Kenox Pharmaceuticals announces successful completion of a pre-IND meeting with the US-FDA for its lead program KNX018 – a novel inhaled drug-device combination product as an adjunct sensitizer for radiation therapy in NSCLC patients

On December 14, 2021 Kenox Pharmaceuticals Inc, a privately owned pharmaceutical company focused on respiratory drug products, reported that it has submitted Type B Pre-Investigational New Drug (IND) meeting request with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lead program KNX018, a novel inhaled drug-device combination product as an adjunct sensitizer for radiation therapy in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) patients in October 2021 and received a positive response supporting the planned CMC, non-clinical and clinical development strategy (Press release, Kenox Pharmaceuticals, DEC 14, 2021, View Source;a-novel-inhaled-drug-device-combination-product-as-an-adjunct-sensitizer-for-radiation-therapy-in-nsclc-patie-301443308.html [SID1234597166]).

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Kenox Pharmaceuticals Inc plans to submit an Investigative New Drug Application (IND) to FDA in 2022

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths globally, about 1.8 million people die as a result of the disease each year. NSCLC is the most prevalent type, accounting for approximately 85% of all lung cancers. Depending on the stage, radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy and PD-1 is often the treatment of choice. KNX018 is being developed to act as a sensitizer to facilitate the combination therapy to obtain more favorable therapeutic outcomes.

"We are extremely pleased and appreciate FDA for thoughtful feedback, which provides a path forward for KNX018; a first-of its kind adjuvant therapy in NSCLC patients. We will continue to work with the agency to ensure all CMC and clinical requirements are fulfilled for a successful filing and approval of NDA. I’m grateful and tremendously proud of my team for the hard work, dedication, and creativity in advancing this program" said Dr. Sitaram Velaga, CEO and President of Kenox Pharmaceuticals.

I-Mab Presents Interim Clinical Data of Lemzoparlimab in Combination with Rituximab in Relapsed and Refractory Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma at ASH 2021

On December 14, 2021 I-Mab (the "Company") (Nasdaq: IMAB), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel biologics, reported interim data from an ongoing clinical trial (NCT03934814) of lemzoparlimab in combination with rituximab (Rituxan) in heavily treated patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), at the 63rd American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Press release, I-Mab Biopharma, DEC 14, 2021, View Source [SID1234597164]).

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Lemzoparlimab is a novel CD47 antibody that blocks CD47 and SIRPα interaction through a epitope designed to confer red blood cell (RBC) sparing properties. In all clinical trials conducted so far, lemzoparlimab is administered without a priming dose.

"Lemzoparlimab’s initial results show it appears to be safe and well-tolerated in combination with rituximab without the need of a priming dose," said Amitkumar Mehta, MD, Associate Professor and Director of the Lymphoma Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. "This data support further evaluation of lemzoparlimab in combination with rituximab, which is currently ongoing in study in patients with r/r DLBCL and indolent lymphoma."

The preliminary data was generated from nine patients with relapsed and refractory NHL who received at least two prior lines of therapies, with a median of four lines. Lemzoparlimab was safe and well-tolerated at doses of 20 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg weekly, without a priming dose. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached. Most treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) were manageable infusion-related reactions (n=4). Among seven efficacy-evaluable patients, four achieved complete response (CR) [1 transformed FL-DLBCL +3 FL], one partial response (PR) of FL were observed (ORR=71%); two reported stable disease (SD); and the disease control rate (DCR) is 100%. Tumor shrinkage was observed in all evaluable patients. The median time to response was 50 days and response lasted from 61 to 236 days. A high level (80% and 90%) of intra-tumoral distribution measured by IHC of tumor biopsy was reached at 20 mg/kg and 30mg/kg weekly.

"We’re encouraged by the interim results reported today. The clinical data of lemzoparlimab further builds our confidence for an innovative therapy that utilizes macrophages against tumors, said Dr. Joan Shen, Chief Executive Officer of I-Mab. "It is very exciting that lemzoparlimab is bringing new hopes to our patients, and we are accelerating its clinical development through international multi-center trials in the U.S. and China."

