Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Announces Termination of Merger Agreement with Pharma Two B Ltd.

On December 11, 2024 Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: HEPA) (the "Company" or "Hepion"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company that had been developing a treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis ("NASH"), hepatocellular carcinoma ("HCC"), and other chronic liver diseases, reported that it has entered into a termination agreement with Pharma Two B Ltd. which terminates the merger agreement between the two parties that was previously entered into on July 19, 2024 (Press release, Hepion Pharmaceuticals, DEC 11, 2024, View Source [SID1234649045]).

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Neither party will be required to pay the other a termination fee as a result of the mutual decision to terminate the agreement.

Hepion also announced that its previously announced special meeting of its stockholders scheduled for December 12, 2024 has been cancelled and that it has withdrawn from consideration by its stockholders the proposals set forth in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form F-4 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2024.

EORTC and Immunocore announce enrolment of first patient onto the only active Phase 3 adjuvant trial in uveal melanoma

On December 11, 2024 EORTC and Immunocore reported the randomisation of the first patient in the Phase 3 Adjuvant Trial in Ocular Melanoma (ATOM), investigating the safety and efficacy of tebentafusp as adjuvant treatment for uveal melanoma (Press release, EORTC, DEC 11, 2024, View Source [SID1234649044]).

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The primary objective of the open-label, international, multicentre trial – led by EORTC – will be to assess whether tebentafusp can prevent or delay relapse in patients with primary ocular (uveal) melanoma at high risk of relapse, as compared with observation. Tebentafusp is approved for the treatment of HLA-A*02:01-positive adult patients with unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma in 38 countries, under the brand name KIMMTRAK.

"I am delighted that the first patient on ATOM has been recruited. This milestone reflects a very significant effort by the EORTC melanoma group trials team, colleagues at Immunocore and our trial sites," said Professor Paul Nathan, ATOM study coordinator. "The study addresses a key question – whether the benefit seen with tebentafusp in HLA-A*02:01-positive patients with metastatic uveal melanoma will translate to a significant reduction in risk of relapse for patients who have received treatment for primary uveal melanoma and are at high risk of relapse."

The trial is expected to enrol 290 HLA-A*02:01-positive patients with uveal melanoma who have undergone definitive treatment by surgery or radiotherapy. Eligible patients will be randomised 1:1 to one of two arms: tebentafusp [as monotherapy] for six months or until disease relapse, or observation. Secondary objectives include overall survival, safety and tolerability, while exploratory objectives include evaluation of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a marker of residual disease, and a comparison of health-related quality of life.

Mohammed Dar, Chief Medical Officer at Immunocore, said: "Despite definitive local therapy, approximately 50% of patients will eventually relapse with metastatic disease. The goal of investigating adjuvant tebentafusp following primary treatment is to prevent future recurrence. Decreasing the likelihood of a patient relapsing following definitive therapy for their primary disease would be a groundbreaking advancement in treatment, given there are currently no standard treatment options available in this setting."

About the ATOM Phase 3 trial
ATOM (NCT06246149; 2023-510333-28-00) is an EORTC-led randomised open-label international multicentre Phase 3 superiority clinical trial aiming to prospectively assess whether adjuvant treatment with tebentafusp improves relapse-free survival as compared with observation. A total of 290 patients are expected to be enrolled within a span of three years, beginning in 13 countries, and with the potential for further expansion.

The goal of the experimental treatment strategy in the trial is to establish whether adjuvant tebentafusp can decrease the risk of relapse – compared to observation – in patients who have undergone definitive treatment for primary uveal melanoma and who are at high risk of relapse.

Patients included in the study must have undergone definitive treatment for primary ocular melanoma, by surgery or radiotherapy; be at high risk of relapse; be HLA-A*02:01 positive; have a good performance status (ECOG 0/1); and adequate organ function. Eligible patients will be randomised 1:1 to receive either active treatment with weekly tebentafusp [as monotherapy], or observation. Patients will receive tebentafusp for 6 months, or until relapse.

The secondary objectives are to compare overall survival and to further document the safety and tolerability of tebentafusp.

The exploratory objectives include the comparison of the health-related quality of life between the treatment arms and the evaluation of the role of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a biomarker for the presence of residual disease.

About Uveal Melanoma
Uveal melanoma is a rare disease arising from the pigmented uveal tract of the eye with an estimated incidence in Europe of 4.4 cases per million [i]. Up to 50% of people with uveal melanoma will eventually develop metastatic disease [ii]. Metastases usually appear within a median of three to five years after treatment of primary tumours, and treatment of metastatic disease is usually with palliative intent. Unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma typically has a poor prognosis and had no approved treatment until KIMMTRAK.

Very few studies have tested the use of adjuvant treatment in uveal melanoma, and none have resulted in any change in the standard of care, reflecting a lack of active agents for this disease.

