Caribou Biosciences Announces FDA Clearance of IND Application for CB-011, an Allogeneic Anti-BCMA CAR-T Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

On November 21, 2022 Caribou Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRBU), a leading clinical-stage CRISPR genome-editing biopharmaceutical company, reported that it has received clearance of its Investigational New Drug (IND) application from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CB-011, a genome-edited allogeneic anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy with immune cloaking (Press release, Caribou Biosciences, NOV 21, 2022, View Source [SID1234624274]). The CaMMouflage Phase 1 clinical trial, a multicenter, open-label study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single dose of CB-011 in adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (r/r MM), is expected to initiate patient enrollment for treatment at dose level 1 (50×106 CAR-T cells) in early 2023.

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"Clearance of our second IND application represents another key milestone for our pipeline of promising allogeneic cell therapies designed to have enhanced persistence of antitumor activity," said Rachel Haurwitz, Ph.D., Caribou’s president and chief executive officer. "CB-011 is designed with an immune cloaking strategy to reduce rejection of the cell therapy by a patient’s T and NK cells and we use Caribou’s highly precise and specific Cas12a chRDNA genome-editing technology to manufacture this product candidate. We are excited to develop CB-011 as an off-the-shelf cell therapy that may reach a broader number of patients with multiple myeloma than are currently being served, and we look forward to initiating patient enrollment in the CaMMouflage trial in early 2023."

CB-011 is the second allogeneic cell therapy advancing into clinical development from Caribou’s CAR-T cell platform targeting hematologic malignancies. Caribou’s first allogeneic cell therapy, CB-010, an allogeneic anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy with a PD-1 knockout, is being evaluated in the ongoing ANTLER Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with relapsed or refractory B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (r/r B-NHL). Encouraging safety and antitumor activity for CB-010 at dose level 1 have been reported from the ANTLER trial.

"CAR-T cell therapies have shown great promise for treating patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma," said Sundar Jagannath, M.D., director of the Multiple Myeloma Center of Excellence at Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. "Allogeneic, or ‘off-the-shelf,’ CAR-T cell therapies would provide a great option for patients with multiple myeloma, helping to overcome the need for bridging therapies as well as variable quality and manufacturing timelines of autologous CAR-T cells."

CB-011 is the first allogeneic anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy, to Caribou’s knowledge, that is engineered to improve persistence of antitumor response through an immune cloaking genome-

editing approach that removes the B2M protein and inserts a B2M–HLA-E fusion protein. CB-011 has four edits implemented via Caribou’s Cas12a CRISPR hybrid RNA-DNA (chRDNA) technology:
•Edits 1 and 2 – A humanized anti-BCMA CAR is site-specifically inserted into the TRAC gene to target cancer cells, thereby knocking out expression of the T cell receptor to reduce the risk of graft versus host disease (GvHD).
•Edits 3 and 4 – A B2M–HLA-E peptide fusion gene is site-specifically inserted into the B2M gene of the CAR-T cells to prevent recognition and rejection by patient T cells and blunt rejection by NK cells. These edits knock out endogenous B2M expression, eliminating endogenous HLA class I presentation and reducing T cell-mediated rejection, while enabling expression of B2M–HLA-E needed to inhibit NK cell-mediated rejection.

About the CaMMouflage Trial
The CaMMouflage Phase 1 trial is an open-label, multicenter clinical trial designed to evaluate CB-011 in adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (r/r MM). Part A, a 3+3 dose escalation design, will evaluate the safety and tolerability of CB-011 at multiple dose levels and will be utilized to determine the maximum tolerated dose and/or the recommended Phase 2 dose. Part B is the dose expansion portion with the primary objective of determining tumor response after a single dose of CB-011. CaMMouflage will include patients who have had 3 or more prior lines of therapy and will exclude patients who have received a BCMA-targeted therapy within the last 3 months and/or any prior CAR-T cell therapy.

Caribou plans to initiate patient enrollment in the CaMMouflage trial to treat patients with a single administration of CB-011 at dose level 1 (50×106 CAR-T cells) in early 2023.

About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the United States. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 160,000 people in 2019 were living with MM and an estimated 34,000 individuals are diagnosed with MM each year in the United States. Approximately 50% of patients with MM relapse and have their cancer return after first line treatment or are refractory and do not respond to current treatments.

