MTTI Highlights Promising One-Year Follow-Up on EBTATE Treatment of Neuroendocrine Cancer Patients Without Amino Acid Infusion

On June 21, 2023 Molecular Targeting Technologies, Inc. (MTTI) announced promising results from a 1-year follow-up on EBTATE (2 cycles, 3.7 GBq/cycle) treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) without amino acid pretreatment. EBTATE’s safety, biodistribution, and dosimetry in a crossover randomized protocol in patients (N=10) with and without amino acids were published in Clinical Nuclear Medicine (Press release, Molecular Targeting Technologies, JUN 21, 2023, View Source [SID1234632835]).

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The kidney is sensitive to radiation. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) dosing is constrained by potential kidney toxicity. A 4-hour long amino acid cocktail infusion reduces renal absorbed radiation dose, with significant side effects like nausea, vomiting and hyperkalemia. The Evans blue moiety in EBTATE binds to serum albumin, extending in vivo circulatory half-life and residence time, reducing renal uptake and hence making amino acid infusion unnecessary.

Professor Zhaohui Zhu, MD, principal investigator, commented, "Our results showed that administration of EBTATE without amino acid infusion had acceptable kidney radiation absorbed dose and residence time. One month after EBTATE, there were no significant changes in creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). None of the patients had nephrotoxicity of any grade. Furthermore, a recent one-year follow-up showed creatine and BUN of all patients stayed within normal limits. EBTATE administration appears to be safe without amino acid infusion."

Chris Pak, President & CEO of MTTI commented, "Amino acid infusion impacts quality of life, access to care, patient compliance to treatment and overall treatment costs. The benefits of EBTATE treatment without amino acids are clear. We expect EBTATE trials in small cell lung cancer, NET, and nasopharyngeal cancers to show the same benefit."

Molecular Targeting Technologies, Inc. (MTTI). MTTI is a privately held, venture-backed, clinical-stage biotech company developing next-generation targeted radiotherapeutics for rare cancers with high unmet needs. MTTI is committed to building value by translating innovative radiopharmaceuticals to improve human health and reduce healthcare costs. MTTI is orchestrating multiple clinical trials. For more information: www.evathera.com; Contact: Chris Pak, Email: [email protected]

* Jiang Y, Liu Q, Wang G, et al. . Evaluation of Safety, Biodistribution and Dosimetry of a Long-Acting Radiolabeled Somatostatin Analogue 177Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE (EBTATE) with and without Amino Acid Infusion. Clin Nucl Med 18 Apr 2023, 48(6):e289-e293

Avacta Announces Successful Completion of Fifth Dose Escalation in AVA6000 Phase 1 Clinical Study

On June 21, 2023 Avacta Group plc (AIM: AVCT), a life sciences company developing innovative, targeted oncology drugs and powerful diagnostics, reported that the fifth dose escalation cohort in the ALS-6000-101 dose escalation Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and tolerability of AVA6000 has been completed successfully (Press release, Avacta, JUN 21, 2023, View Source [SID1234632834]). The data continue to show a very favourable safety profile for the tumour targeted chemotherapy and several patients in cohort 5 and earlier cohorts remain on treatment as their disease has not progressed.

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AVA6000 is a form of doxorubicin that has been chemically modified with Avacta’s pre|CISION platform designed to reduce systemic side effects by targeting the release of active chemotherapy in tumour tissue. Despite the high dose level in the fifth cohort which is approximately 2.25 times a typical dose of doxorubicin, AVA6000 has continued to be well tolerated by patients with a marked reduction in the incidence and severity of the typical toxicities associated with the standard doxorubicin chemotherapy administration.

The emerging positive safety and pharmacokinetic data from the study support the potential clinical differentiation of AVA6000 over doxorubicin. This includes: (i) higher dosing of AVA6000 compared to standard doxorubicin, (ii) more frequent dosing of AVA6000 compared to doxorubicin – doxorubicin is typically dosed every three weeks in order for patients to recover from the side effects of treatment, (iii) the ability to administer many more cycles of AVA6000 compared to doxorubicin.

