On May 29, 2024 Matter Bio, a pioneering biotech company dedicated to preserving genome integrity and extending healthy human lifespan, reported the successful close of its seed round funding, raising $7 million to advance its groundbreaking work in longevity research (Press release, Matter Bio, MAY 29, 2024, View Source [SID1234643821]).

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The seed round was led by Lifespan Vision Ventures, with participation from quadraScope Ventures and others, and includes grant support from NIH, NCI, and NIEHS. The funds will be utilized to conduct further research into the information theory of aging at a genomic level, which Matter believes contributes significantly to the aging process. The funds will also enable the filing of an IND and the start of a Phase 1/2a clinical trial in solid cancer.

Matter Bio tackles the problem of genome instability holistically, addressing the issue through a multi-pronged approach:

Reading Mutation: Detecting and identifying loss of genomic information.
Reversing: Correcting integrated mutations and reintroducing original genetic information.
Removing: Eliminating cells that are too damaged to be repaired, such as cancerous, clonal, and senescent cells.
Matter Bio has assembled a world-class team of scientists and executives, including co-founders such as George Church, PhD, a pioneer in genome sequencing and gene editing, Jan Vijg, PhD, an expert in genome instability and somatic mutations, and Claudia Gravekamp, PhD, a world authority in attenuated bacterial therapeutics. The company operates at the forefront of longevity biotechnology, leveraging cutting-edge science and innovative approaches to address the complexities of aging.

"Genomic integrity is a cornerstone of longevity and healthspan extension," said George Church, Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School. "Matter Bio is pioneering a crucial approach in the fight against aging by focusing on the preservation of our genetic blueprint. I am excited to see the impact of their work on enhancing human health."

"Our investment in Matter Bio furthers our mission of supporting the cutting-edge interventions that promote longevity and combat aging," said Andrew Worden, Founding Partner of LifeSpan Vision Ventures. "Matter Bio’s strong team, cutting-edge genomic preservation technologies, and early-stage partnerships give the company excellent prospects to succeed with its vision."

For more information about Matter Bio’s history and mission, please visit matterbio.com.

On May 29, 2024 Rakuten Medical, Inc., a global biotechnology company developing and commercializing precision, cell-targeting photoimmunotherapy based on its proprietary Alluminox platform, reported that it will host a virtual R&D Day on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 1:00 pm ET / 10:00 am PT (Press release, Rakuten Medical, MAY 29, 2024, View Source [SID1234643820]).

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The event will feature a key opinion leader, Dr. Ann M. Gillenwater, Professor, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, who will discuss the updated safety and efficacy findings from an interim evaluation of Rakuten Medical’s open-label Phase 1b/2 study (ASP-1929-181/ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04305795) of photoimmunotherapy using ASP-1929 in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy in first line recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, which will be presented in a poster at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2024.

Rakuten Medical’s executive management team will provide other key clinical and business updates including, but not limited to, development programs including a new study and Japan commercial updates.

A live question and answer session will follow the formal presentation.

Please note that practicing healthcare professionals and patients are not permitted to attend.

R&D Day event site: R&D Day event site: View Source

On May 29, 2024 CG Pharmaceuticals, a company dedicated to advancing innovative therapies to improve the lives of patients with cancer, reported to showcase its advancements in metastatic PDAC therapy (Press release, CG Pharmaceuticals, MAY 29, 2024, View Source [SID1234643819]).

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The study design of a randomized multi-center Phase 2 US clinical trial, which is actively enrolling patients, is scheduled to be presented on June 1st, 1:30 – 4:30 PM CDT at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05249101).

"Metastatic PDAC continues to be an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options. We are pleased that CG Pharmaceuticals is investing in pancreatic cancer research and look forward to the results of their trial," said Anna Berkenblit, MD, MMSc, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). "Clinical trials are an important aspect of accelerating new developments that improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. PanCAN recommends that patients with PDAC consider participating in clinical trials."

