Medtronic Completes Acquisition of HeartWare International

On August 23, 2016 Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), the global leader in medical technology, reported that it has completed its acquisition of HeartWare International, Inc., a leading innovator of less-invasive, miniaturized, mechanical circulatory support technologies (MCS) for treating patients with advanced heart failure (Press release, Medtronic, AUG 23, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2196837 [SID:1234514704]). HeartWare will become part of the Heart Failure business within the Medtronic Cardiac Rhythm and Heart Failure division. Under the terms of the transaction, each outstanding share of HeartWare common stock has been converted into the right to receive $58.00 in cash, without interest, subject to any required withholding of taxes.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

HeartWare develops and manufactures miniaturized implantable heart pumps, or ventricular assist devices (VAD), to treat patients around the world suffering from advanced heart failure. Its flagship product, the HVAD System, features the world’s smallest full-support VAD and is indicated for refractory end-stage left-ventricular heart failure patients in the U.S. who are awaiting a heart transplant, as well as approved in Europe for long-term use in patients at risk of death from refractory, end-stage heart failure.
Medtronic estimates that the global VAD market is approximately $800 million currently, and worldwide is expected to grow in the mid-to-high single digits for calendar years 2016-17, and accelerate to high-single/low-double digits beyond calendar year 2017.
"Not only does the current HeartWare portfolio expand Medtronic leadership across the heart failure continuum, its product pipeline – when married with our expertise – can result in progressively less-invasive heart pumps that have the potential to benefit even more patients," said David Steinhaus, M.D., vice president and general manager of the Heart Failure business, and medical director for the Cardiac Rhythm and Heart Failure division at Medtronic. "Today, Medtronic offers the industry’s leading cardiac resynchronization therapy devices, including MR-conditional CRT-defibrillators; MCS therapy for advanced heart failure patients; heart failure diagnostics; and meaningful expert analysis through Medtronic Care Management Services, including the recently launched Beacon Heart Failure Management Service."

The acquisition of HeartWare broadens the Medtronic portfolio of therapies, diagnostic tools and services for patients suffering from heart failure, aligning with Medtronic’s Mission of alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life. The acquisition is part of the Company’s therapy innovation strategy to surround the physician with innovative products while focusing on patients and disease states.

"This is an exciting moment, as more than 600 HeartWare employees are now part of the broader Medtronic organization," said Doug Godshall, who served as president and chief executive of HeartWare for the past decade. "HeartWare has delivered incredible advancements for patients suffering from heart failure, through the commercialization of the HVAD system and pipeline development, and I am convinced that being part of Medtronic will allow us to accelerate meaningful innovations even more quickly."

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart isn’t pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Heart failure usually develops slowly after an injury to the heart. Some injuries may include a progressive deterioration of the heart muscle, heart attack, untreated high blood pressure, or heart valve disease. Heart failure remains a leading cause of hospitalization and death in the United States, and its prevalence continues to increase, affecting more than 5 million people in the U.S. alone. The cost of heart failure is high. Healthcare expenditures in the U.S. on heart failure are estimated to be approximately $39 billion per year, making it one of the largest expenses to the healthcare system. With the aging of the population, Medtronic estimates that the number of patients with heart failure could exceed 8 million by 2030.

This transaction is expected to meet Medtronic’s long-term financial metrics for acquisitions. Medtronic does not intend to modify its fiscal year 2017 revenue outlook or earnings per share (EPS) guidance as a result of this transaction, although it is expected to provide increased confidence in the company’s ability to deliver on its FY17 revenue growth outlook. In addition, Medtronic expects minimal to no net EPS dilution from this transaction for the first two years as the company intends to offset the expected dilutive impact. The acquisition is expected to be earnings accretive in year three.

In collaboration with leading clinicians, researchers and scientists worldwide, Medtronic offers the broadest range of innovative medical technology for the interventional and surgical treatment of cardiovascular disease and cardiac arrhythmias. The company strives to offer products and services of the highest quality that deliver clinical and economic value to healthcare consumers and providers around the world.

