On June 14, 2019 BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative molecularly-targeted and immuno-oncology drugs for the treatment of cancer, reported the first presentation of clinical results from the ASPEN trial, a global randomized Phase 3 open‑label trial of its investigational BTK inhibitor zanubrutinib in patients with Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia (WM) (Press release, BeiGene, JUN 14, 2019, View Sourcenews-releases/news-release-details/beigene-announces-clinical-results-three-posters-zanubrutinib" target="_blank" title="View Sourcenews-releases/news-release-details/beigene-announces-clinical-results-three-posters-zanubrutinib" rel="nofollow">View Source [SID1234537091]). The poster presentation included clinical results from a nonrandomized exploratory cohort of patients with the MYD88WT genotype of WM. In addition, BeiGene announced updated results from the ongoing Phase 1/2 trial of patients with WM; and a pooled safety data analysis of zanubrutinib from six ongoing monotherapy studies in patients with B-cell malignancies. These data were presented in three posters at the 24thEuropean Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress, taking place June 13-16 in Amsterdam.

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"We are excited to announce new data from ongoing zanubrutinib clinical studies at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper), including the first results of the Phase 3 ASPEN trial from a non-randomized cohort of patients who have WM with the MYD88WT genotype. For these patients, who typically have poorer prognoses with lower response rates, we recognize the real need for a highly potent and selective BTK inhibitor that can sustain BTK inhibition and reduce off-target effects. We are excited that these data have echoed what we saw in earlier trials, with an overall response rate of 81 percent and a major response rate that includes patients with a partial response or better, of 54% including 23% with a very good partial response (VGPR)," said Jane Huang, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Hematology, at BeiGene. "We will continue to follow these patients to further assess outcomes. Full results from the trial are planned for presentation at a medical congress later this year."

Dr. Huang continued, "In addition, with longer follow-up from the global Phase 1/2 trial of zanubrutinib in patients with WM, we’re seeing high rates of CR/VGPR (42%) that are proving to be durable responses. Separately, the pooled safety data analysis of zanubrutinib continues to affirm its tolerability as a selective BTK inhibitor, in patients with B-cell malignancies. We believe that these data further support zanubrutinib’s potential to become a meaningful treatment option for patients with B-cell malignancies around the world."

Major Responses in Patients with MYD88 Wildtype WM Treated with Zanubrutinib

Abstract Number: PF487

The ASPEN trial, a randomized open-label, multicenter Phase 3 trial (clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03053440) of zanubrutinib vs. ibrutinib in patients with WM, has enrolled 26 patients who were centrally determined at study entry to have the MYD88WT genotype. These patients were enrolled in the non-randomized cohort and assigned to receive zanubrutinib 160mg twice daily (BID). Responses were assessed using modified IWWM-6 criteria with endpoints of combined rate of complete response (CR) and very good partial response (VGPR), overall response rate (ORR), major response rate (MRR) and safety.

This exploratory analysis included five patients with treatment-naïve (TN) disease and 21 patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) WM.

As of February 28, 2019, the median follow-up was 12.2 months (range 2.3 – 21.7 months) and 17 patients remained on study. Results included:

The ORR was 80.8%. MRR (partial response or better) was 53.8% and the VGPR rate was 23.1%. One patient achieved a complete response by IgM criteria with normal IgM levels and negative immunofixation;

Median time to first major response (partial response or better) was 2.9 months;

Median progression‑free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) have not yet been reached;

Zanubrutinib tolerability was generally consistent with previous reports. Discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs) occurred in 7.7% of patients (n=2). The primary reason for discontinuation was progressive disease;

The most common AEs (in >15% pts) were diarrhea (19%), hypertension (19%), contusion (15%), constipation (15%), muscle spasm (15%), pneumonia (15%), and upper respiratory tract infection (15%);

There were no fatal AEs or atrial fibrillation/flutter events reported; and

Among adverse events of special interest for BTK inhibitors, bleeding was observed in nine patients (34.6%), hypertension was observed in five patients (19.2%), Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias were observed in four patients (15.4%), Grade 3 or 4 infections were observed in three patients (11.5%), and secondary malignancy in three patients (11.5%). Two patients had major hemorrhage (7.7%).
"Zanubrutinib is a highly potent and selective BTK inhibitor with good bioavailability that was generally well-tolerated in this exploratory cohort from the Phase 3 ASPEN trial, said Meletios A. Dimopoulos, M.D., Professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Chairman of the Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece and first author on the poster. "For the patients with wildtype MYD88 genotype, we are excited by these data that support the results we’ve seen previously from Phase 1/2 studies."

