Pfizer’s TALZENNA® in Combination with XTANDI® Improves Survival Outcomes in Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer

On February 13, 2025 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) reported positive results from the Phase 3 TALAPRO-2 study of TALZENNA (talazoparib), an oral poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, in combination with XTANDI (enzalutamide), an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI), demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival (OS) compared to placebo plus XTANDI in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), with or without homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene mutations (Press release, Seagen, FEB 13, 2025, View Source [SID1234650264]). The TALAPRO-2 results will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Genitourinary (ASCO GU) Cancers Symposium in San Francisco and featured in the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU official Press Program.

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The TALAPRO-2 study evaluated two sets of patients, unselected (cohort 1) and selected for HRR gene-mutations (cohort 2). Overall survival was a prespecified, alpha-protected key secondary endpoint. After more than four years of median follow-up (52.5 months), the median OS in cohort 1 was 45.8 months with TALZENNA in combination with XTANDI, and 37.0 months with XTANDI and placebo (Hazard Ratio [HR] of 0.80; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.66-0.96; p=0.015), representing a 20% reduction in the risk of death. This represents a nearly 9-month gain in median OS versus standard of care XTANDI. Data from cohort 1 will be presented today at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU in an oral presentation (Abstract LBA18) by Dr. Neeraj Agarwal, global lead investigator for TALAPRO-2.

In Cohort 2, a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in OS was observed in patients with HRR-mutated mCRPC. At a median follow-up of 44.2 months, the median OS was 45.1 months with TALZENNA in combination with XTANDI, and 31.1 months with XTANDI and placebo (HR of 0.62; 95% CI, 0.48-0.81; p=0.0005), a 38% reduction in the risk of death. This result represents a 14-month gain in median OS versus standard of care XTANDI in a patient population with a historically poor prognosis. The OS improvement in the HRR-mutated population was observed in patients in both BRCA and non-BRCA gene alterations. Dr. Karim Fizazi, Institut Gustave Roussy, University of Paris-Saclay will share data from Cohort 2 at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU today (Abstract LBA141).

"Since its approval, TALZENNA in combination with XTANDI has redefined the standard of care for those living with homologous recombination repair gene-mutated mCRPC. These latest data from TALAPRO-2 are extremely compelling, demonstrating that the combination significantly extended overall survival, in patients selected and unselected for HRR gene alterations, potentially shifting the treatment paradigm for all men living with mCRPC," said Roger Dansey, M.D., Chief Oncology Officer, Pfizer. "Although definitive conclusions cannot be drawn across studies, these results appear to represent the longest median overall survival reported in a randomized, controlled Phase 3 trial in mCRPC. We look forward to continuing to work with global authorities to potentially update the TALZENNA label with these results."

"TALAPRO-2 is the first study demonstrating a significant and clinically meaningful survival benefit using a combination of PARP and androgen receptor inhibitors in mCRPC," said Neeraj Agarwal, M.D., FASCO, Professor and Presidential Endowed Chair of Cancer Research at Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, and global lead investigator for TALAPRO-2. "Survival rates in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer are poor due to the advanced and aggressive stage of the disease. Today’s results demonstrate the potential for TALZENNA in combination with XTANDI to be a practice-changing treatment to help improve patient survival in mCRPC."

At the time of the final analysis, updated radiographic progression free survival (rPFS) and other secondary efficacy endpoints demonstrated maintained clinical benefit in both cohorts and were consistent with the primary analyses previously reported and published in The Lancet and Nature Medicine .

In addition to the FDA, these data have been shared with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and other global health authorities to support potential updates of the approved labels for TALZENNA.

The safety profile of TALZENNA plus XTANDI was generally consistent with the known safety profile of each medicine. The most common all-cause adverse events in the TALZENNA group (≥30% of patients) were anemia, neutropenia, and fatigue, and the most common (≥10% of patients) grade 3–4 adverse events were anemia (49%) and neutropenia (19.3%). Adverse events were generally manageable with dose modification and supportive care.

About Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the fifth most common cause of cancer death among men worldwide, with an estimated 1.4 million new cases diagnosed in 2022.1 In the U.S., it is the most common cancer in men.2 mCRPC is a cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland and has progressed despite medical or surgical treatment to lower testosterone. Approximately 10–20% of prostate cancer patients develop mCRPC within 5−7 years of diagnosis.3 Between 1.2–2.1% of all prostate cancer cases globally are mCRPC.4

About TALAPRO-2

The Phase 3 TALAPRO-2 trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that enrolled 1,035 unique patients with mCRPC who had not received new life-prolonging systemic treatments after documentation of mCRPC at sites in the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region. The study included two patient cohorts: unselected (n=805, of whom 169 had HRR mutations and 636 did not) and those with HRR gene mutations (n=399, including 169 patients from Cohort 1 and 230 subsequently enrolled to comprise Cohort 2). Patients with castrate testosterone levels were randomized to receive TALZENNA 0.5 mg/day plus XTANDI 160mg/day, or placebo plus XTANDI 160mg/day.

The primary endpoint of the trial was rPFS, defined as the time from the date of randomization to first objective evidence of radiographic progression by blinded independent central review (BICR), or death, whichever occurred first, in both Cohort 1 (unselected) and Cohort 2 (those with HRRm). Secondary endpoints included OS, objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DoR), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response, time to cytotoxic chemotherapy and PFS2.

For more information on the TALAPRO-2 trial (NCT03395197), go to www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About TALZENNA (talazoparib)

TALZENNA is an oral inhibitor of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), which plays a role in DNA damage repair. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that TALZENNA blocks PARP enzyme activity and traps PARP at the site of DNA damage, leading to decreased cancer cell growth and cancer cell death.

TALZENNA was initially approved in the U.S., EU, and multiple other regions as a single agent for the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious gBRCAm HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

TALZENNA in combination with XTANDI was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with HRR gene-mutated mCRPC in June 2023. The combination was also approved by the European Commission in January 2024 for the treatment of adult patients with mCRPC in whom chemotherapy is not clinically indicated. TALZENNA is the first and only PARP inhibitor licensed in the European Union for use with XTANDI for patients with mCRPC, with or without gene mutations. TALZENNA in combination with XTANDI is now approved in more than 40 countries globally for patients with mCRPC, indications vary by country.

TALZENNA (talazoparib) Indication in the U.S.

TALZENNA is a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor indicated for:

HRR gene-mutated mCRPC:

In combination with enzalutamide for the treatment of adult patients with homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene-mutated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Breast Cancer:

As a single agent, for the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm) HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for TALZENNA.
TALZENNA (talazoparib) Important Safety Information

WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS

Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MDS/AML), including cases with a fatal outcome, has been reported in patients who received TALZENNA. Overall, MDS/AML has been reported in 0.4% (3 out of 788) of solid tumor patients treated with TALZENNA as a single agent in clinical studies. In TALAPRO-2, MDS/AML occurred in 2 out of 511 (0.4%) patients treated with TALZENNA and enzalutamide and in 0 out of 517 (0%) patients treated with placebo and enzalutamide. The durations of TALZENNA treatment in these five patients prior to developing MDS/AML were 0.3, 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Most of these patients had received previous chemotherapy with platinum agents and/or other DNA damaging agents including radiotherapy.

Do not start TALZENNA until patients have adequately recovered from hematological toxicity caused by previous chemotherapy. Monitor blood counts monthly during treatment with TALZENNA. For prolonged hematological toxicities, interrupt TALZENNA and monitor blood counts weekly until recovery. If counts do not recover within 4 weeks, refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations including bone marrow analysis and blood sample for cytogenetics. If MDS/AML is confirmed, discontinue TALZENNA.

Myelosuppression consisting of anemia, neutropenia, and/or thrombocytopenia have been reported in patients treated with TALZENNA. In TALAPRO-2, Grade ≥3 anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were reported, respectively, in 45%, 18%, and 8% of patients receiving TALZENNA and enzalutamide. Overall, 39% of patients (199/511) required a red blood cell transfusion, including 22% (111/511) who required multiple transfusions. Discontinuation due to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia occurred, respectively, in 7%, 3%, and 0.4% of patients.

