On August 5, 2021 Portage Biotech Inc., (NASDAQ: PRTG) ("Portage" or the "Company") a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company focused on the development of therapies targeting cancer treatment resistance, reported that the first patient has been dosed in the Oxford-led IMP-MEL study, a Phase 1/2, open-label, dose-escalation and randomized expansion clinical trial assessing the safety, tolerability and efficacy of PORT-2, a liposome formulation of the invariant natural killer T-cell (iNKT) agonist IMM60 developed for the treatment of solid tumors (Press release, Portage Biotech, AUG 5, 2021, View Source [SID1234585917]).

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Preclinical data for PORT-2 demonstrated good tolerability and a strong cancer-specific B- and T-cell response. It also showed a robust innate and adaptive immune response and an increase in expression of PD-L1 on cancer cells. Combining PORT-2 with checkpoint inhibitors led to increased immune activation and PD-L1 expression, suggesting rationale for enhanced activity of the combination treatment.

"PORT-2 offers a novel, targeted approach to address a variety of today’s most common cancers, many of which are often elusive or resistant to treatment. Preclinical data show that our iNKT agonist can stimulate a broad response from both the innate and adaptive immune systems, helping the body recognize and attack these cancers," said Dr. Ian Walters, chief executive officer of Portage Biotech. "This first-in-human trial features a robust design with a multi-arm comparison against standard of care therapies currently used in the clinic, which we believe has the potential to accelerate our research as we evaluate the effectiveness of PORT-2 both as a monotherapy and in combination with PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors."

The IMP-MEL study is expected to enroll 100 patients at Oxford and other centers and will evaluate PORT-2 both as a monotherapy and in combination with approved PD-1 inhibitor Keytruda in the treatment of Melanoma and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

"Checkpoint inhibitor therapies have enormous opportunity in the treatment of solid tumors, but unfortunately, many cancers develop a resistance to these therapies leaving many patients without adequate treatment options," said Mark Middleton, Departmental Head of Oncology and Professor of Experimental Medicine at the University of Oxford. "We’re constantly seeking new therapies that are capable of addressing resistance and enabling a durable response in patients with cancer. Should PORT-2 prove successful, this novel iNKT agonist therapy could potentially re-sensitize patients to checkpoint inhibitor treatment and could activate that durable immune response. It’s a very exciting new avenue for oncology research."

The IMP-MEL study is part of a comprehensive clinical development plan to evaluate Portage’s iNKT agonist therapies, PORT-2 and PORT-3. PORT-3, which is a nanoparticle co-formulation of IMM60 and a NY-ESO-1 peptide antigen, is also currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial initiated in April 2021 at Radboud University, Netherlands.

The IMP-MEL study is supported by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre. The trial is actively recruiting at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. For more information, please visit View Source #ISRCTN80472712

About iNKT agonists PORT-2 and PORT-3

PORT-2 and PORT-3 contain small molecule agonists (IMM60) of invariant natural killer T-cells (iNKT cells) developed by the University of Oxford, which play an important role in anti-tumor immune responses. iNKT cells are a distinct class of T lymphocytes and recognize lipid antigens on the surface of the tumor. Our synthetic iNKT agonists are designed to optimally engage the T-cell receptor on the iNKT and facilitate its binding to dendritic cells, resulting in the secretion of a large amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This leads to the activation and expansion of important immune system components and primes and boosts an adaptive immune attack against cancer. We see that monotherapy treatment with iNKT agonists shows a heightened immune response and better cancer control in animal models that are resistant to PD-1 antibody treatment. Combination therapy with PD-1 antibodies is synergistic with iNKT agonists and restores sensitivity to PD-1 blockade. While treatment with iNKT agonists alone shows promising preclinical activity against cancer, data suggests that when an iNKT agonist is co-packaged with tumor-specific antigens, potency is increased by up to 5x. PORT-2 is a liposomal formulation of our IMM60 iNKT agonist while PORT-3 is a co-formulation of our IMM60 iNKT agonist with an NY-ESO-1 peptide vaccine, co-packaged into a nanoparticle.

On August 5, 2021 Protara Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TARA), a clinical-stage company developing transformative therapies for the treatment of cancer and rare diseases with significant unmet needs, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021 and provided a business update (Press release, Protara Therapeutics, AUG 5, 2021, View Source [SID1234585916]).

