Blue Earth Diagnostics Highlights Upcoming Presentation of Results from Phase 3 LIGHTHOUSE Study of Investigational PET Imaging Agent 18F-rhPSMA-7.3 in Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer

On November 21, 2022 Blue Earth Diagnostics, a Bracco company and recognized leader in the development and commercialization of innovative PET radiopharmaceuticals, reported presentations on investigational rhPSMA compounds and Axumin (fluciclovine F 18) at the upcoming 23rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Urologic Oncology (SUO), to be held in San Diego, Calif., from November 30 to December 2, 2022 (Press release, Blue Earth Diagnostics, NOV 21, 2022, View Source [SID1234624301]). They include the first presentation of key results from Blue Earth Diagnostics’ completed Phase 3 LIGHTHOUSE trial (NCT04186819) investigating the safety and diagnostic performance of 18F-rhPSMA-7.3 PET in newly diagnosed prostate cancer. 18F-rhPSMA-7.3 is an investigational Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-targeted radiohybrid (rh) PET imaging agent. An rhPSMA presentation from Blue Earth Diagnostics’ sister company, Blue Earth Therapeutics, will report on its ongoing Phase 1/2 trial investigating the use of 177Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 for treatment in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. In addition, a further presentation will report findings from experiments designed to better understand PSMA regulation in castrate-resistant and neuroendocrine prostate cancer and the potential role of 18F-fluciclovine PET imaging when these tumors have low PSMA expression.

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Details of selected presentations by Blue Earth Diagnostics and its collaborators are listed below.

NOTE: Axumin (fluciclovine F 18) injection is FDA-approved for PET imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on elevated blood prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior treatment. Currently, rhPSMA compounds are investigational and have not received regulatory approval.

HIGHLIGHTED SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATIONS
SUO has designed this year’s meeting to feature all presentations in digital poster format, presented in scheduled blocks and available in the online poster gallery.

Blue Earth Diagnostics invites participants at the SUO 23rd Annual Meeting to attend the presentations above and to learn more about the company at its Medical Affairs educational booth. For session details and scientific presentation listings, please see the SUO online program here.

About Radiohybrid Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (rhPSMA)
rhPSMA compounds consist of a radiohybrid ("rh") Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-targeted receptor ligand which attaches to and is internalized by prostate cancer cells and they may be radiolabeled with 18F for PET imaging, or with isotopes such as 177Lu or 225Ac for therapeutic use – creating a true theranostic technology. They may play an important role in patient management in the future, and offer the potential for precision medicine for men with prostate cancer. Radiohybrid technology and rhPSMA originated from the Technical University of Munich, Germany. Blue Earth Diagnostics acquired exclusive, worldwide rights to rhPSMA diagnostic imaging technology from Scintomics GmbH in 2018, and therapeutic rights in 2020, and has sublicensed the therapeutic application to its sister company Blue Earth Therapeutics. Blue Earth Diagnostics has completed two Phase 3 clinical studies evaluating the safety and diagnostic performance of 18F-rhPSMA-7.3 PET imaging in prostate cancer: ("SPOTLIGHT," NCT04186845), in men with recurrent disease and ("LIGHTHOUSE," NCT04186819), in men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Currently, rhPSMA compounds are investigational and have not received regulatory approval.

Indication and Important Safety Information About Axumin

INDICATION
Axumin (fluciclovine F 18) injection is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior treatment.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Image interpretation errors can occur with Axumin PET imaging. A negative image does not rule out recurrent prostate cancer and a positive image does not confirm its presence. The performance of Axumin seems to be affected by PSA levels. Axumin uptake may occur with other cancers and benign prostatic hypertrophy in primary prostate cancer. Clinical correlation, which may include histopathological evaluation, is recommended.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur in patients who receive Axumin. Emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel should be immediately available.
Axumin use contributes to a patient’s overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure, which is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Safe handling practices should be used to minimize radiation exposure to the patient and health care providers.
Adverse reactions were reported in ≤ 1% of subjects during clinical studies with Axumin. The most common adverse reactions were injection site pain, injection site erythema and dysgeusia.

