Aeterna Zentaris to Present at the JMP Securities Life Sciences Conference

On June 9, 2022 Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS) (TSX: AEZS) ("Aeterna" or the "Company"), a specialty biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing a diversified portfolio of pharmaceutical and diagnostic products, reported Dr. Klaus Paulini, Chief Executive Officer of Aeterna Zentaris, will present at the JMP Securities Life Sciences Conference on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 12:30 PM ET being held in New York, New York (Press release, AEterna Zentaris, JUN 9, 2022, View Source;id=233641&p=2232418&I=1206939-c7Z3G6f3m8 [SID1234615831]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

In addition to the presentation, management will be available to participate in one-on-one meetings with qualified members of the investor community who are registered to attend the conference. For more information, please visit the conference website.

A live video webcast of the presentation will be available on the Company’s website on the Events page in the Investors section of the Company’s website (zentaris.com). The webcast replay will be archived for 90 days following the event.

Blueprint Medicines Reports Continued Progress Toward Goal of Transforming Treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis

On June 9, 2022 Blueprint Medicines Corporation (NASDAQ: BPMC) reported updates on the AYVAKIT/AYVAKYT (avapritinib) development program in systemic mastocytosis (SM) (Press release, Blueprint Medicines, JUN 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234615830]):

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

New analyses, which will be presented this week at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2022 Congress, add to the growing body of clinical evidence supporting AYVAKIT as the standard of care for patients with advanced SM. Findings showed AYVAKIT improved overall survival (OS), as well as other clinical outcomes, in patients with advanced SM, when indirectly compared to real-world data for prior best available therapies. Based on these analyses, patients treated with AYVAKIT had a 41 percent reduction in the risk of death compared to patients treated with midostaurin and a 68 percent reduction in the risk of death compared to patients treated with cladribine. In total, Blueprint Medicines is supporting the presentation of seven abstracts at the EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2022 Congress, highlighting the company’s leadership in SM.

In addition, Blueprint Medicines plans to update the primary endpoint of the registrational PIONEER trial of AYVAKIT in patients with non-advanced SM, based on a written recommendation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on statistical considerations ahead of the planned database lock. The mean absolute change in total symptom score (TSS), previously a key secondary endpoint, will be the primary endpoint and the proportion of patients with a 30 percent or greater decrease in TSS, previously the primary endpoint, will be a key secondary endpoint. Both analyses were previously defined as key endpoints that the PIONEER trial was powered to assess. In addition, both endpoints are based on the Indolent SM Symptom Assessment Form, a patient-reported outcomes tool that has been developed and validated in collaboration with the SM community and global regulatory authorities. Blueprint Medicines continues to plan to report top-line data from the PIONEER trial in late summer 2022 and submit a supplemental new drug application to the FDA for AYVAKIT for non-advanced SM by the end of 2022.
"Based on the recommendation of the FDA, we have re-ordered pre-planned efficacy analyses in Part 2 of the PIONEER trial, elevating mean change in total symptom score, which characterizes clinical benefit across all patients," said Becker Hewes, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Blueprint Medicines. "Consistent with Part 1 data, we believe the mean change in total symptom score, together with other measures of improvement in clinical outcomes, quality of life and mast cell burden, will paint a compelling picture of AYVAKIT clinical benefit, including its ability to modify the disease biology and provide meaningful relief to patients living with debilitating symptoms of non-advanced SM."

Highlights from AYVAKIT Presentations at the EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2022 Congress
Three presentations at the EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2022 Congress will highlight results from a study (NCT04695431) indirectly comparing clinical outcomes in advanced SM patients receiving AYVAKIT in the registrational EXPLORER and PATHFINDER trials, versus patients treated with best available therapy in real-world clinical practice. Results showed that AYVAKIT improved clinical outcomes when retrospectively compared to best available therapies, including the two other most common treatments (midostaurin, cladribine) identified in the real-world study cohort.

