New Research Data Across DXd ADC Portfolio at WCLC Showcases Daiichi Sankyo’s Continued Commitment in Lung Cancer

On January 13, 2021 Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) reported that it will present new research data across its DXd ADC portfolio including ENHERTU (trastuzumab deruxtecan), datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd; DS-1062) and patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd) at the 2020 World Conference on Lung Cancer (#WCLC20) virtual conference to be held January 28-31, 2021 (Press release, Daiichi Sankyo, JAN 13, 2021, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210113005252/en/New-Research-Data-Across-DXd-ADC-Portfolio-at-WCLC-Showcases-Daiichi-Sankyo%E2%80%99s-Continued-Commitment-in-Lung-Cancer [SID1234573972]).

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Interim results from the pivotal phase 2 DESTINY-Lung01 trial of ENHERTU, a HER2 directed ADC, from the HER2 overexpressing metastatic NSCLC cohort will be featured as a late-breaking oral presentation. Encore results from the HER2 mutant metastatic NSCLC cohort of DESTINY-Lung01, which were previously presented at the 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) virtual meeting, will also be presented.

Updated research data from the NSCLC cohort of the TROPION-PanTumor01 study of datopotamab deruxtecan, a TROP2 directed ADC, will be presented, highlighting data that includes additional patients in both the dose escalation and dose expansion parts of the study. A new biomarker analysis from an ongoing phase 1 study of patritumab deruxtecan, a HER3 directed ADC, will provide initial observations of HER3 expression and its association with prior treatment in patients with previously treated metastatic or locally advanced epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated (EGFR mutated) NSCLC. Encore clinical results from the phase 1 study, which were previously presented at the 2020 European Society of Clinical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) virtual meeting, will also be presented.

"We look forward to presenting new research data from our DXd ADC portfolio, which offer an updated view into the clinical activity of these potential medicines for patients with various types of advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer," said Antoine Yver, MD, MSc, EVP and Global Head, Oncology Research and Development, Daiichi Sankyo. "These clinical and translational findings further expand our understanding of the activity and inform clinical development of our DXd ADCs and showcase our commitment to develop durable treatment options for patients with cancer."

Trial-in-progress updates from the phase 1b study of ENHERTU in combination with pembrolizumab, HERTHENA-Lung01, a phase 2 study of patritumab deruxtecan in patients with previously treated metastatic or locally advanced EGFR mutated NSCLC, and a phase 1 study of patritumab deruxtecan in combination with osimertinib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR mutant NSCLC will also be presented.

Following is an overview of research data from Daiichi Sankyo’s DXd ADC portfolio to be presented at WCLC:

WCLC Abstract

Presentation Details

ENHERTU (HER2 ADC)

Trastuzumab deruxtecan in HER2 overexpressing metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: interim results of DESTINY-Lung01

Oral Presentation (OA04.05)

Nakagawa, et al. New Data from Rare EGFR Alterations;

Friday, January 29, 2021 at 11:45 a.m. SGT/Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 10:45 p.m. EST

Trastuzumab deruxtecan in HER2 mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer; interim results of DESTINY-Lung01 (ENCORE)

Mini-Oral Presentation (MA11.03)

Smit, et al. Expanding Targetable Genetic Alterations in NSCLC;

Sunday, January 31, 2021 at 2:15 p.m. SGT/1:15 a.m. EST

Trastuzumab deruxtecan plus pembrolizumab in advanced/metastatic breast or non-small cell lung cancer: a phase 1b study (TiP ENCORE)

Poster Presentation (P01.02)

Borghaei, et al. Antibody Drug Conjugates, Novel Therapeutics and Cytotoxics;

Thursday, January 28, 2021; available virtually

Datopotamab Deruxtecan (TROP2 ADC)

Updated results from the phase 1 study of DS-1062, a TROP2 antibody drug conjugate (ADC), in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Oral Presentation (OA03.03)

Spira, et al. Promising Antibody Drug Conjugate and Cytotoxic Therapy in NSCLC;

Friday, January 29, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. SGT/Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 9:30 p.m. EST

Patritumab Deruxtecan (HER3 ADC)

Efficacy and safety of patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd; U3-1402) in patients (Pts) with EGFR-mutant (EGFRm) NSCLC (ENCORE)

Oral Presentation (OA03.04)