Data Across Daiichi Sankyo DXd ADC Portfolio at 2022 SABCS Demonstrates Bold Progress in Advancing Treatment for Patients with Breast Cancer

O November 21, 2022 Daiichi Sankyo (TSE: 4568) reported that continues to boldly challenge the breast cancer treatment landscape with the presentation of 30 abstracts from its innovative DXd antibody drug conjugate (ADC) portfolio at the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (#SABCS22) to be held December 6 to 10, 2022 (Press release, Daiichi Sankyo, NOV 21, 2022, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221118005606/en/Data-Across-Daiichi-Sankyo-DXd-ADC-Portfolio-at-2022-SABCS-Demonstrates-Bold-Progress-in-Advancing-Treatment-for-Patients-with-Breast-Cancer [SID1234624300]).

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ENHERTU (trastuzumab deruxtecan) data from DESTINY-Breast03 and DESTINY-Breast02, two head-to-head phase 3 trials in patients with previously treated HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer, will be highlighted in back-to-back oral presentations and included in the SABCS Press Program. A Spotlight Poster Discussion will feature the first reported results of datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) in patients with HR positive, HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer from the TROPION-PanTumor01 phase 1 trial.

"Three years after unveiling the impressive results of DESTINY-Breast01 at SABCS, we look forward to showcasing data from two additional head-to-head trials confirming the efficacy and safety profile of ENHERTU, including updated results from DESTINY-Breast03 and the first presentation of results from DESTINY-Breast02," said Ken Takeshita, MD, Global Head, R&D, Daiichi Sankyo. "We will present for the first time preliminary data of datopotamab deruxtecan in patients with HR positive, HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer, as well as updated results in metastatic triple negative breast cancer. With these new data, Daiichi Sankyo continues reaching for our goal of changing the standard of care for patients across all breast cancer subtypes with our innovative DXd ADC portfolio."

In patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), updated results from the TROPION-PanTumor01 phase 1 trial of datopotamab deruxtecan will be featured as a poster presentation and a Spotlight Poster Discussion will provide updated data from the datopotamab deruxtecan and durvalumab arm of the BEGONIA phase 1b/2 trial.

Additionally, updates from other ongoing breast cancer trials from the DESTINY and TROPION clinical development programs of ENHERTU and datopotamab deruxtecan as well as collaborative trials across Daiichi Sankyo’s DXd ADC portfolio including DEBBRAH, TRIO-US B-12 TALENT and SOLTI-TOT-HER3 will be presented.

Following SABCS, Daiichi Sankyo will hold its annual R&D Day for investors and analysts on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 5:30 pm ET. Company executives will provide an overview of Daiichi Sankyo’s research data presented at SABCS, provide updates on the company’s R&D strategy, and address questions from investors and analysts.

Highlights of the data from the DXd ADC portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo to be presented at SABCS 2022 include:

Presentation Title

Author

Abstract

Presentation

ENHERTU (trastuzumab deruxtecan/T-DXd; HER2 directed ADC)

HER2 Positive

Trastuzumab deruxtecan vs. treatment of physician’s choice in patients with HER2 positive unresectable and/or metastatic breast cancer previously treated with trastuzumab emtansine: primary results of the phase 3 study DESTINY-Breast02

I. Krop

GS2-01

Oral Presentation: General Session 2
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
9:00 am CT

Trastuzumab deruxtecan vs. trastuzumab emtansine in patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer: updated survival results of the randomized, phase 3 study DESTINY-Breast03

S. A. Hurvitz

GS2-02

Oral Presentation General Session 2
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
9:15 am CT

Trastuzumab deruxtecan for the treatment of patients with HER2 positive breast cancer with brain and/or leptomeningeal metastases: a multicenter retrospective study (ROSET-BM study)

Y. Takashi

PD7-01

Spotlight Poster Discussion 7
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
5:00 pm CT

Dose-expansion study of trastuzumab deruxtecan as monotherapy or combined with pertuzumab in patients with metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2 positive) breast cancer in DESTINY-Breast07

E.P. Hamilton

PD18-11

Spotlight Poster Discussion 18
Friday, December 9, 2022
7:00 am CT
Open-label, phase 3b/4 study of trastuzumab deruxtecan in patients with or without baseline brain metastasis with advanced/metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2 positive) breast cancer: DESTINY-Breast12

N. U. Lin

OT2-16-02

Poster Presentation
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
5:00 pm CT

HER2 Low

TRIO-US B-12 TALENT: neoadjuvant trastuzumab deruxtecan with or without anastrozole for HER2 low, HR positive early-stage breast cancer

