On April 1, 2021 Secura Bio, Inc. (Secura Bio) – (www.securabio.com), an integrated pharmaceutical company dedicated to the worldwide development and commercialization of impactful oncology therapies, reported that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) adopted a positive opinion recommending the approval of COPIKTRA as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) after at least two prior therapies and follicular lymphoma (FL) that is refractory to at least two prior systemic therapies (Press release, Secura Bio, APR 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234577521]).

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CLL and FL are slowly progressing, incurable blood cancers that can lead to life-threatening complications such as anemia, serious infections and bone marrow failure. COPIKTRA is an oral dual inhibitor of the PI3K-delta and gamma pathways, which are involved in the proliferation, growth, and migration of malignant cells and are thought to play a role in the formation and maintenance of a supportive tumor microenvironment.

"Today’s positive opinion from the CHMP is an important step on the path toward authorization in Europe for COPIKTRA, which is expected to improve overall response rates in patients suffering from relapsed and/or refractory CLL and FL, who currently have limited treatment options. Assuming approval, COPIKTRA will provide patients and physicians across much of Europe with a treatment option that works differently from other available therapies for these incurable diseases," said Dr. David Cohan, Chief Medical Officer of Secura Bio.

The EMA summary of opinion stated "The benefits of COPIKTRA are that it prolongs the survival time without any progression of the disease as compared to ofatumumab in patients with CLL who have received 2 or more prior lines of treatment and induces tumour responses in patients with FL who have received 2 or more prior treatments. The most common side effects are respiratory tract infections, neutropenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, headache, dyspnoea, cough, decreased appetite diarrhoea/colitis, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, rash, musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia, pyrexia, fatigue and increased transaminases."

"With the expected approval of COPIKTRA in the European Union, Secura Bio will have two meaningful oncology drugs with novel modes of action. Our corporate goal is to expand our portfolio of indications worldwide, for the treatment of challenging hematologic and solid malignancies in patients with important unmet needs." said Joseph M. Limber, President and CEO of Secura Bio.

About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer that affects lymphocytes with most of the cancer cells located in the bloodstream and/or the bone marrow, although the lymph nodes and spleen are often involved. The symptoms of CLL include a tender, swollen abdomen and feeling full even after eating only a small amount. Other symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, anemia, bruising easily, night sweats, weight loss, and frequent infections. However, many patients with CLL will live for years without symptoms. There are approximately 250,000 patients in the EU affected by CLL, with nearly 25,000 new diagnoses expected this year alone. While there are therapies currently available, real-world data reveals that a significant number of patients either relapse following treatment, become refractory to current agents, or are unable to tolerate treatment, generating significant unmet medical needs. The potential of effective new oral agents, particularly those that can be used as monotherapies in the community setting, offer hope in the treatment of patients with CLL.

About Follicular Lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is typically a slow-growing or indolent form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that arises from B-lymphocytes, making it a "B-cell lymphoma." FL accounts for 20 to 30 percent of all NHL cases affecting more than 180,000 people in the EU, with more than 16,500, newly diagnosed cases expected this year. Common symptoms of FL include enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, abdomen, or groin; as well as fatigue, shortness of breath, night sweats, and weight loss. Often, patients with FL have no obvious symptoms of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Follicular lymphoma is usually not considered to be curable, but more of a chronic disease, with patients often living for many years following diagnosis with this form of lymphoma. New oral agents that can be added to the community hematologist’s/oncologist’s s armamentarium, particularly monotherapies, may offer significant benefit in the treatment of patients with FL.

About COPIKTRA (duvelisib)

COPIKTRA is an oral inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and the first United States FDA approved dual inhibitor of PI3K-delta and PI3K-gamma, two enzymes known to help support the growth and survival of malignant cells. PI3K signaling may lead to the proliferation of malignant cells and is thought to play a role in the formation and maintenance of a supportive tumor microenvironment. COPIKTRA is indicated in the United States for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) after at least two prior therapies, and has accelerated approval for refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after at least two prior systemic therapies. COPIKTRA is also being developed for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), for which it has received Fast Track status in the United States, and is being investigated in combination with other agents through investigator-sponsored studies. For more information on COPIKTRA, please visit www.COPIKTRA.com. Information about duvelisib clinical trials can be found on www.clinicaltrials.gov.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT COPIKTRA

WARNING: FATAL AND SERIOUS TOXICITIES: INFECTIONS, DIARRHEA OR COLITIS, CUTANEOUS REACTIONS, and PNEUMONITIS

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning

Fatal and/or serious infections occurred in 31% (4% fatal) of COPIKTRA-treated patients. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection. Withhold COPIKTRA if infection is suspected.
Fatal and/or serious diarrhea or colitis occurred in 18% (<1% fatal) of COPIKTRA-treated patients. Monitor for the development of severe diarrhea or colitis. Withhold COPIKTRA.
Fatal and/or serious cutaneous reactions occurred in 5% (<1% fatal) of COPIKTRA-treated patients. Withhold COPIKTRA.
Fatal and/or serious pneumonitis occurred in 5% (<1% fatal) of COPIKTRA-treated patients. Monitor for pulmonary symptoms and interstitial infiltrates. Withhold COPIKTRA.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE

COPIKTRA is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) after at least two prior therapies.
Relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after at least two prior systemic therapies. Accelerated approval based on overall response rate; continued approval may be contingent upon confirmatory trials.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hepatotoxicity: Monitor hepatic function.
Neutropenia: Monitor blood counts.
Embryo-Fetal toxicity: COPIKTRA can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception.
ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are diarrhea or colitis, neutropenia, rash, fatigue, pyrexia, cough, nausea, upper respiratory infection, pneumonia, musculoskeletal pain, and anemia.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

CYP3A inducers: Avoid co-administration with strong CYP3A inducers.
CYP3A inhibitors: Monitor for COPIKTRA toxicities when co-administered with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Reduce COPIKTRA dose to 15 mg twice daily when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
CYP3A substrates: Monitor for signs of toxicities when co-administering COPIKTRA with sensitive CYP3A substrates.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

On April 1, 2021 Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: FUSN), a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals as precision medicines, reported it has completed the acquisition of Ipsen’s (Euronext: IPN; ADR; IPSEY) intellectual property and assets related to IPN-1087 (Press release, Fusion Pharmaceuticals, APR 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234577520]). IPN-1087 is a small molecule targeting neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1), a protein expressed on multiple solid tumor types. Fusion intends to use IPN-1087 to create an alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical, FPI-2059, targeting solid tumors expressing NTSR1.

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Under the terms of the agreement, Fusion issued to Ipsen 600,000 shares of its common stock at the time of closing, including shares due upon the achievement of a patent-related milestone which occurred prior to closing. Such shares were issued pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Fusion will also be obligated to pay Ipsen up to an additional €67.5 million upon the achievement of certain development and regulatory milestones; low single-digit royalties on potential future net sales; and up to €350.0 million in net sales milestones, in each case, relating to products covered by the asset purchase agreement. Fusion will be responsible for paying to a third-party licensor up to €70.0 million in development milestone payments and mid-single to low-double-digit royalties on potential future net sales of products covered by the license agreement.

The closing of the acquisition was subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Additional details regarding the financial terms can be found in Fusion’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2021.

About FPI-2059
FPI-2059 will be a radioconjugate combining actinium-225 with IPN-1087, for development as a targeted alpha therapy for various solid tumors. The molecule targets NTSR1, a promising target for cancer treatment, that is overexpressed in multiple solid tumors. IPN-1087 was in Phase 1 clinical development as a lutetium-177-based radiopharmaceutical for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, colorectal cancer and gastric cancers expressing NTSR1.

On April 1, 2021 Fresenius Kabi, a global health care company that specializes in lifesaving medicines and technologies for infusion, transfusion and clinical nutrition, reported it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for the U.S. with Corvida Medical (Press release, Fresenius, APR 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234577519]).

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Under the terms of the agreement, Fresenius Kabi will be the exclusive U.S. distributor for the HALO Closed System Drug-Transfer Device (CSTD). The HALO system is an airtight and leak-proof CSTD that mechanically prohibits the transfer of environmental contaminants into the system and the escape of drug or vapor concentrations outside the system, thereby minimizing individual and environmental exposure to drug vapor, aerosols and droplets. These are common challenges during the compounding and administration of hazardous drugs like chemotherapy.

"Fresenius Kabi is committed to offering solutions that provide the safe preparation and delivery of medications across the continuum of care," said John Ducker, president and CEO of Fresenius Kabi USA. "CSTDs play a critical role in protecting health care professionals from the risks of exposure to hazardous drugs during the preparation in the pharmacy and during patient administration by nurses. The combination of Fresenius Kabi freeflex/freeflex+ IV solution containers, oncology medicines and Corvida Medical’s HALO CSTD allows Fresenius Kabi to provide customers a broad range of products to assist with their oncology needs."

Mitch Moeller, CEO of Corvida Medical added, "We believe Fresenius Kabi is a great partner for the HALO Closed System Drug-Transfer Device. Their reputation for quality and patient focus along with their commercial infrastructure, distribution experience, customer relationships and extensive product portfolio will help our efforts to make HALO a leading CSTD option for U.S. customers. We are pleased that Fresenius Kabi recognized the design benefits, innovation and quality of the HALO product portfolio."

