Labcorp to Present Multiple Abstracts across Precision Oncology at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

On May 30, 2024 Labcorp (NYSE: LH), a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, reported that it will present several abstracts at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago (May 31 – June 4, 2024) (Press release, LabCorp, MAY 30, 2024, View Source [SID1234643860]).

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Labcorp’s oncology research highlights the company’s dedication to advancing meaningful and actionable insights that enhance the understanding of tumor biology and immune system mechanisms. These insights will contribute to facilitating patient access to novel targeted therapies with the end goal of improving patient outcomes.

"Labcorp is committed to deepening the understanding of cancer biology and enhancing therapeutic strategies. Through our presentations at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting investigating critical aspects of triple-negative breast cancer, liquid biopsy, and employing advanced machine learning algorithms for tumor profiling, we are paving the way for more accurate diagnostics and effective treatments," said Shakti Ramkissoon, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, vice president, medical lead for oncology at Labcorp. "These studies exemplify Labcorp’s deep scientific and medical expertise enabling delivery of compelling evidence through internal and external collaborations to drive advancements in precision oncology."

Of the eight abstracts to be presented at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Meeting, four were internal studies by Labcorp researchers and four were conducted in collaboration with research partners from premier academic institutions and medical centers.

Among those being presented by Labcorp researchers, the findings of two studies examine various aspects of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) to provide a deeper understanding of the factors causing tumor progression and therapy resistance in the disease. Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for approximately 10-15% of all breast cancers but disproportionately impacts Black women in the U.S., who have almost twice the rate of the disease compared to white women.

Session: Breast Cancer-Metastatic
Abstract: 1096 – Interaction between VEGF-A and immune checkpoint targets in triple-negative breast cancer suggests a mechanism of immune evasion and tumor progression.
Poster Board: 74
Date: Sunday, June 2, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes angiogenesis and potentially modulates tumor immune evasion in breast cancer. Labcorp researchers performed comprehensive genomic and immune profiling on 143 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast cancer samples to investigate the interaction between VEGF and immune gene expression. In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) samples, VEGF was co-expressed with immune checkpoint genes such as PD-1 and PD-L1. Labcorp’s findings support that angiogenesis mediators may enhance immunosuppression, leading to immune evasion and tumor progression in TNBC.

Session: Breast Cancer—Metastatic
Abstract: 1095 – Novel HLA-Ilo/HLA-IIhi phenotype and immune evasion in triple-negative breast cancer.
Poster Board: 73
Date: Sunday, June 2, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT
Resistance and non-response to immunotherapy remain an unmet clinical need for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Aberrant expressions of human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are one mechanism by which cancer cells evade immune response. Labcorp researchers performed a targeted RNA-sequence-based assay on 143 breast cancer patient samples, demonstrating that concurrent loss of HLA class I with increased HLA class II expression was associated with co-expression of biomarkers indicative of immune escape but not survival outcomes. These data offer an opportunity for developing novel approaches to overcome immunotherapy resistance in TNBC.

Session: Care Delivery/Models of Care
Abstract: 1554 – A machine learning algorithm based on multi-omics biomarkers for the detection of tumor microsatellite instability
Poster Board: 425
Date: Saturday, June 1, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT
Labcorp researchers will present data on an innovative machine learning model developed to predict microsatellite instability (MSI) status in patients with solid tumors using comprehensive genomic and immune profiling, independent of direct sequencing data from microsatellite sites. Researchers analyzed genomic and gene expression data from over 2,000 colorectal cancer samples to generate and test a model for predicting MSI status, which was confirmed using MSI status from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) studies of colorectal and endometrial carcinoma. This study highlights an algorithmic method to identify patients with potential MSI-high status for orthogonal screening when current methodologies fall short.

Session: Developmental Therapeutics-Molecularly Targeted Agents and Biology
Abstract: 3063 – Analytical Validation of the Labcorp Plasma Complete Test to Enable Precision Oncology Through Solid Tumor Liquid Biopsy Comprehensive Genomic Profiling
Poster Board: 208
Date: Saturday, June 1, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT
The Labcorp Plasma Complete test is a next-generation-sequencing, cell-free DNA comprehensive genomic profiling test that identifies actionable and clinically relevant variants in advanced and metastatic solid cancers across 521 genes. In this validation study, test performance demonstrated highly specific (>99.99%), accurate (97.3% positive percent agreement and >99.99% negative percent agreement) and sensitive (down to 0.35% or 1.63-fold) variant detection. Plasma samples from a broad range of solid tumors demonstrated that this assay offers a highly precise, accurate, and robust comprehensive genomic and immune profiling assay to complement tissue-based testing and inform clinical decision-making.

