On August 18, 2020 AgilVax, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops targeted antibody-based therapeutics to treat multiple types of cancer, reported that the company has triggered Phase II funding worth $1.2 million from its Fast Track Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant awarded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) (Press release, Agilvax, AUG 18, 2020, View Source [SID1234563789]).

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"Targeting redox-sensitive pathways and a protein that is upregulated in tumors that possess NFR2/KEAP1 or KRAS mutations, offers great promise for cancer therapy and AgilVax is poised to establish a new class of treatment for tough to treat cancers."

The funding will be used to conduct a preclinical efficacy study, manufacturing stability studies and a nonclinical toxicology study for AX09, a virus-like-particle (VLP) therapeutic vaccine. AgilVax successfully achieved its goals from the earlier phases allowing the final portion of the grant to be awarded.

AgilVax has three development programs targeting xCT, a cystine-glutamate antiporter: (1) an antibody-drug conjugate (xCT-mAb-ADC), (2), a conjugated radiopharmaceutical and (3) AX09. Oxidative stress leads to enhanced induction of xCT, which regulates cysteine intake, stimulates the conversion of cysteine and subsequent glutathione (GSH) synthesis. xCT expression is low in normal cells but elevated in numerous cancer types corresponding to increases in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Numerous cancer types are highly resistant to traditional therapies due to oxidative stress induced by cancer cell metabolism.

"We are delighted to receive this grant award from the National Cancer Institute to advance the development of our antibody-based therapeutic program," said Joseph Patti, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Agilvax and the Principal Investigator of the award. "Targeting redox-sensitive pathways and a protein that is upregulated in tumors that possess NFR2/KEAP1 or KRAS mutations, offers great promise for cancer therapy and AgilVax is poised to establish a new class of treatment for tough to treat cancers."

On August 18, 2020 SYDNEY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Australian clinical-stage drug development company Noxopharm reported peer-reviewed publication of research showing that in late-stage prostate cancer patients who have exhausted all standard treatment options, a combination of 177Lu-PSMA-617 and Veyonda is both safe and delivered promising efficacy outcomes, among them a median overall survival of 17.1 months (Press release, Noxopharm, AUG 18, 2020, View Source [SID1234563788]). The independent authors noted that the median overall survival in a study conducted in a comparable patient population (exhausted all standard treatment options; progressive disease) receiving standard chemotherapy was only 4.5 months.

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"This is excellent news for Noxopharm and adds to the growing evidence that Veyonda has the means to become a standard of care drug in late-stage prostate cancer," said Noxopharm Executive Chairman and CEO Graham Kelly. "177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy is attracting considerable international attention as a promising therapy for men with Stage 4 prostate cancer. It was the subject of a $6 billion series of acquisitions by Novartis in 2018 and we anticipate it becoming a commercially available drug in 2021. We see this publication making a solid case for a combination of Veyonda and 177Lu-PSMA-617 becoming a standard treatment option in late-stage prostate cancer, particularly given that the combination was well-tolerated, even in patients with advanced disease and very limited survival prospects."

The publishing journal, European Urology Oncology, is the first official publication of the European Association of Urology that is fully devoted to the study of genitourinary cancer. The publication has been peer-reviewed by a panel of experts in the field. The authors are renowned medical experts from the Kinghorn Cancer Centre, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology (Melbourne University), and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto.

On August 18, 2020 GT Medical Technologies, Inc., a company dedicated to improving the lives of patients with brain tumors, reported new data from a clinical study of the company’s GammaTile Therapy in patients with large brain metastases, or tumors that spread to the brain from cancer in another part of the body (Press release, GT Medical Technologies, AUG 18, 2020, View Source [SID1234563787]). Approximately 150,000 – 200,000 people are diagnosed with brain metastases each year in the United States.1 These data were presented at the Society of Neuro-Oncology 2020 Virtual Conference on Brain Metastases.