S.A. Hurvitz

GS2-03

Oral Presentation General Session 2
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
9:30 am CT

Trastuzumab deruxtecan in patients with unstable central nervous system involvement from HER2 low advanced breast cancer: the DEBBRAH trial

J.M. Perez-Garcia

PD7-02

Spotlight Poster Discussion 7
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
5:00 pm CT

Trastuzumab deruxtecan + durvalumab as first-line treatment for unresectable locally advanced/metastatic hormone receptor-negative (HR negative), HER2 low breast cancer: updated results from BEGONIA, a phase 1b/2 study

P. Schmid

PD11-08

Spotlight Poster Discussion 11
Thursday, December 8, 2022
7:00 am CT

Trastuzumab deruxtecan vs. treatment of physician’s choice in patients with HER2 low unresectable and/or metastatic breast cancer: subgroup analyses from DESTINY-Breast04

N. Harbeck

P1-11-01

Poster Presentation
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
5:00 pm CT

HER2 Testing

Retrospective study to estimate the prevalence and describe the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of HER2 low breast cancer

G. Viale

HER2-15

HER2 Low: A Separate Entity Special Session – Hall 3
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
9:45 am CT

Determination of HER2 low status in tumors of patients with unresectable and/or metastatic breast cancer in DESTINY-Breast04

A. Prat

HER2-18

Proficiency assessment of HER2 low breast cancer scoring with the Ventana PATHWAY 4B5 and Dako HercepTest HER2 assays and the impact of pathologist training

J. Rüschoff

HER2-13

A fully automatic artificial intelligence system for accurate and reproducible HER2 IHC scoring in breast cancer

Y. Globerson

P6-04-05

Poster Presentation
Friday, December 9, 2022
7:00 am CT

Computational pathology based HER2 expression quantification in HER2 low breast cancer

A. Spitzmüller

P6-04-03

Poster Presentation
Friday, December 9, 2022
7:00 am CT

ART: Automated region segmentation of tumor on HER2-stained breast cancer tissue

A. Kapil

P6-04-16

Poster Presentation
Friday, December 9, 2022
7:00 am CT

High intra- and inter-block concordance of HER2 immunohistochemistry scores across breast cancer samples and impact of decalcification procedures

A. Tsirka

P6-04-17

Poster Presentation
Friday, December 9, 2022
7:00 am CT

Datopotamab Deruxtecan (Dato-DXd; TROP2 directed ADC)

HR Positive, HER2 Negative

Phase 1 TROPION-PanTumor01 study evaluating datopotamab deruxtecan in unresectable or metastatic hormone receptor positive (HR positive), HER2 negative breast cancer

F. Meric-Bernstam

PD13-08

Spotlight Poster Discussion 13
Thursday, December 8, 2022
5:00 pm CT

Datopotamab deruxtecan, a TROP2 antibody-drug conjugate, vs. investigators’ choice of chemotherapy in previously-treated, inoperable or metastatic HR positive, HER2 negative breast cancer: TROPION-Breast01

A. Bardia

OT1-03-04

Poster Presentation
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
5:00 pm CT

TNBC

Datopotamab deruxtecan + durvalumab as first-line treatment for unresectable locally advanced/metastatic triple negative breast cancer: updated results from BEGONIA, a phase 1b/2 study

P. Schmid

PD11-09

Spotlight Poster Discussion 11
Thursday, December 8, 2022
7:00 am CT

Datopotamab deruxtecan in advanced triple-negative breast cancer: updated results from the Phase 1 TROPION-PanTumor01 Study

A. Bardia

P6-10-03

Poster Presentation
Friday, December 9, 2022
7:00 am CT

TROPION-Breast02: Phase 3, open-label, randomized study of first-line datopotamab deruxtecan versus chemotherapy in patients with locally recurrent inoperable or metastatic triple negative breast cancer who are not candidates for anti-PD-(L)1 therapy

R. Dent

OT1-03-05

Poster Presentation
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
5:00 pm CT

Patritumab Deruxtecan (HER3-DXd; HER3 directed ADC)

HR positive, HER2 negative

Genetic determinants of response to patritumab deruxtecan in hormone receptor positive (HR positive), HER2 negative breast cancer: a correlative analysis from SOLTI-TOT-HER3 trial