Yu, et al. Promising Antibody Drug Conjugate and Cytotoxic Therapy in NSCLC

Friday, January 29, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. SGT/Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 9:30 p.m. EST

Dynamics of molecular markers in EGFR mutated NSCLC patients treated with patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd; U3-1402)

Poster Presentation (P01.04)

Jänne, et al. Antibody Drug Conjugates, Novel Therapeutics and Cytotoxics;

Thursday, January 28, 2021; available virtually

HERTHENA-Lung01: A randomized phase 2 study of patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd; U3-1402) in previously treated metastatic EGFR mutated NSCLC (TiP)

Poster Presentation (P01.01)

Jänne, et al. Antibody Drug Conjugates, Novel Therapeutics and Cytotoxics;

Thursday, January 28, 2021; available virtually

Phase 1 study of patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd; U3-1402) in combination with osimertinib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR mutant NSCLC (TiP)

Poster Presentation (P01.03)

Jänne, et al. Antibody Drug Conjugates, Novel Therapeutics and Cytotoxics;

Thursday, January 28, 2021; available virtually

About the DXd ADC Portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo
The DXd ADC portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo currently consists of seven antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) of which five are currently in clinical development across multiple types of cancer. These include ENHERTU (T-DXd; DS-8201), a HER2 directed ADC, and datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd; DS-1062), a TROP2 directed ADC, which are being jointly developed and commercialized globally with AstraZeneca; patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd), a HER3 directed ADC; and DS-7300, a B7-H3 directed ADC; and DS-6157, a GPR20 directed ADC, which are being developed through a strategic research collaboration with Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute.

Each ADC is engineered using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary and portable DXd ADC technology to target and deliver chemotherapy inside cancer cells that express a specific cell surface antigen. Each ADC consists of a monoclonal antibody attached to a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload, an exatecan derivative, via a stable tetrapeptide-based cleavable linker.

About ENHERTU
ENHERTU (trastuzumab deruxtecan; fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki in the U.S. only) (5.4 mg/kg) is approved in the U.S. under accelerated approval and Japan for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2 based regimens in the metastatic setting based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast01 trial and has been recommended for conditional marketing authorization in the European Union as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2 based regimens. ENHERTU is approved in the U.S. with Boxed WARNINGS for Interstitial Lung Disease and Embryo-Fetal Toxicity.

ENHERTU (6.4 mg/kg) is also approved in Japan for the treatment of patients with HER2 positive unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric cancer that has progressed after chemotherapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Gastric01 trial. ENHERTU has not been approved in the EU, or countries outside of the U.S. and Japan for any indication.

About the ENHERTU Clinical Development Program
A comprehensive development program is underway globally with nine pivotal trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU monotherapy across multiple HER2 targetable cancers including breast, gastric and lung cancers. Trials in combination with other anticancer treatments, such as immunotherapy, are also underway.

In October 2020, ENHERTU was granted Priority Review from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with HER2 positive metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. In May 2020, ENHERTU received a Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) and Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for gastric cancer, including GEJ adenocarcinoma.

In May 2020, ENHERTU also received a BTD for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have a HER2 mutation and with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy.

ENHERTU, datopotamab deruxtecan and patritumab deruxtecan are investigational agents globally for various indications. Datopotamab deruxtecan and patritumab deruxtecan are investigational agents that have not been approved for any indication in any country. The profile of clinical safety and efficacy for datopotamab deruxtecan and patritumab deruxtecan has not been established.

About the Datopotamab Deruxtecan Clinical Development Program
Datopotamab deruxtecan is currently being evaluated in a broad and comprehensive development program, including TROPION-Lung01, a phase 3 study in patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC without actionable genomic alterations, TROPION-Lung05, a phase 2 study in patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC with actionable genomic alterations previously treated with a kinase inhibitor and platinum chemotherapy, TROPION-Lung02, a phase 1b study in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC without actionable genomic alterations and previously treated with platinum-based chemotherapy with or without prior immunotherapy, TROPION-Lung04, a phase 1b study in combination with durvalumab in patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC without actionable genomic alterations and previously treated with platinum-based chemotherapy with or without prior immunotherapy, and TROPION-PanTumor01, a phase 1 study in patients with advanced solid tumors that have progressed on standard treatments or for whom no standard treatment is available, which has completed enrollment of patients into a unresectable advanced NSCLC cohort and is currently enrolling patients into a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cohort.

