Stand Up To Cancer With Support From Bristol Myers Squibb Unveils New Lung Cancer PSA Featuring Artist, Actor And Activist Common

On November 4, 2021 Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) reported the launch of a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign, in collaboration with Academy, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning artist, actor, activist and SU2C Ambassador Common, and with support from Bristol Myers Squibb (Press release, SU2C, NOV 4, 2021, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stand-up-to-cancer-with-support-from-bristol-myers-squibb-unveils-new-lung-cancer-psa-featuring-artist-actor-and-activist-common-814198693.html [SID1234594633]). The PSA raises awareness for lung cancer research and clinical trials. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States and represents nearly 25% of all cancer deaths.

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In the new broadcast PSA, Common highlights the profound impact lung cancer continues to have on the Black community. The hopeful, empowering and educational campaign addresses the importance of screening and treatment options, including cancer clinical trials. The campaign will come to life across print, digital, radio and out-of-home media, with the print and radio PSA being released in both English and Spanish-language.

"In 2014 my father died after his battle with cancer," said Common. "He was truly someone who inspired me and made me want to be better. I believe that we can do better for ourselves – especially as Black men when it comes to health. I’m honored to support Stand Up To Cancer’s campaign to bring awareness to lung cancer research."

This new campaign is the latest effort from Stand Up To Cancer that is being supported by Bristol Myers Squibb, who has provided funding for important SU2C research initiatives since 2014. Both organizations are committed to promoting and improving health equity in medically underserved communities. This awareness campaign was supported by a $5 million grant awarded to SU2C from Bristol Myers Squibb last year to help fund research and education efforts aimed at achieving health equity for underserved lung cancer patients, including Black people and people living in rural communities. In 2020, Bristol Myers Squibb awarded Stand Up To Cancer a total of $10 million in grant funding to support lung cancer research.

"More than 235,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed this year in the United States and research shows there are stark disparities in lung cancer diagnoses among diverse and rural communities," said Sung Poblete PhD, RN, CEO of Stand Up To Cancer. "Stand Up To Cancer is committed to saving lives by accelerating cancer research and reducing barriers to clinical trial participation in medically underserved communities. We are thankful to Bristol Myers Squibb for their collaboration to support our efforts in lung cancer research and to Common for lending his voice and support to this important campaign."

Despite recent progress in treating lung cancer, the disease remains the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. with particularly high death rates in rural communities and among Black men. Each year, over 25,000 Black men and women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Black men are about 15% more likely to develop lung cancer than white men.

"Our mission at Bristol Myers Squibb is to transform lives through science, but that also means ensuring that all people affected by cancer can equally benefit from the latest science and treatments," said Wendy Short Bartie, senior vice president, US Oncology, Bristol Myers Squibb. "By bringing visibility to lung cancer inequities and encouraging diversity in clinical trials, this PSA will take an important step toward eliminating the dangerous disparities that exist for many underserved lung cancer patients. That’s why it was a clear fit for us to continue our longtime support of Stand Up To Cancer by aligning on this effort."

The broadcast and radio PSAs were developed by SU2C and production studio Society. The print campaign was produced by SU2C with photography by Matt Sayles.

This campaign is the latest in a series of PSAs by SU2C to increase awareness about the importance of cancer screenings and clinical trials in medically underserved communities. SU2C formally announced its Health Equity Initiative in January 2020. To date, the initiative has focused on increasing diversity in cancer clinical trials, initiating advocacy group collaborations and awareness campaigns, and funding research aimed at improving cancer outcomes and screening rates in medically underserved communities.

To learn more about this PSA visit, StandUpToCancer.org/LungCancer.

AMPLIA and CRUK Agree to Amend Licence Terms for AMP886

On November 4, 2021 Amplia Therapeutics Limited (ASX: ATX) ("Amplia" or the "Company") reported that it has negotiated an amendment to its Licence Agreement for the Company’s focal adhesion kinase (FAK) asset AMP886 (Press release, Amplia Therapeutics, NOV 4, 2021, View Source;[email protected] [SID1234594632]).