"These rigorous, retrospective analyses highlight the prolonged survival, extended duration of treatment and observed reduction in mast cell burden shown by avapritinib in patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis," said Prof. Dr. Andreas Reiter, M.D., University Medical Centre, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany. "Notably, in an indirect comparative analysis of patients with SM and an associated hematologic neoplasm, those treated in avapritinib clinical trials had a significantly lower risk of death than those receiving prior best available therapy in the real-world setting. These results are highly meaningful for this patient population, which has a significant disease burden and limited treatment options."

For this study, patients treated in real-world clinical practice were identified in a retrospective medical chart review at six centers with similar patient eligibility criteria as EXPLORER and PATHFINDER. Retrospective data were collected and analyzed using methods to balance key baseline variables; however, the study may have limitations due to inherent differences between data collected from prospective trials and real-world experience. No prospective, randomized, controlled head-to-head studies have been conducted comparing AYVAKIT to other therapies in patients with advanced SM. EXPLORER and PATHFINDER results were reported as of an April 20, 2021 cutoff date.

Overall Survival Data in Advanced SM

AYVAKIT1

Midostaurin

Cladribine

Number of patients

176

94

44

Median in months (95% CI)

NR (46.9, NE)

28.6 (18.2, 44.6)

23.4 (14.8, 40.6)

Hazard ratio (95% CI)2

HR: 0.59 (0.36, 0.97)

HR: 0.32 (0.15, 0.67)

P-value2

p<0.001

p=0.003

1.

Pooled data from EXPLORER and PATHFINDER clinical trials of AYVAKIT in advanced SM (all doses).

2.

Comparative analyses used inverse-probability-of-treatment-weighting to balance differences in key baseline covariates; HR<1 favors AYVAKIT.

Additional weighted, indirect comparison analyses showed:

AYVAKIT (all doses) reduced the risk of death by 58 percent compared to best available therapy (p<0.001) in patients with SM with an associated hematological neoplasm (SM-AHN).
AYVAKIT (≤200 mg once-daily dose) reduced the risk of treatment discontinuation by 64 percent compared to best available therapy (p<0.001) in advanced SM patients.
The maximum percent reduction in serum tryptase levels for AYVAKIT (≤200 mg once-daily dose) was 85 percent, compared to 9 percent for best available therapy (p<0.001), in advanced SM patients.
Regulatory approvals in the U.S. and EU were based on results from the EXPLORER and PATHFINDER trials. In the U.S., AYVAKIT is indicated for the treatment of adults with Advanced SM, including aggressive SM (ASM), SM-AHN and mast cell leukemia (MCL). AYVAKIT is not recommended for the treatment of patients with advanced SM with low platelet counts (less than 50,000/µL). Warnings and precautions include intracranial hemorrhage, cognitive effects and embryo-fetal toxicity. The most common adverse reactions were edema, diarrhea, nausea and fatigue/asthenia.

Further details from these analyses, along with additional SM data, will be reported in multiple presentations at the EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2022 Congress:

Overall survival in patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis receiving avapritinib versus midostaurin or cladribine (Abstract P1014)
Overall survival in patients with systemic mastocytosis with associated hematologic neoplasm treated with avapritinib versus best available therapy (Abstract P1013)
Duration of treatment and reduction in serum tryptase levels in patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis treated with avapritinib versus best available therapy (Abstract P1015)
Responses to avapritinib in patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis: histopathologic analyses from EXPLORER and PATHFINDER clinical studies (Abstract P1027)
Clinicopathologic and molecular correlates of organ damage across the spectrum of advanced systemic mastocytosis (Abstract P1038)
Utility of KIT p.D816 in myeloid neoplasm without documented systemic mastocytosis to detect hidden mast cells in bone marrow (Abstract P996)
HARBOR: A phase 2/3 study of BLU-263 in patients with indolent systemic mastocytosis and monoclonal mast cell activation syndrome (Trial-in-progress abstract P1017)
Tomorrow, June 10, copies of the posters will be available on the EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) congress website and in the "Science―Publications and Presentations" section of Blueprint Medicines’ website.

Upcoming Investor Conference
Kate Haviland, Chief Executive Officer at Blueprint Medicines, will present a company overview at the Jefferies Healthcare Conference today at 1:30 p.m. EDT. A live webcast of the presentation will be available by visiting the Investors & Media section of Blueprint Medicines’ website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be archived on Blueprint Medicines’ website for 30 days following the presentation.

