TIGER Study Reports New TTFields Therapy Survival Results for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Patients in Germany

On May 23, 2024 Novocure (NASDAQ: NVCR) reported topline efficacy and safety data from the TIGER study investigating the use of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy in routine clinical care in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) in Germany (Press release, NovoCure, MAY 23, 2024, View Source [SID1234643652]). The TIGER study enrolled 429 patients who used TTFields therapy between August 2017 and November 2019 and is the largest prospective, non-interventional study of the use of TTFields therapy in routine clinical care completed to date.

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Median overall survival for patients treated with TTFields therapy was 19.6 months (95% CI, 17.9-22.4). Median progression-free survival was 10.2 months (95% CI, 9.4-11.4). TTFields therapy use was not associated with an increase in systemic toxicity and was well tolerated. The outcomes observed in the TIGER study are consistent with the survival and safety results from Novocure’s phase 3 EF-14 clinical trial.

Patients were followed for a median duration of 56.2 months. One-, two-, three-, and four- year survival rates were 79.2%, 42.4%, 31.5%, and 27.7%, respectively.

"As TTFields therapy use becomes more prevalent around the globe, it is exciting to see large, prospective studies like TIGER corroborate the survival benefits provided by using TTFields therapy to treat newly diagnosed GBM," said Oliver Bähr, MD, Department of Neurology, General Hospital Aschaffenburg-Alzenau. "The outcomes observed, particularly long-term survival rates, are promising and make a compelling case that TTFields therapy should be presented to all eligible GBM patients."

"TIGER is the largest prospective, non-interventional study analyzing TTFields therapy use in newly diagnosed GBM completed to date," said Nicolas Leupin, MD, Novocure’s Chief Medical Officer. "The observations from TIGER contribute to the multitude of data validating the use of TTFields therapy, and we are eager to continue exploring the benefits of our therapy in both the clinical and real-world settings."

The TIGER data (abstract #2036) will be presented at 9:00 a.m. CDT on Saturday, June 1, 2024 in Hall A during the Central Nervous System Tumors session at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago.

About TIGER

TIGER (NCT03258021) is a prospective, non-interventional, multicenter, medical device post-authorization study designed to obtain real life data on the use of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma in routine clinical care in Germany. 710 patients with histologically confirmed newly diagnosed glioblastoma, who had clinical indication for TTFields therapy and were within the first 3 cycles of maintenance chemotherapy treatment were enrolled in the study from August 2017 to November 2019, across 81 participating centers in Germany. 583 patients opted to use TTFields therapy, and 429 received treatment. Endpoints of the study included overall survival, progression-free survival, safety and quality of life.

About Tumor Treating Fields Therapy

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are electric fields that exert physical forces to kill cancer cells via a variety of mechanisms. TTFields do not significantly affect healthy cells because they have different properties (including division rate, morphology, and electrical properties) than cancer cells. The multiple, distinct mechanisms of TTFields therapy work together to selectively target and kill cancer cells. Due to its multimechanistic actions, TTFields therapy can be added to cancer treatment modalities in approved indications and demonstrates enhanced effects across solid tumor types when used with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibition, or targeted therapies in preclinical models. TTFields therapy provides clinical versatility that has the potential to help address treatment challenges across a range of solid tumors. To learn more about Tumor Treating Fields therapy and its multifaceted effect on cancer cells, visit tumortreatingfields.com.

Natera Announces New MRD Data in Multiple Tumor Types, to be Presented at ASCO Annual Meeting

On May 23, 2024 Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRA), a global leader in cell-free DNA and genetic testing, reported that the company, along with its collaborators, will present new data at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting taking place May 31 – June 4, 2024 (Press release, Natera, MAY 23, 2024, View Source [SID1234643668]).

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The presentations feature data across a variety of indications, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC), lung cancer, melanoma, esophageal cancer, and urothelial cancer, with one oral presentation and 12 poster presentations on Signatera, Natera’s personalized and tumor-informed molecular residual disease test, as well as one poster with data on Empower, Natera’s test for hereditary cancer.

Minetta Liu, MD, chief medical officer of oncology at Natera, said, "We look forward to sharing new data across cancer types, reflecting Natera’s deep clinical pipeline in MRD with results from randomized trials as well as real-world studies. This includes promising new findings from the CIRCULATE-Japan GALAXY study demonstrating the prognostic and predictive utility of Signatera and actionable biomarkers in colorectal cancer."