The ongoing study with 30 mg/kg lemzoparlimab weekly combined with rituximab is being expanded to enroll more patients with relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or indolent lymphoma.

About CD47 and Lemzoparlimab

CD47 is a cell surface protein over-expressed in a wide variety of cancers and can act to protect tumors by delivering a "don’t eat me" signal to otherwise tumor-engulfing macrophages. CD47 antibody blocks this signal and enables macrophages to attack tumor cells. However, development of CD47 antibody as a cancer therapy has been hampered by its hematologic side effects, such as severe anemia, caused by natural binding of CD47 antibody to red blood cells. Scientists at I-Mab have discovered a novel CD47 antibody, lemzoparlimab, that is designed to target tumor cells while exerting a minimal untoward effect on red blood cells.

Multiple clinical studies are ongoing in both the U.S. and China to explore indications in treating both hematologic maliglencies and solid tumors. Lemzoparlimab is being studied in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), and advanced solid tumors in combination with chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors in the U.S. and China. Combined clinical results from these studies will potentially support registrational trials later in China.

In September 2020, I-Mab and AbbVie entered into a global strategic collaboration to develop and commercialize lemzoparlimab. This includes the design and conduct of further clinical trials to evaluate lemzoparlimab in multiple cancers through global and China-specific trials. AbbVie has assumed sponsorship of the U.S. study as of April 2021.

SECURA BIO ANNOUNCES THE PRESENTATION OF NEW COPIKTRA® (duvelisib) DATA FOR THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY PERIPHERAL T-CELL LYMPHOMAS (PTCL).

On December 14, 2021 Secura Bio, Inc. (Secura Bio) – (www.securabio.com), an integrated pharmaceutical company dedicated to the worldwide development and commercialization of impactful oncology therapies, reported that new data for the treatment of relapsed or refractory(r/r) PTCL patients with COPIKTRA were presented at the 63rd annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) in Atlanta, Georgia (Press release, Secura Bio, DEC 14, 2021, View Source [SID1234597159]).

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Jonathan Brammer M.D. of The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center presented the interim analysis of the phase 2 PRIMO trial of r/r PTCL patients treated with single-agent COPIKTRA 75mg BID for the first two months followed by 25mg BID until progression or unacceptable toxicity. 78 of a planned 125 patients were included in this analysis with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The trial is ongoing, with completion expected in 2022.

The interim results include an ORR by IRC assessment of 50% (39/78 pts) and a CR of 32.1% (25/78) with a median duration of response of 233 days (range, 1-420+). Patients had a median of 3 (range, 1-7) prior therapeutic regimens and included the following PTCL subtypes: PTCL NOS (53.8%), ALCL (14.1%), AITL (26.0%) and Other (0.5%). 18% of patients remain on therapy, 47.4% discontinued due to PD, 6.4% discontinued for stem cell transplant, and 19.2% discontinued due to unacceptable toxicity.

Overall, the safety profile was consistent with previous studies; in this analysis the most frequent > Grade 3 adverse events seen were neutropenia (38.5%), ALT/AST increased (24.4%/ 21.8%), rash (7.7%), lymphocyte count decreased (7.7%), and sepsis (6.4%). ALT and/or AST elevations were the most common AEs leading to treatment discontinuations (N=12, 15.4%).

"Patients with r/r PTCL usually relapse quickly and have limited treatment options, and the data from the PRIMO trial show very promising activity and even a remarkable number of complete responses. Importantly, these responses are better than current standard of care options" said Dr. Brammer.

"We are encouraged to see such robust responses in a significant number of patients who are suffering with these aggressive forms of lymphoma" said David Cohan M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Secura Bio. "We will continue to develop COPIKTRA for the treatment of the r/r population, and we have also expanded our clinical research program to include earlier lines of therapy for various T-cell lymphomas."

The original abstract published for ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) can be viewed by clicking HERE.

About COPIKTRA (duvelisib)

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT COPIKTRA

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

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning

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

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

Relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) after at least two prior therapies.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

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

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

DRUG INTERACTIONS

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

Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed.

