BullFrog AI and Eleison Pharmaceuticals Enter Agreement to Collaborate to Optimize Pivotal Phase 3 Trial

On February 27, 2025 BullFrog AI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BFRG; BFRGW) ("BullFrog AI" or the "Company"), a technology-enabled drug development company using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to enable the successful development of pharmaceuticals and biologics, reported its entry into a collaboration agreement with Eleison Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Eleison"), a Phase 3 oncology company focused on novel chemotherapeutic treatments for rare cancers (Press release, Bullfrog AI, FEB 27, 2025, View Source [SID1234650693]). Under the terms of the agreement, BullFrog AI will provide access to its BullFrog Data Networks AI solution to enhance clinical trial efficiency and patient insights. Financial terms of the collaboration were not disclosed.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"The integration of artificial intelligence in clinical trials represents a transformative shift in how pharmaceutical companies can de-risk drug development and optimize patient outcomes," said Vin Singh, CEO of BullFrog AI. "We are thrilled to partner with Eleison to apply our bfLEAP AI technology, which has the potential to refine patient selection, improve trial efficiency, and ultimately accelerate the path to market for life-saving therapies."

Through this collaboration, BullFrog AI will apply its proprietary BullFrog Data Networks solution, powered by the bfLEAP platform, to analyze clinical data from Eleison’s ongoing Phase 3 trial and previous clinical studies of glufosfamide, an investigational treatment for pancreatic cancer. The platform will evaluate the current trajectory of the trial with respect to safety signals, extract predictive biomarkers for efficacy and safety performance from prior studies to support future trial design, and provide data-driven insights to optimize Eleison’s planned clinical trials for inhaled lipid-complexed cisplatin (ILC) and dibromodulcitol (DBD). These insights are expected to streamline trial efficiency and improve decision-making for Eleison’s broader oncology pipeline.

Glufosfamide is a third-generation alkylating agent designed for greater specificity and tumor uptake, with reduced systemic toxicities and side effects. It is currently being evaluated by Eleison in a pivotal Phase 3 international randomized clinical trial, for the second-line treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer. Although pancreatic cancer is among the rarer cancer types, it is the third leading cause of death by cancer in the United States. More than 67,000 Americans and 510,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer annually. Few therapeutic options exist to treat the disease and five-year survival rates are typically less than 5%. Eleison expects to complete this ongoing Phase 3 trial in 2027.

"Our collaboration with BullFrog AI underscores our commitment to innovation in drug development," said Edwin Thomas, CEO of Eleison. "By leveraging AI-powered analytics, we aim to generate deeper insights into patient responses and safety trends, which will not only benefit our glufosfamide program but also inform the strategic direction of our broader oncology pipeline."

Janux Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results and Business Highlights

On February 27, 2025 Janux Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: JANX) (Janux), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a broad pipeline of novel immunotherapies by applying its proprietary technology to its Tumor Activated T Cell Engager (TRACTr) and Tumor Activated Immunomodulator (TRACIr) platforms, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, and provided a business update (Press release, Janux Therapeutics, FEB 27, 2025, View Source [SID1234650710]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"2024 was an exceptional year for Janux as we displayed the potential power of our TRACTr platform in the clinic. We believe the data recently presented from JANX007 demonstrated substantial clinical activity in late line mCRPC patients, supporting our future clinical development plans directed at earlier line patients. With our substantial cash runway, we feel well-positioned to execute on our clinical plans, as well as bring new programs towards the clinic that could provide substantial value to both Janux, and more importantly, the patients we serve," said David Campbell, Ph.D., President and CEO of Janux.

RECENT BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS AND FUTURE MILESTONES:


Presented positive updated interim Phase 1 clinical trial data for PSMA-TRACTr JANX007 in prostate cancer in December 2024. As of the November 15, 2024, data cutoff in 16 patients JANX007 displayed:

High prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rates: 100% achieved best PSA50 declines.