About Caribou’s Novel Next-Generation CRISPR Platform
CRISPR genome editing uses easily designed, modular biological tools to make DNA changes in living cells. There are two basic components of Class 2 CRISPR systems: the nuclease protein that cuts DNA and the RNA molecule(s) that guide the nuclease to generate a site-specific, double-stranded break, leading to an edit at the targeted genomic site. CRISPR systems are capable of editing unintended genomic sites, known as off-target editing, which may lead to harmful effects on cellular function and phenotype. In response to this challenge, Caribou has developed CRISPR hybrid RNA-DNA guides (chRDNAs; pronounced "chardonnays") that direct substantially more precise genome editing compared to all-RNA guides. Caribou is deploying the power of its Cas12a chRDNA technology to carry out multiple edits at high efficiency, including multiplex gene insertions, to develop CRISPR-edited therapies.

Lilly Announces Details of Presentations at 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

On November 21, 2022 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported that study investigators will present data from its breast cancer portfolio and pipeline at the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), to be held December 6-10, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas, and virtually (Press release, Eli Lilly, NOV 21, 2022, View Source [SID1234624273]). These presentations include new results from studies of Verzenio (abemaciclib; a CDK4/6 inhibitor), imlunestrant (an investigational oral selective estrogen receptor degrader [SERD]), and LOXO-783 (an investigational mutant-selective allosteric PI3Kα H1047R inhibitor).

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The Verzenio oral and poster presentations will provide updated clinical data from ongoing studies in early and advanced forms of hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer. An oral presentation will provide results from a pre-planned overall survival (OS) analysis from the Phase 3 monarchE study in HR+, HER2-, node-positive, high risk early breast cancer, including four-year efficacy outcomes. Updated results at the final OS from the Phase 3 MONARCH 2 trial of Verzenio plus fulvestrant in patients with HR+, HER2- advanced breast cancer will be presented in a spotlight poster discussion. Additional analyses include real-world evidence in early breast cancer with a high risk of recurrence.

In a spotlight poster discussion, combination therapy results with imlunestrant will be presented from the Phase 1 EMBER trial of imlunestrant in combination with Verzenio, with or without an aromatase inhibitor, in patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+), HER2- advanced breast cancer. In addition, pharmacodynamic data from the preoperative EMBER-2 trial evaluating imlunestrant in ER+, HER2- early breast cancer will be provided. Preclinical data with LOXO-783 in combination with standard-of-care breast cancer agents will also be presented at the meeting.

A list of the presentations, along with their viewing details, is shared below.

Presentation Title

Details

Verzenio (abemaciclib)

Abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy for HR+, HER2-, node-positive, high-risk early breast cancer: Results from a pre-planned monarchE overall survival interim analysis, including 4-year efficacy outcomes

Presentation #GS1-09

General Session #1

Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Presentation Time: 4:00 – 4:15 PM CT

Location: Hall 3

Presenter: Johnston S

Final overall survival analysis of Monarch 2: A phase 3 trial of abemaciclib plus fulvestrant in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer

Presentation #PD13-11

Spotlight Poster Discussion Session #13: Therapeutic Approaches for HR+/Her2- Breast Cancer

Date: Thursday, December 8, 2022

Presentation Time: 5:00 – 6:15 PM CT

Location: Stars at Night Ballroom 1&2

Presenter: Llombart-Cussac A

Persistence with adjuvant endocrine therapy in patients with early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence: a US-based real-world study

Presentation #P4-03-01

Poster Session 4: Epidemiology, Risk, and Prevention: Epidemiology – Population Studies

Date: Thursday, December 8, 2022

Presentation Time: 7:00 – 8:15 PM CT

Location: Hall 1

Presenter: Vikto AS

Association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and absolute lymphocyte count with clinical outcomes for patients with advanced breast cancer in the MONARCH 2 trial

Presentation #P5-02-23

Poster Session 5: Prognostic and Predictive Factors: Biomarkers Predicting Tx Response: For Targeted Therapies

Date: Thursday, December 8, 2022

Presentation Time: 5:00 – 6:15 PM CT

Location: Hall 1

Presenter: Tokunaga E

Costs of breast cancer recurrence after initial treatment for high risk early breast cancer using SEER-Medicare linked data

Presentation #P6-07-01

Poster Session 6: Psychosocial, QOL, and Educational Aspects: Social and Education Issues – Cost-Effectiveness

Date: Friday, December 9, 2022

Presentation Time: 7:00 – 8:15 AM CT

Location: Hall 1

Presenter: Vitko AS

Imlunestrant

Imlunestrant, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader, in combination with abemaciclib with or without an aromatase inhibitor, in estrogen receptor-positive advanced breast cancer: Results from the phase 1a/b EMBER study

Presentation #PD13-12

Spotlight Poster Session 13: Therapeutic Approaches for HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer

Date: Thursday, December 8, 2022

Presentation Time: 5:00 – 6:15 PM CT

Location: Stars at Night Ballroom 1&2

Presenter: Jhaveri K

A preoperative window-of-opportunity study of imlunestrant in estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer: Results from the EMBER-2 study

Presentation #P6-10-06

Poster Session 6: Treatment: Therapeutic Strategies – Novel Targets and Targeted Agents

Date: Friday, December 9, 2022

Presentation Time: 7:00 – 8:15 AM CT

Location: Hall 1

Presenter: Neven P

LOXO-783

A potent, highly mutant selective and brain-penetrant allosteric PI3Kα H1047R inhibitor in combination with standard of care (SOC) treatments in preclinical PI3Kα H1047R-mutant breast cancer models

Presentation #P4-08-02

Poster Session 4: Tumor Cell and Molecular Biology: Novel/Emerging Therapeutic Targets

Date: Thursday, December 8, 2022

Presentation Time: 7:00 – 8:15 AM CT

Location: Hall 1

Presenter: Puca L

About Verzenio (abemaciclib)
Verzenio (abemaciclib) is a targeted treatment known as a CDK4/6 inhibitor. Verzenio is a nonchemotherapy oral tablet.

Verzenio works inside the cell to block CDK4/6 activity and help stop the growth of cancer cells so that they may eventually die (based on preclinical studies). Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK)4/6 are activated by binding to D-cyclins. In estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cell lines, cyclin D1 and CDK4/6 promote phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb), cell cycle progression and cell proliferation.

In vitro, continuous exposure to Verzenio inhibited Rb phosphorylation and blocked progression from G1 to S phase of the cell cycle, resulting in senescence and apoptosis (cell death). Preclinically, Verzenio dosed daily without interruption resulted in reduction of tumor size. Inhibiting CDK4/6 in healthy cells can result in side effects, some of which may be serious. Clinical evidence also suggests that Verzenio crosses the blood-brain barrier. In patients with advanced cancer, including breast cancer, concentrations of Verzenio and its active metabolites (M2 and M20) in cerebrospinal fluid are comparable to unbound plasma concentrations.

Verzenio is Lilly’s first solid oral dosage form to be made using a faster, more efficient process known as continuous manufacturing. Continuous manufacturing is a new and advanced type of manufacturing within the pharmaceutical industry, and Lilly is one of the first companies to use this technology.

INDICATIONS FOR VERZENIO
Verzenio (abemaciclib) in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-), node-positive, early breast cancer (EBC) at high risk of recurrence and a Ki-67 score of ≥20%, as determined by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved test.

Verzenio is also indicated for the treatment of HR+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer:

In combination with ET (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with HR+, HER2-, node-positive, EBC at high risk of recurrence and a Ki-67 score ≥20% as determined by an FDA-approved test
In combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial ET for the treatment of postmenopausal women, and men, with HR+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer
In combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of adult patients with HR+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following ET
As monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with HR+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following ET and prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting
About Imlunestrant
Imlunestrant (LY3484356) is an investigational, oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) with pure antagonistic properties. The estrogen receptor (ER) is the key therapeutic target for patients with ER+/HER2- breast cancer. Novel degraders of ER may overcome endocrine therapy resistance while providing consistent oral pharmacology and convenience of administration. Imlunestrant was specifically designed to deliver continuous estrogen receptor target inhibition throughout the dosing period and regardless of ESR1 mutational status. Imlunestrant is currently being studied in several clinical studies.

For information about imlunestrant clinical trials, please refer to www.clinicaltrials.gov. Interested patients and physicians can contact the Loxo@Lilly clinical trial team by e-mailing [email protected].

About LOXO-783
LOXO-783 is an investigational potent, highly mutant-selective and brain-penetrant allosteric PI3Kα H1047R inhibitor that is designed to spare wild-type PI3Kα, other PI3K isoforms, and other kinases. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha (PI3Kα) H1047R mutations are activating oncogenic events that occur in approximately 15 percent of breast cancers and less commonly in other cancers. LOXO-783 has shown preclinical activity without on-target wild-type PI3Kα mediated toxicity. LOXO-783 is being investigated in an open-label, multicenter, Phase 1a/1b study in patients with PIK3CA H1047R-mutant advanced breast cancer and other solid tumors.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR VERZENIO (abemaciclib)
Severe diarrhea associated with dehydration and infection occurred in patients treated with Verzenio. Across four clinical trials in 3691 patients, diarrhea occurred in 81 to 90% of patients who received Verzenio. Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 8 to 20% of patients receiving Verzenio. Most patients experienced diarrhea during the first month of Verzenio treatment. The median time to onset of the first diarrhea event ranged from 6 to 8 days; and the median duration of Grade 2 and Grade 3 diarrhea ranged from 6 to 11 days and 5 to 8 days, respectively. Across trials, 19 to 26% of patients with diarrhea required a Verzenio dose interruption and 13 to 23% required a dose reduction.