About the Patritumab Deruxtecan Clinical Development Program
Patritumab deruxtecan is currently being evaluated in a phase 2 study in patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer who are resistant, refractory, or intolerant to at least two prior lines of systemic therapy, a phase 1/2 study in patients with HER3 expressing metastatic breast cancer, a phase 1 study in previously treated patients with metastatic or unresectable NSCLC, and a phase 1 study in combination with osimertinib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR mutant NSCLC.

U.S. FDA-Approved Indication for ENHERTU
ENHERTU is a HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens in the metastatic setting.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

WARNING: INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis, including fatal cases, have been reported with ENHERTU. Monitor for and promptly investigate signs and symptoms including cough, dyspnea, fever, and other new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in all patients with Grade 2 or higher ILD/pneumonitis. Advise patients of the risk and to immediately report symptoms.
Exposure to ENHERTU during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception.
Contraindications
None.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Interstitial Lung Disease / Pneumonitis
Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. In clinical studies, of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU, ILD occurred in 9% of patients. Fatal outcomes due to ILD and/or pneumonitis occurred in 2.6% of patients treated with ENHERTU. Median time to first onset was 4.1 months (range: 1.2 to 8.3).

Advise patients to immediately report cough, dyspnea, fever, and/or any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ILD. Promptly investigate evidence of ILD. Evaluate patients with suspected ILD by radiographic imaging. Consider consultation with a pulmonologist. For asymptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 1), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 0, then if resolved in ≤28 days from date of onset, maintain dose. If resolved in >28 days from date of onset, reduce dose one level. Consider corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥0.5 mg/kg prednisolone or equivalent). For symptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2 or greater), permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Promptly initiate corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥1 mg/kg prednisolone or equivalent). Upon improvement, follow by gradual taper (e.g., 4 weeks).

Neutropenia
Severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 30% of patients and 16% had Grade 3 or 4 events. Median time to first onset was 1.4 months (range: 0.3 to 18.2). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 1.7% of patients.

Monitor complete blood counts prior to initiation of ENHERTU and prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. Based on the severity of neutropenia, ENHERTU may require dose interruption or reduction. For Grade 3 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count [ANC] <1.0 to 0.5 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less. Reduce dose by one level. For febrile neutropenia (ANC <1.0 x 109/L and temperature >38.3ºC or a sustained temperature of ≥38ºC for more than 1 hour), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved. Reduce dose by one level.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Patients treated with ENHERTU may be at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including ENHERTU. In the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU, two cases (0.9%) of asymptomatic LVEF decrease were reported. Treatment with ENHERTU has not been studied in patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease or LVEF <50% prior to initiation of treatment.

Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ENHERTU and at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. Manage LVEF decrease through treatment interruption. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU if LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed. When LVEF is >45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, continue treatment with ENHERTU. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is <10%, continue treatment with ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF has not recovered to within 10% from baseline, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. If LVEF recovers to within 10% from baseline, resume treatment with ENHERTU at the same dose. When LVEF is <40% or absolute decrease from baseline is >20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ENHERTU. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

Adverse Reactions
The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in a pooled analysis of 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received at least one dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Breast01 and Study DS8201-A-J101. ENHERTU was administered by intravenous infusion once every three weeks. The median duration of treatment was 7 months (range: 0.7 to 31).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 20% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, vomiting, nausea, cellulitis, hypokalemia, and intestinal obstruction. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 4.3% of patients including interstitial lung disease (2.6%), and the following events occurred in one patient each (0.4%): acute hepatic failure/acute kidney injury, general physical health deterioration, pneumonia, and hemorrhagic shock.

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 9% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, nausea, and ILD. Dose reductions occurred in 18% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were fatigue, nausea, and neutropenia.

The most common adverse reactions (frequency ≥20%) were nausea (79%), fatigue (59%), vomiting (47%), alopecia (46%), constipation (35%), decreased appetite (32%), anemia (31%), neutropenia (29%), diarrhea (29%), leukopenia (22%), cough (20%), and thrombocytopenia (20%).

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU.
Lactation: There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. Contraception: Females: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 7 months following the last dose. Males: Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months following the last dose. Infertility: ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility.
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use: Of the 234 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 26% were ≥65 years and 5% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged ≥65 years (53%) as compared to younger patients (42%).
Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, due to potentially increased exposure, closely monitor for increased toxicities related to the topoisomerase inhibitor.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. at 1-877-437-7763 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide.

About Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise
The mission of Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise is to leverage our world-class, innovative science and push beyond traditional thinking to create meaningful treatments for patients with cancer. We are dedicated to transforming science into value for patients, and this sense of obligation informs everything we do. Anchored by our DXd antibody drug conjugate (ADC) technology, our powerful research engines include biologics, medicinal chemistry, modality and other research laboratories in Japan, and Plexxikon Inc., our small molecule structure-guided R&D center in Berkeley, CA. For more information, please visit: www.DSCancerEnterprise.com.

KSQ Therapeutics and Takeda Enter Broad Strategic Collaboration to Research, Develop and Commercialize Novel Immuno-Oncology Therapies

On January 13, 2021 KSQ Therapeutics, a biotechnology company using its proprietary CRISPRomics discovery platform to systematically screen the whole genome to identify optimal gene targets for oncology and autoimmune disease, reported that it has entered into a broad strategic collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited ("Takeda") to research, develop and commercialize novel immune-based therapies for cancer (Press release, KSQ Therapeutics, JAN 13, 2021, View Source [SID1234573971]). Under the agreement, KSQ has granted Takeda an exclusive, worldwide, royalty-bearing license to develop, manufacture and commercialize cell and non-cell therapy products that modulate targets identified using KSQ’s CRISPRomics technology. The deal includes two T-cell targets previously identified and validated by KSQ, with the potential to introduce two additional T-cell targets to the collaboration. The companies will also collaborate to discover and develop therapeutics that modulate natural killer (NK) cell targets to be identified through the collaboration.

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"KSQ’s CRISPRomics discovery platform is a powerful technology to help us identify novel targets in line with our immuno-oncology strategy," said Loïc Vincent, Head, Oncology Drug Discovery Unit and Immunology Unit at Takeda. "The T-cell and NK-cell target discovery approach complements our portfolio aimed at turning cold tumors hot and redirecting the innate immune system to elicit a sustained and durable immune response against tumors. Working alongside KSQ will facilitate smart drug discovery and development of what we hope will be transformative new therapies for patients with intractable forms of cancer."

"Takeda’s approach to and leadership in oncology R&D are an excellent match to our platform capabilities and we are delighted to work with them in two promising new areas of immuno-oncology," said John Trzupek, Chief Business Officer, KSQ. "We have demonstrated with our recent positive preclinical data on our lead targeted oncology program KSQ-4279, the differentiated ability of our discovery platform to identify and de-risk high-value, novel oncology targets. We look forward to bringing these same insights in immuno-oncology to Takeda to advance together potentially valuable new medicines for patients with cancer."

Under the terms of the agreement, upfront and potential preclinical milestones have the potential to exceed $100 million. In addition, KSQ will be eligible for additional option payments along with development and commercialization milestone payments. Depending on the target, these option and milestone payments can reach up to more than $400 million per program. KSQ is also eligible to receive tiered royalties on net sales of each approved product. KSQ and Takeda can collaborate on IND-enabling activities, with clinical development led by Takeda to explore multiple modalities. Takeda will assume responsibility for funding all development and commercialization activities. KSQ will have the option to participate in cost/profit sharing on one of the two products based on the T-cell targets previously identified and validated by KSQ, in the U.S. and retain royalties on all ex-U.S. sales for that product.

"KSQ gathered significant momentum during the past six months. We have continued to advance our wholly-owned lead programs, KSQ-4279 and KSQ-001, with an IND filing for KSQ-4279 planned for this year. This foundational strategic alliance with Takeda builds on our CRISPRomics platform and deep expertise in immuno-oncology, which will enable us to continue to discover and develop important therapeutics for cancer patients," said Theo Melas-Kyriazi, Chairman of the Board. "As we look to 2021, we expect to continue our progress in advancing these programs and to opportunistically seek partnerships to leverage our broad platform capabilities where it makes sense to do so."

