On May 17, 2018 Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:SGEN) reported that multiple abstracts from its robust clinical development portfolio will be presented at the upcoming 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, from June 1-5, 2018 (Press release, Seattle Genetics, MAY 17, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2349592 [SID1234526775]).

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"The abstracts being presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2018 highlight the depth of our clinical program in multiple solid tumors and hematological malignancies," said Robert Lechleider, M.D., Senior Vice President, Clinical Development at Seattle Genetics. "Of note, an oral presentation will feature updated data from a phase 1 study of enfortumab vedotin for patients with metastatic urothelial cancer. Data from this study formed the basis of the recent FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for enfortumab vedotin. In addition, multiple posters featuring sub-analyses from the ECHELON-1 trial of ADCETRIS provide continued strong rationale for ADCETRIS combination use in the treatment of patients with frontline Stage 3 and 4 classical Hodgkin lymphoma."

The abstracts published in advance of the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) meeting were made available yesterday on the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) website at www.asco.org.

Urothelial Cancer

(Abstract #4504) "Updated results from the enfortumab vedotin phase 1 (EV-101) study in patients with metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC)"

Presenter: J. Rosenberg, M.D., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Oral Abstract Session: Genitourinary (Nonprostate) Cancer

Date and Time: Sunday, June 3, 9:12 a.m.-9:24 a.m. CDT (session begins at 8:00 a.m.)

Location: Arie Crown Theater

(Abstract #TPS4590) "EV-201 Study: A single-arm, open-label, multicenter study of enfortumab vedotin for treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who previously received immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy"

Presenter: J. Rosenberg, M.D., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Poster Session: Genitourinary (Nonprostate) Cancer

Date and Time: Saturday, June 2, 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT

Location: Hall A, Poster Board #414a

Hodgkin Lymphoma

(Abstract #7534) "Improving outcomes with brentuximab vedotin (BV) plus chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma"

Presenter: D. Straus, M.D., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Poster Session: Hematologic Malignancies-Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Date and Time: Monday, June 4, 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT

Location: Hall A, Poster Board #171

(Abstract #7541) "Brentuximab vedotin (BV) plus chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL): North American results"

Presenter: R. Ramchandren, M.D., Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Poster Session: Hematologic Malignancies-Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Date and Time: Monday, June 4, 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT

Location: Hall A, Poster Board #178

(Abstract #7542) "Long-term follow-up of brentuximab vedotin +/- dacarbazine as first line therapy in elderly patients with Hodgkin lymphoma"

Presenter: J. Friedburg, M.D., University of Rochester Medical Center

Poster Session: Hematologic Malignancies-Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Date and Time: Monday, June 4, 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT

Location: Hall A, Poster Board #179

(Abstract #7539) "Brentuximab vedotin with chemotherapy for stage III or IV Hodgkin lymphoma (HL): Impact of cycle 2 PET result on modified progression-free survival (mPFS)"

Presenter: R. Chen, M.D., Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center

Poster Session: Hematologic Malignancies-Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Date and Time: Monday, June 4, 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT

Location: Hall A, Poster Board #176

Breast Cancer

(Abstract #1015) "Clinical benefit of tucatinib after isolated brain progression: A retrospective pooled analysis of tucatinib phase 1b studies in HER2+ breast cancer"

Presenter: R. Murthy, M.D., University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Poster Session: Breast Cancer – Metastatic

Date and Time: Saturday, June 2, 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT

Location: Hall A, Poster Board #96

Discussed at Poster Discussion at Hall D1 on Saturday, June 2, 1:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m. CDT

Cervical Cancer

(Abstract #TPS5601) "A single-arm, phase 2, multicenter, international trial of tisotumab vedotin (HuMax-TF-ADC) in previously treated, recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer"

Presenter: R. Coleman, M.D., The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Poster Session: Gynecologic Cancer

