Adaptive Biotechnologies and Collaborators to Present 28 Studies at ASH 2018 that Support the Use of the clonoSEQ® Assay to Detect and Monitor Minimal Residual Disease in Patients with Blood Cancers

On November 30, 2018 Adaptive Biotechnologies and its collaborators reported it will present 28 studies, including a late-breaker presentation, at the 60th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Diego, December 1-4, 2018 (Press release, Adaptive Biotechnologies, NOV 30, 2018, View Source [SID1234531753]). The data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) builds on the recent FDA clearance of the clonoSEQ Assay to detect and monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with multiple myeloma or B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), using DNA from a patient’s bone marrow sample.

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Among the 28 clonoSEQ studies at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper), new research supports expanded use in myeloma and ALL, efficacy in other blood cancers like chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL), and ability to detect MRD in blood-based samples. New data generated using clonoSEQ will be presented that demonstrate the value of a highly sensitive, standardized next-generation sequencing MRD test to determine early response to treatment and predict potential relapse in myeloma and ALL patients. Data will also be presented that look at the sensitivity of clonoSEQ and other technologies to assess MRD.

"This year has been a landmark year for minimal residual disease. It’s one of the first new endpoints we’ve seen in hematology clinical trials since progression-free survival," said Chad Robins, chief executive officer and co-founder of Adaptive Biotechnologies. "The volume and the quality of MRD data being presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) establish that MRD has firmly taken root as a clinical trial endpoint and biomarker that can help predict patient outcomes. With greater reliance on MRD in clinical trials, as well as a growing focus on monitoring MRD to inform patient care, having access to a highly sensitive, standardized test like clonoSEQ is paramount."

clonoSEQ, the first clinical application of Adaptive’s pioneering immune profiling platform, will be featured in a late-breaker presentation, 12 oral presentations and 15 posters. Data on approved, investigational and research uses will be presented across a range of cancers – 14 multiple myeloma, 4 ALL, 4 CLL, 4 mantle cell lymphoma, 1 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and 1 Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Key highlights include:

Abstract Title Date, Time, Location
Multiple myeloma and ALL
Abstract #LBA-2, Late-Breaker Presentation

LBA-2: Phase 3 Randomized Study of Daratumumab Plus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (D-Rd) Versus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (Rd) in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM) Ineligible for Transplant (MAIA) Tuesday, December 4, 7:30 AM PT, Hall AB, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract #156, Oral Presentation

One-Year Update of a Phase 3 Randomized Study of Daratumumab Plus Bortezomib, Melphalan, and Prednisone (D-VMP) Versus Bortezomib, Melphalan, and Prednisone (VMP) in Patients (Pts) with Transplant-Ineligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM): Alcyone Saturday, December 1, 1:15 PM PT, Grand Ballroom 7, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Abstract #123, Oral Presentation

Ixazomib-Lenalidomide-Dexamethasone (IRd) Consolidation Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: A Large Multi-Center Phase II Trial Saturday, December 1, 10:00 AM PT, Grand Hall C, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Abstract #281, Oral Presentation

Multivariable Modeling of Disease and Treatment Characteristics of Adults with B-ALL in MRD-Negative CR after CD19 CAR-T Cells Identifies Factors Impacting Disease-Free Survival Sunday, December 2, 8:30 AM PT, Ballroom 20D, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract #1551, Poster Presentation

Molecular Detection of Minimal Residual Disease Precedes Morphological Relapse and Could be Used to Identify Relapse in Pediatric and Young Adult B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients Treated with Tisagenlecleucel Saturday, December 1,
6:15 PM PT, Hall GH, San Diego Convention Center

Abstract #3272, Poster Presentation

Evaluation of Sustained Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Negativity in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM) Patients (Pts) Treated with Daratumumab in Combination with Lenalidomide Plus Dexamethasone (D-Rd) or Bortezomib Plus Dexamethasone (D-Vd): Analysis of Pollux and Castor Sunday, December 2, 6:00 PM PT, Hall GH, San Diego Convention Center
Blood-based MRD Monitoring
Abstract #147, Oral Presentation

Circulating Tumor DNA Dynamics during Therapy Predict Outcomes in Mantle Cell Lymphoma Saturday, December 1, 12:30 PM PT, Pacific Ballroom 20, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Abstract #3137, Poster Presentation

Undetectable-Minimal Residual Disease (U-MRD6) (10-6 sensitivity) Is Associated with Best Progression-Free Survival for Patients Who Achieve Bone Marrow Undetectable MRD4 (10-4 sensitivity) with First-Line FCR Sunday, December 2, 6:00 PM PT, Hall GH, San Diego Convention Center
About Minimal Residual Disease

Minimal residual disease (MRD), also referred to as measurable residual disease, refers to cancer cells that remain in the body after treatment for patients with lymphoid cancers. These cells can be present at levels undetectable by traditional morphologic methods, microscopic examination of blood, or a bone marrow or a lymph node biopsy.