Instruct patients to start antidiarrheal therapy, such as loperamide, at the first sign of loose stools, increase oral fluids, and notify their healthcare provider for further instructions and appropriate follow-up. For Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea, or diarrhea that requires hospitalization, discontinue Verzenio until toxicity resolves to ≤Grade 1, and then resume Verzenio at the next lower dose.

Neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia and fatal neutropenic sepsis, occurred in patients treated with Verzenio. Across four clinical trials in 3691 patients, neutropenia occurred in 37 to 46% of patients receiving Verzenio. A Grade ≥3 decrease in neutrophil count (based on laboratory findings) occurred in 19 to 32% of patients receiving Verzenio. Across trials, the median time to first episode of Grade ≥3 neutropenia ranged from 29 to 33 days, and the median duration of Grade ≥3 neutropenia ranged from 11 to 16 days. Febrile neutropenia has been reported in <1% of patients exposed to Verzenio across trials. Two deaths due to neutropenic sepsis were observed in MONARCH 2. Inform patients to promptly report any episodes of fever to their healthcare provider.

Monitor complete blood counts prior to the start of Verzenio therapy, every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, monthly for the next 2 months, and as clinically indicated. Dose interruption, dose reduction, or delay in starting treatment cycles is recommended for patients who develop Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia.

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pneumonitis can occur in patients treated with Verzenio and other CDK4/6 inhibitors. In Verzenio-treated patients in EBC (monarchE), 3% of patients experienced ILD or pneumonitis of any grade: 0.4% were Grade 3 or 4 and there was one fatality (0.1%). In Verzenio-treated patients in MBC (MONARCH 1, MONARCH 2, MONARCH 3), 3.3% of Verzenio-treated patients had ILD or pneumonitis of any grade: 0.6% had Grade 3 or 4, and 0.4% had fatal outcomes. Additional cases of ILD or pneumonitis have been observed in the postmarketing setting, with fatalities reported.

Monitor patients for pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD or pneumonitis. Symptoms may include hypoxia, cough, dyspnea, or interstitial infiltrates on radiologic exams. Infectious, neoplastic, and other causes for such symptoms should be excluded by means of appropriate investigations. Dose interruption or dose reduction is recommended in patients who develop persistent or recurrent Grade 2 ILD or pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue Verzenio in all patients with Grade 3 or 4 ILD or pneumonitis.

Grade ≥3 increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (2 to 6%) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (2 to 3%) were reported in patients receiving Verzenio. Across three clinical trials in 3559 patients (monarchE, MONARCH 2, MONARCH 3), the median time to onset of Grade ≥3 ALT increases ranged from 57 to 87 days and the median time to resolution to Grade <3 was 13 to 14 days. The median time to onset of Grade ≥3 AST increases ranged from 71 to 185 days and the median time to resolution to Grade <3 ranged from 11 to 15 days.

Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) prior to the start of Verzenio therapy, every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, monthly for the next 2 months, and as clinically indicated. Dose interruption, dose reduction, dose discontinuation, or delay in starting treatment cycles is recommended for patients who develop persistent or recurrent Grade 2, or any Grade 3 or 4 hepatic transaminase elevation.

Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) were reported in 2 to 5% of patients across three clinical trials in 3559 patients treated with Verzenio (monarchE, MONARCH 2, MONARCH 3). VTE included deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pelvic venous thrombosis, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, subclavian and axillary vein thrombosis, and inferior vena cava thrombosis. In clinical trials, deaths due to VTE have been reported in patients treated with Verzenio.

Verzenio has not been studied in patients with early breast cancer who had a history of VTE. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and treat as medically appropriate. Dose interruption is recommended for EBC patients with any grade VTE and for MBC patients with a Grade 3 or 4 VTE.

Verzenio can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, based on findings from animal studies and the mechanism of action. In animal reproduction studies, administration of abemaciclib to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis caused teratogenicity and decreased fetal weight at maternal exposures that were similar to the human clinical exposure based on area under the curve (AUC) at the maximum recommended human dose. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Verzenio and for 3 weeks after the last dose. Based on findings in animals, Verzenio may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential. There are no data on the presence of Verzenio in human milk or its effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Advise lactating women not to breastfeed during Verzenio treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants.

