Lilly Announces Details of Presentations at 2021 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)

On March 10, 2021 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported that data from programs across its oncology portfolio and pipeline will be presented at the 2021 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, to be held virtually April 10-15, 2021 (Press release, Eli Lilly, MAR 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234576395]). During the meeting, Lilly Oncology will present data from a study exploring safety and efficacy of its selective RET-kinase inhibitor Retevmo (selpercatinib, 40 mg & 80 mg capsules) in patients with rearranged during transfection (RET) fusion-positive cancers outside of lung and thyroid cancer. Additionally, Loxo Oncology at Lilly, a research and development group of Eli Lilly and Company, will present preclinical characterization data for an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), BCL2 inhibitor, next-generation KRAS-G12C inhibitor, and next-generation RET inhibitor.

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Portfolio Highlights
Last May, Lilly’s first-in-class oral precision medicine, Retevmo received Accelerated Approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with advanced or metastatic RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) who require systemic therapy, and in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with advanced or metastatic RET fusion-positive thyroid cancer who require systemic therapy and who are radioactive iodine-refractory (if radioactive iodine is appropriate). Retevmo was approved under the FDA’s Accelerated Approval regulations based on the LIBRETTO-001 Phase 1/2 trial’s endpoints of overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DoR). Given that RET alterations are implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer types other than lung and thyroid cancer, Lilly continues to investigate the potential benefits of treatment with Retevmo in patients with other RET-altered cancers. At AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper), Lilly will feature data evaluating the safety and efficacy of Retevmo in patients with RET fusion-positive cancers other than lung and thyroid cancer. Lilly will present findings from a post-hoc safety analysis of the Phase 1/2 LIBRETTO-001 trial, the largest clinical trial in patients with RET-altered cancers.

Lilly will also present post-hoc efficacy data on Merck’s Phase 3 KEYNOTE-189 trial, which evaluated ALIMTA (pemetrexed for injection) in combination with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) and cisplatin or carboplatin compared with ALIMTA in combination with placebo and cisplatin or carboplatin, in untreated patients with metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC, regardless of PD-L1 expression.

Additionally, Lilly will present data on the Phase 3 ORIENT-3 trial, which evaluated sintilimab injection compared with docetaxel in patients with previously treated advanced/metastatic squamous NSCLC (sqNSCLC).

Pipeline Highlights
During AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper), Loxo Oncology at Lilly will present preclinical characterization data for an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), BCL2 inhibitor, next-generation KRAS-G12C inhibitor, and next-generation RET inhibitor. LY3484356, an oral SERD, is currently being studied in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial. Phase 1 clinical studies of the BCL2 inhibitor and the KRAS-G12C inhibitor are expected to begin in 2021. Loxo Oncology at Lilly plans to file an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for the next-generation RET inhibitor in 2021.

All posters will be available on-demand on the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) website at www.aacr.org from April 10 – June 21. Loxo Oncology at Lilly posters can also be viewed at www.loxooncology.com.

A list of the oral and poster presentations, along with viewing details, is highlighted below.

Retevmo (selpercatinib)

Presentation Title: Efficacy and Safety of Selpercatinib in RET Fusion-Positive Cancers Other than Lung or Thyroid Cancers
Abstract Number: CT011
Session Title: Targeted Therapy and Ovarian Cancer Trials
Session Type: Clinical Trials Plenary Session
Session Date and Time: Sunday, April 11, 2021 2:00 PM – 3:45 PM ET

Presentation Title: Safety of selpercatinib for RET-altered advanced solid tumors: a post hoc analysis of LIBRETTO-001
Abstract Number: CT160
Session Category: Phase II Clinical Trials
Session Title: Phase II Clinical Trials
Session Type: E-Poster Session

Alimta (pemetrexed)

Presentation Title: Pemetrexed and Platinum plus Pembrolizumab in Patients with Metastatic Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer By Tumor Burden at Baseline: A Post-hoc Efficacy Analysis of KEYNOTE-189
Abstract Number: 442
Session Category: Clinical Research (Excluding Trials)
Session Title: Combination Immunotherapies
Session Type: E-Poster Session

Sintilimab

Presentation Title: ORIENT-3: A randomized, open-label, phase 3 study of sintilimab versus docetaxel in previously treated advanced/metastatic squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (sqNSCLC)
Abstract Number: CT041
Session Title: Disease-Oriented Innovative Clinical Research and Trials
Session Type: Clinical Trials Minisymposium
Session Date and Time: Monday, April 12, 2021 1:30 PM – 3:15 PM ET

