ImmunoGen Announces New Clinical Data with Mirvetuximab Soravtansine in Ovarian Cancer to be Presented at 2017 ASCO Annual Meeting

On May 17, 2017 ImmunoGen, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMGN), a leader in the expanding field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of cancer, reported promising safety and efficacy data from monotherapy and combination studies with mirvetuximab soravtansine in patients with folate receptor alpha (FRα)-positive epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) (Press release, ImmunoGen, MAY 17, 2017, View Source [SID1234519186]).

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These data include results from pooled analyses of three Phase 1 expansion cohorts and from a Phase 1b/2 study, FORWARD II, evaluating mirvetuximab soravtansine in combination with Avastin (bevacizumab), carboplatin, Doxil (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin), or Keytruda (pembrolizumab). These results will be presented at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, which is being held June 2-7, 2017 in Chicago, IL.

Anti-Tumor Activity and Safety Analyses in Pooled Phase 1 Expansion Cohorts

Data from the pooled analyses demonstrate the safety and efficacy profile of mirvetuximab soravtansine in the patient population eligible for the ongoing Phase 3 registration trial, FORWARD I. These data include 113 EOC patients treated with mirvetuximab soravtansine in three expansion cohorts in the Phase 1 trial. In the subset of 36 patients meeting the key eligibility criteria for FORWARD I, which includes patients with platinum-resistant disease and medium or high levels of FRα and who have received up to three prior lines of therapy, the confirmed overall response rate (ORR) was 47 percent (95% CI 30, 65) and median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 6.7 months (95% CI 4.1, 8.3).

"The data observed with mirvetuximab compare favorably with outcomes typically achieved with currently available single-agent therapies for platinum resistant ovarian cancer. Current single-agent therapies for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer have low response rates of 15 to 20% and short median progression-free survival of three to four months," stated Kathleen Moore, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma. "Based on the consistent safety and efficacy seen with mirvetuximab soravtansine reflected in these pooled analyses, particularly in those patients meeting the eligibility criteria for the pivotal study, I am very encouraged about the potential of this compound in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and look forward to continued progress with the ongoing Phase 3 FORWARD I trial."

For all 113 patients, the median number of prior regimens was 3, 85 percent had platinum-resistant disease, 67 percent had prior bevacizumab, and 22 percent had a prior poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. The safety profile of the pooled population was consistent with data previously reported (2016 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting), which consisted primarily of low grade, manageable adverse events. In this heavily pretreated group of patients, the confirmed ORR was 30 percent (95% CI 22, 39) and mPFS was 4.3 months (95% CI 3.9, 5.4).

Initial Safety and Preliminary Efficacy Data from FORWARD II

FORWARD II is a Phase 1b/2 study of mirvetuximab soravtansine in combination with Avastin, carboplatin, Doxil or Keytruda in patients with FRα-positive EOC, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube tumors. The data from these arms demonstrate mirvetuximab soravtansine may complement currently available therapies for FRα-positive EOC in a range of treatment settings, including earlier lines of therapy.

The safety profiles for these combinations were manageable and as expected, based on known profiles of each agent, with no new safety signals identified. Key findings in over 60 patients from the dose escalation phase of FORWARD II are as follows:

Patients in the Avastin arm were heavily pretreated with a median of six prior regimens. The confirmed ORR for this arm was 29 percent (95% CI 8, 58), with a median PFS of 9.5 months (95% CI 3.5, 15.2).
Patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive disease on the carboplatin arm had received a median of three prior regimens and the confirmed ORR was 65 percent (95% CI 38, 86), with a median PFS of 12.1 months (95% CI 9.0, 15.0).
Patients on the Doxil arm received a median of two prior regimens. The confirmed ORR for the Doxil arm was 13 percent (95% CI 2, 38), with a median PFS of 7.0 months (95% CI 1.7, upper bound not estimated).
Preliminary data from the Keytruda arm demonstrate that, similar to the other combinations, full doses of each agent are combinable. At this time, it is too early to assess anti-tumor activity data in this arm; anti-tumor activity will be reported at a subsequent medical meeting.

Based on the encouraging profiles of these combinations in dose escalation, ImmunoGen is moving forward with expansion cohorts for Avastin and Keytruda and is evaluating future studies with carboplatin combinations.