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In the initial Licence Agreement signed in March 2018 between the Company and Cancer Research UK (CRUK), the Company agreed to either file an Investigational New Drug application (IND) or initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of AMP886 within 3 years. In March 2021, CRUK agreed to extend the term allowed for initiation of these activities, subject to further negotiations with the Company. CRUK has now agreed to extend the deadline for filing an IND or commencing a Phase 1 trial of AMP886 until 31 December 2023.

Amplia’s CEO Dr John Lambert commented that "We are extremely pleased that we have been able to obtain this extension from CRUK and are grateful for their support and collaboration on this matter. The additional time that has been made available will allow us to undertake further preclinical studies with this promising molecule which has a unique activity profile, and identify therapeutic indications for which it is best suited before we initiate formal development. Meanwhile, our efforts to push AMP945 onward into Phase 2 trials are proceeding in earnest."

This ASX announcement has been approved and authorised for release by the CEO of Amplia Therapeutics.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and CDISC Partnership Develops First Data Standards for World’s Toughest Cancer

On November 4, 2021 The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) and CDISC reported the release of a new Therapeutic Area User Guide setting the first-ever global data standards specifically for pancreatic cancer (Press release, PanCAN, NOV 4, 2021, View Source [SID1234594631]). The project was funded through a two-year grant awarded to CDISC by PanCAN and is designed to lead to greater efficiencies and data sharing among the pancreatic cancer scientific community.

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The User Guide includes global, nonproprietary clinical metadata standards and core precision medicine-focused concepts designed for pancreatic cancer to enable global researchers to efficiently collect, organize and analyze data across studies, facilitating the development of treatments that make a difference in the lives of pancreatic cancer patients. It is intended to drive operational efficiencies, expedite the regulatory review process, enable data sharing and reduce the time it takes to bring safe and effective treatments to market.

"Through this partnership with CDISC to standardize data submissions to regulatory agencies, we are creating opportunities to streamline drug development in the pancreatic cancer space," said Sudheer Doss, PhD, PanCAN’s Chief Business Officer. "With a disease as difficult to treat as pancreatic cancer, patients can’t afford to wait. By accelerating clinical advancements through these efficiencies, we hope to improve patient outcomes and, ultimately, increase survival."

"We are grateful to PanCAN for partnering with CDISC to allow the development of these crucial standards," said Rhonda Facile, VP, Partnerships and Development, CDISC. "It is our hope that the research community will swiftly adopt this Therapeutic Area User Guide to conduct more powerful and meaningful research to enable the development of treatments and therapies to treat this devastating disease."

Two years in the making, the User Guide for pancreatic cancer is now freely available via the CDISC website. To date, CDISC has developed Therapeutic Area User Guides for over 40 disease areas.

Pancreatic cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with an overall five-year survival rate of just 10 percent. In 2021 more than 60,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and approximately 48,000 will die from the disease, underscoring the scientific collaboration to develop new and better treatment options for patients.

To learn more about pancreatic cancer, please visit pancan.org.

2seventy bio to Present Data from its Portfolio of Oncology Cell Therapies at the 63rd American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition

On November 4, 2021 2seventy bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSVT) reported that data from its pipeline of oncology cell therapies will be presented, including two oral presentations, at the 63rd American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition on December 11-14, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia and virtually (Press release, 2seventy bio, NOV 4, 2021, View Source [SID1234594630]).

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New pre-clinical data on SC-DARIC33, an investigational, pharmacologically controlled CD33-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell product, being studied and developed in collaboration with Seattle Children’s Therapeutics for the potential treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), has been accepted for oral presentation. A second oral presentation, in partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), will feature updated results from the ongoing Phase I CRB-402 study of the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted CAR T cell therapy bb21217 in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

In addition, a range of analyses will be presented from the pivotal KarMMa trial of idecabtagene vicleucel (ABECMA; ide-cel), a first-in-class BCMA-directed CAR T cell immunotherapy in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, in partnership with BMS. These analyses demonstrate that clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life are maintained with extended follow-up, with most patients reporting a positive treatment experience in the KarMMa study, and patients who relapse from ide-cel benefit from subsequent therapies, including anti-BCMA therapies.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Data
Oral Presentation [#905]: Clinical Translation of SC-DARIC33: A Pharmacologically Controlled CD33-Targeted Anti-AML CAR T Cell Product Regulated by Low Nanomolar Concentrations of Rapamycin
Presenting Author: Jacob Appelbaum, MD, Acting Instructor, Division of Hematology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
Date/Time: Monday, December 13, 2021, 7:15 PM ET

