Baxalta to Showcase Innovation Leadership in Hematology and Oncology During 57th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting

On December 2, 205 Baxalta Incorporated (NYSE: BXLT), a global biopharmaceutical leader dedicated to delivering transformative therapies to patients with orphan diseases and underserved conditions, reported that it will present data highlighting its commitment to innovation in blood disorders and hematologic oncology at the 57th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, beginning today through Dec. 8, in Orlando, Florida (Press release, Baxalta, DEC 2, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508377]).

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"Our broad presence at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2015 is a testament to our unwavering commitment to research and our progress in developing new solutions for the hematology and oncology communities," said John Orloff, M.D., head of Research & Development and chief scientific officer, Baxalta. "On the heels of our latest approvals of treatments for hemophilia and leukemia, the data we’re presenting at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) further demonstrate the depth and breadth of our clinical programs, and our efforts to improve the lives of patients through valuable therapeutic options."

Advancing Standards in Hemophilia Care with Growing Portfolio

Researchers from Baxalta and its partners will present more than a dozen scientific updates on the company’s leading hemophilia treatments ADVATE [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant)] and FEIBA [Anti-Inhibitor Coagulant Complex], newly-approved hemophilia A treatment ADYNOVATE [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), PEGylated] as well as investigational therapies.

Selected highlights include:

Characteristics of Patients Without Bleeding in a Pivotal Trial of Extended Half-Life, Pegylated, Full-Length Recombinant Factor VIII (BAX 855) in the Treatment of Hemophilia A. Pub # 1105. Session 322: Disorders of Coagulation or Fibrinolysis: Poster II. Saturday, Dec. 5, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., in Hall A.

Perioperative Efficacy of an Extended Half-Life, Pegylated, Full-Length Recombinant Factor VIII (BAX 855) in Individual Procedures. Pub # 2299. Session 322: Disorders of Coagulation or Fibrinolysis: Poster II. Sunday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., in Hall A.

Pharmacokinetics of a Recombinant Von Willebrand Factor in Patients with Severe Von Willebrand Disease. Pub # 2293. Session 322: Disorders of Coagulation or Fibrinolysis: Poster II. Sunday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., in Hall A.

Adeno-Associated Virus 8 (AAV8) Vector Genome Biodistribution into Body Fluids Following Single Intravenous Administration of BAX 335 Gene Therapy for Hemophilia B. Session 801: Gene Therapy and Transfer: Poster I. Saturday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., in Hall A.

"The range of hematology data we are presenting at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) showcases the real-world value of our differentiated portfolio and our continued focus on driving the future of care for the hemophilia community," said Brian Goff, executive vice president and president, Hematology, Baxalta. "Through our ongoing pursuit of a Bleed-Free World, we are confident that our continued commitment to innovation will contribute to improved care for patients around the world with options that allow them to personalize their treatment plan."

Addressing Unmet Needs in Hematologic Cancers with Late-Stage Pipeline

In addition, the company will showcase data on pacritinib, the company’s investigational treatment for myelofibrosis with partner CTI BioPharma, and ONCASPAR (pegaspargase), the company’s recently acquired treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Highlights include:

Analysis of Outcomes by Patient Subgroups in Patients with Myelofibrosis Treated with Pacritinib vs Best Available Therapy (BAT) in the Phase III PERSIST-1 Trial. Session 634: Myeloproliferative Syndromes: Clinical: Early and Late Stage Trials in MPN. Saturday, Dec. 5, at 10:15 a.m., in Room W224.

Pacritinib, a Dual FLT3/JAK2 Inhibitor, Reduces IRAK-1 Signaling in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Session 616: Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Novel Therapy, Excluding Transplantation: Novel Targeting Approaches. Monday, Dec. 7, at 11:45 a.m., in Room W109.

Relationship Between Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Efficacy in Patients with Myelofibrosis in the Phase III PERSIST-1 Trial of Pacritinib Vs. Best Available Therapy (BAT). Session 634: Myeloproliferative Syndromes: Clinical: Poster I. Saturday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., in Hall A.

"The data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2015 illustrate our progress in building an innovative, sustainable and diverse portfolio of new oncology treatments," said David Meek, executive vice president and president, Oncology, Baxalta. "We are helping to advance the approach to treating rare and underserved cancers with new innovations and technologies that have the potential to address significant unmet patient needs worldwide."

