ADC Therapeutics Announces Online Publication of LOTIS-2 Results in The Lancet Oncology

On May 12, 2021 ADC Therapeutics SA (NYSE: ADCT), a commercial-stage biotechnology company leading the development of novel antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) to treat hematological malignancies and solid tumors, reported that results of LOTIS-2, a multicenter, open-label, single-arm Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of single-agent ZYNLONTA in adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) following two or more systemic treatments, have been published online in The Lancet Oncology (Press release, ADC Therapeutics, MAY 12, 2021, View Source [SID1234579762]).

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"Patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who have been heavily pretreated and have difficult-to-treat disease represent an urgent area of medical need that newly approved ZYNLONTA is now able to address," said Paolo F. Caimi, MD, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University and lead author of The Lancet Oncology paper. "The LOTIS-2 study established that ZYNLONTA demonstrated substantial single-agent activity and produced durable responses with an acceptable safety profile in this patient population."

LOTIS-2 enrolled 145 patients, including those with high-risk characteristics for poor prognosis, such as double-/triple-hit, transformed, and primary refractory DLBCL. Key results include:

Overall response rate (ORR) was 48.3% (70/145 patients), including a 24.1% (35/145 patients) complete response rate and 24.1% (35/145 patients) partial response (PR) rate
Median time to first response, analyzed post-hoc, was 41 days
Median duration of response was 10.3 months (as of the data cut)
Durable responses in high-risk patient groups included 46.2% (6/13 patients) ORR in those who had progression after prior CAR-T therapy, 33.3% (5/15 patients) ORR in double or triple hit and 44.8% (13/29 patients) ORR in transformed DLBCL
ZYNLONTA demonstrated an acceptable safety profile. The most common Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events were neutropenia (25.5%), thrombocytopenia (17.9%), and increased gamma-glutamyltransferase (16.6%)
"We are proud to have the results of our LOTIS-2 trial published in a prestigious peer-reviewed journal," said Jay Feingold, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at ADC Therapeutics. "On the heels of the FDA approval, this further reinforces the value of ZYNLONTA as the first CD19-targeted ADC single-agent treatment for relapsed or refractory DLBCL and the potential for it to become the standard-of-care for 3L+ DLBCL patients in need of new treatment options."

The study can be found on The Lancet Oncology’s website at: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(21)00139-X/fulltext.

About ADC Therapeutics

ADC Therapeutics (NYSE: ADCT) is a commercial-stage biotechnology company improving the lives of cancer patients with its next-generation, targeted antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). The Company is advancing its proprietary ADC technology to transform the treatment paradigm for patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.

ADC Therapeutics’ CD19-directed ADC ZYNLONTA (loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl) is approved by the FDA for the treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy. ZYNLONTA is also in late-stage clinical trials in combination with other agents. Cami (camidanlumab tesirine) is being evaluated in a late-stage clinical trial for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and in a Phase 1b clinical trial for various advanced solid tumors. In addition to ZYNLONTA and Cami, the Company has multiple PBD-based ADCs in ongoing clinical and preclinical development.

ADC Therapeutics is based in Lausanne (Biopôle), Switzerland and has operations in London, the San Francisco Bay Area and New Jersey. For more information, please visit View Source and follow the Company on Twitter and LinkedIn.

ZYNLONTA is a trademark of ADC Therapeutics SA.

About ZYNLONTA (loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl)

ZYNLONTA is a CD19-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC). Once bound to a CD19-expressing cell, ZYNLONTA is internalized by the cell, where enzymes release a pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) payload. The potent payload binds to DNA minor groove with little distortion, remaining less visible to DNA repair mechanisms. This ultimately results in cell cycle arrest and tumor cell death.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ZYNLONTA (loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified (NOS), DLBCL arising from low-grade lymphoma and also high-grade B-cell lymphoma. This indication is approved by the FDA under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

The FDA approval was based on data from LOTIS-2, a large (n=145) Phase 2 multinational, single-arm clinical trial of ZYNLONTA for the treatment of adult patients with r/r DLBCL following two or more prior lines of systemic therapy. Results from the trial demonstrated an overall response rate (ORR) of 48.3% (70/145 patients), which included a complete response (CR) rate of 24.1% (35/145 patients) and a partial response (PR) rate of 24.1% (35/145 patients). Patients had a median time to response of 1.3 months and the median duration of response (mDoR) for the 70 responders was 10.3 months (inclusive of patients who were censored). In a pooled safety population the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were thrombocytopenia, gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, neutropenia, anemia, hyperglycemia, transaminase elevation, fatigue, hypoalbuminemia, rash, edema, nausea and musculoskeletal pain. In LOTIS-2, the most common (≥10%) grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events were neutropenia (26.2%), thrombocytopenia (17.9%), gamma-glutamyltransferase increased (17.2%) and anemia (10.3%).

