On May 10, 2021 Mustang Bio, Inc. ("Mustang") (NASDAQ: MBIO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on translating today’s medical breakthroughs in cell and gene therapies into potential cures for hematologic cancers, solid tumors and rare genetic diseases, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has accepted the Company’s Investigational New Drug ("IND") application to initiate a Phase 1/2 multicenter study to assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of MB-106, a CD20-targeted CAR T therapy for relapsed or refractory CD20+ B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma ("B-NHL") and chronic lymphocytic leukemia ("CLL") (Press release, Mustang Bio, MAY 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234579603]).

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MB-106 targets CD20, a commercially validated target on the surface of cancer cells that has lacked a strong CAR T-based clinical focus in the U.S. MB-106 cells express a third-generation CAR derived from a fully human antibody that originated in the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center ("Fred Hutch") laboratories of the late Oliver Press, M.D., Ph.D., and Brian Till, M.D., Associate Professor in the Clinical Research Division. The CAR T therapy was exclusively licensed to Mustang in 2017, and Fred Hutch and Mustang collaborated to develop the cell processing that will be used in the Mustang IND Phase 1/2 clinical trial.

To date, the same vector planned for use in the manufacturing of MB-106 is currently being evaluated in the ongoing Phase 1/2 study sponsored by Fred Hutch, where Mazyar Shadman, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Professor in the Clinical Research Division, is the Principal investigator. Data from this ongoing study were presented by Dr. Shadman at the 62nd Annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting in 2020 and demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with an 89% overall response rate (ORR; 8/9 patients) and a 44% complete response rate (CR; 4/9 patients).

NHL is one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for about 4% of all cancers, and CLL accounts for about one-third of the new cases of leukemia. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the U.S. in 2021 about 81,560 people will be diagnosed NHL and 21,250 with CLL.

Manuel Litchman, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Mustang, said, "We are pleased with the FDA’s acceptance of our IND application for MB-106, which allows us to further advance this CAR T therapy as a potentially safe and effective treatment option for B-NHL and CLL. It is especially gratifying that we were able to achieve this milestone in just 28 days after our IND submission. We are committed to finding better treatment options for patients living with these cancers and look forward to initiating our multicenter, Phase 1/2 clinical trial later this year, with Dr. Shadman as the Study Chair."

On May 10, 2021 IMV Inc. (Nasdaq: IMV; TSX: IMV) ("IMV" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering a novel class of cancer immunotherapies, reported that its lead compound, maveropepimut-S (DPX-Survivac) will be investigated in patients with hormone receptor positive/HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) breast cancer. HR+/HER2- tumors represent an unmet clinical need with relatively poor responses to neoadjuvant endocrine treatment1 (Press release, IMV, MAY 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234579602]). This investigator-initiated clinical study will be conducted at the Providence Cancer Institute in Portland, Oregon, and is expected to begin during summer 2021.

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"We are excited to launch the next clinical proof of concept study of maveropepimut-S, which has already demonstrated positive clinical benefit in other cancer indications," said Frederic Ors, Chief Executive Officer at IMV. "Through targeted T-cell therapy, we believe maveropepimut-S presents a compelling option for the treatment of breast cancer. Our lead compound has demonstrated to enhance the innate tumor-fighting response which has resulted in efficacy in solid and liquid tumors without significant toxicity."

Kristina H. Young, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Member, Tumor Microenvironment Lab in the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, a division of Providence, commented, "Survivin upregulation is strongly associated with a subpopulation of breast cancer patients that are resistant to aromatase inhibitors. We believe that IMV’s survivin-targeted T cell therapy may improve the sensitivity to neoadjuvant aromatase inhibitors and, therefore, holds the potential to overcome resistance to treatment."

This three-arm Phase 1B trial is designed to assess the combination of maveropepimut-S and aromatase inhibitor with/without radiotherapy or cyclophosphamide (CPA) prior to surgery. Across the three arms of this study, IMV’s lead compound will be evaluated in 18 subjects with resectable, non-metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer.

The primary objective is to evaluate the safety of neoadjuvant combination of maveropepimut-S with the aromatase inhibitor and with/without radiation, or CPA and immunogenicity in each arm. Survivin-specific T cells in the resected tumor will be evaluated as a secondary objective. Extensive translational studies will be conducted as exploratory analyses to characterize maveropepimut-S’ mechanism of action in the tumor and the tumor’s immune environment.

