INOVIO’s INO-5401 in Combination with PD-1 Inhibitor Libtayo® (cemiplimab) Demonstrates 85% of Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Patients Are Alive 12 Months Following Treatment

On May 14, 2020 INOVIO (NASDAQ: INO) reported that 85 percent (44 out of 52) of patients newly diagnosed with the deadly brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) who received the company’s DNA medicine INO-5401, in combination with INO-9012 and PD-1 inhibitor Libtayo (cemiplimab), were alive for at least 12 months or more (overall survival at 12 months: OS12) following treatment (Press release, Inovio, MAY 14, 2020, View Source [SID1234558053]). These data will be featured at an oral poster presentation at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2020 Virtual Scientific Program, May 29-31, 2020.

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GBM is the most common and aggressive type of brain cancer. Currently, the median overall survival with standard of care therapy, which includes radiation and chemotherapy (temozolomide: TMZ), is approximately 15 to 22 months.

The Phase 1/2 clinical trial demonstrated that 84.4% percent (27 of 32) of patients with MGMT promoter unmethylated tumors, and 85% (17 of 20) of patients with MGMT promoter methylated tumors were alive at 12 months. This promising clinical result is coupled with a robust immunological response to all three cancer antigens in INO-5401, including human telomerase (hTERT), Wilms Tumor-1 (WT-1) and prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Activated, cytotoxic T cells directed towards these cancer antigens commonly expressed on GBM tumors were detected in all patients tested to date and continue to support the immunogenic potential of INOVIO’s DNA medicines. Importantly, INO-5401 + INO-9012 was safe and well-tolerated when given not only with radiation and TMZ, but also with PD-1 inhibition with Libtayo, which is being jointly developed by Regeneron and Sanofi. These results are being presented in a virtual format at the 2020 Annual ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) meeting (Abstract #2514).

Dr. David Reardon, Clinical Director, Center for Neuro-Oncology of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and coordinating principal investigator of GBM-001 said, "Although these data are preliminary, and follow-up remains early, this novel combination of a cancer antigen-specific, T cell generating DNA medicine with a PD-1 inhibitor is exciting and may overcome more than 20 years of a standard of care that has proven sub-optimal for our patients with GBM. A tolerable, new combination of medicines utilizing a novel mechanism of action, such as that provided by INO-5401 and INO-9012 with cemiplimab, is very welcome for this hard-to-treat brain cancer, especially when shown to be tolerable with standards such as radiation and chemotherapy, and when demonstrating the immunogenicity seen in the GBM-001 study."

Dr. J. Joseph Kim, INOVIO’s President & CEO, said, "While we recognize these data are early, we are very excited to see robust immunogenicity and the potential for extending survival, coupled with a clear ability to be able to combine not only with the standard of care, but with a checkpoint inhibitor, Libtayo. Where others have failed with single-agent checkpoint inhibition in GBM, our DNA medicine combined with Libtayo and standard of care has demonstrated clear immunogenicity and the potential to extend overall survival."

In a previous announcement, INOVIO reported key interim data from the 52-patient clinical trial showed that 80% (16 of 20) of MGMT gene promoter methylated patients and 75% (24 of 32) unmethylated patients were progression-free at six months (PFS6) measured from the time of their first dose, exceeding historical standard-of-care data.

This immunotherapy combination with a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor also exhibited supportive safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity data and suggested an acceptable safety profile consistent with that of Libtayo and INOVIO’s platform technology. The majority of patients tested had a T cell immune response to one or more tumor-associated antigens encoded by INO-5401. Immune responses to all three tumor-associated antigens were demonstrated in this study. INOVIO plans to report 18-month overall survival data later this year.

Study Design

The trial was designed to evaluate safety, immunogenicity and preliminary efficacy of INO-5401 and INO-9012 in combination with Libtayo, with radiation and chemotherapy, in subjects with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM). This is a Phase 1/2, open-label, multi-center trial conducted in 52 evaluable patients with GBM. There are two cohorts in this trial. Cohort A includes 32 participants with a tumor with an unmethylated O6-methylguanine-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter. Cohort B includes 20 participants with a tumor with a MGMT methylated promoter. Both cohorts received INO-5401 and INO-9012 and Libtayo at the same doses and on the same dosing schedule, and both cohorts received radiation and temozolomide (TMZ). Interim data presented here and at SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) was obtained as of October 2019 and overall survival data at 18 months is expected in Q4 2020. For more information of the clinical study, see www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT03491683.