Sesen Bio and Qilu Pharmaceutical Announce IND Application for Vicineum™ Accepted for Review by the National Medical Products Administration in China

On January 13, 2021 Sesen Bio (Nasdaq: SESN), a late-stage clinical company developing targeted fusion protein therapeutics for the treatment of patients with cancer, reported that the Investigational New Drug (IND) application submitted to the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) by the Company’s partner in China, Qilu Pharmaceutical, was accepted for review. (Press release, Sesen Bio, JAN 13, 2021, View Source [SID1234573970]) If the IND is approved, Qilu will be authorized to conduct the proposed clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of VicineumTM in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in Greater China. The Company’s lead program, Vicineum, also known as VB4-845, is currently in the follow-up stage of a Phase 3 registration trial in the United States (US) for the treatment of high-risk, bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive NMIBC. In December 2020, the Company completed the Biologics License Application (BLA) submission for Vicineum to the FDA.

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"The IND submission and acceptance for review by the NMPA for Vicineum in China is a significant milestone for Sesen Bio and our mission of saving and improving the lives of patients with cancer around the world. This accomplishment further highlights the productive collaboration we have with our partner Qilu Pharmaceutical" said Dr. Thomas Cannell, president and chief executive officer of Sesen Bio. "Vicineum is a highly differentiated and potentially best-in-class therapeutic for the treatment of NMIBC. Given the positive Phase 3 trial results achieved in the US and the highly experienced clinical oncology team at Qilu Pharmaceutical, we are optimistic on the prospects for a successful trial. We look forward to continuing to work with Qilu Pharmaceutical and the NMPA to develop and commercialize Vicineum in China."

The proposed open-label, single-arm, multi-center bridging trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vicineum in approximately 53 patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary disease, high-grade Ta papillary disease or T1 papillary disease of any grade. Patients will be required to have failed previous treatment with BCG for inclusion in the trial. The primary endpoints are the complete response rate (for CIS patients) and the recurrence-free rate (for papillary patients) at 6 months, with the complete response rate and the recurrence-free rate at 3 months, safety and tolerability as the secondary endpoints.

Upon approval of the IND application by the NMPA, expected in the first half of 2021, Sesen Bio is entitled to receive a $3M milestone payment from Qilu Pharmaceutical, the first of $23M in potential milestone payments. China represents a large potential market for Vicineum, with peak year sales estimated at $155-418M. Furthermore, due to more limited use of BCG in China compared to the US, there is a major opportunity to transform the treatment paradigm of NMIBC in China and save and improve the lives of patients with cancer.

About Vicineum

Vicineum, a locally administered fusion protein, is Sesen Bio’s lead product candidate being developed for the treatment of high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Vicineum is comprised of a recombinant fusion protein that targets epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antigens on the surface of tumor cells to deliver a potent protein payload, Pseudomonas Exotoxin A. Vicineum is constructed with a stable, genetically engineered peptide tether to ensure the payload remains attached until it is internalized by the cancer cell, which is believed to decrease the risk of toxicity to healthy tissues, thereby improving its safety. In prior clinical trials conducted by Sesen Bio, EpCAM has been shown to be overexpressed in NMIBC cells with minimal to no EpCAM expression observed on normal bladder cells. Sesen Bio is currently in the follow-up stage of a Phase 3 registration trial in the US for the treatment of high-risk NMIBC in patients who have previously received a minimum of two courses of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and whose disease is now BCG-unresponsive. In December 2020, Sesen Bio completed the BLA submission for Vicineum to the FDA. Additionally, Sesen Bio believes that cancer cell-killing properties of Vicineum promote an anti-tumor immune response that may potentially combine well with immuno-oncology drugs, such as checkpoint inhibitors. The activity of Vicineum in BCG-unresponsive NMIBC is also being explored at the US National Cancer Institute in combination with AstraZeneca’s immune checkpoint inhibitor durvalumab.

Kintara Announces Initiation of Patient Recruitment for VAL-083’s Study Arm in the GBM AGILE Trial

On January 13, 2021 Kintara Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTRA) ("Kintara" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of new solid tumor cancer therapies, reported that patient recruitment has commenced in the Global Coalition for Adaptive Research (GCAR) registrational Phase 2/3 clinical trial for glioblastoma (GBM) (Press release, Kintara Therapeutics, JAN 13, 2021, View Source [SID1234573969]). The trial, titled GBM AGILE (Glioblastoma Adaptive Global Innovative Learning Environment), is a revolutionary, patient-centered, adaptive platform trial for registration evaluating multiple therapies for patients with newly-diagnosed and recurrent GBM.

