Repare Therapeutics to Participate in Two Upcoming Virtual Investor Conferences

On February 3, 2022 Repare Therapeutics Inc. ("Repare" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: RPTX), a leading clinical-stage precision oncology company enabled by its proprietary synthetic lethality approach to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics, reported that members of its senior management team will participate in two virtual investor conferences in February (Press release, Repare Therapeutics, FEB 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234607712]). Details are as follows:

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Guggenheim Oncology Conference
Date: Thursday, February 10, 2022
Time: 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time

11th Annual SVB Leerink Global Healthcare Conference
Date: Friday, February 18, 2022
Time: 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time

A live webcast of the Guggenheim Oncology Conference fireside chat will be available starting Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time in the Investor section of the Company’s website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Company’s website for 90 days.

A live webcast of the 11th Annual SVB Leerink Global Healthcare Conference presentation will be available on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time in the Investor section of the Company’s website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Company’s website for 90 days.

New Study Validates Novel Markers for Detecting Microsatellite Instability in Multiple Cancers

On February 3, 2022 Promega reported that Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have shown that a new panel of long mononucleotide repeats (LMR) might offer advantages over traditional microsatellite instability (MSI) detection methods in certain types of solid tumors (Press release, Promega, FEB 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234607711]). The study, published in the February issue of Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, is the first to use the PCR-based Promega LMR MSI Analysis System to detect MSI in endometrial, prostate and other cancers.

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Detecting Microsatellite Instability

MSI analysis measures changes in the length of specific DNA sequences that occur because of a deficiency in a cell’s DNA mismatch repair system. MSI status is a valuable indicator for predicting whether an individual might respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The Promega MSI Analysis System, Version 1.2 is the current gold standard for PCR-based MSI testing and has been relied upon by global clinical researchers for nearly two decades. The assay amplifies a panel of five mononucleotide repeat markers, each composed of 21-27 repeated adenine bases. This technology is used in the OncoMate MSI Dx Analysis System, which is available as a CE-IVD in Europe and an FDA-cleared IVD medical device in the United States.

The LMR MSI Analysis System, launched in February 2021, consists of eight markers – four of the gold standard markers, plus four novel LMR markers that have 52-60 repeated adenine bases each. Longer markers are typically more "unstable," or prone to replication errors, so it has been hypothesized that this new panel of markers might offer greater sensitivity for MSI detection in cancers where the results are otherwise inconclusive or ambiguous.

LMR Analysis Research

The research group led by Dr. James Eshleman, M.D., Ph.D. validated the LMR MSI panel using colorectal, endometrial, and prostate tumor samples, as well as a variety of other tumor samples with inconclusive results in previous MSI testing.

Statistics for the LMR MSI panel include:

Colorectal cancer: 100% accuracy, 100% clinical sensitivity, 100% clinical specificity
Endometrial cancer: 98% accuracy, 98% clinical sensitivity, 100% clinical specificity
Prostate cancer: 75% clinical sensitivity
Other cancers: 100% concordance between LMR MSI and MSI V1.2 in 22 samples previously designated MSI-High
"The new LMR panel clearly offers unique benefits in certain cancer types," says Jeff Bacher, Senior Research Scientist at Promega and co-author on the study. "These results are encouraging for the detection of microsatellite instability in samples that were previously difficult or impossible."

The paper states that the Johns Hopkins researchers will continue using the MSI Analysis System, Version 1.2 for detecting MSI in colorectal cancer, and they have adopted the LMR MSI Analysis System for endometrial, prostate and other non-GI cancers.

To learn more about the LMR MSI Analysis System, visit www.promega.com/LMRAnalysis

Promega Clinical Research Program

This study was supported in part by the Promega Clinical Research Program (PCRP), a global initiative that supports researchers using Promega technologies to advance clinical diagnostics. This is the first publication to result from a PCRP partnership, and seven more projects are currently benefitting from Promega products and expertise.