Date and Time: Monday, June 4, 1:15 p.m.-4:45 p.m. CDT

Location: Hall A, Poster Board #327b

Additional Cancers

(Abstract #3093) "SEA-CD40, a non-fucosylated CD40 agonist: Interim results from a phase 1 study in advanced solid tumors"

Presenter: J. Grilley-Olson, M.D., UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center/University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

Poster Session: Developmental Therapeutics – Immunotherapy

Date and Time: Monday, June 4, 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. CDT

Location: Hall A, Poster Board #307

On May 17, 2018 BioLineRx Ltd. (NASDAQ: BLRX) (TASE: BLRX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology and immunology, reported that it will present data at the 23rd Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper), to be held June 14-17, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden, showing that BL-8040, combined with high dose cytarabine (HiDAC), significantly enhanced overall survival of difficult-to-treat relapsed or refractory AML (r/r AML) patients in a Phase 2a clinical trial (Press release, BioLineRx, MAY 17, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2349648 [SID1234526758]).

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The Phase 2a study consisted of 42 patients in two cohorts: dose-escalation (range 0.5-2.0 mg/kg) and dose-expansion at the selected dose of 1.5 mg/kg. Patients with r/r AML were treated daily with BL-8040 monotherapy for two days followed by combined administration of BL-8040 and HiDAC for 5 days for 1-2 cycles. Efficacy endpoints included response rate (CR/CRi), overall survival, duration of response and event free survival. BL-8040 in combination with HiDAC was safe and well tolerated at all BL-8040 dose levels (range 0.5-2.0 mg/kg). The response rate for all dosing levels was 29% and median overall survival was 9.1 months, compared with historical data on overall survival of 6.1 months for HiDAC alone. In patients receiving the dose selected for expansion (n=23), the response rate was 39% and median overall survival was 9.2 months with 1-year and 2-year survival rates of 31.6% and 21.1%, respectively. Furthermore, median overall survival for responding patients (CR/CRi) at the 1.5 mg/kg dose was 16.7 months, with 1- and 2-year survival rates of 50% and 37.5%, respectively.

"We are extremely encouraged with the overall survival data continuing to flow from this proof-of-concept study. The study included a very difficult-to-treat patient population, in which 81% were either refractory to one or two inductions, or experienced progression-free survival of less than 12 months after first-line therapy. These data continue to give us confidence in the AML space, where we have two important studies ongoing – a large, randomized controlled Phase 2b study in consolidation AML, and a Phase 1b/2 study in maintenance AML under our collaboration with Genentech," said Philip A. Serlin, Chief Executive Officer of BioLineRx.

About BL-8040

BL-8040 is a short peptide for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, solid tumors, and stem cell mobilization. It functions as a high-affinity antagonist for CXCR4, a chemokine receptor that is directly involved in tumor progression, angiogenesis, metastasis and cell survival. CXCR4 is over-expressed in more than 70% of human cancers and its expression often correlates with disease severity. In a number of clinical and pre-clinical studies, BL-8040 has shown robust mobilization of cancer cells and immune-cells from the bone marrow, thereby sensitizing cancer cells to chemo- and bio-based anti-cancer therapy, as well as a direct anti-cancer effect by inducing cell death (apoptosis) and mobilizing immune-cells. In addition, BL-8040 has also demonstrated robust stem-cell mobilization, including the mobilization of colony-forming cells, T, B and NK cells. BL-8040 was licensed by BioLineRx from Biokine Therapeutics and was previously developed under the name BKT-140.

On May 17, 2018 SELLAS Life Sciences Group Inc., (Nasdaq:SLS) (SELLAS) reported that data from the Company’s ongoing Phase 1/2 study of galinpepimut-S (GPS) in combination with Bristol Myers Squibb’s nivolumab in patients with Wilms Tumor 1 + ovarian cancer will be presented at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting being held June 1 – 5, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois (Press release, Sellas Life Sciences, MAY 17, 2018, View Source [SID1234526776]). Additionally, following the positive outcome in triple negative breast cancer patients (TNBC) from the Phase 2b trial for NeuVax, SELLAS will be conducting clinical and regulatory advisory board meetings at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) based on the independent Data Safety Monitoring Board recommendation to expeditiously seek regulatory guidance by the FDA for the development of NeuVax in TNBC.

