U.S. FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Trodelvy® (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) for Second-Line Treatment of Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

On December 17, 2024 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) for the treatment of adult patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy (Press release, Gilead Sciences, DEC 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234649176]).

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The Breakthrough Therapy Designation is based on results from the global Phase 2 TROPiCS-03 study ES-SCLC cohort, which showed encouraging results with Trodelvy as a second-line treatment for ES-SCLC. As recently presented at the IASLC 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer, Trodelvy demonstrated promising antitumor activity in both platinum-resistant (PR) and platinum-sensitive (PS) disease, and the safety profile was consistent with previous Trodelvy studies. These data support further investigation of Trodelvy in ES-SCLC and Gilead plans to initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial in this patient population.

Lung cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Approximately 15% of lung cancer cases are SCLC, with nearly 70% of patients with SCLC diagnosed at extensive-stage, which occurs when the cancer has spread to both lungs or beyond the lungs to lymph nodes or other organs. For people with ES-SCLC whose disease does not respond to current first-line standard of care (platinum-based chemotherapy or immunotherapy), the prognosis is often poor, and treatment options are limited. There is an urgent need for new and more effective approaches to care that can improve survival and slow the progression of the disease.

Breakthrough Therapy Designation is designed to expedite the development and regulatory review of investigational treatments for serious or life-threatening conditions that, based on preliminary clinical evidence, have the potential to substantially improve clinical outcomes compared with available therapy. This is the second Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Trodelvy.

Trodelvy is the first and only approved Trop-2-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that has demonstrated meaningful survival advantages in two different types of metastatic breast cancers. Across Phase 3 trials, we are exploring Trodelvy alone or in combination with other agents across many diverse tumor types and stages of disease. This includes collaborations with partners in academia, industry and the global cancer community.

About Trodelvy

Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) is a first-in-class Trop-2-directed antibody-drug conjugate. Trop-2 is a cell surface antigen highly expressed in multiple tumor types, including in more than 90% of breast and lung cancers. Trodelvy is intentionally designed with a proprietary hydrolyzable linker attached to SN-38, a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. This unique combination delivers potent activity to both Trop-2 expressing cells and the tumor microenvironment through a bystander effect.

Trodelvy is currently approved in more than 50 countries for second-line or later metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients and in more than 40 countries for certain patients with pre-treated HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer.

Trodelvy is being investigated for use in other TNBC and HR+/HER2- breast cancer populations, as well as a range of tumor types where Trop-2 is highly expressed, including small cell lung cancer and first-line metastatic non-small cell lung cancer where Trodelvy has shown clinical activity through the TROPiCS-03 proof-of-concept study and the EVOKE-02 proof-of-concept study, respectively. Trodelvy is also being studied in head and neck cancer and gynecological cancers.

U.S. Indications for Trodelvy

In the United States, Trodelvy is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease.
Unresectable locally advanced or metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative (IHC 0, IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH–) breast cancer who have received endocrine-based therapy and at least two additional systemic therapies in the metastatic setting.
U.S. Important Safety Information for Trodelvy

BOXED WARNING: NEUTROPENIA AND DIARRHEA

Severe or life-threatening neutropenia may occur. Withhold Trodelvy for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm3 or neutropenic fever. Monitor blood cell counts periodically during treatment. Consider G-CSF for secondary prophylaxis. Initiate anti-infective treatment in patients with febrile neutropenia without delay.
Severe diarrhea may occur. Monitor patients with diarrhea and give fluid and electrolytes as needed. At the onset of diarrhea, evaluate for infectious causes and, if negative, promptly initiate loperamide. If severe diarrhea occurs, withhold Trodelvy until resolved to ≤Grade 1 and reduce subsequent doses.
CONTRAINDICATIONS