[i] Virgili G, Gatta G, Ciccolallo L, Capocaccia R, Biggeri A, Crocetti E, et al. Incidence of Uveal Melanoma in Europe. Ophthalmology 2007.
View Source

[ii] Shields CL, Furuta M, Thangappan A, Nagori S, Mashayekhi A, Lally DR, et al. Metastasis of uveal melanoma millimeter-by-millimeter in 8033 consecutive eyes. Arch Ophthalmol 2009.
View Source

About ImmTAC molecules for cancer
Immunocore’s proprietary T cell receptor (TCR) technology generates a novel class of bispecific biologics called ImmTAC (Immune mobilizing monoclonal TCRs Against Cancer) molecules that are designed to redirect the immune system to recognise and kill cancerous cells. ImmTAC molecules are soluble TCRs engineered to recognize intracellular cancer antigens with ultra-high affinity and selectively kill these cancer cells via an anti-CD3 immune-activating effector function. Based on the demonstrated mechanism of T cell infiltration into human tumours, the ImmTAC mechanism of action holds the potential to treat hematologic and solid tumours, regardless of mutational burden or immune infiltration, including immune "cold" low mutation rate tumours.

Enterome Presents Encouraging Initial Clinical Data on EO4010 in Colorectal Cancer at ESMO IO 2024

On December 11, 2024 Enterome, a clinical-stage company developing first-in-class immunomodulatory drugs for cancer based on its unique Mimicry platform, reported that initial clinical data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 ‘AUDREY’ trial evaluating its innovative OncoMimics immunotherapy EO4010 in microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), will be presented at the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Immuno-Oncology (IO) Congress, taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, December 11-13, 2024 (Press release, Enterome, DEC 11, 2024, View Source [SID1234649043]).

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The AUDREY trial (EOCRC2-22) assesses the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of EO4010, in combination with nivolumab +/- bevacizumab, in patients with microsatellite stable (MSS), unresectable, and previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) — an indication with limited effective treatment options and poor clinical outcomes. EO4010 includes five OncoMimics peptides that mimic tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) highly expressed in colorectal cancer, designed to stimulate CD8+ T cells to target and eliminate tumor cells.

Poster presentation details:

Abstract #457

Title: EO4010 (EO) + nivolumab (N) ± bevacizumab (B) in patients (pts) with microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC)
Presenting Author: Romain Cohen, Department of medical oncology, Saint-Antoine hospital, AP-HP, and Assistant Professor of Oncology at Sorbonne University, Paris
Poster Session: presentation time December 12, 12:00 PM-13:00 PM CET

Key findings:

Among the 17 patients evaluated in Cohort 2 of the AUDREY trial, one achieved a partial response, showing a 46% reduction in liver metastases, a 34% reduction in lung metastases, and normalization of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels. Two additional patients achieved stable disease; one demonstrated a 7% reduction in lung metastases and a marked reduction of tumor biomarkers CEA/CA19-9, while another maintained stable disease beyond 17 weeks. Six patients showed stable disease in target lesions, though with progression in non-target lesions, along with some biomarker reductions.

In Cohort 3, which included bevacizumab in addition to EO4010 and nivolumab, three out of five evaluated patients achieved stable disease, with one continuing treatment > 24 weeks (lung met’s +8%, CEA normalized).

Immune response analysis showed EO4010-specific CD8+ T cells in 12 out of 13 tested patients, with cross-reactivity to the targeted tumor antigens. Notably, over 80% of these cells were effector memory T cells after five weeks, demonstrating a sustained, targeted immune response.

Dr. Romain Cohen, Coordinating Investigator for the AUDREY trial, commented, "These early data highlight EO4010’s potential to induce targeted immune responses and shrinkage of liver metastases in patients with pretreated microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer. We look forward to continued follow-up and further results from the AUDREY trial."

Pierre Bélichard, Chief Executive Officer of Enterome, added, "The presentation of EO4010 data at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) IO reflects our dedication to pioneering next-generation immunotherapies for cancers with high unmet needs. These findings support the potential of our OncoMimics platform to deliver new options for patients, leveraging multi-target engagement to address tumor heterogeneity and prevent immune escape."

About OncoMimics

OncoMimics immunotherapies are designed to activate pre-existing effector memory T cells against bacterial (non-self) peptides that strongly cross-react with corresponding Tumor-Associated Antigens (TAAs), or B cell markers expressed on tumoral cells, resulting in a rapid, targeted cytotoxic response against cancer cells.

About EO4010

EO4010, Enterome’s third clinical-stage OncoMimics candidate, combines five microbial-derived peptides that mimic HLA-A2 restricted CD8+ T cell epitopes from five TAAs: BIRC5/survivin, FOXM1, UBE2C (UBCH10), CDC20, and KIF2C (MCAK). It also includes a CD4 helper peptide, Universal Cancer Peptide 2 (UCP2), to bolster immune activation. The BIRC5 and FOXM1 mimic peptides, also used in EO2401, have shown strong immune responses and correlated clinical outcomes in combination with nivolumab +/- bevacizumab for glioblastoma.

