Karyopharm Presents XPOVIO® (selinexor) and Eltanexor Data at the European Hematology Association 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting

On June 12, 2020 Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:KPTI), an innovation-driven pharmaceutical company, reported that eight posters relating to XPOVIO (selinexor), the Company’s first-in-class, oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound, and eltanexor, its next generation SINE compound, will be presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting taking place June 11-21, 2020 (Press release, Karyopharm, JUN 12, 2020, View Source [SID1234561033]).

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The six selinexor abstracts include: (i) overall survival data from the Phase 2b SADAL study evaluating selinexor in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) demonstrating a 9-month median overall survival in a patient population in which survival is expected to be <6 months based on several historical controls, with the median overall survival not yet reached in the 29% of patients who had partial or complete responses on single agent selinexor; (ii) a post-hoc analysis from the SADAL study demonstrating clinically meaningful response rates in the subgroup of patients with primary refractory DLBCL and treated with at least two prior regimens; (iii) a post-hoc analysis from the SADAL study demonstrating durable response rates regardless of the number of prior lines of therapy or prior treatment with high dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant; (iv) an assessment of molecular markers that may predict response to selinexor in patients with DLBCL; (v) data demonstrating the anti-myeloma effects of selinexor in combination with eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E); and (vi) data demonstrating selinexor’s potential to treat patients with acute myeloid leukemia harboring IDH2 pR172K mutations.

The two eltanexor abstracts include: (i) data demonstrating the efficacy of eltanexor in preclinical models of NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia; and (ii) an assessment of molecular markers that may predict a response to eltanexor in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

"The Phase 2b SADAL study in patients with heavily pretreated DLBCL continues to generate encouraging efficacy and safety data from multiple datasets and post-hoc analyses, including a superior survival benefit over what has historically been observed with other therapies," said Sharon Shacham, PhD, MBA, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Karyopharm. "As we await the decision from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on our supplemental new drug application expected later this month, our sales force is actively preparing for the potential launch of XPOVIO in the additional indication of relapsed or refractory DLBCL. The SADAL data presented at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) this year will be an important component of our physician education effort surrounding XPOVIO to treat patients with DLBCL, if approved."

Details for the EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2020 virtual poster presentations are as follows:

Selinexor

Title: Survival Among Patients with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Treated with Single Agent Selinexor in the SADAL Study
Lead author: Marie Maerevoet, Institut Jules Bordet
Abstract #: EP1260
Session: 19. Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – Clinical

Title: Efficacy and Safety of Single Agent Oral Selinexor in Patients with Primary Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): A Post-Hoc Analysis of the SADAL Study
Lead author: Josee Zijlstra, Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra, Vrije Universiteit, Cancer Center
Abstract #: EP1226
Session: 19. Aggressive Non-Hodgkin lymphoma – Clinical

Title: Effect of Prior Therapy on the Efficacy and Safety Of Oral Selinexor in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): A Post-hoc Analysis of the SADAL Study
Lead author: George Follows, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Abstract #: EP1244
Session: 19. Aggressive Non-Hodgkin lymphoma – Clinical

Title: Combined Inhibition of XPO1 and eIF4E Prevents Protein Translation resulting in Synergistic Anti-Myeloma Effects
Lead author: Shirong Li, Columbia University
Abstract #: EP1910
Session: 13. Myeloma and other monoclonal gammopathies – Biology & Translational Research

Title: IDH2 p.R172K Mutations in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) May Be Associated with Favorable Response to Selinexor Treatment
Lead author: Christopher Walker, Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.
Abstract #: EP484
Session: 03. Acute myeloid leukemia – Biology & Translational Research

Title: Comprehensive Assessment of Molecular Markers of Selinexor Response in Patients with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
Lead author: Christopher Walker, Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.
Abstract #: EP1328
Session: 20. Lymphoma Biology & Translational Research

Eltanexor

Title: Continuous XPO1 Inhibition with Eltanexor is Highly Effective in NPM1-mutated AML In Vivo
Lead author: Giulia Pianigiani, University of Perugia
Abstract #: EP441
Session: 03. Acute myeloid leukemia – Biology & Translational Research

Title: RNA and DNA Sequencing Reveal Markers of Response to the XPO1 Inhibitor Eltanexor in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM)
Lead author: Christopher Walker, Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.
Abstract #: EP890
Session: 13. Myeloma and other monoclonal gammopathies – Biology & Translational Research

About XPOVIO (selinexor)