In the Phase 1b study, 28 patients with locally advanced or metastatic PDAC who had received at least one prior line of therapy were administered ivaltinostat at three dose levels (60, 125, and 250 mg/m²) in combination with capecitabine. The study demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no treatment-related serious adverse events. At the time of data cutoff (5/6/2024), 16 patients were alive with 3 patients continuing treatment, and 7 patients were treated for longer than 6 months with the longest duration of treatment of 16 months. The Phase 2 study compares the efficacy of ivaltinostat/capecitabine combination therapy versus capecitabine monotherapy in metastatic PDAC patients who have shown no evidence of disease progression after first-line chemotherapy. Efficacy endpoints include progression-free survival, objective response rate, disease control rate, and overall survival.

About Ivaltinostat:

Ivaltinostat is a potential first-in-class novel therapeutic candidate for PDAC that inhibits enzymatic activity of histone deacetylase and has been evaluated for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. CG Pharmaceuticals continues to make strides in its mission to provide innovative treatment options for metastatic PDAC patients.

On May 29, 2024 Full-Life Technologies (Full-Life), a fully integrated global radiotherapeutics company, reported it has received clearance of its Investigational New Drug (IND) Application from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical trials of 225Ac-FL-020, its PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceutical for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) (Press release, Full-Life Technologies, MAY 29, 2024, View Source [SID1234643818]). The company plans to begin clinical studies in the U.S. and globally in 2024.

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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225Ac-FL-020 employs targeted alpha-radiotherapy designed to selectively attack cancer cells, reducing the damage to healthy tissues. In preclinical models, radiolabeled FL-020 displayed a very promising in vivo biodistribution profile, with high and sustained tumor uptake and fast systemic clearance. 225Ac-FL-020 exhibited robust anti-tumor activity in LNCaP xenograft mice, with a favorable safety profile. The upcoming Phase I clinical trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and anti-tumor activity of 225Ac-FL-020, and will lay the groundwork for further clinical development, aiming to establish 225Ac-FL-020 as a valuable therapeutic option for patients with mCRPC.

"The IND application clearance is a significant regulatory milestone in our development plan for 225Ac-FL-020", said Steffen Heeger, M.D., M.Sc., Chief Medical Officer of Full-Life. "This important step underscores our overall commitment to the therapeutic potential of radiopharmaceuticals and once again highlights the value of the team´s effort, dedication, and cross-functional collaboration. We are excited to initiate the Phase I clinical program, which provides the first opportunity to gather human data on 225Ac-FL-020’s safety and anti-tumor activity."

About 225Ac-FL-020
225Ac-FL-020 is a novel, potential best-in-class, next-generation PSMA-targeting radionuclide drug conjugate (RDC) that will enter global Ph1 clinical studies in 2024. Its targeting vector, FL-020, was discovered using Full-Life’s proprietary UniRDC platform, which enables significant improvement of drug uptake in the tumor while maintaining fast systemic clearance. In pre-clinical models, 225Ac-FL-020 has demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity and a favorable safety profile.

On May 29, 2024 IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDYA), a precision medicine oncology company committed to the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics, reported its participation in the upcoming investor relations events (Press release, Ideaya Biosciences, MAY 29, 2024, View Source [SID1234643817]).

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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2024 Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference
Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 at 9:00 AM ET

Fireside chat with Yujiro S. Hata, Chief Executive Officer, hosted by Maury Raycroft, Ph.D. Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology
Goldman Sachs 45th Annual Global Healthcare Conference
Monday, June 10th, 2024 at 8:00 AM ET

Fireside chat with Yujiro S. Hata, Chief Executive Officer, hosted by Corinne (Jenkins) Johnson, Vice President, Equity Research, Biotechnology
A live audio webcast of the conference events, as permitted by the conference host, will be available at the "Investors/Events" section of the IDEAYA website at View Source and/or through the conference host. A replay of available webcasts will be accessible for 30 days following the live event.