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Results from the single-arm, multi-histology study were presented, evaluating the safety and effectiveness of GammaTile in combination with tumor resection surgery in 16 large brain metastases, including twelve recurrent and four newly diagnosed tumors. The study, conducted at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ, found that in patients with recurrent brain metastases who underwent surgery followed by GammaTile, there was a statistically significant improvement in time-to-local disease progression (TTP) compared to the same patients’ prior rounds of treatment. At 12-months, local control for tumors treated with resection plus GammaTile Therapy was 83% for all patients. Tumors that had received no prior radiation achieved 100% local control with GammaTile. Median TTP for large brain tumors treated with GammaTile is projected to be at least 10.9 months (95% confidence interval). Median overall survival (OS) was 9.3 months. Treatment with GammaTile was well tolerated by patients.2

"Results from this study underscore the safety and efficacy of GammaTile Therapy in helping prevent local progression in patients with brain metastases," said GT MedTech’s co-founder and chief technology officer David Brachman, M.D., who previously served as chairman and medical director of Radiation Oncology at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. "These encouraging data warrant further exploration into the benefits of GammaTile for this difficult-to-treat patient population. We look forward to the first randomized clinical trial led by MD Anderson comparing the current standard of care to GammaTile Therapy in patients with large brain metastases."

The company announced that The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will begin enrollment for a multicenter, randomized phase III trial of GammaTile Therapy. The study will compare outcomes of 180 patients with newly diagnosed, large brain tumors (>2.5-5 cm) who received the standard of care treatment, resection surgery and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), to those treated with resection surgery and GammaTile Therapy. The trial will include patients from up to five centers and measure local tumor control, overall survival, neurocognition, and quality of life out to 24-months following treatment, with data collected at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, and 24-months.3 The trial will be co-directed by Jeffrey Weinberg, M.D., professor of Neurosurgery, deputy chair, and vice-chair of Clinical Operations, Neurosurgery, at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Mary Frances McAleer, M.D., professor of Radiation Oncology, associate clinical medical director of the Brain and Spine Center, at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

"This will be the first randomized trial comparing surgery plus GammaTile Therapy against the standard of care in patients with metastatic brain tumors," said Jeffrey Weinberg, M.D. "GammaTile Therapy could serve as a treatment option for these patients to potentially extend survival and help prevent recurrence. By comparing Surgery + SRT and Surgery + GammaTile, this study aims to define a viable treatment option for patients with large metastatic brain tumors." This study will begin enrollment in 2020.

Additionally, Nelson Moss, M.D., neurosurgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, presented their initial clinical experience with GammaTile Therapy at the conference. In a 9-patient series, there were no immediate wound complications or unanticipated neurologic injuries, further supporting the safety profile of GammaTile Therapy for patients with metastatic brain tumors.

On August 18, 2020 ADC Therapeutics SA (NYSE: ADCT), a late clinical-stage oncology-focused biotechnology company pioneering the development and commercialization of highly potent and targeted antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) for patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020 and provided recent business highlights (Press release, ADC Therapeutics, AUG 18, 2020, View Source [SID1234563786]).

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"ADC Therapeutics progressed rapidly this past quarter, and we are continuing to evolve towards becoming a commercial-stage company, as we prepare to submit a Biologics License Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Lonca, our lead product candidate, for the treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, later this year and have already submitted the Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) modules to the FDA. To that end, we’re focused on executing a successful launch and growing our talented and experienced commercial, market access, and medical affairs teams. We also presented data at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress in June that demonstrated the potential of Lonca to be a key part of the treatment paradigm for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, both as a single-agent and in combination with other therapies, deepening our conviction in the potential promise of this program and the hope it may bring to patients and their families," said Chris Martin, Chief Executive Officer of ADC Therapeutics. "We also completed an upsized IPO and expanded our leadership team. With these new resources and expertise in place, we are well-positioned for our next stage of growth."

Dr. Martin continued, "With regard to Cami, our second lead product candidate, we are pleased to have patient enrollment open in our ongoing pivotal Phase 2 trial in relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and remain on track to announce interim results in the first half of 2021. We look forward to providing further updates across our pipeline as our programs continue to progress."