Multiple Myeloma Data
Oral Presentation [#548]: Updated Clinical and Correlative Results from the Phase I CRB-402 Study of the BCMA-Targeted CAR T Cell Therapy bb21217 in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Presenting Author: Noopur S. Raje, MD, Clinical Director of the Center for Multiple Myeloma, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Date/Time: Sunday, December 12, 2021, 4:45 PM ET

Poster [#1739]: Baseline Correlates of Complete Response to Idecabtagene Vicleucel (ide-cel, bb2121), a BCMA-Directed CAR T Cell Therapy in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Subanalysis of the KarMMa Trial
Presenting Author: Nina Shah, MD, Professor of Clinical Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Date/Time: Saturday, December 11, 5:30 ‒ 7:30 pm ET

Poster [#1978]: Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparisons of Efficacy Outcomes in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma for Idecabtagene Vicleucel (KarMMa) vs. Selinexor Plus Dexamethasone (STORM Part 2) and Belantamab Mafodontin (DREAMM-2): Updated Analysis with Longer Follow-up
Presenting Author: Paula Rodriguez-Otero, MD, PhD, Consultant, Department of Hematology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
Date/Time: Saturday, December 11, 5:30 ‒ 7:30 pm ET

Poster [#2743]: Subsequent Anti-Myeloma Therapy after Idecabtagene Vicleucel (ide-cel, bb2121) Treatment in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma from the KarMMa Study
Presenting Author: Paula Rodriguez-Otero, MD, PhD, Consultant, Department of Hematology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
Date/Time: Sunday, December 12, 6:00 ‒ 8:00 PM ET

Poster [#2835]: Updated Health-Related Quality of Life Results from the KarMMa Clinical Study in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma Treated with the B-Cell Maturation Antigen-Directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy Idecabtagene Vicleucel (ide-cel, bb2121)
Presenting Author: Michel Delforge, MD, PhD, Chairman, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Date/Time: Sunday, December 12, 6:00 – 8:00 PM ET

Poster [#3041]: Idecabtagene Vicleucel (ide-cel, bb2121), a B-Cell Maturation Antigen-Directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy: Qualitative Analyses of Post-Treatment Interviews (Months 6–24) for Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma in the KarMMa Clinical Trial
Presenting Author: Nina Shah, MD, Professor of Clinical Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Date/Time: Sunday, December 12, 6:00 – 8:00 PM ET

Abstracts outlining 2seventy bio’s accepted data at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) are available on the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) conference website.

About SC-DARIC33

2seventy bio is collaborating with Seattle Children’s Therapeutics to rapidly accelerate development of potential new therapies for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This research collaboration is investigating potential solutions to two challenges in treating AML: disease heterogeneity and toxicity due to shared expression of targets between tumor and normal tissue.

SC-DARIC33 is an investigational CD33-specific cell therapy that utilizes 2seventy bio’s proprietary Dimerizing Agent Regulated Immunoreceptor Complex (DARIC) T cell platform, a regulatable CAR T cell technology. DARIC T cells are intended to be switched from "OFF" to "ON" in the presence of rapamycin, such that while in the "ON" state the T cell is poised to be activated upon encounter with its target antigen.

The upcoming Phase I study of SC-DARIC33 in relapsed/refractory pediatric AML, led by Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, will couple 2seventy bio’s DARIC T cell platform with Seattle Children’s world-class bench-to-bedside expertise in oncology cell therapies. This study is a first-in-human investigation of the DARIC T cell platform.

SC-DARIC33 is not approved for any indication in any geography.

About bb21217

bb21217 is an investigational BCMA-directed CAR T cell therapy that uses the ide-cel CAR molecule and is cultured with the PI3 kinase inhibitor (bb007) to enrich for T cells displaying a memory-like phenotype with the intention to increase the in vivo persistence of CAR T cells. bb21217 is being studied for patients with multiple myeloma in partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb.

