Transcenta Debuts Promising Anti-Tumor Activity of Novel LIV-1 Targeting ADCs with Site-Specific Conjugated Topo I Inhibitor Payload in TNBC Tumor Models at 2024 SABCS

On December 12, 2024 Transcenta Holding Limited ("Transcenta") (HKEX: 06628), a global clinical stage biopharmaceutical company with fully-integrated capabilities in discovery, research, development and manufacturing of antibody-based therapeutics, reported late-breaking presentation of preclinical study results of novel humanized LIV-1 antibody based ADCs at 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) (Press release, Transcenta, DEC 12, 2024, View Source [SID1234649085]). The ADCs (ADC-1 and ADC-2) were engineered using Transcenta’s proprietary antibody with site-specifical conjugation of Topoisomerase I Inhibitor payloads and these ADCs demonstrated significantly higher tumor regression activities than MMAE based ADCs in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumor models.

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Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype and has the highest rate of recurrence. The predominant standard of care for advanced TNBC is systemic chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy; however, the responses are typically short lived. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop more effective treatments [1].

LIV-1, a member of the zinc transporter family and an estrogen-regulated gene in metastatic breast cancer, is overexpressed in a high prevalence in breast cancer (93%), including both TNBC and hormone receptor positive breast cancer, as well as in melanoma (82%), prostate (72%), ovarian (48%) and uterine (30%) cancer. This makes LIV-1 an attractive cell surface target for developing ADC therapeutics.

To develop next generation LIV-1 targeting ADC, Transcenta generated a proprietary novel humanized anti-LIV-1 mAb, 48D6, which displayed unique epitope form benchmark antibody, high binding affinity, specificity, excellent internalization ability. The conjugation method also eliminated FcR binding which resulted in significantly reduced non-specific FcR mediated binding and clearance, and improved pharmacokinetics profile in mice.

In vitro studies indicated that breast tumor cells, such as MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7, are more sensitive to Topo I inhibitor than MMAE. Consequently, Transcenta developed two Topo I inhibitor-based ADCs (ADC-1 and ADC-2) using glycotransferase mediated site-specific conjugation. Both ADC-1 and ADC-2 have a drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) of 4 but with two different Topo I inhibitor payloads. A MMAE based ADC (ADC-3) with the same site-specific conjugation and DAR4 was also synthesized as the control.

Although ADC-1 and ADC-2 displayed similar and specific cytotoxic activities against human LIV-1-expressing tumor cells in vitro, as compared to SGN-LIV1A analog (DAR4) or ADC-3, they exhibited much higher maximal tumor cell killing than SGN-LIV1A analog in vivo. In addition, both ADC-1 and ADC-2 demonstrated a strong bystander effect which is important to overcome tumor heterogeneity.

In vivo pharmacology study revealed that ADC-1 or ADC-2 exhibited dose-dependent and more potent anti-tumor activities than the SGN-LIV1A analog or ADC-3 in the human LIV-1 transfected MDA-MB-468, a TNBC tumor model.

At 3 mg/kg the tumor growth inhibition (TGI)% were: ADC-1 92.4%, ADC-2 94.7%, ADC-3 68.5% and SGN-LIV1A analog 57.0% on Day 30. However, the overall response rate (ORR, 50% reduction of tumor volume from baseline) at 3mg/kg for SGN-LIV1A analog or ADC-3 was 0%, while ORRs of ADC-1 and ADC-2 were 40% and 70%, respectively. At 6 mg/kg, on Day 42, ORRs of ADC-1 and ADC-2 were 90% and 100%, respectively, and complete response (CR) rates were 90% and 100% respectively. The body weight of mice didn’t change significantly at either 3 or 6 mg/kg for ADC-1 or ADC-2.

"The significantly enhanced anti-tumor activities of ADC-1 and ADC-2 are likely due to the high affinity binding of 48D6 to LIV-1 and the high cytotoxicity of Topo I inhibitor for breast tumor cells." said Dr. Xueming Qian, Chairman of the Board and CEO at Transcenta, "These data warrant further investigation of the lead LIV-1 targeting ADCs (ADC-1 and ADC-2) as potential next-generation therapeutic agent in LIV-1 positive breast cancer and other solid tumors."

The 47th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) held from December 10 to 13, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, USA. This Symposium is designed to provide state-of-the-art information on the experimental biology, etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of breast cancer and premalignant breast disease to an international audience of academic and private physicians and researchers.