Recent Business and Clinical Highlights

Announced first patient dosed in Phase 2 portion of LOTIS 3 clinical trial of Lonca in combination with ibrutinib: In July 2020, the Company announced that the first patient was dosed in the Phase 2 portion of LOTIS 3, a 161-patient Phase 1/2 clinical trial of loncastuximab tesirine (Lonca, formerly ADCT-402) in combination with ibrutinub, which is being evaluated in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The clinical trial is intended to support the submission of a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Announced FDA lifted partial clinical hold on pivotal Phase 2 trial of Cami for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma: In July 2020, the Company announced that the FDA had lifted the partial clinical hold on its pivotal Phase 2 clinical trial of camidanlumab tesirine (Cami, formerly ADCT-301) in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). The Company continued to treat those patients who could benefit from ongoing treatment during the partial clinical hold, and the clinical trial is now open for enrollment. Interim results from the clinical trial are expected in the first half of 2021, subject to any impact by COVID-19. The clinical trial is intended to support the submission of a BLA to the FDA.
Presented positive data from LOTIS 2 and LOTIS 3 trials of Lonca at the virtual 25th Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) (EHA25): In June 2020, the Company presented interim data from two clinical trials of Lonca in an oral presentation and e-poster session at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)25. Data from the pivotal Phase 2 single-agent LOTIS 2 trial showed Lonca demonstrated an overall response rate (ORR) of 48.3% and complete response rate (CRR) of 24.1% in a broad relapsed or refractory DLBCL patient population, while upholding a manageable safety profile. The most common grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events in ≥10% of patients were: neutropenia (25.5%) with low incidence of febrile neutropenia (3.4%), thrombocytopenia (17.9%), GGT increased (16.6%) and anaemia (10.3%). The Company is on track to submit a BLA to the FDA later this year based on these data. Interim data from the Phase 1 portion of the Phase 1/2 LOTIS 3 trial of Lonca in combination with ibrutinib showed an encouraging ORR of 75% and CRR of 58.3% at the Lonca dose of 60 μg/kg, which is the selected dose for the Phase 2 portion of the trial, in combination with ibrutinib (560 mg/day), in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL or MCL. The combination has had a manageable toxicity profile, with the most common grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events in ≥10% of patients being thrombocytopenia (20%) and anaemia (12%). These interim data highlight the potential of Lonca in earlier lines of therapy and in combination.
Completed upsized initial public offering (IPO) and received first tranche of $115 Convertible Credit Facility with Deerfield: In May 2020, the Company completed its upsized IPO of 14,082,475 common shares at a public offering price of $19.00 per share, which included the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase 1,836,844 additional common shares. The total gross proceeds from the offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, were approximately $267.6 million. In tandem with the closing of the IPO, the Company also received an initial $65.0 million disbursement of senior secured convertible term loans under its previously announced Convertible Credit Facility with Deerfield Partners, L.P. and certain of its affiliates. Under the Convertible Credit Facility, the Company will receive an additional $50.0 million disbursement upon receipt of U.S. regulatory approval for Lonca.
Appointed Jenn Creel as Chief Financial Officer and Victor Sandor, M.D., to its Board of Directors: In April 2020, the Company appointed Jenn Creel as Chief Financial Officer and Victor Sandor, M.D., to its Board of Directors. Ms. Creel joined ADC Therapeutics from Celgene Corporation, where she served as franchise chief financial officer and corporate vice president of global finance and business planning prior to its acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Sandor most recently served as Chief Medical Officer of Array BioPharma, which was acquired by Pfizer, where he supported the approval of Braftovi (encorafenib) and Mektovi (binimetinib) for the treatment of melanoma. Prior to his role at Array BioPharma, Dr. Sandor was Senior Vice President for Global Clinical Development at Incyte Corporation and held positions of increasing responsibility in oncology product development at AstraZeneca.
Anticipated Upcoming Milestones

File a BLA with the FDA for Lonca for the treatment of relapsed or refractory DLBCL in the second half of 2020.
Present data from the Phase 1b trial of Cami in selected advanced solid tumors at a scientific meeting in the second half of 2020.
Initiate a pivotal Phase 2 trial of Lonca in follicular lymphoma (FL) in the first half of 2021.
Report interim results from the pivotal Phase 2 trial of Cami in HL in the first half of 2021.
Continue to accelerate the Company’s pipeline of ADC product candidates for the treatment of hematological cancers and solid tumors, including presenting Phase 1 data for ADCT-602 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and ADCT-601 in solid tumors. Continue to advance our earlier-stage programs, ADCT-901 and ADCT-701, with IND-enabling studies.
Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents were $348.6 million as of June 30, 2020 compared to $115.6 million as of December 31, 2019.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses

R&D expenses were $26.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, compared to $21.8 million for the same quarter in 2019. The increase was primarily due to an increased number of research and development employees and increased share-based compensation expense.

