Takeda Receives Positive CHMP Opinion for ALUNBRIG® (brigatinib) as a First-Line Treatment for ALK+ Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

On March 2, 2020 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) reported that the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion recommending the approval of ALUNBRIG (brigatinib) as a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) previously not treated with an ALK inhibitor (Press release, Takeda, MAR 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234555071]). ALUNBRIG is a next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that was designed to target and inhibit ALK genetic alterations.

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"Because of the complex nature of ALK+ NSCLC and the way in which the disease often spreads to the brain, it is essential for physicians to have treatment options that demonstrate both overall and intracranial effectiveness," said Professor Sanjay Popat, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. "In the ALTA-1L trial, brigatinib demonstrated significant responses in the brain and consistent overall efficacy compared to crizotinib. If approved by the EMA, brigatinib has the potential to become an important option for the first-line treatment of ALK+ advanced NSCLC patients in Europe."

This opinion is based on data from the Phase 3 ALTA-1L trial, which is evaluating the safety and efficacy of ALUNBRIG compared to crizotinib in patients with ALK+ locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not received prior treatment with an ALK inhibitor. Results from the trial showed ALUNBRIG demonstrated superiority compared to crizotinib with significant responses observed in patients with baseline brain metastases. After more than two years of follow-up, ALUNBRIG reduced the risk of intracranial disease progression or death by 69% in patients with brain metastases at baseline (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.17–0.56), as assessed by a blinded independent review committee (BIRC), and 76% (HR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.12–0.45), as assessed by investigators. ALUNBRIG also demonstrated consistent overall efficacy (intent to treat population), with a median progression-free survival (PFS) more than two times longer than that with crizotinib at 24.0 months (95% CI: 18.5–NE) versus 11.0 months (95% CI: 9.2–12.9) for crizotinib, as assessed by BIRC, and 29.4 months (95% CI: 21.2–NE) versus 9.2 months (95% CI: 7.4–12.9), as assessed by investigators.

The safety profile of ALUNBRIG in the ALTA-1L trial was generally consistent with the existing European summary of product characteristics (SmPC). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) Grade ≥3 in the ALUNBRIG arm were increased CPK (24.3%), increased lipase (14.0%) and hypertension (11.8%); and for crizotinib were increased ALT (10.2%), increased AST (6.6%), and increased lipase (6.6%).

"Developing safe and effective treatment options for cancer is a top priority for Takeda, and we continue to look for ways to address the unmet needs of the lung cancer community," said Christopher Arendt, Head, Oncology Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda. "Today’s positive CHMP opinion is an important step towards bringing ALUNBRIG to people living with ALK+ advanced NSCLC, and we look forward to continuing to work with the EMA as they review the application for ALUNBRIG as a first-line treatment of patients with this serious and rare form of lung cancer."

"ALK+ NSCLC is a rarer form of lung cancer, and the needs of people impacted by it are multiple," said Stefania Vallone, President of Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE). "Despite progress in recent years, there remains a need for additional first-line treatment options for the approximately 10,000 people with ALK+ NSCLC in Europe."

The positive opinion for ALUNBRIG will now be reviewed by the European Commission (EC) for Commission Decision. ALUNBRIG is currently not approved as a therapy for first-line ALK+ NSCLC.

About the ALTA-1L Trial
The Phase 3 ALTA-1L (ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of BrigAtinib in 1st Line) trial of ALUNBRIG in adults is a global, ongoing, randomized, open-label, comparative, multicenter trial, which enrolled 275 patients (ALUNBRIG, n=137, crizotinib, n=138) with ALK+ locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not received prior treatment with an ALK inhibitor. Patients received either ALUNBRIG, 180 mg once daily with seven-day lead-in at 90 mg once daily, or crizotinib, 250 mg twice daily.

The median age was 58 years in the ALUNBRIG arm and 60 years in the crizotinib arm. Twenty-nine percent of patients had brain metastases at baseline in the ALUNBRIG arm versus 30% in the crizotinib arm. Twenty-six percent of patients received prior chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic disease in the ALUNBRIG arm versus 27% in the crizotinib arm.

Blinded independent review committee (BIRC)-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1, intracranial ORR, intracranial PFS, overall survival (OS), safety and tolerability.

The safety profile of ALUNBRIG in the ALTA-1L trial was generally consistent with the existing European summary of product characteristics (SmPC).