"The favorable safety profile of mirvetuximab soravtansine lends itself well to combination, as evidenced by the data from FORWARD II, showing the full dose of mirvetuximab soravtansine combines with the full doses of bevacizumab (Avastin), carboplatin, pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil) in ovarian cancer," stated David O’Malley, M.D., Associate Professor, Director of Gynecology Clinical Trial and Phase 1 Program, James Cancer Center and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

FORWARD I Trial

The Phase 3 FORWARD I trial was designed based on the promising monotherapy mirvetuximab soravtansine data from the Phase 1 trial and reflects the fastest registration strategy to obtain full approval of mirvetuximab soravtansine as single-agent therapy.

FORWARD I is a registration trial in which 333 patients will be randomized 2:1 and will receive either mirvetuximab soravtansine or the physicians’ choice of therapy (Doxil, paclitaxel, or topotecan). The study is currently enrolling in North America and Europe, with more than 100 sites expected to be activated in these geographies.

"The Phase 1 expansion cohort data being presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) support the potential of mirvetuximab soravtansine in the patient population eligible for FORWARD I," said Mark Enyedy, ImmunoGen’s president and chief executive officer. "With the safety and efficacy profile demonstrated by these data, we look forward to completing enrollment in FORWARD I and evaluating mirvetuximab soravtansine with other therapies, including novel agents, in earlier lines of treatment."

ASCO Presentation Details:

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Title: Mirvetuximab soravtansine (IMGN853), a folate receptor alpha (FRα)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients (pts): Activity and safety analyses in phase I pooled expansion cohorts.
Presenter: Kathleen N. Moore, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma
Time: 1:15pm – 4:45pm CDT
Location: Poster Board No.: 369, Location: Hall A
Abstract: 5547

Title: Safety findings from FORWARD II: A phase 1b study evaluating the folate receptor alpha (FRα)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) mirvetuximab soravtansine (IMGN853) in combination with bevacizumab, carboplatin, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD), or pembrolizumab in patients (pts) with ovarian cancer.
Presenter: David O’Malley, M.D., Associate Professor, Director of Gynecology Clinical Trial and Phase 1 Program, James Cancer Center and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Time: 1:15pm – 4:45pm CDT
Location: Poster Board No.: 375, Location: Hall A
Abstract: 5553

Title: FORWARD I (GOG 3011): A randomized phase 3 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mirvetuximab soravtansine (IMGN853) versus chemotherapy in adults with folate receptor alpha (FRα)-positive, platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), primary peritoneal cancer, or primary fallopian tube cancer.
Presenter: Kathleen N. Moore, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma
Time: 1:15pm – 4:45pm CDT
Location: Poster Board No.: 425b, Location: Hall A
Abstract: TPS5607

Additional information – including presentation schedule and full abstracts – can be found www.asco.org.

Conference Call Information

ImmunoGen will host a conference call on Friday, May 19 at 8:00am ET. At this briefing, ImmunoGen will discuss the data being presented at the 2017 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. To access the live call by phone, dial 719-325-2402; the conference ID is 4522749. The call may also be accessed through the "Investors" section of the Company’s website, www.immunogen.com. Following the live webcast, a replay of the call will be available at the same location through June 1, 2017.

About ImmunoGen, Inc.

ImmunoGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops targeted cancer therapeutics using its proprietary ADC technology. ImmunoGen’s lead candidate, mirvetuximab soravtansine, is in a Phase 3 trial for FRα-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, and is in Phase 1b/2 testing in combination regimens for earlier-stage disease. ImmunoGen’s ADC technology is used in Roche’s marketed product, Kadcyla, in three other clinical-stage ImmunoGen product candidates, and in programs in development by partners Amgen, Bayer, Biotest, CytomX, Lilly, Novartis, Sanofi and Takeda. More information about the Company can be found at www.immunogen.com.

Avastin, Doxil, Keytruda and Kadcyla are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

About Mirvetuximab Soravtansine

Mirvetuximab soravtansine (IMGN853) is the first FRα-targeting ADC. It uses a FRα-binding antibody to target the ADC specifically to FRα-expressing cancer cells and a potent anti-tumor agent, DM4, to kill the targeted cancer cells.