Withhold TALZENNA until patients have adequately recovered from hematological toxicity caused by previous therapy. Monitor blood counts monthly during treatment with TALZENNA. If hematological toxicities do not resolve within 28 days, discontinue TALZENNA and refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations including bone marrow analysis and blood sample for cytogenetics.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity TALZENNA can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential or who are pregnant to use effective contraception during treatment with TALZENNA and for 4 months after receiving the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In TALAPRO-2, serious adverse reactions reported in >2% of patients included anemia (9%) and fracture (3%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 1.5% of patients, including pneumonia, COVID infection, and sepsis (1 patient each).

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%, all Grades), including laboratory abnormalities, for patients in the TALAPRO-2 study who received TALZENNA in combination with enzalutamide vs patients receiving placebo with enzalutamide were hemoglobin decreased (79% vs 34%), neutrophils decreased (60% vs 18%), lymphocytes decreased (58% vs 36%), fatigue (49% vs 40%), platelets decreased (45% vs 8%), calcium decreased (25% vs 11%), nausea (21% vs 17%), decreased appetite (20% vs 14%), sodium decreased (22% vs 20%), phosphate decreased (17% vs 13%), fractures (14% vs 10%), magnesium decreased (14% vs 12%), dizziness (13% vs 9%), bilirubin increased (11% vs 7%), potassium decreased (11% vs 7%), and dysgeusia (10% vs 4.5%).

Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received TALZENNA with enzalutamide included abdominal pain (9%), vomiting (9%), alopecia (7%), dyspepsia (4%), venous thromboembolism (3%) and stomatitis (2%).

Based on animal studies, TALZENNA may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Coadministration with P-gp inhibitors The effect of coadministration of P-gp inhibitors on talazoparib exposure when TALZENNA is taken in combination with enzalutamide has not been studied. Monitor patients for increased adverse reactions and modify the dosage as recommended for adverse reactions when TALZENNA is coadministered with a P-gp inhibitor.

Coadministration with BCRP inhibitors Monitor patients for increased adverse reactions and modify the dosage as recommended for adverse reactions when TALZENNA is coadministered with a BCRP inhibitor. Coadministration of TALZENNA with BCRP inhibitors may increase talazoparib exposure, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Renal Impairment The recommended dosage of TALZENNA for patients with moderate renal impairment (CLcr 30 – 59 mL/min) is 0.35 mg taken orally once daily in combination with enzalutamide. The recommended dosage of TALZENNA for patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr 15 – 29 mL/min) is 0.25 mg taken orally once daily in combination with enzalutamide. No dose adjustment is required for patients with mild renal impairment. TALZENNA has not been studied in patients requiring hemodialysis.

Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information and Patient Information for TALZENNA (talazoparib) at www.TALZENNA.com.

About XTANDI (enzalutamide) and Important Safety Information

XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor. XTANDI is a standard of care and has received regulatory approvals in one or more countries around the world for use in men with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC; also known as metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer or mHSPC), metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and nonmetastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (nmCSPC) with biochemical recurrence at high risk for metastasis (high-risk BCR). XTANDI is currently approved for one or more of these indications in more than 90 countries, including in the U.S., EU, and Japan. Over one million patients have been treated with XTANDI globally.6

What should I tell my doctor before taking XTANDI?

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you:

Have a history of seizures, brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors.
Have a history of heart disease, have high blood pressure, or have abnormal amounts of fat or cholesterol in your blood (dyslipidemia).
Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. XTANDI can cause harm to your unborn baby and loss of pregnancy (miscarriage).
Have a partner who is pregnant or may become pregnant.
Males who have female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with XTANDI and for 3 months after the last dose.
Males must use a condom during sex with a pregnant female.
Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if XTANDI passes into your breast milk.
Take other medicines.XTANDI may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how XTANDI works. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not start or stop any medicine without talking to your doctor.
How should I take XTANDI?