F. Brasó-Maristany

P5-02-31

Poster Presentation
Thursday, December 8, 2022
5:00 pm CT

About the DXd ADC Portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo

The DXd ADC portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo currently consists of five ADCs in clinical development across multiple types of cancer. The company’s three lead ADCs include ENHERTU, a HER2 directed ADC and datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd), a TROP2 directed ADC, which are being jointly developed and commercialized globally with AstraZeneca; and patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd), a HER3 directed ADC. Two additional ADCs including ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd; DS-7300), a B7-H3 directed ADC, and DS-6000, a CDH6 directed ADC, are being developed through a strategic early-stage research collaboration with Sarah Cannon Research Institute.

Each ADC is designed using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC technology to target and deliver a cytotoxic payload inside cancer cells that express a specific cell surface antigen. Each ADC consists of a monoclonal antibody attached to a number of topoisomerase I inhibitor payloads (an exatecan derivative, DXd) via tetrapeptide-based cleavable linkers.

Datopotamab deruxtecan, ifinatamab deruxtecan, patritumab deruxtecan and DS-6000 are investigational medicines that have not been approved for any indication in any country. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

ENHERTU U.S. Important Safety Information

Indications

ENHERTU is a HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen either:
– In the metastatic setting, or
– In the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting and have developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing therapy
Unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have received a prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during or within 6 months of completing adjuvant chemotherapy
Unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
Locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen
WARNING: INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis, including fatal cases, have been reported with ENHERTU. Monitor for and promptly investigate signs and symptoms including cough, dyspnea, fever, and other new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in all patients with Grade 2 or higher ILD/pneumonitis. Advise patients of the risk and to immediately report symptoms.
Exposure to ENHERTU during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception.
Contraindications

None.

Warnings and Precautions

Interstitial Lung Disease / Pneumonitis

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Advise patients to immediately report cough, dyspnea, fever, and/or any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ILD. Promptly investigate evidence of ILD. Evaluate patients with suspected ILD by radiographic imaging. Consider consultation with a pulmonologist. For asymptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 1), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 0, then if resolved in ≤28 days from date of onset, maintain dose. If resolved in >28 days from date of onset, reduce dose one level. Consider corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥0.5 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent). For symptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2 or greater), permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Promptly initiate systemic corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥1 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent) and continue for at least 14 days followed by gradual taper for at least 4 weeks.

Metastatic Breast Cancer and HER2-Mutant NSCLC (5.4 mg/kg)

In patients with metastatic breast cancer and HER2-mutant NSCLC treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 12% of patients. Fatal outcomes due to ILD and/or pneumonitis occurred in 1.0% of patients treated with ENHERTU. Median time to first onset was 5 months (range: 0.9 to 23).

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 10% of patients. Median time to first onset was 2.8 months (range: 1.2 to 21).

Neutropenia

Severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Monitor complete blood counts prior to initiation of ENHERTU and prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count [ANC] <1.0 to 0.5 x 109/L), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 x 109/L), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then reduce dose by one level. For febrile neutropenia (ANC <1.0 x 109/L and temperature >38.3º C or a sustained temperature of ≥38º C for more than 1 hour), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved, then reduce dose by one level.

Metastatic Breast Cancer and HER2-Mutant NSCLC (5.4 mg/kg)

In patients with metastatic breast cancer and HER2-mutant NSCLC treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 65% of patients. Sixteen percent had Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 22 days (range: 2 to 664). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 1.1% of patients.

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 72% of patients. Fifty-one percent had Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 16 days (range: 4 to 187). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 4.8% of patients.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Patients treated with ENHERTU may be at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including ENHERTU. Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ENHERTU and at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. Manage LVEF decrease through treatment interruption. When LVEF is >45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, continue treatment with ENHERTU. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is <10%, continue treatment with ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF has not recovered to within 10% from baseline, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. If LVEF recovers to within 10% from baseline, resume treatment with ENHERTU at the same dose. When LVEF is <40% or absolute decrease from baseline is >20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure. Treatment with ENHERTU has not been studied in patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease or LVEF <50% prior to initiation of treatment.

Metastatic Breast Cancer and HER2-Mutant NSCLC (5.4 mg/kg)

In patients with metastatic breast cancer and HER2-mutant NSCLC treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, LVEF decrease was reported in 3.6% of patients, of which 0.4% were Grade 3.