About ADYNOVATE

ADYNOVATE, [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), PEGylated], is a human antihemophilic factor indicated in adolescent and adult patients (12 years and older) with hemophilia A (congenital factor VIII deficiency) for:

On-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes
Routine prophylaxis to reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes
ADYNOVATE is not indicated for the treatment of von Willebrand disease.

Detailed Important Risk Information for ADYNOVATE

CONTRAINDICATIONS

ADYNOVATE is contraindicated in patients who have had prior anaphylactic reaction to ADYNOVATE, to the parent molecule (ADVATE), mouse or hamster protein, or excipients of ADYNOVATE (e.g. Tris, mannitol, trehalose, glutathione, and/or polysorbate 80).

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions are possible with ADYNOVATE. Allergic-type hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with other recombinant antihemophilic factor VIII products, including the parent molecule, ADVATE. Early signs of hypersensitivity reactions that can progress to anaphylaxis may include angioedema, chest tightness, dyspnea, wheezing, urticaria, and pruritus. Immediately discontinue administration and initiate appropriate treatment if hypersensitivity reactions occur.

Neutralizing Antibodies

Formation of neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) to factor VIII can occur following administration of ADYNOVATE. Monitor patients regularly for the development of factor VIII inhibitors by appropriate clinical observations and laboratory tests. Perform an assay that measures factor VIII inhibitor concentration if the plasma factor VIII level fails to increase as expected, or if bleeding is not controlled with expected dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Common adverse reactions (=1% of subjects) reported in the clinical studies were headache and nausea.

For Full Prescribing Information, visit View Source

About ADVATE

ADVATE [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant)] is a recombinant antihemophilic factor indicated for use in children and adults with hemophilia A (congenital factor VIII deficiency) for:

Control and prevention of bleeding episodes
Perioperative management
Routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes
ADVATE is not indicated for the treatment of von Willebrand disease.

Detailed Important Risk Information for ADVATE

CONTRAINDICATIONS

ADVATE is contraindicated in patients who have life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to mouse or hamster protein or other constituents of the product.

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Allergic-type hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with ADVATE. Symptoms include dizziness, paresthesia, rash, flushing, facial swelling, urticaria, dyspnea, pruritus, and vomiting.

Discontinue ADVATE if hypersensitivity symptoms occur and administer appropriate emergency treatment.

Neutralizing Antibodies

Neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) have been reported following administration of ADVATE predominantly in previously untreated patients (PUPs) and previously minimally treated patients (MTPs). Monitor all patients for the development of factor VIII inhibitors by appropriate clinical observation and laboratory testing. If expected plasma factor VIII activity levels are not attained, or if bleeding is not controlled with an expected dose, perform an assay that measures factor VIII inhibitor concentration.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Serious adverse reactions seen with ADVATE are hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, and the development of high-titer inhibitors necessitating alternative treatments to factor VIII.

The most common adverse reactions observed in clinical trials (frequency =5% of subjects) were pyrexia, headache, cough, nasopharyngitis, arthralgia, vomiting, upper respiratory tract infection, limb injury, nasal congestion, and diarrhea.

Please see full prescribing information for ADVATE at: View Source

ADVATE has a demonstrated efficacy and safety profile for the treatment of hemophilia A. ADVATE is a full-length (derived from the complete FVIII gene) recombinant FVIII product that is processed without any blood-based additives. Because no blood-derived components are added at any stage of the manufacturing process, the potential risk of transmitting pathogens that may be carried in blood-based additives is virtually eliminated. There have been no confirmed reports of transmission of HIV, HBV or HCV with rFVIII treatments.

ADVATE is the world’s most prescribed FVIII treatment. It is currently approved in 67 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, 28 countries in the European Union, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

About ONCASPAR

ONCASPAR (pegaspargase) is indicated as a component of a multiagent chemotherapeutic regimen for the first–line treatment of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and for the treatment of patients with ALL and hypersensitivity to native forms of L-asparaginase.

ONCASPAR is currently approved in the United States as a first line treatment and select European countries as a second line option.

Important Safety Information for ONCASPAR

ONCASPAR is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to ONCASPAR, and in patients with a history of serious thrombosis, pancreatitis, or serious hemorrhagic events with prior L-asparaginase therapy.

Anaphylaxis or serious allergic reactions can occur; therefore, patients should be observed for one hour after administration. Discontinue ONCASPAR in patients with serious allergic reactions. Patients with abdominal pain should be evaluated for evidence of pancreatitis. Discontinue ONCASPAR in patients with pancreatitis.

ONCASPAR should also be discontinued in patients with serious thrombotic events.