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"We continue to make significant progress executing against our development plans for TARA-002 in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and lymphatic malformations (LMs), and we look forward to achieving multiple important milestones in the second half of this year," said Jesse Shefferman, Chief Executive Officer of Protara Therapeutics. "With the successful completion of required non-clinical studies for TARA-002, we remain on track to submit our Investigational New Drug (IND) application and initiate our Phase 1 clinical study by year-end. In addition, our Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) scale up and comparability work remain on track to be completed by year-end, and we look forward to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a clinical trial of TARA-002 in patients with LMs, a rare pediatric indication for which there are currently no U.S. FDA-approved therapies."

Recent Highlights and Upcoming Milestones

TARA-002 Comparability

The Company remains on track to complete confirmatory, large-scale GMP manufacturing comparability by year-end.
TARA-002 in NMIBC

Protara successfully completed required non-clinical IND-enabling studies to characterize local toxicity of intravesical administration of TARA-002. The Company remains on track to submit an IND application in the second half of 2021 and, subject to the FDA acceptance of the IND application, the Company plans to commence a Phase 1 trial by the end of 2021 to assess the safety and tolerability of TARA-002 in patients with NMIBC, including patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS).
TARA-002 in LMs

Following the completion of confirmatory, large-scale GMP manufacturing comparability, the Company plans to align with the FDA on the design, and subsequently initiate a clinical trial in pediatric LM patients.
IV Choline Chloride in Intestinal Failure Associated Liver Disease (IFALD)

The Company is currently executing a prevalence study in partnership with a large home health organization in the U.S. to enhance understanding of the appropriate patient population and will use this information to define the next steps for the development program.
Corporate Update

In June 2021, the Company announced the appointment of Jane Huang, M.D., to its Board of Directors. Dr. Huang is an experienced biotech executive and proven leader throughout the development lifecycle of multiple oncology therapeutics globally and currently serves as Chief Medical Officer, Hematology at BeiGene, Ltd.
Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

As of June 30, 2021, cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $145 million.

Research and development expenses for the second quarter of 2021 increased to $5.9 million from $2.5 million during the second quarter of 2020. The increased R&D expenses were primarily due to increases in manufacturing and regulatory expenses associated with TARA-002.

General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2021 increased to $6.9 million from $4.8 million during the second quarter of 2020. The increase was primarily due to increases in stock-based compensation, headcount, and costs associated with the new Company headquarters in New York, NY.

For the second quarter of 2021, Protara reported a net loss of $12.8 million, or $1.14 per share, compared with a net loss of $7.1 million, or $1.22 per share, for the second quarter of 2020. Net loss for the second quarter of 2021 included approximately $3.0 million of stock-based compensation expenses.
About TARA-002

TARA-002 is an investigational cell therapy in development for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and lymphatic malformations (LMs) for which it has been granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. TARA-002 was developed from the same master cell bank of genetically distinct group A Streptococcus pyogenes as OK-432, a broad immunopotentiator marketed as Picibanil in Japan and Taiwan by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Protara has successfully demonstrated initial manufacturing comparability between TARA-002 and OK-432.

When TARA-002 is administered, it is hypothesized that innate and adaptive immune cells within the cyst or tumor are activated and produce a strong immune cascade. Neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes infiltrate the abnormal cells and various cytokines, including interleukins IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are secreted by immune cells to induce a strong local inflammatory reaction and destroy the abnormal cells.

About Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is the 6th most common cancer in the United States, with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) representing approximately 80% of bladder cancer diagnoses. Approximately 65,000 patients are diagnosed with NMIBC in the United States each year. NMIBC is cancer found in the tissue that lines the inner surface of the bladder that has not spread into the bladder muscle.

About Lymphatic Malformations

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are rare, congenital malformations of lymphatic vessels resulting in the failure of these structures to connect or drain into the venous system. Most LMs are present in the head and neck region and are diagnosed in early childhood during the period of active lymphatic growth, with more than 50% detected at birth and 90% diagnosed before the age of 3 years. The most common morbidities and serious manifestations of the disease include compression of the upper aerodigestive tract, including airway obstruction requiring intubation and possible tracheostomy dependence; intralesional bleeding; impingement on critical structures, including nerves, vessels, lymphatics; recurrent infection, and cosmetic and other functional disabilities.

