Fusion Antibodies RAMPs Up Collaboration Success

On October 7, 2021 Fusion Antibodies, pre-clinical antibody discovery and development experts reported that it has secured an important new contract with a US based biotechnology company (Press release, Fusion Antibodies, OCT 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234590978]).

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This is the second collaboration announcement in less than two months for Fusion Antibodies, which will see the Belfast based CRO receive a minimum of US$1.83 million of fees over the next two years.

This collaborative research and development agreement reinforces Fusion Antibodies’ position as one of the leading providers of early-stage antibody discovery and engineering services and is testament to its rapidly growing service offerings.

Dr Richard Jones, CEO of Fusion Antibodies commented:

"We are delighted to have agreed this important new contract with a key player in the biotech industry. The Agreement has very significant minimum contract value of US$1.83 million.

"Furthermore, we are especially pleased that the project will take place using our RAMPTM platform, highlighting that this technology continues to gain traction in the marketplace."

Dr Julie Gormley, Senior Commercial Director said:

"This contract is also a further demonstration of Fusion Antibodies expertise and capabilities. Through the utilisation of our own proprietary RAMPTM platform we are offering our client the opportunity to drive the discovery of novel therapeutic antibodies against tough targets, where traditional discovery efforts have previously failed.

"We are thrilled to be working with a team of impassioned scientists to provide essential solutions in relation to the research and development of several pre-determined projects and as we continue to grow and invest in our technologies and team we hope to provide such support to many more clients across the globe as our industry evolves over the next 10 to 20 years."

James Fair, Chief Financial Officer also commented:

"Under our new CEO, Dr Richard Jones, Fusion Antibodies approach is to grow the business with a strong focus on using the organisation’s strong track record. By showcasing the knowledge and expertise of our exceptional staff, along with our first-rate proprietary platforms, we are in a prime position to continue to win large, long-term contracts such as the one we have announced today. We look forward to delivering on the contract and continuing to collaborate with other such organisations."

NVL-655 Exhibits Antitumor Activity in Lorlatinib-Resistant Subcutaneous and Intracranial Models of ALK-Rearranged NSCLC

On October 7, 2021 Nuvalent Presented the Corporate Presentation(Press release, Nuvalent, OCT 7, 2021, https://www.nuvalent.com/nvl-655-exhibits-antitumor-activity-in-lorlatinib-resistant-subcutaneous-and-intracranial-models-of-alk-rearranged-nsclc/ [SID1234590976])

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Merus Presents Early Clinical Data on MCLA-158 and Preclinical Data on Zenocutuzumab at the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics

On October 7, 2021 Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) ("Merus", "the Company", "we", or "our"), a clinical-stage oncology company developing innovative, full-length multispecific antibodies (Biclonics and Triclonics), reported that clinical data on MCLA-158, including clinical responses observed in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and preclinical data on zenocutuzumab (Zeno) at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC Virtual AACR-NCI-EORTC (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC-NCI-AACR) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) (Press release, Merus, OCT 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234590973]).

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Dr. Andrew Joe, Chief Medical Officer at Merus, said, "We are encouraged by the early evidence of clinical activity of MCLA-158 in patients with advanced, previously treated HNSCC, further validating the potential of our Biclonics platform. With Zeno, our preclinical research continues to reinforce the mechanisms by which Zeno is capable of potently inhibiting the growth of NRG1 fusion cancers."

MCLA-158 (petosemtamab)
The reported data are from the ongoing phase 1 dose expansion cohort that is investigating the safety, tolerability, and anti-tumor activity of MCLA-158 monotherapy in advanced HNSCC.

Observations in the presentation include:

Enrollment of 10 patients with advanced HNSCC, as of the safety and efficacy data cutoff date of August 9, 2021, with median age of 65 (range 50-77) years, and who were treated with a median of 2 lines of prior therapy.
Seven patients were evaluable for an interim efficacy analysis by investigator assessment (three patients were enrolled <8 weeks from the cutoff date).
Three of seven patients achieved partial responses, with one achieving complete response after the data cutoff date. Tumor reduction was observed in all seven patients.
The safety profile of MCLA-158 was based on 29 patients with advanced solid tumors who were treated at 1500 mg every two weeks across the phase 1 trial.
The most frequent adverse events (AEs) were infusion related reactions; 72% any grade, 7% grade ≥ 3.
Mild to moderate skin toxicity (3% grade ≥3).
The Company is planning its next update on the MCLA-158 trial in 2022.

