Rezolute Announces Proposed Public Offering of Common Stock and Pre-Funded Warrants

On June 13, 2024 Rezolute, Inc. (Nasdaq: RZLT) ("Rezolute" or the "Company"), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel, transformative therapies for serious rare diseases, reported that it is commencing an underwritten public offering of shares of its common stock (or pre-funded warrants to purchase its common stock in lieu thereof) (Press release, Rezolute, JUN 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234644306]). In addition, the Company intends to grant the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to an additional 15 percent of the number of shares of its common stock plus the shares of common stock underlying pre-funded warrants sold in connection with the public offering. The public offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the public offering may be completed or as to the actual size or terms of the public offering. All of the shares in the public offering are being offered by the Company.

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Jefferies and Cantor are acting as the book-running managers for the public offering.

A shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-275562) relating to the securities to be offered in the public offering was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and was declared effective on November 29, 2023. The public offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus that form a part of the registration statement. A preliminary prospectus supplement related to the public offering will be filed with the SEC and, when available, may be obtained on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the public offering, when available, may be obtained by contacting: Jefferies LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022, by telephone at 877-821-7388, or by email at [email protected] or Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Attention: Capital Markets, 110 East 59th Street, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10022, or by email at [email protected]

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of, these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Replimune Announces $100 Million Private Placement Financing

On June 13, 2024 Replimune Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: REPL), a clinical stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of a novel class of oncolytic immunotherapies, reported that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement for a private investment in public equity ("PIPE") that is expected to result in gross proceeds of approximately $100 million to the Company before deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses (Press release, Replimune, JUN 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234644305]). The financing was led by a life-sciences focused institutional investor, with participation from Redmile Group, RTW Investments, Boxer Capital and other institutional investors, including a leading mutual fund.

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Pursuant to the terms of the securities purchase agreement, Replimune will issue and sell to the investors an aggregate of 5,668,937 shares of its common stock ("Common Stock") at a price of $8.82 per share of Common Stock and pre-funded warrants to purchase 5,669,578 shares of Common Stock at a price of $8.819 per pre-funded warrant. The pre-funded warrants have an exercise price of $0.001 per share. The financing is expected to close on or about June 14, 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

The Company intends to use the proceeds of the PIPE financing to fully scale up for the commercialization of RP1 in skin cancers thereby creating a potential path to profitability, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Leerink Partners acted as sole placement agent for the PIPE financing.

The offer and sale of the foregoing securities, including the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the pre-funded warrants, are being made in a transaction not involving a public offering and such securities have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be reoffered or resold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. In connection with the securities purchase agreement, Replimune and the investors will enter into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which Replimune has agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities Exchange Commission (the "SEC") to register the resale by the investors of the shares of common stock and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the pre-funded warrants sold in the PIPE financing. Any offering of the common stock under the resale registration statement will only be made by means of prospectus.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any common stock, pre-funded warrants, or any other securities of Replimune, nor shall there be any sale of such securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

Pasithea Therapeutics Announces Completion of Enrollment and Initial Dosing of Cohort 2 following Positive Safety Review Committee (SRC) Recommendation for PAS-004 in Ongoing Phase 1 Clinical Trial

On June 13, 2024 Pasithea Therapeutics Corp. (NASDAQ: KTTA) ("Pasithea" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing PAS-004, a next-generation macrocyclic MEK inhibitor, for the treatment of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and other indications, reported that an independent Safety Review Committee (SRC) has completed its safety review of data from the first dose cohort (2mg) treated in the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT06299839) of PAS-004 in patients with MAPK pathway driven advanced solid tumors with a documented RAS, NF1 or RAF mutation or patients who have failed BRAF/MEK inhibition (Press release, Pasithea Therapeutics, JUN 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234644304]).

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Based on these findings, the SRC recommended that the trial escalate to the next dose level (4mg) without modifications. This recommendation was based on the absence of any dose limiting toxicities (DLT’s) or clinically relevant treatment-emergent adverse events in the initial cohort of 3 patients. The Company has now completed enrollment and initial dosing of 3 patients in the second cohort.

Dr. Tiago Reis Marques, Chief Executive Officer of Pasithea stated, "We are pleased to have rapidly enrolled and completed first dosing of the participants in the second cohort following the SRC’s positive recommendation to advance to 4mg of PAS-004. We look forward to continuing to develop PAS-004 as a potential treatment for solid tumors as well as cutaneous and plexiform neurofibromas in NF1 patients. We remain on track to present our initial safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) data in the third quarter of 2024."