Summary of Updated Clinical Results From the Global Phase 1/2 Trial

Abstract Number PF481

This global, open-label Phase 1/2 trial (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02343120) of zanubrutinib as monotherapy in patients with B-cell malignancies, including a cohort of patients with WM, is being conducted in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom and South Korea. As of September 16, 2018, 77 patients with TN (n=24) or R/R (n=53) WM without prior BTK exposure have been enrolled in the trial; the median follow-up time was 23.9 months (4.4-45.7). Seventy-three patients including 24 with TN and 49 with R/R WM, were evaluable for efficacy in this analysis, per modified IWWM-6 criteria. At the time of the data cutoff, 61 patients remained on study treatment. Updated results included:

The ORR by independent review committee (IRC) was 92% (67/73) including MRR of 82% (60/73) and CR / VGPR rate of 42% (31/73).

The estimated PFS rate at 12 and 24 months was 90% and 81%, respectively;

Zanubrutinib tolerability was generally consistent with previous reports in patients with various B-cell malignancies and AEs were predominantly grade 1 or 2 in severity. The most frequent AEs were upper respiratory tract infection (46%), contusion (30%), cough (20%), headache (18%) and diarrhea (17%);

Grade 3-4 AEs occurred in 51.9% of patients. Grade 3-4 AEs of any attribution reported in > 3 patients included neutropenia (10%); anemia (7.8%), basal cell carcinoma (5%) and hypertension (5%); and

With a median follow up 24 months, discontinuation due to AEs occurred in 10.4% of patients, with five fatal events.
"As we continue to follow the Phase 1/2 trial of zanubrutinib, now for more than four years, we are impressed by the tolerability and efficacy of this BTK inhibitor for patients with WM who had not received prior BTK inhibition therapy," said Judith Trotman, MBChB, FRACP, FRCPA, Clinical Professor of Medicine at Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia and first author on the poster.

Pooled Analysis of Safety Data from Monotherapy Studies of Zanubrutinib in B-cell Malignancies

Abstract Number PS1159

Safety results from six ongoing, Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials of zanubrutinib monotherapy, including collectively 682 patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), WM, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), were included in this comprehensive analysis. The majority of patients had R/R disease; almost all patients received zanubrutinib at a dose of 320mg once daily or 160mg twice daily. The median duration of zanubrutinib exposure was 13.4 months (0.1-49.7).

This analysis included an evaluation of the frequency and severity of AEs, AEs of Special Interest (AESIs), and AEs leading to death, dose reduction or treatment discontinuation (d/c).

Ninety-seven percent of patients reported at least one AE, which were primarily grade 1 or 2. The most common AEs of all grades included upper respiratory tract infection (32.4%), neutrophil count decreased (25.2%), diarrhea (19.4%), cough (19.1%), contusion (18.6%), and rash (18%). The most common grade ≥3 AEs included neutrophil count decreased (14.4%), anemia (7.6%), neutropenia (6.6%), pneumonia (4.5%), platelet count decreased (4.3%), and lung infection (4.1%). Serious AEs (SAEs) consisting primarily of infectious complications such as pneumonia/lung infection were reported in 36% of patients.

AESIs such as atrial fibrillation/flutter (1.9%), major hemorrhage (2.5%), and grade ≥3 hypertension (3.4%) were infrequent, and treatment discontinuation due to AEs was uncommon (9.1% overall, including 3.5% for whom the event(s) were treatment-related).

"Zanubrutinib was generally well-tolerated, with less than five percent discontinuation for treatment-related adverse events. These data also demonstrated low safety-related treatment failure rates at doses of zanubrutinib associated with complete and sustained BTK inhibition," commented Constantine S. Tam, M.D., Disease Group Lead for Low Grade Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia at Peter MacCallum Cancer Center and Director of Hematology at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Australia, and lead author of the poster presentation.

Mid-2019 Clinical Data Update Conference Call and Webcast Information:

BeiGene will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, June 20 at 8:00 a.m. EDT. Investors and analysts are invited to join the conference call using the following dial-in information:

U.S. Toll-Free: +1 (844) 461-9930
U.S. Toll: +1 (478) 219-0535
Hong Kong Toll-Free: +852 800 279 19250
China Toll-Free: +86 800 914 686
Conference ID: 1790069

A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed from the investors section of BeiGene’s website at View Source or View Source An archived replay will be available two hours after the event for 90 days.