About AYVAKIT (avapritinib)
AYVAKIT (avapritinib) is a kinase inhibitor approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with Advanced SM, including aggressive SM (ASM), SM with an associated hematological neoplasm (SM-AHN) and mast cell leukemia (MCL), and adults with unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) harboring a PDGFRA exon 18 mutation, including PDGFRA D842V mutations. For more information, visit AYVAKIT.com. Under the brand name AYVAKYT (avapritinib), this medicine is approved by the European Commission for the treatment of adults with ASM, SM-AHN or MCL, after at least one systemic therapy, and adults with unresectable or metastatic GIST harboring the PDGFRA D842V mutation.

AYVAKIT/AYVAKYT is not approved for the treatment of any other indication in the U.S. or Europe.

Blueprint Medicines is developing AYVAKIT globally for the treatment of advanced and non-advanced SM. The FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation to AYVAKIT for the treatment of moderate to severe indolent SM. The European Commission granted orphan medicinal product designation for AYVAKYT for the treatment of GIST and mastocytosis.

To learn about ongoing or planned clinical trials, contact Blueprint Medicines in the U.S. at [email protected] or +1 888-258-7768, or in Europe at [email protected] or +31 85 064 4001. Additional information is available at blueprintclinicaltrials.com and clinicaltrials.gov.

Please click here to see the full U.S. Prescribing Information for AYVAKIT, and click here to see the European Summary of Product Characteristics for AYVAKYT.

Important Safety Information
Serious intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) may occur with AYVAKIT treatment; fatal events occurred in <1% of patients. Overall, ICH (eg, subdural hematoma, ICH, and cerebral hemorrhage) occurred in 2.9% of 749 patients who received AYVAKIT. In Advanced SM patients who received AYVAKIT at 200 mg daily, ICH occurred in 2 of 75 patients (2.7%) who had platelet counts ≥50 x 109/L prior to initiation of therapy and in 3 of 80 patients (3.8%) regardless of platelet counts. Monitor patients closely for risk of ICH including those with thrombocytopenia, vascular aneurysm or a history of ICH or cerebrovascular accident within the prior year. Permanently discontinue AYVAKIT if ICH of any grade occurs. A platelet count must be performed prior to initiating therapy. AYVAKIT is not recommended in Advanced SM patients with platelet counts <50 x 109/L. Following treatment initiation, platelet counts must be performed every 2 weeks for the first 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of treatment, monitor platelet counts every 2 weeks or as clinically indicated based on platelet counts. Manage platelet counts of <50 x 109/L by treatment interruption or dose reduction.

Cognitive adverse reactions can occur in patients receiving AYVAKIT. Cognitive adverse reactions occurred in 39% of 749 patients and in 28% of 148 SM patients (3% were Grade >3). Memory impairment occurred in 16% of patients; all events were Grade 1 or 2. Cognitive disorder occurred in 10% of patients; <1% of these events were Grade 3. Confusional state occurred in 6% of patients; <1% of these events were Grade 3. Other events occurred in <2% of patients. Depending on the severity, withhold AYVAKIT and then resume at same dose or at a reduced dose upon improvement, or permanently discontinue.

AYVAKIT can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females and males of reproductive potential to use an effective method of contraception during treatment with AYVAKIT and for 6 weeks after the final dose of AYVAKIT. Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with AYVAKIT and for 2 weeks after the final dose.

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) at all doses were edema, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue/asthenia.

Avoid coadministration of AYVAKIT with strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors. If coadministration with a moderate CYP3A inhibitor cannot be avoided, reduce dose of AYVAKIT. Avoid coadministration of AYVAKIT with strong and moderate CYP3A inducers.

