Aileron Therapeutics to Host KOL Virtual Investor Event Discussing Opportunity for New Paradigm to Protect Cancer Patients from Chemotherapy-Induced Toxicities

On May 19, 2021 Aileron Therapeutics (NASDAQ:ALRN), a chemoprotection oncology company focused on fundamentally transforming the experience of chemotherapy for cancer patients, reported that it will host a key opinion leader (KOL) investor event focused on the topic of protecting cancer patients from chemotherapy-induced toxicities on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 11:00 am ET (Press release, Aileron Therapeutics, MAY 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234580291]).

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The fireside chat, moderated by Soumit Roy, Ph.D., Managing Director at JonesTrading, will feature Alan List, M.D. and Lodovico Balducci, M.D., discussing the unmet need in addressing chemotherapy-induced toxicities, the resulting medical impact and quality-of-life burden on cancer patients, as well as the opportunity for a new paradigm known as chemoprotection that focuses on proactive prevention.

Dr. List is a hematologist and physician scientist who is internationally recognized for his many contributions in the development of more effective treatment strategies for myeloid and other malignancies. He is the author of more than 450 peer-reviewed manuscripts, chapters and books, and is the former President and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center, and past president of the Society of Hematologic Oncology. Currently, Dr. List serves as Chief Medical Officer at Precision Biosciences. Dr. Balducci, a renowned geriatric oncologist, was formerly a Senior Member of the Senior Adult Oncology Program and Medical Director of Affiliates & Referring Physician Relations at Moffitt Cancer Center, and Professor of Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida College of Medicine, in Tampa, Florida.

A webcast of the event will be available under the Investors and Media section on Aileron’s website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be archived on Aileron’s website for 90 days following the event.

To register for the event, please click here.

Aileron’s first-in-class dual MDM2/MDMX inhibitor, ALRN-6924, is currently in clinical development as a therapeutic agent designed to deliver selective chemoprotection for patients with p53-mutated cancers. 50% of all cancer patients have p53-mutated cancer.

ALRN-6924 has demonstrated a protective effect against chemotherapy-induced bone marrow toxicities, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia, in a Phase 1b trial in patients with p53-mutated small cell lung cancer (SCLC) undergoing treatment with topotecan in second line of therapy. In the second quarter of 2021, Aileron plans to initiate a Phase 1b randomized, placebo-controlled trial of ALRN-6924 in patients with p53-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are receiving first-line carboplatin plus pemetrexed (with or without immune checkpoint inhibitors).

Bio-Techne To Present At The Jefferies Virtual Healthcare Conference

On May 19, 2021 Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH) reported that Chuck Kummeth, President and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the Jefferies Virtual Healthcare Conference on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. EDT (Press release, Bio-Techne, MAY 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234580290]). A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed via the IR Calendar page of Bio-Techne’s Investor Relations website at View Source

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Allarity Therapeutics to Conduct a Rights Issue of New Shares, and Publishes Prospectus regarding the Rights Issue

On May 19, 2021 Allarity Therapeutics A/S ("Allarity" or the "Company") reported that its Board of Directors has resolved to carry out a share issue with preferential rights for the Company’s existing shareholders, including warrants (the "Offering"), supported by an authorization granted to the Board of Directors at an Extraordinary General Meeting on 15 April 2021 (Press release, Allarity Therapeutics, MAY 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234580289]). Allarity is also today publishing a prospectus (the "Prospectus"), which has been prepared in connection with the Offering, for up to a maximum of 120,891,157 offer units. Each unit ("Offer Unit") consists of one (1) new share of nominal DKK 0.05 ("New Share") with one (1) warrant attached which confers the right to subscribe one (1) share of nominal DKK 0.05 share in the Company at an exercise price of SEK 1.7 ("Investor Warrant"). New Shares are subscribed against cash payment of SEK 0.85. Investor Warrants are subscribed without payment. Guarantees and undertakings of in excess of SEK 100 million from underwriters and guarantors have been received.

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The subscription period starts on 25 May 2021 and ends on 8 June 2021. The Company will receive SEK 102.8 million upon full subscription of the Offer Units, before transaction costs. The Investor Warrants have a term of 22 months and the Company expects to receive additional net proceeds of approximately SEK 206 million upon full subscription and full exercise of the Investor Warrants. The rights issue is also open to the public to the extent it is not fully subscribed for by existing shareholders.

