Biond Biologics to Regain Full Rights to BND-22, a Novel Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Targeting the ILT2 Receptor

On March 3, 2025 Biond Biologics Ltd. ("Biond" or the "Company"), a private clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies for cancer, reported that it would regain full rights to BND-22 (SAR444881) from Sanofi (Press release, Biond Biologics, MAR 3, 2025, View Source [SID1234650851]). Sanofi is returning the rights of BND-22 as part of their broader R&D prioritization to focus on programs that support the company’s strategy. Biond and Sanofi, are working together to complete full transfer of the BND-22 program to Biond.

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In January 2021, Biond entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Sanofi for the development and commercialization of BND-22. As part of the agreement, Biond collaborated with Sanofi to initiate a first-in-human Phase 1 study (BND-22-001, NCT04717375), designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of BND-22, both as a monotherapy and in combination with the approved cancer therapies cetuximab and pembrolizumab. The Phase 1 dose-escalation study was successfully completed and demonstrated a favorable safety profile across all patient groups. More specifically, data showed that BND-22 was well-tolerated and exhibited anti-tumor activity in heavily pretreated patients. Consistent with preclinical findings, a dose-dependent upregulation of activation markers was observed in monocytes and ILT2-expressing T and natural killer (NK) cell subsets. Notably, several confirmed clinical responses to both monotherapy and combination therapies regimens, were reported during the dose-escalation phase. These findings highlight the potential of BND-22 to address critical unmet needs in oncology.

Building on these encouraging results, Sanofi initiated enrollment for a Phase 2 dose-optimization and expansion study (BND-22-001, NCT04717375). The study was designed to evaluate BND-22 as monotherapy for patients with cholangiocarcinoma and in combination with cetuximab for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or colorectal cancer (CRC). For more information about the trial, please visit View Source (Trial Identifier: NCT04717375).

"As part of the agreement between Biond and Sanofi, Biond will regain full rights to BND-22, including access to the clinical data generated by Sanofi," said Dr. Tehila Ben Moshe, Biond’s CEO and co-founder. "Sanofi has been an outstanding partner, and together, we have made remarkable progress in advancing the clinical development of BND-22. We remain committed to the continued development of BND-22 program, whether independently or in partnership with strategic collaborators".

"We are encouraged by the data demonstrated so far for BND-22 in the dose-escalation and dose-expansion study", said Dr. Natalia Ashtamker, Biond’s VP of Clinical Development. "We intend to continue treating patients who are benefiting from BND-22 treatment in the BND-22-001 study and are looking forward to the initiation of a Phase 2 biomarker study of BND-22 in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy".

About BND-22

BND-22 is a humanized IgG4 antagonist antibody targeting the ILT2 receptor, developed for the treatment of solid tumors. ILT2 is an inhibitory immuno-modulating receptor expressed on both innate and adaptive immune cells. It binds to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, including HLA-G, an immunosuppressive protein expressed by various tumor types.

Preclinical studies have demonstrated that BND-22 exerts broad anti-tumor effects by disrupting ILT2-mediated "do not eat me" signals in macrophages and activating NK and CD8+ lymphocytes.

BND-22-001, a Phase 1/2 multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation, dose-expansion and dose optimization study enrolled patients with advanced solid tumors known to express HLA-G. The study included evaluations of BND-22 as monotherapy in cholangiocarcinoma and in combination with cetuximab in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Additionally, a future Phase 2 biomarker trial will explore BND-22 in combination with an anti-PD-1 agent in NSCLC, CRC and ovarian cancers.

Callio Therapeutics Launches with US$187 Million Series A to Advance Multi-Payload Antibody-Drug Conjugate Platform Through Clinical Proof-of-Concept

On March 3, 2025 Callio Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on realizing the promise of multi-payload antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to improve cancer therapy, reported its launch with the closing of a $187.0 million Series A financing round (Press release, Callio Therapeutics, MAR 3, 2025, View Source [SID1234650850]). This financing was led by Frazier Life Sciences with significant participation from Jeito Capital alongside other life sciences investors, including Novo Holdings A/S, Omega Funds, ClavystBio, Platanus, Norwest, Pureos Bioventures, SEEDS Capital and EDBI. The newly formed company, with headquarters in Seattle and Singapore, intends to use the proceeds from the Series A financing to achieve clinical proof-of-concept for its HER2-targeted dual-payload ADC and a second undisclosed ADC program.