About Zanubrutinib

Zanubrutinib (BGB-3111) is an investigational small molecule inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) discovered by BeiGene scientists that is currently being evaluated in a broad pivotal clinical program globally as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies to treat various B-cell malignancies.

Clinical trials of zanubrutinib include a fully-enrolled, global Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) comparing zanubrutinib to ibrutinib, currently the only approved BTK inhibitor for WM; a global Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL); a pivotal Phase 2 trial in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma in combination with GAZYVA (obinutuzumab); a Phase 3 trial comparing zanubrutinib to ibrutinib in patients with R/R CLL/SLL; and a global Phase 1 trial. In China, BeiGene has completed two pivotal Phase 2 clinical trials of zanubrutinib in patients with MCL and CLL/SLL and the enrollment in the pivotal Phase 2 clinical trials in patients with WM.

Zanubrutinib has been granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Fast Track designation for the treatment of patients with WM, and Breakthrough Therapy designation for the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one prior therapy. The New Drug Applications (NDAs) in China for R/R MCL and R/R CLL/SLL have been accepted by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and granted priority review. BeiGene plans to submit its first NDA in the U.S. for zanubrutinib in 2019 or early 2020.

On June 14, 2019 Novartis reported that Long-term follow-up data from the ongoing, pivotal open-label ENESTfreedom and ENESTop trials showed sustained treatment-free remission (TFR) after stopping frontline and second-line Tasigna (nilotinib) therapy in eligible adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the chronic phase (CP) (Press release, Novartis, JUN 14, 2019, View Source [SID1234537074]). Separate data demonstrate promising results for asciminib (ABL001), an investigational allosteric BCR-ABL inhibitor, in combination with three different tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in heavily pre-treated Ph+ CML-CP patients. The results will be presented at the 24th Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) in Amsterdam1-4.

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"We are pleased to report many of our Tasigna clinical-trial patients continue to maintain treatment-free remission for nearly four years with a low adverse event burden," said John Tsai, MD, Head of Global Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. "Long-term trials like ENESTfreedom and ENESTop, as well as promising Phase I data from asciminib, are helping us to reimagine medicine and the way CML is treated."

Results from the ENESTfreedom study showed that about 44% of patients remained in TFR (84/190) for 192 weeks after stopping frontline Tasigna treatment. The treatment-free survival rate at 192 weeks was nearly 49%. About 99% (90/91) and 92% (84/91) of patients who resumed nilotinib due to loss of major molecular response (MMR) during the TFR phase regained MMR and molecular response4.5, respectively. Among 91 patients who resumed nilotinib, the most common adverse events (AEs) were nasopharyngitis (18.7%) as well as pruritus, fatigue and increased lipase (14.3% each). The majority of AEs were grade 1/21.

Consistent results were observed in the ENESTop trial: About 46% of patients remained in TFR (58/126) for 192 weeks after stopping second-line Tasigna treatment. The treatment-free survival rate at 192 weeks was over 50%. Among 59 patients who resumed nilotinib, the most common AEs were hypertension (20.3%) and arthralgia (13.6%). The majority of AEs were grade 1/22.

Novartis will also present data from a Phase I trial of asciminib in combination with ATP-competitive TKI in heavily-pretreated patients with Ph+ CML-CP. Importantly, each combination was evaluated in a dose finding study assessing different asciminib dose levels, so results are not comparable across the three treatment arms. The preliminary results showed:

Among patients who at baseline did not achieve BCR-ABL1 International Scale [IS] <1%, by 48 weeks3,4:

60% (9/15) achieved molecular response <1% in the asciminib-plus-imatinib arm, and
43% (6/14) and 56% (5/9) patients achieved molecular response <1% in the asciminib-plus-nilotinib and asciminib-plus-dasatinib arms, respectively.
In evaluable patients without MMR at baseline, by 48 weeks3,4:

42% (8/19) achieved MMR with asciminib plus imatinib with median treatment exposure of 54.6 weeks, and
31% (4/13) patients with asciminib plus nilotinib and 36% (5/14) patients with asciminib plus dasatinib, respectively, achieved MMR.
No patients with MMR at baseline lost MMR due to either of the three combination therapies. All combinations showed tolerable safety profile in heavily pretreated CML patients3,4:

Among patients who received asciminib plus imatinib, the most common any-grade AEs were nausea (32%), increased lipase (20%), as well as abdominal pain, peripheral edema and vomiting (16% each).
Among patients who received asciminib plus nilotinib, most common any-grade AEs were myalgia (35%), increased lipase (29%), and increased amylase, fatigue and pruritus (24% each).
Among patients who received asciminib plus dasatinib, most common any-grade AEs were increased lipase (35%) and diarrhea, headache and nausea (18% each).
"While the introduction of TKIs has changed the CML treatment paradigm, there remains a subset of patients who are intolerant or resistant to TKI therapy," said Jorge Cortes, MD, Deputy Chair and Professor of Medicine in the Department of Leukemia at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas. "These initial results from combination therapy with currently available TKIs and a BCR-ABL1 inhibitor like asciminib are encouraging – and give us the potential to increase molecular response and prevent development of mutations."

Commitment to CML
Our ongoing research in Ph+ CML has helped transform the disease from a fatal leukemia to a chronic condition in most patients. Novartis maintains an unwavering commitment to scientific innovation and access to care for patients worldwide. As an organization committed to patients, Novartis continues to reimagine CML care by pursuing ambitious goals with courage, passion and commitment for the global CML community.

About Tasigna
Tasigna (nilotinib) is approved in more than 130 countries for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase and with chronic and accelerated phase Ph+ CML resistant or intolerant to at least one prior therapy, including Glivec (imatinib). Tasigna is also approved for the treatment of pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in the chronic phase and with resistance or intolerance to prior TKI therapy.

About asciminib
Asciminib (ABL001) is an investigational allosteric BCR-ABL inhibitor with a mechanism of action distinct from currently available TKI treatments for patients with CML. There is a broad clinical development program underway for asciminib both as a potential monotherapy such as the Phase III ASCEMBL third-line CML study and in combination with other therapies, such as the Phase II ASC4MORE study investigating asciminib plus imatinib for patients with CML-CP without deep molecular response. It is currently being studied in patients with and without genetic mutations that make them resistant to many targeted CML therapies. If proven safe and effective, asciminib has the potential to be a meaningful therapy, increasing the treatment options in CML and addressing the treatment needs of patients.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for TASIGNA (nilotinib) Capsules
Use with caution in patients with uncontrolled or significant cardiac disease and in patients who have or may develop prolongation of QTc. Low levels of potassium or magnesium must be corrected prior to Tasigna administration. Monitor closely for an effect on the QTc interval. Baseline ECG is recommended prior to initiating therapy and as clinically indicated. Cases of sudden death have been reported in clinical studies in patients with significant risk factors. Avoid use of concomitant drugs known to prolong the QT interval and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Avoid food 2 hours before and 1 hour after taking dose.

Reactivation of hepatitis B can occur in patients who are chronic carriers of this virus after receiving TKI treatment.

Use with caution in patients with liver impairment, with a history of pancreatitis and with total gastrectomy. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not use Tasigna. Tasigna may cause fetal harm in pregnant women. If pregnancy is planned during the treatment-free remission phase, the patient must be informed of a potential need to re-initiate treatment with Tasigna during pregnancy. Women should not breastfeed while taking Tasigna and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

Cases of cardiovascular events included ischemic heart disease-related events, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, and ischemic cerebrovascular events have been reported. Serious cases of hemorrhage from various sites including gastrointestinal were reported in patients receiving Tasigna. Grade 3 or 4 fluid retention including pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, ascites and pulmonary edema have been reported. Cases of tumor lysis syndrome have been reported in Tasigna-treated patients who were resistant or intolerant to prior CML therapy.

In pediatric patients the long-term effects of prolonged treatment with Tasigna is unknown.

Eligible patients who are confirmed to express the typical BCR-ABL transcripts, e13a2/b2a2 or e14a2/b3a2, can be considered for treatment discontinuation. Frequent monitoring of BCR-ABL transcript levels in patients eligible for treatment discontinuation must be performed with a quantitative diagnostic test validated to measure molecular response levels with a sensitivity of at least MR4.5 (BCR-ABL/ABL <=0.0032% IS). BCR-ABL transcript levels must be assessed prior to and during treatment discontinuation. Loss of major molecular response (MMR=BCR-ABL/ABL <=0.1% IS) or confirmed loss of MR4 (two consecutive measures separated by at least 4 weeks showing loss of MR4(MR4=BCR-ABL/ABL <=0.01% IS) will trigger treatment re-initiation within 4 weeks of when loss of remission is known to have occurred. It is crucial to perform frequent monitoring of BCR-ABL transcript levels and complete blood count with differential in order to detect possible loss of remission. For patients who fail to achieve MMR after three months of treatment re-initiation, BCR-ABL kinase domain mutation testing should be performed.

Musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, pain in extremity, arthralgia, bone pain and spinal pain may occur upon discontinuing treatment with Tasigna within the framework of attempting treatment-free remission.

The most frequent Grade 3 or 4 adverse events are hematological (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia) which are generally reversible and usually managed by withholding Tasigna temporarily or dose reduction. Chemistry panels, including electrolytes, lipid profile, liver enzymes, and glucose should be checked prior to therapy and periodically. Tasigna can cause increases in serum lipase. The most frequent non-hematologic adverse events were rash, pruritus, nausea, fatigue, headache, alopecia, myalgia, constipation and diarrhea.

On June 14, 2019 BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative molecularly-targeted and immuno-oncology drugs for the treatment of cancer, reported updated results from a pivotal Phase 2 study of tislelizumab, an investigational anti-PD-1 antibody, in Chinese patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in a poster at the 24thCongress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper), taking place June 13-16, 2019 in Amsterdam (Press release, BeiGene, JUN 14, 2019, View Sourcenews-releases/news-release-details/beigene-announces-updated-results-pivotal-phase-2-study" target="_blank" title="View Sourcenews-releases/news-release-details/beigene-announces-updated-results-pivotal-phase-2-study" rel="nofollow">View Source [SID1234537092]).

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"The encouraging clinical results from this study further support our new drug application for tislelizumab in patients with R/R cHL that is currently under priority review in China," said Jane Huang, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Hematology, at BeiGene. "We hope that this potentially differentiated anti-PD-1 antibody could become a new treatment option for cancer patients in China and across the world."

"Tislelizumab demonstrated high anti-tumor activity in patients with R/R cHL – evidenced by an overall response rate of 87% and a complete response rate of 63%, and was generally well tolerated in these patients," said Yuqin Song, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medical Oncology, Deputy Director of the Lymphoma Department at Peking University Cancer Hospital in China, and the presenting author of the study.

Summary of Clinical Results

Abstract Number: PF469

This single-arm, multi-center, pivotal Phase 2 study of tislelizumab as a monotherapy in Chinese patients with R/R cHL (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03209973) enrolled 70 patients who were either R/R to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), or received at least two prior lines of systemic therapy for cHL and were not candidates for ASCT. Patients were treated with tislelizumab, dosed at 200 mg intravenously every three weeks. The primary endpoint of the trial is overall response rate (ORR) assessed by independent review committee (IRC) according to the Lugano Classification 2014.

As of November 26, 2018, 70 patients with R/R cHL were evaluable for efficacy. Thirteen patients received prior ASCT, and the remaining 57 patients were ineligible for ASCT. Patients had a median of three prior lines of systemic therapy (2-11). Results included:

With a minimum of 23.8 weeks of follow-up and a median follow-up time of 13.9 months at the data cutoff, the ORR by IRC was 87.1% (61/70); 44 patients (62.9%) achieved a complete response (CR), and 17 patients (24.3%) achieved a partial response (PR);

The median duration of response (DOR) has not been reached;

Twelve-month progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated at 73.8% and median PFS has not been reached;

The majority of adverse events (AEs) were grade 1 or 2 in severity. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of any grade include pyrexia (57.1%), weight increase (34.3%), upper respiratory tract infection and hypothyroidism (32.9% each), pruritus, white blood cell (WBC) count decreased, and cough (18.6%, each);

Grade ≧3 TEAEs occurred in 30% of patients, with the most frequently reported being hypertension, pneumonitis, neutrophil count decrease, upper respiratory tract infection, and weight increase (2.9%, each); only 2.9% of patients reported grade 4 TEAEs and there were no fatal TEAEs.