Take XTANDI exactly as your doctor tells you.Take your prescribed dose once a day, at the same time each day. XTANDI can be taken with or without food. Swallow XTANDI capsules or tablets whole with enough water to make sure that you can swallow all of the medicine successfully. Do not chew, dissolve, or open the capsules. Do not cut, crush or chew the tablets. Your doctor may change your dose if needed. Your doctor may also change your pill size or stop treatment if you have swallowing problems.
Do not change or stop taking your prescribed dose of XTANDI without talking with your doctor first.
If you are receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) therapy, you should continue with this treatment while taking XTANDI unless you have had surgery to lower the amount of testosterone in your body (surgical castration).
If you miss a dose of XTANDI:Take your prescribed dose as soon as you remember that day. If you miss your daily dose, take your prescribed dose at your regular time the next day. Do not take more than your prescribed dose of XTANDI each day.
If you take too much XTANDI:Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away. You may have an increased risk of seizure if you take too much XTANDI.
What are the possible side effects of XTANDI?

XTANDI may cause serious side effects including:

Seizure.If you take XTANDI, you may be at risk of having a seizure. Avoid activities where a sudden loss of consciousness could seriously harm you or someone else. Tell your doctor right away if you lose consciousness or have a seizure.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES).If you take XTANDI you may be at risk of developing a condition involving the brain called PRES. Tell your doctor right away if you have a seizure or quickly worsening symptoms such as headache, decreased alertness, confusion, reduced eyesight, blurred vision or other visual problems. Your doctor will do a test to check for PRES.
Allergic Reactions. Allergic reactions have happened in people who take XTANDI. Stop taking XTANDI and get medical help right away if you develop swelling of the face, tongue, lip or throat.
Heart Disease.Blockage of the arteries in the heart (ischemic heart disease) that can lead to death has happened in some people during treatment with XTANDI. Your doctor will monitor you for signs and symptoms of heart problems during your treatment. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you get chest pain or discomfort at rest or with activity or shortness of breath during your treatment with XTANDI.
Falls and Bone Fractures.XTANDI treatment may increase your risk for falls and bone fractures. Falls were not caused by loss of consciousness or seizures. Your doctor will monitor your risks for falls and bone fractures during treatment with XTANDI.
Swallowing problems or choking.Severe swallowing problems or choking, including life-threatening problems or death can happen in people during treatment with XTANDI, because of the size of the XTANDI capsules and tablets. Swallow each XTANDI capsule or tablet whole with enough water to make sure that you can swallow all of the medicine successfully.
Your doctor will stop treatment with XTANDI if you have serious side effects.

The most common side effects of XTANDI include:

Muscle and joint pain
Feeling more tired than usual
Hot flashes
Constipation
Decreased appetite
Diarrhea
High blood pressure
Bleeding problems
Falls
Bone fractures
Headache
XTANDI may cause fertility problems in males, which may affect the ability to father children. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about fertility.

These are not all the possible side effects of XTANDI. For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

Neogap Therapeutics’ PIOR technology identifies targets for personalised liver cancer immunotherapies

On February 13, 2025 Neogap therapeutics reported new study published in the highly ranked scientific journal Gut examines how immune system T cells respond to tumours in patients with advanced liver cancer (HCC) (Press release, Neogap Therapeutics, FEB 13, 2025, View Source;pior-technology-identifies-targets-for-personalised-liver-cancer-immunotherapie,c4104603 [SID1234650258]). Using Neogap Therapeutics’ PIOR software platform, the researchers have identified tumour-specific mutations, which may contribute to the development of personalised immunotherapies.

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T cells are central to the body’s defence against cancer but can also contribute to an immunosuppressive environment within the tumour. The study analysed T cells from the liver, lymph nodes, and tumour tissue to identify the most reactive cells to cancer-related neoantigens—tumour-specific proteins formed through mutations that can activate the immune system. Bioinformatic analysis identified 542 potential neoantigens from seven patients, 14 of which were found to induce a strong immune response, particularly in T cells from the liver and lymph nodes.

By using PIOR, the researchers were able to identify neoantigens capable of activating T cells, which in turn can attack the tumour.

"The results demonstrate that PIOR can effectively identify neoantigens with potential for future therapeutic applications," says Associate Professor Anna Pasetto, a researcher at Karolinska Institutet and one of the lead authors of the study. "Data-driven analysis of neoantigens is an important component of the new generation of personalised cancer immunotherapies."

The findings show that T cells from the liver and lymph nodes have properties that may be particularly suitable for future immunotherapies.