This press release includes forward-looking statements. For these statements, ImmunoGen claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It should be noted that there are risks and uncertainties related to the development of novel anticancer products, including mirvetuximab soravtansine, including risks related to preclinical and clinical studies, their timings and results. A review of these risks can be found in ImmunoGen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

bluebird bio to Present Updated Clinical Results from Novel Anti-BCMA CAR T Cell Therapy bb2121 at American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting

On May 17, 2017 bluebird bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLUE), a clinical-stage company committed to developing potentially transformative gene therapies for severe genetic diseases and T cell-based immunotherapies for cancer, reported that updated interim data from its study of bb2121, the company’s anti-BCMA CAR T cell therapy will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois (Press release, bluebird bio, MAY 17, 2017, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2273747 [SID1234519182]). bb2121 is currently being studied in a Phase 1 trial in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

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"This past November we presented the initial clinical data from the first three dosing cohorts in this ongoing Phase 1 study of bb2121 in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. At ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) in June, we look forward to presenting data on those same patients with longer follow-up, as well as safety and efficacy data on an additional 9 patients treated subsequently." said David Davidson, M.D., chief medical officer, bluebird bio. "These data will advance our understanding of the bb2121 risk-benefit profile and inform planning with our partners at Celgene for the dose expansion cohort of this study, and the design of a potential pivotal study."

First-in-Human Multicenter Study of bb2121 anti-BCMA CAR T Cell Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Updated Results (Abstract #3010).

Presenter: Jesus G. Berdeja, M.D., Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN
Date: Monday, June 5, 2017, 4:45-6:00 pm CT (poster discussion); 8:00-11:30 am CT
Location: Hall D1
Session Title: Poster Discussion Session: Developmental Therapeutics—Immunotherapy

The event and live webcast will begin at 6:30 p.m. CT (7:30 p.m. ET) on Monday, June 5. To access the live webcast, please visit the "Events & Presentations" page within the Investors and Media section of the bluebird bio website at View Source Replays of the webcast will be available on the bluebird bio website for 90 days following the event.

AbbVie to Present Latest Clinical Study Results in Hematology and Solid Tumor Research at the 53rd American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting

On May 17, 2017 AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global biopharmaceutical company, reported it will present data about the company’s portfolio of approved and investigational oncology medicines during the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper), June 2-6, in Chicago. A total of 23 abstracts have been accepted across several tumor types including brain cancer, hematologic malignancies, breast cancer, lung cancer and other solid tumors (Press release, AbbVie, MAY 17, 2017, View Source [SID1234519180]).

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Researchers will present efficacy and safety data on depatuxizumab mafodotin (previously known as ABT-414), an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) being studied for the treatment of adults with amplified-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). GBM is one of the most aggressive cancers, with a five-year survival rate of approximately 6 percent in the U.S. and 24 European countries.1,2 The most common genetic alteration in GBM, EGFR-amplification, occurs in approximately 50 percent of GBM patients.3,4

Additionally, researchers will present data from studies evaluating venetoclax, a BCL-2 inhibitor developed by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, for investigational uses across multiple hematologic malignancies; ibrutinib, an inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), across multiple hematologic malignancies and chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD); rovalpituzumab tesirine (Rova-T), an investigational ADC targeting delta-like protein 3 (DLL3)-expressing tumors in small cell lung cancer (SCLC); veliparib, an investigational oral poly (adenosine diphosphate [ADP]–ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, across multiple solid tumors; elotuzumab, an immunostimulatory antibody that specifically targets Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule Family member 7 (SLAMF7), a cell-surface glycoprotein; and other early-stage investigational compounds.

AbbVie will also share early-stage research from its oncology pipeline. AbbVie is utilizing technologies and new approaches to help advance cancer therapies that may become foundational to the next generation of cancer treatments.

"AbbVie’s data presentations at this year’s ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) meeting reinforce our diverse and comprehensive oncology pipeline, focused on bringing new medicines to patients, especially in areas where few options exist in cancer," said Tom Hudson, M.D., vice president of oncology discovery and early development, AbbVie. "By combining our deep knowledge in core areas of biology with cutting-edge technologies, and working together with our partners including scientists, industry peers and patients, we aim to discover and develop medicines that will drive transformational improvements in cancer treatment."