The clinical development program for bb21217 includes the ongoing Phase I CRB-402 study. CRB-402 is the first-in-human study of bb21217 in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), designed to assess safety, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and duration of effect. CRB-402 is a two-part (dose escalation and dose expansion), open-label, multi-site Phase I study of bb21217 in adults with RRMM. A total of 69 patients have been treated with bb21217 and the study has completed enrollment. For more information visit: clinicaltrials.gov using identifier NCT03274219.

bb21217 is not approved for any indication in any geography.

About ABECMA (idecabtagene vicleucel; ide-cel)

ABECMA is the first-in-class B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy approved in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after four or more prior lines of therapy, including and immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. ABECMA has also received approval in the European Union, Canada, and Switzerland. ABECMA recognizes and binds to BCMA on the surface of multiple myeloma cells leading to CAR T cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, and subsequent cytolytic killing of BCMA-expressing cells. ABECMA is being jointly developed and commercialized in the U.S. as part of a Co-Development, Co-Promotion, and Profit Share Agreement with 2seventy bio and Bristol Myers Squibb. Bristol Myers Squibb assumes sole responsibility for ABECMA drug product manufacturing and commercialization outside of the U.S.

2seventy bio and Bristol Myers Squibb’s broad clinical development program for ABECMA includes clinical studies (KarMMa-2, KarMMa-3, KarMMa-4, KarMMa-7) in earlier lines of treatment for patients with multiple myeloma, including newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. For more information visit clinicaltrials.gov.

Indication

ABECMA (idecabtagene vicleucel) is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after four or more prior lines of therapy, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES, HLH/MAS, AND PROLONGED CYTOPENIA

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with ABECMA. Do not administer ABECMA to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
Neurologic Toxicities, which may be severe or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with ABECMA, including concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. Monitor for neurologic events after treatment with ABECMA. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS) including fatal and life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with ABECMA. HLH/MAS can occur with CRS or neurologic toxicities.
Prolonged Cytopenia with bleeding and infection, including fatal outcomes following stem cell transplantation for hematopoietic recovery, occurred following treatment with ABECMA.
ABECMA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the ABECMA REMS.
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): CRS, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with ABECMA. CRS occurred in 85% (108/127) of patients receiving ABECMA. Grade 3 or higher CRS (Lee grading system) occurred in 9% (12/127) of patients, with Grade 5 CRS reported in one (0.8%) patient. The median time to onset of CRS, any grade, was 1 day (range: 1 – 23 days) and the median duration of CRS was 7 days (range: 1 – 63 days) in all patients including the patient who died. The most common manifestations of CRS included pyrexia (98%), hypotension (41%), tachycardia (35%), chills (31%), hypoxia (20%), fatigue (12%), and headache (10%). Grade 3 or higher events that may be associated with CRS include hypotension, hypoxia, hyperbilirubinemia, hypofibrinogenemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), atrial fibrillation, hepatocellular injury, metabolic acidosis, pulmonary edema, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and HLH/MAS.

Identify CRS based on clinical presentation. Evaluate for and treat other causes of fever, hypoxia, and hypotension. CRS has been reported to be associated with findings of HLH/MAS, and the physiology of the syndromes may overlap. HLH/MAS is a potentially life-threatening condition. In patients with progressive symptoms of CRS or refractory CRS despite treatment, evaluate for evidence of HLH/MAS.

Fifty four percent (68/127) of patients received tocilizumab; 35% (45/127) received a single dose while 18% (23/127) received more than 1 dose of tocilizumab. Overall, across the dose levels, 15% (19/127) of patients received at least 1 dose of corticosteroids for treatment of CRS. All patients that received corticosteroids for CRS received tocilizumab.

Overall rate of CRS was 79% and rate of Grade 2 CRS was 23% in patients treated in the 300 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort. For patients treated in the 450 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort, the overall rate of CRS was 96% and rate of Grade 2 CRS was 40%. Rate of Grade 3 or higher CRS was similar across the dose range. The median duration of CRS for the 450 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort was 7 days (range: 1-63 days) and for the 300 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort was 6 days (range: 2-28 days). In the 450 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort, 68% (36/53) of patients received tocilizumab and 23% (12/53) received at least 1 dose of corticosteroids for treatment of CRS. In the 300 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort, 44% (31/70) of patients received tocilizumab and 10% (7/70) received corticosteroids. All patients that received corticosteroids for CRS also received tocilizumab. Ensure that a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of ABECMA.

Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following ABECMA infusion at the REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of CRS. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for at least 4 weeks after infusion. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids as indicated.

Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time.

Neurologic Toxicities: Neurologic toxicities, which may be severe or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with ABECMA, including concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity occurred in 28% (36/127) of patients receiving ABECMA, including Grade 3 in 4% (5/127) of patients. One patient had ongoing Grade 2 neurotoxicity at the time of death. Two patients had ongoing Grade 1 tremor at the time of data cutoff. The median time to onset of neurotoxicity was 2 days (range: 1 – 42 days). CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity resolved in 92% (33/36) of patients with a median duration of neurotoxicity was 5 days (range: 1 – 61 days). The median duration of neurotoxicity was 6 days (range: 1 – 578) in all patients including those with ongoing neurotoxicity at the time of death or data cut off. Thirty-four patients with neurotoxicity had CRS. Neurotoxicity had onset in 3 patients before, 29 patients during, and 2 patients after CRS. The rate of Grade 3 neurotoxicity was 8% in the 450 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort and 1.4% in the 300 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort. The most frequently reported (greater than or equal to 5%) manifestations of CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity include encephalopathy (20%), tremor (9%), aphasia (7%), and delirium (6%). Grade 4 neurotoxicity and cerebral edema in 1 patient has been reported with ABECMA in another study in multiple myeloma. Grade 3 myelitis and Grade 3 parkinsonism have been reported after treatment with ABECMA in another study in multiple myeloma.

Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following ABECMA infusion at the REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities. Rule out other causes of neurologic symptoms. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicities for at least 4 weeks after infusion and treat promptly. Neurologic toxicity should be managed with supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.

Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicity occur at any time.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS): HLH/MAS occurred in 4% (5/127) of patients receiving ABECMA. One patient treated in the 300 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort developed fatal multi-organ HLH/MAS with CRS. In another patient with fatal bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, HLH/MAS was contributory to the fatal outcome. Three cases of Grade 2 HLH/MAS resolved. The rate of HLH/MAS was 8% in the 450 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort and 1% in the 300 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort. All events of HLH/MAS had onset within 10 days of receiving ABECMA with a median onset of 7 days (range: 4-9 days) and occurred in the setting of ongoing or worsening CRS. Two patients with HLH/MAS had overlapping neurotoxicity. The manifestations of HLH/MAS include hypotension, hypoxia, multiple organ dysfunction, renal dysfunction, and cytopenia. HLH/MAS is a potentially life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate if not recognized early and treated. Treatment of HLH/MAS should be administered per institutional standards.

ABECMA REMS: Due to the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, ABECMA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the ABECMA REMS. Further information is available at www.AbecmaREMS.com or 1‑888‑423‑5436.

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Allergic reactions may occur with the infusion of ABECMA. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in ABECMA.

Infections: ABECMA should not be administered to patients with active infections or inflammatory disorders. Severe, life-threatening, or fatal infections occurred in patients after ABECMA infusion. Infections (all grades) occurred in 70% of patients. Grade 3 or 4 infections occurred in 23% of patients. Overall, 4 patients had Grade 5 infections (3%); 2 patients (1.6%) had Grade 5 events of pneumonia, 1 patient (0.8%) had Grade 5 bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and 1 patient (0.8%) had cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia associated with Pneumocystis jirovecii. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after ABECMA infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic, preemptive, and/or therapeutic antimicrobials according to standard institutional guidelines. Febrile neutropenia was observed in 16% (20/127) of patients after ABECMA infusion and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated.

Viral Reactivation: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection resulting in pneumonia and death has occurred following ABECMA administration. Monitor and treat for CMV reactivation in accordance with clinical guidelines. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against plasma cells. Perform screening for CMV, HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.

Prolonged Cytopenias: Patients may exhibit prolonged cytopenias following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and ABECMA infusion. In the KarMMa study, 41% of patients (52/127) experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and 49% (62/127) experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia that had not resolved by Month 1 following ABECMA infusion. Rate of prolonged neutropenia was 49% in the 450 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort and 34% in the 300 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort. In 83% (43/52) of patients who recovered from Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia after Month 1, the median time to recovery from ABECMA infusion was 1.9 months. In 65% (40/62) of patients who recovered from Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, the median time to recovery was 2.1 months. Median time to cytopenia recovery was similar across the 300 and 450 x 106 dose cohort.