Zeno
Observations in the preclinical presentation include:

The bispecific HER2/HER3 antibody Zeno blocked cell growth 100 fold more potently than the bivalent HER3 antibody derived from Zeno, in an NRG1 driven growth assay.
Zeno potently blocked NRG1-fusion mediated downstream signaling and growth in vitro and in vivo.
Zeno induced both antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) mediated killing of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner.
As of September 1, 2021 more than 80 patients with NRG1 fusion cancers have been treated with Zeno monotherapy in our phase 1/2 eNRGy trial and Early Access Program. (www.nrg1.com).
About MCLA-158
MCLA-158, or petosemtamab, is an ADCC-enhanced human IgG1 Biclonics designed to bind to cancer stem cells (CSCs) expressing leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In preclinical models, MCLA-158 binding triggers EGFR degradation in LGR5+ CSCs and is designed to have two different mechanisms of action. The first entails blocking of growth and survival pathways in cancer initiating cells. The second exploits the recruitment and enhancement of immune effector cells to directly kill cancer initiating cells that persist in solid tumors and can cause relapse and metastasis.

About Zeno
Zeno is an antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC)-enhanced Biclonics that utilizes the Merus Dock & Block mechanism to inhibit the neuregulin/HER3 tumor-signaling pathway in solid tumors with NRG1 gene fusions (NRG1+). Through its unique mechanism of binding to HER2 and potently blocking the interaction of HER3 with its ligand NRG1 or NRG1-fusion proteins, Zeno has the potential to be particularly effective against NRG1+ cancers. In preclinical studies, Zeno also potently inhibits HER2/HER3 heterodimer formation and tumor growth in models harboring NRG1 fusions.

Turning Point Therapeutics Presents Updated Preliminary Clinical Data for Repotrectinib and Elzovantinib (TPX-0022) at 2021 AACR-NCI-EORTC Conference and Provides Regulatory Updates

On October 7, 2021 Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: TPTX), a precision oncology company developing next-generation therapies that target genetic drivers of cancer, reported the presentation of additional preliminary clinical data from ongoing trials for lead drug candidate repotrectinib, and elzovantinib (TPX-0022), a novel MET/SRC/CSF1R inhibitor (Press release, Turning Point Therapeutics, OCT 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234590971]). These data are being presented at the Virtual AACR-NCI-EORTC (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC-NCI-AACR) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) hosted by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) being held October 7-10.

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"We are encouraged by the updated clinical data for repotrectinib and elzovantinib, both of which have shown activity in areas of high unmet need," said Mohammad Hirmand, M.D., chief medical officer. "We continue to work toward bringing these important medicines to patients as quickly as possible."

Repotrectinib Updated Phase 2 Data from TRIDENT-1 Study from ROS1-Positive TKI-Pretreated Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cohorts (EXP-2, EXP-3, EXP-4)
The updated Phase 2 TRIDENT-1 dataset utilizes an August 26, 2021 data cutoff. The safety analysis includes 301 treated patients from the pooled Phase 1 and Phase 2 portions of TRIDENT-1 across all cohorts, and the preliminary efficacy analysis includes 72 evaluable patients from the pooled Phase 1 and Phase 2 portions of TRIDENT-1 in the ROS1-positive TKI-pretreated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cohorts (EXP-2, EXP-3, EXP-4). Phase 2 patients included in the efficacy analysis had baseline measurable disease and at least one post-baseline evaluable scan or were off treatment prior to first post-baseline scan. Responses were confirmed with a subsequent scan at least 28 days later per RECIST 1.1 and were determined by physician assessment for Phase 2 patients. Phase 1 patients included in the efficacy analysis were treated at or above the Phase 2 dose, with responses assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR). The Phase 1 data cutoff date was July 22, 2019 for responses and August 26, 2021 for duration of treatment.

The findings were reported in a pre-recorded presentation by Jessica Lin, M.D., assistant professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and attending physician at the Massachusetts General Hospital, that is available on October 7 at 9 a.m. ET on the meeting website.

Pooled Phase 1 and Phase 2 Preliminary Efficacy Analysis (n=72)

In the ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC population pretreated with one prior TKI and prior platinum-based chemotherapy (EXP-2: n=23), the confirmed Objective Response Rate (cORR) was 39% (95% CI: 20-61). Duration of response ranged from 1.8+ to 11.1 months, and the duration of treatment in the 23 patients ranged from 0.7 to 44.5+ months with five patients remaining on treatment.