Expected timetable of principal events:

18 May 2021: Last day of trading in the share, including the right to receive subscription rights.
19 May 2021: Publication of the EU growth prospectus.
19 May 2021: First day of trading in the share, excluding the right to receive subscription rights.
20 May 2021: Record date for participation in the Offering, i.e. holders of shares who are registered in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB on this date will receive subscription rights for participation in the Offering with preferential right.
25 May – 3 June 2021: Trading in subscription rights.
25 May – 8 June 2021: Subscription period.
25 May – until registration is completed with the Danish Business Authority: Trading in BTUs (paid subscription units).
10 June 2021: Expected day for publication of the outcome of the Offering
Allarity’s CEO, Steve Carchedi, stated, "Allarity remains focused on delivering clinical and commercial progress on our three high-priority projects, dovitinib, stenoparib and IXEMPRA. The potential value inflection points for all of these projects could appear on the horizon as soon as within a year or two. This situation presents the circumstances for our Company to offer a compelling investment opportunity to both existing and new shareholders, through the publication of the Prospectus describing the Offering."

Investors in the Offering will have the possibility to exercise their Investor Warrants in five two-week windows during the 22-month term, following the completion of the Offering, during which the Investor Warrants can be exercised. The windows will occur in October 2021, March 2022, August 2022, November 2022, and April 2023.

The Prospectus is available via the Company’s website (www.allarity.com).

Advisors

Aalto Capital AB is the sole global coordinator and bookrunner in connection with the Offering and Hagberg & Aneborn Fondkommission AB the issuing agent. Mazanti-Andersen Advokatpartnerselskab is legal advisor to the Company.

About the Drug Response Predictor – DRP Companion Diagnostic
Allarity uses its drug specific DRP to select those patients who, by the genetic signature of their cancer, are found to have a high likelihood of responding to the specific drug. By screening patients before treatment, the response rate can be significantly increased. The DRP method builds on the comparison of sensitive vs. resistant human cancer cell lines, including genomic information from cell lines combined with clinical tumor biology and prior clinical trial outcomes. DRP is based on messenger RNA from the patient’s biopsies. DRP has proven its ability to provide a statistically significant prediction of the clinical outcome from drug treatment in cancer patients in nearly 40 clinical studies that were examined, including an ongoing, prospective Phase 2 trial. The DRP platform can be used in all cancer types and is patented for more than 70 anti-cancer drugs.

HiberCell Closes $67.4 Million Series B Financing and Secures $30 Million Debt Facility from Hercules Capital

On May 19, 2021 HiberCell, a biotechnology company developing therapeutics focused on preventing cancer relapse and metastasis, reported that it has completed a Series B financing round for gross proceeds of $67.4 million (Press release, HiberCell, MAY 19, 2021, View Source;utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hibercell-closes-67-4-million-series-b-financing-and-secures-30-million-debt-facility-from-hercules-capital [SID1234580288]). Concurrent to this financing, HiberCell closed on a $30 million debt facility with Hercules Capital, Inc. (NYSE: HTGC).

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The Series B round included new investors Huizenga Capital Management, Monashee Investment Management, funds managed by Tekla Capital Management LLC, Hercules Capital, Mount Sinai Innovation Partners and other undisclosed investors. Returning investors, including ARCH Venture Partners, Magnetic Ventures, Bristol Myers Squibb, Trinitas Capital, and others from the Series A syndicate, also participated in the round. HiberCell will use the proceeds of the Series B financing and debt facility to support the clinical development of novel therapeutics targeting stress biology and innate immunity to address the role these play in prevention of cancer recurrence and metastasis.

"We are excited to have the support of these sophisticated investors, who understand that delaying or preventing cancer relapse and metastasis requires that we rethink cancer and understand the mechanistic drivers of cancer progression," said Alan Rigby, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HiberCell. "Their backing is a testament to the potential of our unique development strategy that includes: therapeutic reprogramming of the tumor immune microenvironment and modulation of innate adaptive stress responses that endow cancer cells with survival advantages. We are enthusiastic about our progress and look forward to advancing our clinical pipeline: driving Imprime PGG into two new Phase 2 trials, while generating first in human safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic data in a Phase 1a trial with our PERK inhibitor HC-5404."

"HiberCell has taken a pioneering approach to an evolving cancer paradigm through demonstratable expertise in defining and harnessing adaptive stress biology as well as innate immune activation with a focus on tackling cancer relapse, metastatic disease, and tumor dormancy," said Rene Mora, MD-PhD, Portfolio Manager of Monashee Investment Management. "Addressing these mechanisms represents an unmet and promising area of anticancer drug development. We look forward to working with the company as it continues to move its differentiated pipeline forward with a focus on fighting the most common cause of cancer mortality: relapse and metastasis."

Clovis Oncology Highlights Rubraca® (rucaparib) and Lucitanib Data at 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting

On May 19, 2021 Clovis Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLVS) reported that four abstracts featuring data from clinical studies evaluating Rubraca and/or lucitanib and one abstract on real world data of PARP inhibitor usage, will be presented during the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting to be held virtually, June 4-8, 2021 (Press release, Clovis Oncology, MAY 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234580287]).