A total of 29 patients with a range of advanced and/or metastatic solid tumours have now been dosed at the clinical trial in sites in the UK and United States. On the basis of the very favourable safety profile of AVA6000 in the study to date, the Safety Data Monitoring Committee (SDMC) has recommended continuation to the sixth dose cohort at 310 mg/m2, which is equivalent to 2.7 times the standard dose of doxorubicin. This continued dose escalation is aimed at identifying a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) necessary to inform the dosing levels for the Phase 1b and future studies.

Dr Alastair Smith, Chief Executive of Avacta Group plc commented: "The continued positive safety profile of AVA6000 at these dose levels compared with standard doxorubicin is remarkable. We are seeing a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of all doxorubicin side effects. Analysis of the tumour biopsies to date also confirms that enough doxorubicin is being released in the tumour to have a therapeutic effect. If even higher doses of AVA6000 are tolerated then this may make a significant difference to the outcomes for patients in the upcoming efficacy study.

"We are keen to progress onto the Phase 1b efficacy study as soon as possible following completion of the dose finding Phase 1a study. The dose expansion Phase 1b study will provide an initial evaluation of efficacy and of the relative improvement in patient outcomes and quality of life of different dosing regimens of AVA6000 compared with the standard doxorubicin regimen."

Quest Diagnostics Completes Acquisition of Haystack Oncology, Adding Sensitive MRD Liquid Biopsy Technology to Cancer Diagnostics Portfolio

On June 21, 2023 Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX), the nation’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, reported that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Haystack Oncology (Press release, Quest Diagnostics, JUN 21, 2023, View Source [SID1234632832]).

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Haystack Oncology has developed a highly sensitive minimal-residual disease (MRD) testing technology, based on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), to aid in the early detection of residual or recurring cancer and better inform therapy decisions. Quest expects to incorporate this MRD technology into the development of new blood-based clinical lab services for solid tumor cancers available beginning in 2024.

Blue Earth Diagnostics and PETNET Solutions Inc, A Siemens Healthineers Company, Announce U.S. Commercial Availability of POSLUMA® (Flotufolastat F 18) Injection for PET Imaging of Prostate Cancer

On June 21, 2023 Blue Earth Diagnostics, a Bracco company and recognized leader in the development and commercialization of innovative PET radiopharmaceuticals, and PETNET Solutions Inc, A Siemens Healthineers Company, reported the commercial availability of POSLUMA (flotufolastat F 18) in the United States (Press release, Blue Earth Diagnostics, JUN 21, 2023, View Source [SID1234632833]). POSLUMA (formerly referred to as to as 18F-rhPSMA-7.3) is an optimized, high-affinity radiohybrid (rh) Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)-targeted PET imaging agent. It is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positive lesions in men with prostate cancer with suspected metastasis who are candidates for initial definitive therapy or with suspected recurrence based on elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. POSLUMA was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on May 25, 2023.

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POSLUMA is now commercially available through multiple radiopharmacies of PETNET Solutions, the primary manufacturer and commercial distributor for Blue Earth Diagnostics in the United States. By the end of June 2023, commercial production across the country will be underway at the 31 PETNET radiopharmacies Blue Earth Diagnostics included in its New Drug Application for POSLUMA, marking a record number of sites authorized for the manufacturing of a radiopharmaceutical upon its initial FDA approval. Additional PETNET sites are expected to manufacture POSLUMA before the end of the summer.

"We are pleased to make POSLUMA widely available across the United States for use in men with newly diagnosed or suspected recurrence of prostate cancer, and hope that this will make a real difference to physicians and their patients," said David E. Gauden, D.Phil., Chief Executive Officer of Blue Earth Diagnostics Ltd. "Our product introduction plan for POSLUMA includes practical education programs for physicians and staff at imaging centers to educate them on the appropriate use of POSLUMA, including image acquisition and reader training programs to help ensure the best information is available to inform patient care. In addition, we are actively communicating with Medicare carriers, Medicare Advantage Plans, private insurers and radiology benefit managers to help them understand the utility and value of POSLUMA, so that they will cover these procedures appropriately."