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥10%) observed in monarchE for Verzenio plus tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor vs tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor, with a difference between arms of ≥2%, were diarrhea (84% vs 9%), infections (51% vs 39%), neutropenia (46% vs 6%), fatigue (41% vs 18%), leukopenia (38% vs 7%), nausea (30% vs 9%), anemia (24% vs 4%), headache (20% vs 15%), vomiting (18% vs 4.6%), stomatitis (14% vs 5%), lymphopenia (14% vs 3%), thrombocytopenia (13% vs 2%), decreased appetite (12% vs 2.4%), ALT increased (12% vs 6%), AST increased (12% vs 5%), dizziness (11% vs 7%), rash (11% vs 4.5%), and alopecia (11% vs 2.7 %).

The most frequently reported ≥5% Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction that occurred in the Verzenio arm vs the tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor arm of monarchE were neutropenia (19.6% vs 1%), leukopenia (11% vs <1%), diarrhea (8% vs 0.2%), and lymphopenia (5% vs <1%).

Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for monarchE in ≥10% for Verzenio plus tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor with a difference between arms of ≥2% were increased serum creatinine (99% vs 91%; .5% vs <.1%), decreased white blood cells (89% vs 28%; 19.1% vs 1.1%), decreased neutrophil count (84% vs 23%; 18.7% vs 1.9%), anemia (68% vs 17%; 1% vs .1%), decreased lymphocyte count (59% vs 24%; 13.2 % vs 2.5%), decreased platelet count (37% vs 10%; .9% vs .2%), increased ALT (37% vs 24%; 2.6% vs 1.2%), increased AST (31% vs 18%; 1.6% vs .9%), and hypokalemia (11% vs 3.8%; 1.3% vs 0.2%).

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥10%) observed in MONARCH 3 for Verzenio plus anastrozole or letrozole vs anastrozole or letrozole, with a difference between arms of ≥2%, were diarrhea (81% vs 30%), fatigue (40% vs 32%), neutropenia (41% vs 2%), infections (39% vs 29%), nausea (39% vs 20%), abdominal pain (29% vs 12%), vomiting (28% vs 12%), anemia (28% vs 5%), alopecia (27% vs 11%), decreased appetite (24% vs 9%), leukopenia (21% vs 2%), creatinine increased (19% vs 4%), constipation (16% vs 12%), ALT increased (16% vs 7%), AST increased (15% vs 7%), rash (14% vs 5%), pruritus (13% vs 9%), cough (13% vs 9%), dyspnea (12% vs 6%), dizziness (11% vs 9%), weight decreased (10% vs 3.1%), influenza-like illness (10% vs 8%), and thrombocytopenia (10% vs 2%).

The most frequently reported ≥5% Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions that occurred in the Verzenio arm vs the placebo arm of MONARCH 3 were neutropenia (22% vs 1%), diarrhea (9% vs 1.2%), leukopenia (7% vs <1%)), increased ALT (6% vs 2%), and anemia (6% vs 1%).

Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for MONARCH 3 in ≥10% for Verzenio plus anastrozole or letrozole with a difference between arms of ≥2% were increased serum creatinine (98% vs 84%; 2.2% vs 0%), decreased white blood cells (82% vs 27%; 13% vs 0.6%), anemia (82% vs 28%; 1.6% vs 0%), decreased neutrophil count (80% vs 21%; 21.9% vs 2.6%), decreased lymphocyte count (53% vs 26%; 7.6% vs 1.9%), decreased platelet count (36% vs 12%; 1.9% vs 0.6%), increased ALT (48% vs 25%; 6.6% vs 1.9%), and increased AST (37% vs 23%; 3.8% vs 0.6%).

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥10%) observed in MONARCH 2 for Verzenio plus fulvestrant vs fulvestrant, with a difference between arms of ≥2%, were diarrhea (86% vs 25%), neutropenia (46% vs 4%), fatigue (46% vs 32%), nausea (45% vs 23%), infections (43% vs 25%), abdominal pain (35% vs 16%), anemia (29% vs 4%), leukopenia (28% vs 2%), decreased appetite (27% vs 12%), vomiting (26% vs 10%), headache (20% vs 15%), dysgeusia (18% vs 2.7%), thrombocytopenia (16% vs 3%), alopecia (16% vs 1.8%), stomatitis (15% vs 10%), ALT increased (13% vs 5%), pruritus (13% vs 6%), cough (13% vs 11%), dizziness (12% vs 6%), AST increased (12% vs 7%), peripheral edema (12% vs 7%), creatinine increased (12% vs <1%), rash (11% vs 4.5%), pyrexia (11% vs 6%), and weight decreased (10% vs 2.2%).

