On May 2, 2022 OSE Immunotherapeutics reported the grant of a new patent from the European Patent Office (EPO) strengthening the protection covering its novel myeloid cell immune checkpoint target, CLEC-1 (a C-type lectin receptor), and its use in cancer treatment (Press release, OSE Immunotherapeutics, MAY 2, 2022, View Source [SID1234646965]). This patent provides a protection until 2037.

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CLEC-1 is a C-type lectin receptor with demonstrated potential to inhibit the functions of myeloid cells and to block anti-tumor responsiveness of T-lymphocytes. Myeloid cells have the ability to accumulate in the tumor microenvironment and deregulate the immune activation of T-lymphocytes. CLEC-1 is a new therapeutic target of interest in immuno-oncology.

Dominique Costantini, Chief Executive Officer of OSE Immunotherapeutics, comments: "This European patent is a major step that provides products targeting CLEC-1 a strong intellectual property and a broad scope as it notably covers the use of antagonist antibodies targeting CLEC-1 in cancer treatment. The patent has been extended to other major territories with the notice of allowance already granted in the United States and the patent granted in Japan."

Nicolas Poirier, Chief Scientific Officer of OSE Immunotherapeutics adds: "Based on our fruitful collaboration with the CR2TI research team*, we now have preclinical results identifying CLEC-1 and its antagonists as an innovative immunotherapy that releases the brakes on macrophage phagocytosis and dendritic cells antigen presentation and demonstrates synergistic anti-cancer effects, in particular when combined with chemotherapy. The latest preclinical efficacy data open the pathway for the development of monoclonal antagonist antibodies targeting new myeloid checkpoint inhibitor target CLEC-1, and for future translational clinical development of an innovative cancer immunotherapy."

*Collaborative program between OSE Immunotherapeutics and Dr Elise Chiffoleau’s (View Source) research teams (Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology (CR2TI), UMR1064, INSERM, Nantes University at Nantes University Hospital).

On May 2, 2022 iBio, Inc. (NYSEA:IBIO) ("iBio" or the "Company"), a developer of next-generation biopharmaceuticals and pioneer of the sustainable FastPharming Manufacturing System, reported that it will present a poster at the 18th Annual Protein & Antibody Engineering Summit (PEGS) Boston Conference & Expo, May 2-5 (Press release, iBioPharma, MAY 2, 2022, View Source [SID1234614060]).

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Rachel Jordan, PhD, a senior product manager at iBio, will present the poster (#P061), titled "Plant-Made Antibodies Show Superior Glycosylation Homogeneity While Retaining Pharmacokinetic Properties," which highlights:

The production of a single uniform G0 glycosylation pattern, lacking fucose and xylose, of NISTmAb and rituximab when compared to Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell culture produced antibodies, which contain more heterogeneous glycosylation patterns.
Comparability of in vivo rodent pharmacokinetic profiles for NISTmAb and rituximab produced using mammalian cell culture and the FastPharming System.
How rapid, scalable transient expression in plants of high-quality mAbs for in vivo studies can significantly shorten the time to achieve in vivo proof-of-concept.
More information about producing consistent, high-quality antibodies in the FastPharming System may be accessed in a whitepaper here.

On May 2, 2022 Sana Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ: SANA), a company focused on creating and delivering engineered cells as medicines, reported that five abstracts covering preclinical data from its hypoimmune and fusogen platforms were accepted for either oral or poster presentation at the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) 25th Annual Meeting taking place May 16-19, 2022 in Washington, D.C (Press release, Sana Biotechnology, MAY 2, 2022, View Source [SID1234613415]).

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"We will have a strong presence at ASGCT (Free ASGCT Whitepaper), with presentations of data from multiple technology platforms, including two oral presentations on our hypoimmune platform and two posters on our fusogen platform," said Steve Harr, MD, Sana’s President and CEO. "We remain excited with the progress we are making with these platforms that are targeted to address some of the major challenges faced in the field of gene and cell therapy. Our goal is to file two INDs this year from two of these platforms, with the aim of translating our exciting scientific progress into beneficial therapeutics for patients."