BeiGene Unveils Breast Cancer Pipeline

On December 12, 2024 BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160; SSE: 688235), a global oncology company that intends to change its name to BeOne Medicines Ltd., reported new data on its emerging breast cancer portfolio following its first-ever presentations at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS). Poster presentations included first-in-human data for BeiGene’s investigational cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 inhibitor BGB-43395 in hormone receptor- positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer (Press release, BeiGene, DEC 12, 2024, View Source [SID1234649069]). Two posters highlighting the designs of in-progress trials for BGB-43395 and CDK2 inhibitor BG-68501/EXT-197 and a poster detailing the preclinical characterization of BGB-43395 were also presented.

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"Despite treatment advances, breast cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide and the number one cause of cancer death in women," said Mark Lanasa, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, Solid Tumors at BeiGene. "We are advancing a robust portfolio of investigational medicines for breast cancer and are pleased to share our first clinical data for our investigational CDK4 inhibitor BGB-43395 at SABCS. We’ve made tremendous progress with this program, having enrolled over 100 patients in the first year of clinical development, and the early results are encouraging. We look forward to continuing its development alongside other molecules in our breast cancer pipeline, including additional cell cycle dependent kinase inhibitors and ADCs."

BeiGene’s breast cancer pipeline features cell cycle dependent kinase inhibitors designed to potentially deliver better efficacy and reduced toxicity than currently available options, initially for HR+/HER2- disease. CDK inhibitors target checkpoint proteins that control cell division to stop the growth of cancer cells. Widely used CDK4/6 inhibitors have been shown to provide substantial clinical benefit for patients with certain breast cancers. However, dose-limiting toxicities, thought to be the result of CDK6 inhibition, and the development of resistance mutations, curb the utility of these medicines. BeiGene’s CDK4 inhibitor, BGB-43395, is highly potent and selective for CDK4 relative to CDK6, and it has the potential to reduce dose-limiting toxicities, improving tolerability while achieving comparable or better efficacy.

BGB-43395 is being investigated in an ongoing phase 1 study (NCT06120283). Early safety and tolerability data for 65 patients with metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer or other advanced solid tumors who received BGB-43395 either as monotherapy or in combination with fulvestrant or letrozole in escalating dose cohorts were presented in a poster at SABCS. To date, the results indicate that BGB-43395 has been generally well tolerated across different dose levels, with encouraging early signs of clinical activity emerging. The data support continued development; more than 100 patients have been enrolled to date across the program, and further results of ongoing studies will be presented at future scientific conferences.

Complementing BGB-43395, BeiGene’s CDK2 inhibitor, BG-68501/EXT-197, targets elevated CDK2 activity, which is a key resistance mechanism to CDK4/6 inhibition in HR+/HER2- breast cancer. BG-68501 is currently being evaluated in a first-in-human Phase 1 study (NCT06257264). In addition to small molecule cell cycle dependent kinase inhibitors, BeiGene’s pipeline in breast and gynecologic cancers includes novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other molecularly targeted agents and modalities. BG-C9074, an ADC targeting the B7H4 protein, which is broadly expressed in breast and gynecologic cancers, is currently in Phase 1 development (NCT06233942). BeiGene also plans to evaluate the potential of BCL2 inhibition in breast cancer, with next-generation BCL2 inhibitor BGB-21447 expected to begin clinical testing in solid tumor indications soon. Multispecific antibodies and targeted protein degraders with potential applications in breast cancer are among the preclinical assets being developed.

BeiGene recently launched the Cancer Has No Borders podcast, featuring engaging discussions on the world of oncology and BeiGene. The first episode features Claire Saxton, Executive Vice President, Insights & Impact at Cancer Support Community (CSC), and BeiGene’s Dr. Lanasa discussing the unmet need in breast cancer, the realities of the current treatment landscape, and the need for innovation. CSC is a global nonprofit that uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. Listen on podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon, and YouTube.

BeiGene will host an investor conference call and webcast on Monday, December 16th, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. EST to discuss recent data presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2024 Annual Meeting and at SABCS. A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed from the investors section of BeiGene’s website at View Source, View Source, or View Source An archived replay will be available for 90 days following the event.

