On October 3, 2023 ALX Oncology Holdings Inc., ("ALX Oncology" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: ALXO), an immuno-oncology company developing therapies that block the CD47 immune checkpoint pathway, reported positive prespecified interim Phase 2 data from its ASPEN-06 clinical trial, a randomized multi-center international study evaluating evorpacept, the Company’s CD47 blocking therapeutic, in combination with trastuzumab, CYRAMZA (ramucirumab) and paclitaxel for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive gastric/gastroesophageal junction ("GEJ") cancer (Press release, ALX Oncology, OCT 3, 2023, View Source [SID1234635589]). This prespecified interim analysis represents results from 54 randomized patients with second and third line gastric/GEJ cancer, including a meaningful number of patients previously treated with ENHERTU (trastuzumab deruxtecan) and checkpoint inhibitors. Patients were treated with evorpacept at 30 mg/kg every two weeks, mirroring the treatment cycle of trastuzumab, CYRAMZA and paclitaxel.

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Phase 2 ASPEN-06 Interim Analysis Results:

A confirmed overall response rate ("ORR") of 52% was demonstrated for evorpacept in combination with trastuzumab + CYRAMZA + paclitaxel compared to 22% for the control group of trastuzumab + CYRAMZA + paclitaxel.
Median duration of response ("mDOR") was not reached for the evorpacept combination treatment arm compared to 7.4 months for the control group.
The safety profile of evorpacept was consistent with previous clinical trials and was well-tolerated.
These interim results compare favorably to the efficacy reported for CYRAMZA + paclitaxel in the RAINBOW study (ORR of 28% and mDOR of 4.4 months), which is the regulatory benchmark and global standard of care for second line gastric/GEJ cancer.
"The ASPEN-06 clinical trial validates the potential of evorpacept both in solid tumors and in combination with anti-cancer antibodies and these data highlight the drug’s potential as a first-in-class foundational immunotherapy," said Sophia Randolph, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, ALX Oncology. "We are highly encouraged by these initial randomized efficacy and safety results in gastric cancer that build upon the activity previously seen in our first-in-human study and represent the first positive randomized clinical trial data presented for any CD47 blocker. In addition, ASPEN-06 is the first global randomized study in HER2-positive gastric cancer where prior KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) and ENHERTU were allowed. We look forward to reporting the final analysis from the ongoing Phase 2 ASPEN-06 study in Q2 2024 and plan to initiate the Phase 3 portion of ASPEN-06 in late 2024."

"These data in gastric cancer represent the first positive initial result in a randomized trial setting of blocking the CD47 immune checkpoint pathway with a CD47 blocker that has an inactive Fc effector function in order to treat patients living with advanced gastric cancer," said Keun Wook Lee, M.D., Ph.D., Professor at Seoul National University College of Medicine and ASPEN-06 Principal Investigator. "Patients with advanced disease face poor outcomes following progression on initial treatment with HER2-directed therapy. Evorpacept could represent a breakthrough in therapy and a potential paradigm shift in the gastric cancer care continuum."

Upcoming Clinical Milestones for Evorpacept’s Development Pipeline

1H 2024
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – Phase 1b investigator-sponsored trial with rituximab + lenalidomide top line results (Q1/Q2 2024)
Gastric/GEJ Cancer – Phase 2 ASPEN-06 randomized top line final results (Q2 2024)
2H 2024
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Phase 2 ASPEN-03 with KEYTRUDA randomized top line results
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Phase 2 ASPEN-04 with KEYTRUDA + chemotherapy randomized top line results
Gastric/GEJ Cancer – Phase 3 ASPEN-06 study initiation
Urothelial Carcinoma – Phase 1b ASPEN-07 with PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) top line results
Breast Cancer – Phase 1b I-SPY study with ENHERTU top line results
Conference Call on October 3 at 8:00 am EDT

The Company will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:00 AM EDT that will feature ASPEN-06 investigator Dr. Josep Tabernero, Director of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology and Head of the Medical Oncology Department at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, Spain and past President of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper).

