On November 14, 2018 RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: RDHL) (Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange: RDHL) ("RedHill" or the "Company"), a specialty biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on proprietary drugs for gastrointestinal diseases and cancer, reported a poster presentation on YELIVA (opaganib, ABC294640)1 for multiple myeloma at the upcoming EORTC-NCI-AACR (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) Symposium2 on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, on Friday, November 16th in Dublin (Press release, RedHill Biopharma, NOV 14, 2018, View Source [SID1234531300]).

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The abstract3 (poster board number PB-045), which will be presented by Yubin Kang, MD, of Duke Health, is entitled "Sphingosine kinase 2 (SK2) targeting in the treatment of multiple myeloma: preclinical and phase I studies of opaganib, an SK 2 inhibitor, in multiple myeloma". The abstract describes data from preclinical studies and a Phase Ib/II study conducted by Dr. Kang with YELIVA for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

The open-label, dose escalation Phase Ib/II study evaluating YELIVA in patients with refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma that were previously treated with proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs is ongoing at Duke University Medical Center. Enrollment for the Phase Ib portion of the study has been completed with a total of 11 patients enrolled and treated in three dose cohorts. Results from the Phase Ib portion of the study did not show any dose-limiting toxicities. Additionally, while efficacy was not the primary endpoint of the Phase I study, it was observed that out of 10 evaluable subjects, two subjects had stable disease for over four months and one patient achieved a very good partial response (VGPR).
In addition, results from preclinical studies demonstrated that SK2 is overexpressed in multiple myeloma cell lines and in human multiple myeloma specimens and plays a critical role in myeloma cell growth, proliferation and survival. Additional preclinical studies described in the abstract demonstrated that treatment with YELIVA effectively inhibited myeloma tumor growth in vitro and in vivo in mouse xenograft models. The authors conclude that YELIVA as a single agent or in combination with a B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) inhibitor has the potential for treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients that were previously treated with proteosome inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents.

The Phase Ib/II study with YELIVA for multiple myeloma is supported by a $2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) awarded to Apogee Biotechnology Corp., in conjunction with Duke University, with additional support provided by RedHill.

Dr. Yubin Kang, MD, associate professor in the division of hematologic malignancies and cellular therapy in the department of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, is the lead investigator for the Phase Ib/II study with YELIVA for multiple myeloma, as well as the head of the laboratory performing the preclinical studies.

YELIVA is a proprietary, first-in-class, orally-administered, sphingosine kinase-2 (SK2) selective inhibitor being developed by RedHill and targeting multiple oncology, inflammatory and gastrointestinal indications. A single-arm Phase IIa study evaluating the activity of YELIVA as a single agent in patients suffering from advanced, unresectable intrahepatic, perihilar and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is being conducted at renowned clinical institutions in the U.S.

About YELIVA (opaganib, ABC294640):
YELIVA (opaganib, ABC294640), a new chemical entity, is a Phase II-stage, proprietary, first-in-class, orally-administered, sphingosine kinase-2 (SK2) selective inhibitor with anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities, targeting multiple oncology, inflammatory and gastrointestinal indications. By inhibiting SK2, YELIVA blocks the synthesis of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a lipid-signaling molecule that promotes cancer growth and pathological inflammation. SK2 is an innovative molecular target for anticancer therapy because of its critical role in catalyzing the formation of S1P, which is known to regulate cell proliferation and activation of inflammatory pathways. YELIVA was originally developed by U.S.-based Apogee Biotechnology Corp. and completed multiple successful preclinical studies in oncology, inflammation, GI and radioprotection models, as well as a Phase I clinical study in cancer patients with advanced solid tumors. YELIVA received Orphan Drug designation from the U.S. FDA for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. The development of YELIVA was funded to date primarily by grants and contracts from U.S. federal and state government agencies awarded to Apogee Biotechnology Corp., including the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

The ongoing studies with YELIVA (opaganib, ABC294640) for cholangiocarcinoma, multiple myeloma and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are registered on www.ClinicalTrials.gov, a web-based service by the U.S. National Institute of Health, which provides public access to information on publicly and privately supported clinical studies.