XPOVIO is a first-in-class, oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound. XPOVIO functions by selectively binding to and inhibiting the nuclear export protein exportin 1 (XPO1, also called CRM1). XPOVIO blocks the nuclear export of tumor suppressor, growth regulatory and anti-inflammatory proteins, leading to accumulation of these proteins in the nucleus and enhancing their anti-cancer activity in the cell. The forced nuclear retention of these proteins can counteract a multitude of the oncogenic pathways that, unchecked, allow cancer cells with severe DNA damage to continue to grow and divide in an unrestrained fashion. Karyopharm received accelerated U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of XPOVIO in July 2019 in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least four prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least two proteasome inhibitors, at least two immunomodulatory agents, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. Karyopharm has also submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) with a request for conditional approval of selinexor. A supplemental New Drug Application was accepted by the FDA seeking accelerated approval for selinexor as a new treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and selinexor has received Fast Track and Orphan designation and Priority Review from the FDA with a scheduled PDUFA date of June 23, 2020 for this patient population. Selinexor is also being evaluated in several other mid-and later-phase clinical trials across multiple cancer indications, including in multiple myeloma in a pivotal, randomized Phase 3 study in combination with Velcade (bortezomib) and low-dose dexamethasone (BOSTON), for which Karyopharm announced positive top-line results in March 2020. In May 2020, Karyopharm submitted a supplemental New Drug Application based on data from the Phase 3 BOSTON study. Additional, ongoing trials for selinexor include as a potential backbone therapy in combination with approved myeloma therapies (STOMP), in liposarcoma (SEAL) and in endometrial cancer (SIENDO), among others. Additional Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies are ongoing or currently planned, including multiple studies in combination with approved therapies in a variety of tumor types to further inform Karyopharm’s clinical development priorities for selinexor. Additional clinical trial information for selinexor is available at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

For more information about Karyopharm’s products or clinical trials, please contact the Medical Information department at:

Tel: +1 (888) 209-9326
Email: [email protected]

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Thrombocytopenia

XPOVIO can cause thrombocytopenia, leading to potentially fatal hemorrhage. Thrombocytopenia was reported as an adverse reaction in 74% of patients, and severe (Grade 3-4) thrombocytopenia occurred in 61% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first event was 22 days. Bleeding occurred in 23% of patients with thrombocytopenia, clinically significant bleeding occurred in 5% of patients with thrombocytopenia and fatal hemorrhage occurred in <1% of patients.

Monitor platelet counts at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Institute platelet transfusion and/or other treatments as clinically indicated. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of bleeding and evaluate promptly. Interrupt and/or reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Neutropenia

XPOVIO can cause neutropenia, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Neutropenia was reported as an adverse reaction in 34% of patients, and severe (Grade 3-4) neutropenia occurred in 21% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first event was 25 days. Febrile neutropenia was reported in 3% of patients.

Obtain neutrophil counts at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of concomitant infection and evaluate promptly. Consider supportive measures including antimicrobials for signs of infection and use of growth factors (e.g., G-CSF). Interrupt and/or reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Gastrointestinal Toxicity

Gastrointestinal toxicities occurred in patients treated with XPOVIO.

Nausea/Vomiting

Nausea was reported as an adverse reaction in 72% of patients, and Grade 3 nausea occurred in 9% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first nausea event was 3 days.

Vomiting was reported in 41% of patients, and Grade 3 vomiting occurred in 4% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first vomiting event was 5 days.

Provide prophylactic 5-HT3 antagonists and/or other anti-nausea agents, prior to and during treatment with XPOVIO. Manage nausea/vomiting by dose interruption, reduction, and/or discontinuation. Administer intravenous fluids and replace electrolytes to prevent dehydration in patients at risk. Use additional anti-nausea medications as clinically indicated.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea was reported as an adverse reaction in 44% of patients, and Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 6% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of diarrhea was 15 days.
Manage diarrhea by dose modifications and/or standard anti-diarrheal agents; administer intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration in patients at risk.

Anorexia/Weight Loss

Anorexia was reported as an adverse reaction in 53% of patients, and Grade 3 anorexia occurred in 5% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of anorexia was 8 days.

Weight loss was reported as an adverse reaction in 47% of patients, and Grade 3 weight loss occurred in 1% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of weight loss was 15 days.

Monitor patient weight at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Manage anorexia and weight loss with dose modifications, appetite stimulants, and nutritional support.

Hyponatremia

XPOVIO can cause hyponatremia; 39% of patients treated with XPOVIO experienced hyponatremia, 22% of patients experienced Grade 3 or 4 hyponatremia. The median time to onset of the first event was 8 days.