The Phase 1 trial is a multicenter, open-label, dose escalation study evaluating the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of PAS-004 in patients with MAPK pathway driven advanced solid tumors with a documented RAS, NF1 or RAF mutation or patients who have failed BRAF/MEK inhibition. The primary objective of the study is to assess the safety and tolerability of PAS-004, with secondary objectives including PK and PD parameters, an evaluation of the preliminary anticancer activity (efficacy) of PAS-004 and defining the preliminary recommended Phase 2 dose(s).

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves Augtyro™ (repotrectinib), a Next-Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI), for the Treatment of Patients with NTRK-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors

On June 13, 2024 Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval of Augtyro (repotrectinib) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with solid tumors that have a neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusion, are locally advanced or metastatic or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity, and have progressed following treatment or have no satisfactory alternative therapy (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, JUN 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234644303]). The approval is based on results from the Phase 1/2 TRIDENT-1 study, which evaluated Augtyro in adult patients with NTRK-positive solid tumors.1 This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.1

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"NTRK fusion-positive tumors can present challenges in the clinical setting, which is why it is important that we have additional treatment options for these patients," said Alexander Drilon, MD, TRIDENT-1 global trial lead and Chief of the Early Drug Development Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.2,3 "The FDA approval of repotrectinib adds an important tool to our toolbox, offering oncologists a next-generation TKI that can be used across a broad range of NTRK fusion-positive solid tumors for both TKI-naïve and TKI-pretreated patients."1

The TRIDENT-1 trial included both TKI-naïve (n=40) and TKI-pretreated (n=48) patients with NTRK-positive locally advanced/metastatic solid tumors collectively representing 15 different types of cancer.1 In TKI-naïve patients, with a median follow up of 17.8 months, 58% (95% CI: 41 to 73) had a confirmed objective response rate (cORR); of those, 43% experienced partial responses (PR) and 15% had complete responses (CR).1,4 Of the TKI-naïve responding patients, 83% were still in response at one year with Augtyro. The median duration of response (mDOR) was not yet reached. In TKI-pretreated patients, with a median follow up of 20.1 months, the cORR was 50% (95% CI: 35 to 65); of those, 50% experienced PR and no patients achieved CR.1,4 Additionally, 42% of TKI-pretreated responding patients were still in response at one year with Augtyro.1 The mDOR was 9.9 months (95% CI: 7.4 to 13.0).1 Among those who had measurable central nervous system (CNS) metastases at baseline, intracranial response was observed in 2 out of 2 TKI-naïve patients and in 3 out of 3 TKI-pretreated patients.1

Augtyro is associated with the following Warnings & Precautions: central nervous system (CNS) effects, interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis, hepatotoxicity, myalgia with creatine phosphokinase elevation, hyperuricemia, skeletal fractures, and embryo-fetal toxicity.1 Please see Important Safety Information below.

"Today’s FDA approval of Augtyro for patients with NTRK-positive tumors adds to its indication in ROS1-positive NSCLC, showing its clinical value for more people across multiple genetic markers," said Nick Botwood, senior vice president of Medical Oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb.1 "Previously, there was not an FDA approved treatment option for NTRK-positive cancers that was studied in both TKI-naïve and TKI-pretreated patients across solid tumors. This milestone helps address this area of unmet need and builds on Bristol Myers Squibb’s longstanding legacy of bringing innovations to individuals who are facing cancer and urgently seeking new treatment options."

"Cancer can be frightening regardless of the type, but having a rare gene fusion driving it can be especially stressful and isolating," said Susan Spinosa, president and patient co-founder of NTRKers, a patient advocacy group. "It’s exciting to know that there’s a new targeted therapy option for patients with NTRK-positive gene fusions, as this may offer hope to patients and their loved ones navigating this difficult journey."

Based on clinical and pharmacokinetic data, the recommended dose for Augtyro for pediatric patients aged 12 years and older is the same as for adults, 160 mg orally once daily for 14 days followed by 160 mg twice daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.1 The safety and effectiveness of Augtyro have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 12 years of age with solid tumors who have an NTRK gene fusion.1 This is the second indication for Augtyro in the U.S., following its full approval for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive NSCLC in November 2023.1

Disclosure: Dr. Drilon has provided advisory and speaking services to Bristol Myers Squibb.

