On November 29, 2018 MacroGenics (NASDAQ: MGNX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, and Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB), a Shanghai-based innovative biopharmaceutical company, reported that the companies have entered into an exclusive collaboration and license agreement involving three immuno-oncology (I-O) programs from MacroGenics’ pipeline of product candidates (Press release, Zai Laboratory, NOV 29, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2378649 [SID1234531704]):

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Margetuximab, an immune-optimized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody currently being evaluated in Phase 3 metastatic breast cancer with anticipated topline results in the first quarter of 2019.
MGD013, a first-in-class bispecific DART molecule designed to provide coordinate blockade of PD-1 and LAG-3 for the potential treatment of a range of solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
An undisclosed multi-specific TRIDENT molecule in preclinical development.
Zai Lab obtains regional development and commercialization rights for these programs in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Zai Lab will lead clinical development in its territory by leveraging its regulatory and clinical development expertise and broad regional network of investigators. As part of the collaborative clinical development effort, Zai Lab and MacroGenics intend to initiate a global study using combination regimens containing margetuximab in order to maximize potential clinical benefit in gastric cancer, the fifth most common cancer in the world and the second most common in China.

"We believe Zai Lab is an ideal partner to enable us to expand MacroGenics’ global efforts to address patient populations with high unmet medical needs such as gastric cancer," said Scott Koenig, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of MacroGenics. "Zai has a strong track record of rapidly progressing the development of innovative product candidates in China and is well on its way to building its commercial platform. Zai is strongly positioned to take advantage of a growing pharmaceutical market in this region."

Dr. Samantha Du, Chief Executive Officer of Zai Lab said, "MacroGenics is a leader in the immuno-oncology field and we are thrilled to enter into this comprehensive strategic collaboration for a broad set of innovative assets. We believe we can build off the promising, previously reported results from MacroGenics’ clinical studies of margetuximab in HER2-positive breast and gastric cancer, which are highly synergistic operationally with our other existing pipeline programs. We also look forward to working with MacroGenics in advancing MGD013, an exciting first-in-class I-O program that will help distinguish our pipeline and create combination opportunities with our other oncology assets. We believe this collaboration significantly increases the value of our oncology portfolio and is another step in establishing Zai as a leader in the field of innovative cancer treatments."

Under the terms of the agreement, MacroGenics will receive an upfront cash payment of $25 million and will be eligible to receive up to $140 million in potential development and regulatory-based milestone payments. In addition, Zai Lab would pay MacroGenics double-digit royalties on annual net sales of the assets, which may be subject to adjustment in specified circumstances.

Zai Lab to Host Webcast and Conference Call

Zai Lab will host a webcast and conference call to discuss the collaboration and license agreement on Thursday, November 29th, at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Zai Lab Investor Conference Call Details
Date: Thursday, November 29, 2018
Time: 8:30 a.m. ET
Dial-In Details: 1-866-394-4355 (US); 1-314-888-4344 (International); 4006828609 (China)
Conference ID: 5874458

A live webcast and replay will be available on the Investor section of Zai Lab’s website at View Source A slide presentation will accompany the webcast and will also be available on Zai Lab’s website.

About MacroGenics’ Margetuximab Program

Margetuximab is an Fc-optimized monoclonal antibody that targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, or HER2, oncoprotein. HER2 is expressed by tumor cells in breast, gastric, and other solid tumor cancers, making it a key marker for biologic therapy. MacroGenics has completed enrollment of its pivotal Phase 3 SOPHIA study, which is evaluating the treatment of relapsed/refractory HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients. MacroGenics anticipates disclosure of topline PFS results from this trial in the first quarter of 2019. In addition to being studied in metastatic breast cancer, margetuximab is also being studied in combination with an anti-PD-1 agent in a Phase 2 clinical trial in gastric cancer, for which data was recently presented at the 2018 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress.

About MacroGenics’ MGD013 Program

MGD013 is a first-in-class bispecific DART molecule designed to provide coordinate blockade of two immune checkpoint molecules expressed on T cells, PD-1 and LAG-3, for the potential treatment of a range of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. MacroGenics recently established the dose and schedule for MGD013 administration and has initiated dose expansion in up to nine tumor types.