Monitor sodium level at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Correct sodium levels for concurrent hyperglycemia (serum glucose >150 mg/dL) and high serum paraprotein levels. Treat hyponatremia per clinical guidelines (intravenous saline and/or salt tablets), including dietary review. Interrupt and/or reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Infections

In patients receiving XPOVIO, 52% of patients experienced any grade of infection. Upper respiratory tract infection of any grade occurred in 21%, pneumonia in 13%, and sepsis in 6% of patients. Grade ≥3 infections were reported in 25% of patients, and deaths resulting from an infection occurred in 4% of patients. The most commonly reported Grade ≥3 infections were pneumonia in 9% of patients, followed by sepsis in 6%. The median time to onset was 54 days for pneumonia and 42 days for sepsis. Most infections were not associated with neutropenia and were caused by non-opportunistic organisms.

Neurological Toxicity

Neurological toxicities occurred in patients treated with XPOVIO.

Neurological adverse reactions including dizziness, syncope, depressed level of consciousness, and mental status changes (including delirium and confusional state) occurred in 30% of patients, and severe events (Grade 3-4) occurred in 9% of patients treated with XPOVIO. Median time to the first event was 15 days.

Optimize hydration status, hemoglobin level, and concomitant medications to avoid exacerbating dizziness or mental status changes.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on data from animal studies and its mechanism of action, XPOVIO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Selinexor administration to pregnant animals during organogenesis resulted in structural abnormalities and alterations to growth at exposures below those occurring clinically at the recommended dose.

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential and males with a female partner of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XPOVIO and for 1 week after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) are thrombocytopenia, fatigue, nausea, anemia, decreased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, vomiting, hyponatremia, neutropenia, leukopenia, constipation, dyspnea, and upper respiratory tract infection.

The treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 27%; 53% of patients had a reduction in the XPOVIO dose, and 65.3% had the dose of XPOVIO interrupted. The most frequent adverse reactions requiring permanent discontinuation in 4% or greater of patients who received XPOVIO included fatigue, nausea, and thrombocytopenia. The rate of fatal adverse reactions was 8.9%.

Please see XPOVIO Full Prescribing Information available at www.XPOVIO.com.

About Eltanexor (KPT-8602)

Eltanexor (KPT-8602) is a second generation oral SINE compound, which is currently being investigated in clinical trials. Eltanexor functions by binding to and inhibiting the nuclear export protein XPO1 (also called CRM1), leading to the accumulation of tumor suppressor proteins in the cell nucleus. Eltanexor has demonstrated minimal brain penetration in animals, which has been associated with reduced toxicities in preclinical studies while maintaining potent anti-tumor effects.

TG Therapeutics Announces Data Presentations at the 25th European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Congress

On June 12, 2020 TG Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: TGTX), reported data presentations at the 25th European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) annual congress including data from a Phase 1 study evaluating TG-1701, the Company’s once daily, selective, BTK inhibitor, as monotherapy and in combination with umbralisib and ublituximab (U2) in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and lymphoma, as well as long term data from a Phase 1/1b study evaluating the combination of umbralisib and ibrutinib in relapsed/refractory CLL and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) (Press release, TG Therapeutics, JUN 12, 2020, View Source [SID1234561032]).

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Michael S. Weiss, the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated, "We have long been excited about the potential for dual BCR blockade by targeting both PI3K-delta and BTK in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, and these data presentations offer insight into the therapeutic potential for this dual targeted approach. We are extremely pleased to see that TG-1701 continues to exhibit an encouraging safety and efficacy profile, both as a monotherapy and in our proprietary triplet combination with U2, with additional patients now treated and with longer follow-up. We now have patients on TG-1701 for upwards of 1.5 years, with no patients having discontinued therapy due to toxicity and responses deepening over time. We were also excited to see long-term data for the all-oral combination of umbralisib and ibrutinib, which similarly demonstrated continued improvement in overall response rates, and importantly identified no long-term safety signals at over 3.5 years of follow-up, underscoring the potential combinability of umbralisib with BTK therapy." Mr. Weiss continued, "In striving towards our goal of developing novel combination treatments for patients with unmet medical needs, we are highly encouraged by the data presented today and look forward to continuing dose escalation for our proprietary triple combination of ublituximab, umbralisib and TG-1701."

Details of the data presentations are included below.

