G1 Therapeutics Announces Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

On December 1, 2023 G1 Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GTHX), a commercial-stage oncology company, reported the grant of inducement stock options exercisable for 4,700 shares of G1’s common stock and 2,300 restricted stock units (RSUs) to one hired employee under the Amended and Restated G1 Therapeutics, Inc. 2021 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan (the "Amended and Restated 2021 Plan") (Press release, G1 Therapeutics, DEC 1, 2023, View Source [SID1234638090]). These equity awards were granted as an inducement material to the new employee becoming an employee of G1 in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

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The Amended and Restated 2021 Plan is used exclusively for the grant of equity awards to individuals who were not previously employees of G1 (or following a bona fide period of non-employment), as an inducement material to such individual’s entering into employment with G1, pursuant to Rule 5635(c)(4) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

The stock options are exercisable at a price of $2.00 per share, the closing price of G1’s common stock on December 1, 2023, the grant date. The stock options have up to a ten-year term and vest over four years, with 25% of the award vesting on the first anniversary of the employee’s employment, and as to an additional 1/48th of the shares monthly thereafter, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting dates (subject to the terms and conditions of the stock option agreement covering the grant). The RSUs have a four-year term, with 25% of the award vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date, and the remainder vesting 12.5% semi-annually over the remaining three years, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting dates (subject to the terms and conditions of the RSU agreement covering the grant). The stock options and RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions of the Amended and Restated 2021 Plan.

Jaypirca® (pirtobrutinib) Now Approved by U.S. FDA for the Treatment of Adult Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma Who Have Received at Least Two Lines of Therapy, Including a BTK Inhibitor and a BCL-2 Inhibitor

On December 1, 2023 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib, 100 mg & 50 mg tablets) for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who have received at least two prior lines of therapy, including a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor and a BCL-2 inhibitor (Press release, Eli Lilly, DEC 1, 2023, View Source [SID1234638089]). Jaypirca was approved under the FDA’s Accelerated Approval pathway based on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR) from the open-label, single-arm, multicohort, international, Phase 1/2 BRUIN trial.1 Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.1

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Jaypirca, the first and only FDA-approved non-covalent (reversible) BTK inhibitor, is a highly selective kinase inhibitor that can extend the benefit of targeting the BTK pathway in CLL/SLL patients previously treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor (ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, or zanubrutinib) and a BCL-2 inhibitor.1,2 Jaypirca utilizes a novel binding mechanism and has the largest body of evidence of any targeted therapy in patients previously treated with a BTK inhibitor.1,2

"Once patients with CLL or SLL have progressed on covalent BTK inhibitor and BCL-2 inhibitor therapies, treatments are limited and outcomes can be poor, making the approval of Jaypirca a meaningful advance and much-needed new treatment option for these patients," said William G. Wierda, M.D., Ph.D., professor, medical director, and CLL section head for the Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "Jaypirca offers a new treatment option and different approach to targeting BTK, providing clinical benefit for a high proportion of patients with CLL or SLL in the BRUIN Phase 1/2 trial whose disease progressed following treatment with a covalent BTK inhibitor and with a BCL-2 inhibitor."

The labeling for Jaypirca contains warnings and precautions for infections, hemorrhage, cytopenias, cardiac arrhythmias, second primary malignancies, and embryo-fetal toxicity. See Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information for additional information, including dosing modifications.

"This FDA approval — the second for Jaypirca in 2023 — underscores the impactful clinical benefit of continuing to leverage the BTK pathway with Jaypirca for patients with CLL or SLL as seen in the BRUIN trial," said Jacob Van Naarden, chief executive officer, Loxo@Lilly. "These first two indications for Jaypirca represent the beginning of the eventual impact that we hope Jaypirca can have for patients, and we look forward to seeing the results of the comprehensive Phase 3 development program across CLL, SLL and MCL."

"The treatment landscape for CLL has been dramatically improved by the introduction of covalent BTK inhibitors and BCL-2 inhibitors. However, most patients will unfortunately relapse eventually," said Brian Koffman, M.D., chief medical officer and executive vice president at the CLL Society. "Pirtobrutinib’s approval gives patients a much-needed option and brings forward new possibilities as they continue their treatment journey."