About AUDREY

AUDREY (EOCRC2-22/NCT05589597) is a multicenter, open-label Phase 1/2 trial investigating EO4010 in monotherapy and in combination with nivolumab for treatment of patients with unresectable, previously treated, metastatic colorectal cancer. The trial is assessing safety, tolerability, immunogenicity and preliminary efficacy in 42 patients at centers in Europe and the US.

About colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in men and the second in women, contributing to 10% of all cancers worldwide. It is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death, with more than 600,000 deaths annually. Despite all efforts regarding surgery and adjuvant therapy, 25% of patients with localized CRC later develop metastases, and around 20% of cases are metastatic at diagnosis. Thus, CRC continues to be a major therapeutic challenge with a considerable number of patients experiencing premature death, fewer than 20% of those diagnosed with recurring/metastatic disease surviving beyond 5 years from diagnosis.

Lilly’s Imlunestrant, an Oral SERD, Significantly Improved Progression-Free Survival as Monotherapy and in Combination with Verzenio® (abemaciclib) in Patients with ER+, HER2- Advanced Breast Cancer

On December 11, 2024 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported results from the Phase 3 EMBER-3 study of imlunestrant, an investigational, oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), in patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer (ABC), whose disease progressed on a prior aromatase inhibitor (AI), with or without a CDK4/6 inhibitor (Press release, Eli Lilly, DEC 11, 2024, View Source [SID1234649042]). Imlunestrant demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) as monotherapy in patients with an ESR1 mutation versus standard of care endocrine therapy (SOC ET), reducing the risk of disease progression or death by 38%. Imlunestrant in combination with Verzenio (abemaciclib; CDK4/6 inhibitor) reduced the risk of progression or death by 43% versus imlunestrant alone, in all patients.

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These results were published in The New England Journal of Medicine and will be shared in a late-breaking oral presentation at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) today, Wednesday, December 11 at 9:15 AM CT/10:15 AM ET. These data are being submitted to regulatory health authorities globally.

"The median progression free survival observed in EMBER-3 is among the most compelling we’ve seen in CDK4/6 pre-treated ER+, HER2- advanced breast cancer patients and indicates a potential shift in the therapy options we provide for these patients, which are currently very limited," said Komal Jhaveri, M.D., section head, endocrine therapy research and clinical director, early drug development at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and one of the study’s principal investigators. "The benefit and safety profile of the imlunestrant and abemaciclib combination signal a potential new all-oral option for patients."

In the EMBER-3 study, patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive imlunestrant alone, SOC ET, or the imlunestrant-abemaciclib combination. Randomization was stratified by prior CDK4/6 inhibitor use, the presence of visceral metastases and geographic region. Patients enrolled as first line (1L) treatment for ABC (32%), following disease recurrence on or within 12 months of completing adjuvant AI, with or without CDK4/6 inhibitor for early breast cancer (EBC), or as second line (2L) treatment for ABC (64%), following progression on AI, with or without CDK4/6 inhibitor as initial therapy for ABC. Primary endpoints were investigator-assessed PFS of imlunestrant versus SOC ET therapy in patients with ESR1 mutations, imlunestrant versus SOC ET in all patients, and imlunestrant-abemaciclib versus imlunestrant in all patients.

Imlunestrant versus standard of care endocrine therapy

Imlunestrant significantly improved PFS versus SOC ET in patients with an ESR1 mutation. In patients with an ESR1 mutation, median PFS was 5.5 months with imlunestrant versus 3.8 months with SOC ET [HR=0.62 (95% CI 0.46-0.82); p-value<0.001]. The overall response rate (ORR) with imlunestrant was 14% compared to 8% with SOC ET in patients with an ESR1 mutation. In all patients, the median PFS was 5.6 months with imlunestrant versus 5.5 months with SOC ET [HR=0.87 (95% CI 0.72-1.04); p-value 0.12] and did not reach statistical significance.

Consistent with preclinical data demonstrating central nervous system (CNS) penetrance and CNS-activity of imlunestrant, CNS progression rates from a post-hoc analysis were lower with imlunestrant in all patients (HR=0.47; 95% CI, 0.16-1.38), as well as patients with an ESR1 mutation (HR=0.18; 95% CI, 0.04-0.90), however, these analyses are limited by low event numbers and lack of mandated serial asymptomatic CNS imaging in all patients.

Imlunestrant in combination with abemaciclib versus imlunestrant alone

Imlunestrant-abemaciclib significantly improved PFS compared to imlunestrant in all patients, regardless of ESR1 mutation status, with median PFS of 9.4 months for imlunestrant-abemaciclib versus 5.5 months for imlunestrant alone [HR=0.57 (95% CI 0.44-0.73); p-value <0.001]. The PFS benefit of the combination was consistent across subgroups, regardless of ESR1 mutation, or PI3K pathway mutation status, and including in patients who had previously received CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment. In all patients, the ORR with imlunestrant-abemaciclib was 27% compared to 12% with imlunestrant alone.

