SOPHiA GENETICS Launches New Solution to Advance Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Care, in Collaboration with IDIBAPS

On June 9, 2022 SOPHiA GENETICS (Nasdaq: SOPH), the Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) of Barcelona, and the Spanish Diagnóstica Longwood reported from the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress in Vienna that they have combined their expertise to develop a new Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) solution to advance CLL care (Press release, Sophia Genetics, JUN 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234615846]). This collaboration will unify the wide variety of current guideline recommendations into one single application aiming to improve CLL characterization and CLL research practices in Iberia.

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SOPHiA GENETICS has already facilitated the analysis of one million genomic profiles through the SOPHiA DDM Platform, including a significant amount of onco-hematological-related diseases such as acute myeloid leukemia and lymphomas. The Platform computes a wide array of genomic variants needed to continually hone machine learning algorithms designed to accurately detect rare and challenging cases. The growing number of users of the SOPHiA DDM community can share and access insights by pulling the relevant signals detected from the noise, ultimately saving time and helping to make better-informed decisions.

The new CLL solution allows for progress of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia research using genomic analysis. This could lead to better detection of the disease, which accounts for 25-30% of all leukemia cases in Western countries and affects yearly more than 100,000 people globally[1], and ultimately improve patient care. Thanks to the SOPHiA DDM Platform and IDIBAPS, hematopathologists can now access guidelines for the mutational status of TP53, immunoglobulin (IG) gene rearrangements and their somatic hypermutation status, while benefitting from the identification of 23 CLL-specific genes for SNVs, InDels and CNVs including NOTCH1, SF3B1, ATM, IGLV3-21, BTK, PLCG2, BCL2, del13q14, and trisomy 12, all in one single NGS workflow.

The new CLL solution has already been used in routine in Spain, with further opportunities throughout the country, and in Latin America through Diagnóstica Longwood’s distribution channels.

"We are proud to work together with some of the most renowned experts in the field of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia research around the world. This partnership is a great example of how combining advanced data analytics with emerging CLL strategies can move the possibilities of data-driven medicine forward," said Lara Hashimoto, Chief Business Officer at SOPHiA GENETICS.

"It is a great satisfaction to see how thanks to the partnership with SOPHiA GENETICS and Diagnóstica Longwood we will be able to transfer into clinical practice the relevant information generated for so many years in the research of CLL using a simple and robust assay," said Elías Campo, principal investigator and director of IDIBAPS.

Isotopia and CPDC Successfully Deliver First Doses of n.c.a. Lu-177 to North American Customers

On June 9, 2022 Isotopia Molecular Imaging and the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization (CPDC) reported that Isotopia’s technology for the production of n.c.a. Lu-177 has been successfully transferred into CPDC’s GMP facility and that CPDC has shipped its first doses of commercial n.c.a. Lu-177 (Press release, Isotopia Molecular Imaging, JUN 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234615845]).

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n.c.a. Lu-177 is currently the most commonly used radiometal for targeted radiotherapy. As the popularity of the isotope increases, the need for a constant radio-isotope supply on time is essential. Isotopia is thus adding a new production site in North America at CPDC, strengthening its global footprint in the n.c.a. Lu-177 supply chain, ensuring redundancy and shorten delivery time for global supply.

CPDC is a global leading CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) for the GMP manufacturing and supply of radiopharmaceuticals.

"We have successfully achieved a stable and reliable n.c.a. Lu-177 supply in North America" said Dr. Bruno Paquin, CEO of CPDC, "CPDC and Isotopia are proud to offer this unique value proposition for CPDC’s clients and beyond, empowering CPDC to become an all-encompassing radiopharmaceutical CDMO."

As a global leader specializing in radiopharmaceutical research, development, and manufacturing, Isotopia recognizes the importance of a stable and reliable supply of medical isotopes for manufacturing life-saving therapies.

Isotopia and CPDC are committed to the production of n.c.a. Lu-177, as well as collaborating on developing GMP manufacturing processes for other emerging medical isotopes.

Isotopia’s CEO & Co-Founder, Dr. Eli Shalom, stated "The CPDC manufacturing site is the first step towards Isotopia’s global footprint plan to ensure efficient production of Lu-177 and will be added to its existing Drug Master File (DMF). Together with the site in Israel and the near future site in Europe, we create full security of the product to patients on time and great value to pharma companies."

To learn more about this important milestone, come and meet us at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) 2022 annual meeting, held June 11-14, in Vancouver, BC, Canada where Isotopia Molecular Imaging and CPDC (as AtomVie Global Radiopharma Inc., the new CDMO spin-off of CPDC) will be exhibiting.