The most frequently reported ≥5% Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions that occurred in the Verzenio arm vs the placebo arm of MONARCH 2 were neutropenia (25% vs 1%), diarrhea (13% vs 0.4%), leukopenia (9% vs 0%), anemia (7% vs 1%), and infections (5.7% vs 3.5%).

Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for MONARCH 2 in ≥10% for Verzenio plus fulvestrant with a difference between arms of ≥2% were increased serum creatinine (98% vs 74%; 1.2% vs 0%), decreased white blood cells (90% vs 33%; 23.7% vs .9%), decreased neutrophil count (87% vs 30%; 32.5% vs 4.2%), anemia (84% vs 34%; 2.6% vs .5%), decreased lymphocyte count (63% vs 32%; 12.2% vs 1.8%), decreased platelet count (53% vs 15%; 2.1% vs 0%), increased ALT (41% vs 32%; 4.6% vs 1.4%), and increased AST (37% vs 25%; 3.9% vs 4.2%).

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥10%) observed in MONARCH 1 with Verzenio were diarrhea (90%), fatigue (65%), nausea (64%), decreased appetite (45%), abdominal pain (39%), neutropenia (37%), vomiting (35%), infections (31%), anemia (25%), thrombocytopenia (20%), headache (20%), cough (19%), constipation (17%), leukopenia (17%), arthralgia (15%), dry mouth (14%), weight decreased (14%), stomatitis (14%), creatinine increased (13%), alopecia (12%), dysgeusia (12%), pyrexia (11%), dizziness (11%), and dehydration (10%).

The most frequently reported ≥5% Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions from MONARCH 1 with Verzenio were diarrhea (20%), neutropenia (24%), fatigue (13%), and leukopenia (5%).

Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for MONARCH 1 with Verzenio were increased serum creatinine (99%; .8%), decreased white blood cells (91%; 28%), decreased neutrophil count (88%; 26.6%), anemia (69%; 0%), decreased lymphocyte count (42%; 13.8%), decreased platelet count (41%; 2.3%), increased ALT (31%; 3.1%), and increased AST (30%; 3.8%).

Strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors increased the exposure of abemaciclib plus its active metabolites to a clinically meaningful extent and may lead to increased toxicity. Avoid concomitant use of ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is predicted to increase the AUC of abemaciclib by up to 16-fold. In patients with recommended starting doses of 200 mg twice daily or 150 mg twice daily, reduce the Verzenio dose to 100 mg twice daily with concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors other than ketoconazole. In patients who have had a dose reduction to 100 mg twice daily due to adverse reactions, further reduce the Verzenio dose to 50 mg twice daily with concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors. If a patient taking Verzenio discontinues a strong CYP3A inhibitor, increase the Verzenio dose (after 3 to 5 half-lives of the inhibitor) to the dose that was used before starting the inhibitor. With concomitant use of moderate CYP3A inhibitors, monitor for adverse reactions and consider reducing the Verzenio dose in 50 mg decrements. Patients should avoid grapefruit products.

Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A inducers and consider alternative agents. Coadministration of strong or moderate CYP3A inducers decreased the plasma concentrations of abemaciclib plus its active metabolites and may lead to reduced activity.

With severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C), reduce the Verzenio dosing frequency to once daily. The pharmacokinetics of Verzenio in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min), end stage renal disease, or in patients on dialysis is unknown. No dosage adjustments are necessary in patients with mild or moderate hepatic (Child-Pugh A or B) and/or renal impairment (CLcr ≥30-89 mL/min).

Genmab Announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration Accepts for Priority Review Biologics License Application (BLA) for Epcoritamab (DuoBody®-CD3xCD20) for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma (LBCL)

On November 21, 2022 Genmab A/S (Nasdaq: GMAB) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for Priority Review the Biologics License Application (BLA) for subcutaneous epcoritamab (DuoBody-CD3xCD20), an investigational bispecific antibody, for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy (Press release, Genmab, NOV 21, 2022, View Source [SID1234624272]). Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), the FDA has set a target action date of May 21, 2023.

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The BLA submission is based on safety and preliminary efficacy data from the LBCL cohort of the pivotal EPCORE NHL-1 open-label, multi-center phase 2 clinical trial evaluating epcoritamab in patients with relapsed, progressive or refractory CD20+ mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). These results were presented in a late-breaking oral presentation as a part of the Presidential Symposium at the 27th Annual Meeting of the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) (EHA2022), in Vienna, Austria.