Safety in the imlunestrant-abemaciclib arm was consistent with the known safety profile of fulvestrant in combination with abemaciclib, with mostly low-grade adverse events including diarrhea (86%), nausea (49%), neutropenia (48%) and anemia (44%), and had a low discontinuation rate (6.3%).1,2

Overall survival (OS) results for EMBER-3 were immature at the time of analysis. The trial will continue to assess OS as a secondary endpoint.

"EMBER-3 is the first Phase 3 trial to show benefit of combining an oral SERD with a CDK4/6 inhibitor for a patient population where an all-oral regimen would represent a meaningful advance," said David Hyman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Lilly. "We’re highly encouraged by these data for both imlunestrant as monotherapy and in combination with Verzenio, as well as the safety and tolerability profile, which demonstrate the potential for imlunestrant to be a meaningful new oral endocrine therapy option for patients. We look forward to sharing these results with the oncology community and completing regulatory submissions to global health authorities."

An estimated 70 to 80% of hormone receptor positive breast cancers are ER+ and after progression on initial endocrine therapy, are predominantly treated with fulvestrant, which is administered by intramuscular injection in a doctor’s office.3,4 According to patient-reported outcomes data from EMBER-3, 72% of patients receiving fulvestrant in the standard ET group reported injection site pain, swelling, or redness. Imlunestrant is an orally administered, brain penetrant, pure ER antagonist that delivers continuous ER target inhibition.

Imlunestrant is also being investigated in the adjuvant setting in people with ER+, HER2- early breast cancer (EBC) with an increased risk of recurrence. This Phase 3 trial, EMBER-4, is expected to enroll 6,000 EBC patients worldwide.

About EMBER-3
EMBER-3 is a Phase 3, randomized, open-label study of imlunestrant, investigator’s choice of endocrine therapy, and imlunestrant in combination with abemaciclib in patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose disease has recurred or progressed during or following an aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy with or without a CDK 4/6 inhibitor. The trial enrolled 874 adult patients, 32% of which enrolled from the adjuvant setting into first-line treatment of ABC and 64% as second line treatment following progression on initial therapy for ABC. Enrolled trial participants were randomized between imlunestrant, investigator’s choice of fulvestrant or exemestane, or imlunestrant plus abemaciclib. More information on the EMBER-3 study can be found on clinicaltrials.gov.

About Metastatic/Advanced Breast Cancer
Metastatic/advanced breast cancer (ABC) is a cancer that has spread from the breast tissue to other parts of the body. Locally advanced breast cancer means the cancer has grown outside the organ where it started but has not yet spread to other parts of the body.1 Of all high risk early-stage breast cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S., approximately 30% will become metastatic5 and an estimated 6-10% of all new breast cancer cases are initially diagnosed as being metastatic.6 Survival is lower among women with a more advanced stage of disease at diagnosis: five-year relative survival is 99% for localized disease, 86% for regional/locally advanced disease, and 30% for metastatic/advanced disease.7 Other factors, such as tumor size, also impact five-year survival estimates.7

About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide (following lung cancer), according to GLOBOCAN. The estimated 2.3 million new cases indicate that close to 1 in every 4 cancers diagnosed in 2022 is breast cancer. With approximately 666,000 deaths in 2022, breast cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death worldwide.8 In the U.S., it is estimated that there will be more than 310,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in 2024. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the U.S.9

About Imlunestrant
Imlunestrant is a brain-penetrant, oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), that delivers continuous ER inhibition, including in ESR1-mutant cancers. The estrogen receptor (ER) is the key therapeutic target for patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer. Novel degraders of ER may overcome endocrine therapy resistance while providing consistent oral pharmacology and convenience of administration. Imlunestrant is currently being studied as a treatment for advanced breast cancer and as an adjuvant treatment in early breast cancer, including: NCT04975308, NCT05514054, NCT04188548, NCT05307705.

About Verzenio (abemaciclib)
Verzenio (abemaciclib) is approved to treat people with certain HR+, HER2- breast cancers in the adjuvant and advanced or metastatic setting. Verzenio is the first CDK4/6 inhibitor approved to treat node-positive, high risk early breast cancer (EBC) patients.10 For HR+, HER2- breast cancer, The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends consideration of two years of abemaciclib (Verzenio) added to endocrine therapy as a Category 1 treatment option in the adjuvant setting.11 NCCN also includes Verzenio plus endocrine therapy as a preferred treatment option for HR+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer.11

The collective results of Lilly’s clinical development program continue to differentiate Verzenio as a CDK4/6 inhibitor. In high risk EBC, Verzenio has shown a persistent and deepening benefit beyond the two-year treatment period in the monarchE trial, an adjuvant study designed specifically to investigate a CDK4/6 inhibitor in a node-positive, high risk EBC population.12 In metastatic breast cancer, Verzenio has demonstrated statistically significant OS in the Phase 3 MONARCH 2 study.13 Verzenio has shown a consistent and generally manageable safety profile across clinical trials.

