On March 22, 2024 Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK), a leading innovative, commercial-stage global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines for cancer, reported its full year results for the period ended December 31, 2023, and provided an update on the impressive progress of its clinical development pipeline over the last several months (Press release, Antengene, MAR 22, 2024, View Source [SID1234641392]).

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"2023 has been a breakout year for Antengene, with excellent pipeline momentum across multiple first/best-in-class programs marked by encouraging clinical activities and efficacies during dose escalations for our four lead global-rights programs, namely ATG-031, ATG-022, ATG-037, and ATG-101 which are designed to target CD24, Claudin 18.2, CD73, and PD-L1/4-1BB. With respect to our APAC-rights programs, our second generation mTORC1/2 inhibitor ATG-008 has made steady progress towards registrational path for the indication of cervical cancer, complemented by the inclusion of XPOVIO in the 2023 China National Reimbursement Drug List. Furthermore, we have entered into a partnership with Hansoh Pharma, a leading Chinese pharmaceutical company, for the commercialization of XPOVIO in the Mainland of China," said Dr. Jay Mei, Antengene’s Founder, Chairman and CEO. "Looking into 2024 and beyond, we are confident that out four lead global rights programs will continue to deliver encouraging results and emerge as category leaders. Our current cash balance totaling RMB1.188 billion is expected to fund planned operations and product development. We look forward to report on our progress throughout the year, starting with the presentation of several abstracts at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (AACR 2024)."

1. Momentous clinical development across four lead global-rights programs

ATG-031 (anti-CD24 monoclonal antibody): Promising Activity at Starting Doses: ATG-031 is the first-in-class humanized anti-CD24 monoclonal antibody to enter the clinic for cancer in the U.S. ATG-031 acts by inhibiting the "don’t eat me" signal while stimulating the "eat me" signal and enhances macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of cancer cells.
Phase I "PERFORM" study: To date, a total of 5 late-stage cancer patients have been treated with ATG-031 in the Phase I dose escalation study. To date, no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) have been observed among the 5 patients. Tumor shrinkage based on CT scan was observed in one heavily pre-treated patient (7 prior lines of therapy). Key study sites include four major U.S. cancer centers: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the University of California San Francisco, the University of Colorado, and Yale University Cancer Center.
Next ATG-031 Milestone: Completion of the dose escalation portion of the Phase I "PERFORM" Study in H1 2025.
ATG-022 (Claudin 18.2 antibody-drug conjugate, "ADC"): Potential to Target Claudin 18.2 Low Expressors: ATG-022 is differentiated by its potential ability to be active across a range of Claudin 18.2 expression levels, including in low expressors. Antengene has also developed a companion diagnostic assay to support the clinical program. The ADC has been awarded two Orphan Drug Designations (ODD) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of gastric and pancreatic cancers.
Phase I "CLINCH" study: To date, 7 gastric cancer patients (without pre-screening patients’ Claudin 18.2 expression levels) have been treated with ATG-022. Antengene has observed one complete response (CR) and one partial response (PR) in 2 patients with metastatic gastric cancer. In the 2.4 mg/kg dose cohort, one patient with extremely low expression of Claudin 18.2 achieved CR, while one patient from the 1.8 mg/kg dose cohort achieved PR. The study has already completed the dose escalation portion and initiated the dose expansion portion.
Next ATG-022 Milestone: Clinical data readout of Phase I "CLINCH trial", including preliminary efficacy and safety in H2 2024.
ATG-037 (CD73 small molecule inhibitor): Early Combination Activity Shown Potential in Reversing Prior PD-1 Resistance: Inhibiting CD73 is intended to stop the production of adenosine, a key immunosuppressive molecule in the tumor microenvironment. As a small molecule inhibitor of CD73, ATG-037 has demonstrated pre-clinically the ability to overcome the "hook effect" that can limit efficacy and is commonly seen in anti-CD73 antibodies. Antengene entered into a global clinical collaboration with MSD and is currently evaluating this molecule in combination with the anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors.
Phase I "STAMINA" study: In the dose escalation segment of ATG-037 combined with pembrolizumab, Antengene has observed PRs in two patients with melanoma and one patient with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), all of whom were refractory to prior treatment with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). To date, 23 patients have been enrolled and received a first tumor assessment.
Next ATG-037 Milestone: Completion of Phase I dose escalation and proceed to dose expansion in H1 2024.
ATG-101 (PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody): Durable Responses at Low Doses with No Off-Target Hepatotoxicity Observed and Efficacy in Cold Tumors: ATG-101’s differentiated approach to targeting PD-L1 resistant cancers incorporates the T-cell co-stimulatory receptor 4-1BB. The bispecific antibody utilizes high PD-L1 affinity and conditional 4-1BB activation, to reduce the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Phase I "PROBE" study: Antengene has observed a PR in a patient with metastatic colon adenocarcinoma (microsatellite stability biomarker [MSS], liver metastasis, and three prior lines of therapy). In addition, SD has been observed in two patients for longer than 1 year.
Next ATG-101 Milestone: Completion of Phase I dose escalation and proceed to dose expansion in H1 2025.
Progressing Early programs: Antengene continues to advance IND candidate, ATG-042 (MTAPnull-selective PRMT5 Inhibitor), and the proprietary AnTenGagerTM "2+1" T cell engager platform.
2. Steadily progressing mid/late-stage clinical programs continue to demonstrate clinical potentials