The ASGCT (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) abstracts are available to the public at View Source

Oral Presentations:
Title: Hypoimmune mouse primary pancreatic islet cells survive and functionally rescue allogeneic diabetic mice
Summary: Hypoimmune islet cells transplanted intramuscularly may be capable of persisting and functioning in diabetic patients without immune suppression
Abstract Number: 1244
Session: Cell Therapies for Hematological Disorders
Date/Time: Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. ET

Title: Generation of off-the-shelf allogeneic hypoimmune Tregs
Summary: A method to genetically engineer immune evasive "hypoimmune" regulatory T cells (Tregs) ex vivo that, in the assays tested, are immune evasive, functional, and protected from innate immune reactivity
Abstract Number: 1254
Session: Cell Therapy Product Engineering, Development or Manufacturing
Date/Time: Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET

Poster Presentations:
Title: Retargeted "fusosomes" for in vivo delivery to T cells
Summary: In vivo delivery of a CD19 CAR transgene payload with either CD8- or CD4-targeting vectors in Nalm-6 tumor bearing mouse models demonstrated robust production and persistence of CAR T cells, leading to tumor eradication
Abstract Number: 1081
Session: Cancer – Immunotherapy, Cancer Vaccines III
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 18, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Title: Fusosome-targeted gene transfer to human hepatocytes
Summary: Proof of principle data showing efficient delivery of a reporter transgene to human hepatocytes in vivo using a humanized liver mouse model
Abstract Number: 875
Session: RNA Virus Vectors
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 18, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET

Title: A novel VCN assay that detects lentiviral vector integrations while overcoming limitations caused by plasmid residuals
Summary: Data from a novel assay that relies on a unique amplicon and droplet digital PCR process that is specific to only reverse-transcribed self-inactivating viral vector nucleic acids
Abstract Number: M-305
Session: Pharmacology / Toxicology Studies or Assay Development
Date/Time: Monday, May 16, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
About Hypoimmune Platform
Sana’s hypoimmune platform is designed to create cells ex vivo that can "hide" from the patient’s immune system to enable the transplant of allogeneic cells without the need for immunosuppression. We are applying the hypoimmune technology to both pluripotent stem cells, which can then be differentiated into multiple cell types, and to donor-derived allogeneic T cells, with the goal of making potent and persistent CAR T cells at scale. Preclinical data demonstrates across a variety of cell types that these transplanted allogeneic cells are able to evade both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system while retaining their activity. Our most advanced programs utilizing this platform include an allogeneic CAR T program targeting CD19+ cancers and stem-cell derived pancreatic cells for patients with type 1 diabetes.

About Fusogen Platform
Sana is developing re-targetable fusogens as a platform technology to enable the in vivo delivery of genetic payloads to specific cell types. Fusogens can bind to cell-surface proteins on the target cell type and, when combined with delivery vehicles to form fusosomes, deliver a genetic payload directly to the cell’s cytoplasm. We have shown in preclinical studies that we can engineer fusogens to specifically target diverse cell surface receptors that allow cell-specific delivery across multiple different cell types. Our most advanced programs utilizing this platform include in vivo CAR T cell fusosome product candidates targeting CD19+ cancer cells, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and acute lymphocytic leukemia.

On May 2, 2022 Autolus Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: AUTL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation programmed T cell therapies, reported the presentation of three novel cell programming approaches at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) being held May 16-19, 2022 (Press release, Autolus, MAY 2, 2022, View Source [SID1234613414]).

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"The data we are presenting showcases our industry leading T cell programming technologies," said Dr. Martin Pule, Autolus’ Chief Scientific Officer. "As we seek to broaden the use of T cell therapy, we understand the CAR itself is not the sole component – instead it’s a combination of targeting, control and activity enhancements, and by improving each element we hope to ultimately improve patient outcomes in a much broader set of indications."