About ALUNBRIG (brigatinib)
ALUNBRIG is a potent and selective next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that was designed to target and inhibit anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) genetic alterations. In April 2017, ALUNBRIG received Accelerated Approval from the U.S. FDA for ALK+ metastatic NSCLC patients who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib. This indication is approved under Accelerated Approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

ALUNBRIG is currently approved in more than 40 countries, including the U.S., Canada and the European Union, for the treatment of people living with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC who have taken the medicine crizotinib, but their NSCLC has worsened or they cannot tolerate taking crizotinib.

ALUNBRIG received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for the treatment of patients with ALK+ NSCLC whose tumors are resistant to crizotinib and was granted Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA for the treatment of ALK+ NSCLC, ROS1+ and EGFR+ NSCLC.

About ALK+ NSCLC
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of the estimated 1.8 million new cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.1,2 Genetic studies indicate that chromosomal rearrangements in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are key drivers in a subset of NSCLC patients.3 Approximately three to five percent of patients with metastatic NSCLC have a rearrangement in the ALK gene.4,5,6

Takeda is committed to continuing research and development in NSCLC to improve the lives of the approximately 40,000 patients diagnosed with this serious and rare form of lung cancer worldwide each year.7

Takeda’s Commitment to Lung Cancer
Takeda is dedicated to expanding treatment options in the ALK+ NSCLC and EGFR/HER2 mutant NSCLC treatment landscapes. Our comprehensive programs include the following clinical trials to continue to address unmet needs for people living with lung cancer:

ALUNBRIG

Phase 1/2 trial, which was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary anti-tumor activity of ALUNBRIG. This trial has completed enrollment.
Pivotal Phase 2 ALTA trial investigating the efficacy and safety of ALUNBRIG at two dosing regimens in patients with ALK+ locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who had progressed on crizotinib. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 3 ALTA-1L, global, randomized trial assessing the efficacy and safety of ALUNBRIG in comparison to crizotinib in patients with ALK+ locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not received prior treatment with an ALK inhibitor. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 2 J-ALTA, single-arm, multicenter trial in Japanese patients with ALK+ NSCLC, focusing on patients who have progressed on alectinib. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 2 ALTA 2, global, single-arm trial evaluating ALUNBRIG in patients with advanced ALK+ NSCLC who have progressed on alectinib or ceritinib. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 3 ALTA 3, global randomized trial comparing the efficacy and safety of ALUNBRIG versus alectinib in participants with ALK+ NSCLC who have progressed on crizotinib. This trial is now enrolling.
TAK-788, a selective inhibitor of EGFR/HER2 mutations, currently being explored in EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations:

Phase 1/2 study evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics and antitumor activity of oral EGFR/HER2 inhibitor TAK-788 in patients with NSCLC. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 2 EXCLAIM, pivotal extension cohort of the Phase 1/2 trial, which was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TAK-788 at 160 mg once daily in previously treated patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 3 EXCLAIM 2, global, randomized study evaluating the efficacy of TAK-788 as a first-line treatment compared to platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in treatment-naïve patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors harbor EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. This trial is now enrolling.
Phase 1, open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation study evaluating the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of TAK-788 in Japanese patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. This trial has completed enrollment.
Phase 2 J-EXCLAIM, open-label, multicenter, study evaluating the efficacy of TAK-788 as a first-line treatment in Japanese patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors harbor EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. This trial is now enrolling.
Phase 1, open-label, two-period, fixed-sequence study designed to characterize drug-drug interaction between TAK-788 and either a strong cytochrome P-450 (CYP)3A inhibitor, itraconazole (Part 1) or a strong CYP3A inducer, rifampin (Part 2) in healthy adult subjects. This trial is now enrolling.
For additional information on the ALUNBRIG and TAK-788 clinical trials, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

ALUNBRIG (brigatinib): EUROPEAN IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

SPECIAL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS FOR USE

Pulmonary Adverse Reactions: Severe, life-threatening, and fatal pulmonary adverse reactions, including those with features consistent with ILD/pneumonitis, can occur. Most pulmonary adverse reactions were observed within the first 7 days of treatment. Grade 1-2 pulmonary adverse reactions resolved with interruption of treatment or dose modification. Increased age and shorter interval (less than 7 days) between the last dose of crizotinib and the first dose of ALUNBRIG were independently associated with an increased rate of these pulmonary adverse reactions. Consider these factors when initiating treatment with ALUNBRIG. Some patients experienced pneumonitis later in treatment with ALUNBRIG. Patients should be monitored for new or worsening respiratory symptoms (e.g., dyspnoea, cough, etc.), particularly in the first week of treatment. Evidence of pneumonitis in any patient with worsening respiratory symptoms should be promptly investigated. If pneumonitis is suspected, the dose of ALUNBRIG should be withheld, and the patient evaluated for other causes of symptoms (e.g., pulmonary embolism, tumour progression, and infectious pneumonia). The dose should be modified accordingly.

