Caprion Biosciences Leads Pre-Conference Workshop on Best Practices for Biomarkers Validation at Upcoming AAPS PharmaSci 360 Conference

On October 29, 2019 Caprion is reported its leadership role in a Pre-Conference Workshop at the upcoming AAPS PharmaSci 360 conference, San Antonio, Texas (Press release, Caprion, OCT 29, 2019, View Source [SID1234550002]).

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The workshop initiated by Caprion’s team and led by Dr. Virginia Litwin, Vice-President of Flow Cytometry, will include pharmaceutical, biotech and regulatory leaders in biomarker research.

The workshop entitled "Best Practices for the Development and Fit-for-Purpose Validation of Biomarker Methods" will consist of presentations and break-out sessions, leading to consensus on the best practice for biomarker assay development and minimum validation requirements based on intended use. As a result of the workshop, a white paper will propose recommendations for the industry and regulatory agencies.

"Caprion’s involvement in this pre-conference workshop reflects its commitment to be an active player and a leader in defining the industry standards when it comes to the development of robust assay validation strategies", stated Dr. Lorella Di Donato, Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. "

Dr. Litwin is a frequent speaker, moderator, and panelist at pharmaceutical industry, scientific, and clinical conferences, and was recently recognized at the 2019 WRIB meeting for her outstanding contribution. She is the chair of the Document Development Committee for the new CLSI guidance document H62: The Validation of Assay Performed by Flow Cytometry, which will be open for public comment until November 18.

Linnaeus Therapeutics Announces First Patient Dosed in Its Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial of LNS8801 in Patients with Advanced Cancer

On October 29, 2019 Linnaeus Therapeutics, Inc. (Linnaeus), a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel small molecule oncology therapeutics, reported that it has dosed the first patient in its phase 1/2 clinical trial of LNS8801 in patients with advanced solid and hematologic cancers (Press release, Linnaeus Therapeutics, OCT 29, 2019, View Source [SID1234550001]). This marks the first time any company has dosed a patient in a clinical trial specifically targeting the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). The initiation of the study follows U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of the company’s investigational new drug application (IND) for LNS8801 in late September.

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LNS8801 is an orally bioavailable small molecule that is a highly specific and potent agonist of the GPER.

"We are thrilled to begin testing LNS8801 in patients with advanced cancer. We will have six outstanding academic comprehensive cancer centers all enthusiastically recruiting patients for this promising study," commented Patrick Mooney, MD, chief executive officer of Linnaeus. "LNS8801 has very real potential to provide meaningful and lasting clinical benefit for patients with cancer, and we look forward to providing updates over the course of the study."

The study entitled, "A Multicenter Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Antitumor Activity of LNS8801 in Patients with Advanced Cancer," is designed in two parts. The phase 1 dose-escalation portion of the trial will assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor activity of LNS8801. After a recommended phase 2 dose is established, dose expansion cohorts are anticipated.

About LNS8801
LNS8801 is an orally bioavailable and highly specific agonist of GPER whose activity is dependent on the expression of GPER. GPER activation suppresses well-known tumor-associated genes, such as c-Myc and PD-L1. In preclinical cancer models, LNS8801 displays potent antitumor activities across a wide range of tumor types, rapidly shrinking tumors and inducing immune memory. LNS8801 monotherapy has shown significant antitumor activity, including inducing complete responses that are immune to rechallenge. LNS8801 also has shown effects when combined with targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Preclinical toxicology studies have established a wide safety margin.

Tolero Pharmaceuticals Presents Findings from Preclinical Studies Evaluating Investigational Agents TP-1287 in Prostate Cancer Models and TP-1454 in Colorectal Cancer Models

On October 29, 2019 Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage company focused on developing novel therapeutics for hematological and oncological diseases, reported the presentation of preclinical data of TP-1287, an investigational oral cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) inhibitor, in castration-sensitive and resistant prostate cancer models and TP-1454, an investigational small-molecule pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2) activator, in colorectal cancer models (Press release, Tolero Pharmaceuticals, OCT 29, 2019, View Source;in-colorectal-cancer-models-300947320.html [SID1234550000]). These data were shared at the 2019 AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC AACR-NCI-EORTC (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC-NCI-AACR) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper), being held October 26-30, 2019, in Boston, Massachusetts.

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"We are pleased to present data on our early-stage investigational agents, TP-1287 and TP-1454. These results are a testament to our commitment to develop novel therapeutics and expand the combined oncology portfolio of Tolero and its parent company, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma," said David J. Bearss, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "Furthermore, these data improve our understanding of these assets and provide insight into the potential role CDK9 inhibition and PKM2 activation may play in the treatment of prostate and colorectal cancer."