The FDA approval is based on data from a subset of patients in the BRUIN Phase 1/2 trial. The assessment of efficacy was based on 108 patients with CLL/SLL treated with Jaypirca who were previously treated with at least two prior lines of therapy, including a BTK inhibitor and a BCL-2 inhibitor. Jaypirca 200 mg was given once daily and was continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients with active central nervous system (CNS) involvement by lymphoma or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) within 60 days were excluded. Patients in the efficacy-eligible population had received a median of five prior lines of therapy (range: 2 to 11). The most common prior BTK inhibitors received were ibrutinib (97%), acalabrutinib (9%), and zanubrutinib (0.9%). Seventy-seven percent (77%) of patients discontinued the last BTK inhibitor for refractory or progressive disease. Efficacy was established based on ORR and DOR, as assessed by an independent review committee (IRC) using 2018 International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (iwCLL) criteria. Efficacy results are summarized below:

Outcome

Jaypirca 200 mg once daily (N=108)

Overall Response Rate

ORR, n

(95% CI, %)

78 (72 %)

63, 80

PR, n

78 (72 %)

Time to Response

Median (range), months

3.7 (1.7, 27.9)

Duration of Responsea

Median DOR, months (95% CI)

12.2 (9.3, 14.7)

CI, confidence interval; PR, partial response.

a Based on Kaplan-Meier estimation. Estimated median follow-up was 15.7 months.

The pooled safety analysis of the full BRUIN study population evaluated 593 patients with hematologic malignancies administered Jaypirca 200 mg daily as a single agent. In this pooled safety population, the most common adverse reactions (ARs) to Jaypirca therapy, occurring in 20% of patients or more, including laboratory abnormalities, were decreased neutrophil count, decreased hemoglobin, fatigue, decreased lymphocyte count, musculoskeletal pain, decreased platelet count, diarrhea, COVID-19, bruising, and cough.

The safety of Jaypirca was evaluated in the BRUIN trial in 110 patients with CLL/SLL, with 98% receiving at least two prior lines of systemic therapy, including a BTK inhibitor and a BCL-2 inhibitor. Sixty percent (60%) of these patients were exposed to Jaypirca for at least one year, and 14% were exposed for at least two years. ARs led to dose reductions in 3.6%, treatment interruption in 42%, and permanent discontinuation of Jaypirca in 9% of patients. ARs that resulted in permanent discontinuation of Jaypirca in more than 1% of patients included second primary malignancy, COVID-19, and sepsis. Serious ARs occurred in 56% of patients who received Jaypirca. Serious ARs occurring in greater than or equal to 5% of patients were pneumonia (18%), COVID-19 (9%), sepsis (7%), and febrile neutropenia (7%).

Lilly is committed to delivering on the requirements of the FDA’s Accelerated Approval pathway, including the completion of confirmatory studies supporting traditional approval as soon as possible. The Phase 3 randomized confirmatory trial intended to convert this approval to traditional approval is BRUIN CLL-321, which reached its target number of progression-free survival (PFS) events and met its primary endpoint. Topline results were shared with the FDA in November 2023, although these data have not yet been formally reviewed. BRUIN CLL-321 is a randomized Phase 3 trial comparing pirtobrutinib monotherapy versus the investigator’s choice of either idelalisib in combination with rituximab or bendamustine in combination with rituximab in patients with CLL/SLL who have been treated with at least a BTK inhibitor. These data will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting. Jaypirca is not approved for use in the BRUIN CLL-321 population.

This is the second FDA-approved indication for Jaypirca following the January 2023 Accelerated Approval for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after at least two lines of systemic therapy, including a BTK inhibitor.

Loxo@Lilly is studying Jaypirca in CLL/SLL in multiple Phase 3 studies. Details on the trials can be found by visiting clinicaltrials.gov.

See Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information for additional information.

Click here to view the CLL infographic.

Click to view the Jaypirca product photos: 100 mg and 50 mg.

Click here to view the Jaypirca logo.

