New data show durable response following treatment with ADSTILADRIN® (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg)

On November 29, 2023 Ferring Pharmaceuticals reported the presentation of new 36-month follow-up data from the Phase 3 study at the 24th Annual Meeting of the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) demonstrating a sustained durability of response with ADSTILADRIN (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg) in adult patients with high-risk, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors (±Ta/T1) (Press release, Ferring, NOV 29, 2023, View Source [SID1234638042]). ADSTILADRIN is the first and only intravesical gene therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in this patient population.

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"These new data continue to build on the body of evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of ADSTILADRIN, adding to the data on its sustained durable response following treatment," said Elizabeth Garner, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Scientific Officer, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, U.S. "Patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC are at high risk for recurrence and disease progression, which can often lead to bladder removal surgery, or cystectomy. ADSTILADRIN is an innovative therapy that we believe will transform the current standard of care for these patients, providing an effective alternative therapy."

The new interim data are from a 36-month follow-up analysis from the Phase 3 study, which is ongoing with a planned five-year treatment and monitoring phase. From the outset, patients with NMIBC CIS±Ta/T1 received ADSTILADRIN 75 mL intravesical instillation (3 x 1011 vp) once every three months for up to 12 months (four doses) or until unacceptable toxicity or recurrent high-grade (HG) NMIBC. Patients without evidence of HG recurrence were allowed to continue ADSTILADRIN treatment every three months as part of an ongoing follow-up analysis. Among patients who continued treatment after the 12-month Phase 3 period, 25.5% (14/55 patients) remained HG recurrence-free at 36 months following the start of treatment. The Kaplan-Meier (KM)-estimated probability of duration of complete response (CR) for at least 12, 24 and 36 months was 46.5%, 36.6% and 34.2%, respectively.1

In the overall CIS±Ta/T1 cohort of participants (N=103), the KM-estimated median (95% confidence interval [CI]) duration of HG recurrence-free survival was six months (3.4, 8.3), with a 30.1% (21.55%, 39.2%) probability of (95% CI) of HG recurrence-free survival for at least 12 months. At 36 months, the KM-estimated cystectomy-free survival (95% CI) was 53.8% (43.3%, 63.1%), and the three-year overall survival was 90.4% (82.3%, 94.9%). Two patients (1.9%) discontinued ADSTILADRIN treatment due to adverse events, while four (3.9%) experienced progression to muscle-invasive disease.1

"The management of patients with continued high-grade NMIBC after treatment with BCG remains challenging," said Stephen A. Boorjian M.D., who is the Carl Rosen Professor and David and Anne Luther Chair of the Department of Urology at Mayo Clinic, and was the lead investigator on the ADSTILADRIN clinical trial presented at the conference. "These new ADSTILADRIN data emphasize the importance of obtaining long-term follow up from novel therapies to establish treatment expectations."

Abstract and Presentation Time:

Efficacy of Intravesical Nadofaragene Firadenovec for Patients with BCG-Unresponsive Carcinoma in Situ of the Bladder: 36-Month Follow-Up From a Phase 3 Trial

Poster #164, Thursday, Nov. 30 from 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. EST

About ADSTILADRIN
ADSTILADRIN (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg) is the first and only FDA-approved intravesical gene-therapy for the treatment of adult patients with high-risk Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors. It is a non-replicating adenovirus vector-based therapy containing the gene interferon alfa-2b, administered by catheter directly into the bladder once every three months. The vector enters the cells of the bladder wall, releasing the active gene and causing the bladder’s cell walls to secrete high quantities of interferon alfa-2b protein, a naturally-occurring protein the body uses to fight cancer. This approach essentially turns the bladder wall cells into interferon microfactories, enhancing the body’s own natural defenses against the cancer.