Data from a preclinical prostate cancer model, showed TP-1287 as monotherapy and in combination with venetoclax or docetaxel enhanced tumor growth inhibition. Additionally, TP-1287 combined with docetaxel alone showed tumor growth inhibition.

In a separate preclinical colorectal cancer model, TP-1454 in combination with anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 therapies showed tumor regression, tumor growth inhibition and an acceptable safety profile.

Below are the details for the Tolero presentations:

Abstract Title

Details

Presenter

PKM2 Activation Modulates
Metabolism and Enhances
Immune Response in Solid
Tumor Models

Abstract #B080

October 28, 2019

12:30 – 04:00 p.m. ET

Poster Presentation

Satya Pathi, Ph.D., Study
Director in Pre-clinical
Oncology, Crown Bioscience,
Inc

Targeting CDK9 and Mcl-1 in
Castration-sensitive and
Resistant Prostate Cancer
Models

Abstract #C081

October 29, 2019

12:30 – 04:00 p.m. ET

Poster Presentation

Tetyana V. Forostyan,
Graduate Research
Assistant, Oncological
Sciences, University of Utah

About TP-1287
TP-1287 is an investigational oral cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) inhibitor under evaluation in a Phase 1 study in patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT03604783). TP-1287 has shown favorable oral bioavailability in preclinical models.

About TP-1454
TP-1454 is an investigational oral pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2) activator, under preclinical evaluation in cell-based and animal models of solid tumors.

Aethlon Medical To Release Second Quarter Financial Results and Host Conference Call on November 1, 2019

On October 29, 2019 Aethlon Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEMD), a medical device technology company focused on unmet needs in global health, reported that it will issue financial results for its second quarter fiscal year 2020, ended September 30, 2019, at 4:15pm Eastern time on Friday, November 1, 2019 (Press release, Aethlon Medical, OCT 29, 2019, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aethlon-medical-to-release-second-quarter-financial-results-and-host-conference-call-on-november-1-2019-300947523.html [SID1234549999]).

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Management will host a conference call on Friday, November 1, 2019 at 4:30pm Eastern time to review financial results and recent corporate developments. Following management’s formal remarks, there will be a question and answer session.

To listen to the call by phone, interested parties within the U.S. should call 1-844-836-8741 and International callers should call 1-412-317-5442. All callers should ask for the Aethlon Medical, Inc., conference call.

A replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after the end of the call through November 8, 2019. The replay can be accessed via Aethlon Medical’s website or by dialing 1-877-344-7529 (domestic) or 1-412-317-0088 (international) or Canada Toll Free at 1-855-669-9658. The replay conference ID number is 10136640.

PTC Therapeutics Reports Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results and Provides a Corporate Update

On October 29, 2019 PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTCT) reported a corporate update and reported financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2019 (Press release, PTC Therapeutics, OCT 29, 2019, View Source [SID1234549998]).

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"We are following through on our commitment to build an innovative, diversified rare disorders company," said Stuart Peltz, Ph.D., CEO of PTC Therapeutics. "This quarter, we completed a successful financing to continue to drive our internal programs while continuing to evaluate select external opportunities. This most recent financing has put us in a position to execute on our strategic vision of reaching over $1.5B in revenue by 2023."

Corporate Highlights:

Tegsedi (inotersen) received approval from the Brazilian health regulatory authority (ANVISA) for the treatment of stage 1 or 2 polyneuropathy in adult patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR), to delay disease progression and improve quality of life. This approval will allow PTC to initiate the launch in Brazil with the only hATTR indication globally to include improvements in quality of life.
PTC acquired assets from BioElectron Technology Corporation that are focused on inflammatory and central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The lead program is pivotal trial ready for CNS disorders with substantial unmet need and significant commercial opportunity that are complementary to PTC’s existing pipeline.
Advancing CNS Gene Therapy Portfolio & Infrastructure:

PTC has entered into a strategic collaboration with Aldevron to support GMP plasmid manufacturing for the gene therapy portfolio.
As previously disclosed, PTC is on track to submit a BLA with the FDA in late 2019 followed by an MAA in Europe for the AADC deficiency gene therapy program. This will be followed by an anticipated commercial launch in 2020.
Data presented in October at the Child Neurology Society meeting demonstrated that patients receiving PTC-AADC had sustained motor, cognitive, and language milestones representing up to five years of follow up post-treatment.
The Friedreich ataxia program continues to advance with an IND submission now expected in mid-2020.
PTC has signed a long-term lease agreement securing a state-of-the-art biologics facility located in Hopewell, N.J. to support the research and operations of multiple gene therapy programs.
Updates for Small Molecule Splicing Platform:

Data from pivotal FIREFISH and SUNFISH part 1 studies were presented at the World Muscle Society Congress in October, demonstrating continued clinical benefit with risdiplam in Type 1, 2, and 3 SMA patients.
In part 1 of FIREFISH, babies with Type 1 SMA continue to achieve motor milestones including at least one patient now standing and two patients starting to walk.
Risdiplam continues to be well tolerated at all doses across studies and there have been no drug related safety findings leading to withdrawal.
Part 2 SUNFISH data is expected by the end of the year followed by part 2 FIREFISH data in early 2020.
Planned NDA filing with the FDA is on track for the second half of this year with the intention to support a broad label to treat SMA Types 1, 2, & 3 patients. Filing of the MAA in the EU is expected to occur in the first half of 2020.
Based on initial feedback from the FDA on the complexity of a clinical pathway for the small population of patients, PTC has decided to discontinue the Familial Dysautonomia oral splicing program.
PTC continues to prioritize our Huntington’s program, which is scaling up with safety and toxicology work and is expected to enter the clinic in 2020.
PTC Full Year 2019 Guidance:

PTC anticipates DMD franchise net product revenues for the full year 2019 to remain between $285 and $305 million.
PTC anticipates GAAP R&D and SG&A expense for the full year 2019 to be between $420 and $430 million.
PTC anticipates Non-GAAP R&D and SG&A expense for the full year 2019 to be between $380 and $390 million, an increase from $360 and $370 million, excluding estimated non-cash, stock-based compensation expense of approximately $40 million, an increase from $35 million. This increase in operating expense is primarily due to the acceleration of activities in our core programs, including research and gene therapy manufacturing.
Third Quarter 2019 Financial Highlights:

Total revenues were $71.4 million for the third quarter of 2019, compared to $53.6 million for the third quarter of 2018.
Translarna net product revenues were $48.3 million for the third quarter of 2019, compared to $30.4 million for the third quarter of 2018. These results reflect the expanded commercialization of Translarna.
Emflaza net product revenues were $22.9 million for the third quarter of 2019, compared to $22.6 million for the third quarter of 2018. These results reflect an increase in the utilization of Medicaid which changed our gross to net assumptions and includes the impact of transitioning to a new specialty pharmacy distributor.
GAAP R&D expenses were $63.1 million for the third quarter of 2019, compared to $54.4 million for the third quarter of 2018. The increase in R&D expenses reflects costs associated with advancing the gene therapy platform and increased investment in research programs as well as advancement of the clinical pipeline.
Non-GAAP R&D expenses were $58.1 million for the third quarter of 2019, excluding $5.0 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense, compared to $49.9 million for the third quarter of 2018, excluding $4.4 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense.
GAAP SG&A expenses were $49.3 million for the third quarter of 2019, compared to $38.4 million for the third quarter of 2018. The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to continued investment in support of our commercial activities.
Non-GAAP SG&A expenses were $43.8 million for the third quarter of 2019, excluding $5.5 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense, compared to $33.9 million for the third quarter of 2018, excluding $4.5 million in non-cash, stock-based compensation expense.
Change in the fair value of deferred and contingent consideration was $9.5 million for the third quarter of 2019. The change in fair value of deferred and contingent consideration is related to the fair valuation of potential future consideration to be paid to former equity holders of Agilis Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Agilis) in connection with PTC’s acquisition of Agilis, which closed in August 2018.
Net loss was $60.0 million for the third quarter of 2019, compared to net loss of $51.0 million for the third quarter of 2018.
Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $708.6 million at September 30, 2019, compared to $227.6 million at December 31, 2018. We completed a financing that amounted to $287.5 million in convertible bonds and $100.0 million in equity for a total consideration of $387.5 million, resulting in net offering proceeds of $376.3 million.
Shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2019 were 61,578,992.
Upcoming investor conferences
Credit Suisse 28th Annual Healthcare Conference, November 12th 2:25 pm MT.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
In this press release, the financial results and financial guidance of PTC are provided in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and using certain non-GAAP financial measures. In particular, the non-GAAP financial measures exclude non-cash, stock-based compensation expense. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided as a complement to financial measures reported in GAAP because management uses these non-GAAP financial measures when assessing and identifying operational trends. In management’s opinion, these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors and other users of PTC’s financial statements by providing greater transparency into the historical and projected operating performance of PTC and the company’s future outlook. Non-GAAP financial measures are not an alternative for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Quantitative reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to their respective closest equivalent GAAP financial measures are included in the table below.

Today’s Conference Call and Webcast Reminder:
Today’s conference call will take place at 4:30 pm ET and can be access by dialing (877) 303-9216 (domestic) or (973) 935-8152 (international) five minutes prior to the start of the call and providing the passcode 9224968. A live, listen-only webcast of the conference call can be accessed on the investor relations section of the PTC website at www.ptcbio.com. The accompanying slide presentation will be posted on the investor relations section of the PTC website. A webcast replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after completion of the call and will be archived on the company’s website for two weeks.