Ascentage Pharma Presents Latest Data from Two Studies of Bcl-2-Selective Inhibitor Lisaftoclax (APG-2575), Including a China Study Demonstrating Complete Responses

On December 14, 2021 Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK), a global biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancers, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and age-related diseases, reported that it has released the updated data from six studies of the company’s three novel drug candidates (olverembatinib, lisaftoclax [APG-2575], and pelcitoclax [APG-1252]) at the 63rd American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Press release, Ascentage Pharma, DEC 14, 2021, View Source;ascentage-pharma-presents-latest-data-from-two-studies-of-bcl-2-selective-inhibitor-lisaftoclax-apg-2575-including-a-china-study-demonstrating-complete-responses-301444265.html [SID1234597156]).

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These results include data from two clinical studies of the company’s novel Bcl-2-selective inhibitor lisaftoclax and one preclinical study of its dual Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitor pelcitoclax that were released in poster presentations at the meeting (clinical data of olverembatinib were also presented in an oral presentation and are available in a separate concurrent press release).

It is worth highlighting that the multicenter, open-label Phase I study of lisaftoclax in patients with hematologic malignancies has demonstrated favorable tolerability of lisaftoclax, without evidence of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). As of data cutoff on July 27, 2021, 9 of the 25 patients who had received at least one tumor evaluation (of 31 enrolled patients) achieved complete responses (CR) or partial responses (PR). At doses ≥ 200 mg, all 6 patients with chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) achieved objective responses, including 1 with CR and 5 with PR.

Prof. Jianxiang Wang, MD, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences’ Hematology Hospital (Institute of Hematology Research), and the principal investigator of the Phase I study of lisaftoclax in hematologic malignancies, commented: "We are very encouraged by those data from the China study of lisaftoclax, especially the responses in all patients with CLL who were treated at 200 mg or higher doses. Compared to drugs of the same class approved outside China, lisaftoclax has demonstrated at least comparable efficacy, improved safety in terms of TLS and hematologic toxicity, and the suitability for more convenient dosing. We look forward to seeing more positive clinical data and hope that lisaftoclax will eventually offer a new treatment option to patients."

Dr. Yifan Zhai, Chief Medical Officer of Ascentage Pharma, said: "For the first time, we presented data of lisaftoclax and pelcitoclax, two key drug candidates of our apoptosis-targeted pipeline, at the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. These results, following those of olverembatinib, demonstrated Ascentage Pharma’s capabilities in developing novel therapeutics for hematologic malignancies, and the widespread interest in the therapeutic utility and potential clinical advantages of these two drug candidates. These promising data presented at this year’s ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, especially the poster showing impressive potential efficacy and safety of lisaftoclax, are very encouraging indeed. As the first China-developed Bcl-2-selective inhibitor entering clinical development in China, lisaftoclax is a drug candidate with clear best-in-class potential. We will continue to accelerate the clinical development of this drug candidate in hematologic indications to allow patients in China and around the world to benefit from it as soon as possible."

These two abstracts on lisaftoclax presented at the 2021 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting are as follows:

A Phase 1 Study to Evaluate the Safety, Pharmacokinetics (PK) and Pharmacodynamics (PD) of Lisaftoclax (APG-2575), a Novel BCL-2 Inhibitor (BCL-2i), in Patients (pts) with Certain Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Hematologic Malignancies (HMs)