Sierra Oncology to Participate in Guggenheim Oncology Conference

On February 3, 2022 Sierra Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: SRRA), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to delivering targeted therapies for rare cancers, reported the company will participate in the 4th Annual Guggenheim Oncology Conference being held virtually from February 9 – 11, 2022 (Press release, Sierra Oncology, FEB 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234607710]). President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Dilly, MBBS, PhD, will participate in an analyst-moderated fireside chat on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at 12:00 pm ET.

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A replay of the presentation will be available following the conference on the Investors section of Sierra’s corporate website in the Events & Webcast tab. The replay will be available for approximately 30 days following the presentation.

Avacta Announces Dose Escalation in the Phase I Clinical Study of AVA6000 Pro-doxorubicin

On February 3, 2022 Avacta Group plc (AIM: AVCT), a clinical stage oncology drug company and developer of powerful diagnostics based on its innovative Affimer and pre|CISION platforms, reported that the first-in-human Phase I trial (ALS-6000-101) of AVA6000 Pro-doxorubicin will advance to the next dose cohort following a positive review of the safety data from the dosing of the first cohort (Press release, Avacta, FEB 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234607709]).

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Avacta’s Safety Data Monitoring Committee (SDMC), comprised of clinicians currently recruiting patients, has completed its review of the safety data from the first cohort dosed with AVA6000 at 80mg/m2 in the ongoing Phase I trial. Following this review, the SDMC has recommended that the clinical trial continues as planned and escalates to the next dose of AVA6000 at 120mg/m2.

AVA6000 is a novel form of doxorubicin that has been modified with Avacta’s pre|CISION platform to improve its safety and therapeutic index. Anthracyclines such as doxorubicin, a generic chemotherapy with a market size that is expected to grow to $1.38bn by 20241, are widely used as part of standard of care in several tumour types, but their use is limited by cumulative toxicity. AVA6000 has been designed to limit cell penetration of the drug, and therefore its cell killing effect, until it is specifically activated by fibroblast activation protein α (FAP) which is in high concentration in many solid tumours compared with healthy tissues. The resulting reduced exposure of healthy tissues to active doxorubicin has the potential to significantly increase its therapeutic index by reducing the incidence of adverse effects, including cardiotoxicity and myelosuppression.

Dr Alastair Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Avacta Group, commented: "We are delighted with the SDMC’s recommendation to move on to the next dose of AVA6000 in our dose escalation study following its positive review of the safety data from patients in the first cohort."

"We are very excited by the potential of AVA6000, and the pre|CISION platform more broadly, to deliver ground-breaking and affordable cancer treatments that have the potential to significantly improve patients’ lives."

Press Release: Doxorubicin Market Size is Expected to Reach $1.38 Billion by 2024: Grand View Research, Inc. (23 November 2016)

Takeda Delivers Strong Third Quarter FY2021 Results and Raises Full-Year Forecast Reflecting Strong Momentum

On February 3, 2022 Takeda (TOKYO:4502/NYSE:TAK) reported strong financial results for the third quarter of its fiscal year 2021 (period ended December 31, 2021) driven by robust topline growth of its 14 global brands (Press release, Takeda, FEB 3, 2022, View Source [SID1234607708]). Based on the strong third-quarter results and business momentum, the company upgraded forecasts for full fiscal year revenue, reported and core operating profit, reported and core EPS and free cash flow.

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Takeda remains positioned for long-term business growth with solid margins and strong cash generation. Its 14 global brands are projected to continue driving topline growth in the near-term, through continued market penetration, geographic expansion, improving access and life cycle management. In addition, the company remains committed to growing its late-stage pipeline by advancing its diverse portfolio of approximately 40 clinical stage assets, which is poised to deliver sustained value over the long-term. In December 2021, Takeda announced the launch of LIVTENCITY (maribavir), its second new molecular entity approved by the U.S. FDA in FY2021, following the EXKIVITY (mobocertinib) approval and launch in Q2 FY2021.