About IV Choline Chloride and Intestinal Failure-associated Liver Disease (IFALD)

IV Choline Chloride is an investigational, intravenous (IV) phospholipid substrate replacement therapy initially in development for patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) who have IFALD. Choline is a known important substrate for phospholipids that are critical for healthy liver function. Because PN patients cannot sufficiently absorb adequate levels of choline and no available PN formulations contain sufficient amounts of choline to correct this deficiency, PN patients often experience a prolonged progression to hepatic failure and death, with the only known intervention being a dual small bowel/liver transplant. If approved, IV Choline Chloride would be the first approved therapy for IFALD. It has been granted Orphan Drug Designations (ODDs) by the FDA for the treatment of IFALD and the prevention of choline deficiency in PN patients.

On August 5, 2021 Selecta Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: SELB), a biotechnology company leveraging its clinically validated ImmTOR platform to develop tolerogenic therapies that selectively mitigate unwanted immune responses, reported that it plans to host a conference call on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 and provide a business update (Press release, Selecta Biosciences, AUG 5, 2021, https://selectabio.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/selecta-biosciences-host-conference-call-and-webcast-discuss-5 [SID1234585915]).

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Individuals may participate in the live call via telephone by dialing (844) 845-4170 (domestic) or (412) 717-9621 (international) and may access a teleconference replay for one week by dialing (877) 344-7529 (domestic) or (412) 317-0088 (international) and using confirmation code 10147802. Investors and the public can access the live and archived webcast of this call and a copy of the presentation via the Investors & Media section of the company’s website, www.selectabio.com.

On August 5, 2021 Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXEL) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the company’s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for CABOMETYX (cabozantinib) as a treatment for patients 12 years and older with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) who have progressed following prior therapy and are radioactive iodine-refractory (if radioactive iodine is appropriate). The FDA granted Priority Review designation and assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of December 4, 2021 (Press release, Exelixis, AUG 5, 2021, View Source [SID1234585914]).

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"The FDA’s acceptance of our sNDA with Priority Review is an important step toward our goal of bringing CABOMETYX to patients with previously treated radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer," said Michael M. Morrissey, Ph.D., Exelixis’ President and Chief Executive Officer. "Considering the lack of a standard of care in the treatment of this cancer following anti-VEGFR therapy, the progression-free survival benefit demonstrated in the phase 3 COSMIC-311 pivotal trial means CABOMETYX, if approved, could become an important new treatment for these patients."

The sNDA is based on the results of COSMIC-311, a phase 3 pivotal trial evaluating CABOMETYX versus placebo in patients with radioactive iodine-refractory DTC who progressed after up to two prior vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-targeted therapies. At a planned interim analysis, CABOMETYX met one of the trial’s primary endpoints, demonstrating a significant improvement in progression-free survival versus placebo. In February 2021, the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to CABOMETYX as a potential treatment for patients with DTC that has progressed following prior therapy and who are radioactive iodine-refractory (if radioactive iodine is appropriate) based on these results. Detailed study findings were presented at the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and were published by The Lancet Oncology in July 2021.

About COSMIC-311

COSMIC-311 is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 pivotal trial that aimed to enroll approximately 300 patients at 150 sites globally. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either cabozantinib 60 mg or placebo once daily. The primary endpoints are progression-free survival and objective response rate. More information about this trial is available at ClinicalTrials.gov.

About Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Approximately 44,000 new cases of thyroid cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2021.1 Nearly three out of four of these cases will be in women, and the disease is more commonly diagnosed at a younger age compared to most other adult cancers.1 While cancerous thyroid tumors include differentiated, medullary and anaplastic forms, differentiated thyroid tumors make up about 90 percent of cases.1 These include papillary, follicular and Hürthle cell cancer.1 Differentiated thyroid cancer is typically treated with surgery followed by ablation of the remaining thyroid tissue with radioiodine, but approximately 5% to 15% of cases are resistant to radioiodine treatment. 2,3 For these patients, life expectancy is only three to five years from the time metastatic lesions are detected.4,5,6

About CABOMETYX (cabozantinib)

In the U.S., CABOMETYX tablets are approved for the treatment of patients with advanced RCC; for the treatment of patients with HCC who have been previously treated with sorafenib; and for patients with advanced RCC as a first-line treatment in combination with nivolumab. CABOMETYX tablets have also received regulatory approvals in the European Union and additional countries and regions worldwide. In 2016, Exelixis granted Ipsen exclusive rights for the commercialization and further clinical development of cabozantinib outside of the United States and Japan. In 2017, Exelixis granted exclusive rights to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited for the commercialization and further clinical development of cabozantinib for all future indications in Japan. Exelixis holds the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize cabozantinib in the United States.