To connect with Labcorp at the 2024 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago, visit View Source

Gilead Provides Update on Phase 3 TROPiCS-04 Study

On May 30, 2024 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) reported topline results from the confirmatory Phase 3 TROPiCS-04 study in locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) (Press release, Gilead Sciences, MAY 30, 2024, View Source [SID1234643894]). The TROPiCS-04 study evaluated Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy; SG) vs. single-agent chemotherapy (treatment of physicians’ choice, TPC) in patients with mUC who have previously received platinum-containing chemotherapy and anti-PD-(L)1 therapy.

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The study did not meet the primary endpoint of overall survival (OS) in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. A numerical improvement in OS favoring Trodelvy was observed, and trends in improvement for select pre-specified subgroups and secondary endpoints of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR) were also shown. The pre-specified subgroup analyses were not alpha-controlled for formal statistical testing. These data will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting.

In the overall study population, there was a higher number of deaths due to adverse events with Trodelvy compared to TPC, which were primarily observed early in treatment and related to neutropenic complications, including infection. Gilead will further investigate these data, and is working to reiterate to treating physicians the importance of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) use for the prevention of neutropenic complications. Trodelvy has a Boxed Warning for severe or life-threatening neutropenia; please see below for Important Safety Information.

There are no changes to the known safety profile of Trodelvy for the approved breast cancer indications or other investigational uses. To date, the Trodelvy safety profile is generally well-tolerated and consistent with use in over 40,000 patients across Trodelvy’s approved indications and in clinical trials.

Gilead is continuing to analyze the data and will discuss the results and next steps with the FDA. In the U.S., Trodelvy has an accelerated approval indication for patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) who have previously received a platinum-containing chemotherapy and anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials, including the TROPiCS-04 study.

Metastatic UC is an aggressive disease which most commonly affects older patients with concurrent medical morbidities and additional changes related to the aging process. Despite recent advances, survival rates remain poor with only 8% of patients living beyond five years after diagnosis. These results may in part reflect the difficulty of treating patients with mUC who have previously received platinum-containing chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitor therapy. There is an urgent need for new treatment options to help improve long-term outcomes.

Gilead would like to thank the patients, families, investigators, and advocates who contributed to this important research. We remain committed to advancing care to address the unmet needs for the bladder cancer community.

Trodelvy is the first approved Trop-2-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), which has demonstrated meaningful survival advantages in two different types of metastatic breast cancers. There are more than 20 ongoing clinical trials for Trodelvy.

Please see below for the approved U.S. Indication and additional Important Safety Information.

About Metastatic Urothelial Cancer

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with more than 1.6 million people living with the disease and urothelial cancer (UC) accounting for 90% of these cases. Metastatic bladder cancer is an aggressive disease and survival rates remain poor, with only 8% of patients living beyond five years after diagnosis. Despite recent advances, less than 20% of patients with metastatic bladder cancer go on to receive second-line therapy. There is an urgent need for new treatment options for patients with mUC who have progressed on available therapies to help improve long-term outcomes.

About the TROPiCS-04 Study

The TROPiCS-04 study is an open-label, global, multi-center, randomized Phase 3 study that evaluated Trodelvy vs. single-agent chemotherapy (treatment of physicians’ choice, TPC) in patients with locally advanced or mUC who received platinum-containing chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The study enrolled 711 patients randomized 1:1 to receive either Trodelvy or one of three TPC chemotherapeutic standard of care (SOC) options: paclitaxel, docetaxel, or vinflunine. The primary endpoint was OS. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR) and duration of objective tumor response (DoR) as assessed by investigator per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) and blinded independent central review (BICR). Further study details are available on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04527991).

About Trodelvy

Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) is a first-in-class Trop-2-directed antibody-drug conjugate. Trop-2 is a cell surface antigen highly expressed in multiple tumor types, including in more than 90% of breast, bladder and lung cancers. Trodelvy is intentionally designed with a proprietary hydrolyzable linker attached to SN-38, a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. This unique combination delivers potent activity to both Trop-2 expressing cells and the tumor microenvironment through a bystander effect.

Trodelvy is approved in almost 50 countries, with multiple additional regulatory reviews underway worldwide, for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease.

Trodelvy also has multiple global approvals for certain patients with pre-treated HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, including in Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, Israel, United Arab Emirates and the United States. In the U.S., Trodelvy has an accelerated approval for treatment of certain patients with second-line or later metastatic urothelial cancer; see below for full indication statements.