"Understanding how HR+HER2- breast cancer responds to immunotherapy, particularly prior to surgery, remains an active area of investigation across the world," said Sasha E. Stanton, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Member, Cancer Immunoprevention Lab at Providence. "Examining the role of this immune therapy targeting Survivin with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole, as well as the addition of radiation and low dose immune modulating chemotherapy, is important to improve neoadjuvant therapy response in these women."

About Maveropepimut-S (DPX-Survivac)

Maveropepimut-S is the lead candidate in IMV’s new class of immunotherapy that generates targeted and sustained cancer cell killing capabilities in vivo. Maveropepimut-S is evaluated in three phase 2 trials: in association with low dose cyclophosphamide (CPA) in advanced, recurrent ovarian cancer, and in combination with Merck’s Keytruda and low dose CPA in hematological and solid cancers (DLBCL, bladder, hepatocellular and MSI-high tumor cancers). Treatment with maveropepimut-S in association with CPA have demonstrated a favorable safety profile across all clinical studies.

Maveropepimut-S, consists of survivin-based peptides formulated in IMV’s proprietary delivery platform (DPX) which is designed to generate a sustained cytotoxic T cell response against cancer cells presenting survivin peptides on their surface.

Survivin, recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a promising tumor-associated antigen, is broadly over-expressed in most cancer types, and plays an essential role in antagonizing cell death, supporting tumor-associated angiogenesis, and promoting resistance to chemotherapies. IMV has identified over 20 cancer indications in which survivin can be targeted by maveropepimut-S.

Maveropepimut-S has received Fast Track designation from the FDA as maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer, as well as Orphan Drug designation status from the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in the ovarian cancer indication.

On May 10, 2021 Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: CMPI) ("Checkmate"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing its proprietary technology to harness the power of the immune system to combat cancer, reported the development program expansion of vidutolimod (CMP-001) into non-melanoma skin cancers in combination with Libtayo (cemiplimab) under a clinical supply agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Regeneron") (Press release, Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, MAY 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234579601]). Vidutolimod is an advanced generation Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist, delivered as a biologic virus-like particle utilizing a CpG-A oligodeoxynucleotide as a key component. Cemiplimab is a PD-1 blocking antibody being jointly developed by Regeneron and Sanofi.

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Checkmate and Regeneron will collaborate on a multi-indication, Phase 2, proof-of-concept clinical trial of vidutolimod in combination with cemiplimab in the following patient cohorts: (a) PD-1 treatment-naïve subjects with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), (b) subjects with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) that is refractory to PD-1 blockade, and (c) subjects with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) that is refractory to PD-1 blockade. Checkmate will be the sponsor of the clinical trial, and Regeneron will supply cemiplimab.

"We’re pleased to collaborate with Regeneron as we expand evaluation of vidutolimod as a potent stimulator of innate immune activity to patients with life-threatening non-melanoma skin cancers such as CSCC and MCC," said Barry Labinger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Checkmate. "We look forward to advancing vidutolimod in combination with Libtayo to further unlock the capabilities and impact of immuno-oncology therapeutics."

On May 10, 2021 Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: HRTX), a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on improving the lives of patients by developing best-in-class treatments to address some of the most important unmet patient needs, reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and highlighted recent corporate updates (Press release, Heron Therapeutics, MAY 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234579600]).

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Recent Corporate Updates

Acute Care Franchise

New Drug Application Resubmission for HTX-011 Under Review: The New Drug Application (NDA) resubmission for HTX-011, an investigational agent for the management of postoperative pain, submitted November 12, 2020 to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), continues under review. The FDA set a PDUFA goal date of May 12, 2021.
Initiation of Expanded Phase 2 Clinical Study of HTX-034 for the Treatment of Postoperative Pain: In March 2021, Heron initiated the expanded Phase 2 clinical study in patients undergoing bunionectomy with HTX-034, Heron’s next-generation product for the treatment of postoperative pain.
NDA for HTX-019 Planned in Late 2021 for Prevention of PONV in Adults: In the Phase 1 bioequivalence study, HTX-019 32 mg as a 30-second intravenous (IV) injection was bioequivalent to oral aprepitant 40 mg, which is approved for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). A 505(b)(2) NDA for HTX-019 for PONV in adults is planned for late 2021.
Oncology Care Franchise

