On April 14, 2023 QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) reported the launch of QIAseq Targeted cfDNA Ultra Panels that will enable researchers studying cancer and other diseases to turn cell-free DNA (cfDNA) liquid-biopsy samples into libraries ready for next-generation sequencing (NGS) in less than eight hours (Press release, Qiagen, APR 14, 2023, View Source [SID1234630093]).

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The new kit adds another innovation to the QIAseq Targeted DNA product portfolio. It will be one of the central features of QIAGEN’s life-science offering at the 2023 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) in Orlando, Florida, from April 14 to 19, 2023.

Liquid biopsy centered on cfDNA has become a vital tool in the diagnosis, outcome prognosis and treatment monitoring of cancer and other diseases. Carried by blood and other body fluids, cfDNA eliminates the need for surgery to take tissue samples. But it often carries disease-relevant variants in low concentrations, which means researchers demand extremely sensitive and reliable tools.

The QIAseq Targeted cfDNA Ultra Panels meet this requirement as they enable reliable detection of somatic genetic variants in challenging detection scenarios as low as 0.1% variant allele frequency (VAF) by enhanced chemistry, reduced enzymatic error rates, and an optimized bioinformatics pipeline.

"QIAGEN is dedicated to driving innovation in liquid biopsy technology to enhance cancer research and improve patient outcomes. With the launch of our QIAseq Targeted cfDNA Ultra Panels, researchers can now rapidly and accurately detect somatic genetic variants at low concentrations, providing a valuable tool for investigation of cancer and other diseases," said Dr. Thomas Schweins, Senior Vice President and Head of QIAGEN’s Life Sciences Business Area. "We are delighted to engage with experts at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2023 and demonstrate our many contributions to fighting cancer."

The proven ability of QIAGEN technology to detect tiny traces cfDNA variants will feature in the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)’s Spotlight Theater Talks from 10-11 a.m. on April 17. Marzia Del Re from the University of Pisa, Italy, will present her study of QIAGEN’s QIAcuity nanoplate-based digital PCR and other systems. "Our data show QIAcuity has a higher sensitivity than droplet digital PCR," she said. "This allows the detection of a larger number of mutated patients, even with low cfDNA abundance."

The QIAcuity digital PCR system enables researchers to detect and quantify DNA and RNA targets with high precision and sensitivity, allowing for reliable analysis of rare and difficult-to-detect targets for a wide range of applications. The instruments integrate partitioning, thermocycling and imaging into one workflow, cutting processing times to only two hours.

QIAGEN will also add new pan-cancer panels to its digital PCR portfolio. These panels offer a cutting-edge solution for the investigation of the most important cancer-related genes and will be available to customers starting in fall 2023. With a focus on hallmark mutations within specific genes, these assays enable researchers to investigate samples in multiplex reactions, allowing for faster and more efficient analysis. The panels are suitable for a range of applications, including biomarker validation, orthogonal validation of next-generation sequencing, resistance monitoring, drug monitoring, and tumor characterization.

QIAcuity’s extremely reliable mutation detection can be coupled with the easy sample processing of QIAGEN’s EZ2 Connect system. The platform for fully automated and convenient sample processing purifies DNA and RNA from various sample types using prefilled reagent-cartridges, contributing to optimized workflows and greater lab productivity. QIAcuity ensures fast and sensitive ultra-low mutation detection – a ground-breaking end-to-end combination for cancer researchers.

QIAGEN is looking forward to hosting AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) attendees at booth #753 in Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center. It will here unveil QIAcube Connect Red, a limited edition of QIAGEN’s gold-standard automated device for DNA, RNA and protein sample processing. Over 10,000 QIAcube instruments with blue trims have been installed – but there will always only be 100 devices with a red door-trim.

Learn more about QIAGEN’s commitment to fighting cancer at www.qiagen.com/conquer-cancer.

On April 14, 2023 Onxeo S.A. (Euronext Growth Paris: ALONX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of innovative drugs targeting tumor DNA Damage Response (DDR) and driver oncogenes, reported new date for the publication of its 2022 full-year results (Press release, Onxeo, APR 14, 2023, View Source [SID1234630092]).

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The publication of the 2022 full-year results is postponed to April 21, 2023, after market close.

On April 14, 2023 NuCana plc (NASDAQ: NCNA) announced two posters to be presented at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting being held from April 14-19, 2023 (Press release, Nucana BioPharmaceuticals, APR 14, 2023, View Source [SID1234630089]).