Poster Details

Abstract/Poster 2514
Poster Discussion Session: Central Nervous System Tumors
The ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2020 Virtual Scientific Program runs from May 29 -31.

About Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

GBM is the most common and aggressive type of brain cancer and remains a devastating disease for both patients and caregivers. Its prognosis is extremely poor, despite a limited number of new therapies approved over the last 10 years. The median overall survival for patients receiving standard of care therapy is approximately 15 to 22 months and the median progression-free survival is approximately 7 months. In the U.S., the estimated annual incidence of GBM is 11,362 cases or 3.21 cases per 100,000 persons and the median age at diagnosis is 65 years.

About INO-5401 and INO-9012

INO-5401 encodes for INOVIO’s SynCon antigens for hTERT, WT1, and PSMA, and has the potential to be a powerful cancer immunotherapy in combination with checkpoint inhibitors. The National Cancer Institute previously highlighted hTERT, WT1, and PSMA among a list of important cancer antigens, designating them as high priorities for cancer immunotherapy development. These three antigens were reported to be over-expressed, and often mutated, in a variety of human cancers, and targeting these antigens may prove efficacious in the treatment of patients with cancer. INO-9012 encodes for IL-12, which is a T cell immune activator.

About INOVIO’s DNA Medicines Platform

INOVIO has 15 DNA medicine clinical programs currently in development focused on HPV-associated diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases, including coronaviruses associated with MERS and COVID-19 diseases being developed under grants from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). DNA medicines are composed of optimized DNA plasmids, which are small circles of double-stranded DNA that are synthesized or reorganized by a computer sequencing technology and designed to produce a specific immune response in the body.

INOVIO’s DNA medicines deliver optimized plasmids directly into cells intramuscularly or intradermally using INOVIO’s proprietary hand-held smart device called CELLECTRA. The CELLECTRA device uses a brief electrical pulse to reversibly open small pores in the cell to allow the plasmids to enter, overcoming a key limitation of other DNA and other nucleic acid approaches, such as mRNA. Once inside the cell, the DNA plasmids enable the cell to produce the targeted antigen. The antigen is processed naturally in the cell and triggers the desired T cell and antibody-mediated immune responses. Administration with the CELLECTRA device ensures that the DNA medicine is efficiently delivered directly into the body’s cells, where it can go to work to drive an immune response. INOVIO’s DNA medicines do not interfere with or change in any way an individual’s own DNA. The advantages of INOVIO’s DNA medicine platform are how fast DNA medicines can be designed and manufactured, the stability of the products which do not require freezing in storage and transport, and the robust immune response, safety profile, and tolerability that have been demonstrated in clinical trials.

With more than 2,000 patients receiving INOVIO investigational DNA medicines in more than 6,000 applications across a range of clinical trials, INOVIO has a strong track record of rapidly generating DNA medicine candidates with potential to meet urgent global health needs.

ALX Oncology to Present ALX148 Phase 1 Study at the 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting

On May 14, 2020 ALX Oncology Holdings Inc., a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing therapies that block the CD47 checkpoint pathway, reported that the Phase 1 study of ALX148 in patients with advanced solid tumors has been selected for presentation in the Poster Discussion Session at the Virtual 2020 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, May 29 – 31, 2020 (Press release, ALX Oncology, MAY 14, 2020, View Source [SID1234558070]).

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Virtual ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2020 Presentation Information
Title: A Phase 1 study of ALX148, a CD47 blocker, in combination with standard anticancer antibodies and chemotherapy regimens in patients with advanced malignancy (Abstract #3056).
Poster Discussion Session: Developmental Therapeutics—Immunotherapy
Date: Friday, May 29

Regulus Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Recent Updates

On May 14, 2020 Regulus Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: RGLS), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines targeting microRNAs (the "Company" or "Regulus"), reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020 and provided a corporate update (Press release, Regulus, MAY 14, 2020, View Source [SID1234558086]).

