Phase III IMpower130 Study Showed Genentech’s TECENTRIQ (Atezolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy (Carboplatin and ABRAXANE) Helped People With Metastatic Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Live Significantly Longer Compared to Chemotherapy Alone

On May 28, 2018 Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), reported that the Phase III IMpower130 study met its co-primary endpoints of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (Press release, Genentech, MAY 28, 2018, View Source [SID1234526922]). The combination of TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab) plus chemotherapy (carboplatin and ABRAXANE [albumin-bound paclitaxel; nab-paclitaxel]) helped people live significantly longer compared to chemotherapy alone in the initial (first-line) treatment of advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, the TECENTRIQ combination reduced the risk of disease worsening or death (progression-free survival; PFS) compared with chemotherapy alone. Safety for the TECENTRIQ and chemotherapy combination appeared consistent with the known safety profile of the individual medicines, and no new safety signals were identified with the combination. These data will be presented at an upcoming oncology congress.

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 results of the IMpower130 study add to the growing evidence showing the clinical benefit of TECENTRIQ-based combinations in the treatment of advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer," said Sandra Horning, M.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. "We will share these results with global health authorities with the goal of bringing this potential treatment option to people with this disease."
Currently, Genentech has eight Phase III lung cancer studies underway evaluating TECENTRIQ alone or in combination with other medicines. This is the third positive Phase III study evaluating TECENTRIQ alone or in combination to demonstrate an OS benefit for people with NSCLC.

About the IMpower130 study
IMpower130 is a Phase III, multicenter, open-label, randomized study evaluating the efficacy and safety of TECENTRIQ in combination with carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel versus chemotherapy (carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel) alone for chemotherapy-naïve patients with stage IV non-squamous NSCLC. The study enrolled 724 people who were randomized equally (1:1) to receive:
TECENTRIQ plus carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel (Arm A), or
Carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel (Arm B, control arm)
During the treatment-induction phase, people in Arm A received TECENTRIQ and carboplatin on day 1 of each 21-day cycle, and nab-paclitaxel on days 1, 8 and 15 of each 21-day cycle for 4 or 6 cycles or until loss of clinical benefit, whichever occurs first. People received TECENTRIQ during the maintenance treatment phase until loss of clinical benefit was observed.
During the treatment-induction phase, people in Arm B received carboplatin on day 1 and nab-paclitaxel on days 1, 8 and 15 of each 21-day cycle for 4 or 6 cycles or until disease progression, whichever occurs first. People received best supportive care during the maintenance treatment phase. Switch maintenance to pemetrexed was also permitted. People who were consented prior to a protocol revision were given the option to crossover to receive TECENTRIQ as monotherapy until disease progression.
The co-primary endpoints were:
PFS as determined by the investigator using RECIST v1.1 in all randomized people without an EGFR or ALK mutation (intention-to-treat wild-type; ITT-WT)
OS in the ITT-WT population
IMpower130 met its OS and PFS co-primary endpoints.
About lung cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that more than 234,000 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018, and NSCLC accounts for 85 percent of all lung cancers. It is estimated that approximately 60 percent of lung cancer diagnoses in the United States are made when the disease is in the advanced stages.
About TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab)

TECENTRIQ is a monoclonal antibody designed to bind with a protein called PD-L1. TECENTRIQ is designed to bind to PD-L1 expressed on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, blocking its interactions with both PD-1 and B7.1 receptors. By inhibiting PD-L1, TECENTRIQ may enable the re-activation of T cells. TECENTRIQ may also affect normal cells.

Abraxane is a registered trademark of Abraxis Bioscience, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Celgene Corporation.
TECENTRIQ U.S. Indication (pronounced ‘tē-SEN-trik’)
TECENTRIQ is a prescription medicine used to treat:
a type of bladder and urinary tract cancer called urothelial carcinoma.
TECENTRIQ may be used when your bladder cancer:
has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced urothelial carcinoma), and
you are not able to take chemotherapy that contains a medicine called cisplatin, or
you have tried chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working
The approval of TECENTRIQ in these patients is based on a study that measured response rate and duration of response. There is an ongoing study to confirm clinical benefit.
A type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

TECENTRIQ may be used when your lung cancer:
has spread or grown, and
you have tried chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working
If your tumor has an abnormal EGFR or ALK gene, you should have also tried an FDA-approved therapy for tumors with these abnormal genes, and it did not work or is no longer working.
It is not known if TECENTRIQ is safe and effective in children.
Important Safety Information
What is the most important information about TECENTRIQ?
TECENTRIQ can cause the immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in many areas of the body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become serious or life threatening and can lead to death.
Patients should call or see their healthcare provider right away if they get any symptoms of the following problems or these symptoms get worse.