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Title: NUC-7738 causes reduction of soluble and exosome-associated PD-L1 in melanoma cell lines and patients
Presentation date and time: April 19th from 9.00am – 12.30pm
Abstract number: 5962

This study investigates the dynamic between NUC-7738 and the secreted forms of PD-L1 (soluble PD-L1 and exosomal PD-L1) both in a melanoma cell line and in patients treated with NUC-7738. Data from this study demonstrate that NUC-7738 reduced mRNA and protein levels of soluble PD-L1 in a melanoma cell line and that patients treated with NUC-7738 had reduced levels of exosomal PD-L1 compared to pre-treatment levels. These data indicate that NUC-7738 has the potential to act as an immune sensitizer and as an effective combination partner for PD-L1 pathway inhibitors. NUC-7738 is currently being studied in combination with pembrolizumab for patients with advanced solid tumors in the Phase 2 part of the NuTide:701 study.

Title: NUC-7738 promotes alternative polyadenylation site usage and reduces glutaminase GAC isoform
Presentation date and time: April 16th from 1.30pm – 5.00pm
Abstract number: 277

This study investigates the effect of NUC-7738 on isoforms of glutaminase 1. Glutaminase is often upregulated in cancer cells. Additionally, the GAC isoform drives more metabolically active cancers and has been associated with poorer patient outcomes. NUC-7738 reduced the expression of GAC in renal and pancreatic cancer cell lines in both hypoxic and normoxic conditions. Furthermore, tissue from patients with kidney cancer that was treated with NUC-7738 ex vivo demonstrated reduced levels of GAC. These data highlight a potentially meaningful anti-cancer strategy for NUC-7738 in metabolically active tumors that are able to sustain high rates of growth and proliferation in unfavorable conditions, including hypoxia.

Hugh S. Griffith, NuCana’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer said: "We are excited with these data as we believe they demonstrate NUC-7738’s multi-faceted mechanisms of action and are highly supportive of our clinical development strategy. We are currently investigating NUC-7738 in combination with pembrolizumab in the Phase 2 part of the NuTide:701 study and look forward to sharing data from this study in 2023."

On April 13, 2023 MEI Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: MEIP), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on advancing new therapies for cancer, reported that its board of directors approved a 1-for-20 reverse stock split (Press release, MEI Pharma, APR 14, 2023, View Source [SID1234630087]). The Company’s common stock will open for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on Monday, April 17, 2023 on a split-adjusted basis under the current trading symbol "MEIP." The reverse stock split was approved by MEI’s stockholders on January 5, 2023, and is intended to increase the per share trading price of the Company’s common stock to enable the Company to satisfy the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on Nasdaq.

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The 1-for-20 reverse stock split will automatically convert 20 current shares of MEI’s common stock into one new share of common stock. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split. Stockholders who would otherwise hold a fractional share of MEI’s common stock will receive a cash payment in lieu thereof, at a price equal to the fraction to which the stockholder would otherwise be entitled, multiplied by the closing price of MEI’s common stock on Nasdaq on Friday, April 14, 2023. The reverse split will reduce the number of shares of outstanding common stock from approximately 133,260,865 shares to approximately 6,663,043 shares. Proportional adjustments also will be made to the exercise prices of MEI’s outstanding stock options and warrants, and to the number of shares issued and issuable under MEI’s stock incentive plan.

Computershare Trust Company, N. A. ("Computershare") will act as the transfer agent for the reverse stock split. Stockholders holding their shares electronically in book-entry form are not required to take any action to receive post-split shares. Stockholders owning shares through a bank, broker or other nominee will have their positions automatically adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split, subject to brokers’ particular processes, and will not be required to take any action in connection with the reverse stock split. For those stockholders holding physical stock certificates, Computershare will send instructions for exchanging those certificates for shares held electronically in book-entry form or for new certificates, in either case representing the post-split number of shares.

In connection with the reverse stock split, the Company’s CUSIP number will change to 55279B301 on Monday, April 17, 2023.

On April 14, 2023 Kintara Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTRA) ("Kintara" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of new solid tumor cancer therapies, reported its participation in the upcoming 2023 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, taking place in Orlando, Florida from April 14 through April 19, 2023, where VAL-083 data will be presented (Press release, Kintara Therapeutics, APR 14, 2023, View Source [SID1234630086]).

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Data Presentations:

Session Title: Late-Breaking Research: Clinical Research 1 / Endocrinology
Poster Section 34, Presentation Time: Monday, April 17, 2023 – 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. ET

Abstract LB126: RELA fusion-positive ependymoma and diffuse midline glioma treated with VAL-083 under expanded access – case reports

The abstract describes two patient case reports, one with ependymoma and one with diffuse midline glioma, treated with VAL-083 under an expanded access program. The cases highlight that VAL-083 may be a treatment option for recurrent RELA fusion-positive ependymoma and diffuse midline glioma refractory to other treatments. Safety and efficacy data will be updated at the poster presentation at the meeting.

Abstract LB127: VAL-083 in patients with recurrent glioblastoma treated under expanded access program

The abstract reports on background characteristics, and safety and efficacy measures, from 24 patients with recurrent GBM treated with VAL-083 under an expanded access program. Use of VAL-083 continues to show benefit in the treatment of GBM patients who have had multiple recurrences and have limited therapeutic options. This information will be updated in the poster presentation at the meeting.