MRD is used by physicians to detect and monitor disease burden in patients and to inform their treatment decisions. Clinical practice guidelines recommend assessing MRD at multiple time points during treatment and maintenance in MM and ALL, and guidelines for both diseases include NGS as a recommended testing method. The prognostic value of MRD assessment has been demonstrated in multiple lymphoid cancers. Controlled trials have shown that even small amounts of disease are profoundly significant for predicting a patient’s long-term clinical outcomes. Therefore, highly sensitive, standardized molecular technologies are needed for reliable detection of MRD.

Measurement of MRD is currently being evaluated as a way to measure efficacy in drug trials, with the potential to expedite the approval of emerging therapies.

About the clonoSEQ Assay

The Adaptive Biotechnologies clonoSEQ Assay has been granted De Novo designation by the FDA as an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) to detect and monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) using DNA from bone marrow samples. It identifies and quantifies specific DNA sequences found in malignant cells, allowing clinicians to monitor patients for changes in disease burden during and after treatment. This robust assay provides sensitive and accurate measurement of residual disease that allows physicians to predict patient outcomes, assess response to therapy over time, monitor patients during remission and detect potential relapse. The clonoSEQ Assay is a single-site assay performed at Adaptive Biotechnologies. It is also available as a CLIA-regulated laboratory developed test (LDT) service for use in other lymphoid cancers.

clonoSEQ was reviewed under the FDA’s De Novo premarket review pathway, a regulatory pathway for some low- to moderate-risk novel devices for which there is no legally marketed predicate device.

For important information about the FDA-cleared uses of clonoSEQ, including the full intended use, limitations, and detailed performance characteristics, please visit www.clonoSEQ.com/technical-summary

SELLAS to Present Further Correlative Data from Phase 2b Trial of NeuVax + Herceptin® at the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

On November 30, 2018 SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLS) ("SELLAS" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel cancer immunotherapies for a broad range of cancer indications, reported that further correlative data from the Phase 2b trial of nelipepimut-S (NPS, NeuVax) in combination with trastuzumab (Herceptin) for the treatment of women with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) will be presented in a poster presentation at the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), taking place December 4-8, 2018 in San Antonio, TX (Press release, Sellas Life Sciences, NOV 30, 2018, View Source;Herceptin-at-the-2018-San-Antonio-Breast-Cancer-Symposium/default.aspx [SID1234531752]). The data will include efficacy results from analysis of key predefined subgroups and the difference in the patterns of disease relapse between the active (NPS plus trastuzumab) versus the control (trastuzumab) arms.

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Details for the presentation are as follows:

Title: Subgroups analysis of a multicenter, prospective, randomized, blinded phase 2b trial of trastuzumab + nelipeptimut-S (NeuVax) vs trastuzumab for prevention of recurrence in breast cancer patients

Poster Session 2: Treatment: Immunotherapy (clinical)

Poster Hall Location: Hall 1

Poster Hall Hours: Thursday, December 6, 2018; 8:30 – 10:00 am ET

Abstract ID: P2-09-01

SELLAS previously announced that the full dataset, as well as correlations between clinical response and HLA type, from the Phase 2b trial of nelipepimut-S in combination with trastuzumab were presented in an oral presentation at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) on October 22, 2018 in Munich, Germany, and in a poster presentation at the 2018 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Annual Meeting on November 9 and 10, 2018 in Washington, D.C., respectively

Fate Therapeutics Announces FDA Clearance of Landmark IND for FT500 iPSC-derived, Off-the-Shelf NK Cell Cancer Immunotherapy

On November 30, 2018 Fate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: FATE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of programmed cellular immunotherapies for cancer and immune disorders, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed its Investigational New Drug (IND) Application for FT500, the Company’s universal, off-the-shelf natural killer (NK) cell product candidate derived from a clonal master induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line (Press release, Fate Therapeutics, NOV 30, 2018, View Source [SID1234531751]). The clinical trial of FT500 is expected to be the first-ever clinical investigation in the U.S. of an iPSC-derived cell product.

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"The clearance by the FDA of our FT500 IND is a significant milestone and marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the clinical development of cell products," said Scott Wolchko, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fate Therapeutics. "Clonal master iPSC lines are a renewable cell source that can uniquely produce cell products which are uniformly engineered and well characterized, can be mass produced in a cost-effective manner, and can be delivered off-the-shelf to treat many patients. This revolutionary paradigm overcomes significant challenges that limit both patient- and donor-derived cell therapy, where heterogeneous populations of primary cells are repeatedly sourced, engineered, expanded and characterized on a batch-by-batch basis resulting in cell therapies with substantial variability in quality, consistency and potency."