2021 Net Product Sales: For the three months ended March 31, 2021, oncology care franchise net product sales were $20.0 million, compared to $25.4 million for the same period in 2020. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic reduced cancer screening procedures and new patient treatment starts in 2020 resulting in fewer clinic anti-emetic administrations during the first quarter of 2021 compared to the prior year and last quarter. Heron is assisting Community Oncology Alliance with its campaign to get patients back into screening. With the greater availability of COVID-19 vaccines and the declining rates of infection, Heron believes that the number of patients receiving cancer treatment will begin to return to normal levels.
CINVANTI Net Product Sales: Net product sales of CINVANTI (aprepitant) injectable emulsion for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $18.5 million, compared to $25.2 million for the same period in 2020. Based on recently signed agreements with key customers, Heron believes the most significant impact of the generic arbitrage is over and expects to grow CINVANTI market share in 2021 and beyond.
SUSTOL Net Product Sales: Net product sales of SUSTOL (granisetron) extended-release injection for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $1.5 million, compared to $0.2 million for the same period in 2020. In the first quarter of 2021, Heron reinstated promotion and contracting of SUSTOL to restore growth in 2021 and beyond.
Full-Year 2021 Net Product Sales Guidance: Heron expects full-year 2021 net product sales for the oncology care franchise of $130 million to $145 million.
"We have no outstanding questions on the pending NDA and are currently in labelling discussions with the FDA, as we prepare for the anticipated commercial launch of HTX-011 in the U.S.," said Barry Quart, Pharm.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Heron. "For the oncology care franchise, we expect the market to pick up in the second quarter and we recently signed a large, multi-year contract for CINVANTI that will help increase net product sales throughout 2021."

Financial Results

Net product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $20.0 million, compared to $25.4 million for the same period in 2020.

Heron’s net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $52.6 million, or $0.58 per share, compared to $51.6 million, or $0.57 per share for the same period in 2020. Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021 included non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of $11.5 million, compared to $12.0 million for the same period in 2020.

As of March 31, 2021, Heron had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $166.5 million, compared to $208.5 million as of December 31, 2020. Net cash used for operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $41.9 million, compared to $32.9 million for the same period in 2020. Heron expects that its current cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to fund its operations into 2022.

About HTX-011 for Postoperative Pain (ZYNRELEF in Europe)

HTX-011, an investigational non-opioid analgesic, is a dual-acting, fixed-dose combination of the local anesthetic bupivacaine with a low dose of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam. It is the first and only extended-release local anesthetic to demonstrate in Phase 3 studies significantly reduced pain and opioid use through 72 hours compared to bupivacaine solution, the current standard-of-care local anesthetic for postoperative pain control. The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to HTX-011 and the NDA received Priority Review designation. A complete response letter was received from the FDA regarding the NDA for HTX-011 in June 2020 relating to non-clinical information. No clinical safety or efficacy issues and no chemistry, manufacturing and controls issues were identified. Heron resubmitted an NDA to the FDA for HTX-011 in November 2020 and the FDA set a PDUFA goal date of May 12, 2021. In September 2020, the European Commission granted a marketing authorization for ZYNRELEF (also known as HTX-011) for the treatment of somatic postoperative pain from small- to medium-sized surgical wounds in adults. As of January 1, 2021, ZYNRELEF is approved in 31 European countries including the countries of the European Union and European Economic Area and the United Kingdom.

About HTX-034 for Postoperative Pain

HTX-034, an investigational non-opioid analgesic, is a triple-acting, fixed-dose combination of the local anesthetic bupivacaine with a low dose of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam and aprepitant, an additional agent that further potentiates the activity of bupivacaine. HTX-034 is formulated in the same proprietary polymer as HTX-011. By combining two different mechanisms that each enhance the activity of the local anesthetic bupivacaine, HTX-034 is designed to provide superior and prolonged analgesia. Local administration of HTX-034 in a validated preclinical postoperative pain model resulted in sustained analgesia for 7 days.

About HTX-019 for PONV

HTX-019 is an IV injectable emulsion formulation designed to directly deliver aprepitant, the active ingredient in EMEND (aprepitant) capsules, which is the only substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist (RA) to be approved in the U.S. for the prevention of PONV in adults. The FDA-approved dose of oral EMEND is 40 mg for PONV, which is given within 3 hours prior to induction of anesthesia for surgery. In a Phase 1 clinical trial, 32 mg of HTX-019 as a 30-second IV injection was demonstrated to be bioequivalent to oral aprepitant 40 mg.