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, no clinical adverse events of heart failure were reported; however, on echocardiography, 8% were found to have asymptomatic Grade 2 decrease in LVEF.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ENHERTU. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

Additional Dose Modifications

Thrombocytopenia

For Grade 3 thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 to 25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (platelets <25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then reduce dose by one level.

Adverse Reactions

Metastatic Breast Cancer and HER2-Mutant NSCLC (5.4 mg/kg)

The pooled safety population reflects exposure to ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks in 984 patients in Study DS8201-A-J101 (NCT02564900), DESTINY-Breast01, DESTINY-Breast03, DESTINY-Breast04, and DESTINY-Lung02. Among these patients 65% were exposed for >6 months and 39% were exposed for >1 year. In this pooled safety population, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (76%), decreased white blood cell count (71%), decreased hemoglobin (66%), decreased neutrophil count (65%), decreased lymphocyte count (55%), fatigue (54%), decreased platelet count (47%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (48%), vomiting (44%), increased alanine aminotransferase (42%), alopecia (39%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (39%), constipation (34%), musculoskeletal pain (32%), decreased appetite (32%), hypokalemia (28%), diarrhea (28%), and respiratory infection (24%).

HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

DESTINY-Breast03

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 257 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received at least one dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every three weeks in DESTINY-Breast03. The median duration of treatment was 14 months (range: 0.7 to 30).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 19% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were vomiting, interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, pyrexia, and urinary tract infection. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 0.8% of patients including COVID-19 and sudden death (one patient each).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 14% of patients, of which ILD/pneumonitis accounted for 8%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pneumonia, nausea, fatigue, and ILD/pneumonitis. Dose reductions occurred in 21% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were nausea, neutropenia, and fatigue.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (76%), decreased white blood cell count (74%), decreased neutrophil count (70%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (67%), decreased hemoglobin (64%), decreased lymphocyte count (55%), increased alanine aminotransferase (53%), decreased platelet count (52%), fatigue (49%), vomiting (49%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (49%), alopecia (37%), hypokalemia (35%), constipation (34%), musculoskeletal pain (31%), diarrhea (29%), decreased appetite (29%), respiratory infection (22%), headache (22%), abdominal pain (21%), increased blood bilirubin (20%), and stomatitis (20%).

HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer

DESTINY-Breast04

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 371 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks in DESTINY-Breast04. The median duration of treatment was 8 months (range: 0.2 to 33) for patients who received ENHERTU.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 28% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were ILD/pneumonitis, pneumonia, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, sepsis, anemia, febrile neutropenia, hypercalcemia, nausea, pyrexia, and vomiting. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 4% of patients including ILD/pneumonitis (3 patients); sepsis (2 patients); and ischemic colitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, dyspnea, febrile neutropenia, general physical health deterioration, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure (1 patient each).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 16% of patients, of which ILD/pneumonitis accounted for 8%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 39% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, fatigue, anemia, leukopenia, COVID-19, ILD/pneumonitis, increased transaminases, and hyperbilirubinemia. Dose reductions occurred in 23% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were fatigue, nausea, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (76%), decreased white blood cell count (70%), decreased hemoglobin (64%), decreased neutrophil count (64%), decreased lymphocyte count (55%), fatigue (54%), decreased platelet count (44%), alopecia (40%), vomiting (40%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (38%), increased alanine aminotransferase (36%), constipation (34%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (34%), decreased appetite (32%), musculoskeletal pain (32%), diarrhea (27%), and hypokalemia (25%).

Unresectable or Metastatic HER2-Mutant NSCLC (5.4 mg/kg)

DESTINY-Lung02 evaluated two dose levels (5.4 mg/kg [n=101] and 6.4 mg/kg [n=50]); however, only the results for the recommended dose of 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks are described below due to increased toxicity observed with the higher dose in patients with NSCLC, including ILD/pneumonitis.