Trodelvy is being explored for potential investigational use in other TNBC, HR+/HER2- and metastatic UC populations, as well as a range of tumor types where Trop-2 is highly expressed, including metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), head and neck cancer, gynecological cancer, and gastrointestinal cancers.

U.S. Indications for Trodelvy

In the United States, Trodelvy is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease.
Unresectable locally advanced or metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative (IHC 0, IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH–) breast cancer who have received endocrine-based therapy and at least two additional systemic therapies in the metastatic setting.
Locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) who have previously received a platinum-containing chemotherapy and either programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
U.S. Important Safety Information for Trodelvy

BOXED WARNING: NEUTROPENIA AND DIARRHEA

Severe or life-threatening neutropenia may occur. Withhold Trodelvy for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm3 or neutropenic fever. Monitor blood cell counts periodically during treatment. Consider G-CSF for secondary prophylaxis. Initiate anti-infective treatment in patients with febrile neutropenia without delay.
Severe diarrhea may occur. Monitor patients with diarrhea and give fluid and electrolytes as needed. At the onset of diarrhea, evaluate for infectious causes and, if negative, promptly initiate loperamide. If severe diarrhea occurs, withhold Trodelvy until resolved to ≤Grade 1 and reduce subsequent doses.
CONTRAINDICATIONS

Severe hypersensitivity reaction to Trodelvy.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Neutropenia: Severe, life-threatening, or fatal neutropenia can occur and may require dose modification. Neutropenia occurred in 64% of patients treated with Trodelvy. Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 49% of patients. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 6%. Neutropenic colitis occurred in 1.4%. Withhold Trodelvy for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm3 on Day 1 of any cycle or neutrophil count below 1000/mm3 on Day 8 of any cycle. Withhold Trodelvy for neutropenic fever. Administer G-CSF as clinically indicated or indicated in Table 1 of USPI.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea occurred in 64% of all patients treated with Trodelvy. Grade 3-4 diarrhea occurred in 11% of patients. One patient had intestinal perforation following diarrhea. Diarrhea that led to dehydration and subsequent acute kidney injury occurred in 0.7% of all patients. Withhold Trodelvy for Grade 3-4 diarrhea and resume when resolved to ≤Grade 1. At onset, evaluate for infectious causes and if negative, promptly initiate loperamide, 4 mg initially followed by 2 mg with every episode of diarrhea for a maximum of 16 mg daily. Discontinue loperamide 12 hours after diarrhea resolves. Additional supportive measures (e.g., fluid and electrolyte substitution) may also be employed as clinically indicated. Patients who exhibit an excessive cholinergic response to treatment can receive appropriate premedication (e.g., atropine) for subsequent treatments.

Hypersensitivity and Infusion-Related Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions including life-threatening anaphylactic reactions have occurred with Trodelvy. Severe signs and symptoms included cardiac arrest, hypotension, wheezing, angioedema, swelling, pneumonitis, and skin reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions within 24 hours of dosing occurred in 35% of patients. Grade 3-4 hypersensitivity occurred in 2% of patients. The incidence of hypersensitivity reactions leading to permanent discontinuation of Trodelvy was 0.2%. The incidence of anaphylactic reactions was 0.2%. Pre-infusion medication is recommended. Have medications and emergency equipment to treat such reactions available for immediate use. Observe patients closely for hypersensitivity and infusion-related reactions during each infusion and for at least 30 minutes after completion of each infusion. Permanently discontinue Trodelvy for Grade 4 infusion-related reactions.

Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea occurred in 64% of all patients treated with Trodelvy and Grade 3-4 nausea occurred in 3% of these patients. Vomiting occurred in 35% of patients and Grade 3-4 vomiting occurred in 2% of these patients. Premedicate with a two or three drug combination regimen (e.g., dexamethasone with either a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist or an NK1 receptor antagonist as well as other drugs as indicated) for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Withhold Trodelvy doses for Grade 3 nausea or Grade 3-4 vomiting and resume with additional supportive measures when resolved to Grade ≤1. Additional antiemetics and other supportive measures may also be employed as clinically indicated. All patients should be given take-home medications with clear instructions for prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting.

Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions in Patients with Reduced UGT1A1 Activity: Patients homozygous for the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1)*28 allele are at increased risk for neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and anemia and may be at increased risk for other adverse reactions with Trodelvy. The incidence of Grade 3-4 neutropenia was 58% in patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28, 49% in patients heterozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, and 43% in patients homozygous for the wild-type allele. The incidence of Grade 3-4 anemia was 21% in patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, 10% in patients heterozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, and 9% in patients homozygous for the wild-type allele. Closely monitor patients with known reduced UGT1A1 activity for adverse reactions. Withhold or permanently discontinue Trodelvy based on clinical assessment of the onset, duration and severity of the observed adverse reactions in patients with evidence of acute early-onset or unusually severe adverse reactions, which may indicate reduced UGT1A1 function.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action, Trodelvy can cause teratogenicity and/or embryo-fetal lethality when administered to a pregnant woman. Trodelvy contains a genotoxic component, SN-38, and targets rapidly dividing cells. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Trodelvy and for 6 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Trodelvy and for 3 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In the pooled safety population, the most common (≥ 25%) adverse reactions including laboratory abnormalities were decreased leukocyte count (84%), decreased neutrophil count (75%), decreased hemoglobin (69%), diarrhea (64%), nausea (64%), decreased lymphocyte count (63%), fatigue (51%), alopecia (45%), constipation (37%), increased glucose (37%), decreased albumin (35%), vomiting (35%), decreased appetite (30%), decreased creatinine clearance (28%), increased alkaline phosphatase (28%), decreased magnesium (27%), decreased potassium (26%), and decreased sodium (26%).

In the ASCENT study (locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer), the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) were fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, alopecia, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (SAR) (>1%) were neutropenia (7%), diarrhea (4%), and pneumonia (3%). SAR were reported in 27% of patients, and 5% discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. The most common Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities (incidence ≥25%) in the ASCENT study were reduced neutrophils, leukocytes, and lymphocytes.

In the TROPiCS-02 study (locally advanced or metastatic HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer), the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) were diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, alopecia, and constipation. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (SAR) (>1%) were diarrhea (5%), febrile neutropenia (4%), neutropenia (3%), abdominal pain, colitis, neutropenic colitis, pneumonia, and vomiting (each 2%). SAR were reported in 28% of patients, and 6% discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. The most common Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities (incidence ≥25%) in the TROPiCS-02 study were reduced neutrophils and leukocytes.

In the TROPHY study (locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer), the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) were diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, any infection, alopecia, decreased appetite, constipation, vomiting, rash, and abdominal pain. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (SAR) (≥5%) were infection (18%), neutropenia (12%, including febrile neutropenia in 10%), acute kidney injury (6%), urinary tract infection (6%), and sepsis or bacteremia (5%). SAR were reported in 44% of patients, and 10% discontinued due to adverse reactions. The most common Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities (incidence ≥25%) in the TROPHY study were reduced neutrophils, leukocytes, and lymphocytes.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

UGT1A1 Inhibitors: Concomitant administration of Trodelvy with inhibitors of UGT1A1 may increase the incidence of adverse reactions due to potential increase in systemic exposure to SN-38. Avoid administering UGT1A1 inhibitors with Trodelvy.

UGT1A1 Inducers: Exposure to SN-38 may be reduced in patients concomitantly receiving UGT1A1 enzyme inducers. Avoid administering UGT1A1 inducers with Trodelvy.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING.

Initiation of Clinical Trial Using Astatine for Refractory Prostate Cancer

On May 30, 2024 Alpha Fusion Co., Ltd. reported that its joint research partner, a research team led by Lecturer Naofumi Watanabe of the Department of Radiation Medicine at the Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, will begin a new physician-initiated clinical trial targeting standard treatment-resistant prostate cancer in June 2024 at the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Osaka University Hospital (Press release, Alpha Fusion, MAY 30, 2024, View Source [SID1234647193]).

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The astatine-labeled drug ([At-211]PSMA-5) used in a new alpha-ray therapy targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expressed in prostate cancer, developed by Lecturer Watanabe’s research team, has been confirmed to have a long-lasting tumor regression effect after a single administration in a prostate cancer model mouse. Due to its strong effect in model mouse experiments, it is considered to be a particularly promising drug candidate compound.

[At-211]PSMA-5 has been selected for the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) Translational Support Research Program (Seeds F) "Project name: Conducting an investigator-initiated clinical trial for the practical application of an innovative alpha-ray therapy targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)" due to its usefulness, path to practical application, and the collaborative system between Osaka University and Alpha Fusion. Alpha Fusion will contribute to the practical application of this investigational drug as the world’s first prostate cancer treatment using astatine. This investigator-initiated clinical trial

is a phase I clinical trial to confirm the tolerability, safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy after administration of [At-211]PSMA-5 to patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer who have difficulty in implementing and continuing standard treatment. This is the first time that this investigational drug will be administered to humans in the world. The design is a dose-escalation design, starting with a low dose as an anticancer drug clinical trial and gradually increasing the dose.