On November 14, 2018 The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson reported the submission of two Type II variation applications to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) seeking approval for the expanded use of IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, NOV 14, 2018, View Source [SID1234531316]). One application seeks to include use of ibrutinib in combination with obinutuzumab in previously untreated adults with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and to add long-term follow-up data from the existing label studies RESONATETM (PCYC-1112) and RESONATETM-2 (PCYC-1115). The second is for use of ibrutinib plus rituximab for the treatment of previously untreated and relapsed/refractory adults with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM).

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"Today’s news brings us one step closer to potentially offering ibrutinib in new combinations for patients where unmet needs still persist," said Dr. Catherine Taylor, Haematology Therapy Area Lead, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Janssen-Cilag Limited. "Ibrutinib continues to demonstrate clinical benefit over the long term for a broad group of patients living with blood cancer, and we look forward to working with relevant authorities to secure approval of these new combinations."

Ibrutinib, a first-in-class Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, is jointly developed and commercialised by Janssen Biotech, Inc., and Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie company.

The CLL submission is supported by positive results from the Phase 3 iLLUMINATE (PCYC-1130) study which investigated ibrutinib in combination with obinutuzumab versus chlorambucil plus obinutuzumab in patients with newly diagnosed CLL.1 Study findings from iLLUMINATE will also be featured as an oral presentation (abstract #691), whilst further analysis of RESONATETM and RESONATETM-2 results in comparison with real-world evidence databases (abstract #4427) will be included at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition, taking place in San Diego next month.1,2 A supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) which was also recently submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received Priority Review.

In WM, the submission is supported by data from the Phase 3 iNNOVATE (PCYC-1127) study evaluating ibrutinib in combination with rituximab, versus rituximab with placebo, in patients with previously untreated and relapsed/refractory WM.3 Follow-up efficacy and safety findings from the iNNOVATE study will also be presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2018 (abstract #149).4 In August 2018, the FDA approved ibrutinib in combination with rituximab for the treatment of WM based on the data from iNNOVATE.5

Additional information about both studies can be found at www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02264574 and NCT02165397).6,7

#ENDS#

About ibrutinib

Ibrutinib is a first-in-class Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, which works by forming a strong covalent bond with BTK to block the transmission of cell survival signals within the malignant B-cells.8 By blocking this BTK protein, ibrutinib helps kill and reduce the number of cancer cells, thereby delaying progression of the cancer.9

Ibrutinib is currently approved in Europe for the following uses:10

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL): As a single agent for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated CLL, and as a single agent or in combination with bendamustine and rituximab (BR) for the treatment of adult patients with CLL who have received at least one prior therapy.
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL): Adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell MCL.
Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM): Adult patients who have received at least one prior therapy or in first-line treatment for patients unsuitable for chemo-immunotherapy.
The most common adverse reactions seen with ibrutinib include diarrhoea, neutropenia, haemorrhage (e.g., bruising), musculoskeletal pain, nausea, rash, and pyrexia.10

For a full list of side effects and information on dosage and administration, contraindications and other precautions when using ibrutinib please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics for further information.

About CLL

CLL is typically a slow-growing blood cancer of the white blood cells.11 The overall incidence of CLL in Europe is approximately 4.92 cases per 100,000 persons per year with rates amongst men and women approximately 5.87 and 4.01 cases per 100,000 persons per year, respectively.12 CLL is predominantly a disease of the elderly, with a median age of 72 years at diagnosis.13

CLL is a chronic disease; median overall survival ranges between 18 months and more than 10 years, according to the stage of disease.14 The disease eventually progresses in the majority of patients, and patients are faced with fewer treatment options with each relapse. Patients are often prescribed multiple lines of therapy as they relapse or become resistant to treatments.

About Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia

Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).15 It causes overproduction of a protein called monoclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody, which causes a thickening of the blood.16 Incidence rates among men and women in Europe are approximately 7.3 and 4.2 per million persons, respectively.17 The causes of WM are unknown, with it typically affecting older adults and being slightly more common in men than women.15,17

On November 14, 2018 Personalis, Inc., a leader in advanced genomics for precision oncology, reported that they are scheduled to present at the upcoming NeoAG Summit in Boston, MA on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 4 PM ET (Press release, Personalis, NOV 14, 2018, View Source [SID1234531317]).

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The presentation, entitled "ImmunoID NeXT Platform: Improving Neoantigen Prediction, TME Assessment, and ctDNA Detection for Vaccine Development," will introduce Personalis’ new ImmunoID NeXT Platform and discuss how it facilitates highly accurate neoantigen identification, optimal MHC-binding prediction and ranking, and the assessment of the tumor microenvironment and tumor escape mechanisms that may impact response to personalized therapeutics.

ImmunoID NeXT is the first and only platform to provide comprehensive analysis of both a tumor and its microenvironment from a single sample. The platform can be used to investigate the key tumor- and immune-related areas of cancer biology; consolidating multiple oncology biomarker assays into one. This maximizes the biological information that can be generated from a precious tumor specimen.

The presentation will be delivered by Sean Boyle, PhD; Director, Bioinformatics Applications.

On November 14, 2018 Agendia, Inc., a world leader in precision oncology, reported new data from the I-SPY 2 study, presented at the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Symposium (Press release, Agendia, NOV 14, 2018, View Source [SID1234531318]). The two presentations demonstrate both the prognostic, and the predictive role of the MammaPrint 70-Gene Breast Cancer Risk of Recurrence and BluePrint 80-Gene Molecular Subtyping tests in determining which patients are likely to respond to therapies. Dr. Laura van’t Veer, chief research officer and co-founder at Agendia, and Professor of Laboratory Medicine at the University California San Francisco, will present the results at the 30th EORTC-NCI-AACR (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) Symposium at 15:00 GMT on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018.

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MammaPrint High1/High2 risk class as a pre-specified biomarker of response to nine different targeted agents plus standard neoadjuvant therapy for ~1000 breast cancer patients in the I-SPY 2 TRIAL (Abstract 2)1

A new analysis from the I-SPY 2 trial showed that a subgroup of "Ultra-High Risk" patients identified by MammaPrint respond better to certain targeted therapies and treatment combinations. Patients were classified as either MammaPrint High Risk (MP1), indicating less aggressive disease, or MammaPrint Ultra-High Risk (MP2), indicating more aggressive disease. Nearly 50 percent of patients were classified as MP2 and had higher rates of pathological complete response (pCR) compared to MP1 patients.

In addition, MP2 patients had a higher chance of achieving pCR if they received veliparib/carboplatin, neratinib, ganitumab, TDM1/pertuzumab or pembrolizumab in addition to the standard paclitaxel treatment alone or in combination with trastuzumab. Together, these findings support the use of the MammaPrint High Risk or Ultra-High Risk result as a predictive biomarker of treatment response.

BluePrint basal subtype predicts neoadjuvant therapy response in ~400 HR+HER2- patients across 8 arms in the I-SPY 2 TRIAL (Abstract 3)2

A second analysis of the I-SPY 2 trial evaluated neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in different subgroups of patients with HR+/HER2- disease. Using the BluePrint Molecular Subtyping test, patients were classified as having either basal, luminal or HER2 subtypes. Patients with the basal subtype were four times more likely to achieve pCR with neoadjuvant therapy than patients with the luminal subtype, and this association was independent of the type of treatment they received. Additionally, more than three-quarters of patients with the HR+/HER2- basal subtype of cancer were classified as having MP2 Ultra-High Risk disease, suggesting that genetic and molecular risk signatures can be used to predict treatment response in similar subgroups of patients.

Dr. Laura van ‘t Veer, Chief Research Officer and Co-founder at Agendia said:

"The results presented at the EORTC-NCI-AACR (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) Symposium demonstrate that MammaPrint is not just a prognostic test, it is also a predictive test. When used in conjunction with BluePrint, it can stratify patients into different subgroups to help identify which are more likely to respond to new treatments or to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and which are not likely to respond and should be given an alternative treatment. We need to further investigate the clinical implications, but this is an important milestone with significant value for women with breast cancer."

