On October 21, 2020 Kintara Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTRA) ("Kintara" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of new solid tumor cancer therapies, reported the execution of an agreement with the Global Coalition for Adaptive Research (GCAR) for VAL-083’s participation in GCAR’s Glioblastoma Adaptive Global Innovative Learning Environment (GBM AGILE) Study (Press release, Kintara Therapeutics, OCT 21, 2020, View Source [SID1234568736]).

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This study was conceived by an international consortium of major thought leaders in the glioblastoma (GBM) space and is designed to more efficiently identify effective therapies for GBM patients. Since the launch of the study in 2019, GBM AGILE continues to gain momentum among the GBM medical community and has recently expanded the number of participating trial sites in the U.S. from 24 to 31 centers. Kintara is currently advancing two ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials in GBM with VAL-083 in adjuvant and recurrent MGMT unmethylated GBM, and in combination with radiotherapy in newly-diagnosed MGMT unmethylated GBM. Kintara expects to provide an update on these Phase 2 studies at the Society of Neuro-Oncology SNO 2020 Virtual Conference, November 19-21, 2020.

"The consummation of a definitive agreement with GCAR for VAL-083’s participation in GBM AGILE is a significant corporate and clinical milestone for the Company as it is expected to enable us to accelerate the facilitation of the final clinical stages and the regulatory process for our novel therapeutic candidate while enabling us to maximize financial and operational resources," commented Saiid Zarrabian, Kintara’s Chief Executive Officer. "The GCAR opportunity is a more robust, efficient, and cost-effective clinical trial solution than had we embarked on this effort independently and it provides multiple shots on goal via enrollment of three separate GBM patient subtypes enabled by GCAR’s FDA-approved adaptive design protocol."

Under the terms of the agreement, Kintara will supply GCAR with VAL-083 drug along with funding to support the VAL-083 arm of the GBM AGILE registrational study. In turn, GCAR will manage all operational aspects of the study, including site activation and patient enrollment.

"We are pleased to have reached this major milestone with Kintara and look forward to including VAL-083 into GBM AGILE in the very near future. We are delighted to have a total of 31 U.S. sites already enrolling in GBM AGILE, and expect up to 40 total sites by the end of 2020 in the U.S. and Canada. We have plans to expand to Europe in 2021," commented Meredith Buxton, GCAR’s Chief Executive Officer. "Having such a high number of sites simultaneously enrolling upon initiation of the Kintara trial arm should expedite the rate of patient enrollment."

The GBM AGILE Study is an international effort in newly-diagnosed and recurrent GBM, utilizing an FDA-approved master protocol with multiple drugs to be tested simultaneously and over time against a common control arm. As an approved registrational study, results from the VAL-083 arm of GBM AGILE Study are intended to be utilized to file for FDA approval. This study employs a cost-efficient, adaptive trial design with a Stage 1 (Phase 2) learning and adapting phase and a Stage 2 (Phase 3) expansion and confirmation phase. The totality of the data from the Stage 1 and Stage 2 expansion would be used for the regulatory filing of an NDA. The effort is led by top-tier key opinion leaders in the GBM field and has the collective support of an international group of more than 130 clinicians, researchers, biostatisticians, imagers, pathologists, leaders from government and industry, and patient advocates. GCAR functions as the GBM AGILE Study sponsor, and provides financial support for the program infrastructure, as well as general trial oversight. Comprising some of the world’s foremost clinical, translational, and basic science investigators, GCAR strives to support the development of novel treatments to fight against rare and deadly diseases like GBM where patient prognosis is poor and treatment options are limited.

ABOUT GLOBAL COALITION FOR ADAPTIVE RESEARCH

GCAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, comprised of some of the world’s foremost physicians, clinical researchers and investigators united in expediting the discovery and development of cures for patients with rare and deadly diseases. As its first priority, GCAR is sponsoring GBM AGILE, an adaptive platform trial for patients with GBM – the most common and deadliest of malignant primary brain tumors. Key strategic partners for the GBM AGILE study effort include the National Brain Tumor Society, National Foundation for Cancer Research, and Asian Fund for Cancer Research. These three nonprofit organizations are working together to provide philanthropic support as well as assistance in communicating with patients and families and inviting all others to join in supporting this innovative approach to brain tumor treatment development.