To access the live conference call, please dial (800) 715-9871 (U.S./Canada) or +44.800.260.6466 (internationally) at least 10 minutes prior to the start time and refer to conference ID 7797378. The link to the live webcast of the conference call will be posted in the News & Events section (see "Events") of the Company’s website at www.alxoncology.com. An archived replay will be accessible for 90 days following the event.

About the ASPEN-06 Study

ASPEN-06 is a randomized Phase 2 (open-label) / Phase 3 (double-blinded), multi-center international study of patients with second or third line metastatic HER2-overexpressing gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma that has progressed on or after prior HER2-directed therapy and fluoropyrimidine- or platinum-containing chemotherapy. While trastuzumab is currently approved in combination with cisplatin or capecitabine for HER2-positive gastric/GEJ cancers, it is not yet approved with the standard-of-care of CYRAMZA + paclitaxel. The Phase 2 portion of the ASPEN-06 study is designed to enroll 122 patients who have progressed on, or after prior HER2-directed therapy and fluoropyrimidine and/or platinum-containing regimens. To determine the activity of evorpacept + trastuzumab + CYRAMZA + paclitaxel, in the Phase 2 portion of ASPEN-06, patients are randomized to receive either a four-drug combination regimen (evorpacept + trastuzumab + CYRAMZA + paclitaxel) or a three-drug combination regimen (trastuzumab + CYRAMZA + paclitaxel). This design enables the assessment of evorpacept’s contribution to the standard of care plus trastuzumab and to global standard of care, CYRAMZA + paclitaxel. Should the Phase 2 portion of the trial demonstrate proof of concept, the trial will progress to the Phase 3 portion where the evorpacept containing four-drug regimen will be tested against the two-drug global standard of care of CYRAMZA + paclitaxel.

About Gastric Cancer and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer

Gastric cancer ("GC") begins in the cells lining the inner wall of the stomach and spreads through the outer layers and eventually the body as it grows. GC is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer mortality as reported by GLOBOCAN. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 26,500 newly diagnosed cases of GC at all stages in the U.S. in 2023, and approximately 17 percent of all GC patients have HER2-positive disease. The five-year survival rate is only 5.5 percent for those patients diagnosed with metastatic disease. GC is more common in East Asian countries, with incidence rates 4 to 10 times higher than in the U.S.

On October 3, 2023 AffyImmune Therapeutics, Inc., reported that Matt Britz, Chief Operating Officer will present at the annual Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mesa to be held October 10-12 in Carlsbad, California and livestreamed globally (Press release, AffyImmune Therapeutics, OCT 3, 2023, View Source [SID1234635588]).

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"We are looking forward to connecting with fellow leaders of cell and gene therapy; this is a great opportunity to help educate the industry on AffyImmune and our Tune & Track system," said Mr. Britz. "Earlier this year at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), we presented positive safety and early efficacy results from our Phase 1 study of AIC100 in ICAM-1 positive relapsed and/or refractory advanced poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers, and we’re excited to continue education about our platform."

Organized by the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, the Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mesa is a three-day conference featuring more than 120 dedicated company presentations by leading public and private companies, highlighting technical and clinical achievements over the past 12 months in the areas of cell therapy, gene therapy, gene editing, tissue engineering, and broader regenerative medicine technologies, as well as over 100 panelists and featured speakers.

The following are specific details regarding AffyImmune’s presentation at the conference:

Event: 2023 Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mesa
Date: Tuesday, October 10th
Time: 5:00 p.m. PT
Location: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, 7100 Aviara Resort Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92011

Virtual attendance is available which includes a livestream of AffyImmune’s presentation and the ability to view all conference sessions on-demand. Please visit View Source for full information including registration.