About the BRUIN Phase 1/2 Trial
The BRUIN Phase 1/2 clinical trial is the ongoing first-in-human, global, multi-center evaluation of Jaypirca in patients with hematologic malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

The trial includes a Phase 1 dose-escalation phase, a Phase 1b combination arm, and a Phase 2 dose-expansion phase. The primary endpoint of the Phase 1 study is maximum tolerated dose (MTD)/recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D). Secondary endpoints include safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and preliminary efficacy measured by overall response rate (ORR) for monotherapy. The primary endpoint of the Phase 1b study is safety of the drug combinations. The secondary endpoints are PK and preliminary efficacy measured by ORR for the drug combinations. The primary endpoint for the Phase 2 study is ORR as determined by an independent review committee (IRC). Secondary endpoints include ORR as determined by investigator, best overall response (BOR), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety, and PK.

About Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib)
Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib, formerly known as LOXO-305) (pronounced jay-pihr-kaa) is a highly selective (300 times more selective for BTK versus 98% of other kinases tested in preclinical studies), non-covalent (reversible) inhibitor of the enzyme BTK.2 BTK is a validated molecular target found across numerous B-cell leukemias and lymphomas including mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma.3,4 Jaypirca is a U.S. FDA-approved oral prescription medicine, 100 mg or 50 mg tablets taken as a once-daily 200 mg dose with or without food until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma
CLL and SLL are forms of slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develop from white blood cells known as lymphocytes.5,6 CLL is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults.5 In the U.S., CLL accounts for about one-quarter of the new cases of leukemia and there are approximately 18,740 new cases of CLL diagnosed this year.5,7 SLL is identical to CLL from a pathologic and immunophenotypic standpoint, with the main difference between them being the location of the cancer cells.5 In CLL, the cancer cells are present in the blood, and in SLL, the cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes.5

INDICATIONS FOR JAYPIRCA
Jaypirca is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of

Adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after at least two lines of systemic therapy, including a BTK inhibitor.
Adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who have received at least two prior lines of therapy, including a BTK inhibitor and a BCL-2 inhibitor.
These indications are approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for these indications may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR JAYPIRCA (pirtobrutinib)

Infections: Fatal and serious infections (including bacterial, viral, fungal) and opportunistic infections occurred in Jaypirca-treated patients. In a clinical trial, Grade ≥3 infections occurred in 24% of patients with hematologic malignancies, most commonly pneumonia (14%); fatal infections occurred in 4.4%. Sepsis (6%) and febrile neutropenia (4%) occurred. In patients with CLL/SLL, Grade ≥3 infections occurred (32%), with fatal infections occurring in 8%. Opportunistic infections included Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and fungal infection. Consider prophylaxis, including vaccinations and antimicrobial prophylaxis, in patients at increased risk for infection, including opportunistic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms, evaluate promptly, and treat appropriately. Based on severity, reduce dose, temporarily withhold, or permanently discontinue Jaypirca.

Hemorrhage: Fatal and serious hemorrhage has occurred with Jaypirca. Major hemorrhage (Grade ≥3 bleeding or any central nervous system bleeding) occurred in 3% of patients, including gastrointestinal hemorrhage; fatal hemorrhage occurred (0.3%). Bleeding of any grade, excluding bruising and petechiae, occurred in 17%. Major hemorrhage occurred in patients taking Jaypirca with (0.7%) and without (2.3%) antithrombotic agents. Consider risks/benefits of co-administering antithrombotic agents with Jaypirca. Monitor patients for signs of bleeding. Based on severity, reduce dose, temporarily withhold, or permanently discontinue Jaypirca. Consider benefit/risk of withholding Jaypirca 3-7 days pre- and post-surgery depending on type of surgery and bleeding risk.

Cytopenias: Jaypirca can cause cytopenias, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. In a clinical trial, Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias, including decreased neutrophils (26%), decreased platelets (12%), and decreased hemoglobin (12%), developed in Jaypirca-treated patients. Grade 4 decreased neutrophils (14%) and Grade 4 decreased platelets (6%) developed. Monitor complete blood counts regularly during treatment. Based on severity, reduce dose, temporarily withhold, or permanently discontinue Jaypirca.

Cardiac Arrhythmias: Cardiac arrhythmias occurred in patients who received Jaypirca. In a clinical trial of patients with hematologic malignancies, atrial fibrillation or flutter were reported in 3.2% of Jaypirca-treated patients, with Grade 3 or 4 atrial fibrillation or flutter in 1.5%. Other serious cardiac arrhythmias such as supraventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest occurred (0.5%). Patients with cardiac risk factors such as hypertension or previous arrhythmias may be at increased risk. Monitor for signs and symptoms of arrhythmias (e.g., palpitations, dizziness, syncope, dyspnea) and manage appropriately. Based on severity, reduce dose, temporarily withhold, or permanently discontinue Jaypirca.