Deep PSA declines: 63% achieved best PSA90 declines; 31% achieved best PSA99 declines.

Durable PSA declines maintained at ≥ 12 weeks: 75% maintained PSA 50 declines; 50% maintained PSA90 declines.

Encouraging anti-tumor activity: 50% ORR (4/8) and 63% DCR (5/8) (including confirmed and unconfirmed).

Well-tolerated safety profile: CRS and TRAEs primarily limited to cycle 1 and lower grades.


Gross proceeds of approximately $402.5 million (before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses) raised in an underwritten offering of common stock and pre-funded warrants in December 2024.


Janux to host R&D Day in 2025.

Janux plans to provide an update on pipeline programs selected for clinical development.


JANX007 continues to enroll in the first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial in mCRPC (NCT05519449).


JANX008 continues to enroll in the first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial in advanced or metastatic solid tumors (NCT05783622).


Zachariah McIver, D.O., Ph.D. promoted to Chief Medical Officer. Dr. McIver has been instrumental in executing on Janux’s clinical programs. Dr. McIver continues to lead cross-functional teams in the design, implementation, and execution of clinical and correlative study strategies. An accomplished physician-scientist with over 15-years of experience in clinical research, Dr. McIver joined Janux after serving as Amgen’s Executive Medical Director for over 4 years.

An update on JANX007 and JANX008 data is anticipated in 2025. Janux will also be hosting an R&D
Day in 2025.

FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS:


Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments: As of December 31, 2024, Janux reported cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $1.03 billion compared to $344.0 million at December 31, 2023.


Research and development expenses: Research and development expenses were $20.8 million for the quarter and $68.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $12.2 million and $54.9 million for the same quarter and year in 2023.


General and administrative expenses: General and administrative expenses were $8.2 million for the quarter and $41.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $6.4 million and $26.1 million for the same quarter and year in 2023.


Net loss: Net loss was $20.2 million for the quarter and $69.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $11.8 million and $58.3 million for the same quarter and year in 2023.

Janux’s TRACTr and TRACIr Pipeline

Janux’s first clinical candidate, JANX007, is a TRACTr that targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and is being investigated in a Phase 1 clinical trial in adult patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Janux’s second clinical candidate, JANX008, is a TRACTr that targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and is being studied in a Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of multiple solid cancers including colorectal carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, small cell lung cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and triple-negative breast cancer. We are also generating a number of additional TRACTr and TRACIr programs for potential future development, some of which are at development candidate stage or later. We are currently assessing priorities in our preclinical pipeline.

Novocure Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results and Provides Company Update

On February 27, 2025 Novocure (NASDAQ: NVCR) reported financial results for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 (Press release, NovoCure, FEB 27, 2025, View Source [SID1234650731]). Novocure is a global oncology company working to extend survival in some of the most aggressive forms of cancer by developing and commercializing its innovative therapy, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"Entering 2024, our team was focused on three objectives – grow our core business treating glioblastoma, launch in non-small cell lung cancer, and deliver on the promise of our clinical pipeline. I am proud to say we have successfully achieved all three goals," said Ashley Cordova, CEO Novocure. "2025 is a defining year for Novocure as we enter a new era with a multi-indication platform propelled by positive Phase 3 data in three indications – one FDA-approved and two advancing toward regulatory submission. We believe we are positioned to transform patient outcomes across multiple high-need oncology indications."