Dr. William Audeh, Chief Medical Officer at Agendia said:

"The new studies stemming from the I-SPY 2 trial are very encouraging and highlight the continuing and constantly expanding utility of MammaPrint and BluePrint to identify which patients will respond to specific treatments based on the genomic signatures of their tumors. In discovering the MammaPrint signature with her colleague Dr. Rene Bernards, Dr. van ‘t Veer harnessed the power of genomics to provide a platform capable of yielding continuous new discoveries to further understand and personalize the treatment of breast cancer. As the landmark I-SPY 2 trial further evolves, we anticipate future findings that will continue to bolster the value of precision oncology."

MammaPrint High1/High2 risk class as a pre-specified biomarker of response to nine different targeted agents plus standard neoadjuvant therapy for ~ 1000 breast cancer patients in the I-SPY 2 TRIAL. Poster presented at EORTC-NCI-AACR (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper). November 2018; Dublin, Ireland.
BluePrint basal subtype predicts neoadjuvant therapy response in ~400 HR+HER2- patients across 8 arms in the I-SPY 2 TRIAL. Poster presented at EORTC-NCI-AACR (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper). November 2018; Dublin, Ireland.
About MammaPrint

MammaPrint is an in vitro diagnostic medical device, performed as a testing service in a central laboratory, using the 70-gene expression profile of breast cancer tissue samples to assess a patient’s risk for distant metastasis. The device is FDA-cleared and CE-marked, enabling use in the European Union. MammaPrint is indicated for use by physicians as a prognostic marker only, along with other clinical-pathological factors. It is not intended to determine the outcome of disease, nor to suggest or infer an individual patient’s response to therapy. MammaPrint is the only test of its kind recommended for lymph node-negative and lymph node-positive patients by both the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). The test is also recommended by many other national and international clinical practice guidelines.

About BluePrint

BluePrint is an 80-gene complementary test provided with MammaPrint which allows functional molecular subtyping of a breast cancer sample into three distinct subtypes: Luminal-type, HER2-type and Basal-type, each with marked differences in long-term outcome and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

About I-SPY 2

I-SPY 2 is an interventional, randomized neoadjuvant Phase II clinical trial that is evaluating the efficacy of new targeted drug agents in combination with standard chemotherapy compared to standard therapy alone. The goal of the trial is to identify more treatment regimens for different subsets of breast cancer patients based on the molecular characteristics of their tumors and by learning about which early indicators of response are predictors of treatment success. A MammaPrint High Risk result is a prerequisite for patients included in the trial.

On November 14, 2018 Cytori Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CYTX) ("Cytori" or the "Company") reported Q3 2018 financial results and provided updates on corporate activities (Press release, Cytori Therapeutics, NOV 14, 2018, View Source [SID1234531481]).

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Q3 2018 net loss was $2.3 million, or $0.27 per share. Operating cash burn for Q3 was approximately $2.6 million. Cytori ended Q3 with approximately $6.8 million of cash and cash equivalents.

Cytori is developing its lead chemotherapy drug, ATI-0918, a generic version of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride, with the goal of submitting a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) next year. We previously completed a bioequivalence study against the European reference drug and are in the process of completing manufacturing-related activities to support the MAA. The Company also continues to evaluate potential commercial partnering opportunities for ATI-0918 with a focus on Europe, which has a current estimated market size of over $120 million.

Cytori is also developing another chemotherapy drug, ATI-1123, a patented, albumin-stabilized pegylated liposomal docetaxel. The Company recently received an orphan drug designation from the U.S. FDA for small cell lung cancer and intends to pursue FDA’s 505(b)(2) new drug application (NDA) pathway in the U.S. which may offer accelerated and lower cost development.

In the first half of 2019, Cytori expects a 1-year data readout from the 45 patient, multi-center, potential pivotal clinical trial in stress urinary incontinence conducted in Japan called ADRESU.

