AbbVie Announces Supplemental New Drug Application Accepted for Priority Review by U.S. FDA for IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib) in Combination with Obinutuzumab (GAZYVA®) for Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

On October 17, 2018 AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, reported the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Priority Review for IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) in combination with obinutuzumab (GAZYVA) in previously untreated adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) (Press release, AbbVie, OCT 17, 2018, View Source [SID1234529953]). If the sNDA is approved, the use of IMBRUVICA with obinutuzumab could become the first chemotherapy-free, anti-CD20 combination approved by the FDA for the first-line treatment of CLL/SLL. IMBRUVICA is currently FDA-approved to treat adults with CLL/SLL as a single-agent for all lines of therapy and in combination with bendamustine and rituximab (BR).1 IMBRUVICA is a once-daily, first-in-class Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor that is administered orally, and is jointly developed and commercialized by Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie company, and Janssen Biotech, Inc.

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"Our robust clinical research program with IMBRUVICA continues to reinforce the evidence for its use as an efficacious treatment option in CLL and SLL, this time versus a National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines Category 1 treatment, which is the chemoimmunotherapy combination of chlorambucil plus obinutuzumab,"2 said Danelle James, M.D., M.A.S., Head of Clinical Science, Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie company. "Further, for the first time in CLL, results from iLLUMINATE have shown the potential benefits of using an IMBRUVICA-based, chemotherapy-free, anti-CD20 combination. Since its initial approval five years ago, IMBRUVICA has received nine FDA approvals across six different diseases, and we remain committed to advancing new research to understand its full potential in blood cancers like CLL and SLL, as well as other difficult-to-treat diseases with unmet medical needs."

The sNDA submission is based on positive results from the Phase 3 iLLUMINATE (PCYC-1130) trial announced in May 2018, which showed IMBRUVICA plus obinutuzumab was associated with significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) versus chlorambucil plus obinutuzumab in adults with previously untreated CLL/SLL, as assessed by an Independent Review Committee.

CLL is one of the two most common forms of leukemia in adults and is a type of cancer that can develop from cells in the bone marrow that later mature into certain white blood cells (called lymphocytes).3 While these cancer cells start in the bone marrow, they then later spread into the blood. The prevalence of CLL is approximately 115,000 patients in the U.S. with approximately 20,000 newly diagnosed patients every year.4,5 SLL is a slow-growing lymphoma biologically similar to CLL in which too many immature white blood cells cause lymph nodes to become larger than normal.6 CLL/SLL are predominately diseases of the elderly, with a median age diagnosis ranging from 65-70 years.7

About iLLUMINATE
iLLUMINATE (NCT 02264574) is a Pharmacyclics-sponsored, randomized, multi-center, open-label, Phase 3 study of IMBRUVICA in combination with obinutuzumab versus chlorambucil in combination with obinutuzumab in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). According to the study protocol, patients enrolled are age 65 years and older or if less than age 65 years must have had at least one of the following criteria: Cumulative Illness Rating Score (CIRS) >6 and Creatinine clearance estimated <70 mL/min using Cockcroft-Gault equation. In the study, patients were randomized to receive IMBRUVICA 420 mg continuously in combination with obinutuzumab 1000 mg intravenously over 6 cycles or chlorambucil on Days 1 and 15 of each cycle plus obinutuzumab 1000 mg intravenously over 6 cycles. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival by Independent Review Committee (IRC), with secondary objectives including overall response rate and rate of minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative responses. As announced in May 2018, the study met its primary endpoint, showing significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) was associated with adult CLL/SLL patients treated with IMBRUVICA plus obinutuzumab versus chlorambucil plus obinutuzumab, as assessed by an IRC.

About IMBRUVICA
IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) is a first-in-class, oral, once-daily therapy that mainly works by inhibiting a protein called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). BTK is a key signaling molecule in the B-cell receptor signaling complex that plays an important role in the survival and spread of malignant B cells.8 IMBRUVICA blocks signals that tell malignant B cells to multiply and spread uncontrollably.