The Tender Offer and Merger
The tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of HeartWare common stock expired as scheduled immediately after 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 22, 2016. Computershare Trust Company, N.A., the depositary and paying agent for the tender offer, has advised Medtronic that 14,952,817 shares of HeartWare common stock were validly tendered and not properly withdrawn in the tender offer, representing approximately 85.15% of the outstanding shares. All of the conditions to the tender offer have been satisfied, and on August 23, 2016, Medtronic Acquisition Corp., a subsidiary of Medtronic, accepted for payment and will promptly pay for all shares validly tendered and not properly withdrawn in the tender offer.

Following acceptance of the tendered shares, Medtronic completed its acquisition of HeartWare through the merger of Medtronic Acquisition Corp. with and into HeartWare without a vote of HeartWare’s stockholders pursuant to Section 251(h) of the Delaware General Corporation Law. As a result of the merger, HeartWare became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Medtronic. In connection with the merger, all HeartWare shares not validly tendered into the tender offer (other than shares (i) owned by HeartWare as treasury stock or owned by Medtronic, Inc. or Medtronic Acquisition Corp., which shares were cancelled and retired and cease to exist or (ii) held by any person who was entitled to and has properly demanded statutory appraisal of his or her shares) have been cancelled and converted into the right to receive the same $58.00 per share in cash, without interest, subject to any required withholding of taxes, as will be paid for all shares that were validly tendered and not properly withdrawn in the tender offer. HeartWare common stock will cease to be traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer to Present New Eliquis (apixaban) Analyses at ESC Congress 2016

On August 23, 2016 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (link is external) (NYSE: BMY) and Pfizer Inc.(NYSE: PFE) reported that 19 abstracts (late-breaking, rapid-fire, oral and poster presentations) will be presented at ESC Congress 2016, to be held August 27–31 in Rome, Italy (Press release, Pfizer, AUG 23, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514680]). These new data from post-hoc analyses from ARISTOTLE (Apixaban for Reduction In STroke and Other ThromboemboLic Events in Atrial Fibrillation) and retrospective real-world data analyses continue to underscore the Alliance’s commitment to the evaluation of Eliquisfor patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Of note, several of the real-world data analyses are part of ACROPOLIS (Apixaban ExperienCe Through Real-WOrld POpuLatIon Studies), a global real-world data research program designed to further evaluate the effectiveness and safety of apixaban in routine clinical practice.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"The Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer Alliance is pleased to share 19 abstracts, which include new real-world analyses, as well as new sub-analyses from the pivotal Phase 3 ARISTOTLE trial," said Rory O’Connor, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Internal Medicine, Pfizer Innovative Health. "We look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the scientific discussion and continued research during ESC Congress 2016."

"As patient and provider needs continue to evolve, it’s essential that we deepen our understanding of how medicines are working in real-world situations," said Jack Lawrence, M.D., Vice President, Cardiovascular Specialty Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "This year at ESC Congress 2016, we’ll be discussing new NVAF and VTE data that complement our robust body of clinical trial data."

The complete list of Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer Alliance presentations is included below. Abstracts can be accessed on the ESC Congress 2016 website (link is external).

Title Presenting Author/Type Date/Time (BST) Location/Session
Phase 3 Clinical Trial Sub-Analyses
Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and History of Falls Are at High Risk for Bleeding but Have Less Bleeding with Apixaban than Warfarin: Results from the ARISTOTLE Trial
Session: New Trends in Antithrombotic Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation
Rao et al. /
Oral, Rapid Fire
Aug. 28,
11:10
Agora 1 – Poster Area
Efficacy and Safety of Apixaban versus Warfarin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Active Cancer: Insights from the ARISTOTLE Trial
Session: New Trends in Antithrombotic Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation
Melloni et al. /
Oral, Rapid Fire
Aug. 28,
11:20
Agora 1 – Poster Area
Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Treated with Apixaban Are Less Likely to Discontinue Study Drug When Compared with Warfarin: Insights from the ARISTOTLE Trial
Session: Poster Session 3: Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation III