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Clinical and immunological data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 GPS plus nivolumab trial evaluating GPS in patients with recurrent WT1+ ovarian cancer in second or greater clinical remission after salvage chemotherapy will be presented. Details for the presentation are as follows:

Title: A phase I study of concomitant galinpepimut-s (GPS) in combination with nivolumab (nivo) in patients (pts) with WT1+ ovarian cancer (OC) in second or third remission.
Presenter: Roisin E. O’Cearbhaill, M.D., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Abstract Number: 5553
Poster Session: Gynecologic Cancer
Date and Time: June 4, 2018, 1:15PM – 4:45PM CT
Location: McCormick Place, Hall A

On May 17, 2018 Celyad (Euronext Brussels and Paris, and NASDAQ: CYAD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of specialized CAR-T cell based therapies, reported the pricing of a global offering of 1,800,000 ordinary shares, comprised of 523,913 ordinary shares in the form of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) offered in the United States, Canada and certain countries outside of Europe at a price per ADS of $26.28, and 1,276,087 ordinary shares in Europe and certain countries outside of the United States and Canada in a concurrent private placement at a price per share of €22.29 (the "global offering") (Press release, Celyad, MAY 17, 2018, View Source [SID1234532516]). Each ADS represents the right to receive one ordinary share. The price per ADS was determined based on an exchange rate of $1.1789 per euro. The gross proceeds to Celyad from the global offering are expected to be approximately $47.3million (approximately €40.1 million), before deducting underwriting commissions and estimated offering expenses.
In addition, Celyad has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 270,000 ordinary shares, which may be in the form of ADSs, on the same terms and conditions. The closing of the global offering is expected to occur on May 22, 2018, and is subject to customary closing conditions.

Celyad’s ADSs are currently listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "CYAD" and Celyad’s ordinary shares are currently listed on Euronext Brussels and Euronext Paris.

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Bryan, Garnier & Co. are acting as joint bookrunning managers for the offering. Bank Degroof Petercam NV is acting as a co-manager for the private placement and LifeSci Capital LLC is acting as a co-manager for the global offering. Kempen & Co NV is Celyad’s advisor in connection with the offering.

The securities are being offered pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement that was previously filed with, and declared effective by, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A preliminary prospectus supplement dated May 15, 2018 relating to and describing the terms of the offering was filed with the SEC on May 16, 2018. The final prospectus supplement relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. When available, copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to these securities can also be obtained for free from Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Department, 375 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10152, at (800) 326-5897 or email a request to [email protected] or Bryan, Garnier & Co., Beaufort House, 15 Saint Botolph Street, London EC3A 7BB, United Kingdom, or by telephone at +44 20 7332 2500, or by email at [email protected].

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale is or would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

On May 17, 2018 BioLineRx Ltd. (NASDAQ: BLRX) (TASE: BLRX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology and immunology, reported positive results from a Phase 2 clinical trial assessing BL-8040 as a single agent for hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in an allogeneic transplantation setting (Press release, BioLineRx, MAY 17, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2349638 [SID1234526759]). The full top-line results of the study will be presented at the 23rd Congress of European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper), to take place June 14-17, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden.

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Mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) for the purpose of donor (allogeneic) transplantation after high-dose chemotherapy is currently performed using a 4-5 day treatment cycle with G-CSF and a 1-2 day apheresis procedure. Single-agent treatment with BL-8040, a novel, high-affinity CXCR4 antagonist with rapid HSPC mobilizing kinetics, showed similar efficacy in only one administration. In addition, BL-8040 showed non-inferiority in recipient engraftment, with all transplanted recipients successfully engrafting with BL-8040-mobilized grafts.