Format: Poster Presentation
Abstract: 3730
Session: 642. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster III
Highlights:
This Chinese, multicenter, open-label, single-agent, Phase I trial is designed to evaluate the safety (including dose-limiting toxicity [DLT] and maximum tolerated dose [MTD]), PK/PD, and preliminary efficacy of lisaftoclax in adults with R/R chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
As of July 27, 2021, 31 patients had been enrolled and treated with lisaftoclax at doses ranging from 20 to 800 mg. Patients had a median (range) of 4 (1-14) prior lines of treatment and diagnoses of CLL/SLL (n=9), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL; n=6), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL; n=3), follicular lymphoma (n=8), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n=2), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (n=1), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (n=1), or mycosis fungoides (MF; n=1). DLT, MTD, and laboratory/clinical tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) had not been observed. 600 mg was selected as the recommended Phase II dose (RP2D).
Lisaftoclax was generally well tolerated. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) reported in 28 patients were mostly grade 1 or 2. Any grade TRAEs in > 10% of patients included thrombocytopenia (34.4%), anemia (28.1%), neutropenia (21.9%), leukopenia (21.9%), diarrhea (15.6%), hyperuricemia (15.6%), hyperphosphatemia (12.5%), and hypertriglyceridemia (12.5%). Grade 3-4 TRAEs were reported in 7 patients, including thrombocytopenia (18.8%), neutropenia (12.5%), leukopenia (9.4%), and anemia (6.3%). Serious TRAEs occurred in 1 patient and included anemia and thrombocytopenia (3.1% each).
Among the 25 patients who had received at least one tumor evaluation, 9 achieved CR or PR, with a median time to response of 2 cycles. The highest response rates were seen in patients with CLL/SLL (66.7%). Overall Response was observed in all 6 patients with CLL received lisaftoclax at doses ≥ 200 mg, including 1 CR and 5 PR. 2 (66.7%) patients with MZL and 1 (25%) with MCL had achieved PR. In 1 patient with MF, skin tumor shrinkage was observed after 1 lisaftoclax treatment cycle. Favorable absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) profiles included reductions at lisaftoclax doses as low as 100 mg/day.
The preliminary PK profile showed that exposures increased with lisaftoclax doses from 20 to 800 mg, with an average half-life of 4 to 6 hours. On BH3 profiling, lisaftoclax rapidly triggered changes in BCL-2 complex in patients with CLL/SLL, which were consistent with rapid clinical reductions in ALCs.
Conclusions: Orally-administered Lisaftoclax was well tolerated up to 800 mg/day. No TLS was observed, even in high TLS-risk patients who received the rapid daily ramp-up until the recommended treatment dose. Compared to venetoclax, lisaftoclax did not show any significant new or unmanageable TRAE. Therefore, lisaftoclax has the potential has a safe and effective treatment for patients with R/R HMs.
Trial in Progress: Phase 1b Study of Lisaftoclax (APG-2575) As a Single Agent or Combined with Other Therapeutic Agents in Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (R/R CLL/SLL)

Format: Poster Presentation
Abstract: 1554
Session: 642. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster I
Highlights:
This is a global, open-label, multicenter, two-part Phase Ib dose escalation and dose expansion study designed to assess the safety and tolerability of lisaftoclax monotherapy (Part 1) and the lisaftoclax combination therapy (Part 2).
In a standard "3+3" dose escalation design (Part 1), lisaftoclax is being administered orally once daily in a 28-day cycle. Evaluated doses included 400, 600, and 800mg. To lower the risk of TLS, lisaftoclax was administered with a daily dose ramp-up.
Part 2 includes a further standard 3+3 dose escalation of lisaftoclax combined with rituximab, or acalabrutinib (in separate cohorts), with a further planned dose expansion at RP2D of these combination regimens.
As of July 19, 2021, 71 patients have been enrolled (of 144 planned).
The abstract on pelcitoclax presented at the 2021 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting is as follows:

Antitumor Activity of Dual BCL-2/BCL-Xl Inhibitor Pelcitoclax (APG-1252) in Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma (NK/TCL)