AbbVie abstracts:

Ibrutinib

Long-Term Efficacy and Safety with Ibrutinib (ibr) in Previously Treated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Up to Four Years Follow-Up of the RESONATE Study; Byrd et al.; Abstract 7510; Poster Discussion Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; Poster 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT; Discussion 1:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m. CDT
Ibrutinib vs Chlorambucil: Immunophenotypic and Quantitative Impacts on Circulating Immune Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL); Solman et al.; Abstract 7524; Poster Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT
A Randomized, Double-Blind Phase III Study of Ibrutinib versus Placebo in Combination with Corticosteroids in Patients with New Onset Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease; Miklos et al.; Abstract TPS7072; Poster Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT
A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Study of the Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) Inhibitor, Ibrutinib, in Combination with Rituximab Versus Placebo in Combination with Rituximab in Patients with Treatment-Naïve Follicular Lymphoma (PERSPECTIVE); Fowler et al.; Abstract TPS7576; Poster Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; 8:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. CDT

Venetoclax

Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Venetoclax Combined with Azacitidine Versus Azacitidine in Treatment-Naïve Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia; Potluri et al.; Abstract TPS7069; Poster Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT
Phase 2, Open-Label Study of Venetoclax in Combination with Carfilzomib and Dexamethasone in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma; Bueno et al.; Abstract TPS8056; Poster Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT
Venetoclax (VEN) in Patients with Relapsed Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL); Davids et al.; Publication

Depatuxizumab mafodotin (ABT-414)

Efficacy Analysis of ABT-414 with or without Temozolomide (TMZ) in Patients (pts) with EGFR-Amplified, Recurrent Glioblastoma (rGBM) from a Multicenter, International Phase I Clinical Trial; van den Bent et al.; Abstract 2003; Oral Presentation; Sunday, June 4, 2017; 9:00 a.m.-9:12 a.m. CDT

Rovalpituzumab tesirine (Rova-T)

A Phase III Study of Rovalpituzumab Tesirine Maintenance Therapy Following First-Line Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Patients with Extensive Disease Small Cell Lung Cancer (ED SCLC); Komarnitsky et al.; Abstract TPS8583; Poster Presentation; Saturday, June 3, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT
Molecular Profiling of Small Cell Bladder Cancer (SCBC) to Reveal Gene Expression Determinants of Aggressive Phenotype; Koshkin et al.; Abstract 4529; Poster Presentation; Sunday, June 4, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT
A Study of Rovalpituzumab Tesirine in Frontline Treatment of Patients with DLL3 Expressing Extensive Small Cell Lung Cancer; Hann et al.; Abstract TPS2598; Poster Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT
An Open-Label Study of Rovalpituzumab Tesirine in Patients with DLL3-Expressing Advanced Solid Tumors; Kavalerchik et al.; Abstract TPS2597; Poster Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT
Rovalpituzumab Tesirine (Rova-T) as a Therapeutic Agent for Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer (NEPC); Puca et al.; Abstract 5029; Poster Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; 1:15 p.m.-4:45 p.m. CDT

Veliparib

Phase 1/2 Study of Veliparib (V) Combined with Carboplatin (Cb) and Etoposide (E) in Patients (Pts) with Extensive-Stage Disease (ED) Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Other Solid Tumors: Phase 1 Results; Atrafi et al.; Abstract 8530; Poster Presentation; Saturday, June 3, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT
Tolerability of Veliparib (V) in Combination with Carboplatin (C)/Paclitaxel (P): Based Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in Subjects with Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC); Kozono et al.; Abstract 8546; Poster Presentation; Saturday, June 3, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT
Breast Conservation after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Surgical Results from an International Randomized Trial (BrighTNess); Golshan et al.; Abstract 514; Poster Discussion Presentation; Sunday, June 4, 2017; Poster 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT; Discussion 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. CDT
Phase 3 Study Evaluating Efficacy and Safety of Veliparib (V) Plus Carboplatin (Cb) or Cb in Combination with Standard Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NAC) in Patients (Pts) with Early Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC); Geyer et al.; Abstract 520; Poster Discussion Presentation; Sunday, June 4, 2017; Poster 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT; Discussion 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. CDT

Elotuzumab

Phase 3 ELOQUENT-2 Study: Extended Four Year Follow-Up (FU) of Elotuzumab Plus Lenalidomide/Dexamethasone (ELd) vs Ld in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM); Lonial et al.; Abstract 8028; Poster Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT
CheckMate 602: An Open-Label, Randomized, Phase 3 Trial of Combinations of Nivolumab, Elotuzumab, Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma; Lonial et al.; Abstract TPS8052; Poster Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT

ABBV-221

Preliminary Results from a Phase 1 Study of the Antibody-Drug Conjugate ABBV-221 in Patients with Solid Tumors Likely to Express EGFR; Calvo et al.; Abstract 2510; Poster Discussion Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; Poster 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT; Discussion 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. CDT

ABBV-399

Phase I Study of ABBV-399, a c-Met Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC), as Monotherapy and in Combination with Erlotinib in Patients (Pts) with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC); Angevin et al.; Abstract 2509; Poster Discussion Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; Poster 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT; Discussion 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. CDT
Impact of MET Inhibitors on Survival Among Patients (Pts) with MET Exon 14 Mutant (METdel14) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC); Awad et al.; Abstract 8511; Clinical Science Symposium; Sunday, June 4, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. CDT

ABT-348

Pharmaco-kinetics/dynamics (PK/PD) Evaluation and Individual Patient Cross-Over Studies with Growth Trajectory Assessment to Adaptively Develop Ilorasertib; Maitland et al.; Abstract 2563; Poster Presentation; Monday, June 5, 2017; 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT

The ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2017 Annual Meeting abstracts are available at View Source

Interim Results for the six months ended 31 March 2017

On May 17, 2017 Redx (AIM: REDX) reported its interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2017 (Press release, Redx Pharma, MAY 17, 2017, View Source [SID1234524750]):

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Clinical trial application filed for Porcupine inhibitor RXC004
Development candidate chosen for reversible BTK inhibitor RXC005 for drug resistant chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Strategic restructuring completed post period; estimated £4.2 million annual cost saving
Iain Ross appointed as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board from 1 May 2017
£12 million gross raised in March 2017, including a subscription with a related sharing agreement
Pipeline highlights
RXC004 — our "best-in-class" Porcupine inhibitor
Clinical trial application (CTA) filed post period in April
Scheduled to enter first-in-human studies upon CTA approval
Shown to have the potential to be used in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD-1)
RXC005 — our "best-in-class" reversible BTK inhibitor
In vivo proof of concept achieved for the reversible BTK program
Development candidate nominated for drug resistant chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
Pre-clinical profile presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting in December 2016 and iwCLL in May 2017
Investigational new drug (IND) application and CTA to be filed around the end of 2017
Other highlights
Fibrotic disease selected as core immunology research area
Redx acquired the locally acting Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor AMA0825 from Amakem NV in March 2017 for an undisclosed amount. ROCK is a promising anti-fibrotic target and AMA0825 is at late lead optimisation stage
Redx was awarded US$1 million competitive grant by CARB-X to enable the Company to advance its Gram-negative anti-infective program with a prospective partner
Key Financials
Net cash at 31 March 2017: £5.1m (2016: £4.4m)
Comprehensive loss: £10.7m (2016: £7.1m)
Strategic refocus expected to deliver annual cost savings of £4.2 million
Dr Neil Murray, Chief Executive Officer of Redx Pharma, commented, "Redx Pharma is now optimally positioned to capitalise on the potential of its world class discovery engine with the transition to clinical development of our two best-in-class assets RXC004 and RXC005 in oncology. I am also excited by the potential of our pipeline in fibrosis, bringing novel medicines to areas of severe unmet need. We look forward to announcing the start of our first clinical trial with RXC004 and to building greater value for our shareholders as a clinical stage business."

Iain Ross, Chairman of Redx Pharma, added,"I have been impressed by the potential of Redx Pharma’s science, approach to drug discovery and the speed with which the Company has created a world class pipeline of best-in-class products. Following the recent re-structuring of the organisation we are now focused on implementing an aggressive strategy to accelerate the "realisation of value" by progressing the clinical and commercial development of our lead programs and maximising the long term potential of the pipeline. I am delighted to be working with the Redx team."

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer to Present Data Highlighting Potential of Avelumab in Challenging Cancers at ASCO 2017

On May 17, 2017 Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer reported that 13 avelumab* abstracts across seven challenging tumor types will be featured at the 53rd American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting held June 2-6, 2017 in Chicago, IL (Press release, Pfizer, MAY 17, 2017, View Source [SID1234519225]).