Four patients (5.7%) discontinued treatment due to TEAEs, including pneumonitis (n=2), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n=1), and organizing pneumonia (n=1); and

Immune-related (ir) TEAEs reported in more than 5% of patients included thyroid disorder (22.9%), skin adverse reactions (8.6%)*, and pneumonitis (7.1%).
Mid-2019 Clinical Data Update Conference Call and Webcast Information:

BeiGene will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, June 20 at 8:00 a.m. EDT. Investors and analysts are invited to join the conference call using the following dial-in information:

U.S. Toll-Free: +1 (844) 461-9930
U.S. Toll: +1 (478) 219-0535
Hong Kong Toll-Free: +852 800 279 19250
China Toll-Free: +86 800 914 686
Conference ID: 1790069

A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed from the investors section of BeiGene’s website at View Source or View Source An archived replay will be available two hours after the event for 90 days.

About Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one of the two major types of lymphoma that begin in the lymph nodes and tissues of the lymphatic system. All other lymphomas are classified as non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Classical Hodgkin lymphoma, the most common form representing about 95% of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is characterized by the presence of very large cells called Reed-Sternberg cells. There were approximately 2,100 diagnosed cases of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in China in 2012.i Although the cancer can occur in both children and adults, it is most commonly diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 15 and 35 and in older adults over age 50.

About Tislelizumab

Tislelizumab (BGB-A317) is an investigational humanized IgG4 anti–PD-1 monoclonal antibody specifically designed to minimize binding to FcγR on macrophages. In pre-clinical studies, binding to FcγR on macrophages has been shown to compromise the anti-tumor activity of PD-1 antibodies through activation of antibody-dependent macrophage-mediated killing of T effector cells. Tislelizumab is the first drug candidate produced from BeiGene’s immuno-oncology biologic program, and is being developed as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies for the treatment of a broad array of both solid tumor and hematologic cancers.

Tislelizumab is being studied in a broad clinical program. BeiGene has completed a pivotal Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cHL). Ongoing clinical trials of tislelizumab include a Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with second-line or third-line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); a Phase 3 clinical trial in first-line patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); a Phase 3 clinical trial in second-line patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC); a Phase 3 clinical trial in first-line patients with gastric cancer (GC); a Phase 3 clinical trial in first-line patients with ESCC; a Phase 3 trial in patients with Stage III NSCLC; a Phase 2 clinical trial in second- or third-line patients with HCC; and a Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with R/R NK/T-cell lymphomas. The aforementioned studies are enrolling patients in multiple countries, including the U.S., Europe, and China.

Additionally, BeiGene is conducting a Phase 3 clinical trial in first-line patients with non-squamous NSCLC; a Phase 3 clinical trial in first-line patients with squamous NSCLC; a Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC); a Phase 3 clinical trial in first-line patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC); a pivotal Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC; and a pivotal Phase 2 trial in patients with MSI-H or dMMR solid tumors. These studies are enrolling patients in China.

New drug applications (NDA) for tislelizumab in patients with R/R cHL and in patients with previously treated locally advanced or metastatic UC have been accepted by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA, formerly known as CFDA) and the R/R cHL filing has been granted priority review. BeiGene and Celgene Corporation have a global strategic collaboration for the development of tislelizumab in solid tumor cancers outside of Asia (except Japan).

On June 14, 2019 Blueprint Medicines Corporation (NASDAQ: BPMC), a precision therapy company focused on genomically defined cancers, rare diseases and cancer immunotherapy, reported it has submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for avapritinib for the treatment of adult patients with PDGFRA Exon 18 mutant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), regardless of prior therapy, and fourth-line GIST (Press release, Blueprint Medicines, JUN 14, 2019, View Source [SID1234537093]). Currently, no effective therapy exists for either population. Avapritinib is an investigational, potent and highly selective KIT and PDGFRA inhibitor for patients with advanced GIST.

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Avapritinib has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic GIST harboring the PDGFRα D842V mutation, as well as Fast Track Designations for the treatment of patients with GIST harboring a PDGFRα D842V mutation regardless of prior therapy, and patients with GIST who have progressed following treatment with imatinib and a second tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Blueprint Medicines has requested priority review for the application, which, if granted, could result in a six-month review process. The FDA has a 60-day filing review period to determine whether the NDA is complete and acceptable for filing.

"There is an important need for new treatment options that offer durable responses for PDGFRA Exon 18 mutant and fourth-line GIST patients," said Andy Boral, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at Blueprint Medicines. "By targeting the underlying molecular drivers of GIST, avapritinib has the potential to help these patients realize the benefits of precision therapy. We plan to work closely with the FDA to bring avapritinib to appropriate GIST patients as quickly as possible."