[Study name] Phase I investigator-initiated clinical trial of a new alpha-particle nuclear medicine treatment for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.
・Subjects: Patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer for whom standard treatment is difficult to implement or continue
・Investigational drug: PSW-1025 (compound name: [At-211]PSMA-5)
・Period: June 2024 to March 2027 (planned)
・Planned number of cases: 15 cases
・Principal investigator: Naofumi Watanabe (Department of Nuclear Medicine, Osaka University Hospital)

BlueSphere Bio to Present Corporate Update and Participate in a Panel Discussion at the 2024 BIO International Convention

On May 30, 2024 BlueSphere Bio, a drug development company focused on the discovery of novel T-cell receptor (TCR)-based therapies with a robust clinical pipeline and powerful, high-throughput TCR identification and screening platform, TCXpress, reported that Keir Loiacono, Esq., Chief Executive Officer of BlueSphere Bio, will provide a corporate update and participate in a panel discussion at the 2024 BIO International convention being held from June 3 – 6, 2024 in San Diego, California (Press release, BlueSphere Bio, MAY 30, 2024, https://bluespherebio.com/press_release/bluesphere-bio-to-present-corporate-update-and-participate-in-a-panel-discussion-at-the-2024-bio-international-convention/ [SID1234643845]).

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The corporate update will highlight BlueSphere’s progress towards its first clinical program in high-risk leukemia and clinical development efforts of its first-in-human candidate, BSB-1001. BSB-1001 is the first TCR-based clinical candidate identified using TCXpress that targets the minor histocompatibility antigen-1 (HA-1). This first-in-human study will deploy BSB-1001 in combination with standard of care allogeneic stem cell transplant. In addition, BlueSphere will provide updates on additional upcoming clinical programs and discovery efforts utilizing its TCXpress platform.

In the panel discussion, which will be moderated by Angus Liu, Deputy Editor of Fierce Pharma/Fierce Biotech, experts will address the future of T cell-directed cancer therapies. Topics covered will include new applications for treating more patients with this approach, overcoming ongoing biological challenges in solid tumors, high relapse rates, manufacturing, and costs.

Corporate update and panel details can be found below.

Corporate update details:
Track: Cell and Gene Therapy and Genome Editing
Date: Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Time: 1:45 – 2:00 p.m. PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center; Theater 4

Panel details:
Title: What’s Nex-T: Innovator Roundtable on T Cell Therapies in Oncology
Date: Thursday, June 6, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10 a.m. PST
Location: San Diego Convention Center; Room 24BC
Moderator: Angus Liu, Senior Writer at Fierce Pharma and Fierce Biotech

Session details can be found here and to register for the 2024 BIO International convention, visit their website here.

US FDA awards Supplemental Orphan Drug Designation to SurVaxM to now include treatment of Malignant Glioma

On May 30, 2024 MimiVax Inc, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing immunotherapeutics for cancer and autoimmune diseases, reported that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded a supplemental orphan drug designation to MimiVax’s SurVaxM vaccine to now include malignant glioma (Press release, MimiVax, MAY 30, 2024, View Source;utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=us-fda-awards-supplemental-orphan-drug-designation-to-survaxm-to-now-include-treatment-of-malignant-glioma [SID1234643861]). Currently, SurVaxM vaccine is being studied as a treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma (nGBM) in a phase 2b randomized clinical study (the SURVIVE trial) which will assess the efficacy of SurVaxM in a large patient population with nGBM. This supplemental orphan drug designation greatly expands the potential for SurVaxM’s use in other forms of pediatric and adult malignant gliomas. An orphan drug designation plays a critical role in encouraging the development of treatments for rare diseases, ultimately improving the lives of patients who might otherwise have few or no treatment options.

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Gliomas are brain tumors that are initiated from glial cells that and support nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas comprise about 80% of all malignant primary brain tumors and include such tumors as astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and ependymomas.

"Receiving orphan drug designations for SurVaxM emphasizes the critical demand for novel and enhanced therapeutic options for people living with malignant gliomas," said Michael Ciesielski, Ph.D., CEO of MimiVax. "We hope that this designation may help to advance SurVaxM’s application for important indications beyond adult GBM including for pediatric brain cancers."

Orphan designation is granted by the FDA to advance the evaluation and development of new therapies intended to treat a rare disease or condition that generally affects fewer than 200,000 individuals each year in the United States. Under the Orphan Drug Act, regulatory agencies may offer certain benefits to expedite the approval process for orphan drugs, recognizing the urgent need for treatments for rare diseases. This can include accelerated review timelines and flexibility in clinical trial design, tax credits for qualified clinical trials, FDA user-fee benefits, and seven years of market exclusivity in the United States after new drug approval.