Asana BioSciences highlights progress in its Oncology portfolio with new data at AACR 2017 on ASN002, ASN003 and ASN004

On March 27, 2017 Asana BioSciences, LLC, an oncology focused, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, reported that it will be presenting preclinical data regarding three of its lead molecules at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting being held in Washington, DC, April 1-5, 2017 (Press release, Asana BioSciences, MAR 28, 2017, View Source [SID1234518302]).

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The presentation details are as follows:

1. ASN002:

A novel dual SYK/JAK inhibitor with strong antitumor activity in both hematological and solid tumor xenograft models
Abstract #: 4204; Location: Section PO.ET06.06, Poster Board Number 27
Authors: S.P. Reddy, N. Rao, D. Zammit, S.K. Thompson, R.A. Smith, L. Denis
Date/Time: Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 1:00pm – 5:00pm EDT

2. ASN003:
A highly selective inhibitor of B-Raf and PI3 kinases, shows strong antitumor activity in B-Raf inhibitor resistant patient-derived xenograft models
Abstract #: 158; Location: Section PO.ET06.08, Poster Board Number 25
Authors: S.K. Thompson, R.A. Smith, N. Rao, M.J. Wick, S.P. Reddy
Date/Time: Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 1:00pm – 5:00pm EDT

3. ASN004:
A novel 5T4-targeted Dolaflexin ADC, achieves complete regressions and tumor-free survivors in a broad variety of solid tumor models
Abstract #: 43; Location: Section PO.ET07.01, Poster Board Number 24
Authors: R.A. Smith, D.J. Zammit, S.P. Reddy
Date/Time: Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 1:00pm – 5:00pm EDT
ASN002 is a potent inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) and Janus kinases (JAK). These kinases are involved in both cytokine production and signaling and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various types of lymphomas, solid tumors, myeloproliferative and inflammation disorders. Potent anti-proliferative activity of ASN002 in a broad panel of cell lines and inhibition of tumor growth in animal models, representing both lymphoma/leukemia and solid tumors, will be presented. As well, the antiproliferative activity of ASN002 in ibrutinib-resistant cell lines will be discussed. ASN002 is currently being evaluated in a Phase I/II clinical study in patients with lymphomas (DLBCL, mantle cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma) and solid tumors.

ASN003 is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of both B-RAF and PI3 kinases. Preclinical data with ASN003, demonstrating broad anti-proliferative activity in tumor cell lines and strong tumor growth inhibition in tumor xenograft models, including B-RAF inhibitor resistant models, will be presented. ASN003 is currently in Phase I clinical development in patients with advanced solid tumors, including melanoma, colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. ASN003 shows the potential to be developed as monotherapy or in combination with checkpoint inhibitors or standard of care.

ASN004 is an Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) that targets the 5T4 oncofetal antigen (trophoblast glycoprotein) that is expressed in a wide range of malignant tumors, while very limited expression is found in normal tissues. Preclinical data will be presented, demonstrating robust antitumor activity of ASN004 leading to complete tumor regressions in multiple human tumor xenograft models and lack of development of resistance to ASN004 treatment. ASN004 is currently in preclinical development and the IND-enabling studies are scheduled to be completed in the second half of this year.