Format: Poster Presentation
Abstract: 2062
Session: 203. Lymphocytes and Acquired or Congenital Immunodeficiency Disorders: Poster II
Highlights:
This study evaluated the potential antitumor effect of pelcitoclax in preclinical models of NK/TCL. Cell-based antiproliferation studies showed activity of pelcitoclax and its more potent metabolite APG-1252-M1 toward NK/TCL cell lines that overexpressed BCL-xL. Half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC) for pelcitoclax in SNK-1, SNK-6, and SNK-8 (EBV-positive NK/TCL) cell lines were 2.652 ± 2.606 μM, 1.568 ± 1.109 μM, and 0.557 ± 0.383μM, respectively. Corresponding values for APG-1252-M1 were 0.133 ± 0.056 μM, 0.064 ±0.014 μM, and 0.020 ± 0.008 μM, respectively.
Mechanistic studies demonstrated that pelcitoclax and the APG-1252-M1 metabolite disrupted the complex of BCL-xL/BCL-2-associated X protein (Bax) and BCL-xL/BCL-2 homologous antagonist killer protein (Bak) in SNK-6 cells, thereby liberating these proapoptotic proteins and further activating downstream apoptosis pathways by cleaving poly-ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and caspase-3. In an SNK-6xenograft model, administration of pelcitoclax at 65 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg either twice or once weekly resulted in significant antitumor effects, with tumor growth rate (T/C%) values ranging from 13.7% to 30.7%.
Furthermore, the combination of pelcitoclax with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor chidamide or DDGP (dexamethasone, cisplatin, gemcitabine, and pegaspargase) chemotherapy demonstrated synergistic effects. Pharmacokinetic assessment in mice showed that pelcitoclax had a long half-life in plasma (127 hours) and tumor tissues (25.2hours), justifying intermittent dosing schedules used in vivo. Importantly, the transformation of pelcitoclax to APG-1252-M1 was 16 times higher in tumor tissues compared to plasma (22% vs. 1.3%) after administration of pelcitoclax, thereby suggesting that pelcitoclax can reduce platelet toxicity caused by APG-1252-M1 in plasma.
Conclusion: Pelcitoclax has promising antitumor effects in NK/TCL, either as a single agent or in combination with an HDAC inhibitor or chemotherapy. These findings provide evidence to further evaluate APG-1252 as a potential treatment for NK/TCL.

Ascentage Pharma Releases Long-Term Clinical Data of Olverembatinib (HQP1351) in Oral Presentation Demonstrating Efficacy and Safety

On December 14, 2021 Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK), a global biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancers, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and age-related diseases, reported that it has released the updated data from three clinical studies of the company’s novel drug candidate, olverembatinib, at the 63rd American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Press release, Ascentage Pharma, DEC 14, 2021, View Source;ascentage-pharma-releases-long-term-clinical-data-of-olverembatinib-hqp1351-in-oral-presentation-demonstrating-efficacy-and-safety-301444263.html [SID1234597155]). Prof. Qian Jiang, MD, and Prof. Xiaojun Huang, MD, from the Hematology Department of Peking University People’s Hospital are the principal investigators of these studies, of which one study was reported by Prof. Jiang in an oral presentation. This is the fourth consecutive year in which studies of olverembatinib were selected for oral presentation by the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, demonstrating strong recognition of the drug candidate’s promising efficacy and safety by the international hematology community.

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Olverembatinib is a novel drug developed by Ascentage Pharma and recently received approval in November 2021 in China for the treatment of adult patients with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-resistant chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP) or accelerated-phase CML (CML-AP) harboring the T315I mutation, thus making olverembatinib the first China-approved third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor targeting drug-resistant CML.

The ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting is one of the largest gatherings of the international hematology field, bringing together the latest and most cutting-edge research and other scientific and clinical developments in hematology. This year, abstracts from six studies of the company’s drug candidates (olverembatinib, lisaftoclax [APG-2575], and pelcitoclax [APG-1252]) were selected for presentations at the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (information on those abstracts about lisaftoclax and pelcitoclax are available in a separate press release published in parallel).

Prof. Qian Jiang commented: "This year, we reported the long-term follow-up data (with a median duration of follow-up of 39 months) that further validated olverembatinib’s promising tolerability and potent and durable efficacy, signifying the drug’s best-in-class potential. In addition, we reported compelling data from the CC201 and CC202 study in patients with drug-resistant CML harboring the T315I mutation. These two studies have provided clinical evidence that enabled the marketing authorization for olverembatinib that brought about a clinical breakthrough for patients with drug-resistant CML harboring the T315I mutation in China. We hope this novel therapy will soon benefit more patients in need."