In the ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC population pretreated with two prior TKIs without prior chemotherapy (EXP-3: n=10), the cORR was 30% (95% CI: 7-65). Duration of response ranged from 1.9+ to 12.9+ months, and the duration of treatment in the 10 patients ranged from 0.5 to 18.1+ months with two patients remaining on treatment.

In the ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC population pretreated with one prior TKI without prior chemotherapy (EXP-4: n=39), the cORR was 38% (95% CI: 23-55). As of the cutoff date, three patients had unconfirmed partial responses (uPRs), all of which have been confirmed since the cutoff date and are included in the cORR. The 38% cORR is an update since the pre-recorded presentation. Duration of response ranged from 0.8+ to 15.0+ months, and the duration of treatment in the 39 patients ranged from 0.5 to 19.2+ months with 21 patients remaining on treatment.

Across EXP-2, EXP-3 and EXP-4, 18 patients (25%) had a ROS1 resistance mutation detected, 15 of which had G2032R solvent front mutations (SFMs). The cORR was 50% (95% CI: 26-74) in 18 patients with any resistance mutation and 53% (95% CI: 27-79) in patients with a G2032R SFM which included two complete responses (CRs).
Preliminary Safety Analysis (n=301)

Repotrectinib was generally well tolerated.

The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) was low-grade dizziness (60%) of which 76% of reported cases were grade 1. Eleven patients (4%) reported ataxia in the absence of dizziness. No events of dizziness or ataxia led to treatment discontinuation.

Dose modifications due to TEAEs included 27% of patients who had dose reduction and 11% who had drug discontinuation.
Elzovantinib Updated Phase 1 Dose Finding Data from SHIELD-1 Study
The updated data from the Phase 1 dose finding portion of SHIELD-1 utilizes an August 23, 2021 data cutoff. Fifty-four patients were treated across seven dose levels. Patients included those with NSCLC (n=31), gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer (n=9), colorectal cancer (CRC) (n=5), and other solid tumors (n=9) harboring genetic alterations in MET. Of the 54 patients, 93% received prior chemotherapy or immunotherapy, and 72% had a baseline ECOG performance score of 1. Preliminary efficacy data were available for 46 evaluable patients with baseline measurable disease and at least one post-baseline evaluable scan. Responses were confirmed with a subsequent scan at least 28 days later per RECIST 1.1 and were determined by physician assessment.

The findings were reported in a pre-recorded presentation by David Hong, M.D., Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, that is available on October 7 at 9 a.m. ET on the meeting website.

Preliminary Safety Analysis (n=54)

Elzovantinib was generally well tolerated.

The most frequently reported TEAE was dizziness (65%) of which 94% of reported cases were grade 1 or grade 2.

Dose modifications due to TEAEs included 39% of patients who had dose reduction and 6% who had drug discontinuation.

Two dose-limiting toxicities of grade 3 vertigo and grade 2 dizziness occurred at 120 mg QD.

Peripheral edema was reported in 20% of patients and none were grade 3 or higher. No ILD/pneumonitis of any grade was reported. Additionally, no treatment related grade 3 or higher ALT/AST elevation was reported.
Preliminary Efficacy Analysis (n=46)

A total of 46 patients were evaluable for efficacy, including 32 who were MET TKI-naïve; 11 with NSCLC, nine with GC/GEJ cancer, and 12 with other solid tumors. Of the 11 NSCLC patients, five had MET exon 14 skipping, four had MET amplification, and two had MET oncogenic mutations. Of the nine GC/GEJ cancer patients, eight had MET amplification and one had MET fusion. Of the 12 patients with advanced other solid tumors, seven had MET amplification, three had MET exon 14 skipping, and two had MET fusions.

Among the 11 MET TKI-naïve NSCLC patients, four achieved confirmed responses for a cORR of 36% (95% CI: 11-69) across all dose levels. Of the four confirmed responders, one had MET exon 14 skipping, one had MET amplification with a gene copy number (GCN) of 7, and two had MET oncogenic mutations. The duration of response (DOR) range (n=4) was 1.8+ to 15+ months, with the longest duration in a MET exon 14 skipping NSCLC patient previously treated with immunotherapy, who remained in a response for 15+ months and on treatment for 18+ months.