Everest Medicines Announces Approval of Trodelvy® in China for Second-Line Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

On June 9, 2022 Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, "Everest", or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products to address critical unmet needs in Asia Pacific markets, reported that China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan or SG) for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease (Press release, Everest Medicines, JUN 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234615844]). This is the first drug that Everest has obtained New Drug Application (NDA) approval to launch in China. In May 2021, the NMPA accepted Everest’s NDA for Trodelvy with Priority Review designation.

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"We are extremely excited for Trodelvy’s NDA approval in China as Trodelvy is a first-in-class Trop-2-directed antibody-drug conjugate. This marks a significant milestone for Everest with our first drug approved in our home market, where we hope to continue to bring innovative therapies to people with urgent medical needs," said Kerry Blanchard, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines. "We want to extend our gratitude to the NMPA and the Center for Drug Evaluation for the Priority Review and fast approval."

"The NMPA approval of Trodelvy will provide an important and new treatment option for Chinese women with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer – a very aggressive and challenging to treat form of the disease. We would like to thank the investigators and patients who participated in the clinical trials for making this possible," said Yang Shi, Chief Medical Officer for Oncology/Immunology at Everest Medicines. "We will continue to work with our partner, Gilead, to advance clinical research of Trodelvy across multiple tumor types as well as earlier lines of therapy."

In November 2021, Everest announced topline results from its Phase 2b EVER-132-001 study of Trodelvy in 80 people, which met its primary endpoint with a 38.8% overall response rate (ORR). The results were consistent with those from the global Phase 3 ASCENT study, thus showing similar efficacy and safety in the Chinese population.

"Patients with triple-negative breast cancer are in urgent need of new and effective treatment options. I have witnessed the introduction of sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy) into China, and led the registrational clinical study in the nation," said Professor Binghe Xu, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and director of the National New Drug (Anti-Cancer) Clinical Research Centre who is the principal investigator of Trodelvy’s registrational study in China. "I am glad that sacituzumab govitecan has shown similar positive results in the domestic clinical study as those from the global trial. As a clinician, I hope that this new drug can reach patients as early as possible to save more lives."

"There is a significant unmet need among metastatic triple-negative breast cancer patients in China who are waiting eagerly for a better treatment option to extend their lives," said Kevin Guo, Chief Commercial Officer at Everest Medicines. "With the Trodelvy approval in China, we will rapidly expand our sales team to launch this novel product in the fourth quarter this year and bring it to as many hospitals and patients in China as possible."

In addition to mainland China and Singapore where Trodelvy has been approved, Everest is closely coordinating with regulatory bodies in South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong to review its applications for Trodelvy for adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease.

In December 2021, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea accepted a New Drug Application (NDA) for Trodelvy. Trodelvy was previously granted Fast Track Designation and Orphan Drug Designation in South Korea.
In December 2021, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration accepted submission of NDA for Trodelvy. Trodelvy was previously granted Pediatric and Rare Severe Disease Priority Review Designation in Taiwan.
In January 2022, the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore approved the Company’s NDA for Trodelvy for the treatment of second-line and later-line metastatic TNBC.
In March 2022, an NDA was submitted to the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, for Trodelvy for the treatment of second-line metastatic TNBC.
Conference Call Information

A live conference call will be hosted on June 13, 2022 at 8:00 AM Beijing Time (June 12, 2022 at 8:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time).

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About Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

TNBC is the most aggressive type of breast cancer and accounts for approximately 15% of all breast cancers. The median age of breast cancer diagnoses tends to be younger in Asian than western countries, and the percentage of the TNBC molecular subtype has been increasing in the past 10 years. TNBC cells do not have estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors and have limited or no human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Due to the nature of TNBC, effective treatment options are extremely limited compared with other breast cancer types. TNBC has a higher chance of recurrence and metastases than other breast cancer types. The average time to metastatic recurrence for TNBC is approximately 2.6 years compared with 5 years for other breast cancers, and the relative five-year survival rate is much lower. Among women with metastatic TNBC, the five-year survival rate is 12%, compared with 28% for those with other types of metastatic breast cancer.

About Trodelvy (Sacituzumab Govitecan)

Trodelvy is a first-in-class Trop-2 directed antibody-drug conjugate. Trop-2 is a cell surface antigen highly expressed in multiple tumor types, including in more than 90% of breast and bladder cancers. Trodelvy is intentionally designed with a proprietary hydrolyzable linker attached to SN-38, a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. This unique combination delivers potent activity to both Trop-2 expressing cells and the microenvironment.

Trodelvy is approved in more than 35 countries, with multiple additional regulatory reviews underway worldwide, for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease. Trodelvy is also approved in the U.S. under the accelerated approval pathway for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (UC) who have previously received a platinum-containing chemotherapy and either programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor.