Second Primary Malignancies: Second primary malignancies, including non-skin carcinomas, developed in 9% of Jaypirca-treated patients. The most frequent malignancy was non-melanoma skin cancer (4.6%). Other second primary malignancies included solid tumors (including genitourinary and breast cancers) and melanoma. Advise patients to use sun protection and monitor for development of second primary malignancies.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Jaypirca can cause fetal harm in pregnant women. Administration of pirtobrutinib to pregnant rats during organogenesis caused embryo-fetal toxicity, including embryo-fetal mortality and malformations at maternal exposures (AUC) approximately 3-times the recommended 200 mg/day dose. Advise pregnant women of potential fetal risk and females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for one week after last dose.

Adverse Reactions (ARs) in Patients Who Received Jaypirca

The most common (≥20%) ARs in the BRUIN pooled safety population of patients with hematologic malignancies (n=593) were decreased neutrophil count (46%), decreased hemoglobin (39%), fatigue (32%), decreased lymphocyte count (31%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), decreased platelet count (29%), diarrhea (24%), COVID-19 (22%), bruising (21%), cough (20%).

Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Serious ARs occurred in 38% of patients. Serious ARs occurring in ≥2% of patients were pneumonia (14%), COVID-19 (4.7%), musculoskeletal pain (3.9%), hemorrhage (2.3%), pleural effusion (2.3%), and sepsis (2.3%). Fatal ARs within 28 days of last Jaypirca dose occurred in 7% of patients, most commonly due to infections (4.7%), including COVID-19 (3.1% of all patients).

Dose Modifications and Discontinuations: ARs led to dose reductions in 4.7%, treatment interruption in 32%, and permanent discontinuation of Jaypirca in 9% of patients. ARs resulting in dosage modification in >5% of patients included pneumonia and neutropenia. ARs resulting in permanent discontinuation in >1% of patients included pneumonia.

ARs (all Grades %; Grade 3-4 %) in ≥10% of Patients: fatigue (29; 1.6), musculoskeletal pain (27; 3.9), diarrhea (19; -), edema (18; 0.8), dyspnea (17; 2.3), pneumonia (16; 14), bruising (16; -), peripheral neuropathy (14; 0.8), cough (14; -), rash (14; -), fever (13; -), constipation (13; -), arthritis/arthralgia (12; 0.8), hemorrhage (11; 3.1), abdominal pain (11; 0.8), nausea (11; -), upper respiratory tract infections (10; 0.8), dizziness (10; -).

Select Laboratory Abnormalities (all Grades %; Grade 3 or 4 %) that Worsened from Baseline in ≥10% of Patients: hemoglobin decreased (42; 9), platelet count decreased (39; 14), neutrophil count decreased (36; 16), lymphocyte count decreased (32; 15), creatinine increased (30; 1.6), calcium decreased (19; 1.6), AST increased (17; 1.6), potassium decreased (13; 1.6), sodium decreased (13; -), lipase increased (12; 4.4), alkaline phosphatase increased (11; -), ALT increased (11; 1.6), potassium increased (11; 0.8). Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities in >5% of patients included neutrophils decreased (10), platelets decreased (7), lymphocytes decreased (6).

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma

Serious ARs occurred in 56% of patients. Serious ARs occurring in ≥5% of patients were pneumonia (18%), COVID-19 (9%), sepsis (7%), and febrile neutropenia (7%). Fatal ARs within 28 days of last Jaypirca dose occurred in 11% of patients, most commonly due to infections (10%), including sepsis (5%) and COVID-19 (2.7%).

Dose Modifications and Discontinuations: ARs led to dose reductions in 3.6%, treatment interruption in 42%, and permanent discontinuation of Jaypirca in 9% of patients. ARs resulting in dose reductions in >1% included neutropenia; treatment interruptions in >5% of patients included pneumonia, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and COVID-19; permanent discontinuation in >1% of patients included second primary malignancy, COVID-19, and sepsis.