Glucose intolerance, in some cases irreversible, can occur; serum glucose should be monitored. Coagulopathy and hepatotoxicity can occur; appropriate monitoring should be performed.

The most common adverse reactions with ONCASPAR (=2%) are allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis), hyperglycemia, pancreatitis, central nervous system (CNS) thrombosis, coagulopathy, hyperbilirubinemia, and elevated transaminases.

Hyperlipidemia (hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia) has been reported in patients exposed to ONCASPAR.

Please click here to review full Product Information: View Source

Kite Pharma Initiates the ZUMA-3 Study to Support Registration of KTE-C19 for Relapsed or Refractory (r/r) Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in Adult Subjects

On December 2, 2015 Kite Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq:KITE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing engineered autologous cell therapy (eACT) products for the treatment of cancer, reported that it has initiated a phase 1/2 clinical study of KTE-C19 (ZUMA-3) for the treatment of adult patients with r/r ALL (Press release, Kite Pharma, DEC 2, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508384]). KTE-C19 is an investigational therapy in which a patient’s T cells are genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor designed to target the antigen CD19, a protein expressed on the cell surface of B-cell lymphomas and leukemias.

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"Kite has achieved an important milestone this year, with the initiation of our third company-sponsored clinical trial for our lead product candidate, KTE-C19," said Arie Belldegrun, M.D., FACS, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The breadth of our KTE-C19 registration program underscores our commitment to addressing critical unmet needs in cancer treatment. We are grateful to all the patients, caregivers, and members of the medical community who have participated in our clinical programs."

ZUMA-3 will proceed as a single-arm, open-label, multi-center study in patients with ALL whose disease is refractory to or has relapsed following standard chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The phase 1 portion of ZUMA-3 will assess the safety of KTE-C19, and the phase 2 portion will assess efficacy and safety. The study will target to enroll a total of 75 patients. Additional details about this study can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov, using Identifier NCT: 02614066.

About Kite’s ZUMA Clinical Programs

Kite is advancing three single-arm, multi-center clinical trials to support registration of KTE-C19:

ZUMA-1 is a phase 2 study in patients with refractory, aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), including refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), and transformed follicular lymphoma (TFL).
ZUMA-2 is a phase 2 study in patients with r/r mantle cell lymphoma.
ZUMA-3 is a phase 1/2 study in adult patients with r/r ALL.

Syndax Announces Initiation Of Entinostat Clinical Program In Japan By Partner Kyowa Hakko Kirin

On December 1, 2015 Syndax Pharmaceuticals reported the initiation of the entinostat clinical program in Japan by its partner Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Co., Ltd (Press release, Syndax, DEC 1, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508552]). Entinostat, an oral, small molecule drug candidate that targets both cancer cells and immune regulatory cells, is being developed by Syndax as an immuno-oncology therapeutic and evaluated as a treatment for advanced hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer in an ongoing Phase 3 clinical trial (designated E2112) in the United States. In September 2013, entinostat was granted breakthrough therapy designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in advanced HR+ breast cancer following positive results from the Phase 2b clinical trial, ENCORE-301.

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"In addition to the entinostat immuno-oncology combination regimens entering clinical development in the U.S., we are pleased to see continued clinical progress for entinostat in advanced breast cancer both in the U.S. and Japan," said Briggs Morrison, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Syndax. "We view this milestone as an important step towards potentially providing new treatment options to breast cancer patients globally and look forward to continuing our collaboration with our valued partner Kyowa Hakko Kirin."

In January 2015, Syndax announced completion of a license agreement with Kyowa Hakko Kirin for the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize entinostat in Japan and Korea. Kyowa Hakko Kirin has now dosed the first patient in Japan in a Phase 1 clinical trial investigating the safety of entinostat (designated KHK2375 by Kyowa Hakko Kirin) as a monotherapy and in combination with exemestane in advanced or metastatic HR+ breast cancer patients previously treated with a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. Secondary endpoints include pharmacokinetic parameters and preliminary efficacy.

8-K – Current report

On December 1, 2015 MabVax Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: MBVX), a clinical-stage oncology drug development company, reported it has filed an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Company’s lead fully human antibody product HuMab 5B1 as a therapeutic agent (Filing, 8-K, Telik, DEC 1, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508380]). Subject to FDA acceptance, MabVax plans to initiate the Phase I clinical trial early in 2016.