Severe hypersensitivity reaction to Trodelvy.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Neutropenia: Severe, life-threatening, or fatal neutropenia can occur and may require dose modification. Neutropenia occurred in 64% of patients treated with Trodelvy. Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 49% of patients. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 6%. Neutropenic colitis occurred in 1.4%. Withhold Trodelvy for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm3 on Day 1 of any cycle or neutrophil count below 1000/mm3 on Day 8 of any cycle. Withhold Trodelvy for neutropenic fever. Administer G-CSF as clinically indicated or indicated in Table 1 of USPI.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea occurred in 64% of all patients treated with Trodelvy. Grade 3-4 diarrhea occurred in 11% of patients. One patient had intestinal perforation following diarrhea. Diarrhea that led to dehydration and subsequent acute kidney injury occurred in 0.7% of all patients. Withhold Trodelvy for Grade 3-4 diarrhea and resume when resolved to ≤Grade 1. At onset, evaluate for infectious causes and if negative, promptly initiate loperamide, 4 mg initially followed by 2 mg with every episode of diarrhea for a maximum of 16 mg daily. Discontinue loperamide 12 hours after diarrhea resolves. Additional supportive measures (e.g., fluid and electrolyte substitution) may also be employed as clinically indicated. Patients who exhibit an excessive cholinergic response to treatment can receive appropriate premedication (e.g., atropine) for subsequent treatments.

Hypersensitivity and Infusion-Related Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions including life-threatening anaphylactic reactions have occurred with Trodelvy. Severe signs and symptoms included cardiac arrest, hypotension, wheezing, angioedema, swelling, pneumonitis, and skin reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions within 24 hours of dosing occurred in 35% of patients. Grade 3-4 hypersensitivity occurred in 2% of patients. The incidence of hypersensitivity reactions leading to permanent discontinuation of Trodelvy was 0.2%. The incidence of anaphylactic reactions was 0.2%. Pre-infusion medication is recommended. Have medications and emergency equipment to treat such reactions available for immediate use. Observe patients closely for hypersensitivity and infusion-related reactions during each infusion and for at least 30 minutes after completion of each infusion. Permanently discontinue Trodelvy for Grade 4 infusion-related reactions.

Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea occurred in 64% of all patients treated with Trodelvy and Grade 3-4 nausea occurred in 3% of these patients. Vomiting occurred in 35% of patients and Grade 3-4 vomiting occurred in 2% of these patients. Premedicate with a two or three drug combination regimen (e.g., dexamethasone with either a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist or an NK 1 receptor antagonist as well as other drugs as indicated) for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Withhold Trodelvy doses for Grade 3 nausea or Grade 3-4 vomiting and resume with additional supportive measures when resolved to Grade ≤1 . Additional antiemetics and other supportive measures may also be employed as clinically indicated. All patients should be given take-home medications with clear instructions for prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting.

Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions in Patients with Reduced UGT1A1 Activity: Patients homozygous for the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1)*28 allele are at increased risk for neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and anemia and may be at increased risk for other adverse reactions with Trodelvy. The incidence of Grade 3-4 neutropenia was 58% in patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28, 49% in patients heterozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, and 43% in patients homozygous for the wild-type allele. The incidence of Grade 3-4 anemia was 21% in patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, 10% in patients heterozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, and 9% in patients homozygous for the wild-type allele. Closely monitor patients with known reduced UGT1A1 activity for adverse reactions. Withhold or permanently discontinue Trodelvy based on clinical assessment of the onset, duration and severity of the observed adverse reactions in patients with evidence of acute early-onset or unusually severe adverse reactions, which may indicate reduced UGT1A1 function.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action, Trodelvy can cause teratogenicity and/or embryo-fetal lethality when administered to a pregnant woman. Trodelvy contains a genotoxic component, SN-38, and targets rapidly dividing cells. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Trodelvy and for 6 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Trodelvy and for 3 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In the pooled safety population, the most common (≥ 25%) adverse reactions including laboratory abnormalities were decreased leukocyte count (84%), decreased neutrophil count (75%), decreased hemoglobin (69%), diarrhea (64%), nausea (64%), decreased lymphocyte count (63%), fatigue (51%), alopecia (45%), constipation (37%), increased glucose (37%), decreased albumin (35%), vomiting (35%), decreased appetite (30%), decreased creatinine clearance (28%), increased alkaline phosphatase (28%), decreased magnesium (27%), decreased potassium (26%), and decreased sodium (26%).