Complimentary attendance at this event is available for credentialed investors and members of the media only. Investors should contact Savannah Bryant at [email protected] and interested media should contact Stephen Majors at [email protected].

On October 3, 2023 Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM; NASDAQ: IMMP) ("Immutep" or "the Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune disease, reported that an abstract has been accepted for poster presentation at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2023, taking place in San Diego, California and virtually from 1 to 5 November 2023 (Press release, Immutep, OCT 3, 2023, View Source [SID1234635573]).

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Presentation Details

Title: Biomarker results from the 1st line non-small cell lung cancer cohort of TACTI-002: pharmacodynamic effects of combining eftilagimod alpha (soluble LAG-3) and pembrolizumab
Abstract Number: 595
Date and Time: Friday, 3 November, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM PT
Location: Exhibit Halls A and B1, San Diego Convention Centre

The abstract will be available on the SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) website as of October 31, 2023, and the poster will be available on the Posters & Publications section of Immutep’s website following the presentation.

On October 2, 2023 Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) reported that, following discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it will be working with the FDA towards a voluntary withdrawal of EXKIVITY (mobocertinib) in the U.S. for adult patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Exon20 insertion mutation-positive (insertion+) locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy (Press release, Takeda, OCT 2, 2023, View Source [SID1234635586]). Takeda intends to similarly initiate voluntary withdrawal globally where EXKIVITY is approved and is working with regulators in other countries where it is currently available on next steps.

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This decision was based on the outcome of the Phase 3 EXCLAIM-2 confirmatory trial, which did not meet its primary endpoint and thus did not fulfill the confirmatory data requirements of the Accelerated Approval granted by the U.S. FDA nor the conditional marketing approvals granted in other countries.

The EXCLAIM-2 trial was a Phase 3, multicenter, open-label study designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of EXKIVITY as a monotherapy versus platinum-based chemotherapy in first-line EGFR Exon20 insertion+ locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. No new safety signals were observed in the EXCLAIM-2 trial. Full data from the trial will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting or published in a peer-reviewed journal.

"Our steadfast commitment to pursue solutions for people with high unmet needs led us to develop and launch EXKIVITY as the first oral therapy designed for patients with EGFR Exon20 insertion+ metastatic NSCLC," said Awny Farajallah, MD, head of Global Medical Affairs Oncology at Takeda. "We have been fortunate to witness the impact EXKIVITY has had on this previously underserved population and are encouraged to see the advancements made since its approval to introduce new therapies for these patients. We hope that findings from the EXCLAIM-2 study will inform future research and development for this disease."

Takeda is committed to ensuring patients receiving EXKIVITY can maintain access, as appropriate and in consultation with their healthcare provider. We are actively assessing access mechanisms with regulatory authorities. Patients currently being treated with EXKIVITY should consult their healthcare provider. For questions related to ongoing access, please contact us at [email protected].

Takeda will continue to assess the impact of the withdrawal and update our full-year, consolidated forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 (Fiscal Year 2023), as appropriate and necessary.

About EXKIVITY (mobocertinib)
EXKIVITY is a first-in-class, oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) specifically designed to selectively target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Exon20 insertion mutations. EXKIVITY was approved based on the results from the platinum-pretreated population in the Phase 1/2 trial of EXKIVITY in patients with EGFR Exon20 insertion mutation-positive (insertion+) metastatic NSCLC. For more information about EXKIVITY in the U.S., healthcare professionals may visit www.exkivity-update.com. For the U.S. Prescribing Information, including the Boxed Warning, please visit www.exkivity-update.com/prescribing-information.

About EGFR Exon20 Insertion+ NSCLC
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of the estimated 2.2 million new cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.1-2 Patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Exon20 insertion mutation-positive (insertion+) NSCLC make up approximately 1-2% of patients with NSCLC, and the disease is more common in Asian populations compared to Western populations.3-7 This mutation carries a worse prognosis than other EGFR mutations, as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) – which do not specifically target EGFR Exon20 insertions – and chemotherapy provide limited benefit for these patients.