Pipeline

Presentation Title: Preclinical characterization of LY3484356, a novel, potent and orally bioavailable selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD)
Abstract Number: 1236
Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
Session Title: Novel Antitumor Agents

Poster Title: Preclinical characterization of LOXO-338, a novel, oral and selective BCL2 inhibitor
Abstract Number: 1258
Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
Session Title: Novel Antitumor Agents

Presentation Title: Preclinical characterization of LY3537982, a novel, highly selective and potent KRAS-G12C inhibitor
Abstract Number: 1259
Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
Session Title: Novel Antitumor Agents

Poster Title: Preclinical characterization of potent and selective next-generation RET inhibitors
Abstract Number: 1464
Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
Session Title: Tyrosine Kinase and Phosphatase Inhibitors

About Retevmo (selpercatinib)

Retevmo (selpercatinib, formerly known as LOXO-292) (pronounced reh-TEHV-moh) is a selective and potent RET kinase inhibitor. Retevmo may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells, which can result in side effects. RET-driver alterations are predominantly mutually exclusive from other oncogenic drivers. Retevmo is an U.S. FDA-approved oral prescription medicine, 120 mg or 160 mg dependent on weight (<50 kg or ≥50 kg, respectively), taken twice daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.i Continued approval may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

About ALIMTA (pemetrexed for injection)
ALIMTA is indicated in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy for the initial treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. Limitation of Use: ALIMTA is not indicated for the treatment of patients with squamous cell non-small cell lung cancer. For all FDA-approved indications for ALIMTA, please see full Prescribing Information.

About Sintilimab
Sintilimab injection is an innovative drug with global quality standards jointly developed by Innovent and Lilly in China. Sintilimab has been granted marketing approval by the NMPA for the treatment of relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma after at least two lines of systemic chemotherapy and was included in the 2019 Guidelines of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology for Lymphoid Malignancies.

In April 2020, the NMPA accepted the supplemental new drug application for sintilimab in combination with ALIMTA (pemetrexed for injection) and platinum as first-line therapy in advanced or recurrent non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In May 2020, sintilimab combined with gemcitabine and platinum chemotherapy met the predefined primary endpoint in the Phase 3 ORIENT-12 study as first-line therapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC. Sintilimab monotherapy met the primary endpoint in the ORIENT-2 study as second-line therapy in patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma as well. In August 2020, the NMPA accepted the sNDA for sintilimab in combination with gemcitabine and platinum chemotherapy as first-line therapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC.

Sintilimab is a type of immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody, which binds to PD-1 molecules on the surface of T-cells, blocks the PD-1/ PD-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway and reactivates T-cells to kill cancer cells. Innovent is currently conducting more than 20 clinical studies with sintilimab to evaluate its safety and efficacy in a wide variety of cancer indications, including more than 10 registrational or pivotal clinical trials.

Sintilimab injection is not an approved product in the United States. ALIMTA (pemetrexed for injection) is not approved for use in combination with sintilimab in the United States.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR RETEVMO (selpercatinib)

Hepatotoxicity: Serious hepatic adverse reactions occurred in 2.6% of patients treated with Retevmo. Increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) occurred in 51% of patients, including Grade 3 or 4 events in 8% and increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) occurred in 45% of patients, including Grade 3 or 4 events in 9%. The median time to first onset for increased AST was 4.1 weeks (range: 5 days to 2 years) and increased ALT was 4.1 weeks (range: 6 days to 1.5 years). Monitor ALT and AST prior to initiating Retevmo, every 2 weeks during the first 3 months, then monthly thereafter and as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce dose or permanently discontinue Retevmo based on the severity.

Hypertension occurred in 35% of patients, including Grade 3 hypertension in 17% and Grade 4 in one (0.1%) patient. Overall, 4.6% had their dose interrupted and 1.3% had their dose reduced for hypertension. Treatment-emergent hypertension was most commonly managed with anti-hypertension medications. Do not initiate Retevmo in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Optimize blood pressure prior to initiating Retevmo. Monitor blood pressure after 1 week, at least monthly thereafter, and as clinically indicated. Initiate or adjust anti-hypertensive therapy as appropriate. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue Retevmo based on the severity.

Retevmo can cause concentration-dependent QT interval prolongation. An increase in QTcF interval to >500 ms was measured in 6% of patients and an increase in the QTcF interval of at least 60 ms over baseline was measured in 15% of patients. Retevmo has not been studied in patients with clinically significant active cardiovascular disease or recent myocardial infarction. Monitor patients who are at significant risk of developing QTc prolongation, including patients with known long QT syndromes, clinically significant bradyarrhythmias, and severe or uncontrolled heart failure. Assess QT interval, electrolytes and TSH at baseline and periodically during treatment, adjusting frequency based upon risk factors including diarrhea. Correct hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia prior to initiating Retevmo and during treatment. Monitor the QT interval more frequently when Retevmo is concomitantly administered with strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors or drugs known to prolong QTc interval. Withhold and dose reduce or permanently discontinue Retevmo based on the severity.