Xavier et al. /
Poster
Aug. 28,
14:00
Poster Area
Real-World Data and Other Analyses
Contemporary Results from EHR Study of Real-World Bleeding Risk among Elderly and Overall Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients Prescribed Apixaban, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban and Warfarin
Session: New Trends in Antithrombotic Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation
Horblyuk et al. /
Oral, Rapid Fire
Aug. 28,
12:00
Agora 1 – Poster Area
Real-World Comparisons of Major Bleeding Risk and Major Bleeding-Related Hospitalization Costs among Elderly Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients Newly Initiated on Apixaban or Warfarin
Session: Poster Session 3: Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation

Lip et al. /
Poster
Aug. 28,
14:00
Poster Area
Is Major Bleeding Risk for Oral Anticoagulants Similar Between Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients Newly Initiated on Warfarin and Propensity-Score Matched NOAC Initiators? A Real World Study
Session: Poster Session 3: Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation
Lip et al. /
Poster
Aug. 28,
14:00
Poster Area
Major Bleeding Risk in Patients 75 Years of Age or Older with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Initiating Oral Anticoagulants: A ‘Real-World’ Comparison of Warfarin, Apixaban, Dabigatran, or Rivaroxaban
Session: Poster Session 3: Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation II

Lip et al. /
Poster
Aug. 28,
14:00
Poster Area
Is There a Difference in Treatment Persistence Across Oral Anticoagulants? Results of a UK Cohort Study Evaluating Oral Anticoagulation Therapy in an Atrial Fibrillation Population
Session: Poster Session 3: Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation
Stynes et al. /
Poster
Aug. 28,
14:00
Poster Area
Real-World Comparison of Major Bleeding and Associated Costs among Treatment-Naïve Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients Initiating Apixaban or Warfarin
Session: Poster Session 3: Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation II
Trocio et al. /
Poster
Aug. 28,
14:00
Poster Area
Aspirin, not without Bleeding Risk in the Real World: Results of a UK Cohort Study Evaluating the Use of Antiplatelet Therapy for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
Session: Poster Session 3: Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation III
Ridha et al. / Poster
Aug. 28,
14:00
Poster Area
Is Aspirin Monotherapy Effective for Stroke Prevention in the Real World? A UK Cohort Study Evaluating the Incidence of Stroke in the Absence of Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
Session: Poster Session 3: Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation II
Ridha et al. /
Poster
Aug. 28,
14:00
Poster Area
Differences in the Characteristics of Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Who Are Newly Prescribed Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran and VKA in General Practice in the UK
Session: Poster Session 3: Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation

Stynes et al. /
Poster
Aug. 28,
14:00
Poster Area
Risk of Bleeding with Non-Vitamin K Antagonists and Phenprocoumon in Routine Care Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation
Session: Poster Session 3: Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation III

Hohnloser et al. /
Poster
Aug. 28,
14:00
Poster Area
Are Your Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Patients Protected from Ischaemic Stroke? Clinical Characteristics of AF Patients Eligible for Stroke Prevention but Remaining Untreated in UK Clinical Practice
Session: Poster Session 3: Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation II

Ridha et al. /
Poster
Aug. 28,
14:00
Poster Area
Bleeding Risk for Non-Valvular AF Patients Prescribed Warfarin, or Standard Doses of Apixaban 5mg BID, Dabigatran 150mg BID or Rivaroxaban 20mg QD in Real-World Practice: Findings from EHR
Session: Are You Still Afraid about Bleeding Risk of Antithrombotic Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation?
Lip et al. /
Oral, Advances in Science
Aug. 28,
14:18
Minsk – Village 4
Demographic and Clinical Characteristics Associated with Initiation of Individual Oral Anticoagulants among Patients with Newly Diagnosed Venous Thromboembolism
Session: Poster Session 4: Thrombosis and Coagulation
Li et al. /
Poster
Aug. 29,
08:30
Poster Area
A Nationwide Register Study to Compare Bleeding Rates in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Prescribed Oral Anticoagulants
Session: Registries Atrial Fibrillation