Verzenio is an oral tablet taken twice daily and available in strengths of 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg. Discovered and developed by Lilly researchers, Verzenio was first approved in 2017 and is currently authorized for use in more than 90 counties around the world. For full details on indicated uses of Verzenio in HR+, HER2- breast cancer, please see full Prescribing Information, available at www.Verzenio.com.

INDICATIONS FOR VERZENIO
VERZENIO is a kinase inhibitor indicated:

in combination with endocrine therapy (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, node-positive, early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence.
in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy.
as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy and prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR VERZENIO (abemaciclib)
Severe diarrhea associated with dehydration and infection occurred in patients treated with Verzenio. Across four clinical trials in 3691 patients, diarrhea occurred in 81 to 90% of patients who received Verzenio. Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 8 to 20% of patients receiving Verzenio. Most patients experienced diarrhea during the first month of Verzenio treatment. The median time to onset of the first diarrhea event ranged from 6 to 8 days; and the median duration of Grade 2 and Grade 3 diarrhea ranged from 6 to 11 days and 5 to 8 days, respectively. Across trials, 19 to 26% of patients with diarrhea required a Verzenio dose interruption and 13 to 23% required a dose reduction.

Instruct patients to start antidiarrheal therapy, such as loperamide, at the first sign of loose stools, increase oral fluids, and notify their healthcare provider for further instructions and appropriate follow-up. For Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea, or diarrhea that requires hospitalization, discontinue Verzenio until toxicity resolves to ≤Grade 1, and then resume Verzenio at the next lower dose.

Neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia and fatal neutropenic sepsis, occurred in patients treated with Verzenio. Across four clinical trials in 3691 patients, neutropenia occurred in 37 to 46% of patients receiving Verzenio. A Grade ≥3 decrease in neutrophil count (based on laboratory findings) occurred in 19 to 32% of patients receiving Verzenio. Across trials, the median time to first episode of Grade ≥3 neutropenia ranged from 29 to 33 days, and the median duration of Grade ≥3 neutropenia ranged from 11 to 16 days. Febrile neutropenia has been reported in <1% of patients exposed to Verzenio across trials. Two deaths due to neutropenic sepsis were observed in MONARCH 2. Inform patients to promptly report any episodes of fever to their healthcare provider.

Monitor complete blood counts prior to the start of Verzenio therapy, every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, monthly for the next 2 months, and as clinically indicated. Dose interruption, dose reduction, or delay in starting treatment cycles is recommended for patients who develop Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia.

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pneumonitis can occur in patients treated with Verzenio and other CDK4/6 inhibitors. In Verzenio-treated patients in EBC (monarchE), 3% of patients experienced ILD or pneumonitis of any grade: 0.4% were Grade 3 or 4 and there was one fatality (0.1%). In Verzenio-treated patients in MBC (MONARCH 1, MONARCH 2, MONARCH 3), 3.3% of Verzenio-treated patients had ILD or pneumonitis of any grade: 0.6% had Grade 3 or 4, and 0.4% had fatal outcomes. Additional cases of ILD or pneumonitis have been observed in the postmarketing setting, with fatalities reported.

Monitor patients for pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD or pneumonitis. Symptoms may include hypoxia, cough, dyspnea, or interstitial infiltrates on radiologic exams. Infectious, neoplastic, and other causes for such symptoms should be excluded by means of appropriate investigations. Dose interruption or dose reduction is recommended in patients who develop persistent or recurrent Grade 2 ILD or pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue Verzenio in all patients with Grade 3 or 4 ILD or pneumonitis.

Grade ≥3 increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (2 to 6%) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (2 to 3%) were reported in patients receiving Verzenio. Across three clinical trials in 3559 patients (monarchE, MONARCH 2, MONARCH 3), the median time to onset of Grade ≥3 ALT increases ranged from 57 to 87 days and the median time to resolution to Grade <3 was 13 to 14 days. The median time to onset of Grade ≥3 AST increases ranged from 71 to 185 days and the median time to resolution to Grade <3 ranged from 11 to 15 days.

Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) prior to the start of Verzenio therapy, every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, monthly for the next 2 months, and as clinically indicated. Dose interruption, dose reduction, dose discontinuation, or delay in starting treatment cycles is recommended for patients who develop persistent or recurrent Grade 2, or any Grade 3 or 4 hepatic transaminase elevation.

Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) were reported in 2 to 5% of patients across three clinical trials in 3559 patients treated with Verzenio (monarchE, MONARCH 2, MONARCH 3). VTE included deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pelvic venous thrombosis, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, subclavian and axillary vein thrombosis, and inferior vena cava thrombosis. In clinical trials, deaths due to VTE have been reported in patients treated with Verzenio.

Verzenio has not been studied in patients with early breast cancer who had a history of VTE. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and treat as medically appropriate. Dose interruption is recommended for EBC patients with any grade VTE and for MBC patients with a Grade 3 or 4 VTE.