Takeda is committed to continuing research and development to meet the needs of the lung cancer community through the discovery and delivery of transformative medicines.

On October 2, 2023 Gamida Cell Ltd. (Nasdaq: GMDA), a cell therapy pioneer working to turn cells into powerful therapeutics, reported that Abbey Jenkins, President and Chief Executive Officer, will present its corporate highlights at the annual Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mesa to be held October 10-12 in Carlsbad, California, and livestreamed globally (Press release, Gamida Cell, OCT 2, 2023, View Source [SID1234635585]). Ms. Jenkins will also participate in a panel titled "A record setting year for cell and gene therapies – how do we keep the momentum going?" at the event.

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During Gamida Cell’s corporate presentation, Ms. Jenkins will share commercial launch updates for Omisirge (omidubicel-onlv), the company’s allogeneic stem cell therapy, and an overview of the market opportunity.

Organized by the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, the Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mesa is an annual three-day conference featuring more than 100 presentations by companies highlighting technical and clinical achievements over the past 12 months in the areas of cell therapy, gene therapy, gene editing, tissue engineering and broader regenerative medicine technologies.

Virtual attendance is available and includes a livestream of Gamida Cell’s presentation and the ability to view all conference sessions on-demand. Please visit View Source for more information.

The following are details regarding Gamida Cell’s presentation at the conference:

Date: Wednesday, October 11
Time: 4:45 – 5:00 p.m. PT
Location: Aseptic Technologies Ballroom, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, 7100 Aviara Resort Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92011

The following are details regarding Ms. Jenkins’ panel participation at the conference:

Panel: A record setting year for cell and gene therapies – how do we keep the momentum going?
Date: Wednesday, October 11
Time: 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. PT
Location: Aseptic Technologies Ballroom, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, 7100 Aviara Resort Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92011

Complimentary attendance at this event is available for credentialed investors and members of the media only. Investors should contact Savannah Bryant at [email protected] and interested media should contact Stephen Majors at [email protected].

Omisirge Indication

Omisirge is a nicotinamide modified allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell therapy derived from cord blood indicated for use in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with hematologic malignancies who are planned for umbilical cord blood transplantation following myeloablative conditioning to reduce the time to neutrophil recovery and the incidence of infection.

Important Safety Information for Omisirge

BOXED WARNING: INFUSION REACTIONS, GRAFT VERSUS HOST DISEASE, ENGRAFTMENT SYNDROME, AND GRAFT FAILURE

Infusion reactions may be fatal. Monitor patients during infusion and discontinue for severe reactions. Use is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Dextran 40, gentamicin, human serum albumin or bovine material.
Graft-versus-Host Disease may be fatal. Administration of immunosuppressive therapy may decrease the risk of GvHD.
Engraftment syndrome may be fatal. Treat engraftment syndrome promptly with corticosteroids.
Graft failure may be fatal. Monitor patients for laboratory evidence of hematopoietic recovery.
Contraindications

OMISIRGE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Dextran 40, gentamicin, human serum albumin, or bovine products.

Warnings and Precautions

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Allergic reactions may occur with the infusion of OMISIRGE. Reactions include bronchospasm, wheezing, angioedema, pruritis and hives. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to DMSO, residual gentamicin, Dextran 40, human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine material in OMISIRGE. OMISIRGE may contain residual antibiotics if the cord blood donor was exposed to antibiotics in utero. Patients with a history of allergic reactions to antibiotics should be monitored for allergic reactions following OMISIRGE administration.