Halvorsen et al. /
Late-Breaker
Aug. 29,
08:45
Raphael – The Hub
Costs of Major Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Incident Venous Thromboembolism in Clinical Practice in the United Kingdom
Session: Advances in Pulmonary Embolism

Cohen et al. /
Poster
Aug. 29,
16:03
Moderated Poster Station – Poster Area
Potential Impact of Apixaban on Hospital Resource Use in Patients with Venous Thromboembolism
Session: Antithrombotics in Daily Clinical Practice
Li et al. /
Oral, Rapid Fire
Aug 30,
17:24
Galileo – The Hub
About Eliquis

Eliquis (apixaban) is an oral selective Factor Xa inhibitor. By inhibiting Factor Xa, a key blood clotting protein, Eliquisdecreases thrombin generation and blood clot formation. Eliquis is approved for multiple indications in the U.S. based on efficacy and safety data from seven Phase 3 clinical trials. Eliquis is a prescription medicine indicated to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF); for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery; for the treatment of DVT and PE; and to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE, following initial therapy.

ELIQUIS Indications and Important Safety Information

Indications

ELIQUIS is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

ELIQUIS is indicated for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery.

ELIQUIS is indicated for the treatment of DVT and PE, and to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy.

ELIQUIS Important Safety Information

WARNING: (A) PREMATURE DISCONTINUATION OF ELIQUIS INCREASES THE RISK OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS, (B) SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA

(A) Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including ELIQUIS, increases the risk of thrombotic events. If anticoagulation with ELIQUIS is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant.

(B) Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients treated with ELIQUIS who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include:
use of indwelling epidural catheters
concomitant use of other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, other anticoagulants
a history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures
a history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery
optimal timing between the administration of ELIQUIS and neuraxial procedures is not known

Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary.

Consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated.
CONTRAINDICATIONS

Active pathological bleeding
Severe hypersensitivity reaction to ELIQUIS (e.g., anaphylactic reactions)
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Increased Risk of Thrombotic Events after Premature Discontinuation: Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including ELIQUIS, in the absence of adequate alternative anticoagulation increases the risk of thrombotic events. An increased rate of stroke was observed during the transition from ELIQUIS to warfarin in clinical trials in atrial fibrillation patients. If ELIQUIS is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant.
Bleeding Risk: ELIQUIS increases the risk of bleeding and can cause serious, potentially fatal, bleeding.
Concomitant use of drugs affecting hemostasis increases the risk of bleeding, including aspirin and other antiplatelet agents, other anticoagulants, heparin, thrombolytic agents, SSRIs, SNRIs, and NSAIDs.
Advise patients of signs and symptoms of blood loss and to report them immediately or go to an emergency room. Discontinue ELIQUIS in patients with active pathological hemorrhage.
There is no established way to reverse the anticoagulant effect of apixaban, which can be expected to persist for at least 24 hours after the last dose (i.e., about two half-lives). A specific antidote for ELIQUIS is not available.
Spinal/Epidural Anesthesia or Puncture: Patients treated with ELIQUIS undergoing spinal/epidural anesthesia or puncture may develop an epidural or spinal hematoma which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis.
The risk of these events may be increased by the postoperative use of indwelling epidural catheters or the concomitant use of medicinal products affecting hemostasis. Indwelling epidural or intrathecal catheters should not be removed earlier than 24 hours after the last administration of ELIQUIS. The next dose of ELIQUIS should not be administered earlier than 5 hours after the removal of the catheter. The risk may also be increased by traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture. If traumatic puncture occurs, delay the administration of ELIQUIS for 48 hours.