Presentation Title: Safety and activity of the once daily selective bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor TG-1701 in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and lymphoma

This presentation includes interim data from a Phase 1 parallel dose-escalation study of TG-1701 monotherapy and TG-1701 in combination with U2 in 82 patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies. Sixty-nine patients were treated with single agent TG-1701, of which 25 patients were treated in the monotherapy dose escalation portion of the study and received TG-1701 at doses that ranged from 100mg to 400mg once daily, and 44 patients were treated with 200mg of TG-1701 in the monotherapy dose expansion cohort. An additional 13 patients were treated in the TG-1701 plus U2 dose escalation portion of the study.

Safety and efficacy highlights include:

TG-1701 monotherapy exhibited an encouraging preliminary safety profile across all dose levels evaluated with only 3% (2/69) of patients having a dose reduction due to treatment-related adverse events (AEs), with no treatment discontinuations due to AEs in the monotherapy cohorts
In the monotherapy dose escalation cohort (n=25), TG-1701 produced partial responses at all dose levels evaluated (100mg to 400mg once daily) in CLL, MCL, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM), and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)
In the monotherapy dose expansion cohort in which TG-1701 was administered at 200mg, 25 patients were evaluable for efficacy with a 92% overall response rate (ORR) observed in CLL patients (n=12), a 33% ORR in MCL patients (n=6), and a 86% ORR in WM patients (n=7)
The combination of TG-1701 plus U2 has been well tolerated and demonstrated encouraging clinical activity with a 77% ORR across all disease types (n=13), including complete responses in three patients; dose escalation continues
Presentation Title: Long term results of a Phase I/Ib study of ibrutinib in combination with umbralisib in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL or MCL

This presentation includes updated long term data from a Phase 1/1b study of patients with relapsed or refractory CLL or MCL treated with umbralisib in combination with ibrutinib. Data from this trial were previously published in Lancet Haematology in December 2018 (Davids et.al.). As of the updated data cutoff, 42 patients were evaluable for safety and efficacy (21 CLL patients and 21 MCL patients).

Safety and efficacy highlights include:

With long term follow up (median follow-up of 43.5 months (range 8.4-61), there were no cumulative or recurrent late onset toxicities observed
In relapsed/refractory CLL, the overall response rate was 95% including a 29% complete response (CR) rate, and the 4-year Progression-free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) were 78% and 90%, respectively
In relapsed/refractory MCL, the ORR was 71% with a 24% CR rate, and median PFS and OS were 10.8 and 30.7 months, respectively
The data presented is available on the Publications page, located within the Pipeline section, of the Company’s website at www.tgtherapeutics.com/publications.cfm.

Imago BioSciences Provides Update on Preliminary Data for Bomedemstat at the 2020 Virtual EHA meeting

On June 12, 2020 Imago BioSciences reported the presentation of data at the 2020 Virtual European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) meeting relating to the clinical trial of bomedemstat (IMG-7289) for the treatment of advanced myelofibrosis (Press release, Imago BioSciences, JUN 12, 2020, View Source [SID1234561031]). The abstract published online in May included an analysis of data from 34 patients. The presentation today as a poster reflects a more extensive analysis of a larger patient population based on a later data cutoff.

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"The poster enumerates spleen volume reductions and improvements in Total Symptom Scores in a majority of patients. Additionally, there were improvements in hemoglobin with patients transitioning from transfusion-dependence to transfusion-independence and bone marrow fibrosis improvements," said Kristen Petitt, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Michigan, Rogel Cancer Center, in Ann Arbor. "In this ongoing study, the preliminary data indicate that bomedemstat has significant clinical activity as monotherapy in a myelofibrosis patient population with advanced disease and no therapeutic alternatives."

Data Highlights

Bomedemstat (IMG-7289) monotherapy in intermediate-2 /high-risk patients with myelofibrosis who have become intolerant or resistant to a JAK inhibitor

Of evaluable patients at 24 weeks:
83% had spleen volume reductions
86% demonstrated reductions in Total Symptom Scores (TSS)
70% of patients had stable or improved hemoglobin
71% of patients had a stable or improved BM fibrosis score
>90% of patients with elevated circulating inflammatory cytokines showed significant reductions
Safety

Bomedemstat (IMG-7289) in patients with myelofibrosis was generally well tolerated. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and a maximum tolerated dose was not identified.

There were 723 adverse events (AEs) reported, of which 215 were attributed to bomedemstat. Only four SAEs — painful splenomegaly, heart failure, headache, rectal bleeding (all Grade 3) — were deemed by the Investigator to be related to bomedemstat. There were no Grade 5 events related to bomedemstat.