Hypertension has occurred. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Hypertension should be treated according to standard guidelines to control blood pressure. Heart rate should be monitored more frequently in patients if concomitant use of a medication known to cause bradycardia cannot be avoided. For severe hypertension (≥ Grade 3), ALUNBRIG should be withheld until hypertension has recovered to Grade 1 or to baseline. The dose should be modified accordingly.

Bradycardia has occurred. Caution should be exercised when administering ALUNBRIG in combination with other agents known to cause bradycardia. Heart rate and blood pressure should be monitored regularly. Treatment with ALUNBRIG should be withheld if symptomatic bradycardia occurs. Concomitant medications known to cause bradycardia should be evaluated. Upon recovery, dose should be modified accordingly. In case of life-threatening bradycardia, permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG if no contributing concomitant medication is identified or in the case of recurrence. If contributing concomitant medication is identified, modify dose accordingly.

Visual Disturbance has occurred with ALUNBRIG. Patients should be advised to report any visual symptoms. For new or worsening severe visual symptoms, an ophthalmologic evaluation and dose reduction should be considered.

Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation has been reported. Advise patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Monitor CPK levels regularly during treatment. Based on the severity of the CPK elevation, withhold treatment with ALUNBRIG and modify dose accordingly.

Pancreatic Enzyme Elevation: Elevations of amylase and lipase have occurred. Lipase and amylase should be monitored regularly during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Based on the severity of the laboratory abnormalities, withhold ALUNBRIG and modify dose accordingly.

Hepatotoxicity: Elevations of hepatic enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase) and bilirubin have occurred. Liver function, including AST, ALT and total bilirubin should be assessed prior to the initiation of ALUNBRIG and then every 2 weeks during the first 3 months of treatment. Thereafter, monitoring should be performed periodically. Based on the severity of the laboratory abnormalities, withhold ALUNBRIG and modify dose accordingly.

Hyperglycemia: Elevations of serum glucose have occurred. Fasting serum glucose should be assessed prior to initiation of ALUNBRIG and monitored periodically thereafter. Antihyperglycaemic treatment should be initiated or optimised as needed. If adequate hyperglycaemic control cannot be achieved with optimal medical management, ALUNBRIG should be withheld until adequate hyperglycaemic control is achieved; upon recovery reducing the dose may be considered or ALUNBRIG may be permanently discontinued.

Drug interactions: Concomitant use of ALUNBRIG with strong CYP3A inhibitors should be avoided. If concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors cannot be avoided, reduce dose of ALUNBRIG from 180 mg to 90 mg, or from 90 mg to 60 mg. After discontinuation of a strong CYP3A inhibitor, ALUNBRIG should be resumed at the dose that was tolerated prior to the initiation of the strong CYP3A inhibitor. The concomitant use of ALUNBRIG with strong and moderate CYP3A inducers should be avoided.

Fertility: Women of childbearing potential should be advised to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 4 months following the final dose. Men with female partners of childbearing potential should be advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of ALUNBRIG.

Lactose: ALUNBRIG contains lactose monohydrate. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medication.

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 25%) reported in patients treated with ALUNBRIG at the recommended dosing regimen were increased AST, hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, anaemia, increased CPK, nausea, increased lipase, decreased lymphocyte count, increased ALT, diarrhoea, increased amylase, fatigue, cough, headache, increased alkaline phosphatase, hypophosphataemia, increased APTT, rash, vomiting, dyspnoea, hypertension, decreased white blood cell count, myalgia, and peripheral neuropathy.

The most common serious adverse reactions (≥ 2%) reported in patients treated with ALUNBRIG at the recommended dosing regimen other than events related to neoplasm progression were pneumonitis, pneumonia, and dyspnoea.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Elderly patients: The limited data on the safety and efficacy of ALUNBRIG in patients aged 65 years and older suggest that a dose adjustment is not required in elderly patients. There are no available data on patients over 85 years of age.

Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment of ALUNBRIG is required for patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A) or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B). A reduced starting dose of 60 mg once daily for the first 7 days, then 120 mg once daily is recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C).

Renal impairment: No dose adjustment of ALUNBRIG is required for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 30 mL/min). A reduced starting dose of 60 mg once daily for the first 7 days, then 90 mg once daily is recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min). Patients with severe renal impairment should be closely monitored for new or worsening respiratory symptoms that may indicate ILD/pneumonitis (e.g., dyspnoea, cough, etc.) particularly in the first week.

Paediatric population: The safety and efficacy of ALUNBRIG in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established. No data are available.

ALUNBRIG IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (U.S.)

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis: Severe, life-threatening, and fatal pulmonary adverse reactions consistent with interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis have occurred with ALUNBRIG. In Trial ALTA (ALTA), ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.7% of patients in the 90 mg group (90 mg once daily) and 9.1% of patients in the 90→180 mg group (180 mg once daily with 7-day lead-in at 90 mg once daily). Adverse reactions consistent with possible ILD/pneumonitis occurred early (within 9 days of initiation of ALUNBRIG; median onset was 2 days) in 6.4% of patients, with Grade 3 to 4 reactions occurring in 2.7%. Monitor for new or worsening respiratory symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, cough, etc.), particularly during the first week of initiating ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG in any patient with new or worsening respiratory symptoms, and promptly evaluate for ILD/pneumonitis or other causes of respiratory symptoms (e.g., pulmonary embolism, tumor progression, and infectious pneumonia). For Grade 1 or 2 ILD/pneumonitis, either resume ALUNBRIG with dose reduction after recovery to baseline or permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG. Permanently discontinue ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 ILD/pneumonitis or recurrence of Grade 1 or 2 ILD/pneumonitis.

Hypertension: In ALTA, hypertension was reported in 11% of patients in the 90 mg group who received ALUNBRIG and 21% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 hypertension occurred in 5.9% of patients overall. Control blood pressure prior to treatment with ALUNBRIG. Monitor blood pressure after 2 weeks and at least monthly thereafter during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 hypertension despite optimal antihypertensive therapy. Upon resolution or improvement to Grade 1 severity, resume ALUNBRIG at a reduced dose. Consider permanent discontinuation of treatment with ALUNBRIG for Grade 4 hypertension or recurrence of Grade 3 hypertension. Use caution when administering ALUNBRIG in combination with antihypertensive agents that cause bradycardia.

Bradycardia: Bradycardia can occur with ALUNBRIG. In ALTA, heart rates less than 50 beats per minute (bpm) occurred in 5.7% of patients in the 90 mg group and 7.6% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 2 bradycardia occurred in 1 (0.9%) patient in the 90 mg group. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Monitor patients more frequently if concomitant use of drug known to cause bradycardia cannot be avoided. For symptomatic bradycardia, withhold ALUNBRIG and review concomitant medications for those known to cause bradycardia. If a concomitant medication known to cause bradycardia is identified and discontinued or dose adjusted, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose following resolution of symptomatic bradycardia; otherwise, reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG following resolution of symptomatic bradycardia. Discontinue ALUNBRIG for life-threatening bradycardia if no contributing concomitant medication is identified.

Visual Disturbance: In ALTA, adverse reactions leading to visual disturbance including blurred vision, diplopia, and reduced visual acuity, were reported in 7.3% of patients treated with ALUNBRIG in the 90 mg group and 10% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 macular edema and cataract occurred in one patient each in the 90→180 mg group. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms. Withhold ALUNBRIG and obtain an ophthalmologic evaluation in patients with new or worsening visual symptoms of Grade 2 or greater severity. Upon recovery of Grade 2 or Grade 3 visual disturbances to Grade 1 severity or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at a reduced dose. Permanently discontinue treatment with ALUNBRIG for Grade 4 visual disturbances.

Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation: In ALTA, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation occurred in 27% of patients receiving ALUNBRIG in the 90 mg group and 48% of patients in the 90 mg→180 mg group. The incidence of Grade 3‑4 CPK elevation was 2.8% in the 90 mg group and 12% in the 90→180 mg group. Dose reduction for CPK elevation occurred in 1.8% of patients in the 90 mg group and 4.5% in the 90→180 mg group. Advise patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Monitor CPK levels during ALUNBRIG treatment. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 CPK elevation. Upon resolution or recovery to Grade 1 or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose or at a reduced dose.