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In conjunction with the financing, Callio Therapeutics has entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Hummingbird Bioscience for its multi-payload ADC platform in oncology, and associated intellectual property and pipeline assets, in exchange for equity, potential milestone payments and royalties.

"We are delighted to be launching Callio Therapeutics with the support of Frazier Life Sciences and this syndicate of investors. Multi-payload ADCs have the potential to enable the targeted delivery of rational drug combinations to cancer cells, and may provide significantly enhanced efficacy," said Piers Ingram, PhD, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Callio Therapeutics. "This new generation of ADC therapies may meaningfully improve outcomes for patients."

Leadership Team

The founding Callio Therapeutics management team comprises individuals with extensive experience from leading biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies including ProfoundBio, Silverback Therapeutics, SeaGen, Medarex, Hummingbird Bioscience and Genentech:

Piers Ingram, PhD, Chief Executive Officer
Jerome Boyd-Kirkup, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer
Naomi Hunder, MD, Chief Medical Officer
Angèle Maki, PhD, Chief Business Officer
"The multi-payload ADCs being developed at Callio Therapeutics have the potential to address large unmet medical needs by overcoming many of the limitations of existing ADCs," said Adam Simpson, Executive Board Chair of Callio Therapeutics and Venture Partner at Frazier Life Sciences. "With the expertise of the Callio Therapeutics team, together with access to the innovative multi-payload ADC technology, we believe that Callio Therapeutics will be the first company to show the clinical benefit of this exciting new multi-payload ADC approach and is well positioned to transform cancer therapy."

Myosin Therapeutics Closes Second Seed Round to Advance Clinical Trials for Innovative Cancer and Neuroscience Therapies

On March 3, 2025 Myosin Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company developing novel therapies for cancer and neurological disorders, reported it has closed its second seed funding round, raising over $3 million to supplement significant investment from the National Institutes of Health (Press release, Myosin Therapeutics, MAR 3, 2025, View Source [SID1234650849]).

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Myosin Therapeutics, Inc. (the "Company") is advancing its lead compound, MT-125, to treat glioblastoma, the most aggressive brain cancer with an average survival time of only 8 months. MT-125 targets a molecular nanomotor, blocking both tumor growth and invasion. The FDA granted orphan drug designation to MT-125 for malignant gliomas, underscoring its potential to improve outcomes for patients with this devastating disease.

The company is also progressing MT-110 for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), Millions worldwide suffer from MUD, yet no FDA-approved treatments currently exist. The latest funding, combined with NIH support, will allow MT-110 to enter Phase 1 clinical trials.

"This funding is pivotal as it will allow us to initiate multiple clinical trials this year, including a Phase 1b trial for MT-125 in glioblastoma patients," said Dr. Courtney Miller, co-founder and CEO of Myosin Therapeutics. "We are deeply grateful to our investors for their support as we work to bring innovative therapies to patients with cancer and substance use disorders."

The seed funding round was led by repeat investors, DeepWork Capital, Florida Opportunity Fund, and Mint12 Pharma, along with Dynagrow Capital, the private investment management affiliate of Fred Hassan. Also participating in the round were Mayo Clinic Ventures and The Sontag Innovation Fund, which is focused on accelerating solutions to change the standard of care in brain cancer. Dave Adams, co-Founder of Mint12 Pharma, stated, "Myosin Therapeutics exemplifies a well-run organization, consistently achieving key milestones to advance MT-125 and MT-110. Their dedication to innovative treatments for devastating conditions is inspiring, and we are confident in their ability to deliver meaningful solutions to patients."

Celltrion receives U.S. FDA approval for STOBOCLO® (denosumab-bmwo) and OSENVELT® (denosumab-bmwo) biosimilars referencing PROLIA® and XGEVA®

On March 3, 2025 Celltrion reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved STOBOCLO (CT-P41, denosumab-bmwo) and OSENVELT (CT-P41, denosumab-bmwo), biosimilars referencing PROLIA (denosumab) and XGEVA (denosumab) respectively for all indications of reference products (Press release, Celltrion, MAR 3, 2025, View Source [SID1234650848]).

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"The approval of STOBOCLO and OSENVELT is another step forward in our efforts to deliver cost-effective and high-quality treatments that address critical unmet needs in osteoporosis-related fracture as well as cancer-related skeletal events," said Thomas Nusbickel, Chief Commercial Officer at Celltrion USA. "Patients deserve therapeutic options that have the potential to make real impacts on their care and their lives. We are committed to continuous innovation to meet these goals leveraging our experience and successful track record with biosimilar and novel biologics."