ADSTILADRIN has been studied in a clinical trial program that includes 157 patients with high-grade, BCG-unresponsive NMIBC who had been treated with adequate BCG previously and did not see benefit from additional BCG treatment (full inclusion criteria published on clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02773849).2

About Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC)
NMIBC is a form of bladder cancer which is present in the superficial layer of the bladder and has not invaded deeper into the bladder or spread to other parts of the body.3 Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the U.S., and it is estimated that there were approximately 81,180 new cases of bladder cancer in the U.S. in 2022,4 75% of which present as NMIBC.5 In patients with high-risk NMIBC, intravesical BCG remains the first-line standard of care. However, more than 50% of patients who receive initial treatment with BCG will experience disease recurrence and progression within one year, with many developing BCG-unresponsive disease.3 Current treatment options for BCG-unresponsive patients are very limited, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend cystectomy (partial or complete removal of the bladder).6

INDICATION
ADSTILADRIN is a non-replicating adenoviral vector-based gene therapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with high-risk Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS: ADSTILADRIN is contraindicated in patients with prior hypersensitivity reactions to interferon alfa or to any component of the product.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

Risk with delayed cystectomy: Delaying cystectomy in patients with BCG-unresponsive CIS could lead to development of muscle invasive or metastatic bladder cancer, which can be lethal. If patients with CIS do not have a complete response to treatment after 3 months or if CIS recurs, consider cystectomy.
Risk of disseminated adenovirus infection: Persons who are immunocompromised or immunodeficient may be at risk for disseminated infection from ADSTILADRIN due to low levels of replication-competent adenovirus. Avoid ADSTILADRIN exposure to immunocompromised or immunodeficient individuals.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Administer ADSTILADRIN by intravesical instillation only. ADSTILADRIN is not for intravenous use, topical use, or oral administration.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS: Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during ADSTILADRIN treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during ADSTILADRIN treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common (>10%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities (>15%), were glucose increased, instillation site discharge, triglycerides increased, fatigue, bladder spasm, micturition (urination urgency), creatinine increased, hematuria (blood in urine), phosphate decreased, chills, pyrexia (fever), and dysuria (painful urination).

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-332-1088. You may also contact Ferring Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-FERRING.

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals to Present at the JMP Securities Hematology and Oncology Summit

On November 29, 2023 Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: DCPH), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing important new medicines to improve the lives of people with cancer, reported that members of the management team will participate in a virtual fireside chat at the JMP Securities Hematology and Oncology Summit on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 1:30 PM ET (Press release, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, NOV 29, 2023, View Source [SID1234638041]).

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A live webcast of the fireside chat will be available on the "Events and Presentations" page in the "Investors" section of the Company’s website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Company’s website for 90 days following the presentation.

Cogent Biosciences Announces Poster Presentations at Upcoming San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

On November 29, 2023 Cogent Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: COGT), a biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases, reported two poster presentations at the upcoming 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), taking place December 5-9, 2023 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas (Press release, Cogent Biosciences, NOV 29, 2023, View Source [SID1234638040]).

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Poster Details
The posters will be available on the ‘Posters and Publications’ page of Cogent’s website when they are presented.

Presentation ID: PO3-26-02
Title: Identification of a novel, brain penetrant, EGFR sparing, ErbB2 inhibitor with activity against oncogenic ErbB2 mutations
Session: Poster Session 3
Date: Thursday, December 7, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM CT (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET)

Presentation ID: PO3-26-01
Title: Preclinical in vitro and in vivo characterization of a novel, wild-type-sparing, PI3Kα H1047R mutant-selective inhibitor
Session: Poster Session 3
Date: Thursday, December 7, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM CT (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET)

Celdara Medical and C-Path’s Translational Therapeutics Accelerator Announce Pipeline-focused Partnership

On November 29, 2023 Celdara Medical and Critical Path Institute’s (C-Path) Translational Therapeutics Accelerator (TRxA) reported the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at identifying and advancing promising new therapeutics in areas of high unmet medical need (Press release, Celdara Medical, NOV 29, 2023, View Source [SID1234638039]). Under the terms of this agreement, both organizations look to expand opportunities to provide financial support for the development of early-stage therapeutics by exchanging non-competitive information submitted in academic funding proposals.