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"We remain committed to understanding how Rubraca and lucitanib may benefit patients with cancer, and the data presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) further enhance our understanding of their potential benefit in different patient populations and solid tumor types," said Patrick J. Mahaffy, President and CEO of Clovis Oncology.

The following Clovis-sponsored full abstracts are available as of May 19 at 5:00 pm ET on ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper)’s Meeting Library. Clovis-sponsored posters and supplemental information will be available as of June 3at 5:00 pm ET at View Source

Rubraca

Abstract #5517: Subgroup Analysis of Rucaparib Versus Chemotherapy as Treatment for BRCA-mutated, Advanced, Relapsed Ovarian Carcinoma: Effect of Platinum Sensitivity in the Randomized, Phase 3 Study ARIEL4

Lead Author: Amit M. Oza, MD, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
Poster Discussion Session: Gynecologic Cancer
Date/Time: June 4 at 9:00 am ET
Key Takeaways: Results from this exploratory subgroup analysis of the Phase 3 ARIEL4 trial demonstrate that patients treated with Rubraca had comparable or longer PFS vs. standard-of-care platinum-chemotherapy across all platinum status subgroups. Safety profiles for Rubraca and chemotherapy across the subgroups were consistent with known safety profiles of these agents. These results suggest that Rubraca is an effective treatment option for heavily pretreated patients with BRCA-mutated, advanced, relapsed ovarian cancer as compared to chemotherapy, regardless of their sensitivity to platinum-based therapy.
Abstract #5537: Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of ARIEL3 Patients Who Derived Exceptional Benefit from Rucaparib Maintenance Treatment for High-grade Ovarian Cancer (HGOC)

Lead Author: Tanya Kwan, PhD, Clovis Oncology, Inc., Boulder, Colorado, USA
Poster Session: Gynecologic Cancer
Date/Time: June 4 at 9:00 am ET
Key Takeaways: In the Phase 3 ARIEL3 trial, exceptional benefit (progression-free survival ≥2 years) was more common in, but not exclusive to, patients with favorable clinical characteristics and known mechanisms of PARP inhibitor sensitivity, including mutations of
BRCA1/2
and
RAD51C/D
. These results suggest that rucaparib can deliver exceptional benefit to a diverse set of patients with high-grade ovarian cancer. In all, 21% (79/375) of patients in the rucaparib arm derived exceptional benefit versus only 2% (4/189) in the placebo arm of the trial. Among rucaparib-treated patients, incidence rates of the most common TEAEs were generally consistent between the exceptional benefit subgroup and the overall ARIEL3 patient population.
Rubraca in Combination with Lucitanib

Abstract #3102: Phase 1b/2 SEASTAR Trial: Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Preliminary Efficacy of the Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) Inhibitor Rucaparib and Angiogenesis Inhibitor Lucitanib in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

Lead Author: Ecaterina E. Dumbrava, MD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
Poster Session: Developmental Therapeutics – Molecularly Targeted Agents and Tumor Biology
Date/Time: June 4 at 9:00 am ET
Key Takeaways: Initial findings suggest that rucaparib plus lucitanib has an acceptable safety profile, and there was some evidence of effect on tumor and disease stabilization among patients with measurable disease, with a 23.5% disease control rate. A maximum tolerated dose for the combination was not established, and no drug-drug interactions were observed. These data suggest the combination of a PARP inhibitor and an angiogenesis inhibitor is feasible and may merit further evaluation.
Lucitanib in Combination with Nivolumab

Abstract #5538: LIO-1: Lucitanib + Nivolumab in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors—Updated Phase 1b Results and Initial Experience in Phase 2 Ovarian Cancer Cohort

Lead Author: Erika Hamilton, MD, Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Poster Session: Gynecologic Cancer
Date/Time: June 4 at 9:00 am ET
Key Takeaways: Data from the Phase 1b LIO-1 trial identified the Phase 2 starting dose of the combination and updated Phase 1b efficacy data suggest that lucitanib plus nivolumab has promising antitumor activity (47.1% disease control rate) with a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced solid tumors with no satisfactory treatment options. The Phase 2 study is currently assessing four cohorts of patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies. Interim results from one of these, non-clear cell ovarian cancer (OC) are reported here. 70.8% of patients had received at least 3 previous therapy lines, and 29.2% had primary platinum resistant disease. In 22 evaluable patients, the disease control rate was 31.8% including one confirmed PR. The safety profile of the combination was consistent with that reported in the Phase 1b portion of the study. In addition, the data support the individualized lucitanib dose-titration strategy. While evidence of clinical activity has been observed, Clovis does not believe that the interim efficacy data support further development in non-clear cell OC. Enrollment to the other cohorts continues.
HEOR