Monitor patients frequently and if neurological compromise is noted, urgent diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Physicians should consider the potential benefit versus the risk of neuraxial intervention in ELIQUIS patients.

Prosthetic Heart Valves: The safety and efficacy of ELIQUIS have not been studied in patients with prosthetic heart valves and is not recommended in these patients.
Acute PE in Hemodynamically Unstable Patients or Patients who Require Thrombolysis or Pulmonary Embolectomy: Initiation of ELIQUIS is not recommended as an alternative to unfractionated heparin for the initial treatment of patients with PE who present with hemodynamic instability or who may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy.
ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common and most serious adverse reactions reported with ELIQUIS were related to bleeding.
TEMPORARY INTERRUPTION FOR SURGERY AND OTHER INTERVENTIONS

ELIQUIS should be discontinued at least 48 hours prior to elective surgery or invasive procedures with a moderate or high risk of unacceptable or clinically significant bleeding. ELIQUIS should be discontinued at least 24 hours prior to elective surgery or invasive procedures with a low risk of bleeding or where the bleeding would be noncritical in location and easily controlled. Bridging anticoagulation during the 24 to 48 hours after stopping ELIQUIS and prior to the intervention is not generally required. ELIQUIS should be restarted after the surgical or other procedures as soon as adequate hemostasis has been established.
DRUG INTERACTIONS

Strong Dual Inhibitors of CYP3A4 and P-gp: Inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) increase exposure to apixaban and increase the risk of bleeding. For patients receiving ELIQUIS doses of 5 mg or 10 mg twice daily, reduce the dose of ELIQUIS by 50% when ELIQUIS is coadministered with drugs that are strong dual inhibitors of CYP3A4 and P-gp (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, or clarithromycin). In patients already taking 2.5 mg twice daily, avoid coadministration of ELIQUIS with strong dual inhibitors of CYP3A4 and P-gp.
Strong Dual Inducers of CYP3A4 and P-gp: Avoid concomitant use of ELIQUIS with strong dual inducers of CYP3A4 and P-gp (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John’s wort) because such drugs will decrease exposure to apixaban and increase the risk of stroke and other thromboembolic events.
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents: Coadministration of antiplatelet agents, fibrinolytics, heparin, aspirin, and chronic NSAID use increases the risk of bleeding. APPRAISE-2, a placebo-controlled clinical trial of apixaban in high-risk post-acute coronary syndrome patients treated with aspirin or the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel, was terminated early due to a higher rate of bleeding with apixaban compared to placebo.
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of ELIQUIS in pregnant women. Treatment is likely to increase the risk of hemorrhage during pregnancy and delivery. ELIQUIS should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the mother and fetus.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS and Medication Guide, available atwww.bms.com (link is external).

About ACROPOLIS

ACROPOLIS (Apixaban ExperienCe Through Real-WOrld POpuLatIon Studies) is the Eliquis (apixaban) global real-world data program designed to generate additional evidence from routine clinical practice settings to further inform healthcare decision makers, including healthcare providers and payers. The ACROPOLIS program will include retrospective, outcomes-based analyses from over 10 databases around the world, including medical records, medical and pharmacy health insurance claims data, and national health data systems.

Analyses of real-world data allow for a broader understanding of patient outcomes associated with Eliquis outside of the clinical trial setting, as well as insight into other measures of healthcare delivery, such as hospitalization and costs.

About ARISTOTLE

ARISTOTLE (Apixaban for Reduction In STroke and Other ThromboemboLic Events in Atrial Fibrillation) was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Eliquis versus warfarin for the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism. In ARISTOTLE, 18,201 patients were randomized (9,120 patients to Eliquis and 9,081 to warfarin). ARISTOTLE was an active-controlled, randomized, double-blind, multi-national trial in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, and at least one additional risk factor for stroke. Patients were randomized to treatment with Eliquis 5 mg orally twice daily (or 2.5 mg twice daily in selected patients, representing 4.7 percent of all patients) or warfarin (target INR range 2.0-3.0), and followed for a median of 1.8 years.