Pancreatic Enzyme Elevation: In ALTA, amylase elevation occurred in 27% of patients in the 90 mg group and 39% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Lipase elevations occurred in 21% of patients in the 90 mg group and 45% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 amylase elevation occurred in 3.7% of patients in the 90 mg group and 2.7% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Grade 3 or 4 lipase elevation occurred in 4.6% of patients in the 90 mg group and 5.5% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. Monitor lipase and amylase during treatment with ALUNBRIG. Withhold ALUNBRIG for Grade 3 or 4 pancreatic enzyme elevation. Upon resolution or recovery to Grade 1 or baseline, resume ALUNBRIG at the same dose or at a reduced dose.

Hyperglycemia: In ALTA, 43% of patients who received ALUNBRIG experienced new or worsening hyperglycemia. Grade 3 hyperglycemia, based on laboratory assessment of serum fasting glucose levels, occurred in 3.7% of patients. Two of 20 (10%) patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance at baseline required initiation of insulin while receiving ALUNBRIG. Assess fasting serum glucose prior to initiation of ALUNBRIG and monitor periodically thereafter. Initiate or optimize anti-hyperglycemic medications as needed. If adequate hyperglycemic control cannot be achieved with optimal medical management, withhold ALUNBRIG until adequate hyperglycemic control is achieved and consider reducing the dose of ALUNBRIG or permanently discontinuing ALUNBRIG.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animals, ALUNBRIG can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. There are no clinical data on the use of ALUNBRIG in pregnant women. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 4 months following the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of ALUNBRIG.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 38% of patients in the 90 mg group and 40% of patients in the 90→180 mg group. The most common serious adverse reactions were pneumonia (5.5% overall, 3.7% in the 90 mg group, and 7.3% in the 90→180 mg group) and ILD/pneumonitis (4.6% overall, 1.8% in the 90 mg group and 7.3% in the 90→180 mg group). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.7% of patients and consisted of pneumonia (2 patients), sudden death, dyspnea, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, bacterial meningitis and urosepsis (1 patient each).

The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) in the 90 mg group were nausea (33%), fatigue (29%), headache (28%), and dyspnea (27%) and in the 90→180 mg group were nausea (40%), diarrhea (38%), fatigue (36%), cough (34%), and headache (27%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS
CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid coadministration of ALUNBRIG with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it may also increase plasma concentrations of brigatinib. If coadministration of a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor cannot be avoided, reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG.
CYP3A Inducers: Avoid coadministration of ALUNBRIG with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. If coadministration of moderate CYP3A inducers cannot be avoided, increase the dose of ALUNBRIG.
CYP3A Substrates: Coadministration of ALUNBRIG with sensitive CYP3A substrates, including hormonal contraceptives, can result in decreased concentrations and loss of efficacy of sensitive CYP3A substrates.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy: ALUNBRIG can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus.

Lactation: There are no data regarding the secretion of brigatinib in human milk or its effects on the breastfed infant or milk production. Because of the potential adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with ALUNBRIG.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential:
Pregnancy Testing: Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ALUNBRIG.
Contraception: Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 4 months after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ALUNBRIG and for at least 3 months after the final dose.
Infertility: ALUNBRIG may cause reduced fertility in males.

Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of ALUNBRIG in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of ALUNBRIG did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.

Hepatic or Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment or mild or moderate renal impairment. Reduce the dose of ALUNBRIG for patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment.

PolyProx Therapeutics Raises an Additional £1 Million Seed Financing From New Investor, LifeArc, to Validate Polyproxin® Drug Leads in Oncology

On March 2, 2020 PolyProx Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer, reported that it has raised an additional £1 million seed capital from new investor, LifeArc (Press release, PolyProx Therapeutics, MAR 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234555070]).

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The additional funding will be used to deliver in vivo proof of concept data for polyproxin molecule leads against two oncology drug targets. This data will form the basis for Series A financing in 2021. LifeArc joins existing investors, Cambridge Innovation Capital, RT Capital and Cambridge Enterprise.