To report suspected adverse reactions, contact Blueprint Medicines Corporation at 1-888-258-7768 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

AstraZeneca demonstrates pipeline and portfolio strength across malignant and rare haematological diseases at EHA 2022

On June 9, 2022 AstraZeneca reported that it will showcase data demonstrating the Company’s commitment to redefine care in haematology at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, 9 to 12 June 2022 (Press release, AstraZeneca, JUN 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234615829]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

A total of five approved and potential new medicines from AstraZeneca will be featured across 16 abstracts, including one oral presentation. These include long-term follow-up data for Calquence (acalabrutinib) in adults with previously untreated and relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).1,2 Additionally, Alexion, AstraZeneca’s Rare Disease group, will present an analysis of long-term survival data from the clinical trial programme evaluating Ultomiris (ravulizumab) for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH).3 One-year safety and efficacy data from the Phase III clinical trial evaluating the subcutaneous administration of Ultomiris will also be presented.4

Anas Younes, Senior Vice President, Haematology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: "At this year’s European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, we are demonstrating our strength across a broad spectrum of haematological malignancies, and specifically in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, to help improve outcomes for these patients. The data from our portfolio and pipeline represent the outcome of years of dedication and passion focused on delivering improved treatment options that can have a long-term impact for patients with chronic, hard-to-treat and rare blood conditions."

Christophe Hotermans, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President, Global Medical Affairs, Alexion, said: "The collective clinical and real-world data being presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Meeting will strengthen the body of scientific evidence supporting the effective and well-tolerated use of targeted C5 complement inhibition, which is the standard of care in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria. The data reinforce targeting of the terminal complement system through C5 inhibition to reduce intravascular haemolysis and thrombosis in this devastating disease."

Redefining expectations for patients with CLL

Updated data from the ELEVATE-TN Phase III trial at approximately five years of median follow-up will highlight longer-term safety, progression-free survival (PFS) efficacy results and overall survival rates for Calquence in combination with obinutuzumab and alone compared to obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil in adults with previously untreated CLL.1
Updated data from the ASCEND Phase III trial at approximately four years of median follow-up will highlight longer-term safety and PFS efficacy results of Calquence alone compared to investigator’s choice of idelalisib plus rituximab or bendamustine plus rituximab in adults with relapsed or refractory CLL.2
A pooled analysis of data among previously untreated and relapsed or refractory CLL patients with higher-risk genomic features taking Calquence will explore the efficacy of Calquence-based regimens for these sub-groups of patients, regardless of line of therapy.5
A crossover analysis from the ELEVATE-TN trial will test the hypothesis that treatment crossover upon disease progression from the obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil arm to the Calquence arm bolstered overall survival for the obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil arm at 47 months of follow-up.6
Improving understanding of hard-to-treat blood cancers

A post-hoc analysis of the ACE-LY-004 Phase II trial will highlight the clinical benefit seen with patients taking Calquence who had one prior therapy and with highly proliferative variants of relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).7
Final results at five-year median follow-up from the WM-001 Phase II trial will highlight response rates and tolerability seen with Calquence in patients with previously untreated or relapsed or refractory Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM).8
Early results from a Phase II trial will show the efficacy and tolerability of Calquence in patients with relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma (MZL).9
Advancing treatment and care for patients with PNH

Pooled, long-term, survival data for more than four years from the Ultomiris PNH clinical trial programme will highlight long-term use of Ultomiris in the treatment of adults with PNH.3 Ultomiris has the largest clinical trial programme in PNH, with the longest follow-up, and demonstrates the benefits of immediate, complete and sustained terminal complement inhibition in this rare disease.
Data through one year on the efficacy, safety and treatment administration satisfaction will be presented from the Phase III clinical trial evaluating the subcutaneous administration of Ultomiris with an on-body delivery system in adults with PNH who had received prior intravenous treatment with Soliris (eculizumab).4
Key AstraZeneca presentations during EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2022

Lead author

Abstract title

Presentation details

Calquence (acalabrutinib)

Sharman, JP

Acalabrutinib ± Obinutuzumab vs Obinutuzumab + Chlorambucil in Treatment-Naive Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: 5-Year Follow-up of ELEVATE-TN

Abstract # P666

Poster Presentation

Poster Session

10 June 2022

16:30 – 17:45 CEST

Ghia, P

Acalabrutinib vs Rituximab Plus Idelalisib or Bendamustine in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: ASCEND Results at ~4 Years of Follow-up