General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses

G&A expenses were $19.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, compared to $4.1 million for the same quarter in 2019. The increase was primarily due to increased share-based compensation expense, an increased number of commercial employees, and increased costs due to new commercial activities and the completion of our initial public offering.

Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss

Net loss was $126.6 million, or a net loss of $2.01 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, compared to $23.3 million, or a net loss of $0.49 per basic and diluted share, for the same quarter in 2019. The net loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 includes a $79.3 million non-cash charge related to the changes in fair value of derivatives associated with the convertible loans under the Convertible Credit Facility with Deerfield. The significant increase in fair value was driven by the increase in the Company’s share price during the quarter. In addition, net loss included share-based compensation expense of $12.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, compared to $0.1 million for the same quarter in 2019.

Adjusted net loss was $32.1 million, or an adjusted net loss of $0.51 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, compared to $23.3 million, or an adjusted net loss of $0.49 per basic and diluted share, for the same quarter in 2019.

Conference Call Details

To access the call, please dial 646-787-0157 (domestic) or +41 22 5017540 (international) and enter pin code: 773478. A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the Investors section of the ADC Therapeutics website at www.adctherapeutics.com. The archived webcast will be available after the completion of the event and for 30 days following the call.

On August 18, 2020 Ikena Oncology, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company that discovers and develops patient-directed, biomarker-driven therapies, reported the appointment of Sergio Santillana, MD, MSc, MBA, as Chief Medical Officer (Press release, Ikena Oncology, AUG 18, 2020, View Source [SID1234563785]). Dr. Santillana, a medical oncologist, will be responsible for leading the clinical development strategy, clinical operations, and regulatory affairs for Ikena’s development pipeline of innovative cancer therapeutics, including the recently announced TEAD inhibitor program targeting the Hippo pathway. He brings nearly 30 years of clinical practice and oncology drug development experience to Ikena and has held executive and senior clinical leadership roles at several premier biopharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Takeda, ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, and Merrimack Pharmaceuticals.

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"We are delighted to be adding Sergio to the Ikena team. His impressive track record of driving the clinical development of innovative oncology medicines is ideally suited as we progress our clinical-stage immunotherapies and move our discovery-stage and preclinical targeted oncology programs into the clinic. Sergio’s exceptional experience across drug development and as a medical oncologist will help realize the full potential of our novel therapies," said Mark Manfredi, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Ikena Oncology. "I would also like to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Jason Sager for the excellent work that he has accomplished as CMO to date. Jason has played a critical role in rapidly advancing our pipeline assets IK-007 and IK-175 into the clinic, and will continue to contribute to the company as a Senior Clinical Consultant."

Dr. Santillana commented, "I am thrilled to join the Ikena Oncology team and believe in the tremendous potential of our pipeline of novel and high-impact targeted therapy and immunotherapy treatments to set new standards in oncology. I look forward to sharing my experiences as an oncologist and drug developer to help bring the right treatments to the right patients at the right time. Ikena is driven by its vision of a world where every cancer patient has a cure, and I’m excited to work with the entire team to build on the impressive progress they have made."

Prior to joining Ikena, Dr. Santillana provided strategic consultancy services to a variety of life science companies, including Ikena Oncology. Prior to founding his consultancy, Dr. Santillana served as Chief Medical Officer at Merrimack Pharmaceuticals and ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, a commercial-stage biotechnology company that was acquired by Takeda. Prior to joining ARIAD, Dr. Santillana served in various oncology clinical development leadership roles at Takeda, GlaxoSmithKline and Eli Lilly. Before entering the biopharma industry, Dr. Santillana was a practicing board-certified medical oncologist for 15 years, including tenure at the National Cancer Institute of Peru (INEN). Dr. Santillana holds an MSc in Experimental Therapeutics from Kellogg College at the University of Oxford and an M.D. and B.S. from the Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal School of Medicine in Lima, Peru. He also holds an M.B.A. from the MIT Sloan School of Management.