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 101 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-mutant NSCLC who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every three weeks in DESTINY‑Lung02. Nineteen percent of patients were exposed for >6 months.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 30% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were ILD/pneumonitis, thrombocytopenia, dyspnea, nausea, pleural effusion, and increased troponin I. Fatality occurred in 1 patient with suspected ILD/pneumonitis (1%).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 8% of patients. Adverse reactions which resulted in permanent discontinuation of ENHERTU were ILD/pneumonitis, diarrhea, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, myocarditis, and vomiting. Dose interruptions of ENHERTU due to adverse reactions occurred in 23% of patients. Adverse reactions which required dose interruption (>2%) included neutropenia and ILD/pneumonitis. Dose reductions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 11% of patients.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (61%), decreased white blood cell count (60%), decreased hemoglobin (58%), decreased neutrophil count (52%), decreased lymphocyte count (43%), decreased platelet count (40%), decreased albumin (39%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (35%), increased alanine aminotransferase (34%), fatigue (32%), constipation (31%), decreased appetite (30%), vomiting (26%), increased alkaline phosphatase (22%), and alopecia (21%).

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 187 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma in DESTINY-Gastric01. Patients intravenously received at least one dose of either ENHERTU (N=125) 6.4 mg/kg every 3 weeks or either irinotecan (N=55) 150 mg/m2 biweekly or paclitaxel (N=7) 80 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks. The median duration of treatment was 4.6 months (range: 0.7 to 22.3) for patients who received ENHERTU.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients receiving ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg. Serious adverse reactions in >2% of patients who received ENHERTU were decreased appetite, ILD, anemia, dehydration, pneumonia, cholestatic jaundice, pyrexia, and tumor hemorrhage. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 2.4% of patients: disseminated intravascular coagulation, large intestine perforation, and pneumonia occurred in one patient each (0.8%).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 15% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 62% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, decreased appetite, leukopenia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, ILD, pneumonia, lymphopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and hypokalemia. Dose reductions occurred in 32% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were neutropenia, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, and febrile neutropenia.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were decreased hemoglobin (75%), decreased white blood cell count (74%), decreased neutrophil count (72%), decreased lymphocyte count (70%), decreased platelet count (68%), nausea (63%), decreased appetite (60%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (58%), fatigue (55%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (54%), increased alanine aminotransferase (47%), diarrhea (32%), hypokalemia (30%), vomiting (26%), constipation (24%), increased blood bilirubin (24%), pyrexia (24%), and alopecia (22%).

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.
Lactation: There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. Contraception: Females: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose. Males: Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose. Infertility: ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility.
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use: Of the 883 patients with breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 22% were ≥65 years and 3.6% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy within clinical studies were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged ≥65 years (60%) as compared to younger patients (48%). Of the 101 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-mutant NSCLC treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 40% were ≥65 years and 8% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients. Of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Gastric01, 56% were ≥65 years and 14% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients.
Renal Impairment: A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Monitor patients with moderate renal impairment more frequently. The recommended dosage of ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min).
Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, due to potentially increased exposure, closely monitor for increased toxicities related to the topoisomerase inhibitor. The recommended dosage of ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >3 times ULN and any AST).

Prominent oncologist to discuss advantages of Oxford BioDynamics’ EpiSwitch CiRT at the 2022 Liquid Biopsy Virtual Summit

On November 21, 2022 Oxford BioDynamics Plc (AIM: OBD, the Company), a biotechnology company developing precision medicine tests for immune health based on the EpiSwitch 3D genomics platform, reported that prominent medical oncologist, Dr. Steven Mamus, a regular user of EpiSwitch CiRT, will be speaking about OBD’s flagship test at the 2022 Liquid Biopsy Virtual Summit, 6 December 2022 (Press release, Oxford Biodynamics, NOV 21, 2022, View Source [SID1234624299]). OBD will also have a virtual booth with information and educational materials for the EpiSwitch CiRT.

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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

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This event, hosted by GenomeWeb and PMLS, will be an exceptional opportunity to present the unique benefit of EpiSwitch CiRT to accurately predict a cancer patient’s most likely response to ICI therapy with a simple blood sample through liquid biopsy. Building on his personal experience, Dr. Mamus will present the unique benefits of CiRT for oncologists in treatment planning and navigating complex decisions such as immune-related adverse events and pseudo-progression.

The event is regularly attended by renowned oncologists, pathologists, clinical lab managers, executives, pharmaceutical and biotech R&D professionals, and decision-makers at hospitals and healthcare systems.