About the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer Collaboration

In 2007, Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb entered into a worldwide collaboration to develop and commercialize apixaban, an oral anticoagulant discovered by Bristol-Myers Squibb. This global alliance combines Bristol-Myers Squibb’s long-standing strengths in cardiovascular drug development and commercialization with Pfizer’s global scale and expertise in this field.

Propanc Enters Into Contract Manufacturing Agreement With AmatsiQBiologicals

On August 23, 2016 Propanc Health Group Corporation (OTCQB: PPCH) ("Propanc" or the "Company"), an emerging healthcare company focusing on development of new and proprietary treatments for cancer patients suffering from solid tumors such as pancreatic, ovarian and colorectal cancers, reported it has executed a contract manufacturing agreement with AmatsiQBiologicals, based in Gent, Belgium (Press release, Propanc, AUG 23, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514679]). The agreement covers the development and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) production of certain enzymes for development purposes, including but not limited to first-in-man studies for the Company’s lead product, PRP.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

PRP is the Company’s novel, patented, formulation consisting of two proenzymes mixed in a synergistic ratio to target cancer stem cells in solid tumors. The GMP manufacture of PRP as an injectable drug product requires specialized and detailed activities to be carried out in order to meet the highest quality and safety standards for future human use. It is a significant undertaking by the Company, as it demonstrates the Company’s commitment to initiating first-in-man studies in 2017.

"This major contract represents a significant step forward for the development of PRP," said James Nathanielsz, Propanc’s Chief Executive Officer. "The process towards securing the services of AmatsiQBiologicals was extensive, taking a number of months to draft, plan and execute. I am very confident we have identified a highly capable partner who will assist us with delivering a quality finished product for human use."

"We are very pleased that Propanc has chosen to partner with AmatsiQBiologicals for the development and manufacturing of Propanc’s lead product, PRP," said Annie Van Broekhoven, AmatsiQBiologicals’ Chief Executive Officer. "This project really fits very well with our capabilities and we are confident we can deliver on time the GMP grade PRP material required for Propanc’s clinical studies."

AmatsiQBiologicals, member of the Amatsigroup, is a biopharma contract development and manufacturing organization offering a range of process development and bio-manufacturing services including formulation and sterile fill and finish to customers in the biopharmaceutical industry and beyond. Recently, they have successfully delivered more than 75 R&D projects in less than three years with a focus on building strong relationships with clients.

In addition to the ongoing preclinical activities and planned GMP manufacture of PRP, the Company is also preparing Orphan Drug Designation applications to be submitted in the EU and U.S. in the near future. Furthermore, an outreach program has commenced with the Company’s advisors to determine interest from suitors in licensing PRP and initial feedback has been received.

"We believe PRP represents a valuable strategic addition to our Company’s pipeline and seeking orphan drug designation would add significant protection and upside potential. This is truly an exciting phase for our Company. Nevertheless, we remain committed to executing our plans to progress PRP into the clinic at the earliest opportunity," said James Nathanielsz.

The Company aims to fast track the development of proenzyme related oncology products into clinical trials initially for pancreatic, ovarian and colorectal cancers. According to Global Analyst Reports, the combined world market for pancreatic, ovarian and colorectal cancers is expected to reach over $12 billion by 2020.

Stemline Therapeutics Receives Breakthrough Therapy Designation from U.S. Food and Drug Administration for SL-401

On August 23, 2016 Stemline Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:STML) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to SL-401, a targeted therapy directed to the interleukin-3 receptor (CD123), for the treatment of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) (Press release, Stemline Therapeutics, AUG 23, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514678]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The FDA’s Breakthrough Therapy Designation is intended to expedite the development and review of a drug candidate for serious or life-threatening conditions. The criteria for Breakthrough Therapy Designation require clinical evidence demonstrating the drug may offer substantial improvement on one or more clinically significant endpoints versus existing therapies.