About GIST

GIST is a sarcoma, or tumor of bone or connective tissue, of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Tumors arise from cells in the wall of the GI tract and occur most often in the stomach or small intestine. Most patients are diagnosed between the ages of 50 to 80, and diagnosis is typically triggered by GI bleeding, incidental findings during surgery or imaging and, in rare cases, tumor rupture or GI obstruction.

Most GIST cases are caused by a spectrum of clinically relevant mutations that force the KIT or PDGFRA protein kinases into an increasingly active state. Because currently available therapies primarily bind to the inactive protein conformations, certain primary and secondary mutations typically lead to treatment resistance and disease progression.

In unresectable or metastatic GIST, clinical benefits from existing treatments can vary by mutation type. Mutational testing is critical to tailor therapy to the underlying disease driver and is recommended in expert guidelines. Currently, there are no approved therapies for patients with KIT-driven GIST whose disease progresses beyond imatinib, sunitinib and regorafenib. In patients with metastatic PDGFRα D842V-driven GIST, progression occurs in a median of approximately three to four months with available therapy.

About Avapritinib

Avapritinib is an investigational, oral precision therapy that selectively and potently inhibits KIT and PDGFRA mutant kinases. It is a type 1 inhibitor designed to target the active kinase conformation; all oncogenic kinases signal via this conformation. Avapritinib has demonstrated broad inhibition of KIT and PDGFRA mutations associated with GIST, including potent activity against activation loop mutations that are associated with resistance to currently approved therapies.

Blueprint Medicines is initially developing avapritinib for the treatment of advanced GIST, advanced systemic mastocytosis (SM), and indolent and smoldering SM. The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to avapritinib for two indications: one for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic GIST harboring the PDGFRα D842V mutation and one for the treatment of advanced SM, including the subtypes of aggressive SM, SM with an associated hematologic neoplasm and mast cell leukemia.

Blueprint Medicines has an exclusive collaboration and license agreement with CStone Pharmaceuticals for the development and commercialization of avapritinib and certain other drug candidates in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Blueprint Medicines retains development and commercial rights for avapritinib in the rest of the world.

On June 13, 2019 Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM; NASDAQ: IMMP) ("Immutep" or "the Company"), a biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapy treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases, reported that 17 patients have been enrolled into the first cohort of the first line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) arm (Part A) of the Phase II TACTI-002 clinical trial (Press release, Immutep, JUN 13, 2019, View Source [SID1234537060]). This completes patient recruitment of the initial cohort of the study Part A. TACTI-002 is being conducted in collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA (known as "MSD" outside the United States and Canada).

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Patient enrollment for TACTI-002 commenced in early 2019, with the first patient being dosed in March 2019.

Under the Simon’s two-stage design, the initial cohort of first line NSCLC patients may be enlarged by a further 19 patients, if a pre-defined number of responses are observed. Ten study centers are now recruiting patients into the trial across the U.S., Europe and Australia, with three additional sites expected to commence recruitment in the coming months.

Dr Frederic Triebel, Immutep CSO and CMO, commented, "Efti has a unique mode of action. As an antigen presenting cell activator, it is successful in activating dendritic cells that process and present antigens for recognition by the T cell receptor on T lymphocytes. Efti is the only antigen presenting cell activator targeting MHC class II molecules currently in clinical development, setting it apart from other immuno-oncology therapies in the landscape.

It is very encouraging that we are achieving such positive traction with recruitment for our TACTI-002 study of efti, which commenced dosing patients just over three months ago. We expect to report the first data from this trial in mid-2019."

Recruitment is ongoing for the initial cohorts of the 2nd line NSCLC and 2nd line HNSCC of the Phase II TACTI-002 clinical trial. These cohorts may also be enlarged if a pre-defined number of responses are observed.

About TACTI-002 Phase II Trial

TACTI-002 (Two ACTive Immunotherapies) is being conducted in collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA (known as "MSD" outside the United States and Canada). The study is evaluating the combination of Immutep’s lead product candidate eftilagimod alpha ("efti" or "IMP321") with MSD’s KEYTRUDA (or pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 therapy) in up to 109 patients with second line head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or non-small cell lung cancer in first and second line. The trial is a Phase II, Simon’s two-stage, non-comparative, open-label, single-arm, multi centre clinical study that is taking place in up to 13 study centres across the U.S., Europe and Australia.