The Company recently announced its intent to change its name to BeOne, reaffirming its commitment to develop innovative medicines to eliminate cancer by partnering with the global community to serve as many patients as possible.

About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer accounts for close to one in four cancer cases and one in six cancer deaths in women worldwide.1 Globally, breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the fourth highest cause of cancer mortality as well as the leading cause of cancer death in women.1 More than 2.3 million patients were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, and over 666,000 deaths were reported globally.1 Approximately two-thirds of breast cancer cases are the HR+/HER2- subtype.

Results Unveiled for the Phase III Study of Disitamab Vedotin in Treating HER2-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer with Liver Metastasis

On December 12, 2024 RemeGen Co. Ltd. ("RemeGen") (9995.HK, 688331.SH) at the Poster Spotlight Session "Novel HER2 Therapeutics" of the 47th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), reported for the first time the data from a phase III study (RC48-C006, NCT03500380) of Disitamab Vedotin (DV) in treating patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer with liver metastasis (BCLM) (Press release, RemeGen, DEC 12, 2024, View Source [SID1234649086]). This is the first prospective randomized phase III study globally on a HER2-targeting ADC that demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with HER2-positive advanced BCLM. Professor Jiayu Wang from the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences presented and discussed the study. SABCS is one of the largest and most influential annual conferences focusing on advances in breast cancer clinical research, and this RemeGen sponsored study attracted the attention of experts worldwide.

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Data shows that about 45% of patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer have liver metastasis. This subset has a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of only 8% to 12%, for whom no satisfactory therapies are available now.

This is a randomized, open-label, multicenter phase III study comparing the efficacy and safety of DV versus Lapatinib plus Capecitabine in patients with HER2-positive advanced BCLM. A total of 104 patients were enrolled, of whom 53 received DV and 50 received Lapatinib plus Capecitabine. All patients had previously been treated with Trastuzumab and Taxanes.

As of data cutoff date (December 31, 2023), according to the assessment by the Independent Review Committee (IRC), DV significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) versus Lapatinib plus Capecitabine (median: 9.9 months vs. 4.9 months; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.56 [95% CI: 0.35-0.90]), which is consistent with the investigator-assessed PFS (HR: 0.62 [95% CI: 0.39-0.98]). The overall survival (OS) data, though immature, indicated a benefit trend in favor of DV. The safety profile was consistent with past DV use experience, with no new safety signals detected.

"This is the first confirmatory phase III study that demonstrated promising efficacy of an HER2-targeting ADC in patients with HER2-positive advanced BCLM," observed Professor Jiayu Wang. DV demonstrated clinically meaningful benefit compared with Lapatinib plus Capecitabine and a manageable safety profile, potentially offering a promising new treatment option for patients with HER2-positive advanced BCLM previously treated with Trastuzumab and Taxanes. The Biologics License Application (BLA) filing for this indication of DV has been accepted by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China’s National Medical Products Administration in October 2024 and priority review was granted based on the breakthrough therapy designation.

Bicycle Therapeutics Announces Data Updates Across Zelenectide Pevedotin Program and Development Strategy Leveraging NECTIN4 Gene Amplification

On December 12, 2024 Bicycle Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ: BCYC), a pharmaceutical company pioneering a new and differentiated class of therapeutics based on its proprietary bicyclic peptide (Bicycle) technology, reported the presentation of data showing the enhanced anti-tumor activity of zelenectide pevedotin monotherapy in breast cancer patients with NECTIN4 gene amplification at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Conference Symposium (SABCS) in San Antonio, Texas (Press release, Bicycle Therapeutics, DEC 12, 2024, View Source [SID1234649070]). The company also announced topline combination data for zelenectide pevedotin plus pembrolizumab in previously untreated (first-line) cisplatin-ineligible patients with metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC), provided an enrollment and timeline update for the company’s Phase 2/3 Duravelo-2 trial and shared topline monotherapy data for zelenectide pevedotin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with NECTIN4 gene amplification. Bicycle Therapeutics will host a conference call and webcast tomorrow, Dec. 13, at 8 a.m. ET to review the data updates for zelenectide pevedotin and discuss its development strategy leveraging NECTIN4 gene amplification. Management will be joined by oncology experts Sherene Loi, M.D., Ph.D., from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia, and Niklas Klümper, M.D., from the University Hospital Bonn in Germany.