Costa Saroukos, Chief Financial Officer, commented:
"Takeda’s third-quarter results demonstrate the continued strength of our portfolio, particularly our 14 global brands, and conviction in our long-term strategy. We have raised our full-year FY2021 forecast to reflect strong business momentum and now expect to deliver full-year Free Cash Flow of 700 to 800 billion yen.
We remain committed to growing revenue over the next decade through continued investment in our 14 global brands and our innovative pipeline of approximately 40 clinical-stage assets, which is already starting to deliver with the recent launch in the U.S. of LIVTENCITY, the second major regulatory approval for our pipeline in FY2021 after EXKIVITY."

FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

(a) Further information regarding certain of Takeda’s Non-IFRS measures is posted on Takeda’s investor relations website at View Source." target="_blank" title="View Source." rel="nofollow">View Source
(b) Underlying growth compares two periods (quarters or years) of financial results under a common basis and is used by management to assess the business. These financial results are calculated on a constant currency basis and excluding the impact of divestitures and other amounts that are unusual, non-recurring items or unrelated to our ongoing operations.
(c) Core Operating Profit represents net profit adjusted to exclude income tax expenses, the share of profit or loss of investments accounted for using the equity method, finance expenses and income, other operating expenses and income, amortization and impairment losses on acquired intangible assets and other items unrelated to Takeda’s core operations, such as non-recurring items, purchase accounting effects and transaction related costs.
(d) Free Cash Flow represents cash flows from operating activities, excluding acquisition of plant, property and equipment, intangible assets and investments, and any other cash that is not available to Takeda’s immediate or general business use, and including proceeds from sales of property, plant, sales and redemption of investments and businesses, net of cash and cash equivalents divested.

Reported Revenue Increased +11%; Underlying Revenue Increased +7.1% vs Q3 FY2020 YTD, Driven by 14 Global Brands

Takeda’s 14 global brands, with an aggregate reported revenue of 1,073.2 billion yen ($9.3B), posted year-over-year underlying revenue growth of +12% and now represent 42% of total core revenue, with growth momentum expected to continue beyond FY2021.
Takeda’s five key business areas, with 2,213.6 billion yen ($19.2B) in reported revenue, represented 86% of core revenues.
Gastroenterology (GI), with 665.7 billion yen ($5.8B) in reported revenue, grew +8% on an underlying basis driven by gut-selective ENTYVIO (vedolizumab). Following a review of assumptions regarding ENTYVIO biosimilars, Takeda is no longer expecting entry of biosimilars upon loss of data exclusivity.
Plasma Derived Therapy (PDT) Immunology, with 363.2 billion yen ($3.2B) in reported revenue, grew +10% on an underlying basis driven by Immunoglobulin and Albumin/FLEXBUMIN.

Rare Diseases, with 462.9 billion yen ($4.0B) in reported revenue, declined -1% on an underlying basis, with treatments for Rare Hematology impacted by intensified competition. HAE had underlying growth of +5% due to growth of the prophylactic market, continued geographic expansion and strong patient uptake.

Oncology, with 359.1 billion yen ($3.1B) in reported revenue, grew +8% on an underlying basis driven by increased market penetration and strong demand increases in Growth and Emerging Markets, particularly China.

Neuroscience, with 362.6 billion yen ($3.1B) in reported revenue, grew +10% on an underlying basis driven by a strong rebound of VYVANSE following the impact of COVID-19 in FY2020.

Reported Operating Profit Increased +28.9%; Underlying Core Operating Profit Margin was 29.4% for Q3 FY2021 YTD

Reported operating profit increased +28.9% to 462.5 billion yen ($4.0B) compared to Q3 FY2020 YTD, driven by a gain on the sale of the diabetes portfolio in Japan and lower integration costs. These items more than offset a decrease in other operating income, primarily due to a one-time gain recorded in Q1 FY2020 and a gain from non-core asset divestitures recorded in Q3 FY2020.
Underlying core operating profit for the current period increased +5.4%, attributable to underlying revenue growth.
Accelerating Efforts to Meet the Growing Demand for COVID-19 Vaccines