In the ASCENT study (locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer), the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) were fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, alopecia, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (SAR) (>1%) were neutropenia (7%), diarrhea (4%), and pneumonia (3%). SAR were reported in 27% of patients, and 5% discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. The most common Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities (incidence ≥25%) in the ASCENT study were reduced neutrophils, leukocytes, and lymphocytes.

In the TROPiCS-02 study (locally advanced or metastatic HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer), the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) were diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, alopecia, and constipation. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (SAR) (>1%) were diarrhea (5%), febrile neutropenia (4%), neutropenia (3%), abdominal pain, colitis, neutropenic colitis, pneumonia, and vomiting (each 2%). SAR were reported in 28% of patients, and 6% discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. The most common Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities (incidence ≥25%) in the TROPiCS-02 study were reduced neutrophils and leukocytes.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

UGT1A1 Inhibitors: Concomitant administration of Trodelvy with inhibitors of UGT1A1 may increase the incidence of adverse reactions due to potential increase in systemic exposure to SN-38. Avoid administering UGT1A1 inhibitors with Trodelvy.

UGT1A1 Inducers: Exposure to SN-38 may be reduced in patients concomitantly receiving UGT1A1 enzyme inducers. Avoid administering UGT1A1 inducers with Trodelvy.

Please see full Prescribing Information , including BOXED WARNING.

ESSA Pharma Provides Corporate Update and Reports Financial Results for Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Year Ended September 30, 2024

On December 17, 2024 ESSA Pharma Inc. ("ESSA," or the "Company") (NASDAQ: EPIX), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that, prior to the discontinuation of its clinical trials and preclinical and other development programs, has been focused on developing novel therapies for the treatment of prostate cancer, reported a corporate update and provided financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 (Press release, ESSA, DEC 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234649174]).

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"We recently made the difficult decision to terminate the clinical development of masofaniten, and withdraw the related IND and CTAs, based on an interim analysis of the data from the Phase 2 combination study, concluding that masofaniten combined with enzalutamide was unlikely to meet its primary endpoint," said David Parkinson, MD, President and CEO of ESSA. "We are currently evaluating and reviewing our strategic options focused on maximizing shareholder value and look forward to providing further updates in the near future."

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 and Recent Updates

In October 2024, ESSA made the decision to terminate all clinical trials evaluating masofaniten and to withdraw the related IND and CTAs. The decision was based on the outcome of a futility analysis conducted as part of a protocol-specified interim review of the Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating masofaniten combined with enzalutamide versus enzalutamide monotherapy in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer ("mCRPC") naïve to second-generation antiandrogens.

The interim analysis, which reviewed the Phase 2 safety, PK and efficacy data, showed that the study enzalutamide monotherapy control arm (which is the standard of care for this patient population) had a much higher rate of PSA90 response than was expected based upon historical data. In addition, there was no clear efficacy benefit seen with the combination of masofaniten plus enzalutamide compared to enzalutamide single agent. A futility analysis determined a low likelihood of meeting the prespecified primary endpoint of the study. It was therefore concluded that the study was unlikely to achieve its primary endpoint.

The combination of masofaniten plus enzalutamide was well-tolerated with no new safety signals and a safety profile similar to that seen in Phase 1 monotherapy and combination studies.

ESSA has initiated a comprehensive process to explore and review a range of strategic options focused on maximizing shareholder value, which may include, but are not limited to a merger, amalgamation, take-over, business combination, asset sale or acquisition, shareholder distribution, wind-up, liquidation and dissolution, seek new products for development, or other strategic direction. The process is expected to involve headcount and other cost reductions.