Dr. Gauden continued, "It is an ongoing pleasure to continue working with PETNET Solutions. We have a long-standing, productive relationship based on our seven-year success with Axumin (fluciclovine F 18). Our companies share a passion for PET molecular imaging, and for providing imaging tools to help inform the management of patients across the prostate cancer care continuum."

"As the main manufacturer and distributor of POSLUMA to imaging centers in the United States, PETNET Solutions is proud to continue our longstanding commercial relationship with Blue Earth Diagnostics, which began in 2015 when we became a commercial supplier of Axumin," said Barry Scott, Head of PETNET Solutions Inc. "With our large national network of cyclotron-equipped radiopharmacies, we are well-positioned to provide broad access to POSLUMA, as well as a wide range of other novel PET biomarkers that facilitate precision medicine for healthcare providers across the country."

Blue Earth Diagnostics and PETNET Solutions welcome visitors to the upcoming Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Annual Meeting in Chicago, June 24-27, 2023, to visit their exhibit booths. Blue Earth Diagnostics is at Booth 6025 and PETNET Solutions is at Booth 6075.

About POSLUMA (flotufolastat F 18)

POSLUMA (flotufolastat F 18) injection (formerly referred to as 18F-rhPSMA-7.3) is an optimized, targeted radiohybrid diagnostic imaging agent indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positive lesions in men with prostate cancer with suspected metastasis who are candidates for initial therapy or with suspected recurrence based on elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Precision PET imaging with POSLUMA can help identify the location and extent of prostate cancer, providing clinically valuable information to guide patient management. POSLUMA represents a new class of high-affinity PSMA-targeted PET radiopharmaceuticals based on novel radiohybrid technology and is labeled with the radioisotope 18F to provide readily available patient access and leverage the high image quality of 18F-labeled PSMA PET imaging to facilitate effective detection of disease. POSLUMA was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May, 2023.

About Radiohybrid Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (rhPSMA)

Radiohybrid Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (rhPSMA) compounds consist of a radiohybrid ("rh") Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-targeted receptor ligand which attaches to and is internalized by prostate cancer cells, and they may be radiolabeled with imaging isotopes for PET imaging, or with therapeutic isotopes for therapeutic use – providing the potential for creating a true theranostic technology. Radiohybrid technology and rhPSMA originated from the Technical University of Munich, Germany. Blue Earth Diagnostics acquired exclusive, worldwide rights to rhPSMA diagnostic imaging technology from Scintomics GmbH in 2018, and therapeutic rights in 2020, and sublicensed the therapeutic application to its sister company Blue Earth Therapeutics. Blue Earth Diagnostics received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for its radiohybrid PET diagnostic imaging product for use in prostate cancer in 2023. rhPSMA compounds for potential therapeutic use are investigational and have not received regulatory approval.

Indication and Important Safety Information About POSLUMA

INDICATION

POSLUMA (flotufolastat F 18) injection is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positive lesions in men with prostate cancer