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Key presentations include data for avelumab in first-line metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) and in previously treated metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC), as well as results from the Phase Ib trial investigating avelumab in combination with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor axitinib, in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).


"Our ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) presence adds to what has already been a momentous year for the alliance, coming shortly after the US FDA granted two accelerated approvals for avelumab," said Luciano Rossetti, M.D., Executive Vice President, Global Head of Research & Development at the biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which in the US and Canada operates as EMD Serono. "We’re particularly excited to share the latest avelumab data in both metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma in the first-line setting and previously treated metastatic urothelial carcinoma with the cancer community."

"Our data at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) this year underscore the potential of avelumab as a monotherapy treatment, as well as part of combination regimens," said Chris Boshoff, M.D., PhD, Senior Vice President and Head of Immuno-Oncology, Early Development, Translational Oncology, Pfizer Global Product Development. "Now with accelerated approvals in two indications for avelumab in the US, we are entering the next chapter of our clinical development program to provide meaningful new treatment options for patients who need them most."

Highlights of avelumab data at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2017 include the following:

Preliminary data from the ongoing JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial, an open-label, multicenter study conducted in first-line mMCC investigating avelumab in patients who had no prior systemic treatment for mMCC, will be presented for the first time at a medical congress.
Data from a pooled analysis of two metastatic UC cohorts of the JAVELIN Solid Tumor trial, a Phase Ib, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study of avelumab in the treatment of various solid tumors, will be presented.
An oral presentation of results from the JAVELIN Renal 100 trial, a Phase Ib, open-label study evaluating the clinical activity and safety of the combination of avelumab and axitinib for the first-line treatment of advanced RCC.
Beyond mMCC, metastatic UC and advanced RCC, the alliance between Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer will also showcase avelumab abstracts in non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, as well as updated pooled safety data in solid tumors.
The alliance’s JAVELIN clinical development program now involves at least 30 clinical programs, including nine Phase III trials, and more than 5,200 patients across more than 15 tumor types. Results from JAVELIN program trials have supported two FDA accelerated approvals in 2017.

A list of accepted avelumab abstracts is included below. The abstracts are also available on the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) website.



Abstract ID / Presentation
Title Lead Author Poster No. Date / Time Session
Oral Presentations

Renal Cell Choueiri TK 4504 Monday, June 5 Genitourinary
Carcinoma 8:00-11:00 a.m. (Nonprostate) Cancer
(JAVELIN Renal
100)

First-line
avelumab +
axitinib therapy
in patients with
advanced renal
cell carcinoma:
results from a
phase 1b trial

Poster Sessions

Head and Neck Lee NY TPS6093 Monday, June 5 Head and Neck Cancer
Cancer (TiP) 1:15-4:45 p.m.
(JAVELIN Head and
Neck 100)

JAVELIN Head and
Neck 100: a phase
3 trial of
avelumab in
combination with
chemoradiotherapy
(CRT) vs CRT for
1st-line
treatment of
locally advanced
squamous cell
carcinoma of the
head and neck (LA
SCCHN)

Lymphoma (TiP) Chen R TPS7575 Monday, June 5 Hematologic
(JAVELIN DLBCL) 8:00-11:30 a.m. Malignancies-Lymphoma
and Chronic
Phase 1b/3 study Lymphocytic Leukemia
of avelumab-based
combination
regimens in
patients (pts)
with relapsed or
refractory
diffuse large
B-cell lymphoma
(R/R DLBCL)

Merkel Cell D’Angelo SP 9530 Saturday, June 3 Melanoma/Skin Cancers
Carcinoma 1:15-4:45 p.m.
(JAVELIN Merkel
200)

First-line
avelumab
treatment in
patients with
metastatic Merkel
cell carcinoma:
preliminary data
from an ongoing
study

Merkel Cell Shapiro I 9557 Saturday, June 3 Melanoma/Skin Cancers
Carcinoma 1:15-4:45 p.m.
(JAVELIN Merkel
200)

Exploratory
biomarker
analysis in
patients with
chemotherapy-refr
actory metastatic
Merkel cell
carcinoma treated
with avelumab

Non-Small Cell Gulley JL 9086 Saturday, June 3 Lung Cancer-Non-Small
Lung Cancer 8:00-11:30 a.m. Cell Metastatic
(JAVELIN Solid
Tumor)