The distribution agreement may be expanded to other territories in the future. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

On April 1, 2021 Guardant Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: GH) announced that the New York State Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP) has approved the Guardant Reveal liquid biopsy test for the detection and monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with early-stage cancer (stage II and III). Guardant Reveal is the first blood-only test able to detect, with 7-day turnaround time, a patient’s status for residual disease, without the need for a tissue biopsy.

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The Guardant Reveal blood test was introduced earlier this year and is Guardant Health’s first commercially available liquid biopsy for clinical use in the management of early-stage cancer. The test is focused first on one indication where the unmet medical need exists, early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC), with additional cancer types to follow. The Guardant Reveal blood test improves the management of CRC by detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood after surgery to identify patients with residual disease who may benefit most from adjuvant therapy, and by detecting recurrence months earlier than current standard-of-care methods like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) tests or imaging.1-6

The test achieves industry-leading sensitivity (91 percent)7 for detecting ctDNA by simultaneously interrogating both genomic and epigenomic alterations. The test accurately reports genomic alterations down to allele frequencies of 0.01 percent and effectively filters out biological noise sources such as mutations caused by clonal hematopoiesis. The incorporation of biologically relevant epigenomic signatures has been essential to increasing the sensitivity of the test to detect residual disease in early-stage cancers including CRC.

"Securing New York State CLEP approval for Guardant Reveal means that oncologists in New York can now use the test to identify high-risk patients with colorectal cancer, our first indication, who may benefit from adjuvant therapy after surgery, and to detect recurrence earlier as part of regular surveillance," said, Helmy Eltoukhy, Guardant Health CEO. "This approval is consistent with our commitment to improving care for all cancer patients by expanding access to our tests by complying with appropriate clinical laboratory regulations."

There are over 1.5 million colorectal cancer survivors today in the U.S. and an estimated 10 percent to 30 percent of early-stage patients recur.8 An unmet medical need exists to offer new tests that can overcome the limitations of current tools.

On April 1, 2021 Biocept, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIOC), a leading provider of molecular diagnostic assays, products and services, reported that it will host a webinar featuring leading neuro-oncologists to discuss the use of the Company’s proprietary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assay for diagnosing and managing tumors that have metastasized to the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain or spinal column (Press release, Biocept, APR 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234577517]). Biocept’s CSF assay provides enhanced sensitivity compared with CSF cytology, the current standard of care, and has the added advantage of identifying actionable molecular targets for use in treatment decisions while providing quantitative information needed for assessing treatment response and monitoring disease progression.

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"Our goal is to establish our CSF assay as the new standard of care for the diagnosis of patients with suspected cancer metastasis to the CNS under National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines," said Michael Dugan, MD, Biocept’s Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director. "We have already gained substantial interest among neuro-oncologists and other cancer specialists from nearly two dozen leading academic institutions across the country. Most of these physicians have already ordered our CSF assay with many becoming repeat users.

"The CSF assay addresses a high unmet clinical need as current diagnostic tools for patients with brain metastases are inadequate or imprecise for assessing therapy response; however, many therapies are now available that offer substantial promise for improved survival and resolution of symptoms," Dr. Dugan added. "Between 10% and 30% of adult patients with cancer, depending on the type, will develop brain metastases. We estimate this market opportunity at more than $1 billion annually."

Amir Azadi, MD is a medical oncologist specializing in neuro-oncology and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Barrow Neurological Institute. His expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors. He is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is a member of the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper), the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) and the Society of Neuro-Oncology. Dr. Azadi received his medical degree from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Banner – University Medical Center in Phoenix, and fellowships in hematology and oncology at the University of Louisville James Graham Brown Cancer Center and in neuro-oncology at Barrow Neurological Institute.

Nicholas Blondin, MD is Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at Yale School of Medicine. His clinical expertise is in treating benign and malignant brain tumors, brain and spine metastasis, and neurological symptoms of cancer such as seizures, cognitive impairment, headaches, gait disturbance and weakness. Dr. Blondin is an active investigator for clinical trials for brain tumor patients through Yale Cancer Center. He received his Medical Degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and completed his neurology residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, where he was Chief Resident in Neurology, followed by a fellowship in neuro-oncology at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Priya U. Kumthekar, MD is a United Counsel for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS)-certified neuro-oncologist from Northwestern University and is serving as the principal investigator for Biocept’s Four C clinical study. She is dedicated to patient care and moving the study of brain tumors forward primarily through her leadership on clinical trials. Dr. Kumthekar serves in leadership roles with the National Clinical Trials Network, particularly with the Alliance for Clinical Trials, and was named as the Alliance’s national Executive Officer of Neuro-Oncology in 2016. In this role, she oversees the conception and development of clinical trials from early phase through registration studies. Dr. Kumthekar is board certified in neurology and is a member of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She received her medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University. She previously was Chief Resident at Northwestern University, McGaw Medical Center.