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"We have completed the second cohort and have initiated the dosing for the third and final cohort in the Phase 1 multiple ascending dose ("MAD") clinical study for RGLS4326" said Jay Hagan, CEO of Regulus. "Additionally, preparations for the Phase 1b study in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease ("ADPKD") are well underway with plans to initiate in the second half of 2020."

Program Highlights

Initiated Dosing of the Third and Final Cohort in RGLS4326 Phase 1 for ADPKD: In April 2020, the Company initiated dosing of the third and final cohort of the MAD clinical study of RGLS4326, a novel oligonucleotide designed to inhibit miR-17 for the treatment of ADPKD. The Company expects to complete this study in mid-2020 with topline results available thereafter. The Company is planning to initiate a Phase 1b short-term dosing study in patients with ADPKD in the second half of 2020 to evaluate RGLS4326 for safety, pharmacokinetics, and biomarkers of pharmacodynamic activity.

Financial Results

Cash Position: As of March 31, 2020, Regulus had $28.1 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses were $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $6.0 million for the same period in 2019. The aggregate decrease was driven by a $1.5 million reduction in personnel and internal expenses and a $1.0 million reduction in external development expenses, both of which were primarily attributable to a reduction in costs associated with the partial clinical hold of the RGLS4326 MAD study. In December 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") lifted the partial clinical hold on the MAD study and it was recommenced in February 2020.

General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses: G&A expenses were $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $3.5 million for the same period in 2019. These amounts reflect personnel-related and ongoing general business operating costs. The decrease is primarily attributable to continued cost reduction efforts subsequent to our corporate restructuring in the third quarter of 2018.

Revenue: Revenue was less than $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Revenue was $6.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, attributable to revenue recognition of the upfront payments received under the 2018 Sanofi Amendment related to the transfer of the RG-012 program to Sanofi.

Net Loss: Net loss was $5.9 million, or $0.25 per share (basic and diluted), for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $3.3 million, or $0.31 per share (basic and diluted), for the same period in 2019.

About ADPKD

ADPKD, caused by the mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes, is among the most common human monogenic disorders and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. The disease is characterized by the development of multiple fluid filled cysts primarily in the kidneys, and to a lesser extent in the liver and other organs. Excessive kidney cyst cell proliferation, a central pathological feature, ultimately leads to end-stage renal disease in approximately 50% of ADPKD patients by age 60.

About RGLS4326

RGLS4326 is a novel oligonucleotide designed to inhibit miR-17 and designed to preferentially target the kidney. Preclinical studies with RGLS4326 have demonstrated direct regulation of PKD1 and PKD2 in human ADPKD cyst cells, a reduction in kidney cyst formation, improved kidney weight/body weight ratio, decreased cyst cell proliferation, and preserved kidney function in mouse models of ADPKD. The RGLS4326 IND is currently on a Partial Clinical Hold for treatment of extended duration by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration until the second set of requirements outlined by FDA have been satisfactorily addressed. Information from the Phase 1 clinical studies, together with information from additional nonclinical studies, will be used to address the second set of requirements to support studies of extended duration.

Oncopeptides announces new clinical and preclinical melflufen data at the upcoming European Hematology Association meeting

On May 14, 2020 Oncopeptides AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: ONCO) reported that data from the pivotal phase 2 study HORIZON, and additional clinical and preclinical data that further evaluate the therapeutic peptide-drug conjugate platform, have been accepted by the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) (Press release, Oncopeptides, MAY 14, 2020, View Source [SID1234557993]). The abstracts are now published online.

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Melflufen (melphalan flufenamide) is a first-in-class anticancer peptide-drug conjugate that rapidly delivers an alkylating payload into tumor cells. Melflufen is in late stage clinical development for a potential treatment of patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

"The primary read-out of the HORIZON-data represents an important milestone for Oncopeptides. They lay the ground for the New Drug Application to the FDA, seeking accelerated approval for intravenous melflufen in combination with dexamethasone, says Klaas Bakker, CMO of Oncopeptides. "Melflufen could provide a novel treatment option with a unique mechanism of action for a group of myeloma patients with a particularly poor prognosis".

Below is a brief description of the abstracts that have been accepted by the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper). The full EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) abstract book can be found on www.ehaweb.org.