IMBRUVICA is FDA-approved in six distinct patient populations: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM), along with previously-treated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), previously-treated marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and previously-treated chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD).1

IMBRUVICA was first approved for adult patients with MCL who have received at least one prior therapy in November 2013.
Soon after, IMBRUVICA was initially approved in adult CLL patients who have received at least one prior therapy in February 2014. By July 2014, the therapy received approval for adult CLL patients with 17p deletion, and by March 2016, the therapy was approved as a frontline CLL treatment.
IMBRUVICA was approved for adult patients with WM in January 2015.
In May 2016, IMBRUVICA was approved in combination with bendamustine and rituximab (BR) for adult patients with CLL/SLL.
In January 2017, IMBRUVICA was approved for adult patients with MZL who require systemic therapy and have received at least one prior anti-CD20-based therapy.
In August 2017, IMBRUVICA was approved for adult patients with cGVHD that failed to respond to one or more lines of systemic therapy.
In August 2018, IMBRUVICA plus rituximab was approved for adult patients with WM.
Accelerated approval was granted for the MCL and MZL indications based on overall response rate. Continued approval for MCL and MZL may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

IMBRUVICA has been granted four Breakthrough Therapy Designations from the U.S. FDA. This designation is intended to expedite the development and review of a potential new drug for serious or life-threatening diseases.9 IMBRUVICA was one of the first medicines to receive FDA approval via the new Breakthrough Therapy Designation pathway.

IMBRUVICA is being studied alone and in combination with other treatments in several blood and solid tumor cancers and other serious illnesses. IMBRUVICA has one of the most robust clinical oncology development programs for a single molecule in the industry, with more than 130 ongoing clinical trials. There are approximately 30 ongoing company-sponsored trials, 14 of which are in Phase 3, and more than 100 investigator-sponsored trials and external collaborations that are active around the world. To date, more than 120,000 patients around the world have been treated with IMBRUVICA in clinical practice and clinical trials.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hemorrhage: Fatal bleeding events have occurred in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. Grade 3 or higher bleeding events (intracranial hemorrhage [including subdural hematoma], gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria, and post-procedural hemorrhage) have occurred in 3% of patients, with fatalities occurring in 0.3% of 1,011 patients exposed to IMBRUVICA in clinical trials. Bleeding events of any grade, including bruising and petechiae, occurred in 44% of patients treated with IMBRUVICA.

The mechanism for the bleeding events is not well understood.

IMBRUVICA may increase the risk of hemorrhage in patients receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapies and patients should be monitored for signs of bleeding.

Consider the benefit-risk of withholding IMBRUVICA for at least 3 to 7 days pre and post-surgery depending upon the type of surgery and the risk of bleeding.

Infections: Fatal and non-fatal infections (including bacterial, viral, or fungal) have occurred with IMBRUVICA therapy. Grade 3 or greater infections occurred in 24% of 1,011 patients exposed to IMBRUVICA in clinical trials. Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) have occurred in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. Consider prophylaxis according to standard of care in patients who are at increased risk for opportunistic infections.

Monitor and evaluate patients for fever and infections and treat appropriately.

Cytopenias: Treatment-emergent Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias including neutropenia (23%), thrombocytopenia (8%), and anemia (3%) based on laboratory measurements occurred in patients with B-cell malignancies treated with single agent IMBRUVICA.

Monitor complete blood counts monthly.

Cardiac Arrhythmias: Fatal and serious cardiac arrhythmias have occurred with IMBRUVICA therapy. Grade 3 or greater ventricular tachyarrhythmias occurred in 0.2% of patients, and Grade 3 or greater atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter occurred in 4% of 1,011 patients exposed to IMBRUVICA in clinical trials. These events have occurred particularly in patients with cardiac risk factors, hypertension, acute infections, and a previous history of cardiac arrhythmias.