About TRIDENT-1

TRIDENT-1 is a global, multicenter, single-arm, open-label, multi-cohort Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor activity of Augtyro in patients with locally advanced or metastatic neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusion-positive (NTRK1/2/3) solid tumors.1,5 The trial excludes patients with symptomatic brain metastases, among other exclusion criteria.1 Phase 1 of the trial included the dose escalation that determined the recommended Phase 2 dose.5

Phase 2 of the trial in NTRK-positive locally advanced/metastatic solid tumor cohorts has a primary endpoint of objective response rate (ORR) as assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR).5 Among others, key secondary endpoints include duration of response (DOR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST v1.1) as assessed by BICR, and intracranial response in patients with measurable brain metastases.5

Select Safety Profile from TRIDENT-1

The safety profile for Augtyro was evaluated in 426 patients who received Augtyro in the TRIDENT-1 pivotal trial.1 Permanent discontinuation of Augtyro due to an adverse reaction occurred in 7% of patients.1 There were no specific adverse reactions that accounted for ≥1% of permanent discontinuations. Augtyro dosage was interrupted due to an adverse reaction in 50% of patients, and dose reductions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 38% of patients.1 Serious adverse reactions occurred in 35% of patients who received Augtyro. 1 Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients included pneumonia (6.3%), dyspnea (3.1%), pleural effusion (2.8%) and hypoxia (2.6%).1 Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.5% of patients who received Augtyro, including pneumonia, pneumonia aspiration, cardiac arrest, sudden cardiac death, cardiac failure, hypoxia, dyspnea, respiratory failure, tremor, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.1 The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions were dizziness (65%), dysgeusia (54%), peripheral neuropathy (49%), constipation (38%), dyspnea (30%), fatigue (30%), ataxia (28%), cognitive impairment (25%), muscular weakness (20%) and nausea (20%).1 Grade 3 dizziness occurred in 2.8% of patients.1

About NTRK-Positive Solid Tumors

Neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) are a family of receptors involved in neural development.6 An NTRK gene fusion is an alteration that occurs when a piece of the chromosome containing the NTRK gene breaks off and joins with a gene on another chromosome.7 These fusions lead to abnormal proteins, which may cause cancer cells to grow.7 While NTRK gene fusions are rare in patients with solid tumors, testing for NTRK gene fusions allows for the identification of patients who may benefit from TRK inhibitor therapy.8,9,10,11

INDICATIONS

AUGTYRO is indicated for the treatment of:

adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with solid tumors that:
have a neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusion,
are locally advanced or metastatic or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity, and
have progressed following treatment or have no satisfactory alternative therapy.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trial(s).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warnings & Precautions

Central Nervous System Adverse Reactions

Among the 426 patients who received AUGTYRO in the Study TRIDENT-1, a broad spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions including dizziness, ataxia, and cognitive disorders occurred in 77% of patients with Grade 3 or 4 events occurring in 4.5%.
Dizziness, including vertigo, occurred in 65%; Grade 3 dizziness occurred in 2.8% of patients. The median time to onset was 7 days (1 day to 1.4 years). Dose interruption was required in 9% of patients, and 11% required dose reduction of AUGTYRO due to dizziness.
Ataxia, including gait disturbance and balance disorder, occurred in 28% of patients; Grade 3 ataxia occurred in 0.5%. The median time to onset was 15 days (1 day to 1.4 years). Dose interruption was required in 5% of patients, 8% required dose reduction and one patient (0.2%) permanently discontinued AUGTYRO due to ataxia.
Cognitive impairment, including memory impairment and disturbance in attention, occurred in 25% of patients. Cognitive impairment included memory impairment (15%), disturbance in attention (12%), and confusional state (2%); Grade 3 cognitive impairment occurred in 0.9% of patients. The median time to onset of cognitive disorders was 37 days (1 day to 1.4 years). Dose interruption was required in 2% of patients, 2.1% required dose reduction and 0.5% permanently discontinued AUGTYRO due to cognitive adverse reactions.
Mood disorders occurred in 6% of patients. Mood disorders occurring in >1% of patients included anxiety (2.6%); Grade 4 mood disorders (mania) occurred in 0.2% of patients. Dose interruption was required in 0.2% of patients and 0.2% required a dose reduction due to mood disorders.
Sleep disorders including insomnia and hypersomnia occurred in 18% of patients. Sleep disorders observed in >1% of patients were somnolence (9%), insomnia (6%) and hypersomnia (1.6%). Dose interruption was required in 0.7% of patients, and 0.2% required a dose reduction due to sleep disorders.
The incidences of CNS adverse reactions reported were similar in patients with and without CNS metastases.
Advise patients not to drive or use machines if they are experiencing CNS adverse reactions. Withhold and then resume at same or reduced dose upon improvement, or permanently discontinue AUGTYRO based on severity.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis

Among the 426 patients treated with AUGTYRO, ILD/pneumonitis (pneumonitis [2.8%] and ILD [0.2%]) occurred in 3.1%; Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 1.2%. The median time to onset was 45 days (19 days to 0.9 years). Dose interruption was required in 1.4% of patients, 0.5% required dose reduction, and 1.1% permanently discontinued AUGTYRO due to ILD/pneumonitis.
Monitor patients for new or worsening pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis. Immediately withhold AUGTYRO in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue AUGTYRO if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed.
Hepatotoxicity

Among the 426 patients treated with AUGTYRO, increased alanine transaminase (ALT) occurred in 38%, increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) occurred in 41%, including Grade 3 or 4 increased ALT in 3.3% and increased AST in 2.9%. The median time to onset of increased ALT or AST was 15 days (range: 1 day to 1.9 years). Increased ALT or AST leading to dose interruptions or reductions occurred in 2.8% and 1.2% of patients, respectively. Hyperbilirubinemia leading to dose interruptions occurred in 0.5%.
Monitor liver function tests, including ALT, AST and bilirubin, every 2 weeks during the first month of treatment, then monthly thereafter and then as clinically indicated. Withhold and then resume at same or reduced dose upon improvement or permanently discontinue AUGTYRO based on the severity.
Myalgia with Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation

AUGTYRO can cause myalgia with or without creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation. Among the 426 patients treated with AUGTYRO, myalgia occurred in 13% of patients, with Grade 3 in 0.7%. Median time to onset of myalgia was 19 days (range: 1 day to 2 years). Concurrent increased CPK within a 7-day window was observed in 3.7% of patients. AUGTYRO was interrupted in one patient with myalgia and concurrent CPK elevation.
Advise patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Monitor serum CPK levels during AUGTYRO treatment and monitor CPK levels every 2 weeks during the first month of treatment and as needed in patients reporting unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Initiate supportive care as clinically indicated. Based on severity, withhold and then resume AUGTYRO at same or reduced dose upon improvement.
Hyperuricemia

Among the 426 patients treated with AUGTYRO, 21 patients (5%) experienced hyperuricemia reported as an adverse reaction, 0.7% experienced Grade 3 or 4 hyperuricemia. One patient without pre-existing gout required urate-lowering medication.
Monitor serum uric acid levels prior to initiating AUGTYRO and periodically during treatment. Initiate treatment with urate-lowering medications as clinically indicated. Withhold and then resume at same or reduced dose upon improvement, or permanently discontinue AUGTYRO based on severity.
Skeletal Fractures

Among 426 adult patients who received AUGTYRO, fractures occurred in 2.3%. Fractures involved the ribs (0.5%), feet (0.5%), spine (0.2%), acetabulum (0.2%), sternum (0.2%), and ankles (0.2%). Some fractures occurred at sites of disease and prior radiation therapy. The median time to fracture was 71 days (range: 31 days to 1.4 years). AUGTYRO was interrupted in 0.3% of patients.
Of 26 evaluable patients in an ongoing open-label study in pediatric patients, fractures occurred in one 12-year-old patient (ankle/foot) and one 10-year-old patient (stress fracture). AUGTYRO was interrupted in both patients. AUGTYRO is not approved for use in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age.
Promptly evaluate patients with signs or symptoms (e.g., pain, changes in mobility, deformity) of fractures. There are no data on the effects of AUGTYRO on healing of known fractures and risk of future fractures.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on literature reports in humans with congenital mutations leading to changes in tropomyosin receptor tyrosine kinase (TRK) signaling, findings from animal studies, and its mechanism of action, AUGTYRO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.
Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with AUGTYRO and for 2 months following the last dose, since AUGTYRO can render some hormonal contraceptives ineffective.
Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with AUGTYRO and for 4 months after the last dose.
Adverse Reactions

The safety of AUGTYRO was evaluated in 426 patients in TRIDENT-1. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were dizziness, dysgeusia, peripheral neuropathy, constipation, dyspnea, fatigue, ataxia, cognitive impairment, muscular weakness, and nausea.
Drug Interactions