TECENTRIQ can cause serious side effects, including:
Lung problems (pneumonitis )–signs and symptoms may include new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain
Liver problems (hepatitis) –signs and symptoms of hepatitis may include yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, severe nausea or vomiting, pain on the right side of the stomach area (abdomen), drowsiness, dark urine (tea colored), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, and feeling less hungry than usual
Intestinal problems (colitis) –signs and symptoms of colitis may include diarrhea (loose stools) or more bowel movements than usual, blood or mucous in the stools or dark, tarry, sticky stools, and severe stomach area (abdomen) pain or tenderness

Hormone gland problems (especially the thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and pituitary) –signs and symptoms that the hormone glands are not working properly may include headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches, extreme tiredness, weight gain or weight loss, dizziness or fainting, feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual, hair loss, changes in mood or behavior (such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness), feeling cold, constipation, the voice gets deeper, urinating more often than usual, nausea or vomiting, and stomach area (abdomen) pain

Problems in other organs –signs and symptoms may include severe muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, confusion, blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems, changes in mood or behavior, extreme sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, eye pain or redness, skin blisters or peeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or swelling of the ankles
Severe infections –signs and symptoms of infection may include fever, cough, flu-like symptoms, pain when urinating, and frequent urination or back pain
Severe infusion reactions –signs and symptoms of infusion reactions may include chills or shaking, itching or rash, flushing, shortness of breath or wheezing, swelling of the face or lips, dizziness, fever, feeling like passing out, and back or neck pain
Getting medical treatment right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious. A healthcare provider may treat patients with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. A healthcare provider may delay or completely stop treatment with TECENTRIQ if patients have severe side effects.

Before receiving TECENTRIQ, patients should tell their healthcare provider about all of their medical conditions, including if they:
have immune system problems (such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus); have had an organ transplant; have lung or breathing problems; have liver problems; have a condition that affects the nervous system (such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barre syndrome); or are being treated for an infection
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. TECENTRIQ can harm an unborn baby. Patients should tell their healthcare provider right away if they become pregnant or think they may be pregnant during treatment with TECENTRIQ. If patients are able to become pregnant:

A healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before they start treatment with TECENTRIQ.
They should use an effective method of birth control during their treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of TECENTRIQ.

are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TECENTRIQ passes into the breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of TECENTRIQ
Patients should tell their healthcare provider about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

The most common side effects of TECENTRIQ in people with urothelial carcinoma include:
feeling tired
decreased appetite
nausea
constipation
urinary tract infection
diarrhea
fever
The most common side effects of TECENTRIQ in people with non-small cell lung cancer include:
feeling tired
decreased appetite
muscle pain
cough
shortness of breath
TECENTRIQ may cause fertility problems in females, which may affect the ability to have children. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider if they have concerns about fertility.
These are not all the possible side effects of TECENTRIQ. Patients should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Patients should call their doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or View Source Report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.
Please visit View Source for the TECENTRIQ full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

About Genentech in Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy
For more than 30 years, Genentech has been developing medicines with the goal to redefine treatment in oncology. Today, we’re investing more than ever to bring personalized cancer immunotherapy (PCI) to people with cancer. The goal of PCI is to provide each person with a treatment tailored to harness his or her own immune system to fight cancer. Genentech is studying more than 20 investigational medicines, 10 of which are in clinical trials. In every study we are evaluating biomarkers to identify which people may be appropriate candidates for our medicines. For more information visit View Source

About Genentech in Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a major area of focus and investment for Genentech, and we are committed to developing new approaches, medicines and tests that can help people with this deadly disease. Our goal is to provide an effective treatment option for every person diagnosed with lung cancer. We currently have four approved medicines to treat certain kinds of lung cancer and more than 10 medicines being developed to target the most common genetic drivers of lung cancer or to boost the immune system to combat the disease.