Liquid biopsies, a key focus topic for this year’s event, offer several advantages over traditional tissue-based testing due to their non-invasive nature, avoiding a needle biopsy or surgical sampling, and capacity to allow continuous patient monitoring. OBD is the commercial pioneer and technological leader in isolating and analyzing 3D genomic biomarkers from a simple blood draw to guide treatment decisions, assess prognosis, and predict therapy response. In addition, the EpiSwitch platform allows researchers to comprehensively examine complex system-wide regulatory interactions between the host immune system and cancer to detect early cancer, predict its response to drugs, and even stratify patients to likely outcomes.

Please visit Precision Medicine Leaders’ Summit website, here, for more information. The virtual event is scheduled for December 6, 2022, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm EST.

For more information about CiRT, please visit: www.myCiRT.com

Merck Aims to Double R&D Productivity in Oncology, Neurology and Immunology to Deliver More Medicines to Patients Faster

On November 21, 2022 Merck, a leading science and technology company, reported that updates on the company’s healthcare research and development strategy, aimed at doubling R&D productivity (Press release, Merck & Co, NOV 21, 2022, View Source [SID1234624298]). To achieve the goal of introducing one new product or major indication every 1.5 years on average, the company will focus its expertise and capabilities and leverage synergies within the existing pipeline to deliver transformative medicines in Oncology, Neurology and Immunology, augmented by an increased focus on external innovation. The company expects to maintain the output of its internal discovery engine, while more than 50% of future launches will result from external co-development partnerships and strategic in-licensing of assets for further in-house development. The strategy was shared today at the company’s R&D Update Call.

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"We are driven by our ambition to accelerate the discovery, development and delivery of innovative medicines to patients with cancer and neuroinflammatory and immune-mediated diseases," said Danny Bar-Zohar, Global Head of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer for the Healthcare business sector of Merck. "With a mindset of design simplicity and resource discipline paired with agility of execution, we will speed the generation of high-quality data that will support our efforts to bring forth more medicines for more patients, faster."

To increase R&D productivity, the company will build on its established expertise in the underlying biology of its focused therapeutic areas of oncology, neurology and immunology and will leverage technological capabilities, particularly its industry-leading antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology.

Oncology: Synergistic Approaches to Striking Cancer at Its Core

The company’s oncology research and development strategy centers on cancer DNA while building on existing leadership in key cancer types, including head and neck, urothelial and colorectal cancers. The oncology pipeline is focused on synergistic approaches targeting key pathways involved in cancer cell survival, deploying mechanisms to hit cancer at its core:

Delivering tumor DNA-damaging payloads right to the cancer with cutting-edge ADC technology
Preventing cancer cells from repairing DNA damage, through inhibition of the DNA damage response (DDR)
Restoring sensitivity to apoptosis, the cells’ natural death mechanism, which cancer can inhibit
The lead asset in the oncology pipeline is xevinapant, an investigational first-in-class potent oral small molecule IAP (Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein) inhibitor being evaluated in the curative setting of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA SCCHN)—an area that has not seen significant advances in treatment in the past 20 years. Xevinapant, which was in-licensed from Debiopharm in March 2021, builds on the company’s long heritage and extensive expertise in SCCHN. Based on the promising efficacy and safety profile seen in the Phase II trial and the urgent need for new treatments, the company is evaluating xevinapant in two ongoing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III clinical trials with the goal of transforming the standard of care: the TrilynX study (NCT04459715) in patients with unresected LA SCCHN, and the XRay Vision study (NCT05386550) in patients with resected LA SCCHN who are at high risk of relapse and are ineligible for cisplatin. Additional external studies and real-world evidence are expected to elucidate the potential for xevinapant across additional patient segments.

The company’s broad portfolio of selective and potent DDR inhibitors includes several agents under development that directly inhibit DDR pathways required for cancer cell survival. By attacking the inherent genetic instability of cancer cells, these agents have the potential to exploit this weakness and tip the therapeutic balance in difficult-to-treat cancers. The oral ATR (ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related) inhibitor M1774, which has been designed as a potentially best-in-class molecule, is the leading DDR asset in the pipeline. Recently presented dose-escalation results showed that M1774 at its recommended dose expansion level showed pharmacologically robust exposure and a favorable safety profile. M1774 has broad potential in combination with other DDR inhibitors and other medicines, and as monotherapy in the right genomic context. The DDR portfolio also includes inhibitors of ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) and DNA-PK (DNA-dependent protein kinase) and has recently been complemented by a collaboration with Nerviano Medical Sciences with the option for a license agreement on the next-generation selective PARP1 (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase) inhibitor NMS-293.