"This study aligns with Neogap’s vision to develop the next generation of cell therapies," says Ola Nilsson, Head of Neoantigen Production, Development & Clinical Processing at Neogap and co-author of the study. "PIOR plays a key role in our efforts to identify the most promising neoantigens—an essential part of the development of future precision therapies."

The study provides deeper insights into how T cells respond to neoantigens.

"Our findings reinforce the idea that T cells from lymph nodes may be particularly valuable as source material for generating reactive T cells—an approach already applied in Neogap’s ongoing clinical trial in colorectal cancer, which specifically uses lymph nodes as starting material. These discoveries could have a significant impact on both research and the development of new treatments", says Ola Nilsson.

Moleculin Announces Exercise of Warrants for $5.8 Million Gross Proceeds

On February 13, 2025 Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (Nasdaq: MBRX) ("Moleculin" or the "Company"), a late-stage pharmaceutical company with a broad portfolio of drug candidates targeting hard-to-treat tumors and viruses, reported it has entered into agreements with certain holders of its existing warrants for the immediate exercise of certain outstanding warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,828,570 shares of common stock of the Company originally issued in December 2023 and August 2024 all at a reduced exercise price of $1.00 per share (Press release, Moleculin, FEB 13, 2025, View Source [SID1234650257]). The shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the outstanding warrants are registered pursuant to effective registration statements on Form S-1 (File No. 333-280951) and on Form S-1 (File No. 333-276851). The aggregate gross proceeds from the exercise of the existing warrants is expected to total approximately $5.8 million, before deducting financial advisory fees.

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Roth Capital Partners is acting as the Company’s financial advisor for this transaction.

In consideration for the immediate exercise of the warrants for cash, the Company will issue new unregistered warrants to purchase shares of common stock. The new warrants will be exercisable for an aggregate of up to 11,657,140 shares of common stock, at an exercise price of $0.75 per share and will be immediately exercisable upon issuance and for a term of five years from the issuance date.

The transaction is expected to close on or about February 14, 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

The new warrants described above were offered in a private placement pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") and, along with the shares of common stock issuable upon their exercise, have not been registered under the 1933 Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The Company has agreed to file a registration statement with the SEC covering the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the new warrants.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy 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 the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Moleculin Receives Positive FDA Guidance for Acceleration of its Registration-Enabling MIRACLE Trial for R/R Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

On February 13, 2025 Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (Nasdaq: MBRX) ("Moleculin" or the "Company"), a late-stage pharmaceutical company with a broad portfolio of drug candidates targeting hard-to-treat tumors and viruses, reported it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") feedback and guidance on its IND amendment that has allowed a reduction in the size of its Phase 3 pivotal trial protocol evaluating Annamycin in combination with Cytarabine (also known as "Ara-C" and for which the combination of Annamycin and Ara-C is referred to as "AnnAraC") for the treatment of AML patients who are refractory to or relapsed after induction therapy (R/R AML) (MB-108) (Press release, Moleculin, FEB 13, 2025, View Source [SID1234650256]). This Phase 3 "MIRACLE" trial (derived from Moleculin R/R AML AnnAraC Clinical Evaluation) will be a global trial, including sites in the US, Europe and the Middle East.

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"Given the importance of our Miracle trial as a pivotal registration clinical trial, we were extremely pleased to receive detailed follow up from the FDA regarding our IND amendment to enable the trial. While all of the major aspects of the trial remain unchanged, guidance from FDA recommended an alteration to the statistical plan that will allow us to reduce the size of Part B of our trial by approximately 10%. Moreover, the nature of the feedback helps us move forward quickly to open sites in the US, in addition to the sites we are expecting to open in Europe and the Middle East. All of this supports the pursuit of an accelerated timeline for new drug approval," commented Walter Klemp, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Moleculin.

Mr. Klemp added, "The spirit of collaboration surrounding the Miracle trial is, frankly, inspiring. From investigating clinicians to regulatory authorities around the world, people are starting to realize the potential significance of approving the first-ever non-cardiotoxic anthracycline. Annamycin’s approval in AML alone would bring the potential to save thousands of lives every year, and the opportunity to eliminate the threat of cardiotoxicity in a wide range of tumors equates to as much as 20 times that in long term potential. It’s critical to remember that nearly half of all cancers are treated with an anthracycline and 60% of all childhood cancers. One of the things that drives us every day is our belief that no child should ever have to be subjected to a cardiotoxic anthracycline once Annamycin is approved."