Lion TCR receives US$ 20 million to fund its personalized T cell therapy clinical trials against Liver cancer

On May 27, 2018 Lion TCR Pte Ltd, a clinical stage biotech pioneering T cell therapy against viral- related cancer, reported they have raised US$ 20 million in its Series A financing round (Press release, Lion TCR, MAY 27, 2018, View Source [SID1234527356]). The money raised is led primarily by undisclosed existing investors and other new investors such as ABC Capital and Westlake Ventures Capital.

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 proceeds from this fundraising will be primarily used to advance its on-going clinical trials of its lead candidate LioCyx (personalized HBV specific TCR T cell therapy against HCC) in major hospitals in China and Singapore, as well as for broadening its products pipeline to fight viral-related solid tumours and clearance of chronic hepatitis B.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has over 700,000 new cases every year, the world’s second deadliest cancer, of which 80% in Asia Pacific and 50% in China. Initial clinical trials of LioCyx for late stage HCC have produced encouraging results of good efficacy and very good safety profile. LioCyxis developed by Lion TCR’s scientific founder, Prof. Antonio Bertoletti. The team and its collaborators in Singapore General Hospital have recently won the 2018 SingHealth Duke-NUS Research Award 1st Prize and the Best Abstract in EASL International Liver Congress 2018.

Dr. Victor Li, founder and CEO of Lion TCR, said "This finance is also a recognition of the potential, versatility, and uniqueness of Lion TCR’s novel viral specific TCR T cell technology platform and its products pipeline. It will allow us to accelerate the completion of Phase 1/2a clinical trial of LioCyx to treat relapsed HCC case post-liver transplantation and expand the therapy clinical trials for other indications of HCC. With a strong internal scientific team as well as collaborators from world renowned cancer research and medical centres in China, Singapore and Europe, Lion TCR continues to advance its pioneer position on engineered T cell therapy against viral related cancer and clearance of chronic hepatitis infection".

Genmab Announces that Janssen Will Stop Studies of Daratumumab in Combination with Anti-PD-(L)1

On May 26, 2018 Genmab A/S (Nasdaq Copenhagen: GEN) reported that following a planned review, the DMC has recommended that the Phase Ib/II study (CALLISTO/LUC2001) of daratumumab in combination with atezolizumab versus atezolizumab monotherapy in patients with previously treated advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer should be terminated (Press release, Genmab, MAY 26, 2018, View Source [SID1234526923]). In addition the phase I MMY2036 study of daratumumab plus JNJ-63723283, an anti PD-1 antibody in patients with multiple myeloma will be discontinued.

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 DMC determined that there was no observed benefit within the combination treatment arm, daratumumab plus atezolizumab, over atezolizumab monotherapy, and recommended termination of the study. In addition to the lack of benefit, the DMC noted a numerical increase in mortality-related events in the combination arm.

Based on these findings, Janssen has made the decision also to discontinue the MMY2036 study, which was evaluating a combination of daratumumab and anti-PD-1 (JNJ-63723283) in patients with Multiple Myeloma. Janssen has informed Health Authorities about these events and has contacted its partner companies conducting daratumumab and anti-PD-(L)1 combination studies to discuss ceasing enrollment and dosing of the combination while the data is being further investigated.
In August 2012, Genmab granted Janssen an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab.

"While we are disappointed that the studies will be discontinued, Genmab fully supports Janssen’s decision as patient safety is paramount in drug development. We look forward to gaining a better understanding of the data upon further analysis. We are pleased that the development program for daratumumab remains expansive and continues to benefit patients with Multiple Myeloma" said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.