Periodically monitor patients clinically for cardiac arrhythmias. Obtain an ECG for patients who develop arrhythmic symptoms (e.g., palpitations, lightheadedness, syncope, chest pain) or new onset dyspnea. Manage cardiac arrhythmias appropriately, and if it persists, consider the risks and benefits of IMBRUVICA treatment and follow dose modification guidelines.

Hypertension: Hypertension has occurred in 12% of 1,011 patients treated with IMBRUVICA in clinical trials with a median time to onset of 5 months (range, 0.03 to 22 months). Monitor patients for new onset hypertension or hypertension that is not adequately controlled after starting IMBRUVICA. Adjust existing anti-hypertensive medications and/or initiate anti-hypertensive treatment as appropriate.

Second Primary Malignancies: Other malignancies (9%) including non-skin carcinomas (2%) have occurred in 1,011 patients treated with IMBRUVICA in clinical trials. The most frequent second primary malignancy was non-melanoma skin cancer (6%).

Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Tumor lysis syndrome has been infrequently reported with IMBRUVICA therapy. Assess the baseline risk (e.g., high tumor burden) and take appropriate precautions.

Monitor patients closely and treat as appropriate.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on findings in animals, IMBRUVICA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise women to avoid becoming pregnant while taking IMBRUVICA and for 1 month after cessation of therapy. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus. Advise men to avoid fathering a child during the same time period.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

B-cell malignancies: The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients with B-cell malignancies (MCL, CLL/SLL, WM and MZL) were thrombocytopenia (58%)*, neutropenia (58%)*, diarrhea (42%), anemia (39%)*, rash (31%), musculoskeletal pain (31%), bruising (31%), nausea (28%), fatigue (27%), hemorrhage (23%), and pyrexia (20%).

The most common Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients with B-cell malignancies (MCL, CLL/SLL, WM and MZL) were neutropenia (36%)*, thrombocytopenia (15%)*, and pneumonia (10%).

Approximately 6% (CLL/SLL), 14% (MCL), 14% (WM) and 10% (MZL) of patients had a dose reduction due to adverse reactions. Approximately 4%-10% (CLL/SLL), 9% (MCL), and 7% (WM [5%] and MZL [13%]) of patients discontinued due to adverse reactions.

cGVHD: The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients with cGVHD were fatigue (57%), bruising (40%), diarrhea (36%), thrombocytopenia (33%)*, stomatitis (29%), muscle spasms (29%), nausea (26%), hemorrhage (26%), anemia (24%)*, and pneumonia (21%).

The most common Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (≥5%) reported in patients with cGVHD were fatigue (12%), diarrhea (10%), neutropenia (10%)*, pneumonia (10%), sepsis (10%), hypokalemia (7%), headache (5%), musculoskeletal pain (5%), and pyrexia (5%).

Twenty-four percent of patients receiving IMBRUVICA in the cGVHD trial discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction occurred in 26% of patients.

*Treatment-emergent decreases (all grades) were based on laboratory measurements and adverse reactions.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

CYP3A Inhibitors: Dose adjustments may be recommended.

CYP3A Inducers: Avoid coadministration with strong CYP3A inducers.

SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Hepatic Impairment (based on Child-Pugh criteria): Avoid use of IMBRUVICA in patients with severe baseline hepatic impairment. In patients with mild or moderate impairment, reduce IMBRUVICA dose.

First patient treated with Transgene TG6002 oncolytic virus in a Phase 1/2 trial in patients with advanced gastrointestinal tumors

On October 17, 2018 Transgene (Paris: TNG) (Euronext Paris: TNG), a biotechnology company that designs and develops viral vector-based immunotherapies, reported the treatment of the first patient in the TG6002 Phase 1/2 trial in patients with advanced gastrointestinal tumors such as colon cancer, in the Léon Bérard center (Lyon) (Press release, Transgene, OCT 17, 2018, View Source [SID1234529952]). This multicenter trial is authorized in France, Belgium and Spain. It will include up to 59 patients.