Serious, including fatal, hemorrhagic events can occur with Retevmo. Grade ≥3 hemorrhagic events occurred in 2.3% of patients treated with Retevmo including 3 (0.4%) patients with fatal hemorrhagic events, including one case each of cerebral hemorrhage, tracheostomy site hemorrhage, and hemoptysis. Permanently discontinue Retevmo in patients with severe or life-threatening hemorrhage.

Hypersensitivity occurred in 4.3% of patients receiving Retevmo, including Grade 3 hypersensitivity in 1.6%. The median time to onset was 1.7 weeks (range 6 days to 1.5 years). Signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity included fever, rash and arthralgias or myalgias with concurrent decreased platelets or transaminitis. If hypersensitivity occurs, withhold Retevmo and begin corticosteroids at a dose of 1 mg/kg prednisone (or equivalent). Upon resolution of the event, resume Retevmo at a reduced dose and increase the dose of Retevmo by 1 dose level each week as tolerated until reaching the dose taken prior to onset of hypersensitivity. Continue steroids until patient reaches target dose and then taper. Permanently discontinue Retevmo for recurrent hypersensitivity.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) occurred in 1% of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma receiving Retevmo. Patients may be at risk of TLS if they have rapidly growing tumors, a high tumor burden, renal dysfunction, or dehydration. Closely monitor patients at risk, consider appropriate prophylaxis including hydration, and treat as clinically indicated.

Impaired wound healing can occur in patients who receive drugs that inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. Therefore, Retevmo has the potential to adversely affect wound healing. Withhold Retevmo for at least 7 days prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of Retevmo after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.

Based on data from animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action, Retevmo can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Administration of selpercatinib to pregnant rats during organogenesis at maternal exposures that were approximately equal to those observed at the recommended human dose of 160 mg twice daily resulted in embryolethality and malformations. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential and males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Retevmo and for at least 1 week after the final dose. There are no data on the presence of selpercatinib or its metabolites in human milk or on their effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with Retevmo and for 1 week after the final dose.

Severe adverse reactions (Grade 3-4) occurring in ≥15% of patients who received Retevmo in LIBRETTO-001, were hypertension (18%), prolonged QT interval (4%), diarrhea (3.4%), dyspnea (2.3%), fatigue (2%), abdominal pain (1.9%), hemorrhage (1.9%), headache (1.4%), rash (0.7%), constipation (0.6%), nausea (0.6%), vomiting (0.3%), and edema (0.3%).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients who received Retevmo. The most frequently reported serious adverse reaction (in ≥ 2% of patients) was pneumonia.

Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3% of patients; fatal adverse reactions which occurred in >1 patient included sepsis (n=3), cardiac arrest (n=3) and respiratory failure (n=3).

Common adverse reactions (all grades) occurring in ≥15% of patients who received Retevmo in LIBRETTO-001, were dry mouth (39%), diarrhea (37%), hypertension (35%), fatigue (35%), edema (35%), rash (27%), constipation (25%), nausea (23%), abdominal pain (23%), headache (23%), cough (18%), prolonged QT interval (17%), dyspnea (16%), vomiting (15%), and hemorrhage (15%).

Laboratory abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3-4) ≥20% worsening from baseline in patients who received Retevmo in LIBRETTO-001, were AST increased (51%; 8%), ALT increased (45%; 9%), increased glucose (44%; 2.2%), decreased leukocytes (43%; 1.6%), decreased albumin (42%; 0.7%), decreased calcium (41%; 3.8%), increased creatinine (37%; 1.0%), increased alkaline phosphatase (36%; 2.3%), decreased platelets (33%; 2.7%), increased total cholesterol (31%; 0.1%), decreased sodium (27%; 7%), decreased magnesium (24%; 0.6%), increased potassium (24%; 1.2%), increased bilirubin (23%; 2.0%), and decreased glucose (22%; 0.7%).

Concomitant use of acid-reducing agents decreases selpercatinib plasma concentrations which may reduce Retevmo anti-tumor activity. Avoid concomitant use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonists, and locally-acting antacids with Retevmo. If coadministration cannot be avoided, take Retevmo with food (with a PPI) or modify its administration time (with a H2 receptor antagonist or a locally-acting antacid).