Verzenio can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, based on findings from animal studies and the mechanism of action. In animal reproduction studies, administration of abemaciclib to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis caused teratogenicity and decreased fetal weight at maternal exposures that were similar to the human clinical exposure based on area under the curve (AUC) at the maximum recommended human dose. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Verzenio and for 3 weeks after the last dose. Based on findings in animals, Verzenio may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential. There are no data on the presence of Verzenio in human milk or its effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Advise lactating women not to breastfeed during Verzenio treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants.

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥10%) observed in monarchE for Verzenio plus tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor vs tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor, with a difference between arms of ≥2%, were diarrhea (84% vs 9%), infections (51% vs 39%), neutropenia (46% vs 6%), fatigue (41% vs 18%), leukopenia (38% vs 7%), nausea (30% vs 9%), anemia (24% vs 4%), headache (20% vs 15%), vomiting (18% vs 4.6%), stomatitis (14% vs 5%), lymphopenia (14% vs 3%), thrombocytopenia (13% vs 2%), decreased appetite (12% vs 2.4%), ALT increased (12% vs 6%), AST increased (12% vs 5%), dizziness (11% vs 7%), rash (11% vs 4.5%), and alopecia (11% vs 2.7 %).

The most frequently reported ≥5% Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction that occurred in the Verzenio arm vs the tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor arm of monarchE were neutropenia (19.6% vs 1%), leukopenia (11% vs <1%), diarrhea (8% vs 0.2%), and lymphopenia (5% vs <1%).

Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for monarchE in ≥10% for Verzenio plus tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor with a difference between arms of ≥2% were increased serum creatinine (99% vs 91%; .5% vs <.1%), decreased white blood cells (89% vs 28%; 19.1% vs 1.1%), decreased neutrophil count (84% vs 23%; 18.7% vs 1.9%), anemia (68% vs 17%; 1% vs .1%), decreased lymphocyte count (59% vs 24%; 13.2 % vs 2.5%), decreased platelet count (37% vs 10%; .9% vs .2%), increased ALT (37% vs 24%; 2.6% vs 1.2%), increased AST (31% vs 18%; 1.6% vs .9%), and hypokalemia (11% vs 3.8%; 1.3% vs 0.2%).

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥10%) observed in MONARCH 3 for Verzenio plus anastrozole or letrozole vs anastrozole or letrozole, with a difference between arms of ≥2%, were diarrhea (81% vs 30%), fatigue (40% vs 32%), neutropenia (41% vs 2%), infections (39% vs 29%), nausea (39% vs 20%), abdominal pain (29% vs 12%), vomiting (28% vs 12%), anemia (28% vs 5%), alopecia (27% vs 11%), decreased appetite (24% vs 9%), leukopenia (21% vs 2%), creatinine increased (19% vs 4%), constipation (16% vs 12%), ALT increased (16% vs 7%), AST increased (15% vs 7%), rash (14% vs 5%), pruritus (13% vs 9%), cough (13% vs 9%), dyspnea (12% vs 6%), dizziness (11% vs 9%), weight decreased (10% vs 3.1%), influenza-like illness (10% vs 8%), and thrombocytopenia (10% vs 2%).

The most frequently reported ≥5% Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions that occurred in the Verzenio arm vs the placebo arm of MONARCH 3 were neutropenia (22% vs 1%), diarrhea (9% vs 1.2%), leukopenia (7% vs <1%)), increased ALT (6% vs 2%), and anemia (6% vs 1%).

Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for MONARCH 3 in ≥10% for Verzenio plus anastrozole or letrozole with a difference between arms of ≥2% were increased serum creatinine (98% vs 84%; 2.2% vs 0%), decreased white blood cells (82% vs 27%; 13% vs 0.6%), anemia (82% vs 28%; 1.6% vs 0%), decreased neutrophil count (80% vs 21%; 21.9% vs 2.6%), decreased lymphocyte count (53% vs 26%; 7.6% vs 1.9%), decreased platelet count (36% vs 12%; 1.9% vs 0.6%), increased ALT (48% vs 25%; 6.6% vs 1.9%), and increased AST (37% vs 23%; 3.8% vs 0.6%).

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥10%) observed in MONARCH 2 for Verzenio plus fulvestrant vs fulvestrant, with a difference between arms of ≥2%, were diarrhea (86% vs 25%), neutropenia (46% vs 4%), fatigue (46% vs 32%), nausea (45% vs 23%), infections (43% vs 25%), abdominal pain (35% vs 16%), anemia (29% vs 4%), leukopenia (28% vs 2%), decreased appetite (27% vs 12%), vomiting (26% vs 10%), headache (20% vs 15%), dysgeusia (18% vs 2.7%), thrombocytopenia (16% vs 3%), alopecia (16% vs 1.8%), stomatitis (15% vs 10%), ALT increased (13% vs 5%), pruritus (13% vs 6%), cough (13% vs 11%), dizziness (12% vs 6%), AST increased (12% vs 7%), peripheral edema (12% vs 7%), creatinine increased (12% vs <1%), rash (11% vs 4.5%), pyrexia (11% vs 6%), and weight decreased (10% vs 2.2%).