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"The totality of the data shared today builds on the breadth of previously reported data for zelenectide pevedotin that we believe, when combined with our ambitious development strategy leveraging NECTIN4 gene amplification, position Bicycle as a leader in addressing Nectin-4 associated cancers," said Bicycle Therapeutics CEO Kevin Lee, Ph.D. "We are encouraged by the topline zelenectide pevedotin data in combination with pembrolizumab in first-line mUC patients, which demonstrate zelenectide pevedotin’s response data are in line with other drug conjugates used to treat mUC while its safety and tolerability profile continues to be differentiated. Additionally, we are very pleased with our progress in enrolling our Duravelo-2 registrational trial for zelenectide pevedotin in mUC and look forward to providing dose selection and topline data in the second half of next year."

Dr. Lee continued: "While early, the zelenectide pevedotin monotherapy data in breast cancer and NSCLC patients with NECTIN4 gene amplification underscore its promising anti-tumor activity and solidify our next steps for the therapy’s development. By leveraging NECTIN4 gene amplification, we expect to be able to identify the patients who may most benefit from zelenectide pevedotin and accelerate development for solid tumor indications beyond bladder cancer. Over the course of 2025, we plan to initiate Phase 1/2 trials evaluating zelenectide pevedotin in NECTIN4 gene-amplified breast cancer, lung cancer and multiple other cancers."

Topline Zelenectide Pevedotin Plus Pembrolizumab Combination Data in First-line mUC Highlights
Zelenectide pevedotin is a Bicycle Toxin Conjugate (BTC) targeting Nectin-4, a well-validated tumor antigen. Topline results from the ongoing Phase 1/2 Duravelo-1 trial evaluating zelenectide pevedotin 5 mg/m2 weekly plus pembrolizumab 200 mg once every three weeks in 22 first-line cisplatin-ineligible patients with mUC showed:

60% overall response rate (ORR) (12/20) among efficacy-evaluable patients. Of the responses, 5 were confirmed and 7 were unconfirmed at the time of the data cut. Fifteen patients remained on treatment at the time of the data cut.
Safety and tolerability profile was broadly consistent with late-line Duravelo-1 monotherapy and combination cohorts.
Adverse events of clinical interest such as peripheral neuropathy, skin reactions and eye disorders were primarily low grade. There was one report of Grade 3 sensory peripheral neuropathy and one report of Grade 3 rash, both of which were transient and reverted to Grade 1 upon dose interruption.
More detailed data from this study will be presented at a future medical meeting.

Bicycle Therapeutics is currently conducting the Phase 2/3 Duravelo-2 trial evaluating zelenectide pevedotin plus pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy in first-line mUC (Cohort 1), and zelenectide pevedotin monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in late-line mUC (Cohort 2). In each cohort, two doses of zelenectide pevedotin – 5 mg/m2 weekly and 6 mg/m2 two weeks on, one week off – are being initially assessed. Based on enrollment progress, the company plans to report dose selection and topline data for both cohorts in the second half of 2025.

Zelenectide Pevedotin Monotherapy Data in Breast Cancer Patients with NECTIN4 Gene Amplification Highlights (Presented at 2024 SABCS)
Gene amplification is a common mechanism by which cancer cells gain function. Bicycle Therapeutics identified that the NECTIN4 gene sits on a commonly amplified chromosomal site in cancer, creating more copies of the gene and often translating to more protein expression. Since zelenectide pevedotin binds to Nectin-4, it was hypothesized that NECTIN4 gene amplification may predict response and could serve as a biomarker for therapy stratification.

The company conducted a post-hoc analysis of 38 heavily pretreated breast cancer patients enrolled in Duravelo-1, of which 32 were confirmed to have triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The majority of patients were treated with zelenectide pevedotin 5 mg/m2 weekly.