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TG6002 is a new generation multi-functional oncolytic virus that can be administered intravenously and combines several mechanisms of action . It was designed to combine the mechanism of oncolysis (destruction of the cancer cell) with local production of chemotherapy (5-FU), directly into the tumor. Induction of an immune response against tumor cells is another expected effect. TG6002 expresses the patented FCU1 gene in tumor cells that it has infected, leading to the local conversion of 5-FC (administered orally) to 5-FU. This is particularly important because of the sensitivity of most gastrointestinal tumors to 5-FU.

TG6002 has demonstrated in preclinical its ability to induce a response in the primary tumor as well as a distant effect on metastases by causing immunogenic cell death.

Dr. Philippe Cassier, PhD, principal investigator of the trial and head of the early phase trial unit at the Léon Bérard Center, explains: "Despite the improved prognosis of patients over the last 20 years, the median survival of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients remains below three years. Patients receive up to four successive treatment lines, which can be associated with significant side effects. In addition, the majority of these do not respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. For this reason, 5-FU-based chemotherapy remains the standard treatment for this disease. TG6002, an oncolytic virus that destroys cancer cells and produces 5-FU at the heart of the tumor, is a promising therapy with the potential to be more effective and better tolerated by patients. "

Dr. Maud Brandely, PhD, Director, Clinical Development, Clinical Operations & Regulatory Affairs at Transgene, adds, "With its multiple mechanisms of action, TG6002 is an extremely promising oncolytic virus that is administered intravenously in this trial. The destruction of cancer cells, the production of chemotherapy in the tumor and the induction of a targeted immune response are all complementary approaches to better attack this disease. We look forward to the results that the oncolytic virus TG6002 will generate in this clinical trial. "

This half-open, single-arm trial is being conducted in Europe. It evaluates the safety and tolerability of multiple and increasing doses of intravenously administered TG6002 in combination with orally administered 5-FC. 5-FC is a non-cytotoxic precursor that can be converted to 5-FU. The primary endpoint of the Phase 1 part of the trial is safety; that of Phase 2 is efficiency. This trial will also evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties and biodistribution of TG6002, as well as the immune modulation of the tumor microenvironment.

About TG6002 A
new generation of oncolytic immunotherapy, TG6002 has been designed to induce the destruction of cancer cells (oncolysis) and to allow the production of 5-FU directly in the tumor. TG6002 is a modified, double-deleted Vaccinia virus (TK-RR-), expressing the patented FCU1 gene in tumor cells that it has infected in order to locally convert 5-FC (flucytosine), into 5-FU, a chemotherapy commonly used. Oncolytic virus TG6002 has shown its efficacy and good tolerability profile in several preclinical models. For Transgene, TG6002 represents a new therapeutic option for patients with recurrent solid tumors.
Another trial of TG6002 is underway in France in recurrent glioblastoma.

About gastrointestinal tumors
Gastrointestinal cancers include several forms of cancers of the digestive system. They include cancers of the esophagus, gall bladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, small bowel, colon, rectum and anus. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in Europe and one of the leading causes of death in Europe and worldwide. In 2012, 447,000 new cases of CRC were reported in Europe, with 215,000 deaths. Worldwide, this represented 1.4 million new cases and 694,000 deaths (Ferlay J. et al., 2013, Ferlay J. et al., 2015). Over the last decade, the prognosis of patients with metastatic CRC has improved

Blue Earth Diagnostics Announces Fluciclovine F 18 Research Presentations at Upcoming ASTRO Annual Meeting

On October 17, 2018 Blue Earth Diagnostics, a molecular imaging diagnostics company, reported that oral and poster presentations related to the clinical use of fluciclovine F 18 injection will be occurring at the 2018 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting, from October 21 – 24, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas (Press release, Blue Earth Diagnostics, OCT 17, 2018, View Source [SID1234529951]).