This proof-of-concept Phase 2 study, consisting of 24 donor/recipient pairs, assesses the ability of BL-8040 monotherapy to mobilize HSPCs for transplantation in a single administration. In the first part of the trial, HLA-identical donors were treated with a single dose of 1 mg/kg of BL-8040 for evaluating safety and tolerability. The second part of the study, which is still ongoing, includes both HLA-identical and haploidentical pairs, and donors were treated with 1.25 mg/kg of BL-8040. HSPCs were collected by leukapheresis after a single BL-8040 injection. The primary endpoint was collection of ≥2×106 CD34 cells/kg of recipient weight in up to 2 leukapheresis sessions.

Of the 21 evaluable donors that have been enrolled in the study to date, 11 out of 13 donors (85%) treated at the 1 mg/kg dose and 8/8 donors (100%) treated at the 1.25 mg/kg dose of BL-8040 reached the primary goal of ≥2×106 CD34 cells/kg of recipient weight in up to 2 leukapheresis sessions. BL-8040 was safe and well tolerated, with adverse events consisting of injection site reactions and transient systemic reactions, all of which were resolved. No related serious adverse events were observed. All 19 transplanted recipients were successfully engrafted with BL-8040-mobilized grafts, 13 of which have reached the secondary endpoint of 100 days post-transplant. Preliminary graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) data are in line with current standard-of-care incidence rates. The full effect of BL-8040 on acute and chronic GVHD, as well as on relapse rates, await longer follow-up periods and will be reported at a later stage once available.

"Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is vital for the treatment of various hematological malignancies," stated Dr. Geoffrey Uy, from the Section of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Leukemia in the Division of Oncology at the Washington University School of Medicine, and the principal investigator of the study. "Currently, hematopoietic stem cells are mobilized from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood using repeated administrations of G-CSF, followed by leukapheresis, with the whole process lasting almost a week. It is therefore encouraging to see these top-line results, supporting the application of BL-8040 as a single agent for rapid mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells after only one injection."

"We are very pleased with the results of this proof-of-concept Phase 2 clinical trial, showing that a single administration of BL-8040, followed by apheresis, results in rapid and effective HSPC mobilization and leads to prompt hematopoietic recovery after allogeneic transplantation," stated Philip A. Serlin, Chief Executive Officer of BioLineRx. "These robust results in an allogeneic setting continue to strongly support BL-8040’s mechanism of action, and demonstrate the ability of BL-8040 as a fast and effective mobilizing agent, thereby giving us further confidence in our ongoing Phase 3 study in stem cell mobilization for autologous transplants. We look forward to the results of the lead-in period from the Phase 3 trial, which are expected in the next few months. In parallel, we are further evaluating the allogeneic transplant landscape in order to decide on the best development pathway forward for this complementary indication."

About BL-8040

BL-8040 is a short peptide for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, solid tumors, and stem cell mobilization. It functions as a high-affinity antagonist for CXCR4, a chemokine receptor that is directly involved in tumor progression, angiogenesis, metastasis and cell survival. CXCR4 is over-expressed in more than 70% of human cancers and its expression often correlates with disease severity. In a number of clinical and pre-clinical studies, BL-8040 has shown robust mobilization of cancer cells and immune-cells from the bone marrow, thereby sensitizing cancer cells to chemo- and bio-based anti-cancer therapy, as well as a direct anti-cancer effect by inducing cell death (apoptosis) and mobilizing immune-cells. In addition, BL-8040 has also demonstrated robust stem-cell mobilization, including the mobilization of colony-forming cells, T, B and NK cells. BL-8040 was licensed by BioLineRx from Biokine Therapeutics and was previously developed under the name BKT-140.

About Stem Cell Mobilization

High-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation has become an established treatment modality for a variety of hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma, as well as various forms of lymphoma and leukemia. Stem cells are mobilized from the bone marrow using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), harvested from the peripheral blood by apheresis, and infused to the patient after chemotherapy. This type of treatment often replaces the use of traditional bone marrow transplantation, because the stem cells are easier to collect and the treatment allows for a quicker recovery time and fewer complications.