Concomitant use of strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors increases selpercatinib plasma concentrations which may increase the risk of Retevmo adverse reactions including QTc interval prolongation. Avoid concomitant use of strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors with Retevmo. If concomitant use of a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor cannot be avoided, reduce the Retevmo dosage as recommended and monitor the QT interval with ECGs more frequently.

Concomitant use of strong and moderate CYP3A inducers decreases selpercatinib plasma concentrations which may reduce Retevmo anti-tumor activity. Avoid coadministration of Retevmo with strong and moderate CYP3A inducers.

Concomitant use of Retevmo with CYP2C8 and CYP3A substrates increases their plasma concentrations which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates. Avoid coadministration of Retevmo with CYP2C8 and CYP3A substrates where minimal concentration changes may lead to increased adverse reactions. If coadministration cannot be avoided, follow recommendations for CYP2C8 and CYP3A substrates provided in their approved product labeling.

The safety and effectiveness of Retevmo have not been established in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of Retevmo have been established in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) who require systemic therapy and for advanced RET fusion-positive thyroid cancer who require systemic therapy and are radioactive iodine-refractory (if radioactive iodine is appropriate). Use of Retevmo for these indications is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults with additional pharmacokinetic and safety data in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. Monitor open growth plates in adolescent patients. Consider interrupting or discontinuing Retevmo if abnormalities occur.

No dosage modification is recommended for patients with mild to severe renal impairment (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate [eGFR] ≥15 to 89 mL/min, estimated by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease [MDRD] equation). A recommended dosage has not been established for patients with end-stage renal disease.

Reduce the dose when administering Retevmo to patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin greater than 3 to 10 times upper limit of normal [ULN] and any AST). No dosage modification is recommended for patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. Monitor for Retevmo-related adverse reactions in patients with hepatic impairment.

Please see full Prescribing Information for Retevmo.

SE HCP ISI All_05FEB2021

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ALIMTA (pemetrexed for injection)

CONTRAINDICATION

ALIMTA is contraindicated in patients who have a history of severe hypersensitivity reaction to pemetrexed.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Myelosuppression and Increased Risk of Myelosuppression Without Vitamin Supplementation

ALIMTA can cause severe myelosuppression resulting in a requirement for transfusions and which may lead to neutropenic infection. The risk of myelosuppression is increased in patients who do not receive vitamin supplementation.
Prior to treatment with ALIMTA, patients must be instructed to initiate supplementation with oral folic acid. Intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 are also required prior to ALIMTA treatment. Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation should be continued during treatment and for 21 days after the last dose of ALIMTA as they may reduce the severity of treatment-related hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicities. Obtain a complete blood count at the beginning of each cycle. Do not administer ALIMTA until the ANC is at least 1500 cells/mm3 and platelet count is at least 100,000 cells/mm3. Permanently reduce ALIMTA in patients with an ANC of less than 500 cells/mm3 or platelet count of less than 50,000 cells/mm3 in previous cycles.
In Studies JMDB and JMCH, among patients who received vitamin supplementation, incidence of Grade 3-4 neutropenia was 15% and 23%, the incidence of Grade 3-4 anemia was 6% and 4%, and incidence of Grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia was 4% and 5%, respectively. In Study JMCH, 18% of patients in the ALIMTA arm required red blood cell transfusions compared to 7% of patients in the cisplatin arm. In Studies JMEN, PARAMOUNT, and JMEI, where all patients received vitamin supplementation, incidence of Grade 3-4 neutropenia ranged from 3% to 5%, and incidence of Grade 3-4 anemia ranged from 3% to 5%.
Renal Failure

ALIMTA can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, renal toxicity. Determine creatinine clearance before each dose and periodically monitor renal function during treatment with ALIMTA.
The incidences of renal failure in clinical studies in which patients received ALIMTA with cisplatin were 2.1% in Study JMDB and 2.2% in Study JMCH. The incidence of renal failure in clinical studies in which patients received ALIMTA as a single agent ranged from 0.4% to 0.6% (Studies JMEN, PARAMOUNT, and JMEI).
Withhold ALIMTA in patients with a creatinine clearance of less than 45 mL/min.
Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Toxicity

Serious and sometimes fatal, bullous, blistering, and exfoliative skin toxicity, including cases suggestive of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, can occur with ALIMTA. Permanently discontinue ALIMTA for severe and life-threatening bullous, blistering, or exfoliating skin toxicity.
Interstitial Pneumonitis

Serious interstitial pneumonitis, including fatal cases, can occur with ALIMTA treatment. Withhold ALIMTA for acute onset of new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, or fever pending diagnostic evaluation. If pneumonitis is confirmed, permanently discontinue ALIMTA.
Radiation Recall