The most common treatment-emergent AEs deemed related to bomedemstat was dysgeusia (33%).

For further details, please see the 2020 EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) abstract and poster on Imago’s website at www.imagobio.com.

Poster Presentation

TITLE: A PHASE 2 STUDY OF BOMEDEMSTAT (IMG-7289), A LYSINE-SPECIFIC DEMETHYLASE-1 (LSD1) INHIBITOR, FOR THE TREATMENT OF MYELOFIBROSIS (MF)

Session: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms—Clinical

Date and Time: June 12, 2020, 8:30 AM CEST/2:30 AM EDT

About Bomedemstat (IMG-7289)

Bomedemstat is being evaluated in an open-label Phase 2 clinical trial (www.myelofibrosisclinicalstudy.com) for the treatment of myelofibrosis (MF), a bone marrow cancer that interferes with the production of blood cells. The endpoints include spleen volume reduction and symptom improvement at 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Bomedemstat is used as monotherapy in patients who are resistant to, intolerant of, or ineligible for ruxolitinib.

Bomedemstat is a small molecule developed by Imago BioSciences that inhibits lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1 or KDM1A), an enzyme shown to be vital in cancer stem/progenitor cells, particularly neoplastic bone marrow cells. In non-clinical studies, IMG-7289 demonstrated robust in vivo anti-tumor efficacy across a range of myeloid malignancies as a single agent and in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. Bomedemstat (IMG-7289) is an investigational agent currently being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03136185 and NCT04254978). Bomedemstat has FDA Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designation for the treatment of myelofibrosis, essential thrombocythemia and acute myeloid leukemia.

Agios and Royalty Pharma Announce $255 Million Purchase Agreement for IDHIFA® Royalty

On June 12, 2020 Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AGIO), a leader in the field of cellular metabolism to treat cancer and rare genetic diseases, and Royalty Pharma reported that Agios has sold its tiered, sales-based royalty rights on worldwide net sales of Bristol Myers Squibb’s IDHIFA (enasidenib), as well as its rights to receive up to $55 million in outstanding regulatory milestone payments from Bristol Myers Squibb, to Royalty Pharma for $255 million (Press release, Agios Pharmaceuticals, JUN 12, 2020, View Source [SID1234561030]). Agios will continue to co-promote IDHIFA and receive reimbursement from Bristol Myers Squibb for this co-promotion under its 2010 collaboration agreement with Celgene, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb. Agios also retains the right to receive a $25 million payment upon achievement of a specified ex-U.S. commercial milestone event. IDHIFA is an oral, targeted therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with an isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2) mutation.

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"It is an exciting time at Agios with multiple ongoing mid- and late-stage trials in each of our core therapeutic focus areas that we believe have the potential to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. This non-dilutive funding provides us with additional financial flexibility as we continue to invest in advancing our robust clinical pipeline, including mitapivat across three rare disease indications and our IDH inhibitors in solid tumors and novel combination approaches for AML," said Jackie Fouse, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Agios. "Royalty Pharma, a pioneer in this space, is an industry leader in identifying promising late-stage and commercial therapies, and we are pleased with their recognition of IDH inhibition as an important therapeutic approach for hematologic malignancies."

"IDHIFA is an innovative, targeted treatment that has benefited numerous AML patients who may otherwise have had few other treatment options," said Pablo Legorreta, founder and chief executive officer of Royalty Pharma. "We are delighted to partner with Agios, a biotechnology company that stands out for its strong scientific foundation and a track record of successful development of multiple innovative targeted therapies. The proceeds that Agios will receive today will help further their mission and fund their exciting pipeline that will drive the next phase of the company’s growth."

Cowen served as financing advisor to Agios and Wilmer Hale served as legal advisor to Agios. Goodwin Procter LLP, Dechert LLP and Maiwald Patentanwalts- und Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH acted as legal advisors to Royalty Pharma on the transaction.

About the Agios/Celgene IDH Program
In 2010, Agios and Celgene Corporation, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb, entered into a collaboration agreement focused on cancer metabolism. Under the terms of the agreement, Celgene has worldwide development and commercialization rights for IDHIFA (enasidenib). Celgene and Agios are currently co-commercializing IDHIFA in the U.S., and Agios continues to conduct certain clinical development activities within the IDHIFA development program. Agios is eligible to receive a $25 million payment upon achievement of a specified ex-U.S. commercial milestone event, as well as reimbursement for costs incurred for its co-commercialization efforts and development activities.