ZYNLONTA is also being evaluated as a therapeutic option in combination studies in other B-cell malignancies and earlier lines of therapy.

Important Safety Information

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Effusion and Edema

Serious effusion and edema occurred in patients treated with ZYNLONTA. Grade 3 edema occurred in 3% (primarily peripheral edema or ascites) and Grade 3 pleural effusion occurred in 3% and Grade 3 or 4 pericardial effusion occurred in 1%.

Monitor patients for new or worsening edema or effusions. Withhold ZYNLONTA for Grade 2 or greater edema or effusion until the toxicity resolves. Consider diagnostic imaging in patients who develop symptoms of pleural effusion or pericardial effusion, such as new or worsened dyspnea, chest pain, and/or ascites such as swelling in the abdomen and bloating. Institute appropriate medical management for edema or effusions.

Myelosuppression

Treatment with ZYNLONTA can cause serious or severe myelosuppression, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 32%, thrombocytopenia in 20%, and anemia in 12% of patients. Grade 4 neutropenia occurred in 21% and thrombocytopenia in 7% of patients. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 3%.

Monitor complete blood counts throughout treatment. Cytopenias may require interruption, dose reduction, or discontinuation of ZYNLONTA. Consider prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration as applicable.

Infections

Fatal and serious infections, including opportunistic infections, occurred in patients treated with ZYNLONTA. Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in 10% of patients, with fatal infections occurring in 2%. The most frequent Grade ≥3 infections included sepsis and pneumonia.

Monitor for any new or worsening signs or symptoms consistent with infection. For Grade 3 or 4 infection, withhold ZYNLONTA until infection has resolved.

Cutaneous Reactions

Serious cutaneous reactions occurred in patients treated with ZYNLONTA. Grade 3 cutaneous reactions occurred in 4% and included photosensitivity reaction, rash (including exfoliative and maculo-papular), and erythema.

Monitor patients for new or worsening cutaneous reactions, including photosensitivity reactions. Withhold ZYNLONTA for severe (Grade 3) cutaneous reactions until resolution. Advise patients to minimize or avoid exposure to direct natural or artificial sunlight including exposure through glass windows. Instruct patients to protect skin from exposure to sunlight by wearing sun-protective clothing and/or the use of sunscreen products. If a skin reaction or rash develops, dermatologic consultation should be considered.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action, ZYNLONTA can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman because it contains a genotoxic compound (SG3199) and affects actively dividing cells.

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZYNLONTA and for 9 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZYNLONTA and for 6 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In a pooled safety population of 215 patients (Phase 1 and LOTIS-2), the most common (>20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were thrombocytopenia, increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, neutropenia, anemia, hyperglycemia, transaminase elevation, fatigue, hypoalbuminemia, rash, edema, nausea, and musculoskeletal pain.

In LOTIS-2, serious adverse reactions occurred in 28% of patients receiving ZYNLONTA. The most common serious adverse reactions that occurred in ≥2% receiving ZYNLONTA were febrile neutropenia, pneumonia, edema, pleural effusion, and sepsis. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 1%, due to infection.

Permanent treatment discontinuation due to an adverse reaction of ZYNLONTA occurred in 19% of patients. Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of ZYNLONTA in ≥2% were gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, edema, and effusion.

Dose reductions due to an adverse reaction of ZYNLONTA occurred in 8% of patients. Adverse reactions resulting in dose reduction of ZYNLONTA in ≥4% was gamma-glutamyltransferase increased.

Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 49% of patients receiving ZYNLONTA. Adverse reactions leading to interruption of ZYNLONTA in ≥5% were gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and edema.