Radiation recall can occur with ALIMTA in patients who have received radiation weeks to years previously. Monitor patients for inflammation or blistering in areas of previous radiation treatment. Permanently discontinue ALIMTA for signs of radiation recall.
Increased Risk of Toxicity With Ibuprofen in Patients With Renal Impairment

Exposure to ALIMTA is increased in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment who take concomitant ibuprofen, increasing the risks of adverse reactions of ALIMTA. In patients with creatinine clearances between 45 mL/min and 79 mL/min, avoid administration of ibuprofen for 2 days before, the day of, and 2 days following administration of ALIMTA. If concomitant ibuprofen use cannot be avoided, monitor patients more frequently for ALIMTA adverse reactions, including myelosuppression, renal, and gastrointestinal toxicity.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, ALIMTA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, intravenous administration of pemetrexed to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic, resulting in developmental delays and increased malformations at doses lower than the recommended human dose of 500 mg/m2. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ALIMTA and for 6 months after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ALIMTA and for 3 months after the final dose.
DRUG INTERACTIONS

Ibuprofen increases exposure (AUC) of pemetrexed. In patients with creatinine clearance between 45 mL/min and 79 mL/min:
Avoid administration of ibuprofen for 2 days before, the day of, and 2 days following administration of ALIMTA.
Monitor patients more frequently for myelosuppression, renal, and gastrointestinal toxicity, if concomitant administration of ibuprofen cannot be avoided.
ADVERSE REACTIONS

Severe adverse reactions (Grade 3-4) occurring in ≥20% of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving ALIMTA in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy (carboplatin or cisplatin) versus ALIMTA with platinum chemotherapy + placebo for initial treatment (KEYNOTE-189), respectively, were fatigue (12% vs 6%); diarrhea (5% vs 3%); dyspnea (3.7% vs 5%); vomiting (3.7% vs 3%); nausea (3.5% vs 3.5%); rash (2% vs 2.5%); decreased appetite (1.5% vs 0.5%); constipation (1% vs 0.5%); and pyrexia (0.2% vs 0%).
Common adverse reactions (all grades) occurring in ≥20% of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving ALIMTA in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy (carboplatin or cisplatin) versus ALIMTA with platinum chemotherapy + placebo for initial treatment (KEYNOTE-189), respectively, were nausea (56% vs 52%); fatigue (56% vs 58%); constipation (35% vs 32%); diarrhea (31% vs 21%); decreased appetite (28% vs 30%); rash (25% vs 17%); vomiting (24% vs 23%); cough (21% vs 28%); dyspnea (21% vs 26%); and pyrexia (20% vs 15%).
USE IN SPECIFIC PATIENT POPULATIONS

Lactation: There is no information regarding the presence of pemetrexed or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from ALIMTA, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ALIMTA and for one week after the last dose.
Males of Reproductive Potential: ALIMTA may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible.
Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of ALIMTA in pediatric patients have not been established. Adverse reactions observed in pediatric patients studied were similar to those observed in adults.
Patients with Renal Impairment: ALIMTA is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Decreased renal function results in reduced clearance and greater exposure (AUC) to ALIMTA compared with patients with normal renal function. No dose is recommended for patients with creatinine clearance less than 45 mL/min.
Geriatric: The incidences of Grade 3-4 anemia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, hypertension, and neutropenia were higher in patients 65 years of age and older as compared to younger patients: in at least one of five randomized clinical trials.

Alpine Immune Sciences Announces Poster Presentations at AACR Virtual Annual Meeting I

On March 10, 2021 Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALPN), a leading clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on developing innovative treatments for cancer and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, reported the planned presentation of two posters at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Virtual Annual Meeting I, taking place April 10-15, 2021 (Press release, Alpine Immune Sciences, MAR 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234576394]). Dr. Mark Voskoboynik of Nucleus Network and The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, will be presenting a poster in the Phase 1 Clinical Trials in Progress session on NEON-1, a Phase I study of ALPN-202 in advanced malignancies. Separately, Alpine researchers will present a preclinical poster describing the application of Alpine’s directed evolution platform to the development of fusion proteins capable of tumor antigen-dependent CD28 costimulation, as a distinctive immuno-oncology approach.

