (Mantle Cell, Follicular, and Other Indolent B-Cell Lymphoma—Clinical Studies: Poster II)
Presenter: Greg Coffey, Ph.D., Portola Pharmaceuticals
Presentation Date and Time: Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Building A, Level 1, Hall A2 (Georgia World Congress Center)

Important U.S. Safety Information for Bevyxxa (betrixaban) capsules

INDICATION
Bevyxxa is indicated for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients hospitalized for an acute medical illness who are at risk for thromboembolic complications due to moderate or severe restricted mobility and other risk factors for VTE.

LIMITATIONS OF USE
The safety and effectiveness of Bevyxxa have not been established in patients with prosthetic heart valves because this population has not been studied.

SELECT IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WARNING: SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA
EPIDURAL OR SPINAL HEMATOMAS MAY OCCUR IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH BEVYXXA WHO ARE RECEIVING NEURAXIAL ANESTHESIA OR UNDERGOING SPINAL PUNCTURE. THE RISK OF THESE EVENTS MAY BE INCREASED BY THE USE OF IN‑DWELLING EPIDURAL CATHETERS OR THE CONCOMITANT USE OF MEDICAL PRODUCTS AFFECTING HEMOSTASIS. THESE HEMATOMAS MAY RESULT IN LONG-TERM OR PERMANENT PARALYSIS. CONSIDER THESE RISKS WHEN SCHEDULING PATIENTS FOR SPINAL PROCEDURES.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Active pathological bleeding
Severe hypersensitivity reaction to Bevyxxa

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Risk of Bleeding

Bevyxxa increases the risk of bleeding and can cause serious and potentially fatal bleeding
Concomitant use of drugs affecting hemostasis increases the risk of bleeding. These include aspirin and other antiplatelet agents, other anticoagulants, heparin, thrombolytic agents, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Advise patients of signs and symptoms of blood loss and to report them immediately or go to an emergency room
Promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss and consider the need for blood replacement
Discontinue Bevyxxa in patients with active pathological bleeding
There is no established way to reverse the anticoagulant effect of Bevyxxa, which can be expected to persist for at least 72hours after the last dose
It is unknown whether hemodialysis removes Bevyxxa
Protamine sulfate, vitamin K, and tranexamic acid are not expected to reverse the anticoagulant activity of Bevyxxa

Spinal/Epidural Anesthesia or Puncture

When neuraxial anesthesia (spinal/epidural anesthesia) or spinal/epidural puncture is employed, patients treated with antithrombotic agents for prevention of thromboembolic complications are at risk of developing an epidural or spinal hematoma which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis
Do not remove an epidural catheter earlier than 72hours after the last administration of Bevyxxa. The next Bevyxxa dose is not to be administered earlier than 5hours after the removal of the catheter. If traumatic puncture occurs, delay the administration of Bevyxxa for 72hours
Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment (e.g., numbness or weakness of the legs, bowel or bladder dysfunction). If neurological compromise is noted, urgent diagnosis and treatment is necessary
Prior to neuraxial intervention, consider the potential benefit versus the risk in anticoagulated patients or in patients to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis

Use in Patients with Severe Renal Impairment

Patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl ≥ 15 to < 30 mL/min computed by Cockcroft-Gault) taking Bevyxxa may have anincreased risk of bleeding events
Reduce dose of Bevyxxa, monitor patients closely, and promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss in these patients

Use in Patients on Concomitant P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Inhibitors

Patients on concomitant P-gp inhibitors with Bevyxxa may have an increased risk of bleeding
Reduce dose of Bevyxxa in patients receiving or starting concomitant P-gp inhibitors, monitor patients closely, and promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss in these patients
Avoid use of Bevyxxa in patients with severe renal impairment receiving concomitant P‑gp inhibitors

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions with Bevyxxa were related to bleeding (> 5%)

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Hepatic Impairment

Bevyxxa has not been evaluated in patients with hepatic impairment, because these patients may have intrinsic coagulation abnormalities
Bevyxxa is not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment

Oncolytics Biotech® Establishes Scientific Advisory Board Focused on REOLYSIN® Registration Study in Metastatic Breast Cancer

On November 30, 2017 Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSX: ONC) (OTCQX: ONCYF) (Oncolytics or the Company), a biotech company developing REOLYSIN, also known as pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immuno-oncolytic virus that activates the innate and adaptive immune systems to turn ‘cold’ tumors ‘hot’, reported the establishment of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) (Press release, Oncolytics Biotech, NOV 30, 2017, View Source [SID1234522318]). The SAB will provide Oncolytics with significant clinical expertise and experience in breast cancer drug development in both the U.S. and Europe with the following initial members:

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Dr. Mattine Piccart, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Oncology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Director of the Medicine Department, TRANSBIG and Jules Bordet Institute, Brussels, Belgium, Member, BCRF Scientific Advisory Board
Dr. Aleix Prat, M.D., Ph.D., Head, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona & Associate Professor, University of Barcelona, SOLTI – Breast Cancer Research Group
Dr. Padmanee Sharma, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
"As we continue to expand our collaborative third-party expertise to build on the momentum of our phase 3 program in metastatic breast cancer, we are delighted to introduce a strong Scientific Advisory Board comprised of world-renowned clinical and medical oncologists," said Dr. Matt Coffey, President and CEO of Oncolytics Biotech. "Drs. Piccart, Prat and Sharma will provide crucial guidance based on their specializations in breast cancer drug development and cancer immunotherapy, which parallel the development plan we have established for REOLYSIN."

Dr. Mattine Piccart is a Professor of Oncology at the Université Libre de Bruxelles and a member of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) SAB. She is a member of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale Working Group and co-founder and Chair of the Breast International Group (BIG), an international group that includes more than 56 cooperative groups, more than 10,000 experts and links more than 3,000 hospitals. Dr. Piccart was President of ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) from 2012 to 2013 and the European Cancer Organization (ECCO) from 2014 to 2015. She is a former president of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and served on the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Board. Author or co-author of more than 470 peer-reviewed publications, she has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Jill Rose Award, the William L. McGuire Award, the Umberto Veronesi Award for the Future Fight against Cancer, and 2013 David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award, Dr. Piccart obtained both her M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the Université Libre de Bruxelles.

Dr. Aleix Prat is the Head of Medical Oncology of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Associate Professor of the University of Barcelona and the Head of the Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapeutics in Solid Tumors Group at August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS). Dr. Prat designs and leads clinical trials for novel drugs and approaches, and has a particular interest in the clinical implications of different subtypes of breast cancer. He is currently the scientific coordinator of SOLTI, a Spanish breast cancer cooperative group, and was recently named as a Member of the Executive Committee of BIG. In 2008, Dr. Prat became a postdoctoral research associate at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center (University of North Carolina), and in 2012, returned to Barcelona as the Head of the Translational Genomics Group at Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO). Dr. Prat obtained his M.D. degree in 2003 from the University of Barcelona and completed a medical oncology fellowship in 2008 at VHIO.

At the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Padmanee Sharma is a Professor at the Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, the Co-Director of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Scientific Director of the Immunotherapy Platform at the Department of Immunology. She has participated in 54 research outputs since 1996, focusing primarily on immunotherapy, and is principal investigator of several immunotherapy clinical trials that study immune and anti-tumor responses in cancer patients. Dr. Sharma has served as a member of the BMS Immuno-Oncology Network, a Member of the SAB at Kite Pharma, Inc. and also recently became a member of Constellation Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s SAB. Dr. Sharma holds a Ph.D. in immunology and an M.D. from Pennsylvania State University.