ARs (all Grades %; Grade 3-4 %) in ≥10% of Patients: fatigue (36; 2.7), bruising (36; -), cough (33; -), musculoskeletal pain (32; 0.9), COVID-19 (28; 7), pneumonia (27; 16), diarrhea (26; -), abdominal pain (25; 2.7), dyspnea (22; 2.7), hemorrhage (22; 2.7), edema (21; -), nausea (21; -), pyrexia (20; 2.7), headache (20; 0.9), arthritis/arthralgia (19; 1.8), rash (19; 0.9), peripheral neuropathy (16; 3.6), dizziness (15; -), fall (14; 0.9), constipation (14; -), insomnia (14; -), upper respiratory tract infections (13; 2.7), second primary malignancy (13; 2.7), renal insufficiency (12; 6), hypertension (12; 5), neurological changes (12; 2.7), mucositis (12; 0.9), decreased appetite (12; -), respiratory tract infection (11; 1.8), supraventricular tachycardia (10; 5).

Select Laboratory Abnormalities (all Grades %; Grade 3 or 4 %) that Worsened from Baseline in ≥20% of Patients: neutrophil count decreased (63; 45), hemoglobin decreased (48; 19), calcium decreased (40; 2.8), platelet count decreased (30; 15), sodium decreased (30; -), lymphocyte count decreased (23; 8), ALT increased (23; 2.8), AST increased (23; 1.9), creatinine increased (23; -), lipase increased (21; 7), alkaline phosphatase increased (21; -). Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities in >5% of patients included neutrophils decreased (23).

Drug Interactions

Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Concomitant use with Jaypirca increased pirtobrutinib systemic exposure, which may increase risk of Jaypirca ARs. Avoid use of strong CYP3A inhibitors with Jaypirca. If concomitant use is unavoidable, reduce Jaypirca dosage according to approved labeling.

Strong or Moderate CYP3A Inducers: Concomitant use with Jaypirca decreased pirtobrutinib systemic exposure, which may reduce Jaypirca efficacy. Avoid concomitant use of Jaypirca with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. If concomitant use with moderate CYP3A inducers is unavoidable, increase Jaypirca dosage according to approved labeling.

Sensitive CYP2C8, CYP2C19, CYP3A, P-gp, or BCRP Substrates: Concomitant use with Jaypirca increased their plasma concentrations, which may increase risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates for drugs that are sensitive to minimal concentration changes. Follow recommendations for these sensitive substrates in their approved labeling.

Use in Special Populations

Pregnancy and Lactation: Due to potential for Jaypirca to cause fetal harm, verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to starting Jaypirca and advise use of effective contraception during treatment and for one week after last dose. Presence of pirtobrutinib in human milk is unknown. Advise women not to breastfeed while taking Jaypirca and for one week after last dose.

Geriatric Use: In the pooled safety population of patients with hematologic malignancies, patients aged ≥65 years experienced higher rates of Grade ≥3 ARs and serious ARs compared to patients <65 years of age.

Renal Impairment: Severe renal impairment increases pirtobrutinib exposure. Reduce Jaypirca dosage in patients with severe renal impairment according to approved labeling.

PT HCP ISI COMBO DEC2023

Please see Prescribing Information and Patient Information for Jaypirca.

Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Reports Safety and Efficacy Results from Its Phase 1 First-In-Human Study of Zelenirstat (PCLX-001)

On November 30, 2023 Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Pacylex), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of a new class of targeted therapies for the treatment of hematologic and solid tumor cancers, reported that the results of its Phase 1 dose escalation safety and tolerability study for zelenirstat, an investigational NMT inhibitor and Pacylex’s lead product candidate, will be included in investor updates presented at upcoming conferences in December and January (Press release, Pacylex Pharmaceuticals, NOV 30, 2023, View Source [SID1234645054]).