Three patients underwent stem cell therapy for hematopoietic reconstitution due to prolonged cytopenia. Two of the three patients died from complications of prolonged cytopenia. Monitor blood counts prior to and after ABECMA infusion. Manage cytopenia with myeloid growth factor and blood product transfusion support according to institutional guidelines.

Hypogammaglobulinemia: Plasma cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur in patients receiving treatment with ABECMA. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse event in 21% (27/127) of patients; laboratory IgG levels fell below 500 mg/dl after infusion in 25% (32/127) of patients treated with ABECMA.

Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with ABECMA and administer IVIG for IgG <400 mg/dl. Manage per local institutional guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis.

The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following ABECMA treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during ABECMA treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with ABECMA.

Secondary Malignancies: Patients treated with ABECMA may develop secondary malignancies. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. If a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Bristol Myers Squibb at 1-888-805-4555 to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing of secondary malignancy of T cell origin.

Effects on Ability to Drive and Operate Machinery: Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients receiving ABECMA are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following ABECMA infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, during this initial period.

Adverse Reactions: The most common nonlaboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 20%) include CRS, infections – pathogen unspecified, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, hypogammaglobulinemia, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, viral infections, encephalopathy, edema, pyrexia, cough, headache, and decreased appetite.

Beyond Air® Announces Formation of Beyond Cancer™, a New Private Company Dedicated to Oncology Utilizing Ultra-High Concentration Nitric Oxide to Treat Solid Tumors

On November 4, 2021 Beyond Air, Inc. (NASDAQ: XAIR), a clinical-stage medical device and biopharmaceutical company focused on developing inhaled nitric oxide (NO) for the treatment of patients with respiratory conditions, including serious lung infections and pulmonary hypertension, and ultra-high concentration nitric oxide (UNO) for the treatment of solid tumors, reported the separation of its oncology business into a new and independently managed, private company called Beyond Cancer, Ltd (Press release, Beyond Air, NOV 4, 2021, View Source [SID1234594627]). Beyond Air retains its respiratory business and will continue to focus on advancing the LungFit platform of nitric oxide generators and delivery systems to the market. Beyond Air’s preclinical oncology team and the exclusive right to the intellectual property portfolio utilizing UNO for the treatment of solid tumors now reside with Beyond Cancer.

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"The decision to spin off our oncology business was made in close collaboration with the Board of Directors and Beyond Air leadership as part of our overall strategy to maximize efficiency and drive value creation to achieve our goals for both patients and shareholders. After a careful assessment of our active portfolio management strategy, it became clear that our oncology business would be more productive as a separate, independently managed entity with its own leadership team and investor base," said Steve Lisi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Air. "Beyond Air was founded on the promise of NO in respiratory diseases, and this separation will enable a greater focus on the transformational LungFit platform technology. This will also allow for investment into other respiratory diseases where we can have a significant impact on our patients. I am confident that through an ongoing, collaborative partnership, the new Beyond Cancer leadership team will be able to leverage our knowledge of ultra-high concentration NO to treat solid tumors. We are excited and energized to enter this new era of transformation and innovation, as Beyond Cancer takes on its own mission of creating the next generation of immuNO-oncology treatments."

Strategic Rationale
Beyond Air believes the spin-off of the oncology business will create long-term value for shareholders through the following:

Beyond Air’s focus remains advancing the LungFit platform to treat respiratory diseases, and the oncology program does not use LungFit given the ultra-high concentrations and direct delivery to the site of the tumor
After this financing, Beyond Air will retain at least 80% equity ownership in Beyond Cancer
Beyond Cancer will pay Beyond Air a single digit royalty on all future revenues
Beyond Cancer will benefit from Beyond Air’s NO expertise, IP portfolio, preclinical oncology team, and regulatory progress
Beyond Cancer can initially utilize Beyond Air’s infrastructure while having its own investor base and dedicated leadership team with clinical oncology experience to accelerate and enhance its solid tumor pipeline
Leadership and Governance
Selena Chaisson, M.D., is joining Beyond Cancer as Chief Executive Officer. Previously, Dr. Chaisson was the Director of Healthcare Investments at Bailard, where she spent 16 years focusing on highly specialized, emerging healthcare opportunities with more than one-third of her portfolio dedicated to investments in oncology-related companies.