Abstract #e18702: Real-world Data Analysis of the Utilization of Second-Line Maintenance Therapy for Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Lead Author: Robert Reid, MD, FACP, US Oncology, Virginia Cancer Specialists, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
Accessible as e-publication only
Key Takeaways: Real world data from the iKnowMed electronic database of the US Oncology Network (including >470 sites) found that fewer than half of eligible ovarian cancer patients receive second-line maintenance treatment, despite treatment guidelines recommending its usage. In addition, the proportion of patients receiving 2L PARPi maintenance increased from 17% in 2018 to 34% in 2019 but decreased to 22% in 2020.
About Rubraca (rucaparib)

Rucaparib is an oral, small molecule inhibitor of PARP1, PARP2 and PARP3 being developed in multiple tumor types, including ovarian and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers, as monotherapy, and in combination with other anti-cancer agents. Exploratory studies in other tumor types are also underway.

Rubraca is an unlicensed medical product outside of the U.S. and Europe.

Rubraca Ovarian Cancer U.S. FDA Approved Indications

Rubraca is indicated for the maintenance treatment of adult women with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in a complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy.

Rubraca is indicated for the treatment of adult women with a deleterious BRCA mutation (germline and/or somatic)-associated epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who have been treated with two or more chemotherapies. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for Rubraca.

Select Important Safety Information

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) have occurred in patients treated with Rubraca, and are potentially fatal adverse reactions. In 1146 treated patients, MDS/AML occurred in 20 patients (1.7%), including those in long term follow-up. Of these, 8 occurred during treatment or during the 28 day safety follow-up (0.7%). The duration of Rubraca treatment prior to the diagnosis of MDS/AML ranged from 1 month to approximately 53 months. The cases were typical of secondary MDS/cancer therapy-related AML; in all cases, patients had received previous platinum-containing regimens and/or other DNA damaging agents.

Do not start Rubraca until patients have recovered from hematological toxicity caused by previous chemotherapy (≤ Grade 1). Monitor complete blood counts for cytopenia at baseline and monthly thereafter for clinically significant changes during treatment. For prolonged hematological toxicities (> 4 weeks), interrupt Rubraca or reduce dose and monitor blood counts weekly until recovery. If the levels have not recovered to Grade 1 or less after 4 weeks or if MDS/AML is suspected, refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations, including bone marrow analysis and blood sample for cytogenetics. If MDS/AML is confirmed, discontinue Rubraca.

Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal studies, Rubraca can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Apprise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months following the last dose of Rubraca.

Most common adverse reactions in ARIEL3 (≥ 20%; Grade 1-4) were nausea (76%), fatigue/asthenia (73%), abdominal pain/distention (46%), rash (43%), dysgeusia (40%), anemia (39%), AST/ALT elevation (38%), constipation (37%), vomiting (37%), diarrhea (32%), thrombocytopenia (29%), nasopharyngitis/upper respiratory tract infection (29%), stomatitis (28%), decreased appetite (23%), and neutropenia (20%).

Most common adverse reactions in Study 10 and ARIEL2 (≥ 20%; Grade 1-4) were nausea (77%), asthenia/fatigue (77%), vomiting (46%), anemia (44%), constipation (40%), dysgeusia (39%), decreased appetite (39%), diarrhea (34%), abdominal pain (32%), dyspnea (21%), and thrombocytopenia (21%).

Co-administration of rucaparib can increase the systemic exposure of CYP1A2, CYP3A, CYP2C9, or CYP2C19 substrates, which may increase the risk of toxicities of these drugs. Adjust dosage of CYP1A2, CYP3A, CYP2C9, or CYP2C19 substrates, if clinically indicated. If co-administration with warfarin (a CYP2C9 substrate) cannot be avoided, consider increasing frequency of international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring.

Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breast-fed children from Rubraca, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with Rubraca and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

Please Click here for full Prescribing Information for Rubraca.

You may also report side effects to Clovis Oncology, Inc. at 1-415-409-7220 (US toll) or 1-844-CLVS-ONC (1-844-258-7662; US toll-free).

About Lucitanib

Lucitanib is an oral, potent inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase activity of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 through 3 (VEGFR1-3), platelet-derived growth factor receptors alpha and beta (PDFGRα/β) and fibroblast growth factor receptors 1 through 3 (FGFR1-3). Emerging clinical data support the combination of angiogenesis inhibitors and immunotherapy to increase effectiveness in multiple cancer indications. Angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), are frequently up-regulated in tumors and create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Use of antiangiogenic drugs may reverse this immunosuppression and augment response to immunotherapy.

Lucitanib is an unlicensed medical product.