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Key GBM AGILE Highlights for VAL-083

Only therapeutic agent currently being evaluated in all three GBM patient subtypes: newly-diagnosed methylated MGMT; newly-diagnosed unmethylated MGMT; and recurrent
May accelerate VAL-083’s time to pivotal trial completion and potential regulatory submission by up to 18 months
Cost-effective opportunity to advance VAL-083 due to the GBM AGILE study’s expense sharing protocol
Anticipating rapid enrollment, targeting 150-200 patients with 34 active and recruiting U.S. sites with plans to increase to 40 sites during Q1, 2021, including Canada and other international locations to follow
"The entire Kintara team is grateful and excited to participate in GCAR’s groundbreaking GBM AGILE study as it offers an extraordinary opportunity to facilitate the advancement of VAL-083’s clinical development in a premier GBM study," commented Saiid Zarrabian, Kintara’s Chief Executive Officer. "This is truly an important milestone for Kintara as we believe the study will generate important insights into the breadth of VAL-083’s potential to address this deadliest form of brain cancer in all patient subtypes, while potentially bringing the program to the doorstep of commercialization."

GBM AGILE is an international, innovative platform trial designed to more rapidly identify and confirm effective therapies for patients with glioblastoma through response adaptive randomization and a seamless Phase 2/3 design. The trial, conceived by over 130 key opinion leaders, is conducted under a master protocol allowing multiple therapies or combinations of therapies from different pharmaceutical partners to be evaluated simultaneously. With its innovative design and efficient operational infrastructure, data from GBM AGILE can be used as the foundation for a new drug application and biologics license application submissions and registrations to the FDA and other health authorities.

Kintara’s VAL-083 is a "first-in-class," small molecule bifunctional alkylating agent that crosses the blood-brain barrier. VAL-083 is independent of the MGMT resistance mechanism and has been assessed in over 40 Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials in multiple indications sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Published pre-clinical and clinical data indicate that VAL-083 has activity against a range of tumor types, including lung, brain, cervical, ovarian tumors and hematologic (blood) cancers. VAL-083 has been granted Orphan Drug Designation for GBM by the FDA and EMA and has also been granted Orphan Drug Designations for medulloblastoma and ovarian cancer by the FDA. In addition, the FDA granted Fast Track Designation for VAL-083 in recurrent GBM. VAL-083 is approved as a cancer chemotherapeutic in China for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia and lung cancer. VAL-083 has not been approved for any indications outside of China.

HARPOON THERAPEUTICS GRANTED ORPHAN DRUG DESIGNATION FROM FDA FOR HPN217 FOR TREATMENT OF MULTIPLE MYELOMA

On January 13, 2021 Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HARP), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a novel class of T cell engagers, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation for HPN217 for the treatment of multiple myeloma (Press release, Harpoon Therapeutics, JAN 13, 2021, View Source [SID1234573968]). HPN217, a tri-specific T cell activating recombinant protein construct (TriTAC) targets B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a well-validated antigen expressed on malignant multiple myeloma cells. Harpoon has four drug product candidates in clinical development for the treatment of solid and hematologic malignancies based on its proprietary TriTAC platform.

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"Orphan Drug Designation for multiple myeloma represents a significant milestone in the development of HPN217 and recognizes its potential to address a significant unmet medical need for the patients suffering from this condition," said Jerry McMahon, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive of Harpoon Therapeutics. "I am pleased with the clinical progress we are making with this program and we are planning to present interim data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 dose escalation trial later this year."

The FDA’s Orphan Drug Designation program provides orphan status to drugs defined as those intended for the safe and effective treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare diseases that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Orphan Drug Designation qualifies the sponsor of the drug for certain development incentives, including tax credits for qualified clinical testing, prescription drug user fee exemptions and seven-year marketing exclusivity upon FDA approval.

About the Phase 1/2 Trial for HPN217

In April 2020, Harpoon announced dosing of the first patient with HPN217 (BCMA TriTAC) in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial focused on relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). HPN217 is covered by a global development and option agreement with AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV). Dose escalation for HPN217 in the Phase 1/2 clinical trial is progressing rapidly. HPN217 has been well tolerated, and no DLTs had been observed as of the most recent December 1, 2020 data cutoff date. A presentation of interim data is anticipated in 2021, with initiation of a dose expansion cohort in the second half of 2021.