On November 29, 2018 Bio-Thera Solutions, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of innovative therapies and a pipeline of biosimilars, reported the company will present two posters at the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) taking place December 4 – 8, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas (Press release, BioThera Solutions, NOV 29, 2018, View Source [SID1234531722]).

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The first poster, entitled "BAT8001, a potent anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugate with a novel stable linker for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer," will present preclinical data that highlight advantages of BAT8001 as a potential treatment for breast cancer patients. An abstract of the presentation is currently available on SABCS website.

Presentation details are as follows:

Poster Session: Treatment: Her2-targeted therapy

Session Date and Time: Saturday, December 8, 7:00 am – 9:00 am

Location: Poster Area/Exhibition Hall

Poster Board Number: P6-17-39

The second poster, entitled "BAT8003, a potent anti-Trop-2 antibody-drug conjugate, for the treatment of Trop-2 positive Triple Negative Breast Cancer," will present preclinical data that highlight advantages of BAT8003 as a potential treatment for triple negative breast cancer patients. An abstract of the presentation is currently available on SABCS website.

Presentation details are as follows:

Poster Session: Treatment: Novel Targets and Targeted Agents

Session Date and Time: Saturday, December 8, 7:00 am – 9:00 am

Location: Poster Area/Exhibition Hall

Poster Board Number: P6-20-16

About BAT8001

BAT8001 is an investigational HER2-ADC being evaluated in multiple tumor types. HER2 is a naturally occurring receptor that is overexpressed in many types of cancer, including breast cancer and gastric cancer. BAT8001 is being developed for use as a single agent and in combination with other agents for the treatment of multiple cancers. BAT8001 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer patients (more information on the trial is available at View Source (CTR20180157)). The BAT8001 clinical study program will expand beyond metastatic breast cancer to other HER2-positive cancers, including gastric cancer, over the next 12 months.

About BAT8003

BAT8003 is an investigational Trop-2-ADC being evaluated in multiple tumor types. Trop-2 is a naturally occurring receptor that is overexpressed in many types of cancer, including triple negative breast cancer and gastric cancer. BAT8003 is being developed for use as a single agent and in combination with other agents for the treatment of multiple cancers. A Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the pharmacodynamics and safety of BAT8003 is scheduled to begin in 2019Q1.

About Antibody-Drug Conjugates

Antibody-drug Conjugates or ADCs are designed to harness the targeting ability of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to deliver cytotoxic agents selectively to tumor cells by linking the monoclonal antibody and cytotoxic agent through a chemical linker. An ideal ADC consists of: 1) a highly selective mAb for a tumor-associated antigen that has little or no expression on normal cells, 2) a potent cytotoxic agent designed to induce target cell death after being internalized in the tumor cell and released and 3) a chemical linker that is stable in circulation but releases the cytotoxic agent in target cells. By selectively delivering a cytotoxic agent directly inside a tumor cell, ADCs increase the safety and tolerability of the cytotoxic agent relative to giving the cytotoxic agent systemically to the patient.

On November 29, 2018 Athenex, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNX), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer and related conditions, reported that it has entered into an agreement with PharmaEssentia Corporation (Taipei Exchange:6446) to license the rights to develop and commercialize Athenex’s Oradoxel in Taiwan, Singapore and Vietnam (Press release, Athenex, NOV 29, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2378678 [SID1234531705]). The existing licensing agreement for Oraxol (oral paclitaxel) and Oratecan (oral irinotecan) with PharmaEssentia is being expanded to account for additional considerations, including milestone payments, for Oradoxel (oral docetaxel). In December 2013, Athenex and PharmaEssentia entered into a license agreement, pursuant to which PharmaEssentia was granted a license to develop and commercialize Oraxol and Oratecan in Taiwan and Singapore. The agreement was amended in December 2016 to also include Vietnam in the territories covered by the license.

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Under the terms of the expanded agreement, which includes Oradoxel, Athenex will receive a cash payment as well as the potential to receive additional milestone payments for certain development and regulatory milestones of Oradoxel in the territories. PharmaEssentia will be responsible for all activities and expenses relating to clinical development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of Oradoxel in the territories.

Docetaxel is an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent that is used widely in the treatment of breast, prostate, gastric, head and neck, and lung cancers. Oradoxel is an oral formulation of Docetaxel combined with HM30181A, a novel gastrointestinal tract specific P-glycoprotein pump inhibitor. Oradoxel is currently in Phase I clinical studies in the U.S. and New Zealand, and is ready to advance to Phase II with studies expected to begin in the first half of 2019.