HORIZON (OP-106): Melflufen plus dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) refractory to pomalidomide and/or an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody – primary and subgroup analysis.
Final Abstract Code: EP945. First author: Paul G Richardson.The primary read-out of the data from the pivotal, phase II study HORIZON demonstrates clinical efficacy and a manageable safety profile of the peptide-drug conjugate melflufen in combination with dexamethasone in patients with RRMM, including patients with high-risk features and triple-class–refractory disease.
HORIZON (OP-106): An exploratory analysis of time to next treatment in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who received melflufen plus dexamethasone.
Final Abstract Code: EP1029. First author: Maria-Victoria MateosThe abstract includes a time to next treatment analysis: The sub-analysis of the HORIZON clinical study is the first to provide important insights on time to subsequent treatment in patients with advanced RRMM (medium 5 lines of previous lines).
LIGHTHOUSE (OP-108): A phase 3 study of melflufen in combination with daratumumab versus daratumumab in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
Final Abstract Code: PB2018. First author: Maria-Victoria MateosThe planned randomized phase 3 trial LIGHTHOUSE will study the impact of melflufen, dexamethasone and subcutaneous daratumumab compared with subcutaneous daratumumab alone. The results will be important to confirm the preliminary efficacy, safety and tolerability results from phase 1/2 ANCHOR study, combining melflufen, dexamethasone and daratumumab supporting further regulatory milestones for Oncopeptides
Adverse event and outcome patterns in patients with advanced multiple myeloma in the US
Final Abstract Code: PB2039. First author: Joshua RichterThis real-world data study provides evidence, that albeit introduction of additional treatment options for patients with advanced multiple myeloma, their prognosis remains poor and the need for additional treatment options are high
Melflufen is a highly effective anti-neoplastic agent in bortezomib-resistant multiple myeloma models.
Final Abstract Code: EP915. First author: Konstantin ByrgazovMelflufen is more efficacious in bortezomib-resistant myeloma cell lines than in their bortezomib-naive parental cells in vitro. Bortezomib-resistant myeloma cells lines overexpress Aminopeptidase B encoded by RNPEP gene, and myeloma patients with high RNPEP expression have shorter PFS on bortezomib-containing therapies.
Melflufen efficacy in multiple myeloma with TP53 aberrations.
Final Abstract Code: EP903. First author: Ana Slipicevic.Melflufen can trigger myeloma cell death regardless of cells TP53 status and overcome the p53-deficiency-mediated melphalan resistance. Melflufen response rate in the del 17p patient subpopulation from the phase 2-study HORIZON is comparable to the general RRMM population suggesting that melflufen might be a therapeutic option for these difficult-to-treat patients.
Aminopeptidase expression in multiple myeloma associates with disease progression and sensitivity to melflufen.
Final Abstract Code: EP897. First author: Juho MiettinenAminopeptidases play a role in multiple myeloma biology. Their expression levels are dysregulated during disease progression, and majority are increased in RRMM compared to NDMM patients. Aminopeptidases LAP3 and TPP2 are identified as prognostic markers in myeloma patients, and inhibition of aminopeptidases reduces myeloma cell viability in vitro. Melflufen, an aminopeptidase substrate, is a highly efficient anticancer agent in myeloma cells resistant to other alkylators, bortezomib and selinexor.

For more information, please contact:
Klaas Bakker, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of Oncopeptides
E-mail: [email protected]
Cell: +44 7818 523903

Fredrik Lehmann, EVP Research and CMC at Oncopeptides
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +46 8 615 20 40

Rein Piir, Head of Investor Relations at Oncopeptides
E-mail: [email protected]
Cell : +46 70 853 72 92

This information was submitted for publication at 15.00 CET May 14, 2020.

About melflufen
Melflufen (melphalan flufenamide) is a first-in-class anti-cancer peptide-drug conjugate that rapidly delivers an alkylating payload into tumor cells. Melflufen is rapidly taken up by myeloma cells due to its high lipophilicity and is immediately cleaved by peptidases to deliver an entrapped hydrophilic alkylator payload. Peptidases play a key role in protein homeostasis and feature in cellular processes such as cell-cycle progression and programmed cell death. In vitro, melflufen is 50-fold more potent in myeloma cells than the alkylator payload itself due to the increased intracellular alkylator concentration. Melflufen displays cytotoxic activity against myeloma cell lines resistant to other treatments, including alkylators, and has also demonstrated inhibition of DNA repair induction and angiogenesis in preclinical studies.