Earlier this year, M9140, the first ADC developed using the company’s own technology, advanced into human trials. The ongoing Phase Ia study is assessing M9140 in patients with colorectal cancer. M9140 is an anti-CEACAM5 ADC with a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor (exatecan) payload that has been rationally designed for stability in circulation and superior cancer cell killing activity with a broad therapeutic window. M9140 has synergistic potential with DDR inhibition as well.

Neurology and Immunology: Expansion Building on Strength in Neurology and Immune Biology

In neurology and immunology, Merck aims to expand its multiple sclerosis (MS) portfolio with evobrutinib, an investigational, oral, CNS-penetrating, highly selective inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) with the potential to become a best-in-class treatment option for relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). In a Phase II study and follow-up, evobrutinib is the first BTK inhibitor (BTKi) to demonstrate sustained clinical efficacy for people with RMS through three and a half years and impact early biomarkers of ongoing central inflammation that correlate with disease progression, including slowly expanding lesions volume and levels of blood neurofilament light chain protein.

In pre-clinical studies, evobrutinib modulated both B cells and macrophages (in the periphery)/microglia (in the brain). This approach has the potential to positively impact both progression caused by relapses and silent progression occurring independent of relapse. During Phase II, the BTKi dose-finding study demonstrated that BID dosing achieved maximal efficacy with >95% BTK occupancy maintained in 98% of patients before the next dose. The Phase III readout for evobrutinib is expected in Q4 2023.

Merck also seeks to expand in neurology by evaluating the potential of oral cladribine in neurological diseases where inflammation is a primary driver, such as generalized myasthenia gravis.

The company is looking to diversify the pipeline with immunology and accelerate R&D by focusing on targets with proven biology via novel modalities. Key to these efforts is the ongoing Phase II WILLOW study of the TLR7/8 inhibitor enpatoran in cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus. Building on expertise in neurology, the company is initiating a proof-of-concept study in neuromuscular conditions dermatomyositis and polymyositis with enpatoran in 2023. These conditions have a high unmet medical need characterized by progressive muscle weakness and show lupus-like patterns of immune activation and TLR7/8 expression.

"Patients rely on us. By building on our existing strengths and maximizing synergies within our in-house discovered pipeline and with external assets, we will secure sustainable R&D productivity that leads to innovative medicines for patients in need," Bar-Zohar added.

To access the presentation and a recording, please visit the company’s website at View Source

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Ellipses Pharma to Present Clinical Updates at Leading U.S. Breast and Blood Cancer Conferences

On November 21, 2022 Ellipses Pharma Limited ("Ellipses"), a global drug development company focused on accelerating the development of new oncology treatments, reported that it will be presenting clinical updates covering two of its assets at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), taking place between 6 – 10 December 2022 in San Antonio, Texas, and at the 64th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition, from 10 – 13 December 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Press release, Ellipses Pharma, NOV 21, 2022, View Source [SID1234624297]).

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At SABCS, a ‘Trial in Progress’ poster that details the design of a Phase 1 / 2 trial of vosilasarm (EP0062) will be presented. EP0062 is a selective androgen receptor modulator currently under development for the treatment of AR+/HER-/ER+ advanced breast cancer.

At ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper), Ellipses’ preliminary results of the dose escalation part of the Phase 1 / 2a first-in-human study of EP0042 in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) will be presented. EP0042 is a dual FLT3 and aurora kinase inhibitor. The trial is investigating the use of EP0042 as both a monotherapy and in combination with existing therapies.

Dr Rajan Jethwa, CEO of Ellipses Pharma, said:
"Ellipses is committed to developing novel cancer treatments at pace and getting them to patients. Presenting the design of Ellipses’ first trial of EP0062, and the preliminary findings of the EP0042 trial at two of the world’s leading oncology conferences is a significant step closer to delivering on that goal. We are proud of the work our dedicated team has delivered to make these trials happen and bring such potentially exciting data to light."

Professor Sir Christopher Evans, Chairman of Ellipses Pharma, said:
"The presentation of these two posters is testament to the potential of the promising assets in Ellipses’ pipeline and demonstrates the progress we have made towards our goal of accelerating the development of much-needed cancer treatments."