Among the nine MET TKI-naïve GC/GEJ patients, three achieved confirmed responses for a cORR of 33% (95% CI: 7-70) across all dose levels. Of the three responders, all had MET amplification with GCNs of 12, 14 and 25. The duration of response (DOR) range (n=3) was 5.2 to 12.9+ months.

Among the 12 patients with advanced other solid tumors, one patient with MET amplified colorectal cancer with a GCN of 34 achieved a confirmed response.

14 patients were MET TKI-pretreated; 13 with NSCLC and one with liver cancer. This population was heavily pretreated with 36% having received at least five lines of prior therapy. The median number of prior therapies was three (range 1 to 6). Seven of 13 NSCLC patients achieved stable disease as their best response for a clinical benefit rate of 54%.
Regulatory Updates
Repotrectinib
At the company’s anticipated meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the first half of 2022 to discuss the topline BICR results from EXP-1 of the TRIDENT-1 study, the company also plans to discuss available BICR data in at least 50 patients from the ROS1-positive TKI-pretreated NSCLC cohorts of the study, with at least six months of follow-up for the majority of responders.

Elzovantinib
At a recent End of Phase 1 Meeting with the FDA, the company received guidance on the design of the planned Phase 2 portion of the SHIELD-1 study and feedback on the recommended Phase 2 dose. The meeting focused on the potential next steps for elzovantinib in patients with NSCLC.

In the initial feedback, the FDA indicated that the company’s Phase 2 design may be acceptable to support a future NDA submission and guided that the adequacy of the data to support accelerated approval would consider the magnitude and duration of responses in a risk-benefit analysis, and will depend on available therapies and the treatment landscape for NSCLC at the time of a potential future NDA submission.

The FDA recommended that the company explore an additional intermediate dose level using the QD titration to BID dosing strategy in at least six to 10 patients prior to starting the Phase 2 portion of the study. The company plans to enroll at least six to 10 patients at the dose level of 60 mg QD increased to 60 mg BID after 14 days in the SHIELD-1 Phase 1 to evaluate safety, tolerability and potential anti-tumor activity of elzovantinib. Based on the FDA feedback, the company plans to revise SHIELD-1 into a potentially registrational Phase 1/2 study and initiate the Phase 2 portion of SHIELD-1 in 2022 pending FDA feedback on data from the intermediate dose level.

In addition, FDA feedback on the development path for elzovantinib in gastric/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer is pending.

"We are pleased with the continued enrollment momentum within the TRIDENT-1 study and look forward to multiple discussions with the FDA regarding the ROS1 and TRK patient populations for repotrectinib in 2022," said Athena Countouriotis, M.D., president and chief executive officer. "We look forward to our next interactions with the FDA for elzovantinib and advancing the development of both programs."

Webcast/Conference Call Information
Turning Point will host a webcast and conference call on October 7 at 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT to discuss the clinical data presented at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC Conference. Athena Countouriotis, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Turning Point, will host the virtual event for investors and will be joined by Mohammad Hirmand, M.D., chief medical officer. In addition, Alexander Drilon, M.D., chief, Early Drug Development Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and David S. Hong, M.D., Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, will also be available on the call.

The event will be accessible through the "Investors" section of www.tptherapeutics.com or by dialing (877) 388-2118 (in the United States) or (470) 495-9489 (outside the U.S.) using conference ID 5967629. A replay will be available shortly after the live event through the "Investors" section of www.tptherapeutics.com.

Enveric Biosciences to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences in October 2021

On October 7, 2021 Enveric Biosciences (NASDAQ: ENVB) ("Enveric" or the "Company"), a patient-centric biotechnology company developing next-generation mental health and oncology treatments by leveraging psychedelic-derived molecules for the mind and synthetic cannabinoids for the body, reported that Dr. Joseph Tucker, Chief Executive Officer of Enveric Biosciences, will participate in two upcoming October conferences (Press release, Enveric Biosciences, OCT 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234590968]):

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A.G.P.’s Biotech & Specialty Pharma Conference to be held virtually on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.
KCSA Psychedelics Investor Conference to be held virtually at VirtualInvestorConferences.com from October 13-14, 2021. Dr. Tucker will present live on Wednesday, October 13th at 11:30 a.m. ET. Register to attend here.
For more information about the conferences, or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with Enveric’s management team, please contact your representatives directly, or send an email to A.G.P. at [email protected] or KCSA Strategic Communications at [email protected].