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The planned Phase I trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of HuMab 5B1 as a single agent or in combination with the current standard of care chemotherapy regimen in subjects with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The first cohort of patients to be enrolled in the planned clinical trial will be enrolled in a traditional dose escalation regimen to assess safety and determine the optimal dose of the antibody. A second patient cohort will establish the safety and optimized dose of the antibody when administered with standard of care chemotherapy and a third patient cohort will be administered the optimized dose of antibody as a single agent for the treatment of patients with advanced cancer.

David Hansen, MabVax’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The filing of the first of two planned INDs for our novel HuMab 5B1 antibody is a significant achievement for MabVax. Pending FDA acceptance of the IND, we will begin the dose escalation portion of this Phase I trial as early in 2016 as possible and anticipate reporting on the early safety assessment and determination of a maximum tolerated dose in mid-year 2016. Achievement of this important interim milestone will enable us to move into the combination therapy and monotherapy portions of the trial where we could learn much more about the pharmacological effects of this new therapy. The milestone could also have a positive impact on our future commercial and corporate development activities. We currently anticipate having full enrollment of all three patient cohorts sometime before the end of 2016."

MabVax plans to file a second IND application this month for its HuMab 5B1-based PET imaging agent and, subject to FDA acceptance, will begin this Phase I trial as early as possible in 2016. When the antibody is combined with a radio-label as a novel PET imaging agent, the 89Zr-HuMab 5B1 product has demonstrated high image resolution of tumors in established xenograft animal models, making it attractive as a potential companion diagnostic for the HuMab 5B1 therapeutic product.

"We believe the data generated in the early portions of these two Phase I trials will help demonstrate the initial safety, targeting specificity, and utility of the HuMab 5B1 antibody in this devastating disease," added Mr. Hansen. "We are excited about the potential applicability of our dual-product development approach in other cancers with HuMab 5B1, as well as with follow-on antibodies under development at MabVax."

About HuMab 5B1:
MabVax’s HuMab 5B1 antibody is fully human and was discovered from the immune response of cancer patients vaccinated with an antigen-specific vaccine during a Phase I trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In preclinical research, the 5B1 antibody has demonstrated high specificity and affinity, and has shown potent cancer cell killing capacity and efficacy in animal models of pancreatic, colon and small cell lung cancers. The antigen the antibody targets is expressed on more than 90% of pancreatic cancers making the antibody potentially broadly applicable to most patients suffering from this type of cancer.

CEL-SCI REPORTS MONTHLY PATIENT ENROLLMENT IN NOVEMBER FOR ITS PHASE 3 HEAD AND NECK CANCER TRIAL

On December 1, 2015 CEL-SCI Corporation (NYSE MKT: CVM) ("CEL SCI" or the "Company") reported that in the month of November it has enrolled 27 patients in its ongoing Phase 3 trial of its investigational immunotherapy Multikine* (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection) in patients with advanced primary head and neck cancer (Press release, Cel-Sci, DEC 1, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508376]). Total patient enrollment is now 635 as of November 30, 2015 in the world’s largest Phase 3 study in head and neck cancer.

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"This fall we have been enrolling patients at an average of rate one per day. We expect this rate will significantly increase in the first quarter of 2016 based on the number of new clinical centers that are now being activated," stated CEL-SCI CEO Geert Kersten.

The current study goal is to enroll 880 patients through approximately 100 clinical centers in over 20 countries.

About the Multikine Phase 3 Study

The Multikine Phase 3 study is enrolling patients with advanced primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The objective of the study is to demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in the overall survival of enrolled patients who are treated with the Multikine treatment regimen plus standard of care ("SOC") vs. subjects who are treated with SOC only.

About Multikine

Multikine (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection) is an investigational immunotherapeutic agent that is being tested in an open-label, randomized, controlled, global pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial as a potential first-line treatment for advanced primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Multikine is designed to be a different type of therapy in the fight against cancer: one that appears to have the potential to work with the body’s natural immune system in the fight against tumors.

Multikine is also being tested in a Phase 1 study under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement ("CRADA") with the U.S. Naval Medical Center, San Diego, and at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), as a potential treatment for peri-anal warts in HIV/HPV co-infected men and women. Dr. Joel Palefsky, a world renowned scientist and Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in human papilloma virus (HPV) research and the prevention of anal cancer, is the Principal Investigator at UCSF, which was added to the study in July 2015.

CEL-SCI has also entered into two additional co-development agreements for up to $3 million each with Ergomed Clinical Research Limited to further the development of Multikine for cervical dysplasia/neoplasia in women who are co-infected with HIV and HPV and for peri-anal warts in men and women who are co-infected with HIV and HPV.