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Details of the presentations are as follows:

Presentation Title: NEON-1: A first-in-human phase I open-label study of ALPN-202, a conditional CD28 costimulator and dual checkpoint inhibitor, in advanced malignancies

Session Category: Phase I Clinical Trials in Progress
Session Title: Phase I Clinical Trials in Progress
Date Poster Available: Saturday, April 10th
Session Type: E-Poster Session
Poster Number: CT213
Presentation Title: Engineered variant domain fusion proteins provide checkpoint inhibition and tumor antigen dependent CD28 costimulation resulting in potent anti-tumor immunity

Session Category: Immunology
Session Title: Immunomodulatory Agents and Interventions
Date Poster Available: Saturday, April 10th
Session Type: E-Poster Session
Poster Number: 1740
Titles and/or full abstracts are available on the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Virtual Annual Meeting website. Posters for both presentations will be available on the Scientific Publications page of Alpine’s website on April 10th.

About ALPN-202

ALPN-202 is a first-in-class, conditional CD28 costimulator and dual checkpoint inhibitor designed to improve upon the efficacy of combined checkpoint inhibition while limiting significant toxicities. Preclinical studies of ALPN-202 demonstrated superior efficacy in tumor models compared to checkpoint inhibition alone. NEON-1 (NCT04186637), a Phase 1 study of ALPN-202 in patients with advanced malignancies, is currently enrolling.

GlycoMimetics to Share GMI-1359 and Galectin-3 Antagonist Program Data at AACR 2021 Meeting

On March 10, 2021 GlycoMimetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GLYC) reported that an abstract presenting the interim analysis of a Phase 1b proof-of-concept study of GMI-1359, the Company’s dual antagonist of E-selectin and CXCR4, has been accepted for presentation at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2021 Annual Meeting, to be held virtually on April 10-15 and May 17-21 (Press release, GlycoMimetics, MAR 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234576393]). Preclinical studies indicate that targeting both E-selectin and CXCR4, a chemokine receptor, with a single compound could improve efficacy in the treatment of cancers that affect the bone and bone marrow, such as breast and prostate cancer. A second abstract also accepted for presentation highlights, for the first time, preclinical data in pancreatic cancer for the Company’s novel dual antagonist of galectin-3 and E-selectin, GMI-1757. The latter is featured as a late-breaking abstract on the compound’s impact on fibrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration, and anti-PD-L1 therapeutic activity in a pancreatic adenocarcinoma model.

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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GlycoMimetics Chief Executive Officer Rachel King said, "We look forward to sharing results from two programs in our advancing portfolio at the upcoming AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) meeting, including the interim analysis of Phase 1b clinical data supporting further advancement of the GMI-1359 program. We are extremely proud to be collaborating with the Duke Cancer Institute on this important work, which we believe holds great promise in delivering a novel approach to treating cancers with bone involvement."

Details on GlycoMimetics e-presentations at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Meeting are as follows:

Title: "Development of GMI-1359, a Novel Agent Targeting Tumor-microenvironment Cross-talk in Bone Metastatic Breast Cancer"
Presenter: Dorothy Sipkins, M.D., Ph.D., Duke Cancer Institute
Session: e-Presentation
Date and Time: Saturday, April 10, 2021 (available online through Monday, June 21)

Title: A novel glycomimetic compound (GMI-1757) with dual functional antagonism to E-selectin and galectin-3 attenuates fibrosis, facilitates mononuclear cell infiltration and optimizes anti-PD-L1 therapeutic activity in a pancreatic adenocarcinoma model
Presenter: William E. Fogler, M.D., GlycoMimetics
Session: e-Presentation
Date and Time: Saturday, April 10, 2021 (available online through Monday, June 21)

About GMI-1757

An innovative dual antagonist of E-selectin and galectin-3, GMI-1757 was described in a poster presented at the 2018 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper). The poster showcased the anti-thrombotic activity of the dual antagonist and suggested the compound may be able to play a role in the treatment of a variety of cancers and fibrotic conditions.

About GMI-1359

GMI-1359 is designed to simultaneously inhibit both E-selectin and CXCR4. E-selectin and CXCR4 are both adhesion molecules involved in tumor trafficking and metastatic spread. Preclinical studies indicate that targeting both E-selectin and CXCR4 with a single compound could improve efficacy in the treatment of cancers that involve the bone marrow, such as AML and multiple myeloma, or in solid tumors that metastasize to the bone, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer, as well as in osteosarcoma, a rare pediatric tumor affecting about 900 adolescents a year in the United States. GMI-1359 has completed a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers. A Phase 1b clinical study is underway in breast cancer patients and is designed to enable investigators to identify an effective dose of the drug candidate and to generate initial biomarker data around the drug’s activity. GMI-1359 has received Orphan Drug designation and Rare Pediatric Disease designation from the FDA for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

BeiGene Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial for HPK1 Inhibitor BGB-15025

On March 10, 2021 BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160), a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative medicines worldwide, reported that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial of BGB-15025, its investigational hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) inhibitor (Press release, BeiGene, MAR 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234576392]). BGB-15025 is designed to be a potent and highly selective small molecule oral inhibitor of HPK1, a kinase downstream of the T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway that is believed to play a key role in T cell activation.