The FDA approval is based on robust clinical evidence, including results from Phase III clinical trials in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis designed to evaluate the efficacy, pharmacodynamics (PD), pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and immunogenicity of CT-P41 to reference denosumab. Study results demonstrated that CT-P41 had equivalent efficacy and PD to reference denosumab with similar PK and comparable safety and immunogenicity profiles.

"Denosumab is used to improve or protect bone health in patients with osteoporosis or those undergoing various cancer treatments and as a therapy for a lifetime for postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) patients," said Prof. Jean-Yves Reginster, Professor of Medicine, Protein Research Chair, Biochemistry Dept, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Director WHO Collaborating Centre for Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging, Liège, Belgium. "Biosimilars have expanded into new therapeutic areas such as immunology, oncology and ophthalmology as they continue to offer significant cost-saving potential while expanding patient access. Having a denosumab product with a clinically proven track record in quality and safety is a valuable addition for my patients."

In accordance with a settlement agreement with Amgen Inc., STOBOCLO and OSENVELT are expected to be available in the U.S. in June 2025.

About STOBOCLO (denosumab-bmwo)

STOBOCLO (denosumab-bmwo) is a receptor activator of NF-κb ligand (RANKL) inhibitor referencing PROLIA (denosumab). STOBOCLO 60 mg/mL injection is approved by the FDA based on comprehensive data and clinical evidence confirming the therapeutic equivalence to PROLIA. In the U.S., STOBOCLO is approved to treat postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women at high risk for fracture, to increase bone mass in men at high risk for fracture receiving androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer, and to increase bone mass in women at high risk for fracture receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer. STOBOCLO was also approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in February 2025.

INDICATIONS

STOBOCLO (denosumab-bmwo) is a RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor indicated for treatment:

of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture
to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture or in men at high risk for fracture receiving androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer
of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women at high risk for fracture
to increase bone mass in women at high risk for fracture receiving a adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: SEVERE HYPOCALCEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED KIDNEY DISEASE

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, including those on dialysis, face a higher risk of severe hypocalcemia after denosumab administration, with reported cases leading to hospitalization, life-threatening events, and fatalities.

The presence of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) markedly increases the risk of hypocalcemia in these patients

Before starting STOBOCLO (denosumab-bmwo) in advanced chronic kidney disease patients, assess for CKD-MBD. Treatment should be supervised by a healthcare provider experienced in diagnosing and managing CKD-MBD.

STOBOCLO is contraindicated in hypocalcemia, pregnant women, and in patients with known hypersensitivity to denosumab.

Severe Hypocalcemia: Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D; monitor for severe hypocalcemia.

Drug Products with Same Active Ingredient: Do not use with other denosumab products.

Hypersensitivity: If an anaphylactic or other clinically significant allergic reaction occurs, initiate appropriate therapy and discontinue further use of STOBOCLO.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ): ONJ can occur in patients on STOBOCLO. Conduct oral exams before treatment; maintain oral hygiene; consider discontinuation of STOBOCLO if ONJ develops.

Atypical Subtrochanteric and Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures: Monitor for thigh, hip, or groin pain; evaluate for fractures. Interruption of STOBOCLO therapy should be considered, pending a benefit-risk assessment, on an individual basis.

Multiple Vertebral Fractures (MVF) Following Discontinuation of Treatment: Increased risk post-discontinuation of denosumab; transition to alternative therapy if discontinuing STOBOCLO.

Serious Infections: Higher risk in denosumab users; assess benefit-risk profile, especially in immunocompromised patients. Assess the benefit-risk profile before starting STOBOCLO and reconsider its use if serious infections develop.

Dermatologic Adverse Reactions: Consider discontinuing STOBOCLO if severe dermatitis, eczema, or rashes occur.

Musculoskeletal Pain: Consider discontinuation of STOBOCLO if severe pain develops.

Bone Turnover Suppression: In clinical trials in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, denosumab significantly suppressed bone remodelling; patients should be monitored for these outcomes.

Hypercalcemia in Pediatrics Patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Not for pediatric use; hypercalcemia reported in patients osteogenesis imperfecta treated with denosumab products.