GALAXY is part of the CIRCULATE-Japan trial platform, which also includes ALTAIR, a first-of-its-kind, "treat on molecular recurrence" study evaluating the utility of Signatera in CRC. Natera expects to announce topline results for this phase III randomized trial in August 2024.

Below is the full list of presentations featuring Signatera and Empower at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper):

Poster Presentation | Abstract # 3609 | Presenter: Yoshiaki Nakamura, MD, PhD | CRC
Prognostic and predictive value of ctDNA-based MRD and actionable biomarkers in patients with resectable CRC: CIRCULATE-Japan GALAXY
Oral Presentation | Abstract # LBA507 | Presenter: Sherene Loi, MD, PhD | Breast Cancer
Prognostic utility of ctDNA dynamics in the monarchE trial of adjuvant abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy (ET) in HR+, HER2-, node-positive, high-risk early breast cancer (EBC)
Poster Presentation | Abstract # 3586 | Presenter: Eric Lander, MD | CRC
Genomic alterations in early-onset versus average-onset stage IV CRC
Poster Presentation | Abstract # 5034 | Presenter: Rebecca Hassoun, MD | Testicular Cancer
Longitudinal Evaluation of ctDNA as a Prognostic Biomarker to Detect Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) in Testicular Cancer
Poster Presentation | Abstract # 4587 | Presenter: Adanma Ayanambakkam, MD | Urothelial Cancer
Longitudinal analysis of ctDNA in localised and metastatic urothelial cancer
Poster Presentation | Abstract # 4028 | Presenter: Aziz Zaanan, MD | Esophageal Cancer
Longitudinal ctDNA analysis during treatment (Tx) of locally advanced resectable (LAR) gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma (ADENOCA): the PLAGAST prospective biomarker study
Poster Presentation | Abstract # 9564 | Presenter: Michael LaPelusa, MD | Melanoma
Association between ctDNA and Recurrence-Free Survival (RFS) in Patients (pts) with Resected Stage III Melanoma – an Exploratory Analysis of SWOG S1404
Poster Presentation | Abstract # 6056 | Presenter: Glenn Hanna, MD | Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Personalized ctDNA for monitoring disease status in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Poster Presentation | Abstract # TPS8659 | Presenter: Yasushi Goto, MD, PhD | Lung Cancer
Randomized phase III study comparing suspension or continuation of PD- 1 Pathway Blockade for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (SAVE study: JCOG1701)
Poster Presentation | Abstract # 569 | Presenter: Mridula George, MD | Breast Cancer
Predicting response to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in patients (pts) with early-stage breast cancer (BC) using ctDNA testing
Poster Presentation | Abstract # 549 | Presenter: Marla Lipsyc-Sharf, MD | Breast Cancer
Impact of ctDNA surveillance on clinical care for patients with stage I-III breast cancer: Findings from a multi-institutional study.
Poster Presentation | Abstract # 518 | Presenter: Yoichi Naito, MD | Breast Cancer
ctDNA monitoring for breast cancer at high risk of recurrence: Interim analysis of JCOG1204A1
Poster Presentation | Abstract # 10596 | Presenter: Sarah Lee, MD | Pan-Cancer (Empower)
A targeted panel of actionable high risk hereditary cancer predisposition genes can identify patients with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (PVs) irrespective of meeting established NCCN testing criteria
About Signatera

Signatera is a personalized, tumor-informed, molecular residual disease test for patients previously diagnosed with cancer. Custom-built for each individual, Signatera uses circulating tumor DNA to detect and quantify cancer left in the body, identify recurrence earlier than standard of care tools, and help optimize treatment decisions. The test is available for clinical and research use and is covered by Medicare for patients with colorectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and muscle invasive bladder cancer, as well as for immunotherapy monitoring of any solid tumor. Signatera has been clinically validated across multiple cancer types and indications, with published evidence in more than 60 peer-reviewed papers.

CureVac Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2024 and Provides Business Update

On May 23, 2024 CureVac N.V. (Nasdaq: CVAC) ("CureVac"), a global biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of transformative medicines based on messenger ribonucleic acid ("mRNA"), reported financial results for the first quarter of 2024 and provided a business update (Press release, CureVac, MAY 23, 2024, View Source [SID1234643588]).