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"We are incredibly proud of BeiGene’s research organization, which now has over 450 people, and its ability to discover not only potentially best-in-class cancer treatments but also investigational agents like BGB-15025, which we believe to be among the first HPK1 inhibitors to enter the clinic and represent a novel immuno-oncology approach targeting T cell activation to fight cancer growth," commented Lai Wang, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Head of Global Research, Clinical Operations & Biometrics and APAC Clinical Development at BeiGene. "We believe that the unique nature of BGB-15025 and the HPK1 pathway provides us with a compelling scientific rationale for investigating it as a monotherapy and in combination with our anti-PD-1 antibody, tislelizumab. We are excited to advance its clinical development globally."

This first-in-human Phase 1 trial (NCT04649385) will assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor activity of BGB-15025 alone and in combination with tislelizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. This trial will be conducted in multiple countries globally.

About BGB-15025

BGB-15025 is an investigational hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) inhibitor discovered and being developed by BeiGene. HPK1 is a key negative feedback regulator of T-cell receptor signaling, which is believed to play a key role in antitumor immune response. In preclinical studies, the inhibition of HPK1 enhanced T-cell activation, which is expected to enhance the anti-tumor activity of anti-PD-1 inhibitors such as BeiGene’s tislelizumab.

About Tislelizumab

Tislelizumab (BGB-A317) is a humanized IgG4 anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody specifically designed to minimize binding to FcγR on macrophages. In pre-clinical studies, binding to FcγR on macrophages has been shown to compromise the anti-tumor activity of PD-1 antibodies through activation of antibody-dependent macrophage-mediated killing of T effector cells. Tislelizumab is the first approved medicine from BeiGene’s immuno-oncology biologics program and is being developed globally as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies for the treatment of a broad array of both solid tumor and hematologic cancers.

Tislelizumab is approved in China for first-line treatment of patients with advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with chemotherapy. Tislelizumab has also received conditional approval in China for the treatment of patients with classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cHL) who received at least two prior therapies, and for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) with PD-L1 high expression whose disease progressed during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. Full approval for these indications is contingent upon results from ongoing randomized, controlled confirmatory clinical trials.

In addition, three supplemental Biologics License Applications for tislelizumab have been accepted and are under review in China for first-line treatment of patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC in combination with

chemotherapy, for the second- or third-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who progressed on prior platinum-based chemotherapy, and for previously treated unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Currently, 15 potentially registration-enabling clinical trials are being conducted in China and globally, including 12 Phase 3 trials and two pivotal Phase 2 trials.

In January 2021, BeiGene and Novartis entered into a collaboration and license agreement to develop, manufacture, and commercialize tislelizumab in North America, Europe, and Japan.
Tislelizumab is not approved for use outside of China.

Harpoon Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

On March 10, 2021 Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: HARP), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a novel class of T cell engagers, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020 and provided a corporate update (Press release, Harpoon Therapeutics, MAR 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234576391]).

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"This past year was transformative for Harpoon, culminating in the pipeline update we provided in December last year that detailed the strong progress we have made across all our clinical programs," said Jerry McMahon, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Harpoon Therapeutics. "We are encouraged by what we have observed in our dose escalation trials including a confirmed partial response for HPN424, our most advanced program. With our successful follow-on equity offering in January 2021, we are in a strong financial position and we expect to generate and present data on all four of our clinical TriTAC programs throughout the course of 2021, including advancement of the portfolio into multiple dose expansion studies."

Fourth Quarter 2020 Business Highlights and Other Recent Developments

In January 2021, Harpoon announced that the the first patient had been dosed in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for HPN328, the company’s fourth TriTAC in clinical development. HPN328 targets delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) for the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and other DLL3-expressing tumors.

In January 2021, Harpoon completed a successful follow-on public offering of its common stock resulting in net proceeds of approximately $108.1 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering costs.

In December, Harpoon provided a corporate pipeline update and reported a confirmed partial response based on RECIST v1.1 criteria for its most advanced program, HPN424 for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). As of December 1, 2020, the the highest fixed dose cohort at 160ng/kg, demonstrated that one patient has achieved a confirmed partial response in the ongoing study. In addition, 3 of the 7 patients enrolled in this cohort, had serum PSA reductions, including one with a reduction of 50% (PSA50). Presentation of Phase 1 data and initiation of an expansion cohort is planned for the first half of 2021 with interim data from this expansion cohort anticipated by the end of 2021.