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Since its founding in 2008, Celdara Medical has built a robust pipeline of potential therapeutics for diseases with unmet needs, sourced from across the nation and globally. Many of these pipeline opportunities align with TRxA’s strategic objectives, as does the shared focus on and primacy of patient need and experience.

Launched in June 2022, TRxA is a global drug discovery and development accelerator focused on supporting academic scientists in defining optimal strategies for advancing new, cutting-edge small molecule therapeutics from the lab to patients. TRxA leverages C-Path’s expertise in translational and regulatory science to provide vital funding and drug development expertise to support its grantees in developing comprehensive data packages for potential drug candidates, a key to garnering interest from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to invest in clinical trials.

Dr. Jake Reder, Co-founder, and Chief Executive Officer of Celdara Medical, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "At Celdara Medical, we advance therapies with the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. This collaboration with TRxA will improve the efficiency of both organizations, expanding complementary access to our respective innovation pipelines."

Dr. Julie Coleman, Director at Celdara Medical, added, "This MOU reflects our shared commitment to breaking down barriers in drug development. By sharing resources and expertise with TRxA, we are poised to make significant strides in identifying important inventions and advancing treatments for patients with urgent medical needs."

Dr. Maaike Everts, Executive Director of C-Path’s TRxA, also shared her perspective on the collaboration, stating, "Drug discovery and development is a team sport; many types of expertise, funding models and organizations need to come together to mature an idea coming out of an academic institution into a therapy available to patients. I am very excited to work together with Celdara Medical to find the best environment and expertise needed to ensure our best and brightest ideas get nurtured into new medicines. The exchange of information under this MOU will be a great benefit to the scientists who approach us with their ideas for novel drugs."

The MOU between Celdara Medical and C-Path highlights the significance of collaboration and information sharing in delivering innovative therapies to patients. Together, the two organizations are committed to improving healthcare worldwide.

Biolexis Secures $10 Million in Series A Funding to Advance Metabolic Drug Development 

On November 29, 2023 Biolexis Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical stage AI-driven drug discovery company, reported the successful closure of a $10 million Series A funding round (Press release, Biolexis Therapeutics, NOV 29, 2023, View Source [SID1234638038]). The investment was led by Clarke Capital, a prominent institutional investor and alternative investment firm.

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The new funding will advance Biolexis’ development pipeline which includes a range of promising metabolic drug candidates. These drugs have the potential to tackle various metabolic disorders that affect millions of people worldwide and are linked to significant health complications such as obesity and diabetes.

"This financial backing from Clarke Capital is a testament to the potential of our metabolic drug portfolio," said David Bearss, CEO of Biolexis. "Our science is on point and our team is ready to tackle the unmet needs within the metabolic disorder spectrum. With Clarke Capital’s support, we’re in a strong position to accelerate our drug development pipeline and move closer to bringing our solutions to patients."

The Series A funding marks a significant milestone for Biolexis but also marks Clarke’s return to partner with Drs. Bearss and Vankayalapati, having been a major investor in their first company, Montigen Pharmaceuticals, a decade and a half ago before it was sold to a publicly traded company. The reteaming will allow the company to expand its operations and accelerate the clinical development of its key drug candidates. With the prevalence of metabolic diseases on the rise and current treatments in limited supply, the need for new and effective treatment options is more urgent than ever.

"At Clarke Capital, we’re committed to investing in companies poised to make a significant impact on healthcare," said James Clarke, CEO of Clarke Capital. "Biolexis’ impressive approach to addressing metabolic disorders and other treatment-resistant conditions has the potential to change lives. We are overjoyed to support their mission and look forward to seeing the results of their groundbreaking work."

To date, Drs. Bearss and Vankayalapati have filed more than 20 Investigational New Drugs (INDs) and have secured more than 100 patents. Using its unique AI-driven MolecuLern process, Biolexis has 40 active programs in discovery and 10 pipeline programs in the IND-enabling stages of development. The process, which targets any class of protein to identify novel chemical entities (NCEs) with drug-like characteristics and real wet-lab data validation, reduces the discovery and development timeline from years to months.