On October 9, 2018 Oblique Therapeutics, a biotech focused on new medicines for severe diseases with large unmet medical needs, reported that it will present new promising preclinical data for the drug candidate OT-1096 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) at the largest oncology congress in Europe, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper), held 19-23 October in Munich, Germany (Press release, Oblique Therapeutics, OCT 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234529831]).

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The new data of the first-in-class anti-cancer agent OT-1096 shows promising preliminary results with improved tumor growth inhibition compared to pembrolizumab, one of the blockbuster drugs within immunooncology. The humanized TNBC PDX mouse-model, used in this study, allows for the growth of a breast cancer derived from a patient, in the presence of a human immune system. The results suggest that OT-1096 reduces tumor growth by two associated mechanisms; direct cancer cell killing activity by redox system modulation that, in turn, results in a beneficial immunomodulatory action through lowering of regulatory T-cells within the TIL* population as compared to controls. The results warrant further investigations of OT-1096 in TNBC and other aggressive cancers. Treatment with OT-1096 shows no safety or tolerability concerns.

"First of all, it is an honor to be recognized by ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper), and we are thrilled to exhibit our promising results for OT-1096 for the first time. Even more so, being part of changing the treatment landscape for cancer at this time is exciting for us: the 2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded for pioneering work in immunooncology and we see more and more traction and exciting results from novel immunomodulatory small molecules, such as ours, with the capacity to favorably change the immune system inside tumors ," said Prof. Owe Orwar, CEO at Oblique Therapeutics.

TNBC is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer associated with poor prognosis and limited treatment options, and new effective medicines are needed. Globally, two million people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year; of which 10-13 percent has TNBC.

Prof. Owe Orwar, CEO at Oblique Therapeutics, will present a poster (441P) with the title: "OT-1096, a first-in-class immunoactivating small molecule that targets the thioredoxin reductase/thioredoxin axis causes strong tumor growth inhibition by downregulating intratumoral Tregs in a humanized TNBC-PDX model" on Monday 22 October 2018 at 12:45-13:45. The abstract is available through esmo.org: View Source (search: 441P)

For more information, please contact:

Prof. Owe Orwar
CEO
Email: [email protected]

About OT-1096

OT-1096 is a next-generation first-in-class small molecule immunomodulator with anti-cancer activity. The initial clinical focus is on targeting advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) but the program will be extended to include other forms of metastatic and advanced cancer that fits to the mechanism of action of OT-1096.

On October 9, 2018 AstraZeneca and MedImmune, its global biologics research and development arm, reported that it will present 54 abstracts, including eight oral presentations and three late breakers, to the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) (ESMO 2018) Congress in Munich, Germany, 19-23 October (Press release, AstraZeneca, OCT 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234529815]).

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Data span several tumour types and include full results from the Phase III SOLO-1 ovarian cancer trial to be presented in the Presidential Symposium, along with new research on resistance mechanisms in metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, MedImmune Senior Vice President, Head of Oncology Innovative Medicines and Professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology at South-Paris University, Jean-Charles Soria, will be recognised for his outstanding contribution to medical oncology by receiving the 2018 ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Award.

Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Head of Oncology Business Unit, said: "Our diversified Oncology portfolio prioritises medicines with the potential to redefine the clinical practice of cancer treatment. We are working to deliver potentially curative approaches earlier in the treatment paradigm across a range of cancers. We are also exploring how to stay a step ahead of disease progression by understanding how tumours become resistant to treatment over time."

Detailed Lynparza data from the Phase III SOLO-1 trial in women with newly-diagnosed, advanced BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer

SOLO-1 is the only trial of a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, Lynparza, to demonstrate a statistically-significant and clinically-meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) for women with newly-diagnosed, advanced BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer. Data from the trial by AstraZeneca and MSD, known as Merck in the US and Canada, will be featured in an ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Presidential Symposium (Presentation #LBA7_PRAbstract). In the 1st-line setting, only 20 percent of women have prolonged, relapse-free periods and are considered cured following surgery and chemotherapy, and 70 percent relapse within three years. These data will provide detailed PFS results for Lynparza, supporting the treatment goal of long-term remission in women with newly-diagnosed disease, where currently-available treatment options aimed at extending time to progression only offer modest improvements.