Effects of Other Drugs on AUGTYRO

Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors

Avoid concomitant use with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Concomitant use of AUGTYRO with a strong or a moderate CYP3A inhibitor may increase repotrectinib exposure, which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of AUGTYRO. Discontinue CYP3A inhibitors for 3 to 5 elimination half-lives of the CYP3A inhibitor prior to initiating AUGTYRO.
P-gp Inhibitors

Avoid concomitant use with P-gp inhibitors. Concomitant use of AUGTYRO with a P-gp inhibitor may increase repotrectinib exposure, which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of AUGTYRO.
Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inducers

Avoid concomitant use with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. Concomitant use of AUGTYRO with a strong or moderate CYP3A inducer may decrease repotrectinib plasma concentrations, which may decrease efficacy of AUGTYRO.
Effects of AUGTYRO on other Drugs

Certain CYP3A4 Substrates

Avoid concomitant use unless otherwise recommended in the Prescribing Information for CYP3A substrates, where minimal concentration changes can cause reduced efficacy. If concomitant use is unavoidable, increase the CYP3A4 substrate dosage in accordance with approved product labeling.
Repotrectinib is a CYP3A4 inducer. Concomitant use of repotrectinib decreases the concentration of CYP3A4 substrates, which can reduce the efficacy of these substrates.
Contraceptives

Repotrectinib is a CYP3A4 inducer, which can decrease progestin or estrogen exposure to an extent that could reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
Avoid concomitant use of AUGTYRO with hormonal contraceptives. Advise females of childbearing potential to use an effective nonhormonal contraceptive.
Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for AUGTYRO .

Race Oncology at 12-month high on promising preclinical results for drug combination in multiple myeloma treatment

On June 12, 2024 Race Oncology Ltd (ASX:RAC, OTC:RAONF) reported that it has hit a new 12-month high on fielding some strong preclinical findings on the efficacy of lead asset bisantrene in treating multiple myeloma (Press release, Race Oncology, JUN 13, 2024, View Source [SID1234644290]).

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Dangerous blood cancer

Multiple myeloma is a dangerous blood cancer caused by uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells, more common in men over 60. It accounts for 10% of blood cancers and has a 5-year survival rate of 55.6%.

Carfilzomib is an intravenous drug used for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, with known cardiotoxicity risks, particularly in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.

When carfilzomib is combined with bisantrene, preclinical studies showed that bisantrene slows disease progression and enhances the efficacy of carfilzomib, offering a potentially safer treatment option.

The studies, performed under contract by Labcorp USA, revealed that bisantrene, both as a single agent and in combination with the standard multiple myeloma treatment carfilzomib – under the trademark Kyprolis, Amgen – effectively slows disease progression in a mouse model.

Bisantrene demonstrated the ability to kill human multiple myeloma cells at clinically relevant concentrations in cell cultures and in mice.

In combination with carfilzomib, the drug showed enhanced activity, which points to a potentially more effective and less cardiotoxic treatment for multiple myeloma patients.

Carfilzomib, although effective, is known for its serious heart toxicity side effects, limiting its use in patients with elevated cardiac risk factors.

Protecting the human heart

In 2021, Race made the groundbreaking discovery that bisantrene can protect human heart muscle cells from carfilzomib’s toxicity.

The mouse model studies showed that bisantrene significantly slowed multiple myeloma disease progression, whereas carfilzomib alone, at the maximum tolerated dosage, showed no single-agent activity.

And the combination of bisantrene and carfilzomib was more effective than bisantrene alone, suggesting a synergistic effect that warrants further investigation as a safer treatment option for multiple myeloma patients.

Next steps

The company plans to conduct additional preclinical studies to investigate the cellular mechanisms responsible for the delayed progression of multiple myeloma and increased survival in mice treated with the bisantrene and carfilzomib combination.

It also aims to complete mouse models of carfilzomib-induced cardiotoxicity to confirm bisantrene’s cardioprotective properties and explore options for clinical studies to evaluate the combination as a more effective and safer treatment for multiple myeloma patients.

Race CEO Dr Daniel Tillett said: "It is always exciting to see the potential clinical utility of bisantrene grow.

"Carfilzomib is a highly active treatment for multiple myeloma but it comes with very serious cardiotoxicity risks.

"The potential for using bisantrene to not only better treat multiple myeloma, but also protect patients from the heart damage caused by carfilzomib, is worthy of further investigation."