The Company plans to initiate first-in-human clinical testing of FT500 in combination with checkpoint inhibitor therapy for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. This study is expected to evaluate the safety and tolerability of multiple doses of FT500, in multiple dosing cycles with nivolumab, pembrolizumab or atezolizumab, in subjects that have progressed or failed on checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

On Monday, December 3, an oral presentation at the 60thAmerican Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition will feature new preclinical data demonstrating that FT500 has enhanced anti-tumor cytotoxicity and promotes T-cell activation and homing. Moreover, in an in vitro three-dimensional tumor spheroid model, FT500 in combination with activated T cells and an anti-PD1 antibody significantly enhance the elimination of target cancer cells, as compared to FT500 or activated T cells alone. Additional iPSC-derived, off-the-shelf cell product candidates from the Company’s iPSC product platform, including its first iPSC-derived chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell (FT819) and CAR NK cell (FT596) product candidates, will also be highlighted at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper).

About Fate Therapeutics’ iPSC Product Platform
The Company’s proprietary iPSC product platform enables mass production of off-the-shelf, engineered, homogeneous cell products that can be administered in repeat doses to mediate more effective pharmacologic activity, including in combination with cycles of other cancer treatments. Human iPSCs possess the unique dual properties of unlimited self-renewal and differentiation potential into all cell types of the body. The Company’s first-of-kind approach involves engineering human iPSCs in a one-time genetic modification event, and selecting a single iPSC for maintenance as a clonal master iPSC line. Analogous to master cell lines used to manufacture biopharmaceutical drug products such as monoclonal antibodies, clonal master iPSC lines are a renewable source for manufacturing cell therapy products which are well-defined and uniform in composition, can be mass produced at significant scale in a cost-effective manner, and can be delivered off-the-shelf to treat many patients. Fate Therapeutics’ iPSC product platform is supported by an intellectual property portfolio of over 100 issued patents and 100 pending patent applications.

Stemline Therapeutics Highlights Four ELZONRIS Presentations, Including an Oral Presentation, at the Upcoming ASH Meeting

On November 30, 2018 Stemline Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: STML), reported a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel oncology therapeutics, highlighted four upcoming ELZONRIS (tagraxofusp; SL-401) presentations, including an oral presentation, at this weekend’s American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition, being held December 1-4, 2018 in San Diego, CA (Press release, Stemline Therapeutics, NOV 30, 2018, View Source [SID1234531750]).

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Additionally, the Company will host an investor/analyst event on December 3, 2018, where it will provide updates on the progress of its pre-commercial activities, disease awareness campaign, and ongoing market expansion efforts. If interested in attending, please contact Investor Relations ([email protected]).

Details on the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) presentations are below. Presentations will be available on the Stemline website, Scientific Presentations tab, after their delivery, as well as at our Stemline corporate booth (#205) at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2018.

Saturday, December 1st – Poster Presentations

Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
Title: Results from Ongoing Phase 1/2 Trial of Tagraxofusp (SL-401) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
Presenter: Mrinal Patnaik, MBBS; Mayo Clinic
Abstract: 1821
Session: 637. Myelodysplastic Syndromes – Clinical Studies: Poster I
Date/Time: Saturday, December 1, 2018 6:15 PM–8:15 PM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Myelofibrosis (MF)
Title: Results from Ongoing Phase 1/2 Trial of Tagraxofusp (SL-401) in Patients with Intermediate or High Risk Relapsed/Refractory Myelofibrosis
Presenter: Naveen Pemmaraju, MD; MD Anderson Cancer Center
Abstract: 1773
Session: 634. Myeloproliferative Syndromes: Clinical: Poster I
Date/Time: Saturday, December 1, 2018 6:15 PM–8:15 PM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Tagraxofusp + Hypomethylating Agents: Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
Title: Evaluation of Combination Tagraxofusp (SL-401) and Hypomethylating Agent (HMA) Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
Presenter: Aishwarya Krishnan, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Abstract: 1809
Session: 636. Myelodysplastic Syndromes – Basic and Translational Studies: Poster I
Date/Time: Saturday, December 1, 2018 6:15 PM – 8:15 PM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Monday, December 3rd – Oral Presentation

BPDCN – Oral Presentation
Title: Results of Pivotal Phase 2 Trial of Tagraxofusp (SL-401) in Patients with Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN)
Presenter: Naveen Pemmaraju, MD; MD Anderson Cancer Center
Abstract: 765
Session: 616. Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Novel Therapy, Excluding Transplantation: New Treatment Strategies
Date/Time: Monday, December 3, 2018 3:15 PM PT
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, Seaport Ballroom F

About BPDCN
Please visit the BPDCN disease awareness booth (#205) at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2018, and the BPDCN disease awareness website at www.bpdcninfo.com.