New understanding of acquired resistance mechanisms in lung cancer from the Phase III FLAURA trial

Preliminary data on acquired resistance mechanisms seen with 1st-line Tagrisso (osimertinib) use in the Phase III FLAURA trial (Presentation Number #LBA_5005) will be presented as a late-breaker, providing new insights into potential treatment strategies for patients with metastatic EGFR-mutated NSCLC.

Lung cancer Immuno-Oncology (IO): New insights from the Phase III PACIFIC trial

An oral presentation of subgroup analyses will explore the efficacy and safety of the PACIFIC regimen in unresectable, Stage III NSCLC evaluating differences in treatment and timing for chemoradiation therapy before Imfinzi (Abstract #1363O).

Early pipeline explores combinations in difficult-to-treat tumour types

Key presentations from AstraZeneca’s early stage pipeline include insight into novel DNA Damage Response (DDR)-IO combinations. A Phase I clinical and translational evaluation of the ATR inhibitor, AZD6738, in combination with Imfinzi in patients with lung or head and neck cancer will be featured as a poster discussion (Abstract #413PD).

Data from the early-stage IO pipeline, including updated results from the Phase Ib/II multi-indication SCORES trial of Imfinzi plus danvatirsen (AZD9150, STAT3) or AZD5069 (CXCR2), demonstrating the impact of targeting novel pathways, will also be presented (Abstract #1044O).

Additionally, new approaches to patient selection using different methods of detection of homologous recombination repair gene mutations will be highlighted in a Phase II trial of Lynparza plus abiraterone (Study 08) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (Abstract #97P).

Key AstraZeneca/MedImmune presentations at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2018:

Lead author

Abstract title

Presentation details

Ovarian cancer

Moore, K

Phase III SOLO1 trial: Maintenance olaparib following platinum-based chemotherapy in newly diagnosed patients (pts) with advanced stage ovarian cancer (OC) and a BRCA1/2 mutation (BRCAm)

Oral Presentation

Presidential Symposium 2

Sunday 21st October, 16:30-18:10

Presentation Time: 17:45-18:00

Location: Hall A2, Room 18

Abstract #LBA7_PR

Penson, RT

MEDIOLA: A Phase I/II trial of olaparib (PARP inhibitor) in combination with durvalumab (anti-PD-L1 antibody) in patients with advanced solid tumors – new ovarian cancer cohorts

Poster

Gynaecological cancers

Monday 22nd October, 12:45-13:45

Location: Hall A3

Abstract #448TiP

Colombo, N

BAROCCO: A randomized phase II study of weekly paclitaxel vs. cediranib-olaparib with continuous schedule vs. cediranib-olaparib with intermittent schedule in advanced platinum-resistant ovarian cancer

Poster

Gynaecological cancers

Saturday 20th October, 12:30-13:30

Location: Hall A3

Abstract #1002TiP

Lung Cancer

Ramalingam, S

Mechanisms of acquired resistance to first-line osimertinib: preliminary data from the phase III FLAURA study

Oral Presentation

NSCLC, metastatic

Friday 19th October, 16:00-17:30

Presentation Time: 16:00-16:12

Location: Hall A2, Room 18

Abstract #LBA50

Faivre-Finn, C

Efficacy and safety evaluation based on time from completion of radiotherapy to randomization with durvalumab or placebo in pts from PACIFIC

Oral Presentation​

Non-Metastatic NSCLC and Other Thoracic Malignancies

Sunday 21st October, 09:15-10:45

Presentation Time: 10:15-10:30

Location: Hall A1, Room 17
Abstract #1363O

Kowalski, D

ARCTIC: durvalumab + tremelimumab and durvalumab monotherapy vs SoC in ≥3L advanced NSCLC treatment