Financial updates for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024:

Total net revenues for the year were $605.2 million, an increase of 19% year-over-year, primarily driven by continued launch success in France for Optune Gio for glioblastoma (GBM) and improved approval rates in the U.S., which are now reflected in our revenue baseline. 2025 net revenue growth is expected to reflect growth in Optune Gio active patients. As the GBM business reaches maturity we expect to continue to grow at a low mid-single digit rate this year.
Total net revenues for the quarter were $161.3 million, an increase of 21% year-over-year.
The U.S., Germany, France and Japan contributed $107.2 million, $17.4 million, $15.7 million and $8.5 million in quarterly net revenues, respectively, with our other active markets contributing $10.4 million.
Revenue in Greater China from Novocure’s partnership with Zai Lab totaled $2.0 million.
Improved approval rates in the U.S. resulted in $8.3 million of increased net revenue from prior period claims during the quarter, which we believe should not be considered in our 2025 baseline. This is in addition to the $14.0 million of increased revenue from prior period claims disclosed through the third quarter.
Gross margin for the quarter was 79%. In 2025, we expect our gross margins will be impacted by current and future product enhancements, such as the U.S. launch of our Head Flexible Electrode (HFE) transducer arrays for use with Optune Gio, and the launch of Optune Lua in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our current analysis of the global tariff environment leads us to believe there should not be a material impact to margins in the short term and we are actively working to mitigate any potential impacts in the medium-to-long term.
Research, development and clinical studies expenses for the quarter were $51.2 million, a decrease of 6% from the same period in 2023. Clinical trial expenses can fluctuate quarter-to-quarter depending on the number of clinical trials actively underway, amount of clinical research organization services delivered and clinical materials procured.
Sales and marketing expenses for the quarter were $67.4 million, an increase of 14% from the same period in 2023. This primarily reflects the expansion of our NSCLC sales force as we launch in this new indication.
General and administrative expenses for the quarter were $72.5 million, an increase of 84% from the same period in 2023. This was primarily driven by $36.1 million in one-time stock-based compensation expenses related to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of our metastatic NSCLC indication.
Net loss for the quarter was $65.9 million with loss per share of $0.61.
Adjusted EBITDA* for the quarter was $2.6 million, an increase of $34.1 million from the same period in 2023. This increase was primarily driven by revenue growth and operational efficiencies.
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments were $959.9 million as of December 31, 2024.
Operational updates for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024:

As of December 31, 2024, there were 4,126 total active patients on TTFields therapy globally.
1,520 Optune Gio prescriptions for the treatment of GBM were received in the quarter, consistent with the same period in 2023. The U.S., Germany, France and Japan contributed 897; 190; 194 and 109 prescriptions, respectively, with the remaining 130 prescriptions contributed by other active markets.
As of December 31, 2024, there were 4,077 active Optune Gio patients on therapy. The U.S., Germany, France and Japan contributed 2,161; 564; 426 and 420 Optune Gio active patients, respectively, with the remaining 506 active patients contributed by other active markets.
On October 15, 2024, Optune Lua was approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC concurrently with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors or docetaxel, in adults who have progressed on or after a platinum-based regimen. Between approval and year end, 52 Optune Lua prescriptions were received for metastatic NSCLC.
As of December 31, 2024, there were 20 active metastatic NSCLC patients on Optune Lua and 29 active malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients on Optune Lua.
Beginning in Q1 2026, Novocure intends to stop reporting new prescriptions received in period and will provide active patients on TTFields therapy by indication and by material market as the key operating statistics.
Fourth quarter and recent updates and achievements:

In October 2024, the FDA granted Breakthrough Device designation for the use of TTFields therapy for the treatment of brain metastases from NSCLC. Breakthrough Device designation provides more frequent, faster and interactive access to the FDA review team and senior management during the review process, priority review of marketing applications upon filing, and expedited review of pre-Premarket Approval Application (PMA) manufacturing and quality systems compliance inspections.
In October 2024, the FDA approved Novocure’s new HFE transducer arrays for use with Optune Gio for the treatment of adult patients with GBM.
In December 2024, the company announced the Phase 3 PANOVA-3 clinical trial met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in overall survival for patients with unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Novocure plans to submit the full data for presentation at an upcoming medical congress.
In December 2024, the FDA granted Breakthrough Device designation for the use of TTFields therapy for the treatment of unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
In January 2025, the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) approved Novocure’s HFE transducer arrays for use with Optune Gio for the treatment of adult patients with GBM.
Anticipated clinical milestones:

Data from Phase 2 PANOVA-4 clinical trial in metastatic pancreatic cancer (2026)
Data from Phase 3 TRIDENT clinical trial in newly diagnosed GBM (2026)
Fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results conference call:

Novocure will host a conference call and webcast to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results at 8:00 a.m. EST today, Thursday, February 27, 2025. To access the conference call by phone, use the following conference call registration link, and dial-in details will be provided. To access the webcast, use the following webcast registration link.