CABOMETYX is not indicated for radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hemorrhage: Severe and fatal hemorrhages occurred with CABOMETYX. The incidence of Grade 3 to 5 hemorrhagic events was 5% in CABOMETYX patients in RCC and HCC studies. Discontinue CABOMETYX for Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhage. Do not administer CABOMETYX to patients who have a recent history of hemorrhage, including hemoptysis, hematemesis, or melena.

Perforations and Fistulas: Fistulas, including fatal cases, occurred in 1% of CABOMETYX patients. Gastrointestinal (GI) perforations, including fatal cases, occurred in 1% of CABOMETYX patients. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of fistulas and perforations, including abscess and sepsis. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who experience a Grade 4 fistula or a GI perforation.

Thrombotic Events: CABOMETYX increased the risk of thrombotic events. Venous thromboembolism occurred in 7% (including 4% pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolism in 2% of CABOMETYX patients. Fatal thrombotic events occurred in CABOMETYX patients. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop an acute myocardial infarction or serious arterial or venous thromboembolic events that require medical intervention.

Hypertension and Hypertensive Crisis: CABOMETYX can cause hypertension, including hypertensive crisis. Hypertension was reported in 36% (17% Grade 3 and <1% Grade 4) of CABOMETYX patients. Do not initiate CABOMETYX in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Monitor blood pressure regularly during CABOMETYX treatment. Withhold CABOMETYX for hypertension that is not adequately controlled with medical management; when controlled, resume at a reduced dose. Discontinue CABOMETYX for severe hypertension that cannot be controlled with anti-hypertensive therapy or for hypertensive crisis.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea occurred in 63% of CABOMETYX patients. Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 11% of CABOMETYX patients. Withhold CABOMETYX until improvement to Grade 1 and resume at a reduced dose for intolerable Grade 2 diarrhea, Grade 3 diarrhea that cannot be managed with standard antidiarrheal treatments, or Grade 4 diarrhea.

Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE): PPE occurred in 44% of CABOMETYX patients. Grade 3 PPE occurred in 13% of CABOMETYX patients. Withhold CABOMETYX until improvement to Grade 1 and resume at a reduced dose for intolerable Grade 2 PPE or Grade 3 PPE.

Hepatotoxicity: CABOMETYX in combination with nivolumab can cause hepatic toxicity with higher frequencies of Grades 3 and 4 ALT and AST elevations compared to CABOMETYX alone.

Monitor liver enzymes before initiation of and periodically throughout treatment. Consider more frequent monitoring of liver enzymes than when the drugs are administered as single agents. For elevated liver enzymes, interrupt CABOMETYX and nivolumab and consider administering corticosteroids.

With the combination of CABOMETYX and nivolumab, Grades 3 and 4 increased ALT or AST were seen in 11% of patients. ALT or AST >3 times ULN (Grade ≥2) was reported in 83 patients, of whom 23 (28%) received systemic corticosteroids; ALT or AST resolved to Grades 0-1 in 74 (89%). Among the 44 patients with Grade ≥2 increased ALT or AST who were rechallenged with either CABOMETYX (n=9) or nivolumab (n=11) as a single agent or with both (n=24), recurrence of Grade ≥2 increased ALT or AST was observed in 2 patients receiving CABOMETYX, 2 patients receiving nivolumab, and 7 patients receiving both CABOMETYX and nivolumab.

Adrenal Insufficiency: CABOMETYX in combination with nivolumab can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold CABOMETYX and/or nivolumab depending on severity.

Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 4.7% (15/320) of patients with RCC who received CABOMETYX with nivolumab, including Grade 3 (2.2%), and Grade 2 (1.9%) adverse reactions. Adrenal insufficiency led to permanent discontinuation of CABOMETYX and nivolumab in 0.9% and withholding of CABOMETYX and nivolumab in 2.8% of patients with RCC.