ATG-008 (mTORC1/2 small molecule inhibitor): Positive, Robust Cervical Cancer Data -The mTOR complex regulates different cellular processes and is upregulated in multiple tumors. mTORC1 and mTORC2 have to be inhibited simultaneously to maximize efficacy and minimize the development of resistance. ATG-008 was designed to inhibit both.
Phase II "TORCH-2" study: ATG-008 has demonstrated positive Phase II results in cervical cancer that position the program to have a competitive profile compared to other agents approved across different global markets. The Phase II "TORCH-2" study is currently enrolling both checkpoint inhibitor (CPI)-naïve and CPI-pre-treated patients. Based on the latest data review as of March 14th, 2024, out of the 31 CPI-naïve patients who received treatment (30 had at least one tumor assessment), the objective response rate (ORR) was observed to be 53.3%, the disease control rate (DCR) was 86.7%. Among the 30 patients with prior CPI treatment (26 patients had at least one tumor assessment), the ORR was 23.1%, with a DCR of 84.6%.
Next ATG-008 Milestone: Confirm registrational pathway in cervical cancer with health authorities.
3. Solidifying presence in APAC markets through accelerating commercialization

Antengene and Hansoh Pharma entered into a collaboration for the commercialization of XPOVIO in the Mainland of China in August 2023.
XPOVIO has been added to the NRDL (2023 Version) as announced on December 14th, 2023. The updated NRDL, taking effect on January 1st, 2024, will significantly improve the accessibility of XPOVIO in Mainland of China.
As of December 2023, Antengene has successfully secured XPOVIO regulatory approvals in seven markets: Mainland of China, Taiwan China, Hong Kong China, Macau China, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore. National reimbursement has been secured in 3 markets: Mainland of China (NRDL), Australia (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), and Singapore (Cancer Drug List). In June 2023, the coverage of XPOVIO by the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) was extended from Xd to include both XVd and Xd regimens..
4. Strong cash and bank balance enabling continuous growth

As of December 31, 2023, the company’s cash resources of about RMB1.188 billion, coupled with careful spending to support the continuous growth, development, and operations of Antengene.

To learn more about the annual financial results of 2023, please see the full announcement on the "Investor Relations" section of the website.

On March 22, 2024 BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FRA: 5LB) (OTCQB: BVAXF) ("BioVaxys" or "the Company") reported that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") consisting of up to 15,384,615 units ("Units") at a price of $0.065 per Unit for total gross proceeds of up to CAD$1,000,000, before deducting any offering-related expenses (Press release, BioVaxys Technology, MAR 22, 2024, View Source [SID1234641391]). Each Unit consists of one common share (a "Common Share") and one whole Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable for one additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.15 for a period of 24 months.