Can-Fite Reports Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results and Provides Clinical Development Update

On November 30, 2018 Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American:CANF) (TASE:CFBI), a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of proprietary small-molecule drugs that address cancer, liver disease and inflammatory diseases, reported financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and provided recent clinical development and corporate updates (Press release, Can-Fite BioPharma, NOV 30, 2018, View Source [SID1234531749]).

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"Prolonged longevity of patients in our Namodenoson Phase II advanced liver study was reported this quarter. It is a significant highlight in our clinical trial progress and because of this development, we now expect to release top-line results during the first quarter of 2019," said Pnina Fishman, Ph.D., CEO of Can-Fite. "This development provides further encouragement that this therapy could bring value to patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis with a Child Pugh B score, whose disease has progressed on sorafenib therapy."

Dr. Fishman continued, "With the need for better treatments for autoimmune inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, as well as for liver diseases such as liver cancer and NASH, we are encouraged by the progress we are making in our ongoing clinical studies. We believe there is a significant role we can play in a market that has been searching for novel therapeutic solutions for better patient care."

Recent Highlights:

Namodenoson for the Treatment of Liver Diseases

Can-Fite announced that due to patient survival, top-line results of the Namodenoson Phase II advanced liver cancer study were expected to be released in Q1 2019. The statistical plan for this trial requires that the primary efficacy analysis occurs when no more than 3 of the original 78 patients survive.
In anticipation of the Phase II liver cancer data release, Can-Fite brought on board Professor Joseph Llovet, a Key Opinion Leader in the field of liver diseases, founder and director of the Liver Cancer Program and full professor of medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York University (USA). Professor Llovet will assist in the analysis of the Phase II data that are anticipated in Q1 2019.
Can-Fite presented a poster titled "Namodenoson Anti-Fibrogenic Effect is Mediated via De-Regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin Pathway," at the Hepatic Fibrosis Conference of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) in September. The data, highlighting the anti-fibrogenic effects of Namodenoson, demonstrated significant decrease in liver fibrosis upon chronic treatment with Namodenoson in the CCL4 NAFLD/NASH model.
Can-Fite’s CEO Dr. Pnina Fishman presented on Namodenoson at NASH Summit Europe 2018 in October. Dr. Fishman spotlighted preclinical data from three experimental animal models showing that the anti-inflammatory, anti-steatotic and anti-fibrogenic effects of Namodenoson are mediated via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, highly active in the liver of NAFLD/NASH animals or individuals.
Can-Fite CEO Dr. Pnina Fishman presented on Namodenoson at The NYC Oncology Investor Conference 2018 in October. She presented the molecular mechanism mediating the anti-cancer effects of Namodenoson and described clinical data from the Company’s earlier Phase I/II liver cancer study. In addition, she presented the status of the current Phase II study in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, Child Pugh B.
Piclidenoson for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis

Phase III clinical studies for the treatment of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis continue to enroll patients.
Financial Results

Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $3.5 million compared to $0.7 million for the same period in 2017. The increase in revenue was mainly due to the recognition of the $2 million advance payment received in August 2018 under the distribution agreement with CMS Medical and from a portion of the $2.2 million advance payment received in January 2018 under the distribution agreement with Gebro.

Research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $4 million compared with $3.5 million for the same period in 2017. Research and development expenses for the nine months of 2018 were comprised primarily of expenses associated with the Phase II studies for Namodenoson as well as expenses for ongoing studies of Piclidenoson. The increase is primarily due to increased costs associated with the initiation of the Phase III clinical trial of Piclidenoson for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. We expect that the research and development expenses will increase through the rest of 2018 and beyond.

General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $2.4 million, compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2017. The increase is primarily due to an increase in professional services and investor relations expenses. We expect that the annual general and administrative expenses for 2018 will be higher compared to 2017.

Financial expenses, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $0.2 million compared to financial income, net of $0.2 million for the same period in 2017. The increase in financial expenses, net was mainly due to recognition of interest expenses related to implementation of revenue recognition accounting standard IFRS 15, while in the same period in 2017, financial income was mainly due to fair value revaluation of warrants which were offset by financial expenses from exchange rate differences.

Can-Fite’s net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $3.1 million compared with a net loss of $4.7 million for the same period in 2017. The difference in net loss was primarily attributable to an increase in revenues in 2018.

As of September 30, 2018, Can-Fite had cash and cash equivalents of $5.7 million as compared to $3.5 million at December 31, 2017. The increase in cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is due to U.S. $4.37 million received from the issuance of shares and warrants, net of issuance expenses, the $2.2 million advance payment received from Gebro, and $2 million advance payment received from CMS Medical which were offset by our operating expenses.

The Company’s consolidated financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.