with suspected metastasis who are candidates for initial definitive therapy
with suspected recurrence based on elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Image interpretation errors can occur with POSLUMA PET. A negative image does not rule out the presence of prostate cancer and a positive image does not confirm the presence of prostate cancer. The performance of POSLUMA for imaging metastatic pelvic lymph nodes in patients prior to initial definitive therapy seems to be affected by serum PSA levels and risk grouping. The performance of POSLUMA for imaging patients with biochemical evidence of recurrence of prostate cancer seems to be affected by serum PSA levels. Flotufolastat F 18 uptake is not specific for prostate cancer and may occur in other types of cancer, in non-malignant processes, and in normal tissues. Clinical correlation, which may include histopathological evaluation, is recommended.
Risk of Image Misinterpretation in Patients with Suspected Prostate Cancer Recurrence: The interpretation of POSLUMA PET may differ depending on imaging readers, particularly in the prostate/prostate bed region. Because of the associated risk of false positive interpretation, consider multidisciplinary consultation and histopathological confirmation when clinical decision-making hinges on flotufolastat F 18 uptake only in the prostate/prostate bed region or only on uptake interpreted as borderline.
POSLUMA use contributes to a patient’s overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure. Long-term cumulative radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk for cancer. Advise patients to hydrate before and after administration and to void frequently after administration. Ensure safe handling to minimize radiation exposure to the patient and health care providers.
The adverse reactions reported in ≥0.4% of patients in clinical studies were diarrhea, blood pressure increase and injection site pain.
Drug Interactions: androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and other therapies targeting the androgen pathway, such as androgen receptor antagonists, may result in changes in uptake of flotufolastat F 18 in prostate cancer. The effect of these therapies on performance of POSLUMA PET has not been established.
To report suspected adverse reactions to POSLUMA, call 1-844-POSLUMA (1-844-767-5862) or contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Full POSLUMA prescribing information is available at www.posluma.com/prescribing-information.pdf.

Indication and Important Safety Information About Axumin

INDICATION

Axumin (fluciclovine F 18) injection is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior treatment.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Image interpretation errors can occur with Axumin PET imaging. A negative image does not rule out recurrent prostate cancer and a positive image does not confirm its presence. The performance of Axumin seems to be affected by PSA levels. Axumin uptake may occur with other cancers and benign prostatic hypertrophy in primary prostate cancer. Clinical correlation, which may include histopathological evaluation, is recommended.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur in patients who receive Axumin. Emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel should be immediately available.
Axumin use contributes to a patient’s overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure, which is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Safe handling practices should be used to minimize radiation exposure to the patient and health care providers.
Adverse reactions were reported in ≤ 1% of subjects during clinical studies with Axumin. The most common adverse reactions were injection site pain, injection site erythema and dysgeusia.
To report suspected adverse reactions to Axumin, call 1-855-AXUMIN1 (1-855-298-6461) or contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Full Axumin prescribing information is available at View Source

ARTBIO Launches to Develop New Class of Alpha Radioligand Therapies Designed to Maximize Therapeutic Potential

On June 21, 2023 ARTBIO, Inc. (ARTBIO), a clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company developing a new class of targeted alpha radioligand therapies (ART), reported its founding with a $23 million seed financing led by F-Prime Capital with Omega Funds (Press release, ARTBIO, JUN 21, 2023, View Source [SID1234632831]). ARTBIO was founded in 2021 by Roy Larsen, Øyvind Bruland, Radforsk, and F-Prime Capital to create highly targeted cancer therapies by pairing the optimal alpha-emitting isotope Pb212 with ligands against proven tumor-specific targets. ARTBIO is also creating an entirely new approach to ART manufacturing to overcome production and distribution challenges. In early 2022, Emanuele Ostuni, formerly Head of Europe for Cell and Gene Therapy at Novartis Oncology, joined ARTBIO as CEO to start building its world-class team and advance its proprietary technology, while securing additional funding from F-Prime Capital and Omega Funds.

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The financing enables ARTBIO’s ongoing clinical development of its lead program AB001 for the treatment of prostate cancer. The funds will enable the company to advance a differentiated pipeline, further develop its AlphaDirect Pb212 isolation technology, and expand its distributed manufacturing network.

"Our unique approach combines Pb212 best in class properties with rationally designed ligands against tumor-specific targets to unlock the full therapeutic potential of alpha radioligand therapy," said Emanuele Ostuni, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of ARTBIO. "Many cancer patients still have few or no treatment options. We focus on ARTs with Pb212 because they can selectively deliver lethal energy to tumors in an optimal timeframe, resulting in better outcomes for patients and easier management by health care professionals. We are equally focused on building a distributed manufacturing ecosystem to maximize the potential of these therapies through a footprint tailored to the short half-life of Pb212."