Exposure-response
and PD-L1
expression
analysis of
second-line
avelumab in
patients with
advanced NSCLC:
data from the
JAVELIN Solid
Tumor trial

Pan-Tumor Kelly K 3059 Monday, June 5 Developmental
(JAVELIN Solid 8:00-11:30 a.m. Therapeutics-
Tumor) Immunotherapy

Safety profile of
avelumab in
patients with
advanced solid
tumors: a JAVELIN
pooled analysis
of phase 1 and 2
data

Prostate Cancer Fakhrejahani F 5037 Monday, June 5 Genitourinary
(JAVELIN Solid 1:15-4:45 PM (Prostate)
Tumor) Cancer

Avelumab in
metastatic
castration-resist
ant prostate
cancer (mCRPC)

Renal Cell Choueiri TK TPS4594 Sunday, June 4 Genitourinary
Carcinoma 8:00-11:30 a.m. (Nonprostate)
(JAVELIN Renal
101)

Avelumab plus
axitinib vs
sunitinib as
first-line
treatment of
advanced renal
cell carcinoma:
phase 3 study
(JAVELIN Renal
101)

Urothelial Apolo AB 4528 Sunday, June 4 Genitourinary
Carcinoma 8:00-11:30 a.m. (Nonprostate)
(JAVELIN Solid Cancer
Tumor)

Updated efficacy
and safety of
avelumab in
metastatic
urothelial
carcinoma: pooled
analysis from 2
cohorts of the
phase 1b JAVELIN
Solid Tumor study

Publications

Merkel Cell Bharmal M e21070
Carcinoma
(JAVELIN Merkel
200)

Non-progression
during avelumab
treatment is
associated with
clinically
relevant
improvements in
health-related
quality of life
in patients with
Merkel cell
carcinoma

Merkel Cell Kaufman HL e21065
Carcinoma
(JAVELIN Merkel
200)

Patient
experiences with
avelumab vs
chemotherapy for
treating Merkel
cell carcinoma:
results from
protocol-specifie
d qualitative
research

Non-Small Cell Feng Z e20581
Lung Cancer
(JAVELIN Solid
Tumor)

Comparative study
of two PD-L1
expression assays
in patients with
non-small cell
lung cancer
(NSCLC)
*Avelumab is under clinical investigation for treatment of NSCLC, RCC, DLBCL, SSCHN and mCRPC and has not been demonstrated to be safe and effective for these indications. There is no guarantee that avelumab will be approved for NSCLC, RCC, DLBCL, SSCHN and mCRPC by any health authority worldwide.

About Avelumab

Avelumab is a human antibody specific for a protein called PD-L1, or programmed death
ligand-1. Avelumab is designed to potentially engage both the adaptive and innate immune systems. By binding to PD-L1, avelumab is thought to prevent tumor cells from using PD-L1 for protection against white blood cells, such as T-cells, exposing them to anti-tumor responses. Avelumab has been shown to induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro. In November 2014, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer announced a strategic alliance to co-develop and co-commercialize avelumab.

Indications

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval for avelumab (BAVENCIO) for the treatment of (i) metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older and (ii) patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy, or who have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. Continued approval for these indications may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. Avelumab is not approved for any indication in any market outside the US.

Important Safety Information

The warnings and precautions for BAVENCIO include immune-mediated adverse reactions (such as pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis, endocrinopathies, nephritis and renal dysfunction and other adverse reactions), infusion-related reactions and embryo-fetal toxicity.

Common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) in patients treated with avelumab include fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, infusion-related reaction, peripheral edema, decreased appetite/hypophagia, urinary tract infection and rash.

For full prescribing information and medication guide for BAVENCIO, please see View Source

Alliance between Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer Inc., New York, US

Immuno-oncology is a top priority for Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer Inc. The global strategic alliance between Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer Inc., New York, US, enables the companies to benefit from each other’s strengths and capabilities and further explore the therapeutic potential of avelumab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody initially discovered and developed by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The immuno-oncology alliance will jointly develop and commercialize avelumab and advance Pfizer’s PD-1 antibody. The alliance is focused on developing high-priority international clinical programs to investigate avelumab as a monotherapy, as well as in combination regimens, and is striving to find new ways to treat cancer.

All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Press Releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Website. Please go to View Source to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.