Of the 38 breast cancer patients enrolled, 35 patients were efficacy evaluable. Additionally, 23 breast cancer patient samples were available for NECTIN4 testing, of which 8 demonstrated NECTIN4 gene amplification or harbored NECTIN4 polysomy. Results showed:

62.5% ORR (5/8) among breast cancer patients with NECTIN4 gene amplification or polysomy, compared to 14.3% ORR (5/35) among all efficacy-evaluable breast cancer patients.
Of the 5 partial responses, 4 were confirmed and 1 was unconfirmed.
No responses in non-amplified or non-polysomy patients.
Of the 32 TNBC patients enrolled, 30 patients were efficacy evaluable. Additionally, 19 TNBC patient samples were available for NECTIN4 testing, of which 7 demonstrated NECTIN4 gene amplification or harbored a NECTIN4 polysomy. Results showed:

57.1% ORR (4/7) among TNBC patients with NECTIN4 gene amplification or polysomy, compared to 13.3% ORR (4/30) among all efficacy-evaluable TNBC patients.
Of the 4 partial responses, 3 were confirmed and 1 was unconfirmed.
All 3 TNBC patients with NECTIN4 gene amplification who responded to zelenectide pevedotin had prior treatment with sacituzumab govitecan.
No responses in non-amplified or non-polysomy patients.
In this study of heavily pretreated breast cancer patients, zelenectide pevedotin was generally well tolerated, and its safety and tolerability profile was consistent with data from other Duravelo-1 cohorts. Low rates of Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) (34.2%) and Grade ≥3 treatment-related serious adverse events (TRSAEs) (10.5%) occurred. The most common TRAEs were fever (pyrexia), nausea and diarrhea. TRAEs of clinical interest, including peripheral neuropathy (any kind) and skin reactions, were low grade.

"Although the sample size was limited, this post-hoc analysis highlights the encouraging anti-tumor activity of zelenectide pevedotin in breast cancer patients with NECTIN4 gene amplification, particularly among those with TNBC who urgently need new treatment options," said Professor Sherene Loi, M.D., Ph.D., consultant medical oncologist in the Breast Unit and group leader at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia. "As innovative and genomically targeted therapies for breast cancer continue to emerge, these findings position zelenectide pevedotin as a promising potential new therapy and NECTIN4 gene amplification as a novel target for breast cancer drug development."

The poster presentation, "Enhanced anti-tumor activity of zelenectide pevedotin in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients with NECTIN4 gene amplification" is available in the Publications section of the Bicycle Therapeutics website.

Topline Zelenectide Pevedotin Monotherapy Data in NSCLC Patients with NECTIN4 Gene Amplification Highlights
The company conducted a post-hoc analysis of 40 pretreated patients with NSCLC enrolled in Duravelo-1. The majority of patients received zelenectide pevedotin 5 mg/m2 weekly.

Of the 40 patients enrolled, 34 patients were efficacy evaluable. Additionally, 19 patient samples were available for NECTIN4 testing, of which 6 demonstrated NECTIN4 gene amplification. Five out of 6 patients with NECTIN4 gene amplification were efficacy evaluable. Results showed:

40.0% ORR (2/5) among patients with NECTIN4 gene amplification, compared to 8.8% ORR (3/34) among all efficacy-evaluable patients.
Of the 3 partial responses, 2 were confirmed and 1 was unconfirmed.
Out of 19 patients tested for NECTIN4 gene amplification, none of the non-amplified patients responded.
The safety and tolerability profile of zelenectide pevedotin was broadly consistent with data from other Duravelo-1 monotherapy cohorts.

More detailed data from this study will be presented at a future medical meeting.

Overview of Development Strategy Leveraging NECTIN4 Gene Amplification
Bicycle Therapeutics plans to advance development of zelenectide pevedotin in broader indications outside of mUC utilizing a NECTIN4 gene amplification strategy to target patients who have the potential for significantly deeper responses.

Over the course of 2025, Bicycle Therapeutics plans to initiate several additional Phase 1/2 trials to assess zelenectide pevedotin in NECTIN4 gene-amplified breast cancer, lung cancer and multiple other cancers. Through this strategy, the company believes it has the opportunity to become the leader in addressing Nectin-4 associated cancers and potentially transform the treatment landscape for thousands of patients in the United States.

Conference Call Details
Bicycle Therapeutics will host a conference call and webcast on Friday, Dec. 13, at 8 a.m. ET to review the data updates for zelenectide pevedotin. The company’s management team will be joined by Sherene Loi, M.D., Ph.D., Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and Niklas Klümper, M.D., University Hospital Bonn.

To access the call, please dial +1-833-816-1408 (U.S.) or +1-412-317-0501 (international) and ask to join the Bicycle Therapeutics call. A live webcast and replay of the conference call will be accessible in the Investor section of the Company’s website at www.bicycletherapeutics.com.