Abstract # P668

Poster Presentation

Poster Session

10 June 2022

16:30 – 17:45 CEST

Davids, MS

Long-term Efficacy of Acalabrutinib-Based Regimens in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Higher-risk Genomic Features: Pooled Analysis of Clinical Trial Data

Abstract # P667

Poster Presentation

Poster Session

10 June 2022

16:30 – 17:45 CEST

Gaitonde, P

Adjusting Survival Data for Treatment Crossover in the ELEVATE-TN Trial by Using a Historical Cohort of Patients Treated with Chemoimmunotherapy in Front-Line Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract # PB1877

e-Publication

Online Only

12 May 2022

Le Gouill, S

Post Hoc Analysis of Patients With Highly Proliferative Variants of Mantle Cell Lymphoma Treated With Acalabrutinib

Abstract # P1131

Poster Presentation

Poster Session

10 June 2022

16:30 – 17:45 CEST

Owen, R

Acalabrutinib in Treatment-Naive or Relapsed/Refractory Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: 5-Year Follow-up of a Phase 2, Single-Arm Study

Abstract # P1130

Poster Presentation

Poster Session

10 June 2022

16:30 – 17:45 CEST

Strati, P

Acalabrutinib in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL): Results of a Phase 2, Multicenter, Open-label Trial

Abstract # P1129

Poster Presentation

Poster Session

10 June 2022

16:30 – 17:45 CEST

Ultomiris (ravulizumab)

Kulasekararaj, A

Long-Term Complement Inhibition and Survival Outcomes in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: An Interim Analysis of the Ravulizumab Clinical Trials

Abstract # P812

Poster Presentation

Poster Session

10 June 2022

16:30 – 17:45 CEST

Yenerel, M

Efficacy, Treatment Administration Satisfaction and Safety of Subcutaneous Ravulizumab Through 1 Year in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Who Received Prior Intravenous Eculizumab

Abstract # P813

Poster Presentation

Poster Session

10 June 2022

16:30 – 17:45 CEST

Soliris (eculizumab)

Nishimura, J

Real-World Outcomes of Eculizumab Treatment in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinurea: A Systematic Literature Review and Evidence Synthesis

Abstract # PB1934

e-Publication

Online Only

12 May 2022

Rovó, A

Real-World Evidence of Safety and Effectiveness of Eculizumab and Switch to Ravulizumab in a Swiss Patient Population With Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

Abstract # P834

Poster Presentation

Poster Session

10 June 2022

16:30 – 17:45 CEST

ALXN1820

Kim, S

Properdin-Blocking Antibodies Attenuate Complement Alternative Pathway Activation Triggered by Cell-Free Heme in Sickle Cell Disease Models

Abstract # S267

Oral Presentation

Session – Sickle Cell Disease: Novel Biomarkers and Therapies

12 June 2022

11:30 – 12:45 CEST

Notes

AstraZeneca in haematology
AstraZeneca is pushing the boundaries of science to redefine care in haematology. We have expanded our commitment to patients with haematologic conditions, not only in oncology but also in rare diseases with the acquisition of Alexion, allowing us to reach more patients with high unmet needs. By applying our deep understanding of blood cancers, leveraging our strength in solid tumour oncology and delivering on Alexion’s pioneering legacy in complement science to provide innovative medicines for rare diseases, we are pursuing the end-to-end development of novel therapies designed to target underlying drivers of disease.

By targeting haematological conditions with high unmet medical needs, we aim to deliver innovative medicines and approaches to improve patient outcomes. Our goal is to help transform the lives of patients living with malignant, rare and other related haematologic diseases, shaped by insights from patients, caregivers and physicians to have the most meaningful impact.

AstraZeneca in oncology
AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients.

The Company’s focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyse changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience.

AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

SpringWorks Therapeutics to Present at the Goldman Sachs 43rd Annual Global Healthcare Conference

On June 9, 2022 SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing life-changing medicines for patients with severe rare diseases and cancer, reported that management will participate in a fireside chat at the Goldman Sachs 43rd Annual Global Healthcare Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on Wednesday, June 15th at 8:40 a.m. PT / 11:40 a.m. ET (Press release, SpringWorks Therapeutics, JUN 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234615827]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

To access the live webcast please visit the Events & Presentations page within the Investors & Media section of the company’s website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be available on SpringWorks’ website for a limited time following the conference.

Sonnet BioTherapeutics Announces Positive Results from a Preclinical Combination Study of SON-1010 with anti-PD1 Checkpoint Inhibition

On June 9, 2022 Sonnet BioTherapeutics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SONN) ("Sonnet" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative targeted biologic drugs, reported data from a preclinical combination study of SON-1010 with a commercially available anti-PD1 compound (Press release, Sonnet BioTherapeutics, JUN 9, 2022, View Source [SID1234615826]). These results suggest that dosing of SON-1010 (IL12- FHAB) in combination with anti-PD1 demonstrated strong efficacy in the B16F10 mouse melanoma model, historically known as an immunologically insensitive model to anti-PD1.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Checkpoint inhibitors provide viable treatment alternatives to chemotherapy and/or radiation for patients with solid tumors, but there remains a robust need for more effective combination treatment regimens. With the objective of improving the checkpoint inhibitor response rate, Sonnet BioTherapeutics is developing a targeted approach using the company’s Fully Human Albumin binding (FHAB) platform. The FHAB technology targets tumor and lymphatic tissue, providing a mechanism for dose sparing and an opportunity to improve the safety and efficacy profile of not only Interleukin 12 (IL-12), but a variety of synergistic and potent immunomodulators. SON-1010 is currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical study in cancer patients and this preclinical study was designed to explore the combination potential with a checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD1).

"We are excited to see that the combination of SON-1010 with an anti-PD1 antibody yielded compelling data in this preclinical model" said Pankaj Mohan, Ph.D., Sonnet Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and further added that, "These data support our strategy of pairing SON-1010 with a checkpoint inhibitor, with the goal of developing an improved treatment option for cancer patients."

Experimental Study Design: Three randomized cohorts of nine mice (n = 27), each with 150 mm3 B16F10 melanoma tumors, were dosed with 3µg IL12-FHAB and/or 10µg anti-PD1 antibody on days 0, 4 and 8 while the placebo cohort was not treated. Mean tumor volumes were measured every two or three days through an 18-day period.

Table 1: Mean Comparisons of Tumor Volume Growth Inhibition

Test Article

Mean Tumor
Volume (mm3) – Day 14

Tumor Growth Inhibition Ratios
( % Inhibition )

Placebo (n = 9)

2260

Anti-PD1 antibody (n = 9)

2016

10.7%

Anti-PD1 + IL12-FHAB (n = 9)

472

79.1%

Compared to the tumor-bearing placebo group at day 14, the treatment groups administered three doses of anti-PD1 antibody or three doses of the IL12-FHAB + anti-PD1 antibody combination resulted in 10.7% and 79.1% tumor growth inhibition, respectively.

Survival data for study mice at 18 days further supports the efficacy synergy of IL12-FHAB co-injected with anti-PD1 by improving the survival rate: (i) for anti-PD1 administration, only one mouse survived out of a total of nine, and (ii) for anti-PD1 + IL12-FHAB administration, seven mice survived out of a total of nine. Additionally, the mice cohorts used in the preclinical efficacy study did not show any weight loss during the study in either the single agent or combination dosing arms.

"We are excited to have demonstrated these important data in an immunologically distinct animal model when IL12-FHAB was dosed in combination with an anti-PD1 antibody," said John Cini, Ph.D., Sonnet’s Chief Scientific Officer. "Further, this study evaluated the sequence of test article administration, whereby co-injection of IL12-FHAB and anti-PD1 antibody was optimal when compared to administration of either anti-PD1 or IL12-FHAB first. Targeting the tumor by linking IL-12 to an albumin-binding domain extends the cytokine half-life in the body, and we believe that is the key to inducing a successful local immune response in the tumor microenvironment."