Trodelvy is also being developed for potential investigational use in other TNBC and metastatic UC populations, as well as a range of tumor types where Trop-2 is highly expressed, including hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) metastatic breast cancer, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC), head and neck cancer, and endometrial cancer.

Under a licensing agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc., Everest Medicines has exclusive rights to develop, register, and commercialize Trodelvy for all cancer indications in Greater China, South Korea, and certain Southeast Asian countries. In October 2020, Trodelvy was included in the updated 2020 China Guidelines for the Standardized Diagnosis and Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer and was also included in the updated 2022 Guidelines for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology in April.

*The TRODELVY trademark is used under license from Gilead Sciences, Inc.

SpectronRx to Showcase New Facility for the Global Supply of Actinium-225 at SNMMI 2022

On June 9, 2022 SpectronRx, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for the life sciences industry that specializes in radiopharmaceuticals, reported that it will showcase its new Actinium-225 production facility during this year’s annual Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) meeting being held June 11-14 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Press release, SpectronRx, JUN 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234615843]). SpectronRx has secured more than 10-acres in Bunker Hill, Indiana, where it is building a facility that will produce Actinium-225 for the clinical trial and commercial supply of cancer-fighting therapies.

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"Although there’s currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment using Ac-225, it’s showing great promise when it comes to the treatment of certain types of cancer, including prostate, breast, colon, brain and neuroendocrine," said John Zehner, CEO of SpectronRx. "Researchers have been studying the radioisotope’s cancer-fighting potential for decades and are on the cusp of several new breakthroughs. Our goal is to support these new therapies as they are approved."

Actinium-225 is an exceptional cancer fighter. It can be attached to a molecule that delivers the radionuclide to a selectively targeted cancer site, where the Ac-225 alpha-emission can destroy the cancerous tissue with minimum damage to healthy cells. And the high-energy alpha particles Ac-225 releases can interrupt DNA processes, keeping cancer cells from replicating or even killing them altogether. This makes Ac-225 one of the most promising candidates for targeted alpha therapy.

"Unfortunately, there is a limited supply of the Ac-225 radionuclide globally," said Anwer Rizvi, president of SpectronRx. "This limits the ability of pharmaceutical companies to perform the drug trials needed in order to advance the use of this crucial radionuclide. That’s why building up production of Ac-225 is so important."

Currently, only small amounts of Ac-225 are being produced by various government entities. To enhance the available supply, SpectronRx will produce Ac-225 through methods including the use of particle accelerators. The company will invest several million dollars to install multiple particle accelerators at its new site near Grissom Air Reserve Base in Indiana, which will produce the much-needed medical isotopes to treat cancer. The project is expected to take two years to complete.

NEXT Molecular Analytics Receives Accreditation from the New York State Department of Health for its L-Asparaginase Enzyme Activity Assay Platform

On June 9, 2022 NEXT Bio Research Services LLC (www.nextmolecular.com), dba NEXT Molecular Analytics reported that the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has accredited the Company’s L-Asparaginase enzyme activity assay platform (Press release, NEXT Molecular Analytics, JUN 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234615842]). This means that NEXT is now able to receive clinical test samples from New York State institutions without waiver and also means that NEXT is now accredited in all 50 states to process asparaginase test samples.

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Dr. Robert B Harris, the original developer of the Laboratory Derived Test for asparaginase, the holder of the Certificate of Quality from the NYSDOH, stated, "Reaching this milestone is a tremendous accomplishment for our Company and is testament to the diligent and precise work of our dedicated employees." He added, "The NYSDOH standards are among the most rigorous in the country for testing labs to meet, and we take great pride in the fact that NEXT has met these standards."

L-asparaginase chemotherapy is integral in the treatment of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Its incorporation as part of a multi-agent chemotherapy regimen has resulted in improved, event free survival in childhood ALL. NEXT’s test measures asparaginase levels in patients being treated with any of the current therapeutic biologics used in ALL patients including Oncaspar, Asparlas, Erwinaze, and Rylaze. NEXT has assayed more than 16000 patient samples from well over 250 institutions worldwide, including hospitals and clinics in Canada, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. Assay results are returned by the close of business the same day that the sample is received, thereby providing the clinician real-time therapeutic monitoring of his patient with respect to asparaginase activity levels. In addition to providing results to ordering physicians, NEXT is also partnering with the different drug manufacturers of asparaginase to help propagate the usefulness of real time therapeutic monitoring of asparaginase levels, NEXT is actively using its assay to support several human pre-clinical and clinical trials.