You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to ADC Therapeutics at 1-855-690-0340.

AbbVie to Present at the RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference

On May 12, 2021 AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) reported that it will participate in the RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 (Press release, AbbVie, MAY 12, 2021, View Source [SID1234579761]). Michael Severino, M.D., vice chairman and president, Robert A. Michael, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Jeffrey R. Stewart, executive vice president, commercial operations, will present virtually at 3:50 p.m. Central time.

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A live audio webcast of the presentation will be accessible through AbbVie’s Investor Relations website at investors.abbvie.com. An archived edition of the session will be available later that day.

Epigenomics AG Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2021

On May 12, 2021 Epigenomics AG (FSE: ECX, OTCQX: EPGNY, the "Company") reported financial results (IFRS, unaudited) for the first three months of 2021 (Press release, Epigenomics, MAY 12, 2021, View Source [SID1234579751]).

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Financial key figures

Product revenue in the first quarter 2021 decreased from EUR 239 thousand to EUR 106 thousand compared to the prior-year period due to lower product revenues in the United States and Europe. In the current pandemic situation, many patients eligible for screening continue to postpone their screenings.
Research and development costs decreased from EUR 1,603 thousand to EUR 737 thousand.
Selling, general and administrative costs diminished from EUR 1,992 thousand to EUR 1,601 thousand.
EBITDA before share-based payment expenses improved to EUR -985 thousand in the reporting period vs. EUR -2,641 thousand in the same period as the previous year
The net loss for the period was EUR -1,201 thousand (Q1 2020: EUR -2,982 thousand); the net loss per share decreased significantly from EUR 0.55 to EUR 0.20 compared to the same period of the previous year.
Cash consumption decreased to EUR 1,401 thousand in Q1 2021 (Q1 2020: EUR 3,284 thousand).
As of March 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents (including marketable securities) of EUR 7,446 thousand (December 31, 2020: EUR 4,527 thousand).
Strategic options

Following the negative reimbursement decision by the CMS in January 2021, the management is considering various strategic options. As announced at the end of March, the Company is evaluating, among other things, a potential sale of the Company by way of a share deal (public takeover) or asset deal to one or more investors as part of an M&A transaction. For this purpose, a corresponding sales process has been set up and the Company is in discussions with several potential parties. The Company has mandated a leading international investment bank as advisor in connection with the sale process.

Major events after the end of the reporting period

The first conversion period for the mandatory convertible bond issued in January 2021, ran from April 1 to April 14, 2021. Bonds with a nominal value of EUR 4,357,606.00 have been converted into 3,961,460 new shares (ISIN DE000A3H2184). Accordingly, the number of issued shares increased from 5,891,230 to 9,852,690 no-par value registered shares of the Company. The Company’s share capital increased correspondingly to EUR 9,852,690.00. The outstanding portion of the mandatory convertible bond 2021/2024 therefore has a nominal value of EUR 1,142,394.00.
In addition, on April 27, 2021, the Executive Board of Epigenomics AG resolved, with approval of the Supervisory Board, to increase the company’s share capital through a rights issue using the Authorized Capital 2020/II. The share capital shall be increased from currently EUR 9,852,690.00 by up to EUR 1,970,537.00 to up to EUR 11,823,227.00 by issuing up to 1,970,537 new registered no par value shares of the Company against cash contributions. The subscription price for the new shares was set at EUR 1.10. The subscription ratio is 5:1. This means for each five existing shares of the Company, a subscription right for one new share will be allocated. Deutsche Balaton Aktiengesellschaft, with 22.59% the largest shareholder of Epigenomics AG, has already announced that it will participate in the capital increase. The capital increase serves the purpose of improving the Company’s liquidity position ahead of upcoming important strategic decisions.
Outlook 2021

Revenue

The Company confirms its outlook for fiscal year 2021 and continues to expect revenue within the range of EUR 0.4 million to EUR 1.0 million. If the NCD decision made by CMS is successfully appealed or reversed in 2021, a change in the revenue guidance would be made.
EBITDA / Cash consumption

For EBITDA before share-based payment expenses, Epigenomics forecasts a range of EUR -7.0 million to EUR -9.0 million. Based on the Company’s 2021 business plan, cash consumption is expected to be in line with the EBITDA forecast (before share-based payment expenses).
Further Information

The 2020 Q1 interim statement (unaudited) is available on the Epigenomics’ website: View Source

Conference call for analysts and investors

Epigenomics AG will host a conference call for analysts and investors today at 5.00 pm (CET) / 11.00 am (EDT). The webcast can be accessed on the Company’s website: View Source

The dial-in numbers for the conference call are:

Participants are asked to dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the conference call and to register using the link above.