Sierra Oncology Reports Favorable Long-Term Safety and Dose Intensity Data for Momelotinib

On June 12, 2020 Sierra Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: SRRA), a late-stage drug development company focused on the registration and commercialization of momelotinib, a JAK1, JAK2 & ACVR1 inhibitor with a potentially differentiated therapeutic profile for the treatment of myelofibrosis, reported that Long-Term Safety and Dose Intensity data for momelotinib are being presented today in two posters at the 25th European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Virtual Congress (Press release, Sierra Oncology, JUN 12, 2020, View Source [SID1234561029]).

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More than 820 patients with myelofibrosis have received momelotinib during its development, including a number of patients who remain on treatment since the start of the original Phase 2 studies initiated a decade ago. One of these patients will reach a major milestone this week, having received momelotinib therapy for 10 years, highlighting the relevance of the long-term dosing and safety data for momelotinib being presented this week at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper). The data presented at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) draw from more than 550 patients across the two previously conducted SIMPLIFY Phase 3 studies and their subsequent ongoing extended treatment periods. More than 90 SIMPLIFY-1 and SIMPLIFY-2 patients continued to receive momelotinib for 3.5 years or longer.

"Consistent with prior data, and reflecting momelotinib’s differentiated pharmacological profile, our new long-term safety analyses continue to show a rapid and sustained increase in hemoglobin levels during momelotinib therapy, in contrast to the significant decrease in hemoglobin for patients receiving ruxolitinib. Patients treated with momelotinib also experienced significantly higher mean platelet counts compared to those receiving ruxolitinib. Importantly, patients who switched from ruxolitinib to momelotinib also achieved a sustained improvement in both hemoglobin and platelets," said Prof. Claire Harrison, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom. "In addition to an absence of significant rates of high-grade hematological toxicities, long-term tolerability was favorable with no new safety signals or evidence of cumulative toxicity. Notably, this was achieved with most patients receiving full-dose momelotinib."

"Momelotinib’s safety profile and durable anemia benefits facilitated sustained dose intensity across the continuum of JAK inhibitor naïve and previously JAK inhibitor treated myelofibrosis patients. While the starting doses for ruxolitinib were often attenuated due to low platelets, further reductions in dose intensity were also commonly required for ruxolitinib. In contrast, momelotinib was initiated at full dose for all subjects enrolled to the SIMPLIFY studies and high dose intensity was maintained in the majority over extended durations," said Dr. Vikas Gupta, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada. "The ability to safely dose momelotinib sustainably at high dose intensity likely facilitates its ability to durably control the cardinal features of myelofibrosis, namely anemia, constitutional symptoms, and splenomegaly. Furthermore, patients who switch from ruxolitinib to momelotinib saw an immediate and sustained improvement in dose intensity, suggesting a link to the corresponding improvements in hemoglobin and platelets noted by Prof. Harrison. These data suggest that momelotinib may be an optimal therapy in myelofibrosis patients, in particular those experiencing hematological toxicity and disease-related myelosuppression, which are significant unmet needs in this disease."

The SIMPLIFY-1 trial was conducted in JAKi-naïve myelofibrosis patients (n=432) randomized 1:1 to momelotinib or ruxolitinib for 24 weeks. The SIMPLIFY-2 trial was conducted in prior ruxolitinib-treated myelofibrosis patients with hematological toxicity (n=156) randomized 2:1 to momelotinib or best available therapy (consisting of ruxolitinib in 88% of patients) for 24 weeks. All patients were then subsequently allowed to receive momelotinib for an extended treatment period including those who did not receive momelotinib initially, as they were eligible to cross-over to momelotinib at the end of the 24-week randomized treatment period in both studies.

About the Posters:
Please visit www.sierraoncology.com to view Prof. Harrison and Dr. Gupta present the momelotinib Long-Term Safety and Dose Intensity posters. Both e-posters are available through the on-demand EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) Virtual Congress platform at View Source

Title: Long term Safety of Momelotinib in JAKi Naïve and Previously JAKi Treated Intermediate/High Risk Myelofibrosis Patients
Lead Author: Prof. Claire Harrison, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
Session Title: Myeloproliferative neoplasms – Clinical
Poster No.: EP1113

Title: Momelotinib Dose-Intensity is Maintained in JAKi Naïve and Previously JAKi Treated Intermediate/High Risk Myelofibrosis Patients
Lead Author: Dr. Vikas Gupta, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
Session Title: Myeloproliferative neoplasms – Clinical
Poster No.: EP1103