The most frequently reported ≥5% Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions that occurred in the Verzenio arm vs the placebo arm of MONARCH 2 were neutropenia (25% vs 1%), diarrhea (13% vs 0.4%), leukopenia (9% vs 0%), anemia (7% vs 1%), and infections (5.7% vs 3.5%).

Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for MONARCH 2 in ≥10% for Verzenio plus fulvestrant with a difference between arms of ≥2% were increased serum creatinine (98% vs 74%; 1.2% vs 0%), decreased white blood cells (90% vs 33%; 23.7% vs .9%), decreased neutrophil count (87% vs 30%; 32.5% vs 4.2%), anemia (84% vs 34%; 2.6% vs .5%), decreased lymphocyte count (63% vs 32%; 12.2% vs 1.8%), decreased platelet count (53% vs 15%; 2.1% vs 0%), increased ALT (41% vs 32%; 4.6% vs 1.4%), and increased AST (37% vs 25%; 3.9% vs 4.2%).

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥10%) observed in MONARCH 1 with Verzenio were diarrhea (90%), fatigue (65%), nausea (64%), decreased appetite (45%), abdominal pain (39%), neutropenia (37%), vomiting (35%), infections (31%), anemia (25%), thrombocytopenia (20%), headache (20%), cough (19%), constipation (17%), leukopenia (17%), arthralgia (15%), dry mouth (14%), weight decreased (14%), stomatitis (14%), creatinine increased (13%), alopecia (12%), dysgeusia (12%), pyrexia (11%), dizziness (11%), and dehydration (10%).

The most frequently reported ≥5% Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions from MONARCH 1 with Verzenio were diarrhea (20%), neutropenia (24%), fatigue (13%), and leukopenia (5%).

Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for MONARCH 1 with Verzenio were increased serum creatinine (99%; .8%), decreased white blood cells (91%; 28%), decreased neutrophil count (88%; 26.6%), anemia (69%; 0%), decreased lymphocyte count (42%; 13.8%), decreased platelet count (41%; 2.3%), increased ALT (31%; 3.1%), and increased AST (30%; 3.8%).

Strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors increased the exposure of abemaciclib plus its active metabolites to a clinically meaningful extent and may lead to increased toxicity. Avoid concomitant use of ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is predicted to increase the AUC of abemaciclib by up to 16-fold. In patients with recommended starting doses of 200 mg twice daily or 150 mg twice daily, reduce the Verzenio dose to 100 mg twice daily with concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors other than ketoconazole. In patients who have had a dose reduction to 100 mg twice daily due to adverse reactions, further reduce the Verzenio dose to 50 mg twice daily with concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors. If a patient taking Verzenio discontinues a strong CYP3A inhibitor, increase the Verzenio dose (after 3 to 5 half-lives of the inhibitor) to the dose that was used before starting the inhibitor. With concomitant use of moderate CYP3A inhibitors, monitor for adverse reactions and consider reducing the Verzenio dose in 50 mg decrements. Patients should avoid grapefruit products.

Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A inducers and consider alternative agents. Coadministration of strong or moderate CYP3A inducers decreased the plasma concentrations of abemaciclib plus its active metabolites and may lead to reduced activity.

With severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C), reduce the Verzenio dosing frequency to once daily. The pharmacokinetics of Verzenio in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min), end stage renal disease, or in patients on dialysis is unknown. No dosage adjustments are necessary in patients with mild or moderate hepatic (Child-Pugh A or B) and/or renal impairment (CLcr ≥30-89 mL/min).

Please see full Prescribing Information and Patient Information for Verzenio.

Champions Oncology Reports Quarterly Revenue of $13.5 Million Adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 million

On December 11, 2024 Champions Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSBR), a global preclinical and clinical research services provider that offers end-to-end oncology solutions, reported its financial results for its second quarter of fiscal 2025, ended October 31, 2024 (Press release, Champions Oncology, DEC 11, 2024, View Source [SID1234649041]).

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Second Quarter and Recent Highlights:

•Total revenue increased 17% to $13.5 million
•Gross profit of $6.1 million; margin of 45%
•Net income of approximately $730,000
•Adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 million
•Development of new data revenue stream

First Half 2025 Highlights:

•Total revenue increased 14% to $27.6 million
•Gross profit of $13.1 million; margin of 47%
•Net income of $2.1 million
•Adjusted EBITDA of $3.2 million

Ronnie Morris, CEO of Champions, commented, "Our second quarter’s performance solidified our confidence in the Company’s turnaround that we’ve been discussing the last several quarters. We remain cautiously optimistic that the pharma and biotech environment is improving which will continue to contribute to our long-term growth." Morris added, "In addition to our core business, we made significant strides in monetizing our data platform, establishing an additional revenue stream that can be transformative for the Company."

David Miller, CFO of Champions, added, "We continued to deliver strong financial results in our second quarter as revenue increased 17% to $13.5M while we reduced total costs by $771,000. As a result, we recorded adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 million." Miller added, "With the renewed underlying strength in our core business coupled with the expected revenue contribution from our data platform, we’re projecting revenue growth for the year of at least 10% – 15%."