Approximately 80% (12/15) of patients with adrenal insufficiency received hormone replacement therapy, including systemic corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency resolved in 27% (n=4) of the 15 patients. Of the 9 patients in whom CABOMETYX with nivolumab was withheld for adrenal insufficiency, 6 reinstated treatment after symptom improvement; of these, all (n=6) received hormone replacement therapy and 2 had recurrence of adrenal insufficiency.

Proteinuria: Proteinuria was observed in 7% of CABOMETYX patients. Monitor urine protein regularly during CABOMETYX treatment. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop nephrotic syndrome.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ): ONJ occurred in <1% of CABOMETYX patients. ONJ can manifest as jaw pain, osteomyelitis, osteitis, bone erosion, tooth or periodontal infection, toothache, gingival ulceration or erosion, persistent jaw pain, or slow healing of the mouth or jaw after dental surgery. Perform an oral examination prior to CABOMETYX initiation and periodically during treatment. Advise patients regarding good oral hygiene practices. Withhold CABOMETYX for at least 3 weeks prior to scheduled dental surgery or invasive dental procedures, if possible. Withhold CABOMETYX for development of ONJ until complete resolution.

Impaired Wound Healing: Wound complications occurred with CABOMETYX. Withhold CABOMETYX for at least 3 weeks prior to elective surgery. Do not administer CABOMETYX for at least 2 weeks after major surgery and until adequate wound healing is observed. The safety of resumption of CABOMETYX after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): RPLS, a syndrome of subcortical vasogenic edema diagnosed by characteristic findings on MRI, can occur with CABOMETYX. Evaluate for RPLS in patients presenting with seizures, headache, visual disturbances, confusion, or altered mental function. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop RPLS.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: CABOMETYX can cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating CABOMETYX and advise them to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions are:

CABOMETYX as a single agent: diarrhea, fatigue, decreased appetite, PPE, nausea, hypertension, vomiting, weight decreased, constipation, and dysphonia.

CABOMETYX in combination with nivolumab: diarrhea, fatigue, hepatotoxicity, PPE, stomatitis, rash, hypertension, hypothyroidism, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, nausea, dysgeusia, abdominal pain, cough, and upper respiratory tract infection.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: If coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors cannot be avoided, reduce the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: If coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers cannot be avoided, increase the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid St. John’s wort.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during CABOMETYX treatment and for 4 months after the final dose.

Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, reduce the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid CABOMETYX in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information View Source

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

On August 5, 2021 Magenta Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGTA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel medicines to bring the curative power of stem cell transplants to more patients, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021, and recent program highlights (Press release, Magenta Therapeutics, AUG 5, 2021, View Source [SID1234585913]).

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"The Magenta team has been hard at work prioritizing the advancement of our program portfolio, now with multiple clinical trials underway, including the two Phase 2 clinical trials of MGTA-145. We plan to initiate a Phase 1/2 trial of MGTA-117 in patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), assuming we are successful in resolving the clinical hold on our Investigational New Drug (IND) Application, and we also plan to initiate a Phase 2 clinical trial of MGTA-145 plus plerixafor for mobilization and collection of stem cells in patients with sickle cell disease," said Jason Gardner, D.Phil., President and Chief Executive Officer, Magenta Therapeutics. "We remain laser-focused on developing transformative mobilization and conditioning treatments for the many patients who stand to benefit."

Business Highlights:

In Q2 2021, Magenta welcomed three additions to its Executive Team: Caren Deardorf as Chief Commercial Officer; Thomas Beetham as Chief Legal Officer; and David Nichols as Chief Technical Officer.
In May 2021, Magenta closed an $86.4 million private placement financing.
Program Highlights:

MGTA-145 Stem Cell Mobilization and Collection

Recent and Planned Activity:

Enrollment is complete for Phase 2 clinical trial in multiple myeloma. This 25-patient, investigator-initiated, Phase 2 open-label clinical trial, led by Surbhi Sidana, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at Stanford University School of Medicine, is designed to evaluate the ability of MGTA-145, in combination with plerixafor, to mobilize and collect stem cells for autologous stem cell transplant in patients with multiple myeloma.
Preliminary trial data presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, held June 4-8, 2021, showed that all patients (15/15) treated as of the data cut-off date with MGTA-145 and plerixafor met the primary endpoint of sufficient stem cell mobilization and collection for transplant. As of the cut-off date, all patients (12/12) transplanted with MGTA-145 and plerixafor successfully engrafted, and six patients had completed their day-100 follow-up with demonstrated durable engraftment.
This trial has broad and clinically representative inclusion criteria and incorporates patients that represent the general transplant-eligible population of patients with multiple myeloma.
Patients enrolled in this trial included those patients with risk factors that could impact stem cell mobilization and collection, such as myeloma-directed therapies that are known to impact stem cell collection, previous malignancy treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation, and other co-morbid conditions. As indicated previously, mobilization agents may be less effective in patients with multiple risk factors.
Final clinical data from this trial are anticipated in Q4 2021 and are expected to be presented at a scientific congress.
Enrollment is ongoing in the Phase 2 clinical trial in collaboration with the National Marrow Donor Program/Be The Match, evaluating MGTA-145, in combination with plerixafor, in the mobilization and collection of stem cells from allogeneic donors for transplant in patients with AML, acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and MDS. Initial data from this trial are expected in Q4 2021.
Initiation of a Phase 2 clinical trial in sickle cell disease in collaboration with bluebird bio is planned for Q4 2021 to evaluate the utility of MGTA-145, in combination with plerixafor, for the mobilization and collection of stem cells in patients with sickle cell disease where mobilization and collection is difficult and there is a clear unmet medical need.
MGTA-117 Targeted Conditioning

Recent and Planned Activity:

Magenta announced the receipt of a clinical hold letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) related to its IND Application filed in June 2021 to initiate a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of MGTA-117 in patients with AML and MDS.
The FDA is requiring that Magenta develop an additional bioassay to be used in conjunction with the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics model to inform dose escalation decisions in addition to safety monitoring. This was the only clinical hold item identified by the FDA and is not related to the toxicology or manufacturing of MGTA-117.
Magenta has initiated the development of the bioassay and intends to work closely with the FDA to reach resolution of the clinical hold.
Upon successful resolution of the clinical hold, Magenta anticipates starting the Phase 1/2 dose escalation study and evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MGTA-117 as a single agent with possible anti-tumor therapeutic benefit in a relapsed/refractory AML and MDS patient population. As previously disclosed, Magenta expects to work with the FDA on an ongoing basis to transition the study to targeted conditioning in the primary target population of hematopoietic stem cell transplant-eligible AML and MDS patients after adequate data related to the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MGTA-117 have been collected in the relapsed/refractory AML and MDS patient population.
As the program progresses, Magenta also plans to explore MGTA-117 as a targeted conditioning agent prior to the delivery of gene-corrected cells associated with ex vivo gene therapy.
Additional Business Update:

The company also announced today that Mike Bonney resigned from the company’s Board of Directors and its committees, effective August 3, 2021, to focus on his newly expanded role as Executive Chair of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The resignation was not the result of any disagreement with the company nor any of its affiliates on any matter relating to the company’s operations, policies or practices. In connection with Mr. Bonney’s resignation, the size of the Board was reduced from 10 members to nine members and Alison Lawton, currently a member of the Board, was appointed Chair of the Board, and Jeff Albers, also a current member of the Board, was appointed to the Board’s audit committee.

"I would like to thank Mike for his contribution to Magenta’s success through the years," commented Dr. Gardner. "We are grateful for his support and wish him the very best in the future. We are also extremely pleased to announce the expansion of Alison’s role as Chair, bringing us more than 30 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, as an executive and board member, as well as in a wide range of operational roles."

Financial Results:

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of June 30, 2021 were $207.8 million, compared to $148.8 million as of December 31, 2020. Magenta anticipates that its cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be sufficient to fund operations and capital expenditures into Q3 2023.

Research and Development Expenses: Research and development expenses were $11.1 million in Q2 2021, compared to $12.6 million in Q2 2020. The decrease was driven primarily by the completion of the GMP manufacturing activities to support the IND Application for MGTA-117 and future clinical trials.

General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $6.5 million for Q2 2021, compared to $7.4 million for Q2 2020.

Net Loss: Net loss was $16.9 million for Q2 2021, compared to net loss of $19.1 million for Q2 2020.