In December, Harpoon also provided an update on dose escalation trials for HPN536 and HPN217. For the HPN536 Phase 1/2a clinical trial for the treatment of ovarian and pancreatic cancers and other mesothelin-expressing solid tumors, dosing has occurred across 9 fixed-dose cohorts of 6 to 280ng/kg and 1 step dose cohort up to 600ng/kg. Initiation of an expansion cohort is anticipated in the second half of 2021, with a presentation of Phase 1 clinical data expected by year-end 2021. Additionally, the Phase 1 dose escalation for HPN217 (a BCMA-targeting TriTAC) is progressing well, and as of December 1, 2020, 6 relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients had been treated in fixed dose cohorts ranging from 5 to 810µg, reflecting a more than 100-fold increase in dose in 8 months. A presentation of interim data is anticipated in 2021, and initiation of a dose expansion cohort is expected in the second half of 2021.

In January 2021, Harpoon was granted Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HPN217 for the treatment of multiple myeloma. HPN217 targets B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA).

Harpoon nominated its first ProTriTAC product candidate, HPN601, which is currently in preclinical development and targets epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and is applicable to a wide array of solid tumors. ProTriTACs have the potential for additional tumor specificity and enhanced safety profiles due to limited interaction with their molecular targets in healthy tissue, which enables targeting tumor-associated antigens that may be more broadly expressed. Harpoon presented encouraging preclinical data for HPN601 at the 35th Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) annual meeting on November 12, 2020.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results

Harpoon ended the fourth quarter of 2020 with $150.0 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities compared to $155.1 million as of December 31, 2019. The cash balance at the end of the year does not include the follow-on financing that closed on January 11, 2021 resulting in net proceeds of approximately $108.1 million.

Revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 was $7.5 million compared to $2.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $17.4 million, compared to $5.8 million for the prior year. During both the three month and full year periods, the increase in revenue was primarily due to revenue recognized from the development and option agreement with AbbVie, signed in November 2019.

Research and development (R&D) expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 was $15.1 million compared to $12.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. R&D expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $52.6 million, compared to $41.6 million for the prior year. The increase for both periods primarily arose from higher clinical development and personnel-related expense, which included conducting preclinical studies and the continuation and preparation of the clinical trials for HPN424, HPN536, HPN217 and HPN328. These higher expenses were offset by a decrease in manufacturing costs due to a scale up of manufacturing activities in 2019 compared to 2020 to support our four TriTAC product candidates in various stages of development.

General and administrative (G&A) expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 was $3.9 million compared to $4.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $16.2 million, compared to $22.4 million for the prior year. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower legal fees associated with the Maverick litigation incurred in 2020, partially offset by an increase in personnel expenses related to an increase in headcount and other professional services to support our operations as a public company.

Net loss for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 was $11.4 million compared to $14.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $49.9 million, compared to $55.6 million for the prior year.
Anticipated 2021 Milestones

HPN424 – in the first half of 2021, present interim data from the dose escalation phase of our Phase 1/2a trial and initiate the dose expansion cohort
HPN536 – in the second half of 2021, initiate the dose expansion cohort of our Phase 1/2a trial and, by year end 2021, present interim Phase 1 data from the dose escalation phase of the trial
HPN217 – in the second half of 2021, initiate the dose expansion cohort of our Phase 1/2 trial, and, in 2021, present interim data from the dose escalation phase of the trial
HPN328 – in the second half of 2021, present interim data from the dose escalation phase of our Phase 1/2 trial
2021 Financial Guidance

For 2021, management estimates cash used in operating activities of approximately $85 to $95 million.

COVID-19 Business Update

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Harpoon has established testing and other protocols for personnel access to its headquarter offices and laboratory although the majority of the company’s employees continue to telecommute. Harpoon is currently continuing its clinical trials, and has not yet experienced any material delays or impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Harpoon’s third-party contract manufacturers continue to operate at or near normal levels. Harpoon continues to assess the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business and operations, including its programs, expected timelines, expenses, manufacturing activities and preclinical and clinical trials. The full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may have a negative impact on Harpoon’s business, assets, results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted.

Conference Call and Webcast

Harpoon’s management will host a webcast and conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT today, March 10, 2021, to discuss the financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2020 and provide a corporate update. The live call may be accessed by dialing 866-951-6894 for domestic callers and 409-216-0624 for international callers and entering the conference code: 4785099. A live webcast and archive of the call will be available online from the investor relations section of the company website at View Source