Oral Presentation ​

NSCLC, metastatic

Monday 22nd October, 09:15-11:00​

Presentation Time: 10:15-10:30

Location: Hall A1, Room 17​

Abstract #1378O

Bondarenko, I

Preliminary efficacy of durvalumab plus tremelimumab in platinum-refractory/resistant ED-SCLC from Arm A of the Phase II BALTIC study

Poster Discussion

Lung early

Sunday 21st October, 14:45-16:00

Discussion Time: 15:25-15:35

Location: ICM, Room 1

Abstract #1665PD

Early pipeline

Cohen, EW

Phase 1b/2 Study (SCORES) of Durvalumab (D) Plus AZD9150 or AZD5069 in Advanced Solid Malignancies and Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (R/M-SCCHN): Updated Results

Oral Presentation

Head & Neck cancer
Monday 22nd October, 14:45-16:15

Presentation Time: 14:45-15:00

Location: ICM, Room 14b
Abstract #1044O

Krebs, MG

Phase I clinical and translational evaluation of AZD6738 in combination with durvalumab in patients (pts) with lung or head and neck carcinoma

Poster Discussion

Developmental therapeutics

Saturday 20th October, 15:00-16:15

Discussion Time: 15:00-15:20

Location: Hall B3, Room 22

Abstract #413PD

Carr, Thomas H

Multimodal detection of homologous recombination repair gene mutations (HRRm) in a Phase II trial of olaparib plus abiraterone in metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)

Poster

Biomarkers

Saturday 20th October, 12:30-13:30

Location: Hall A3

Abstract #97P

On October 9, 2018 OncoSec Medical Incorporated (OncoSec) (NASDAQ: ONCS), a company developing intratumoral cancer immunotherapies, reported the closing of the first $8 million tranche of its $15 million investment from Alpha Holdings, Inc. (KOSDAQ: 117670) (Press release, OncoSec Medical, OCT 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234529816]). This value-focused, fundamental strategic investment is centered on the clinical development of OncoSec’s lead immunotherapy product candidate, TAVO (tavokinogene telseplasmid). TAVO enables the intratumoral delivery of DNA-based interleukin-12 (IL-12), a naturally occurring protein with powerful immune-stimulating functions.

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Alpha Holdings is a leading Korean technology company engaged in the design, development, service and manufacture of system semiconductors, as well as the development of biotechnologies and thermal compound materials. Since 2002, Alpha Holdings has successfully carried out many projects as a major partner of Samsung Advanced Foundry Eco-system (SAFE) of Samsung Electronics. Alpha Holdings, a listed company in the KOSDAQ Market, was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Seongnam, South Korea.

Under the terms of the agreement, Alpha Holdings has committed to purchase a total of $15 million worth of shares of common stock from OncoSec in two tranches at $1.50 per share. The two tranches are each subject to a six-month holding requirement from date of funding. As stated above, Alpha has funded the first tranche of $8 million. The closing of the second tranche is subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. Further details of the transaction can be found in the Form 8-K filed by the Company describing the agreement.

On October 9, 2018 Immune Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCQB: IMNP) ("Immune" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of immunologic and inflammatory diseases, reported that it has entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with an institutional investor pursuant to which it has sold $5.5 million in principal amount of Senior Secured Redeemable Convertible Debentures (the "Debentures") for $2 million in cash, and a $3 million promissory note to be funded upon the earlier of the effectiveness of a registration statement covering the resale of the shares issuable or conversion of the Debentures (Press release, Immune Pharmaceuticals, OCT 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234530276]).

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Tony Fiorino MD, PhD, Immune’s interim Chief Executive Officer, said "This financing gives us the means to continue the recent forward momentum we have achieved with bertilimumab, with the goal of building what we believe will be substantial additional value. We expect the proceeds from this transaction to fund our operations into the second quarter of 2019. Over that time, we expect to achieve previously disclosed milestones that include the release of additional results from the BP-01 study, obtaining important regulatory feedback, advancing our new manufacturing process and unblinding the ulcerative colitis study, which has now completed recruiting subjects."