About CINVANTI (Aprepitant) Injectable Emulsion

CINVANTI, in combination with other antiemetic agents, is indicated in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (HEC) including high-dose cisplatin as a single-dose regimen, delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (MEC) as a single-dose regimen, and nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of MEC as a 3-day regimen. CINVANTI is an IV formulation of aprepitant, an NK1 RA. CINVANTI is the first IV formulation to directly deliver aprepitant, the active ingredient in EMEND capsules. Aprepitant (including its prodrug, fosaprepitant) is the only single-agent NK1 RA to significantly reduce nausea and vomiting in both the acute phase (0–24 hours after chemotherapy) and the delayed phase (24–120 hours after chemotherapy). The FDA-approved dosing administration included in the U.S. prescribing information for CINVANTI is a 30-minute IV infusion or a 2-minute IV injection.

CINVANTI is under investigation for the treatment of COVID-19 as a daily 2-minute IV injection when added to the current standard of care.

Please see full prescribing information at www.CINVANTI.com.

About SUSTOL (Granisetron) Extended-Release Injection

SUSTOL is indicated in combination with other antiemetics in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) or anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) combination chemotherapy regimens. SUSTOL is an extended-release, injectable 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 RA that utilizes Heron’s Biochronomer drug delivery technology to maintain therapeutic levels of granisetron for ≥5 days. The SUSTOL global Phase 3 development program was comprised of two, large, guideline-based clinical studies that evaluated SUSTOL’s efficacy and safety in more than 2,000 patients with cancer. SUSTOL’s efficacy in preventing nausea and vomiting was evaluated in both the acute phase (0–24 hours after chemotherapy) and delayed phase (24–120 hours after chemotherapy).

On May 10, 2021 Rubius Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:RUBY), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is genetically engineering red blood cells to create an entirely new class of cellular medicines called Red Cell Therapeutics, reported first quarter 2021 financial results and provided a business update (Press release, Rubius Therapeutics, MAY 10, 2021, View Source [SID1234579599]).

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"We had a great start to the year by reporting initial positive data from our ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial of RTX-240 in patients with advanced solid tumors, which provided evidence of the broad potential of the RED PLATFORM across our entire pipeline of cancer and autoimmune programs," said Pablo J. Cagnoni, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Rubius Therapeutics. "With several expected clinical milestones from our pipeline, the coming year is poised to be an exciting one for patients, our employees and shareholders."

Enabled by the RED PLATFORM, Red Cell Therapeutics’ (RCTs) are expected to provide advantages over other therapies by potentially generating a broad anti-tumor response with limited side effects and a wide therapeutic window given the biodistribution of RCTs to the vasculature and spleen. Additionally, RCTs do not have the complex supply chain and administration logistics of other cell therapies, as RCTs are designed to be prepared in the pharmacy, administered in an outpatient setting and do not require lymphodepletion prior to administration.

First Quarter 2021 Highlights

RTX-240 Phase 1/2 Clinical Program for Advanced Solid Tumors
On March 15, 2021, the Company reported preliminary safety (n=16) and efficacy (n=15) findings based on RECIST v1.1., with a data cutoff of February 28, 2021. The key takeaways from the initial data were:

RTX-240 demonstrated favorable emerging safety results across dose levels:
There were no treatment-related Grade 3/4 adverse events and no dose-limiting toxicities. The most common treatment-related Grade 1/2 adverse events were fatigue, chills, nausea, decreased appetite and arthralgias. There was a single Grade 1 event of liver toxicity.
Single-agent activity was observed with two partial responses:
A confirmed partial response (PR) in a patient with metastatic anal cancer and an unconfirmed PR in a patient with metastatic uveal melanoma. Both patients’ disease had progressed on prior anti-PD-1 therapy.
Stable disease (SD) was observed in six patients, including four individual patients with stable disease for at least 12 weeks, (one each with non-small cell lung cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer).
Pharmacodynamic effects observed included the activation and/or expansion of the key natural killer (NK) and/or T cells types in all patients (n=16).
Observed evidence of immune cell trafficking of activated NK and T cells into the tumor microenvironment in two solid tumor biopsies and one AML biopsy.
Dose optimization and enrollment continues in the RTX-240 Phase 1/2 advanced solid tumor study. The Company plans to present additional data from the study this year.