Phase 2 Data in Presurgical Breast Cancer from the completed INVINCIBLE-2 Study, and an Overview of the Ongoing Randomized, Presurgical Triple Negative Breast Cancer Phase 2 Clinical Trial, INVINCIBLE-4 (SAKK 66/22), at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS)

On December 12, 2024 Intensity Therapeutics, Inc. ("Intensity" or "the Company") (Nasdaq: INTS), a late-stage clinical biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of proprietary, novel immune-based intratumorally injected cancer therapies intended to kill tumors directly and increase immune system recognition of cancers, and The Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research SAKK ("SAKK"), a decentralized academic research institute that has been conducting clinical trials of cancer treatments in all major Swiss hospitals since 1965, reported that Andreas Mueller, M.D., Past-President of the Project Group Breast Cancer of SAKK and Head of the Breast Center at Kantonsspital Winterthur, Switzerland and a supporting coordinating investigator for the study presented in an evening poster session on December 11 the final data from Intensity’s INVINCIBLE-2 Study (NCT04781725), and an overview / update of the INVINCIBLE-4 Study (NCT06358573) at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium being held December 10-13, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas (Press release, Intensity Therapeutics, DEC 12, 2024, View Source [SID1234649087]).

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The INVINCIBLE-4 Study is a randomized open-label, multicenter study to determine the clinical activity, safety, and tolerability of INT230-6 in patients with early-stage, operable Triple Negative Breast Cancer ("TNBC") who undergo standard of care neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy ("SOC") treatment and SOC alone. The primary endpoint is pathological complete response ("pCR") in the primary tumor and affected lymph nodes. Patients will be randomized one to one to receive a regimen of either two doses of INT230-6 followed by SOC, which consists of pembrolizumab, anthracyclines, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel (i.e. the Keynote-522 regimen), or the SOC alone. The study is recruiting and expected to enroll 54 patients.

"Women with aggressive forms of breast cancer, such as TNBC, are often counseled to undergo pre-surgical (neoadjuvant) systemic therapy in advance to reduce the risk of the disease returning. Having a pathological complete response, meaning the absence of live cancer at the time of surgery, has been shown to result in a lower risk of recurrence. When the tumor diameters are bigger than two centimeters, recurrence is more likely, so that neoadjuvant treatment is warranted" said Dr. Mueller. "If the immunological cancer cell death caused by INT230-6 and the ignition of an anti-cancer immune response without increased toxicity shows a meaningful increase in pCR, it would be a major advance for the neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer and potentially other cancers. Further, if the results of this study are highly favorable, perhaps the cardiotoxic anthracycline drugs could be reduced or eliminated in future studies."

The Company’s completed INVINCIBLE-2 Study, where INT230-6 was given alone in multiple tumor types including TNBC, showed several benefits:

Tumor-killing properties at levels greater than 95% in some patients on a single intratumoral dose with systemic immune activation.
Results in tumors larger than 2 cm showed significant necrosis in 74% of subjects at the time of surgery.
Gene expression analysis showed a significant difference between baseline biopsies and surgical specimens. Pathway analysis identified genes associated with TCR signaling, B-cell and T-cell activation, with increasing effects in post-treatment samples (SABCS 2023 #PS16-03).
The study demonstrated pathologic and immune priming effects of intratumoral cytotoxicity in traditional immune quiescent breast cancers, with a treatment that showed favorable safety and was well tolerated.
INT230-6 patients had significant differential gene expression present and identified genes were associated with T cell activation, lymphocyte activation and inflammatory response.
INT230-6 patients had increases in CD4 T cells and NK cells within the tumor, and associated changes in the diversity of T cell repertoire.
About INT230-6
INT230-6, Intensity’s lead proprietary investigational product candidate, is designed for direct intratumoral injection. INT230-6 was discovered using Intensity’s proprietary DfuseRx℠ technology platform. The drug is comprised of two proven, potent anti-cancer agents, cisplatin and vinblastine sulfate, and a penetration enhancer molecule (SHAO) that helps disperse potent cytotoxic drugs throughout tumors for diffusion into cancer cells. These agents remain in the tumor, resulting in a favorable safety profile. In addition to local disease control and direct tumor killing, INT230-6 causes a release of a bolus of neoantigens specific to the malignancy, leading to immune system engagement and systemic anti-tumor effects. Importantly, these effects are mediated without immunosuppression, which often occurs with systemic chemotherapy.