Most common Adverse Reactions:

In (>5%) of patients with: Postmenopausal osteoporosis were back pain, pain in extremity, hypercholesterolemia, musculoskeletal pain, and cystitis. Pancreatitis has been reported in clinical trials. Male osteoporosis were back pain, arthralgia, and nasopharyngitis.
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (> 3%) were back pain, hypertension, bronchitis, and headache.
Bone loss due to hormone ablation for cancer (≥ 10%) were arthralgia and back pain. Pain in extremity and musculoskeletal pain have also been reported in clinical trials.
For more information, see Full Prescribing Information.

About OSENVELT (denosumab-bmwo)

OSENVELT (denosumab-bmwo) is a receptor activator of NF-κb ligand (RANKL) inhibitor referencing XGEVA (denosumab). OSENVELT 120 mg/1.7 mL (70 mg/mL) injection is approved by the FDA based on a robust clinical trial and comprehensive data confirming the therapeutic equivalence to XGEVA. In the U.S., OSENVELT is indicated to prevent skeletal-related events in patients with multiple myeloma and in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors, to treat adults and skeletally mature adolescents with giant cell tumor of bone that is unresectable or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity, and to treat hypercalcemia of malignancy refractory to bisphosphonate therapy. OSENVELT was also approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in February 2025.

INDICATION

OSENVELT (denosumab-bmwo) is indicated for:

Prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with multiple myeloma and in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors.
Treatment of adults and skeletally mature adolescents with giant cell tumor of bone that is unresectable or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity.
Treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy refractory to bisphosphonate therapy.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Contraindications: Patients with hypocalcemia or with known clinically significant hypersensitivity to denosumab products.

Drug Products with Same Active Ingredient. Patients receiving OSENVELT should not receive other denosumab products concomitantly.

Hypersensitivity. If an anaphylactic or other clinically significant allergic reaction occurs, initiate appropriate therapy and discontinue further use of OSENVELT.

Hypocalcemia. Severe hypocalcemia can occur, and fatal cases have been reported. Monitor calcium levels and calcium and vitamin D intake.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ): ONJ can occur in patients on OSENVELT. Conduct oral exams and appropriate preventive dentistry before and during treatment; maintain oral hygiene and avoid invasive dental procedures; consider discontinuation of OSENVELT if ONJ develops.

Atypical Subtrochanteric and Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures: Monitor for thigh, hip, or groin pain; evaluate for fractures. Interruption of OSENVELT therapy should be considered, pending a benefit-risk assessment, on an individual basis.

Hypercalcemia Following Treatment Discontinuation in Patients with Giant Cell Tumor of Bone and in Patients with Growing Skeletons. Clinically significant hypercalcemia, potentially requiring hospitalization, can occur within a year after stopping denosumab in patients with giant cell tumor of bone or growing skeletons; monitor serum calcium and manage calcium and vitamin D needs post-discontinuation.

Multiple Vertebral Fractures (MVF) Following Treatment Discontinuation. Increased risk post-discontinuation of denosumab; evaluate for risk for vertebral fractures after discontinuing OSENVELT.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity. Denosumab may cause fetal harm; verify pregnancy status before starting OSENVELT and advise effective contraception during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose.

Most common Adverse Reactions:

Bone Metastasis from Solid Tumors (≥ 25%) were fatigue/asthenia, hypophosphatemia, and nausea.
In patients (≥ 10%) with: Multiple Myeloma were diarrhea, nausea, anemia, back pain, thrombocytopenia, peripheral edema, hypocalcemia, upper respiratory tract infection, rash, and headache; Giant Cell Tumor of Bone were arthralgia, headache, nausea, back pain, fatigue, and pain in extremity.
Hypercalcemia of Malignancy (> 20%) were nausea, dyspnea, decreased appetite, headache, peripheral edema, vomiting, anemia, constipation, and diarrhea.

4SC Announces EMA’s Feedback relating to Resminostat’s (Kinselby) Marketing Authorisation Application

On March 3, 2025 4SC AG ("4SC") (Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Prime Standard: VSC; ISIN: DE000A3E5C40) reported that it was informed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) based on its review of the final data and the Company’s responses to questions, the application for resminostat (Kinselby) an orphan medicinal product for the treatment of patients with CTCL is currently not approvable since "major objections" preclude a recommendation for marketing authorisation at this stage (Day-180 Assessment Report) (Press release, 4SC, MAR 3, 2025, View Source [SID1234650847]).

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4SC will now evaluate the feedback and decide how best to respond to EMA’s objections and list of outstanding issues in line with the given response deadline of one month.