A New Approach for Alpha Radioligand Therapy (ART)
ARTBIO’s unique approach is underpinned by a deep understanding of cancer biology and the infrastructure needed to effectively design, manufacture and distribute ARTs.

There are four distinct pillars of development:

The ideal alpha-emitter profile: Pb212 has a short half-life that matches the properties of the small molecule carriers used by ARTBIO, delivering most of its energy into the tumor quickly.
A differentiated pipeline of ARTs: ARTBIO has one asset in clinical development, with additional assets in rapid pre-clinical development, each focusing on addressing unmet medical needs.
Distributed ART manufacturing ecosystem: The company is building an end-to-end distributed manufacturing network for reliable and fast delivery of therapeutic candidates to the bedside.
Proprietary Pb212 isolation technology: ARTBIO’s AlphaDirect technology delivers highly pure Pb212 from widely available raw materials.
An Expert Leadership Team
ARTBIO has assembled a world-class team of talented professionals spanning multiple disciplines and categories.

"ARTBIO’s team is highly skilled and passionate, bringing together a unique combination of expertise in the radioligand space, drug development and oncology," said Ted W. Love, M.D., Chairman of the Board at ARTBIO. "I believe that ARTBIO’s approach represents the future of radioligand therapy that will radically advance cancer care."

The leadership includes:

Management Team

Emanuele Ostuni, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer; Former Head of Europe for Cell & Gene Therapy for Novartis Oncology
Bharat Lagu, Ph.D., Sr. Vice President and Head of Discovery; Former Head of Drug Discovery at Mitobridge (acquired by Astellas)
Victor Paulus, Ph.D., Sr. Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs; Former SVP of Regulatory Affairs at Fusion and Advanced Accelerator Applications.
Vicki Jardine, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President of Clinical Development; Former Senior Clinical Development Leader (Alpha Radioligand Therapies) at Bayer
Gjermund Olsen, Director of Manufacturing; Former Head of Technology Development (Radiotherapies) at Bayer
Scientific Advisory Board

Øyvind Bruland, M.D.; ARTBIO SAB Chairman and Co-founder
Roy Larsen, Ph.D.; ARTBIO Co-founder
Oliver Sartor, M.D.; Director of Radiopharmaceutical Trials, Mayo Clinic
Richard P. Baum, M.D.; President of the International Centers for Precision Oncology (ICPO) Academy and a Consultant at the Advanced Center for Radiomolecular Precision Oncology (RPO) at Curanosticum Wiesbaden-Frankfurt
Dennis Benjamin, Ph.D.; Former Head of R&D at Seagen
Board of Directors

Ted W. Love, M.D.; Chairman of the ARTBIO Board; Chair of Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s (BIO) Board of Directors
Alex Pasteur, Ph.D.; Partner at F-Prime Capital
Otello Stampacchia, Ph.D.; Managing Director and Founder at Omega Funds
Roy Larsen, Ph.D.; ARTBIO Co-Founder, Founder of Sciencons
Anders Tuv, Partner at Radforsk
Susanne Schaffert, Ph.D.; ARTBIO Independent Director; Former President of Novartis Oncology and Advanced Accelerator Applications
Emanuele Ostuni, Ph.D.; Chief Executive Officer of ARTBIO
Martin Taylor, Ph.D.; Senior Associate at F-Prime Capital (Observer)
Francesco Draetta; Partner at Omega Funds (Observer)
"ARTBIO is a global company that was incubated in Europe, where there has been much innovative development in the radioligand therapy space," said Alex Pasteur, Ph.D., Partner at F-Prime Capital. "Roy and Øyvind are serial entrepreneurs responsible for developing the only alpha particle emitting radiopharmaceutical product currently on the market. We look forward to working with this team to support the development of their pipeline and advance their vision of creating alpha radioligand therapies that are accessible, effective, and safe for patients around the world."