The MIRACLE study, subject to appropriate future filings with and potential additional feedback from the FDA and their foreign equivalents, utilizes an adaptive design whereby the first 75 to 90 subjects will be randomized (1:1:1) in Part A of the trial to receive high dose cytarabine (HiDAC) combined with either placebo, 190 mg/m2 of Annamycin, or 230 mg/m2 of Annamycin, which Annamycin doses were specifically recommended by the FDA in the Company’s end of Phase 1B/2 meeting. The amended protocol allows for the unblinding of preliminary primary efficacy data (Complete Remission or CR) and safety/tolerability of the three arms at 45 subjects, in addition to the conclusion of Part A (at 75 to 90 subjects). This early unblinding will yield 30 subjects with Annamycin (190mg/m2 and 230/m2) and HiDAC and 15 subjects with just HiDAC. The Company expects to reach the first unblinding (45 subjects) in the second half of 2025, in addition to the second unblinding, which is expected in the first half of 2026. This accelerated estimated timeline is due to the positive response the Company received in meetings during December with potential investigators regarding recruitment for the trial.

For Part B of the trial, approximately 220 additional subjects will be randomized to receive either HiDAC plus placebo or HiDAC plus the optimum dose of Annamycin (randomized 1:1). The selection of the optimum dose will be based on the overall balance of safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy, consistent with the FDA’s new Project Optimus initiative.

For more information about the MIRACLE trial, visit clinicaltrials.gov and reference identifier NCT06788756.

Annamycin currently has Fast Track Status and Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for the treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia, in addition to Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. Furthermore, Annamycin has Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Ipsen delivers solid results in 2024, driven by strong performance across all therapeutic areas, and provides guidance for 2025

On February 13, 2025 Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY), a global specialty-care biopharmaceutical company, reported its financial results for the full year 2024 (Press release, Ipsen, FEB 13, 2025, View Source [SID1234650253]).

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Extract of consolidated results4 for FY 2024 and FY 2023:4

FY 2024 FY 2023 % change

€m €m Actual CER1
Total Sales 3,400.6 3,127.5 8.7% 9.9%
Core Operating Income 1,109.4 1,001.0 10.8%
Core operating margin 32.6% 32.0% +0.6pts
Core Consolidated Net Profit 857.8 765.5 12.1%
Core earnings per share (fully diluted) €10.27 €9.15 12.3%
IFRS Operating Income 496.75 816.0 -39.1%
IFRS operating margin 14.6% 26.1% -11.5pts
IFRS Consolidated Net Profit 347.35 647.2 -46.3%
IFRS earnings per share (fully diluted) €4.155 €7.73 -46.3%
Dividend per share6 €1.407 €1.20 16.7%
Free Cash Flow 774.4 710.9 8.9%
Closing net cash 160.3 65.1 n/a
"Ipsen delivered solid results and advanced its pipeline in 2024, laying a strong foundation for sustained growth," said David Loew, Chief Executive Officer, Ipsen. "With the successful global rollout of Iqirvo and Bylvay, and the U.S. launch of Onivyde, alongside multiple business development deals adding several innovative assets, we are well positioned to execute our strategic roadmap. This year, we look forward to achieving key milestones, including the first data readout for the Long-Acting Neurotoxin (LANT), and further expand and progress our pipeline across all three therapeutic areas to bring promising new medicines to patients."

Pipeline Progress

Significant regulatory milestones were achieved in 2024, including FDA approval of Onivyde (irinotecan) for first-line pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), along with accelerated U.S. approval and European approval for Iqirvo (elafibranor), respectively. Additionally, Kayfanda (odevixibat) was approved for Alagille syndrome (ALGS) in the E.U.

The company also opted-in for the CABINET Phase III study of Cabometyx (cabozantinib) in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), with study results presented at the 2024 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

An IND application was filed for IPN01194, an ERK inhibitor, advancing the potential medicine into clinical development with a Phase I/IIa trial in advanced solid tumors.