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Some of the oral and poster presentations listed below highlight investigational uses of fluciclovine F 18. Axumin (fluciclovine F 18) injection is FDA-approved for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior treatment. Presentations noted by "*" describe investigational uses of fluciclovine F 18 for which the safety and efficacy have not been established.

Sunday, October 21, 2018

ePoster Discussions

Session Title: GU 1 – ePoster Discussion – New Data on PET, MRI and Protons for Treating Prostate Cancer
Presentation Title:
Positive Findings on 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT in Patients with Suspected Recurrent Prostate Cancer and PSA levels ≤0.5 and ≤0.3 ng/ml

Presenter: Petra Lovec, MD, Loyola University Medical Center
Presentation Number: 1001
Presentation Time: 1:21 – 1:27 p.m. CT
Location: Room 217 A/B

Session Title: GU 1 – ePoster Discussion – New Data on PET, MRI and Protons for Treating Prostate Cancer
Presentation Title:
The Impact of 18F-Fluciclovine Positron Emission Tomography on Salvage Radiation Therapy Decisions for Patients with Post-Radical Prostatectomy Recurrence of Prostate Cancer: Results from LOCATE

Presenter: Abhishek Solanki, MD, MS, Loyola University Medical Center
Presentation Number: 1000
Presentation Time: 1:15 – 1:21 p.m. CT
Location: Room 217 A/B

Poster Viewings

Session Title: Poster Viewing Q&A 1
Presentation Title:
Application of 18-F Fluciclovine PET/CT in Guiding Salvage Radiation Therapy for Recurrent Prostate Cancer*

Presenter: Jalal Ahmed, MD, PhD, BS, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai
Session Time: 1:15 – 2:45 p.m. CT
Location: Innovation Hub, Exhibit Hall 3
Presentation No.: SU_22_2227

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Poster Viewings

Session Title: Poster Viewing Q&A 3
Title:
Design and Evaluation of a Semi-Automated Algorithm for Segmentation of Anti-[18F]FACBC (Fluciclovine F18] PET Images for Post-Prostatectomy Radiation Therapy*

Presenter: Eduard Schreibmann, PhD, DABR, Emory University
Presentation Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. CT
Location: Innovation Hub, Exhibit Hall 3
Presentation No.: TU_20_3312

Blue Earth Diagnostics invites participants at the 2018 ASTRO Annual Meeting to visit the company at Exhibit Booth 2163. The company is also hosting an Industry-Expert Theater event, "Detecting and Localizing Recurrent Prostate Cancer with Axumin (Fluciclovine F 18) Injection," with invited speaker Dr. Rodney Ellis, MD FACRO, Vice Chairman, Strategic Affairs, Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center, Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology and Urology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, which will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2018, from 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. CT, in Theater 1, Innovation Hub.

U.S. Indication and Important Safety Information About Axumin

INDICATION

Axumin (fluciclovine F 18) injection is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior treatment.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Image interpretation errors can occur with Axumin PET imaging. A negative image does not rule out recurrent prostate cancer and a positive image does not confirm its presence. The performance of Axumin seems to be affected by PSA levels. Axumin uptake may occur with other cancers and benign prostatic hypertrophy in primary prostate cancer. Clinical correlation, which may include histopathological evaluation, is recommended.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur in patients who receive Axumin. Emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel should be immediately available.
Axumin use contributes to a patient’s overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure, which is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Safe handling practices should be used to minimize radiation exposure to the patient and health care providers.
Adverse reactions were reported in ≤ 1% of subjects during clinical studies with Axumin. The most common adverse reactions were injection site pain, injection site erythema and dysgeusia.
To report suspected adverse reactions to Axumin, call 1-855-AXUMIN1 (1-855-298-6461) or contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Full Axumin prescribing information is available at www.axumin.com.