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Closing of the private placement is conditional upon finalizing all contractual documentation and receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). All securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement for general working capital purposes, including, enabling the Company to fund and advance its business plans in regard to its successful recent acquisition of the entire portfolio of discovery, preclinical and clinical development stage assets in oncology, infectious disease, antigen desensitization, and other immunological fields based on the DPX immune educating platform technology, developed by the former Canadian biotechnology company, IMV Inc., Immunovaccine Technologies Inc., and IMV USA ("IMV") on February 16th, 2024.The Company may pay a finder’s fee related to the financing.

On March 22, 2024 Theratechnologies Inc. ("Theratechnologies" or the "Company") (TSX: TH) (NASDAQ: THTX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies, reported that it will phase down its preclinical oncology research activities (Press release, Theratechnologies, MAR 22, 2024, View Source [SID1234641390]). The Company will continue to prioritize its ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of sudocetaxel zendusortide (TH1902), a novel peptide-drug conjugate (PDC), in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. All figures below are in U.S. dollars.

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"I am very proud of our exceptional research team, whose work has contributed greatly to the scientific discourse and understanding of advanced cancers," said Paul Lévesque, President and CEO at Theratechnologies. "Our investment in the SORT1+ Technology platform over the past five years has generated important evidence on multiple peptide-drug conjugates with different payloads. Now that we have significantly advanced our preclinical program, we are well-positioned to leverage this wealth of data and insights to attract an oncology R&D partner."

The Company will continue to share accumulated preclinical data, including the presentation of two separate posters at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) annual meeting, to be held April 5-9 in San Diego, Calif., one of which features data from new PDCs.

Theratechnologies recently announced the initiation of the next cohort of patients in Part 3 of its Phase 1 trial of sudocetaxel zendusortide, in which the first patient has already received treatment at a higher dose. Recruitment has been ramped up at the six trial sites across North America. To date, more than 40 individuals with various types of cancer have been treated with sudocetaxel zendusortide.

The phasing down of research activities is aligned with the Company’s focus on its commercial business and will further optimize its organizational cost structure, pursuant to the goal of generating positive Adjusted EBITDAi. These changes are expected to result in a restructuring charge of approximately $625,000 in cash charges related to severance and other expenses and approximately $770,000 in non-cash charges. The company anticipates all charges to be fully taken during 2024.

About Sudocetaxel Zendusortide (TH1902) and SORT1+ Technology

Sudocetaxel zendusortide is a first-of-its-kind sortilin receptor (SORT1)-targeting PDC, and the first compound to emerge from the Company’s broader licensed oncology platform. A new chemical entity, sudocetaxel zendusortide employs a cleavable linker to conjugate (attach) a proprietary peptide to docetaxel, a well-established cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent used to treat many cancers. The FDA granted Fast Track designation to sudocetaxel zendusortide as a single agent for the treatment of all sortilin-positive recurrent advanced solid tumors that are refractory to standard therapy. Sudocetaxel zendusortide is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial.

Theratechnologies has established the SORT1+ TechnologyTM platform as an engine for the development of PDCs that target SORT1, which is expressed in multiple tumor types. SORT1 is a "scavenger" receptor that plays a significant role in protein internalization, sorting, and trafficking. Expression of SORT1 is associated with aggressive disease, poor prognosis, and decreased survival. It is estimated that SORT1 is expressed in 40% to 90% of endometrial, ovarian, colorectal, triple-negative breast (TNBC), and pancreatic cancers, making this receptor an attractive target for anticancer drug development.

On March 22, 2024 Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (Nasdaq: MBRX) ("Moleculin" or the "Company"), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company with a broad portfolio of drug candidates targeting hard-to-treat tumors and viruses, reported its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (Press release, Moleculin, MAR 22, 2024, View Source [SID1234641389]). As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call and live audio webcast, Monday, March 25, 2024, at 8:30 AM ET (details below), issuing a separate clinical trial update press release just prior.

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"Over the course of 2023 we established a significant growing body of positive clinical and encouraging safety data for Annamycin that continues to strengthen our confidence in the potential of our next generation, non-cardiotoxic chemotherapy in the treatment landscape for hard-to-treat cancers and viruses," commented Walter Klemp, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Moleculin. "Building off of our momentum, we are laser focused on driving our priority pipeline programs toward key data milestones in the near term and believe we are well-positioned to achieve clinical and regulatory milestones that will translate into significant value creation for all of our stakeholders."