On December 12, 2024, ESSA provided a notice of termination of the License Agreement to the Licensors, notifying the Licensors that it terminated the License Agreement in accordance with its terms, effective as of December 12, 2024.
Summary Financial Results
(Amounts expressed in U.S. dollars)

Net Loss. ESSA recorded a net loss of $28.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2024 compared to a net loss of $26.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2023. For the year ended September 30, 2024, this included non-cash share-based payments of $6.5 million compared to $5.3 million for the prior year, recognized for stock options granted and vesting. Net loss for the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2024 was $6.4 million compared to a net loss of $5.5 million for the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2023.
Research and Development ("R&D") expenditures. R&D expenditures for the year ended September 30, 2024 were $21.2 million compared to $21.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2023, and include non-cash costs related to share-based payments ($1.8 million for the year ended 2024 compared to $2.7 million for the year ended 2023). R&D expenditures for the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2024 were $4.2 million compared to $5.2 million for the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2023 due to lower expenditures on preclinical and manufacturing.
General and Administration ("G&A") expenditures. G&A expenditures for the year ended September 30, 2024 were $13.2 million compared to $10.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2023, and include non-cash costs related to share-based payments of $4.7 million for the year ended 2024 compared to $2.6 million for the year ended 2023. G&A expenditures for the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2024 were $3.5 million compared to $1.9 million for the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2023. The increase for the fourth quarter was primarily due to increased share-based payments and higher salary figures.
Liquidity and Outstanding Share Capital

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had available cash reserves and short-term investments of $126.8 million and net working capital of $124.3 million. The Company has no long-term debt facilities.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had 44,388,550 common shares issued and outstanding, and there were 2,920,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of prefunded warrants at an exercise price of $0.0001.

IDEAYA Announces IDMC Recommendation of Move-Forward Dose in Part 2a of Registration-Enabling Trial of Darovasertib and Crizotinib Combination in 1L HLA-A2-Negative Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

On December 17, 2024 IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDYA), a precision medicine oncology company committed to the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics, reported the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) recommendation of a move-forward dose and the completion of the Part 2a dose optimization consistent with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Project Optimus guidelines for the potential registration-enabling Phase 2/3 trial evaluating the combination of darovasertib and crizotinib in the first-line (1L) setting in patients with HLA-A2-negative (HLA-A2(-)) metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) (Press release, Ideaya Biosciences, DEC 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234649173]).

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"We are pleased with the recommendation of the IDMC and the selection of the move-forward dose for our potential registration-enabling trial evaluating the darovasertib and crizotinib combination in first-line HLA-A2(-) MUM patients. This allows us to complete the Part 2a portion of the study and seamlessly continue to enroll in Part 2b towards a potential accelerated approval based on the primary endpoint of median progression free survival," said Darrin M. Beaupre, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, IDEAYA Biosciences.

"The combination of darovasertib and crizotinib as first-line treatment has shown compelling preliminary clinical results in patients with HLA-A2(-) MUM. The IDMC recommendation of the move-forward dose supports the advancement of this potentially registration-enabling Phase 2/3 trial and is an important step in bringing a new treatment option to patients with MUM. Additionally, the continued rapid enrollment further validates the strong interest from physicians and patients, and highlights the significant unmet need in these patients, who historically have faced a poor prognosis," added Meredith McKean, M.D., MPH, Director, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Research at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, and clinical investigator on the potential registration-enabling clinical trial.

The darovasertib and crizotinib combination in MUM has FDA Fast Track designation and is currently being evaluated in two clinical trials: a potentially registration-enabling Phase 2/3 trial of darovasertib and crizotinib combination in first-line HLA-A2(-) MUM (NCT05987332) and a Phase 2 trial (NCT03947385). Additionally, darovasertib as neoadjuvant monotherapy is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 trial in primary uveal melanoma (NCT05907954). IDEAYA is also finalizing a clinical trial protocol and is targeting to initiate a potential Phase 3 registration-enabling study for neoadjuvant uveal melanoma patients in the first half of 2025.

Expert Systems Celebrates Milestone in Clinical Development of Lonitoclax, a Best-in-Class BCL-2 Inhibitor, Developed in Partnership with Lomond Therapeutics

On December 17, 2024 Expert Systems, a leader in AI-powered drug discovery, reported the promising clinical results of oral once-daily lonitoclax, a next-generation BCL-2 inhibitor developed in collaboration with Lomond Therapeutics (Press release, Lomond Therapeutics, DEC 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234649172]). The results of the single ascending dose Phase 1 studies demonstrate important advantages of lonitoclax over venetoclax and venetoclax-like molecules for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and potentially other oncology indications.