Later in 2018, Cytori expects a 6-month data readout from the 40 patient, French SCLERADEC II clinical trial in scleroderma patients.

Cytori is actively conducting the U.S. Phase I RELIEF trial in thermal burn injury trial sponsored by BARDA. Cytori completed a successful In-Process Review meeting with BARDA this past June.

Commercially, Cytori is focusing its efforts in Japan and continues to see favorable growth trends in the use of its cell therapy products approved under the Regenerative Medicine Law in the aesthetic and orthopedic markets. The Company remains on track to see continued double digit year-over-year growth in Celution System consumable utilization.

Finally, Cytori recently received the first $1.0 million royalty milestone from Bimini Technologies, LLC (Bimini). In 2013, Cytori divested the Puregraft product line that includes periodic royalty payments of up to $10.0 million and certain other economic benefits based on Bimini achieving gross profits milestones.

"A key corporate objective is to complete manufacturing support activities and seek European marketing authorization for ATI-0918, our lead oncology drug product. Furthermore, we have recently expanded development activities for the ATI-1123 phase II oncology program and its potential 505(b)(2) acceptability," said Dr. Marc Hedrick, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cytori. "In cell therapy, we are focused on continued revenue growth based on positive quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year consumable utilization trends. In the meantime, we are awaiting pivotal clinical data from our Japanese stress urinary incontinence trial."

Q3 2018 and year-to-date Financial Performance

Q3 2018 and year-to-date operating cash burn was $2.6 million and $9.5 million, compared to $4.0 million and $13.9 million for the same periods in 2017, respectively.
Q3 2018 and year-to-date product revenues were $0.9 million and $2.2 million, compared to $0.5 million and $2.0 million for the same periods in 2017, respectively.
Q3 2018 and year-to-date contract revenues were $0.5 million and $2.3 million, compared to $1.3 million and $2.9 million for the same periods in 2017, respectively.
Q3 2018 and year-to-date consumable utilization in Japan grew by approximate 90% and 70%, when comparing to the same periods in 2017, respectively.
Cash and debt principal balances at September 30, 2018 were approximately $6.8 million and $13.0 million, respectively.
Q3 2018 adjusted net loss was $4.0 million or $0.45 per share, compared to a net loss of $4.8 million or $1.39 per share for the same period in 2017. The adjusted net loss excludes a non-cash beneficial conversion feature (a non gaap measure) related to the issuance of our Series C convertible preferred shares in the third quarter of 2018 of $2.5 million, as well as a credit of $1.7 million related to a change in fair value of warrant liability (a non gaap measure). Q3 2018 net loss allocable to common stockholders was $4.8 million, or $0.55 per share.
Year-to-date 2018 adjusted net loss was $12.1 million or $1.73 per share, compared to $18.4 million or $6.22 per share for the same period in 2017. The adjusted net loss excludes a non-cash beneficial conversion feature (a non gaap measure) related to the issuance of our Series C convertible preferred shares in the third quarter of 2018 of $2.5 million, as well as a credit of $1.7 million related to a change in fair value of warrant liability (a non gaap measure). Year-to-date 2018 net loss allocable to common stockholders was $12.9 million, or $1.85 per share.
Selected Key Anticipated Milestones:

Complete ATI-0918 development and manufacturing required to prepare and file a MAA with the EMA.
Seek FDA 505(b)(2) pathway applicability for ATI-1123 product.
Obtain Japan MHLW Class III approval for Celution System consumables.
Report 1-year Japanese ADRESU pivotal clinical trial data for post-surgical male stress urinary incontinence.
Enrollment update in the BARDA-funded U.S. RELIEF clinical trial.
Report French investigator initiated SCLERADEC II clinical trial data in scleroderma hand dysfunction.
Management Conference Call Webcast

Cytori will host a management conference call at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time today to further discuss its progress. The webcast will be available live and by replay two hours after the call and may be accessed under "Webcasts" in the Investor Relations section of Cytori’s website. If you are unable to access the webcast, you may dial in to the call at +1.877.402.3914, Conference ID: 9699923.