Recent Highlights

Announced 2023 year-end Annamycin clinical trials preliminary data and 2024 expectations for multiple data readouts and transition to pivotal Phase 2B/3;
Closed a registered direct offering priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules with a single healthcare-focused institutional investor and certain of the Company’s executive officers, a board member and concurrent private placement for gross proceeds of $4.5 million before deducting the placement agent’s fees and other estimated offering expenses payable by the Company pushing the Company’s cash runway into the fourth quarter of 2024; and
Presented positive interim data from the Company’s ongoing European Phase 1B/2 clinical trial evaluating Annamycin for the treatment of AML (MB-106) to key opinion leaders and current investigators at a meeting held in conjunction with the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Meeting and Exposition (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) in San Diego, CA.
Summary of Financial Results for the Full Year 2023

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $19.5 million and $19.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in R&D of $0.5 million is mainly related to the $1.5 million WPD sublicense termination, which enabled the reacquisition of the Company’s intellectual property rights in certain territories, including parts of the European Union. This was offset by $1.0 million in costs related to the timing of costs incurred for clinical trials and sponsored research.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $10.0 million and $11.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in G&A of $1.5 million was mainly attributable to a decrease in regulatory and legal services, and consulting & advisory fees.

The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $29.8 million, which included a non-cash loss of $1.0 million on warrants in 2023 as compared to a gain of $1.3 million in the prior year and approximately $2.0 million of stock-based compensation expense in 2023 as compared to $2.3 million in 2022.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $23.6 million. The Company believes that this cash is sufficient to meet its projected operating requirements into the fourth quarter of 2024.

Conference Call and Webcast

Moleculin management will host its quarterly conference call and webcast for investors, analysts, and other interested parties Monday, March 25, 2024, at 8:30 AM ET.

Interested participants and investors may access the conference call by dialing (877) 407-0832 (domestic) or (201) 689-8433 (international) and referencing the Moleculin Biotech Conference Call. The live webcast will be accessible on the Events page of the Investors section of the Moleculin website, moleculin.com, and will be archived for 90 days.

On March 22, 2024 LIXTE Biotechnology Holdings, Inc. ("LIXTE" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: LIXT and LIXTW), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing a new class of cancer therapy to enhance chemotherapy and immunotherapy, reported an update on the Company’s progress with its proprietary compound, LB-100 (Press release, Lixte Biotechnology, MAR 22, 2024, View Source [SID1234641386]).

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"Clinical trials are underway at leading cancer centers in the United States and Spain using LB-100 in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy that we are hopeful will provide new and effective treatment options for patients with lung, ovarian and sarcoma cancers," said Bas van der Baan, LIXTE’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Clinical trials are taking place at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer (ovarian clear cell carcinoma); City of Hope Cancer Center and the Sarah Cannon Research Institute (small cell lung cancer); and the Spanish Sarcoma Group (advanced soft tissue sarcoma).

Click here for a brief video overview by LIXTE’s Chief Executive Officer.

LIXTE recently announced the following significant developments:

■ The dosing of the first patient in a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial to assess whether adding LB-100 to GSK’s dostarlimab-gxly will enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in the treatment of ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC). The clinical trial was initiated by, and is being conducted at, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. LIXTE is providing LB-100, and GSK is providing dostarlimab-gxly and financial support.

● The signing of an exclusive patent license agreement with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Cancer Institute, each an Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). LIXTE has licensed NIH’s intellectual property rights under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement that, focused on LB-100 promoting anti-cancer activity alone and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

● On February 28, 2024, René Bernards, PhD, a leader in the field of molecular carcinogenesis and Senior Staff Scientist at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, presented new pre-clinical data at the Joint Conference of European and American Associations for Cancer Research in Dublin, Ireland on how stress imposed onto colon cancer cells by LB-100 drives cancer cells to evolve to less cancerous behavior, underscoring a unique mechanism of action of LB-100. Dr. Bernards is a member of the Board of Directors of LIXTE.