Alpine Immune Sciences Reports First Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Company Update

On May 14, 2020 Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALPN), a leading clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on developing innovative treatments for cancer and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020 (Press release, Alpine Immune Sciences, MAY 14, 2020, View Source [SID1234558022]).

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First Quarter 2020 Highlights and Subsequent Updates:

The U.S. FDA Granted Orphan Drug Designations for ALPN-101 in the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Graft Versus Host Disease. In March, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted two orphan drug designations for ALPN-101, our first-in-class inhibitor of the CD28 and ICOS inflammation pathways, for the prevention of, and for the treatment of, acute GVHD.
ALPN-202 Study Design Presented at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper). In April, Alpine presented the design of NEON-1, the first-in-human study of ALPN-202, our first-in-class clinical stage conditional CD28 costimulator and dual checkpoint inhibitor, at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Virtual Annual Meeting I, in the Phase I Trials in Progress Virtual Poster Session.
ALPN-101 Preclinical Data in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Presented at 2020 Crohn’s & Colitis Congress and Digestive Disease Week 2020. ALPN-101 modulated inflammatory cytokines in vitro from human IBD peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) more potently than CD28 or ICOS single-pathway inhibitors and significantly reduced disease activity in vivo in the CD4+CD45RBhi T cell transfer mouse colitis model.
ALPN-101 and ALPN-202 Clinical Trials Ongoing. A phase 1b/2 trial of ALPN-101 in acute GVHD (BALANCE, NCT04227938) has been initiated. The NEON-1 trial of ALPN-202 (NCT04186637) is open for enrollment.
"The first quarter was a highly productive one, with now two open clinical studies for both our lead product candidates," said Mitchell H. Gold, M.D., Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alpine. "We were gratified to receive orphan drug designations for ALPN-101 in acute GVHD, where current standard therapies remain inadequate to prevent or control the disease. We also reiterate our excitement over ALPN-202, which is now poised clinically to address a potential key mechanism accounting for checkpoint inhibitor resistance."

First Quarter 2020 Financial Results

As of March 31, 2020, Alpine had cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments totaling $36.1 million. Net cash used in operating activities for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020 was $9.7 million compared to $11.2 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019. Alpine recorded a net loss of $5.5 million and $12.4 million for the first quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Research and development expenses for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020 were $4.9 million compared to $10.4 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019.
General and administrative expenses for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020 were $1.8 million compared to $2.3 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019.
Cash Guidance

Alpine expects to have sufficient cash to fund its planned operations for at least the next 12 months, including the clinical advancement of Alpine’s lead autoimmune/inflammatory program, ALPN-101, and its lead oncology program, ALPN-202.

For additional information regarding Alpine’s planned operations, please refer to "Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Liquidity and Capital Resources" in Alpine’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2020, which Alpine anticipates filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about May 14, 2020.

About ALPN-101

ALPN-101 is a novel Fc fusion protein of a human inducible T cell costimulator ligand (ICOSL) variant immunoglobulin domain (vIgD), a first-in-class therapeutic designed to inhibit simultaneously the CD28 and ICOS inflammation pathways. CD28 and ICOS are closely related costimulatory molecules with partially overlapping roles in T cell activation likely playing a role in multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In preclinical models of graft versus host disease, inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue disease, and multiple sclerosis, ALPN-101 demonstrates efficacy superior to agents blocking the CD28 – CD80/86 and/or ICOS – ICOSL pathways alone. A phase 1b/2 trial of ALPN-101 in acute GVHD (BALANCE, NCT04227938) has been initiated.

About ALPN-202

ALPN-202 is a first-in-class, conditional CD28 costimulator and dual checkpoint inhibitor with the potential to improve upon the efficacy of combined checkpoint inhibition while limiting significant toxicities. Preclinical studies of ALPN-202 have successfully demonstrated superior efficacy in tumor models compared to checkpoint inhibition alone. A phase 1 trial of ALPN-202 in advanced malignancies (NEON-1, NCT04186637) is open for enrollment.