"We are pleased that the BLA for epcoritamab has been accepted for Priority Review by the FDA, accelerating the pathway for approval and bringing us one step closer to potentially delivering a novel treatment option to relapsed and refractory LBCL patients who are in need of additional treatment options," said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab. "Together with our partner, AbbVie, we recognize the unmet need for safe, effective and accessible treatments for patients with B-cell malignancies and we believe that epcoritamab has the potential to become a core therapy in this patient population."

Epcoritamab is being co-developed by Genmab and AbbVie as part of the companies’ oncology collaboration. The companies will share commercial responsibilities in the U.S. and Japan, with AbbVie responsible for further global commercialization. The companies are committed to evaluating epcoritamab as a monotherapy, and in combination, across lines of therapy in a range of hematologic malignancies, including an ongoing phase 3, open-label, randomized clinical trial evaluating epcoritamab as a monotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (NCT: 04628494) and a phase 3, open-label clinical trial evaluating epcoritamab in combination in patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) (NCT: 05409066).

In October 2022, the European Medicines Agency validated for review a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for epcoritamab for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL– a major subtype of LBCL – after two or more lines of systemic therapy.

Based on the existing agreement, this milestone triggers a USD 80 million milestone payment from AbbVie. The milestone payment will not impact Genmab’s 2022 financial guidance provided on November 9, 2022.

About Large B-cell Lymphoma (LBCL) and Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
Large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) is a fast-growing type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system and affects B-cell lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. There are an estimated 150,000 new LBCL cases each year globally.1,2 Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a fast-growing type of NHL3 and the most common type of NHL worldwide, accounting for approximately 31 percent of all NHL cases.2 DLBCL can arise in lymph nodes as well as in organs outside of the lymphatic system, occurs more commonly in the elderly and is slightly more prevalent in men.1

About the EPCORE NHL-1 Trial
EPCORE NHL-1 is an open-label, multi-center safety and preliminary efficacy trial of epcoritamab including a phase 1 first-in-human, dose escalation part; a phase 2 expansion part; and an optimization part. The trial was designed to evaluate subcutaneous epcoritamab in patients with relapsed, progressive or refractory CD20+ mature B-NHL, including LBCL and DLBCL. Data from the dose escalation part of the study, which determined the recommended phase 2 dose, were published in The Lancet in 2021. In the phase 2 expansion part, additional patients are treated with epcoritamab to further explore the safety and efficacy of epcoritamab in patients with different types of relapsed/refractory B-NHLs who had limited therapeutic options.

The primary endpoint of the phase 2 expansion part was overall response rate (ORR) as assessed by an IRC. Secondary efficacy endpoints included duration of response, complete response rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, time to response, time to next therapy, and rate of minimal residual disease negativity.

About Epcoritamab
Epcoritamab is an investigational IgG1-bispecific antibody created using Genmab’s proprietary DuoBody technology. Genmab’s DuoBody-CD3 technology is designed to direct cytotoxic T cells selectively to elicit an immune response towards target cell types. Epcoritamab is designed to simultaneously bind to CD3 on T cells and CD20 on B-cells and induces T cell mediated killing of CD20+ cells.4 CD20 is expressed on B-cells and a clinically validated therapeutic target in many B-cell malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.5,6

TRACON Pharmaceuticals Announces Dosing of First Patient in Phase 1/2 Trial of YH001 in Combination with Envafolimab and Doxorubicin in Front Line Sarcoma

On November 21, 2022 TRACON Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TCON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company utilizing a cost-efficient, CRO-independent product development platform to advance its pipeline of novel targeted cancer therapeutics and to partner with other life science companies, reported dosing of the first patient in a Phase 1/2 trial evaluating the Company’s CTLA-4 antibody, YH001, in combination with its PD-L1 antibody envafolimab and with doxorubicin in front line therapy in patients with sarcoma (NCT 05448820) (Press release, Tracon Pharmaceuticals, NOV 21, 2022, View Source [SID1234624271]).

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The Phase 1/2 trial will assess the safety and efficacy of the triplet combination of YH001, envafolimab and doxorubicin in the common sarcoma subtypes of leiomyosarcoma and dedifferentiated liposarcoma. In addition, the trial will assess the safety and efficacy of the doublet combination of YH001 and envafolimab in patients with the rare sarcoma subtypes of alveolar soft part sarcoma and chondrosarcoma.