The webcast and earnings slides presented during the webcast and the corporate presentation can be accessed live from the Investor Relations page of Novocure’s website, www.novocure.com/investor-relations, and will be available for at least 14 days following the call. Novocure has used, and intends to continue to use, its investor relations website, as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

C4 Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results and Recent Business Highlights

On February 27, 2025 C4 Therapeutics, Inc. (C4T) (Nasdaq: CCCC), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing targeted protein degradation science, reported financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as business updates (Press release, C4 Therapeutics, FEB 27, 2025, View Source [SID1234650692]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"In 2024, C4T made significant progress across our degrader portfolio and our discovery collaborations. We shared clinical data from our two lead programs, where cemsidomide demonstrated a potential best-in-class profile, and CFT1946 demonstrated proof of mechanism and early signs of anti-tumor activity, and a third program, CFT8919, entered clinical development in Greater China. We also delivered two development candidates to Biogen and initiated a new discovery collaboration with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany," said Andrew Hirsch, president and chief executive officer of C4 Therapeutics. "Entering 2025, we continue to advance these clinical programs and operationalize the next phase of cemsidomide development to enable patient dosing in early 2026. We remain focused on unlocking value of cemsidomide and generating data from the Phase 1 trials of CFT1946 and CFT8919 to inform future development strategies for these programs."

FOURTH QUARTER 2024 HIGHLIGHTS AND RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Cemsidomide:

Multiple Myeloma (MM)

In December 2024, at the Annual Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting, presented data from the ongoing dose escalation trial with cemsidomide in combination with dexamethasone. As of the data cutoff date of October 11, 2024, the 75 µg once daily (QD) dose level achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of 36 percent. Cemsidomide was well-tolerated across all dose levels.
The maximum tolerated dose has not yet been reached. Patients are enrolling at the 100 µg QD dose level.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)

In December 2024, at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper), presented data from the ongoing cemsidomide monotherapy dose escalation trial. As of the data cutoff date of October 11, 2024, cemsidomide demonstrated an ORR of 38 percent across all subtypes and doses studied. In peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), cemsidomide achieved an ORR of 44 percent and a 25 percent complete metabolic response rate.
The maximum tolerated dose has not yet been reached. Patients are enrolling at the 87.5 µg QD dose level.
CFT1946:

In October 2024, at the Targeted Protein Degradation Summit, presented new preclinical data demonstrating CFT1946 crosses the blood-brain barrier, with Kpuu values of 0.34-0.88, an important feature as a portion of patients with BRAF V600 mutant solid tumors develop brain metastases.
Continued to enroll patients with BRAF V600 mutations in the ongoing Phase 1/2 trial across multiple cohorts including monotherapy in melanoma, in combination with trametinib in melanoma and in combination with cetuximab in colorectal cancer (CRC).
CFT8919:

In November 2024, Betta Pharmaceuticals, with C4T support, initiated the Phase 1 clinical trial of CFT8919 in Greater China.
CORPORATE UPDATE:

Continued to evolve the Board of Directors with the appointment of biotechnology executive, Steve Hoerter, who has over three decades of executive management, commercial and board experience in oncology.
KEY UPCOMING MILESTONES

Cemsidomide:

Complete Phase 1 dose escalation and present data in MM and NHL in the second half of 2025.
Open expansion cohort(s) in PTCL as part of the current Phase 1/2 trial in the second half of 2025.
Enable initiation of the next phase of clinical development for MM and PTCL, with new studies expected to initiate in early 2026.
CFT1946:

Complete monotherapy Phase 1 dose escalation in BRAF V600 mutant solid tumors in the first half of 2025.
Present Phase 1 data in the second half of 2025, which will include: (1) CFT1946 monotherapy in BRAF V600 mutant solid tumors, (2) CFT1946 monotherapy expansion in melanoma and (3) CFT1946 in combination with cetuximab in CRC.
UPCOMING INVESTOR EVENTS

March 3, 2025 at 9:10 am ET: Management will be present at TD Cowen 44th Annual Healthcare Conference taking place March 3 – 5, 2025 in Boston, MA.
March 10, 2025: Management will participate in the Leerink Partners Global Healthcare Conference taking place March 9 – 12, 2025 in Miami, FL.
FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Revenue: Total revenue for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 was $5.2 million and $35.6 million, respectively, compared to $3.3 million and $20.8 million for the prior year periods. The increase in revenue was primarily due to new collaborations with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (MKDG) and Merck, as well as revenue related to our ongoing collaboration with Betta Pharmaceuticals. Total revenue for the full year 2024 reflects revenue recognized under our collaborations with Biogen, Betta Pharmaceuticals, Merck, MKDG and Roche, and total revenue recognized for the full year 2023 reflects revenue recognized under collaboration agreements with Biogen, Roche and Calico.

Research and Development (R&D) Expense: R&D expense for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 was $32.5 million and $110.6 million, respectively, compared to $30.4 million and $117.7 million for the prior year periods. The increase in R&D expense for the fourth quarter was primarily related to clinical trial expense as cemsidomide and CFT1946 continue to advance. The decrease in R&D expense for the full year was primarily due to reduced headcount and external services resulting from restructuring activities that occurred in January 2024.

General and Administrative (G&A) Expense: G&A expense for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 was $10.4 million and $42.1 million, respectively, remaining relatively flat compared to $10.3 million and $42.1 million for the prior year periods.

Net Loss and Net Loss per Share: Net loss for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 was $34.6 million and $105.3 million, respectively, compared to $34.8 million and $132.5 million for the prior year periods. Net loss per share for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 was $0.49 and $1.52, respectively, compared to $0.68 and $2.67 for the prior year periods.

Cash Position and Financial Guidance: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2024 were $267.3 million, compared to $281.7 million as of December 31, 2023. The reduction in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities during 2024 was primarily the result of $65.2 million of cash used in operating activities (net of $16 million received in milestone payments from Biogen), partially offset by $24.4 million in proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock through our "at-the-market" offering arrangement and $20 million received under the Betta stock purchase agreement, all of which were previously disclosed. The company expects that its cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2024 will enable the company to fund its operating plan into 2027.

MacroGenics to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences

On February 27, 2025 MacroGenics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MGNX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, reported that the Company’s management will participate in the following investor conferences in March (Press release, MacroGenics, FEB 27, 2025, View Source [SID1234650711]):

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

TD Cowen 45th Annual Healthcare Conference (Boston). MacroGenics’ President & Chief Executive Officer, Scott Koenig, M.D., Ph.D., will participate in a fireside chat on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 10:30am ET. MacroGenics’ management will also participate in one-on-one meetings.

Leerink Partners 2025 Global Healthcare Conference (Miami). Dr. Koenig will participate in a fireside chat on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 11:20am ET. MacroGenics’ management will also participate in one-on-one meetings.

Barclays 27th Global Healthcare Conference (Miami). Dr. Koenig will participate in a fireside chat on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 2:00pm ET. MacroGenics’ management will also participate in one-on-one meetings.

Webcasts of the above presentations may be accessed under "Events & Presentations" in the Investor Relations section of MacroGenics’ website at View Source The Company will maintain archived replays of these webcasts on its website for 30 days.