PolyProx Therapeutics is developing polyproxin molecules that target and remove disease-causing proteins using the natural degradation machineries contained within the cell. Its initial focus is to develop polyproxin molecule candidates for use in the treatment of cancers, targeting aberrant proteins that have previously proven difficult to target using conventional drug classes, such as small molecules or monoclonal antibodies.

A spin out from the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Cambridge, PolyProx Therapeutics is based on over a decade of research and intellectual property from Founder Professor Laura Itzhaki’s laboratory. Serial Cambridge biotech entrepreneurs Kevin Moulder (Chief Operating Officer) and Andrew Sandham (Executive Chairman), lead the team.

Independent medical research charity, LifeArc, is focused on translation; helping to turn promising science into benefits for patients by advancing medical research towards patient treatments and diagnostics. LifeArc’s investment in PolyProx Therapeutics has been made via the LifeArc Seed Fund, a £25 million fund focused predominantly on opportunities in the UK with the objective of optimising the chances of bringing transformative science to the clinic.

Enrique Millan, Investment Principal, LifeArc Seed Fund, who will sit on the PolyProx Therapeutics board commented: "LifeArc’s Seed Fund was established to help translate promising medical research into patient benefit. We are excited to be working with the PolyProx team on the development of a novel, first-in-class therapeutic modality that could potentially address some of the challenges in cancer treatment."

Andrew Sandham, Executive Chairman, PolyProx Therapeutics added: "We are delighted to welcome LifeArc as an investor which enables us to expand our drug discovery resources following our recent move to new laboratories in Cambridge. We have made exciting progress on our polyproxin drug discovery projects in oncology and look forward to sharing proof of concept data with prospective investors and partners later this year."

Inovio Pharmaceuticals to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Financial Results on March 12, 2020

On March 2, 2020 Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: INO) reported that fourth quarter and full year 2019 financial results will be released after the market close on March 12, 2020 (Press release, Inovio, MAR 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234555069]). Following the release, the Company will host a live conference call and webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET, to provide a general business update and financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2019.

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A live and archived version of the audio presentation will be available online at View Source This is a listen-only event but will include a live Q&A with analysts.

Telephone replay will be available approximately one hour after the call at 877-344-7529 (US toll free) or 412-317-0088 (international toll) using replay access code 10139836.

Sangamo Therapeutics Announces Participation at Upcoming Investor Conferences

On March 2, 2020 Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGMO), a genomic medicine company, reported that management will present at the following investor conferences (Press release, Sangamo Therapeutics, MAR 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234555068]):

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Cowen 40th Annual Health Care Conference
Presentation Date: Wednesday, March 4th at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Location: Boston, MA
Barclays Global Healthcare Conference
Presentation Date: Wednesday, March 11th at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time
Location: Miami, FL
Presentations will be webcast live and may be accessed via a link on the Sangamo Therapeutics website in the Investors and Media section under Events and Presentations. The presentation will also be available on the Sangamo website after the event.

UroGen Pharma Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Financial Results and Recent Corporate Developments

On March 2, 2020 UroGen Pharma Ltd. (Nasdaq:URGN) a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to building novel solutions that treat specialty cancers and urologic diseases because patients deserve better options, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019 and provided an overview of the Company’s recent developments (Press release, UroGen Pharma, MAR 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234555067]).

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"At UroGen, we are eagerly awaiting potential approval of our lead product candidate, UGN-101, for the treatment of patients with low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer (LG UTUC). The significant progress on key clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones in 2019 places us in a position of strength as we prepare to deliver the first non-surgical therapy for the treatment of LG UTUC. Our experienced commercial team has been working tirelessly to ensure we are prepared for launch, and we look forward to providing these patients with a new treatment option," said Liz Barrett, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UroGen. "We are also advancing multiple pipeline candidates in development for areas of unmet need in both low-grade and high-grade bladder cancer, including UGN-102 and UGN-302, respectively. As our team pioneers new treatments to improve patient care in specialty cancers and urologic diseases, we look forward to maximizing patient and shareholder value through the exciting events on the horizon".