An audio replay of the conference call will be provided on the Epigenomics’ website subsequently.

Eagle Pharmaceuticals to Present at the 2021 RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference

On May 11, 2021 Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGRX) ("Eagle" or the "Company") reported that Scott Tarriff, Chief Executive Officer, and Brian Cahill, Chief Financial Officer, will present at the 2021 RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference as follows (Press release, Eagle Pharmaceuticals, MAY 11, 2021, View Source [SID1234584741]):

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The presentation will be webcast live at the aforementioned time, and archived for 30 days thereafter, via the Company’s website at www.eagleus.com, under the Investors Section.

Achilles Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Recent Business Highlights

On May 11, 2021 Achilles Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ: ACHL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision T cell therapies to treat solid tumors, reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021 and recent business highlights(Press release, Achilles Therapeutics, MAY 11, 2021, View Source [SID1234584048]).

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"Achilles made significant progress in the first quarter of 2021. We reported the first clinical data from our ongoing CHIRON and THETIS trials evaluating our precision TIL cNeT therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma, respectively, and priced our successful US initial public offering on Nasdaq, which closed just after quarter-end," said Dr Iraj Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Achilles. "We continue to enroll and dose patients and have opened our first clinical sites in the US and EU. This year, we expect to report interim data from a total of ten patients that have received cNeT monotherapy across the CHIRON and THETIS trials and will also begin enrolling patients to receive higher dose cNeT. In addition, we will open Cohort B in the THETIS study to evaluate the addition of a PD-1 inhibitor to our cNeT therapy."

Business Highlights


Received a recommendation from the Independent Data Safety Monitoring Committee to continue the ongoing Phase I/IIa CHIRON and THETIS trials as planned


Announced initial clinical data from the first six patients dosed with the Company’s cNeT therapy showing encouraging evidence of cNeT engraftment, an overall tolerability profile similar to that of standard TIL products, stable disease in four out of the six patients, and one patient with tumor lesion reduction

Presented data at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) annual meeting detailing the Company’s comprehensive translational research program and insights into the in vivo dynamics of cNeT post-dosing, and the potential to develop a potency-based release assay

Strengthened the Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board with the additions of Julie O’Neill and Markwin Velders, Ph.D., respectively, and continued to build the team in the UK & US, including key appointments across manufacturing, supply chain and clinical operations, bio-processing and intellectual property

Received a Horizon 2020 grant as part of the Neoantigen Consortium, with the aim of developing a tool to predict neoantigen immunogenicity.

Financial Highlights


IPO: Priced an initial public offering of 9,750,000 ADRs at a public offering price of $18.00 per share for gross proceeds of $175.5 million. The IPO closed on April 6, 2021, after the quarter end.


Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents were $159.3 million as of March 31, 2021 as compared to $177.8 million as of December 31, 2020, not including $160.6 million in net proceeds from the IPO which closed on April 6, 2021. The Company anticipates that its existing cash and cash equivalents plus the IPO proceeds are sufficient to fund its planned operations into the second half of 2023, including full funding of the ongoing Phase I/IIa CHIRON and THETIS clinical trials.


Operating Expenses: Operating Expenses were $13.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, which included $8.9 million in Research & Development, and General and Administrative expenses of $4.8 million.


Net loss: Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was $13.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 and the basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share was $8.38 for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

Upcoming Events

Iraj Ali, Chief Executive Officer, will participate in a fireside chat at the BofA Securities 2021 Virtual Healthcare Conference at on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. BST.


A poster detailing abstract TPS9138 entitled, An Open-Label, Multi-Centre Phase I/IIa Study Evaluating the Safety and Clinical Activity of Clonal Neoantigen Reactive T cells in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (CHIRON), will be presented at the 2021 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting taking place virtually from June 4-9, 2021. Full abstracts will be released on May 19, 2021 at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper).org.