Posters to be presented:

1.Title: Enhancing CAR T Cell Therapy Using Fab Based Constitutively Heterodimeric Cytokine Receptors
Authors: Righi M., Srivastava S., Grothier T., Robson M., Kokalaki E., Isaac G., McKenzie C., Sillibourne J., Thomas S., Cordoba S., Pule M.
Poster Board Number: W-222
Session Date/Time: Wednesday May 18, 2022 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Abstract number: 1096
Summary: One of the challenges of targeting some solid tumors effectively with CAR T therapies is the harsh, immunosuppressive microenvironment of the tumor which can lead to poor persistence and a weak anti-tumor activity. Co-administration with cytokines is known to boost T cell activity and persistence, but its systemic or local administration can be toxic. We have therefore developed a versatile constitutive cytokine receptor (CCR) system which recapitulates cytokine signaling by heterodimerization of cytokine receptors, whist avoiding the potential for toxicities. These FabCCR modules signal exclusively to the CAR T cells with the potential to improve T cell therapies (TILs, TCR T cells and CAR T cells) and avoid systemic toxicity, whilst the versatility of the technology allows a broader application in cellular engineering.

2.Title: CAR T cells engineered to express a Fas-CD40 chimera display superior persistence and tumor cytotoxicity
Authors: McKenzie C., El-Kholy M., Parekh F., Lamb K., Allen C., Sillibourne J., Robson M., Thomas S., Cordoba S., Pule M.
Poster Board Number: W-231
Session Date/Time: Wednesday May 18, 2022 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Abstract number: 1105
Summary: Engineered T cells have shown remarkable efficacy against hematological cancers, but their effectiveness in solid tumors has been limited by inhibitory receptors expressed by the tumor or its microenvironment. One such inhibitory receptor is FasL, which binds to the Fas/CD95 receptor on the surface of an activated T cell and triggers the T cell to die by apoptosis. We have identified a Fas-CD40 chimeric protein that is able to not only rescue FasL-mediated T-cell apoptosis, but also elicit superior proliferation and anti-tumor cytotoxicity in the presence of FasL. Our data support the potential of this Fas-CD40 chimera to render T cell therapies resistant to FasL-mediated cell death and improve their effectiveness against solid tumors.

3.Title: Development of a minocycline mediated protein-protein displacement platform using an anti-minocycline single domain antibody and a dedicated displaceable peptide
Authors: Jha R., Kinna A., Ferrari M., Bughda R., Ilca T., Cordorba S., Onuoha S., Thomas S., Pule M.
Poster Board Number: M-192
Session Date/Time: Monday May 16, 2022 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Abstract number: 311
Summary: CAR T therapies carry the inherent risks of toxicities mediated by the rapid activation of the CAR T cells in the presence of high levels of tumor. The ability to selectively control and tune down CAR T cells activation is highly desirable in order to control potential toxicity whilst maintaining anti-tumor activity. We have developed a novel, minimally immunogenic, small-molecule control system, controllable with the well-tolerated, and widely available antibiotic minocycline. Control systems such as this permit increased safety and control of engineered cell therapies: it makes the therapy tunable, dose dependent and reversible, and thus has applicability in a range of cell therapy approaches.

On May 2, 2022 Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RETA) ("Reata," the "Company," "our," "us," or "we"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, reported that it will report financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, and provide an update on the Company’s business operations and clinical development programs on May 10, 2022, before the U.S. financial markets open (Press release, Reata Pharmaceuticals, MAY 2, 2022, View Sourcenews/news-details/2022/Reata-Pharmaceuticals-Inc.-to-Report-First-Quarter-2022-Financial-Results-and-to-Provide-an-Update-on-Clinical-Development-Programs-on-May-10-2022/default.aspx" target="_blank" title="View Sourcenews/news-details/2022/Reata-Pharmaceuticals-Inc.-to-Report-First-Quarter-2022-Financial-Results-and-to-Provide-an-Update-on-Clinical-Development-Programs-on-May-10-2022/default.aspx" rel="nofollow">View Source [SID1234613413]).

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Conference Call Information

Reata’s management will host a conference call on May 10, 2022, at 8:30 am ET. The conference call will be accessible by dialing (844) 200-6205 (toll-free domestic) or (929) 526-1599 (international) using access code 488160. The webcast link is View Source

First quarter 2022 financial results to be discussed during the call will be included in an earnings press release that will be available on the company’s website shortly before the call at View Source and will be available for 12 months after the call. The audio recording and webcast of the conference call will be accessible for at least 90 days after the event at View Source.