2019 and Recent Highlights

UGN-101 (mitomycin gel) for instillation for Patients with LG UTUC Progress

Reported positive updated durability and complete response data from the pivotal Phase 3 OLYMPUS trial in September 2019. The data were consistent with previously reported results in May 2019 and January 2019.
Completed a rolling New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Received FDA filing acceptance and Priority Review of the NDA for UGN-101, with a PDUFA goal date of April 18, 2020. If approved, UGN-101 will be the first non-surgical, chemoablative treatment option for LG UTUC.
UGN-101 Commercial Readiness

Hired an internal team with a track record of success in urology and oncology as well as a veteran sales force leadership team with deep uro-oncology relationships.
Implemented innovative solutions around patient identification, reimbursement and seamless logistics to enhance physician adoption upon launch. Based on recent market research, 88% of urologists desire a new and differentiated treatment option for their patients.
Executed agreements with 3PL, a specialty distributor and a national partner to provide prepared admixture to urology clinics.
Pipeline Expansion and Developments

UGN-102 (mitomycin gel) for intravesical instillation for patients with low-grade intermediate risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (LG IR NMIBC)
Completed enrollment ahead of schedule and reported positive interim results from the single-arm, open-label Phase 2b OPTIMA II trial of investigational UGN-102 for patients with LG IR NMIBC.
LG IR NMIBC is defined as those patients with one or two of the following criteria: multifocal disease, large tumors and rapid rates of recurrence. This is a patient population whereby the current standard of care, transurethral resection of bladder tumor, or TURBT, is used repeatedly to address chronic recurrence of disease. These patients experience what can be viewed as a form of surgical failure and many undergo multiple surgical procedures during life to "manage" bladder cancer recurrences.
There are no drugs currently approved by the FDA as first-line treatment for LG IR NMIBC. UGN-102 has the potential to provide a non-surgical treatment alternative for approximately 80,000 patients diagnosed with LG IR NMIBC.
UGN-201 (TLR7/8 agonist) for patients with high-grade non muscle invasive bladder cancer (HG NMIBC)
Shared nonclinical data of investigational UGN-201 (a TLR7/8 agonist) as a monotherapy and in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.
In murine models, UGN-201 in combination with local anti-CTLA-4 increased survival.
Entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Agenus Inc. to develop and commercialize zalifrelimab (AGEN1884, anti-CTLA-4 antibody) via intravesical delivery in combination with UGN-201 for the treatment of high-grade urinary tract cancers, initially targeting HG NMIBC. The combination of UGN-201 and zalifrelimab is referred to as investigational agent UGN-302.
Corporate Achievements

Strengthened the Company’s financial position with a follow-on offering of approximately $162 million in January 2019.
2020 Anticipated Milestones and Product Development Plans

UGN-101

Publication of the final results of the primary endpoint from the OLYMPUS trial in patients with LG UTUC in 1H
UGN-101 potential approval and launch in Q2
UGN-102

Updated durability and complete response data from UGN-102 Phase 2b Study
Initiation of pivotal Phase 3 Study in 2H
UGN-302

Advancement to first in human clinical study following formulation and dose optimization
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Financial Results; 2020 Guidance

As of December 31, 2019, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $195.6 million, excluding restricted cash.
Research and development expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2019 were $20.1 million, including non-cash share-based compensation expense of $1.9 million. Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $49.3 million, including non-cash share-based compensation expense of $8.3 million. The research and development expenses for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 included an in-process research and development charge of $10.0 million associated with the execution of the Agenus licensing agreement.
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2019 were $19.7 million, including non-cash share-based compensation expense of $6.2 million. General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $60.2 million, including non-cash share-based compensation expense of $21.7 million.
UroGen reported a net loss of $39.0 million, or basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share of $1.86, for the three months ended December 31, 2019. The Company reported a net loss of $105.1 million, or basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share of $5.12, for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The Company anticipates operating expenses in the range of $145 to $155 million for 2020. Non-cash stock-based compensation expense for 2020 is expected to be in the range of $32 to $36 million subject to market conditions, and other non-operating income for 2020 is anticipated to be approximately $2.5 million.
UroGen has 21.0 million ordinary shares outstanding.
Conference Call & Webcast Information

Members of UroGen’s management team will host a live conference call and webcast today at 8:30 AM Eastern Time to review the Company’s financial results and provide a general business update.

The live webcast can be accessed by visiting the Investors section of the Company’s website at View Source Please connect at least 15 minutes prior to the live webcast to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be needed to access the webcast. Alternatively, please call (888) 771-4371 (U.S.) or (847) 585-4405 (International) to listen to the live conference call. The conference ID number for the live call will be 49393633. An archive of the webcast will be available for two weeks on the Company’s website.