Dr. Fiorino went on to say, "I accepted the role of interim Chief Executive Officer because I believe that bertilimumab is a strategically attractive asset, and this funding provides us with runway to pursue that option. Given the challenging financing environment faced by the company, we have decided to accelerate our plan to seek a development partner for bertilimumab. We will initiate the bertilimumab partnering process this quarter, rather than waiting to complete these important milestones prior to formally launching a process."

The Debentures bear compounded interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to adjustment as specified in the Debentures, and mature five years from the issuance date. The debt is convertible into shares of Immune common stock at a conversion price of $0.075 per share, subject to certain adjustments in the event of future financings. The Company also issued to the investor 50 million three-year warrants exercisable at $0.10 per share, also subject to adjustment in the event of future financings. The Debentures are secured by the Company’s assets, other than those associated with Ceplene (histamine dihydrochloride).

The Company does not currently have sufficient common shares authorized if the Debentures are converted in full and the Warrants are exercised, and plans to call a special meeting of stockholders within 90 days to obtain approval for an increase in the authorized common stock to enable us to satisfy those obligations.

In connection with this financing, the holders of the Company’s Original Issue Discount Convertible Debentures agreed to waive the outstanding event of default resulting from the suspension of the trading of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market (other than the required increase in the principal amount of the OID Debentures) and to amend the OID Debentures to enable the Company to consummate the financing, in exchange for an aggregate amendment fee of $49,220.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in this offering, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer solicitation or sale are unlawful prior to registration or qualification under securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

On October 9, 2018 PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. (OTCQB: PMCB), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing targeted cellular therapies for cancer and diabetes using its signature live-cell encapsulation technology, Cell-in-a-Box, reported that its PCT patent application covering a targeted therapy to treat solid cancerous tumors was published on September 27, 2018 (Publication No. WO 2018/175576) (Press release, PharmaCyte Biotech, OCT 9, 2018, View Source [SID1234529817]). It was titled "Encapsulated Cells Producing Cytochrome P450 and Methods of Use Thereof." This PCT application allows PharmaCyte to file patent applications and seek protection in most major market countries throughout the world. These patent applications, if granted, will provide protection for PharmaCyte’s technology for 20 years without a gap in patent protection – until March 2038.

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Kenneth L. Waggoner, PharmaCyte Biotech’s Chief Executive Officer, commented "The publication of this PCT patent application is a significant step in being able to protect our unique cancer therapy for many years to come. It is particularly important now as we get closer to beginning our clinical trial in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). However, in addition to pancreatic cancer, the Cell-in-a-Box live cell encapsulation technology also gives us opportunities to develop unique therapies for other forms of cancer where new treatment modalities are needed."

The PCT application also specifically includes methods of treating other cancerous tumors, such as those of the liver, breast and colon, using the live-cell encapsulation of genetically modified human cells that overexpress a form of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system normally found in the liver. These cells are encapsulated using the proprietary Cell-in-a-Box technology. Together with low doses of a drug of the oxazaphosphorine class, ifosfamide, the encapsulated cells comprise PharmaCyte’s therapy for pancreatic cancer. The patent application also includes using PharmaCyte’s platform technology with cyclophosphamide, another chemotherapy drug of the oxazaphosphorine class that is activated by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. In the case of pancreatic cancer, it is hoped that the Cell-in-a-Box plus low dose ifosfamide combination will be beneficial to patients whose pancreatic tumors become resistant to standard chemotherapies such as the combination of the anticancer drugs gemcitabine and Abraxane or FOLFIRINOX. The use of Cell-in-a-Box encapsulation with other drugs against other forms of cancer remains to be investigated.

The PCT patent application originated from a provisional patent application by the same title that was filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on March 21, 2017 and a patent application by the same title that was filed with the USPTO on March 21, 2018.