This Breakthrough Designation request was supported by efficacy and safety data from the Phase 2 trial evaluating SL-401 in BPDCN patients in both the first-line and relapsed/refractory settings.

Ivan Bergstein, M.D., Stemline’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very pleased that SL-401 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for BPDCN by the FDA. We continue to work closely with the agency in an effort to make this promising agent available to all BPDCN patients as quickly as possible. Given SL-401’s clinical activity in this CD123+ cancer, coupled with its manageable, non-overlapping safety profile with other oncology agents, we are also enthusiastic about the drug’s prospects in our other enrolling clinical trials in additional CD123+ indications as both a single agent and in combination. We expect to provide further updates around our multiple SL-401 clinical programs later this year."

Genmab Announces European Regulatory Submission for Daratumumab in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma

On August 23, 2016 Genmab A/S (Nasdaq Copenhagen: GEN) reported that Janssen Pharmaceutica NV (Janssen) has submitted a variation to the Marketing Authorization to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) seeking to broaden the existing marketing authorization for daratumumab (DARZALEX) to include treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy (Press release, Genmab, AUG 23, 2016, View Source [SID:1234514677]). The submission of the application triggers milestone payments totaling USD 10 million to Genmab from Janssen. The milestone payments were included in Genmab’s financial guidance for 2016 that was published on August 9, 2016. In August 2012, Genmab granted Janssen Biotech, Inc. an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"Daratumumab represents a new hope for people suffering from multiple myeloma, a disease which is presently incurable. We look forward to working together with Janssen and the EMA to making daratumumab available to a far wider group of patients," said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.

The submission includes data from two Phase III studies: the CASTOR study of daratumumab in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone versus bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, and the POLLUX study of daratumumab in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The submission also included data from the Phase I study of daratumumab in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Janssen submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application for daratumumab in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who received at least one prior therapy to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August 2016.

About multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow and is characterized by an excess proliferation of plasma cells.1 Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer in the U.S., after leukemia and lymphoma.2 Approximately 30,330 new patients are expected to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma and approximately 12,650 people are expected to die from the disease in the U.S. in 2016.3 Globally, it was estimated that 124,225 people would be diagnosed and 87,084 would die from the disease in 2015.4 While some patients with multiple myeloma have no symptoms at all, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms which can include bone problems, low blood counts, calcium elevation, kidney problems or infections.5 Patients who relapse after treatment with standard therapies, including proteasome inhibitors or immunomodulatory agents, have poor prognoses and few treatment options.6

About DARZALEX (daratumumab)
DARZALEX (daratumumab) injection for intravenous infusion is indicated in the United States for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent, or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.7 DARZALEX is the first monoclonal antibody (mAb) to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat multiple myeloma. DARZALEX is indicated in Europe for use as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, whose prior therapy included a PI and an immunomodulatory agent and who have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy. For more information, visit www.DARZALEX.com.

Daratumumab is a human IgG1k monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds with high affinity to the CD38 molecule, which is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. It is believed to induce rapid tumor cell death through programmed cell death, or apoptosis,7,8 and multiple immune-mediated mechanisms, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity,7,8 antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis9,10 and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.7,8 In addition, daratumumab therapy results in a reduction of immune-suppressive myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and subsets of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and B cells (Bregs), all of which express CD38. These reductions in MDSCs, Tregs and Bregs were accompanied by increases in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell numbers in both the peripheral blood and bone marrow.7,11

Daratumumab is being developed by Janssen Biotech, Inc. under an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab from Genmab. Five Phase III clinical studies with daratumumab in relapsed and frontline settings are currently ongoing, and additional studies are ongoing or planned to assess its potential in other malignant and pre-malignant diseases on which CD38 is expressed, such as smoldering myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a solid tumor.