Infusion Reactions

Infusion reactions occurred following OMISIRGE infusion, including hypertension, mucosal inflammation, dysphagia, dyspnea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal toxicity. Premedication with antipyretics, histamine antagonists, and corticosteroids may reduce the incidence and intensity of infusion reactions. In patients transplanted with OMISIRGE in clinical trials, 47% (55/117) patients had an infusion reaction of any severity. Grade 3-4 infusion reactions were reported in 15% (18/117) patients. Infusion reactions may begin within minutes of the start of infusion of OMISIRGE, although symptoms may continue to intensify and not peak for several hours after the completion of the infusion. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion reactions during and after OMISIRGE administration. When a reaction occurs, pause the infusion and institute supportive care as needed.

Graft-versus-Host Disease

Acute and chronic GvHD, including life-threatening and fatal cases, occurred following treatment with OMISIRGE. In patients transplanted with OMISIRGE Grade II-IV acute GvHD was reported in 58% (68/117). Grade III-IV acute GvHD was reported in 17% (20/117). Chronic GvHD occurred in 35% (41/117) of patients. Acute GvHD manifests as maculopapular rash, gastrointestinal symptoms, and elevated bilirubin. Patients treated with OMISIRGE should receive immunosuppressive drugs to decrease the risk of GvHD, be monitored for signs and symptoms of GvHD, and treated if GvHD develops.

Engraftment Syndrome

Engraftment syndrome may occur because OMISIRGE is derived from umbilical cord blood. Monitor patients for unexplained fever, rash, hypoxemia, weight gain, and pulmonary infiltrates in the peri-engraftment period. Treat with corticosteroids as soon as engraftment syndrome is recognized to ameliorate symptoms. If untreated, engraftment syndrome may progress to multiorgan failure and death.

Graft Failure

Primary graft failure occurred in 3% (4/117) of patients in OMISIRGE clinical trials. Primary graft failure, which may be fatal, is defined as failure to achieve an absolute neutrophil count greater than 500 per microliter blood by Day 42 after transplantation. Immunologic rejection is the primary cause of graft failure. Monitor patients for laboratory evidence of hematopoietic recovery.

Malignancies of Donor Origin

Two patients treated with OMISIRGE developed post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in the second-year post-transplant. PTLD manifests as a lymphoma-like disease favoring non-nodal sites. PTLD is usually fatal if not treated. The etiology is thought to be donor lymphoid cells transformed by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Serial monitoring of blood for EBV DNA may be warranted in patients with persistent cytopenias. One patient treated with OMISIRGE developed a donor-cell derived myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) during the fourth-year post-transplant. The natural history is presumed to be the same as that for de novo MDS. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. If a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Gamida Cell at (844) 477-7478.

Transmission of Serious Infections

Transmission of infectious disease may occur because OMISIRGE is derived from umbilical cord blood. Disease may be caused by known or unknown infectious agents. Donors are screened for increased risk of infection, clinical evidence of sepsis, and communicable disease risks associated with xenotransplantation. Maternal and infant donor blood is tested for evidence of donor infection. See full Prescribing Information, Warnings and Precautions, Transmission of Serious Infections for list of testing performed. OMISIRGE is tested for sterility, endotoxin, and mycoplasma. There may be an effect on the reliability of the sterility test results if the cord blood donor was exposed to antibiotics in utero. Product manufacturing includes bovine-derived reagents. All animal-derived reagents are tested for animal viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mycoplasma before use. These measures do not eliminate the risk of transmitting these or other transmissible infectious diseases and disease agents. Test results may be found on the container label and/or in accompanying records. If final sterility results are not available at the time of use, Quality Assurance will communicate any positive results from sterility testing to the physician. Report the occurrence of transmitted infection to Gamida Cell at (844) 477-7478.

Transmission of Rare Genetic Diseases

OMISIRGE may transmit rare genetic diseases involving the hematopoietic system because it is derived from umbilical cord blood. Cord blood donors have been screened to exclude donors with sickle cell anemia, and anemias due to abnormalities in hemoglobins C, D, and E. Because of the age of the donor at the time cord blood collection takes place, the ability to exclude rare genetic diseases is severely limited.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (incidence > 20%) are infections, GvHD, and infusion reaction.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.