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Lonitoclax demonstrated no significant safety signals at exposures sufficient to achieve robust inhibition of BCL-2, as measured via ex vivo activation of caspase in primary CLL cells. Importantly, the co-administration of itraconazole—a potent CYP 3A4 inhibitor—did not significantly alter lonitoclax exposures. These results highlight a key differentiation from venetoclax and similar molecules, which require complex dose titration and ritonavir co-administration, and emphasize important advantages in safety, tolerability, and feasibility of outpatient treatment.

"Lonitoclax’s promising Phase 1 results highlight the strength of our AI-enabled platform in driving the development of next-generation therapies," said Bill Farley, Chief Business Officer at Expert Systems. "Our platform de-risks early-stage drug development by reducing time and costs while delivering data-driven insights to optimize safety and efficacy. We are proud to support Lomond Therapeutics in advancing this innovative BCL-2 inhibitor, which has the potential to transform the treatment landscape for CLL and AML patients."

About Lonitoclax

Lonitoclax is a next generation BCL-2 inhibitor that has demonstrated best-in-class molecular pharmacology with the highest selectivity against BCL2, a key pro-survival protein that is overexpressed in many cancers. To mitigate the hematologic and immune toxicities observed with venetoclax, lonitoclax was designed with a unique binding mode to improve selectivity for BCL-2 over BCL-XL. In addition, a shorter half-life and reduced P4503A4 inhibition properties were built into the molecule to mitigate tumor lysis syndrome and drug accumulation risk, respectively. Lonitoclax has demonstrated monotherapy activity in pre-clinical models, as well as synergistic activity when combined with azacitidine, FLT3 inhibitors, and menin inhibitors in AML xenograft models. Unlike venetoclax, lonitoclax had minimal immunosuppressive activity on B cells, CD8 T cells, and NK cells in preclinical models.

A2A Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Announces Phase 1 Clinical Trial Advancements in TACC3 Inhibition Program Targeting Multiple Cancers

On December 17, 2024 A2A Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("A2A" or "the company"), a clinical-stage pioneering biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies, reported progress in its clinical studies exploring TACC3 (Transforming Acidic Coiled-Coil 3) PPI inhibition in patients with ovarian cancer, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and endometrial cancer (Press release, A2A Pharmaceuticals, DEC 17, 2024, View Source [SID1234649167]).

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A2A has progressed into cohort 4, an important inflection point in its Phase 1 clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of its lead TACC3 inhibitor, AO-252. Early results have shown strong safety profiles with the potential for a wide therapeutic index in these patient populations.

"We are excited about the advancements in our TACC3 program and its potential for patients with challenging cancer diagnoses. The company is continually exploring collaborations and partnerships to accelerate development timelines and enhance patient access to cutting-edge treatments," said Sotirios Stergiopoulos, M.D., CEO of A2A.

"While our current focus with AO-252 is on addressing the unmet needs in ovarian, TNBC, and endometrial cancers, we are equally excited about its potential to benefit patients in additional indications in the near future," added Robbin Frnka, Vice President of Clinical Operations."

The selected cancers are characterized by limited treatment options and high rates of recurrence in patients. A2A’s TACC3 PPI inhibitor is designed to disrupt critical cellular mechanisms involved in cancer cell proliferation, providing a much-needed new avenue of treatment for patients battling these aggressive malignancies.

"This trial represents a promising step forward in delivering therapies that could impact the standard of care for patients," said Alex Spira, M.D., principal investigator of Next Oncology Virginia. "A2A Pharmaceuticals shows dedication to supporting the cancer community by advancing novel therapies that target the underlying biology of tumors."

Beyond these indications, pre-clinical studies suggest A2A’s TACC3 PPI inhibitor may also show efficacy in other solid tumors, including gastric, prostate cancers, and sarcomas, etc. Ongoing research efforts are focused on expanding the indication spectrum and optimizing treatment regimens for diverse cancer types.