On October 21, 2020 Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN: ATNM) ("Actinium" or the "Company") reported that the National Institutes of Health has awarded Actinium a Small Business Technology Transfer grant to support a clinical collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ("MSK") to study Iomab-ACT, Actinium’s CD45-targeting Antibody Radio-Conjugate, for targeted conditioning to achieve lymphodepletion prior to administration of a CD19-targeted CAR T-cell therapy developed at MSK (Press release, Actinium Pharmaceuticals, OCT 21, 2020, View Source [SID1234568734]). The CD19 CAR-T has been previously studied by MSK in a Phase 2 trial with chemotherapy conditioning in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R B-ALL) or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). MSK will lead this first of its kind study to utilize targeted radiopharmaceutical ARC-based lymphodepletion to replace chemotherapy-based conditioning prior to CAR T-cell therapy. The study will assess the feasibility of using Iomab-ACT targeted lymphodepletion prior to MSK’s 19-28z CAR-T and assess safety and efficacy outcomes relative to results with MSK’s CAR-T 19-28z in patients who had received chemotherapy-based lymphodepletion prior to CAR-T administration.

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(PRNewsfoto/Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)

Results published in the New England Journal of Medicine with MSK’s 19-28z CD19 CAR-T in 53 patients with R/R B-ALL reported complete remissions in 83% (44/53) of patients. Median event-free survival (EFS) was 6.1 months and median overall survival (OS) was 12.9 months at a median follow up period of 29 months (range 1 – 65 months) for all patients. Patients with low disease burden, defined as less than 5% blasts in the bone marrow, had markedly enhanced outcomes with increased median EFS of 10.6 months and median OS of 20.1 months. There was a 26% (14/53) rate of Grade 3 of greater cytokine release syndrome (CRS), with 1 patient death as a result, and 42% of patients experienced Grade 3-4 immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). In addition to improved duration of response and survival, patients with low disease burden prior to receiving CAR T-cell therapy had lower rates of CRS and neurotoxicity.1

"We are excited to be collaborating with MSK on this trial as they are a leader in the field of cellular therapies. We selected MSK’s 19-28z CAR T-cell therapy for this NIH grant funded collaboration because it has produced high response rates in patients with relapsed or refractory B-ALL who have previously undergone several lines of standard therapy. However, toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicity, as well as durability of response, remain a challenge as is the case with many other CAR T-cell therapies" commented Dr. Mark Berger, Actinium’s Chief Medical Officer. "Iomab-ACT enables the delivery of targeted radiation that selectively and specifically targets immune cells, including those implicated in the CAR-T-associated toxicities of cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. We are hopeful that this study will demonstrate improvements in safety and outcomes with MSK’s CAR 19-28z as a result of Iomab-ACT targeted lymphodepletion and that this will allow clinicians to make important improvements in patients’ ability to receive CAR T-cell therapies."

CAR-T is a type of cellular therapy in which a patient’s own (autologous) T-cells are genetically engineered outside of the body to target the patient’s cancer cells and which are then reinfused back into the patient to seek out and kill cancer cells. Currently there are 2 approved CD19 targeted CAR-T therapies, which both require chemotherapy-based conditioning to deplete the patient’s lymphocytes, known as lymphodepletion, and many other CAR-T constructs in development that also use chemotherapy conditioning for lymphodepletion.