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The Phase 1 dose escalation safety and tolerability study was conducted in 29 lymphoma and solid tumor patients, who averaged 4 prior lines of therapy to which they were relapsed or refractor (R/R). The most common treatment related adverse events identified in the trial were mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects which were self-limiting and occurred in a minority of patients. A recommended Phase 2 dose for expansion studies was established. Zelenirstat unexpectedly prolonged progression free survival in some Phase 1 solid tumor patients receiving the recommended Phase 2 dose; several patients at this dose continue zelenirstat treatment for up to ten 28-day cycles and counting. The Company has commenced a Phase 2a expansion study in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Dr. Michael Weickert, Ph.D., Pacylex’s Chief Executive Officer, will present a corporate overview and discuss the Company’s Phase 1 study safety results and efficacy signals as well as development plans for this potential first-in-class oral therapy, at two upcoming investment conferences:

MedInvest Oncology Investor Conference on December 5-6, 2023 in Palo Alto, CA and present Phase 1 safety, tolerability and efficacy results for zelenirstat on Tuesday December 5, 2023 at 11:10 AM PT.
Pacylex will also participate in Biotech Showcase a premier investor and networking conference on January 8-10, 2024, alongside the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference. Dr. Weickert will present an update on the clinical progress of zelenirstat at the meeting in San Francisco, CA.
Dr. Weickert will also be available for one-on-one meetings at both conferences.

"The safety profile for zelenirstat is consistent with advancement to Phase 2 but the surprise in this study were the benefits observed in patients with heavily pre-treated solid tumors," said Dr. John Mackey, Chief Medical Officer for Pacylex and a practicing oncologist. "The fact that several patients receiving the Phase 2 dose have been treated with zelenirstat longer than any prior therapy, with reductions in disease burden, is very encouraging."

"We are delighted to attend these two premier investor conferences to showcase our Phase 1 study results, where zelenirstat demonstrated an acceptable safety and tolerability profile, favorable pharmacokinetics, and early efficacy signals," said Dr. Michael Weickert, CEO of Pacylex. "These better-than-expected Phase 1 results give us a sense of urgency to evaluate zelenirstat in a broader group of patients than initially planned."

Those interested in requesting a one-on-one meeting at the MedInvest Conference can submit a registration request using the conference website HERE. Presentation materials will be available under the News section of Pacylex’s website HERE.

Registered attendees of Biotech Showcase can request a one-on-one meeting with Dr. Weickert using the partneringONE platform HERE. If there are no compatible time slots available, please contact Dr. Weickert directly to schedule a meeting.

About zelenirstat (PCLX-001)

Zelenirstat (formerly identified as PCLX-001) is a first-in-class, oral, small molecule N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) inhibitor being developed to treat patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors. In animal models, zelenirstat selectively killed cancer cells in vitro and has been shown to regress hematologic malignancies and inhibit the growth of lung and breast cancer tumors. In AML models, zelenirstat killed leukemic stem enriched cell populations and allowed the regeneration and growth of normal bone marrow cells.

About zelenirstat Phase 1 and 2 studies

Pacylex completed the dose escalation phase of a Phase 1 multiple ascending dose safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics study on zelenirstat in R/R lymphoma and solid tumor patients (NCT04836195). A recommended Phase 2 dose was determined. Zelenirstat demonstrated an acceptable safety and tolerability profile, pharmacokinetics consistent with once daily oral dosing, and early signs of potential efficacy.

Zelenirstat is currently being studied in a Phase 2a open-label study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical activity of zelenirstat in patients with R/R B-cell non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). A separate Phase 2a cohort is planned in advanced solid malignancies who have progressed on all available standard therapies.

Cello Therapeutics Received IND Clearance by FDA for its First-in-Class Cellular Nanoparticle (CNP) based Immunotherapy, CE120, to Enter Clinical Phase.

On November 30, 2023 Cello Therapeutics, Inc. reported to have received IND clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its first immunotherapy nanoformulation CE120 to initiate first-in-human clinical trials for a variety of solid tumors (Press release, Cello Therapeutics, NOV 30, 2023, View Source [SID1234638189]). CE120 is the first innovative nanomedicine cleared for clinical trials that employs platelet membrane-coated nanoparticles for drug delivery, offering a dual benefit of tumor elimination and the potential for long-term cancer immunity in patients.

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CE120 is a broad-spectrum therapeutic cancer nanovaccine developed by Cello Therapeutics, Inc. based on the Cellular Nanoparticle (CNP) drug delivery technology platform with independent intellectual property rights, and the biomimetic design concept. CE120 comprises an enriched platelet cell membrane coating on polymeric nanoparticles carrying a potent immunotherapy drug. Leveraging the inherent biological functionality of platelets, CE120 achieves targeted delivery and prolonged residence within tumor tissues after local administration. Through a gradual drug release mechanism, CE120 effectively triggers the body’s anti-tumor immune response, addressing issues associated with poor therapeutic outcomes, safety concerns, and side effects linked to excessive systemic exposure.