Second Fiscal Quarter Financial Results

Total revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 was $13.5 million compared to $11.6 million for the same period last year, an increase of 17%. The combination of operational improvements and efficiencies implemented, which led to an increase in our revenue conversion percentage, and the acceleration in our bookings, generated an increase in revenue for both the three months and six months ended October 31, 2024. Total costs and operating expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 were $12.8 million compared to $13.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2024, a decrease of $771,000 or 5.7%.

For the second quarter of fiscal 2025, Champions reported income from operations of $732,000, including $9,000 in stock-based compensation and $399,000 in depreciation and amortization expenses, compared to a loss from operations of $2.0 million, inclusive of $53,000 in stock-based compensation and $484,000 in depreciation and amortization expenses, in the second quarter of fiscal 2024. Excluding stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization expenses, Champions reported adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to an adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2024.

Cost of oncology services was $7.4 million for the three-months ended October 31, 2024, an increase of $810,000, or 12.2% compared to $6.6 million for the three-months ended October 31, 2023. The increase in cost of oncology services was primarily from an increase in mice and lab costs to support revenue growth. For the three-months ended October 31, 2024, total margin was 45% compared to 43% for the three-months ended October 31, 2023. The improved margin resulted primarily from an increase in revenue and a lower cost base due to operational efficiencies implemented, but was under some specific pressure due to the cost of humanized mice.

Research and development expense for the three-months ended October 31, 2024 was $1.7 million, a decrease of $826,000 or 32.8%, compared to $2.5 million for the three-months ended October 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to reduced investment in research and development, including our target discovery program. Sales and marketing expense for the three-months ended October 31, 2024 was $1.8 million, a slight decrease of $44,000, or 2.5%, compared to $1.8 million for the three-months ended October 31, 2023. General and administrative expense for the three-months ended October 31, 2024 was $1.9 million, a decrease of $711,000, or 27.3%, compared to $2.6 million for the three-months ended October 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily from a decline in compensation and recruitment expenses and a one-time reduction in our credit loss reserve.

Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $283,000 for the three-months ended October 31, 2024 and was primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable and a decrease in accounts payable offset by net income for the quarter. Net changes in our working capital accounts were in the ordinary course of business. Net cash used in investing activities for the three-months ended October 31, 2024 was approximately $94,000 and was for lab and computer equipment. Net cash provided by financing activities for the three-months ended October 31, 2024 was approximately $239,000 resulting primarily from proceeds from options exercise.

The Company ended the quarter with cash on hand of approximately $2.8 million. The Company has no debt.

Year-to-Date Financial Results

Total revenue for the first half of fiscal 2025 was $27.6 million compared to $24.1 million for the same period last year, an increase of 14.2%. Total costs and operating expenses for the first half of fiscal 2025 were $25.5 million compared to $28.6 million for the first half of fiscal 2024, a decrease of $3.2 million or 11.0%.

For the first half of fiscal 2025, Champions reported income from operations of $2.1 million, including $267,000 in stock-based compensation and $848,000 in depreciation and amortization expenses, compared to a loss from operations of $4.5 million, inclusive of $476,000 in stock-based compensation and $929,000 in depreciation and amortization expenses, in the first half of fiscal 2024. Excluding stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization expenses, Champions reported adjusted EBITDA of $3.2 million for the first half of fiscal 2025 compared to an adjusted EBITDA loss of $3.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2024.

Cost of oncology services was $14.5 million for the six-months ended October 31, 2024, an increase of
$198,000, or 1.4% compared to $14.3 million for the six-months ended October 31, 2023. The increase in cost of oncology services was primarily from an increase in mice costs. For the six-months ended October 31, 2024, total margin was 47% compared to 41% for the six-months ended October 31, 2023. The improved margin resulted primarily from a combination of an increase in revenue while minimizing cost increases due to operational efficiencies implemented and other cost reduction initiatives.

Research and development expense for the six-months ended October 31, 2024 was $3.1 million, a decrease of $2.2 million or 40.8%, compared to $5.3 million for the six-months ended October 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to reduced investment in research and development in non-essential services, including our target discovery program. Sales and marketing expense for the six-months ended October 31, 2024 was $3.4 million, a slight decrease of $61,000, or 1.7%, compared to $3.5 million for the six-months ended October 31, 2023. General and administrative expense for the six-months ended October 31, 2024 was $4.4 million, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 20.3%, compared to $5.5 million for the six-months ended October 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily from a reduction in compensation, recruitment, and stock-based compensation expenses.

Conference Call Information:
The Company will host a conference call today at 4:30 p.m. EST (1:30 p.m. PST) to discuss its second quarter financial results. To participate in the call, please call 888-506-0062 (Domestic) or 973-528-0011 (International) and enter the access code 710610, or provide the verbal reference "Champions Oncology".
Full details of the Company’s financial results will be available by or before December 16, 2024 in the Company’s Form 10-Q at www.championsoncology.com.