Iomab-ACT targets cells that express CD45, an antigen found on immune cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages as well as leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells and delivers the radioisotope warhead iodine-131 to achieve cell depletion. Iomab-ACT is intended to deplete CD45+ immune cells such as macrophages that are implicated in CAR-T related toxicities and may also have an anti-tumor effect on chemo-refractory cancers. Iomab-ACT is a low dose extension of Actinium’s lead program, Iomab-B, which is being studied in a pivotal Phase 3 trial for targeted conditioning prior to a bone marrow transplant. Preclinical data supporting Iomab-ACT’s application in targeted lymphodepletion prior to ACT such as CAR-T was recently published in the journal Oncotarget (https://www.oncotarget.com/archive/v11/i39/). In addition, clinical data with trace doses of Iomab-B has shown transient, reversible lymphodepletion in patients and drug clearance pharmacokinetics that fit within the vein to vein time of CAR-T manufacturing and administration.

Sandesh Seth, Actinium’s Chairman and CEO, said, "This clinical trial collaboration with MSK is a strong step forward for Actinium and our targeted conditioning program. The 19-28z CAR-T has already produced promising data and we look forward to working with MSK to explore Iomab-ACT’s potential to reduce toxicities and improve patient outcomes. As we advance towards the SIERRA interim analysis in the fourth quarter, we are focused on the continued expansion of our ARC-based targeted conditioning program for bone marrow transplant and cell and gene therapies with the goal of providing targeted conditioning regimens that are less toxic and more effective than current chemotherapy-based conditioning. With these therapies being administered in a select number of concentrated centers, we see a large and growing market opportunity where our ARC-based targeted conditioning can improve outcomes and increase access to these important curative treatment options."

On October 21, 2020 United Therapeutics Corporation (Nasdaq: UTHR) reported that it will report its third quarter 2020 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (Press release, United Therapeutics, OCT 21, 2020, View Source [SID1234568733]).

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United Therapeutics will host a teleconference on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The teleconference is accessible by dialing (866) 209-9943 in the United States, with international callers dialing +1 (825) 312-2282. A rebroadcast of the teleconference will be available for one week and can be accessed by dialing (800) 585-8367 in the United States, with international callers dialing +1 (416) 621-4642, and using access code: 8782637.

This teleconference is also being webcast and can be accessed via United Therapeutics’ website at View Source

On October 21, 2020 Genmab A/S (Nasdaq: GMAB) reported that positive topline results from the second part of the Phase 3 CASSIOPEIA (MMY3006) study of daratumumab monotherapy as maintenance treatment versus observation (no treatment) for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) (Press release, Genmab, OCT 21, 2020, View Source [SID1234568731]). The second part of the study, which is being conducted by the French Intergroupe Francophone du Myelome (IFM) in collaboration with the Dutch-Belgian Cooperative Trial Group for Hematology Oncology (HOVON) and Janssen Research & Development, LLC (Janssen), met the primary endpoint of improving progression free survival (PFS) at a pre-planned interim analysis (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.53 (95% CI 0.42 – 0.68), p < 0.0001) resulting in a 47% reduction in the risk of progression or death in patients treated with daratumumab. The safety profile observed in this study was consistent with the known safety profile of daratumumab and no new safety signals were observed.

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Based on the results at the pre-planned interim analysis conducted by an Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC), it was recommended to unblind the study results. Janssen Biotech, Inc., which licensed daratumumab from Genmab in 2012, plans to discuss the potential for a regulatory submission for this indication with health authorities, and plans to submit the data to an upcoming medical conference and for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

"Following the positive data from the first part of the CASSIOPEIA study, we are very pleased to see this benefit. We are appreciative of the efforts of the IFM, of HOVON and of Janssen for their work on this study," said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.

About the CASSIOPEIA (MMY3006) Study
This Phase 3 study is a randomized, open-label, multicenter study, conducted by the IFM in collaboration with the HOVON and Janssen, which includes 1,085 newly diagnosed subjects with previously untreated symptomatic multiple myeloma who were eligible for high dose chemotherapy and ASCT. In the first part of the study, patients were randomized to receive induction and consolidation treatment with daratumumab combined with bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone (VTd) or VTd alone. The primary endpoint was the number of patients that achieved a stringent complete response (sCR). In the second part of the study, patients that achieved a response underwent a second randomization to either receive maintenance treatment of daratumumab 16 mg/kg every 8 weeks for up to 2 years versus no further treatment (observation). The primary endpoint of this part of the study is progression free survival.