Phase 1 Arm in Ongoing Phase 1/2 RTX-240 Clinical Trial in Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

RTX-240 is currently being evaluated as a single-agent in a Phase 1 arm of the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial of RTX-240 in patients with relapsed/refractory AML.
As of May 10, 2021, Rubius is enrolling patients in the third and fourth dose cohorts, in accordance with the statistical design of the study, which allows enrollment of two dose cohorts simultaneously.
On March 15, 2021, the Company presented preliminary trafficking data from the first patient in the trial, indicating strong accumulation of activated, granzyme B-positive NK and T cells in the bone marrow, which is the site of disease in AML.
RTX-321 Artificial Antigen-Presenting Cell (aAPC) Development Program for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16-Positive Cancers

Dosing additional patients in the Phase 1 clinical trial of RTX-321 in patients with advanced HPV 16-positive cancers, including cervical, head and neck and anal cancer.
RTX-321 has a unique frozen drug substance formulation, enabling a potential truly off-the-shelf product with a shelf life of up to several years.
Following liquid reformulation, RTX-321 has an in-vial shelf life of approximately 52 days.
Presentations at Medical Conferences

Preliminary safety and efficacy data from RTX-240 Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial for advanced solid tumors was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Virtual Annual Meeting on April 10, 2021.
Anticipated 2021 Catalysts and Operational Objectives

Present additional clinical data from the RTX-240 solid tumor Phase 1 clinical trial;
Select specific solid tumor types that will be pursued in the Phase 2 expansion cohort of RTX-240;
Report initial clinical data from the Phase 1 arm of the RTX-240 clinical trial in relapsed/refractory AML;
Initiate the Phase 1 clinical trial of RTX-240 in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy in advanced solid tumors in the second half of 2021;
Report initial Phase 1 clinical data from RTX-321 for the treatment of HPV 16-positive cancers by the first quarter of 2022; and
Submit an Investigational New Drug Application for RTX-224 by year-end.
About RTX-240
RTX-240, Rubius Therapeutics’ lead oncology program, is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf cellular therapy product candidate that is engineered to simultaneously present hundreds of thousands of copies of the costimulatory molecule 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) and IL-15TP (trans-presentation of IL-15 on IL-15Rα) in their native forms. RTX-240 is designed to broadly stimulate the immune system by activating and expanding both NK and memory T cells to generate a potent anti-tumor response.

About RTX-321
RTX-321, Rubius Therapeutics’ second oncology program, is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf aAPC therapy product candidate that is engineered to induce a tumor-specific immune response by expanding antigen-specific T cells. RTX-321 expresses hundreds of thousands of copies of an HPV peptide antigen bound to major histocompatibility complex class I proteins, the costimulatory molecule 4-1BBL and the cytokine IL-12 on the cell surface to mimic human T cell-APC interactions.

First Quarter 2021 Financial Results
Net loss for the first quarter of 2021 was $42.3 million or $0.51 per common share, compared to $48.5 million or $0.60 per common share in the first quarter of 2020.

In the first quarter of 2021, Rubius invested $27.7 million in research and development (R&D) related to its novel RED PLATFORM and towards expanding and advancing its product pipeline, compared to $36.2 million in the first quarter of 2020. This year-over-year decrease was driven primarily by a $4.9 million reduction in program expenses consisting of a $6.7 million reduction in rare disease program costs, following the deprioritization of the Company’s rare disease pipeline in March 2020, partially offset by an increase in costs incurred for the Company’s cancer programs, including, RTX-240 and RTX-321. Additionally, platform development, early stage research and other unallocated expenses decreased by $3.6 million due principally to $2.5 million in reductions in contract R&D, laboratory supplies and research materials driven primarily by a shift in activities to support the oncology clinical programs. Personnel-related costs also decreased as a result of non-recurring costs incurred in the first quarter of 2020.

G&A expenses were $13.2 million during the first quarter of 2021, compared to $12.7 million for the first quarter of 2020. The higher costs were primarily driven by an increase in professional and consultant fees related to increased patent costs and an increase in facility-related and other expenses due to higher building operating costs.

During the first quarter of 2021, other income and expenses decreased by $1.8 million, from net income of $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2020, to net expense of $1.4 million. The change was due to a lower average cash balance, lower prevailing interest rates and an increase in outstanding debt following the final borrowing under the Company’s debt facility in June 2020.

Cash Position
As of March 31, 2021, cash, cash equivalents and investments were $330.7 million, compared to $176.3 million as of December 31, 2020. During the quarter, the Company received net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and commission, of $188.0 million in connection with its underwritten public offering completed in March 2021.