"I am honored to lead Beyond Cancer as we move forward to unlock the possibilities of using ultra-high concentration NO as a new treatment modality for solid tumors," said Dr. Chaisson. "Immuno-oncology has been hailed as a breakthrough therapy for many cancer patients, especially those suffering from hematological malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma. However, solid tumors represent approximately 90% of human cancers, with metastatic disease causing the overwhelming majority of cancer-related deaths. Beyond Cancer’s goal is to be at the forefront of a completely novel approach in preventing metastatic disease by harnessing the power of ultra-high concentration NO. In preclinical studies, intra-tumoral delivery of UNO elicited an immunogenic response with potent antitumor activity in addition to the immediate cytotoxic effect of NO-mediated tumor ablation, while limiting off-target effects. As CEO, I am excited to have the opportunity to build a biotech company around such an innovative approach and bring on a seasoned leadership team to spearhead this effort. I will continue Beyond Air’s legacy of investing in NO and look forward to maintaining a close partnership."

Prior to Bailard, Dr. Chaisson held senior executive roles at RCM Capital Management and Tiger Management. RCM Capital Management was acquired and then merged with Allianz Global Investors U.S. in 2013. Dr. Chaisson received a BS in Microbiology in 1987 from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA, where she graduated summa cum laude. She earned her M.B.A. and M.D. from Stanford University in 1992 and 1993, respectively.

Hila Confino, Ph.D., is joining Beyond Cancer as Chief Scientific Officer from Beyond Air, where she served as Head of Research in Israel. At Beyond Air, Dr. Confino led the oncology preclinical team and conducted in vitro and in vivo studies for ultra-high concentration nitric oxide in solid tumors. Dr. Confino has over 12 years of experience in cancer immunology research in both the academic and industry settings. Her work has been featured in numerous scientific conferences and published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. She holds a Ph.D. and Master of Science in Cancer Immunology from Tel Aviv University. Dr. Confino received a BS in Biotechnology from Bar—Ilan University in Israel, where she graduated cum laude.

The complete Beyond Cancer Board of Directors, Scientific Advisory Board and headquarters will be announced as they are finalized. The Board of Directors is expected to consist of six members, four of whom include:

Steve Lisi, Chairman of the Board, and CEO and Chairman of the Board of Beyond Air
Selena Chaisson, M.D., Director, and CEO of Beyond Cancer
Amir Avniel, Executive Director, and President, COO and Co-Founder of Beyond Air
Robert Carey, Director, and Board Member of Beyond Air
Transaction Details
Beyond Cancer has secured commitments of $23.9 million in a concurrent private placement of common shares, not to exceed $30 million, providing the investors with up to 20% equity ownership. The funding is expected to be used to accelerate ongoing preclinical work including the completion of IND-enabling studies, completion of a Phase 1 study, expansion of preclinical programs for combination studies, hiring of additional Beyond Cancer team members, and optimization of the delivery system, as well as for general corporate purposes. The concurrent private placement is expected to close later in the fourth fiscal quarter.

The common shares to be sold in the private placement have been and are being offered only to certain institutional and/or accredited investors in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The common shares have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state or other securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Securities and Exchange Commission has not passed upon the merits of or given its approval to the common shares, the terms of the private placement or the accuracy or completeness of any private placement materials. The common shares sold in the private placement are subject to legal and contractual restrictions on transfer.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification or otherwise under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Hogan Lovells US LLP, Arthur Cox LLP and Conyers Dill & Pearman Limited serve as legal counsel to Beyond Air.

Upcoming Investor Events
Beyond Air management will provide more details on this news on Thursday, November 11, 2021, consistent with its scheduled time to report financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2021. Management will host a conference call and webcast at 4:30 pm Eastern Time the same day.

In addition, Steve Lisi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Air, will participate in the Piper Sandler 33rd Annual Virtual Healthcare Conference being held from November 30 – December 2, 2021, and will be available for virtual one-on-one meetings.