About the LUC2001 study
This randomized, multicenter, Phase Ib/II study includes 98 patients with previously treated advanced or metastatic NSCLC. Patients will be randomized to receive daratumumab at 16 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) weekly for 3 cycles and on day 1 of every 21-day cycle thereafter. Atezolizumab will be administered at 1,200 mg on day 2 of Cycle 1 and on day 1 of every 21-day cycle thereafter. Patients will continue to receive treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients in the atezolizumab monotherapy arm with confirmed disease progression will be eligible to crossover to the daratumumab plus atezolizumab arm, if they meet the crossover eligibility criteria. The primary endpoint of the study is percentage of patients with ORR, defined as percentage of patients with PR or CR as defined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST).
About MMY2036 study
This randomized, multicenter, multiphase study includes up to 386 patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Approximately 6 subjects will be enrolled in Part 1 (a safety run-in cohort) followed by 80 subjects randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the 2 treatment arms in Part 2 (Phase 2). After all subjects in Part 2 are followed-up for approximately 4 months, it will be determined, based on review of all available data, whether to initiate Part 3 (Phase 3) of this study, where an additional 300 subjects will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the 2 treatment arms. Patients are randomized to receive JNJ 63723283 (PD-1 antibody) administered in combination with daratumumab, compared with daratumumab alone. Daratumumab is dosed at 16 milligrams per kilo (mg/kg) weekly for 8 weeks, then once every other week for 16 weeks; then once every 4 weeks. JNJ 63723283 is dosed at 240 milligrams IV fixed dose during week 1 on cycle 1 (28 days) day 2, cycle 1 day 15, then every 2 weeks thereafter. The primary endpoints of the study are in Part 1: number of participants with adverse events (AE) Including Dose-Limiting Toxicities (DLTs) during cycle 1. An adverse event is any untoward medical occurrence in participant who received study drug without regard to possibility of causal relationship. In Part 2: Overall Response Rate (ORR) as per International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria and in Part 3: Progression-Free Survival (PFS) which is the time from treatment start until the disease get worse.

About DARZALEX (daratumumab)
DARZALEX (daratumumab) injection for intravenous infusion is indicated in the United States in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy; in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor (PI); and as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy, including a PI and an immunomodulatory agent, or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.1 DARZALEX is the first monoclonal antibody (mAb) to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) approval to treat multiple myeloma. DARZALEX is indicated in Europe for use in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy and as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, whose prior therapy included a PI and an immunomodulatory agent and who have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy. In Japan, DARZALEX is approved in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. DARZALEX is the first human CD38 monoclonal antibody to reach the market. For more information, visit www.DARZALEX.com.

Daratumumab is a human IgG1k monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds with high affinity to the CD38 molecule, which is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. Daratumumab triggers a person’s own immune system to attack the cancer cells, resulting in rapid tumor cell death through multiple immune-mediated mechanisms of action and through immunomodulatory effects, in addition to direct tumor cell death, via apoptosis (programmed cell death).1,2,3,4,5
Daratumumab is being developed by Janssen Biotech, Inc. under an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab from Genmab. A comprehensive clinical development program for daratumumab is ongoing, including multiple Phase III studies in smoldering, relapsed and frontline multiple myeloma settings and in amyloidosis. Additional studies are ongoing or planned to assess the potential of daratumumab in other malignant and pre-malignant diseases, such as NKT-cell lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes, B and T-ALL. Daratumumab has received two Breakthrough Therapy Designations from the U.S. FDA, for multiple myeloma, as both a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies.

IntegraGen to attend ASCO 2018 – June 1st to 5th in Chicago

On May 25, 2018 IntegraGen reported it will be in attendance at 2018 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) being held in Chicago from June 1st to June 5th (Press release, Integragen, MAY 25, 2018, View Source [SID1234526899]). The Annual ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Meeting brings together more than 32,000 oncology professionals from around the world to discuss state-of-the-art treatment modalities, new therapies, and ongoing controversies in the field.

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!

AOP Orphan Chief Executive Officer & Executive Board of Directors Change

Since its foundation in 1996 AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG has successfully grown from a single person organization to a fully integrated worldwide acting orphan pharmaceutical company with more than 200 employees (Press release, AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals, MAY 25, 2018, View Source [SID1234527058]). To prepare for the next stage of growth and expansion it has now been decided to enhance the management capacity through the implementation of a new leadership structure: Executive Board of Directors supported by the Executive Management Team.

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!

After more than twenty years as CEO of AOP Orphan Pharmaceutical AG, Dr Rudolf Widmann has handed over the CEO function to Mr Andreas Steiner, who has been in his former role as CFO already a board member and instrumental for the development for AOP for the last five years. Dr. Widmann remains a member in the Executive Board with full focus on Research & Development. The Executive Board is completed by Dr Guenther Krumpl, a highly experienced medical and pharmaceutical expert, who will focus on Strategic Corporate Development.

The Executive Management Team is formed by high level professionals, most of them graduated in natural science and have acquired extensive research experience from both university institutions and industry research facilities. This Team takes responsibility for implementation and execution of AOP Orphan ambitious expansion plans.