Dr. Kochung Lin, Chief Executive Officer of PharmaEssentia, commented, "We are excited with the encouraging results so far from clinical trials of Athenex’s Orascovery drug candidates, particularly Oraxol. The potential of oral chemotherapy drugs to improve efficacy and safety, and improve patients’ quality of life, cannot be overstated. Athenex has generated promising Phase I data with both Oratecan and Oradoxel, and we are pleased to participate in the development of these exciting products in Taiwan, Singapore and Vietnam to help realize the full potential of this platform. We have been impressed by the Athenex team in their execution and are delighted to continue and expand our excellent partnership with the addition of Oradoxel."

Dr. Johnson Lau, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Athenex, stated, "This agreement builds on our longstanding relationship with PharmaEssentia. PharmaEssentia has demonstrated strong commitment to cancer drug research and development, and we are confident they have the capabilities for successfully delivering Oradoxel to patients in the licensed territories."

The Orascovery platform was initially developed by Hanmi Pharmaceuticals and licensed exclusively to Athenex for all major worldwide territories except Korea, which is retained by Hanmi.

On November 29, 2018 Triumvira Immunologics, Inc. (Triumvira), reported the upcoming presentation of key preclinical data at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) 60th Annual Meeting and Exposition December 1-4, 2018 in San Diego, CA (Press release, Triumvira Immunologics, NOV 29, 2018, View Source [SID1234531723]). The data will be presented during a poster presentation on Sunday, December 2, and a podium presentation on Monday, December 3.

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"We continue to expand our knowledge base on the promise of our proprietary T cell Antigen Coupler (TAC) technology in different tumor types," commented Andreas Bader, Ph.D., Triumvira’s Senior Vice President of R&D. "The presentations will focus on experiments using T cells genetically engineered with TACs directed against either CD19 or BCMA antigen, demonstrating robust cell-killing and anti-tumor efficacy in preclinical models of hematological malignancies with no detectable side effects."

Podium Presentation Title:

T Cells Engineered with a Novel Chimeric Receptor Demonstrate Durable In Vivo Efficacy Against Disseminated Multiple Myeloma

Publication Number: 962; Session Name: 703. Adoptive Immunotherapy: Preclinical Studies to Improve Safety and Efficacy of CAR-T Cells; Presentation Date/Time: Monday, December 3, 2018: 4:30 – 6:00 PM PST

Presenter: Ksenia Bezverbnaya, McMaster University

Poster Title:

T Cells Engineered with T Cell Antigen Coupler (TAC) Receptors for Haematological Malignancies

Publication Number: 3267; Session Name: 653. Myeloma: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster II; Presentation Date/Time: Sunday, December 2, 2018: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST

Presenter: Dr. Christopher Helsen, Director of Research & Development, and Head of Platform Development, Triumvira Immunologics.

On November 29, 2018 GlycoMimetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: GLYC) reported that it will host and webcast an investor/analyst meeting and update at the 60th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in San Diego, on December 3 at 6 a.m. PT. Daniel J. DeAngelo, MD, PhD,Director of Clinical and Translational Research, Adult Leukemia Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, who served as lead investigator of the GlycoMimetics’ recently completed Phase 1/2 clinical trial of uproleselan in acute myeloid leukemia patients, will recap and provide perspective on his December 2 oral presentation at the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting, highlighting the trial’s findings (Press release, GlycoMimetics, NOV 29, 2018, View Source [SID1234531706]). GlycoMimetics management will review additional posters from the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting.

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The investor/analyst event will be webcast beginning at 6:15 a.m. PT. The dial-in number for the event is (844) 413-7154 (U.S. and Canada) or (216) 562-0466 (international) with passcode 9779654. To access the live audio webcast, or the subsequent archived recording, visit the "Investors – Events & Presentations" section of the GlycoMimetics website at www.glycomimetics.com. The webcast will be recorded and available for replay on the GlycoMimetics website for 30 days following the call.

Investors/analysts are requested to pre-register for the private in-person event at [email protected]. The event will be held at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego in the Celebrate Room, 207 Fifth Avenue, San Diego. On-site inquiries will be handled by Shari Annes, (650) 888-0902, by text or phone.