Cello Therapeutics, Inc. (Cello) is a leading biomedical company focused on developing novel nanoparticle delivery platforms for cancer treatment. Our cellular nanoparticles (CNPs) are comprised of three main components—drug payload, biocompatible polymer, and natural cellular membrane. The payload could be a chemotherapy or immunomodulatory agent, mRNA or siRNA. The drugs are loaded within the biodegradable polymer core, which is then coated with membrane derived from human cells. This cell membrane coating technology is a recent breakthrough in the field of nanomedicine. Our target is to treat all types of cancers with a single delivery platform.

Guardant Health to present data at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium demonstrating utility of liquid biopsy in biomarker identification, therapy selection and residual disease detection

On November 30, 2023 Guardant Health, a leading precision oncology company, reported the company will present data showing the utility of liquid biopsy tests in the management of breast cancer patients at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 5-9 in San Antonio, Texas (Press release, Guardant Health, NOV 30, 2023, View Source [SID1234638083]). Highlights of the eight poster presentations include the use of blood-based testing to identify actionable biomarkers and predict therapy response in advanced breast cancer, and to detect residual disease and predict recurrence in patients with early-stage breast cancer.

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"We look forward to sharing new data in San Antonio demonstrating the utility of liquid biopsy in advancing the practice of precision oncology for patients with breast cancer," said Craig Eagle, Guardant Health chief medical officer. "The presentations will show how comprehensive genomic profiling and residual disease detection using blood-based testing provide critical insights to help oncologists develop personalized treatment plans that can improve patient outcomes."

Two studies were selected for spotlight discussions:

The PlasmaMATCH study assessed the feasibility of ctDNA genomic profiling for actionable biomarker detection and therapy selection in patients with advanced breast cancer. This research explores the use of ctDNA at multiple points in time to predict therapy response in patients on targeted therapy, including establishing thresholds that best predict clinical outcomes. Study results show the use of longitudinal sampling and ctDNA assessment may help in understanding, predicting and preparing for clinical outcomes in patients receiving systemic therapy.
In a large feasibility study of over 300 patients with early-stage breast cancer, samples were collected about two years after curative-intent adjuvant chemotherapy and tested with Guardant Reveal, using epigenomic technology to assess for the presence of ctDNA. The study found ctDNA detection after adjuvant therapy was prognostic for distant recurrence, with a median lead time between detection and clinically observed disease recurrence of 7.9 months and high specificity. The study also notes that ctDNA was detected up to 28.6 months prior to clinical recurrence detection.
Guardant Health poster presentations

Guardant360 and GuardantOMNI

The prognostic and predictive impact of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) dynamics in patients with metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) on olaparib based therapy: Results from Cohort E of the PlasmaMATCH trial (Poster spotlight discussion PS06-04)
Guardant360 CDx

Cell-free tumor DNA analysis in advanced or metastatic breast cancer patients enrolled in the German registry study PRAEGNANT (Poster P04-05-03)
Guardant360

CDK4/6 inhibition is a potential vulnerability in NF1-depleted ER+ breast cancer (Poster GS01-08)
Enhancing Informative Outcomes with Liquid Biopsy in a Real-World Population of Patients with Advanced Breast Cancer: Analysis of the SOLTI-1903 HOPE Study (Poster P04-14-02)
Detection of SPEN mutations in advanced breast cancer by circulating tumor cell-free DNA (Poster P05-14-07)
Guardant Reveal

Analysis of ctDNA for the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) using a tissue-free, multiomic assay in patients with early-stage breast cancer (Poster spotlight discussion PS06-06)
Guardant INFORM

A bedside-to-bench translational analysis demonstrates that NF1 alterations promote CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) resistance in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) ( Poster PO1-23-09)
Real-world (RW) utilization and patient outcomes across three CDK4/6 inhibitors in metastatic breast cancer (mBC) (Poster P04-18-02)
The full abstracts are available on the official SABCS 2023 website.