"At the time in 2024 when we expect to seek accelerated approval from the FDA for envafolimab in the refractory sarcoma subtypes of UPS and MFS based on data from our ongoing ENVASARC clinical trial, we expect to be enrolling a Phase 3 trial for the full approval of envafolimab with YH001 in front line sarcoma patients," said Charles Theuer, M.D., Ph.D., TRACON’s Chief Executive Officer. "Dosing the first patient in a trial that studies envafolimab with YH001 in front line sarcoma patients, including in combination with standard of care doxorubicin, is an important step to inform us as to the subtypes of sarcoma which should enroll in the front line Phase 3 trial."

For more information on the Phase 1/2 trial of YH001 in combination with envafolimab and doxorubicin in advanced or metastatic sarcoma, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov and reference Identifier NCT05448820.

About YH001

YH001 is an IgG1 antibody against CTLA-4 that has shown enhanced antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement dependent cytotoxicity in vitro. In preclinical studies YH001 demonstrated superior T cell activation and superior tumor growth inhibition activity compared to ipilimumab. YH001 also demonstrated superior activity compared to ipilimumab in human transgenic mouse tumor models when combined with a PD-(L)1 antibody. In these models, single agent YH001 depleted regulatory T cells and increased CD8+ T cells in tumor tissue. YH001 is being studied with envafolimab and doxorubicin in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial sponsored by TRACON (NCT05448820), and in multiple Phase 1 trials in China and Australia sponsored by TRACON’s corporate partner Eucure, a division of Biocytogen.

About the Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial of YH001, envafolimab and doxorubicin (NCT05448820)

The Phase 1/2 clinical trial is a multicenter, open label study of YH001 initially given in combination with envafolimab, and then given in combination with envafolimab plus doxorubicin in patients with advanced or metastatic sarcoma, followed by Phase 2 cohorts of patients with select histologies of advanced or metastatic sarcoma, including treatment naive patients. The primary objective of the Phase 1 portion of the trial is to determine the recommended phase 2 dose of YH001 in combination with envafolimab and in combination with envafolimab with doxorubicin. The primary objective of the Phase 2 portion is to determine the objective response rate (ORR) of the combination of YH001 and envafolimab in patients with alveolar soft part sarcoma and chondrosarcoma and the ORR of the combination of YH001, envafolimab and doxorubicin in patients with leiomyosarcoma and dedifferentiated liposarcoma.

About Envafolimab

Envafolimab (KN035), a single-domain antibody against PD-L1 invented by Alphamab Oncology, is the first approved subcutaneously injected PD-(L)1 inhibitor. Envafolimab was approved by the Chinese NMPA in November 2021 in adult patients with MSI-H/dMMR advanced solid tumors who failed systemic treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. In December 2019, Alphamab Oncology, 3D Medicines and TRACON entered into a collaboration whereby TRACON has the right to develop and commercialize envafolimab in soft tissue sarcoma in North America. Envafolimab is currently being studied in the pivotal ENVASARC Phase 2 trial in the United States sponsored by TRACON and a Phase 3 pivotal trial in combination with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in advanced biliary tract cancer patients as well as multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials in China sponsored by TRACON’s corporate partners, Alphamab Oncology and 3D Medicines.

Athenex Announces Closing of the Sale of its China API Business

On November 21, 2022 Athenex, Inc., (NASDAQ: ATNX), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer and related conditions, reported the closing of the sale of its equity interests in its China subsidiaries, which primarily represent the Company’s ownership of its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing business in China, to Chongqing Comfort Pharmaceutical Inc. (Chongqing Comfort) (Press release, Athenex, NOV 21, 2022, View Source [SID1234624270]). Chongqing Comfort was assigned the rights and obligations under the Equity Purchase Agreement (Agreement) entered into in July 2022 by TiHe Capital (Beijing) Co. Ltd, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement.

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Gross proceeds from the sale amount to approximately $18 million. At the Closing, Athenex received from Chongqing Comfort approximately $11 million in cash, net of PRC withholding tax and stamp duty, and will receive the remainder of the sale proceeds in two tranches within three and six months of Closing, respectively, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. The Closing was effective on November 16, 2022.

"We are pleased to have completed the sale of our China API operations, demonstrating our continued progress on the execution of our strategy to monetize non-core assets," said Dr. Johnson Lau, Chief Executive Officer of Athenex. "This incremental step will allow us to remain focused on advancing our NKT cell therapy platform and creating value for our shareholders."

Athenex also entered into a long-term supply agreement with entities controlled by Chongqing Comfort for the supply of APIs needed for Athenex’s small molecule drug products.