"We are very excited about the approval of olverembatinib in China, announced just prior to this year’s ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. This year marks the fourth year in which the clinical progress of this drug candidate was selected for oral presentation at the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, a strong indication of the international hematology community’s recognition of olverembatinib’s therapeutic potential," said Dr. Yifan Zhai, Chief Medical Officer of Ascentage Pharma. "It is worth pointing out that this year, we announced olverembatinib’s five-year data from 2016 and 2021 which demonstrated efficacy and safety. As China’s first and the world’s second third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor, olverembatinib offers a novel therapy with clear efficacy and improved safety to patients with CML. We hope olverembatinib will soon be made available outside China to patients with drug-resistant CML around the world."

These abstracts on olverembatinib presented at the 2021 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting are as follows:

Updated Safety and Efficacy Results of Phase 1 Study of Olverembatinib (HQP1351), a Novel Third-Generation BCR-ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI), in Patients with TKI-Resistant Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Format: Oral Presentation
Abstract: 311
Session: 632. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Clinical and Epidemiological: Mechanisms of resistance and expanded therapies
Highlights
– This Chinese, open-label, multicenter, Phase I trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of olverembatinib in adults with CML-CP or CML-AP. Eligible patients had CML-CP or CML-AP resistant or intolerant to first- and second-generation TKIs. Olverembatinib was orally administered once every other day (QOD) in 28-day cycles and at 11 dose cohorts ranging from 1 to 60 mg. This study reports data on patients with long-term follow-up.
– From October 26, 2016, through September 27, 2021 (data cutoff), 101 patients with CML-CP (n=86) or CML-AP (n=15) were enrolled and treated with olverembatinib. 71 (70.3%) of those patients were male, at a median age of 40 (20-64) years, and the median (range) interval from diagnosis to initial olverembatinib treatment was 6.0 (0.3-15.2) years. In all, 84 (83.2%) patients received ≥ 2 prior lines of TKI-therapies, and 63 (62.4%) harbored the T315I mutation. At baseline, compound mutations were detected in 11 (10.9%) patients, of whom 7 (63.6%) had the BCR-ABL1T315I genotype. A total of 20 (19.8%) patients had 2 (n=13) or ≥ 3 (n=7) mutations. The median follow-up was 39 (1.2-58.6) months. As of the data cut-off date, 77 (77%) of 101 patients continued on the treatment, 24 patients discontinued the treatment of which 9 (9%) discontinued due to disease progression, 6 (6%) due to adverse events (AEs), 4 (4%) due to investigator-confirmed treatment failure, 4 (4%) due to withdrawal, and 1 (1%) case of death.
– Of evaluable patients with CML-CP who did not show any response at baseline, 100% had complete hematologic responses (CHR), 70% had complete cytogenetic responses (CCyR), and 55% had major molecular responses (MMR).

– Among evaluable patients with CML-CP who only harbored the T315I mutation, 100% had CHR, 90% had MCyR, 84% had CCyR, 78% had MMR, 68% had MMR 4.0, and 58% had MR 4.5.
– Among evaluable patients with CML-CP harboring the T315I and compound mutations, 100% had CHR, 64% had MCyR, 55% had CCyR, 58% had MMR, and 25% each for MMR 4.0 and MR 4.5.
– Among evaluable patients with CML-CP harboring other mutations, 100% had CHR, 89% had MCyR, 67% had CCyR, 64% had MMR, 46% had MMR 4.0, and 27% had MR 4.5.
– Among evaluable patients with CML-CP who did not harbor any mutation, 100% had CHR, 64% had MCyR, 55% had CCyR, 9% had MMR, and 5% had MMR 4.0.

– Of evaluable patients with CML-AP who did not show any response at baseline, 92% had CHR, and 43% had each CCyR and MMR.

– Among evaluable patients with CML-AP who only harbored the T315I mutation, 67% had CHR, 60% had each CCyR, MMR, and MMR 4.0, and 40% had MR 4.5.
– Among evaluable patients with CML-AP who harbored the T315I and other compound mutations, 100% had CHR, 60% had each CCyR, MMR, MMR 4.0 and MR 4.5.
– Among evaluable patients with CML-AP who harbored other mutations, 100% had CHR, and none had achieved CCyR or MR.
– Among evaluable patients with CML-AP who did not harbor any mutation, 100% had CHR, and none had achieved CCyR or MR.