About Axumin (fluciclovine F 18)

Axumin (fluciclovine F 18) injection is a novel product indicated for use in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to identify suspected sites of prostate cancer recurrence in men. Recurrence of prostate cancer is suspected by an increase in prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior treatment. PET imaging with Axumin may identify the location and extent of such recurrence. Axumin was developed to enable visualization of the increased amino acid transport that occurs in many cancers, including prostate cancer. It consists of a synthetic amino acid that is preferentially taken up by prostate cancer cells compared with surrounding normal tissues and is labeled with the radioisotope F 18 for PET imaging. Fluciclovine F 18 was invented at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., with much of the fundamental clinical development work carried out by physicians at Emory University’s Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences. Axumin was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May 2016, following Priority Review, and is the first product commercialized by Blue Earth Diagnostics, which licensed the product from GE Healthcare. The molecule is being investigated by Blue Earth Diagnostics for other potential cancer indications, such as glioma.

Foundation Medicine Announces Strategic Collaboration with Major Pharmaceutical Company

On October 17, 2018 Foundation Medicine, Inc. reported a strategic collaboration with Novartis allowing the development of companion diagnostic (CDx) tests for the Novartis portfolio of targeted oncology and immuno-oncology therapeutics (Press release, Foundation Medicine, OCT 17, 2018, View Source [SID1234529950]). The collaboration structure allows for multiple therapy programs and includes development, regulatory support and commercialization of CDx tests for inclusion on FoundationOne CDx. FoundationOne CDx is Foundation Medicine’s FDA-approved comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) assay for all solid tumors that incorporates multiple companion diagnostics.

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"It is imperative that we collaborate with all of the key stakeholders in oncology to accelerate patient access to personalized medicine," said Melanie Nallicheri, chief business officer and head of biopharma at Foundation Medicine. "Novartis shares this mission and we look forward to working with them to develop companion diagnostics across multiple therapies. This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to expedite biomarker-driven development and ultimately bring more personalized treatment options to patients."

The agreement also allows for global expansion in ex-US markets including Japan, where in partnership with Chugai, Foundation Medicine has submitted FoundationOne CDx for regulatory approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). If approved in Japan, FoundationOne CDx would enable access to MHLW-approved targeted therapies and immunotherapies, as well as clinical trials, for patients with cancer in Japan.

Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. Announces Closing of $252 Million Common Stock Public Offering

On October 17, 2018 Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:IOVA) ("Iovance" or "Company"), a biotechnology company developing novel cancer immunotherapies based on tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) technology, reported the closing of an underwritten public offering of 25,300,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $9.97 per share (Press release, Iovance Biotherapeutics, OCT 17, 2018, View Source;p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2372014 [SID1234529946]). The gross proceeds from the offering, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses payable by Iovance, are approximately $252.2 million. The shares of common stock issued and sold in the offering include 3,300,000 shares issued upon the exercise in full by the underwriter of its option to purchase additional shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions.

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Iovance intends to use the proceeds from this offering to fund the expansion of its organization to support the potential commercial launch of lifileucel, to fund its commercial manufacturing capabilities and facilities, to fund its ongoing clinical trials for its current product candidates, including its on-going Phase 2 clinical trials of LN-144, TIL for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, and LN-145, TIL for the treatment of cervical and head and neck cancers, to fund its planned clinical trials for its current product candidates, including its ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of LN-145 for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC, in collaboration with MedImmune, and its ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials of Iovance TIL as an early-line therapy alone or in combination with pembrolizumab in melanoma, head and neck cancer, and NSCLC, and for other general corporate purposes. Additional indications may be explored with the use of proceeds.

Jefferies LLC acted as sole book-running manager for the offering.

The shares of common stock described above were offered by Iovance pursuant to its shelf registration statement on Form S-3 previously filed and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The offering has been made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering was filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website at View Source A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus was filed with the SEC, copies of which may be obtained by contacting Jefferies LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, New York, 10022, by telephone at (877) 821-7388, or by email at [email protected].

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.