Takeda is partnering with Novavax in Japan for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of TAK-019, their COVID-19 vaccine candidate, utilizing Takeda’s Hikari manufacturing site in Japan, for the pandemic and beyond.
The company also entered into an agreement with the Government of Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for the purchase of 150 million doses of TAK-019. Distribution of the first doses in Japan is planned for early 2022, subject to regulatory approval.
Takeda continues to deliver on its three-way agreement with Moderna and MHLW to import and distribute Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine in Japan.
To date, 50 million doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine have been imported to Japan. Takeda has started importation and distribution of an additional 93 million booster doses from the beginning of 2022 for a total distribution of 143 million doses.
Important Pipeline Milestones in Q3 FY2021

Takeda expects key proof-of-concept readouts over the next two years for potential therapies that could unlock significant additional value, and a continued focus on strategic partnerships that allow Takeda to harness cutting-edge innovation no matter where it resides, delivering life-transforming treatments to patients around the world. The company gained momentum toward that goal in Q3 FY2021, and to date, through:

LIVTENCITY received approval from the U.S. FDA for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients over the age of 12 with post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/disease that is refractory to treatment (with or without genotypic resistance) with ganciclovir, valganciclovir, cidofovir or foscarnet.
In December 2021, Takeda received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the U.S. FDA for TAK-721 (budesonide oral suspension) for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis. In the CRL, the FDA indicated that the New Drug Application could not be approved in its present form and requested additional data that would require an additional clinical trial. The company has completed a comprehensive review of the CRL and will discontinue the TAK-721 development program.
In January 2022, Takeda announced an intent to acquire Adaptate Biotherapeutics to further accelerate the development of innovative γδ (gamma delta) T cell-based therapies. The acquisitions of Adaptate and the previously announced intent to acquire GammaDelta are expected to be finalized in Q1 of Takeda’s fiscal year 2022. Also in January 2022, Takeda obtained antitrust clearance from the FTC regarding its acquisition of GammaDelta pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 in the U.S. No additional antitrust approvals are required.
In January 2022, ENTYVIO received approval from the European Commission for intravenous treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active chronic pouchitis, who have undergone proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis and have had an inadequate response with or lost response to antibiotic therapy.

Key Assumptions in FY2021 Forecast

Company forecast reflects favorability of updated FX assumptions and management’s expectations for continued business momentum across Takeda’s five key business areas, underlying revenue growth of its 14 global brands, and discipline in operating expenses.

FY2021 forecast and guidance reflect the following key assumptions, including (1) Takeda expects at least one 505(b)2 competitor for subcutaneous VELCADE to launch in the U.S. in late FY2021; (2) Takeda does not expect to restart sales of NATPARA in the U.S. market in FY2021; and (3) FY2021 forecast and guidance do not include the impact of any potential further divestitures beyond what has already been disclosed by Takeda.

To date, Takeda has not experienced a material effect on its financial results as a result of the global spread of COVID-19. Based on currently available information, Takeda believes that its financial results for FY2021 will not be materially affected by COVID-19 and, accordingly, Takeda’s FY2021 forecast reflects this belief. However, the situation surrounding COVID-19 remains highly fluid, and future COVID-19-related developments in FY2021, including new or additional COVID-19 outbreaks and additional or extended lockdowns, shelter-in-place orders or other government action in major markets, could result in further or more serious disruptions to Takeda’s business, such as slowdowns in demand for Takeda’s products, supply chain related issues or significant delays in its clinical trial programs. These events, if they occur, could result in an additional impact on Takeda’s business, results of operations or financial condition, as well as result in significant deviations from Takeda’s FY2021 forecast.

For more details on Takeda’s Q3 FY2021 results and other financial information, please visit: View Source

More information on Takeda’s approach to ESG and values-based corporate governance can be found in the 2021 Annual Integrated Report for FY2020, which ended March 31, 2021. This report can be accessed on Takeda’s website at: View Source