Ipsen improved further the depth and breadth of its pipeline by adding five preclinical innovative therapies with global rights and new modalities, and an ex-U.S. licensing agreement with DayOne Biopharmaceuticals for the late-stage oncology asset tovorafenib, an oral RAF inhibitor for pediatric low-grade glioma.

Two global licensing agreements for Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) in oncology with Sutro Biopharma and Foreseen Biotechnology were signed. An extension of the oncology partnership with Marengo Therapeutics to include TriSTAR, a next-generation precision T-cell engager was completed, as well as more recently, in the fourth quarter, a global licensing agreement with Biomunex for a preclinical novel T-cell engager (TCE). A collaboration with Skyhawk Therapeutics to develop RNA-modulating small molecules for rare neurological diseases was also signed during the year.

Ipsen executed several divestments in 2024, including the sale of Increlex (mecasermin injection) to Eton Pharmaceuticals and the sale of its rare pediatric disease Priority Review Voucher.

Environmental, Social and Governance

Ipsen took important steps in 2024 in delivering its ambitious sustainability strategy. The company continued to integrate sustainability across its operations. From reducing its environmental footprint to advancing patient access and fostering a strong workplace culture, the company increased its commitment to driving progress for patients, employees, communities, and the planet.

Our sustainability efforts were recognized across multiple environment initiatives. The company achieved a 45% reduction in Scopes 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions and a 25% reduction in Scope 3, fully in line with its 2030 targets (versus 2019 baseline). Significant efforts were made to engage suppliers and third parties in Ipsen’s sustainability roadmap including the first-ever "Ipsen Supplier Sustainability Day". Following an intensive transformation project, 99.8% of Ipsen’s global electricity now comes from renewable sources. Through the Fleet for Future project, the company continues to advance sustainable transportation, with 43% of its total company’s fleet now electric vehicles as of 2024.

We remain committed to gender balance in leadership, with women now representing 55% of the Global Leadership Team.

2025 Upcoming Milestones

Ipsen anticipates several key milestones across its portfolio in 2025, including:

Cabometyx (CABINET trial) – Regulatory decision in Europe for advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), including pancreatic (pNETs) and extra-pancreatic (epNETs) neuroendocrine tumors
Tovorafenib (FIREFLY-1 trial) – Regulatory submission in Europe for pediatric low-grade glioma
Fidrisertib (FALKON trial) – Readout of the pivotal Phase IIb trial in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP)
LANT88(LANTIC trial) – Proof-of-concept data readout, evaluating its potential in aesthetics
These milestones reinforce Ipsen’s commitment to advancing innovative therapies and expanding treatment options for patients worldwide.

2025 Financial Guidance

Ipsen has set for FY 2025 the following financial guidance, which excludes any impact from potential late-stage (Phase III clinical development or later) business development transactions:

Total sales growth greater than 5.0%, at constant currency. Based on the average level of exchange rates in January 2025, a favorable effect on total sales of around 1% from currencies is expected.
Core operating margin greater than 30.0% of total sales, which includes additional R&D expenses from anticipated early and mid-stage external-innovation opportunities.
Guidance on total sales and core operating margin is based on accelerated sales growth of the ex-Somatuline portfolio and assumes negative impact on Somatuline sales due to increased generic competition in the U.S. and Europe.

Consolidated financial statements

The Board of Directors approved the consolidated financial statements on 12 February 2025. The consolidated financial statements have been audited and the Statutory Auditors’ report is in the process of being published. Ipsen’s comprehensive audited financial statements will be available in due course on ipsen.com (regulated-information section).

Conference call

A conference call and webcast for investors and analysts will begin today at 1pm CET. Participants can access the call and its details by registering here; webcast details can be found here.

Calendar

Ipsen intends to publish its Q1 2025 sales on April 16th, 2025.

Notes

All financial figures are in € millions (€m), unless otherwise noted. The performance shown in this announcement covers the twelve-month period to 31 December 2024 (FY 2024) and the three-month period to 31 December 2024 (Q4 2024), compared to the twelve-month period to 31 December 2023 (FY 2023) and the three-month period to 31 December 2023 (Q4 2023), respectively, unless stated otherwise. The commentary is based on the performance in FY 2024, unless stated otherwise.