– As of the data cut-off date, the progression-free survival (PFS) rates in patients with CML-CP and CML-AP were 92.7% (84.5%-96.7%) and 56.3% (27.2%-77.6%), and the overall survival (OS) rates were 94.1% (86.4%) and 71.4% (40.6%-88.2%), respectively.
– Olverembatinib demonstrated favorable tolerability and durable antitumor activity in patients with CML, including those with the T315I and compound mutations. Responses were durable and unaffected by baseline BCR-ABL1 mutational status.
– Most treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) were grade 1 or 2.

– The most common nonhematologic AE (mostly grade 1 or 2) was skin hyperpigmentation (86.1%). Grade ≥ 3 nonhematologic AEs included hypertriglyceridemia (10.9%), pyrexia (6.9%), and proteinuria (5.0%).
– The most common hematologic TRAEs included thrombocytopenia (77.2), of which 51.5% were grade ≥ 3; leukopenia (23%), of which 21% were grade ≥ 3; and anemia (46%), of which 17% were grade ≥ 3.

All patients who experienced these AEs have recovered after temporary discontinuation, dose adjustments or intervention treatments.

– Conclusions: Olverembatinib was well-tolerated and exhibited durable and potent activity in patients TKI-resistant CML-CP or CML-AP.

Updated Results of Pivotal Phase 2 Trials of Olverembatinib (HQP1351) in Patients (Pts) with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI)-Resistant BCR-ABL1T315I-Mutated Chronic- and Accelerated-Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML-CP and CML-AP)

Format: Poster Presentation
Abstract: 3598
Session: 632. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster III
Highlights:
– HQP1351-CC201 and HQP1351-CC202 are Chinese open, single-arm, multicenter pivotal Phase II trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of olverembatinib in adults with TKI-resistant (BCR-ABL1T315I-mutated) CML-CP and CML-CP, respectively. Olverembatinib was administered at 40 mg orally QOD for 28-day cycles.
– As of the data cutoff on September 30, 2021, HQP1351-CC201 had enrolled 41 patients with CML-CP, of whom 32 (78%) completed ≥ 12 cycles. After ≥ 12 treatment cycles in patients without responses at baseline, 100% patients experienced CHR; 81 % MCyR; 68% CCyR; and 56% MMR. As of the data cutoff date, the PFS and OS rates in patients with CML-CP were 91.9% (76.9%-97.3%) and 95% (81.5%-98.7%), respectively.
– As of the data cutoff on September 30, 2021, HQP1351-CC202 had enrolled 23 patients with CML-CP, of whom 14 (61%) had completed≥ 12 cycles. After ≥ 12 treatment cycles in patients without responses at baseline, 74% experienced major hematologic responses (MaHR); 70% CHR; 52% MCyR; 52% CCyR; and 48% MMR. As of the data cutoff date, the PFS and OS rates in patients with CML-AP were 61.8% (37.6%-78.9%) and 69.1% (45.8%-83.9%), respectively.
– In HQP1351-CC201, the most frequent grade 3-4 TRAE was thrombocytopenia (48.8%), and no treatment-related deaths occurred.
– In HQP1351-CC202, the most frequent grade 3-4 TRAE was thrombocytopenia (56.5%).
– Conclusions: Olverembatinib was efficacious and well tolerated when administered as monotherapy in patients with TKI-resistant CML-CP or CML-AP and the BCR-ABL1T315I mutation.

Trial in Progress: Phase 1b Bridging Study of the Pharmacokinetic (PK), Safety, and Efficacy of Orally Administered Olverembatinib (HQP1351) in Patients with Refractory Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Ph+ ALL)

Format: Poster Presentation
Abstract: 2551
Session: 632. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster II
Highlights
– This open-label bridging trial in the US is evaluating the PK, efficacy, and safety of olverembatinib administered orally QOD in adults who have CML-CP, CML-AP or blast-phase CML (CML-BP) and Ph+ ALL.
– This study is currently recruiting patients, with enrolled individuals being allocated to three dose cohorts: 30, 40, or 50 mg QOD orally. Endpoints of this study include PK, antitumor activity, and safety.