About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow and is characterized by an excess proliferation of plasma cells.1 Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer in the U.S., after leukemia and lymphoma.2 Approximately 26,000 new patients were expected to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma and approximately 13,650 people were expected to die from the disease in the U.S. in 2018.3 Globally, it was estimated that 160,000 people were diagnosed and 106,000 died from the disease in 2018.4 While some patients with multiple myeloma have no symptoms at all, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms which can include bone problems, low blood counts, calcium elevation, kidney problems or infections.5

About DARZALEX(daratumumab)
DARZALEX (daratumumab) has become a backbone therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma. DARZALEX intravenous infusion is indicated for the treatment of adult patients in the United States: in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who have received one to three previous lines of therapy; in combination with bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone as treatment for patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy; in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor (PI); and as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy, including a PI and an immunomodulatory agent, or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.6 DARZALEX is the first monoclonal antibody (mAb) to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) approval to treat multiple myeloma.

DARZALEX is indicated for the treatment of adult patients in Europe via intravenous infusion or subcutaneous administration: in combination with bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone as treatment for patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant; for use in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy; and as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, whose prior therapy included a PI and an immunomodulatory agent and who have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy7. Daratumumab is the first subcutaneous CD38 antibody approved in Europe for the treatment of multiple myeloma. The option to split the first infusion of DARZALEX over two consecutive days has been approved in both Europe and the U.S.

In Japan, DARZALEX intravenous infusion is approved for the treatment of adult patients: in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. DARZALEX is the first human CD38 monoclonal antibody to reach the market in the United States, Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.DARZALEX.com.

DARZALEX FASPRO (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj), a subcutaneous formulation of daratumumab, is approved in the United States for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma: in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for ASCT; in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for ASCT and in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy; in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients who have received at least one prior therapy; and as monotherapy, in patients who have received at least three prior lines of therapy including a PI and an immunomodulatory agent or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.8 DARZALEX FASPRO is the first subcutaneous CD38 antibody approved in the U.S. for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Daratumumab is a human IgG1k monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds with high affinity to the CD38 molecule, which is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. Daratumumab triggers a person’s own immune system to attack the cancer cells, resulting in rapid tumor cell death through multiple immune-mediated mechanisms of action and through immunomodulatory effects, in addition to direct tumor cell death, via apoptosis (programmed cell death).6,9,10,11,12

Daratumumab is being developed by Janssen Biotech, Inc. under an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab from Genmab. A comprehensive clinical development program for daratumumab is ongoing, including multiple Phase 3 studies in smoldering, relapsed and refractory and frontline multiple myeloma settings. Additional studies are ongoing or planned to assess the potential of daratumumab in other malignant and pre-malignant diseases in which CD38 is expressed, such as amyloidosis and T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Daratumumab has received two Breakthrough Therapy Designations from the U.S. FDA for certain indications of multiple myeloma, including as a monotherapy for heavily pretreated multiple myeloma and in combination with certain other therapies for second-line treatment of multiple myeloma.

On October 21, 2020 Cellectis (Euronext Growth: ALCLS; Nasdaq: CLLS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing immunotherapies based on gene-edited allogeneic CAR T-cells (UCART), reported that it will report its financial results for the third quarter of 2020 together with a business update on Thursday, November 5, 2020, after the close of the US market (Press release, Cellectis, OCT 21, 2020, View Source [SID1234568730]). The announcement will be followed by a conference call at 8:00 AM EST / 2:00 PM CET on Friday, November 6, 2020, prior to the open of the US market.

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The live dial-in information for the conference call is:

US & Canada only: +1 (877) 407-3104
International: +1 (201) 493-6792
In addition, a replay of the call will be available until November 20, 2020 by calling +1 (877) 660-6853 (Toll Free US & Canada); +1 (201) 612-7415 (Toll Free International).
Conference ID: 13688263