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"We have met an important first milestone in our ongoing organizational redesign by trimming our residual pandemic infrastructure. This achievement marks a crucial step in our journey towards greater efficiency and adaptability, ensuring we are well-positioned for the next phase of our corporate development. On the clinical development front, the pre-pandemic vaccine candidate against avian influenza, jointly developed with GSK, has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. FDA, which will support our efforts to provide pandemic preparedness and advance novel healthcare solutions," said Dr. Alexander Zehnder, Chief Executive Officer of CureVac. "Similarly, we have seen distinct signs of progress in our intellectual property litigation, with the quick resolution of co-ownership and co-inventorship claims made by Acuitas Therapeutics and expect our Pfizer/BioNTech U.S. case to reach court not long after its previously scheduled date of January 2025."

"We closed the first quarter of 2024 with €300.2 million in cash and cash equivalents. During this quarter, we fully settled the raw material commitments related to CVnCoV, our first-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate," said Pierre Kemula, Chief Financial Officer of CureVac. "More than half of the cash spent in the first three months was related to such commitments. Looking forward, we consider this the end of a strong Q1 spend seasonality for CureVac. The second quarter will see the end of the remaining CVnCoV-related contract

termination provisions. Together with the ongoing organizational redesign, we anticipate a significantly lower cash burn in the future."

Selected Business Updates

Organizational Redesign

The organizational redesign, initiated in April 2024, is on track with the aim to streamline structures and reduce operating costs across most areas of the company. Rightsizing the company with a focus on trimming residual pandemic infrastructure is ongoing, with a planned reduction of 150 positions by year end. The organizational redesign is tailored to CureVac’s business scope and pipeline priorities, significantly increasing efficiency and performance while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and R&D activities.

The redesign will continue throughout 2024 through measures that are expected to result in financial savings from the second half of 2024 onwards and extend the company’s cash runway into the fourth quarter of 2025.

Prophylactic Vaccines

Executing on Broad Second-Generation mRNA Vaccine Program, Jointly Developed with GSK

CureVac continues to advance its clinical development programs in prophylactic vaccines in collaboration with GSK. All vaccine candidates currently in clinical development apply modified mRNA and are based on CureVac’s proprietary second-generation mRNA backbone, targeting improved intracellular mRNA translation for early and strong immune responses.

Avian Flu (H5N1) Program – U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation

In April 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Fast Track designation for a monovalent influenza A (H5N1) pre-pandemic vaccine candidate encoding an H5-antigen. The candidate is being developed in collaboration with GSK. The start of the Phase 1 part of a combined Phase 1/2 study was announced on April 24, 2024, assessing the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate in healthy younger and older adults.

The FDA Fast Track designation enables facilitated development and accelerated review of drug candidates addressing serious conditions and fulfilling an unmet medical need. The H5N1 avian influenza virus is known to sporadically cross species from its original bird host to other animals and humans and is considered a potential future pandemic threat. Based on CureVac’s proprietary second-generation mRNA backbone, the vaccine candidate aims to contribute to pandemic preparedness against avian influenza and provide an effective countermeasure in the event of human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 virus.

Protection of Intellectual Property Rights

CureVac is asserting its intellectual property rights in litigation against Pfizer/BioNTech in Germany, the U.S. and the UK.

On April 25, 2024, a settlement with Acuitas Therapeutics was reached, resolving co-ownership and co-inventorship claims regarding one patent family covering four patents that are at issue in the U.S. litigation against Pfizer/BioNTech. Under the terms of the settlement, Acuitas acknowledges CureVac’s ownership of certain patent claims and has agreed to dismiss its co-ownership and co-inventorship claims. In return, CureVac acknowledges that Acuitas holds licenses to selected patents, including three out of four disputed U.S. patents. These three patents will be withdrawn from the U.S. patent litigation against Pfizer/BioNTech.

Accordingly, the U.S. litigation against Pfizer/BioNTech will proceed under the original four patent families, now covering seven U.S. patents. A trial is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025, with the date to be announced within the next few weeks.

In Germany, the settlement and out-licensing of selected patents to Acuitas Therapeutics will lead to the withdrawal of two utility models from the Pfizer/BioNTech litigation, covering equivalent claims to the three patents withdrawn in the United States. Accordingly, litigation in Germany will proceed with a total of six IP rights.

The German litigation recently progressed after CureVac filed an appeal with the Supreme Court of Justice, opposing the first-instance decision by the German Federal Patent Court on December 19, 2023 to nullify the German part of CureVac patent EP 1 857 122 B1. A trial date is expected in the second half of 2025.

Financial Update for the First Quarter of 2024

Cash Position

Cash and cash equivalents amounted to €300.2 million at the end of March 2024, decreasing from €402.5 million at the end of 2023. In the first three months of 2024, cash used in operations was mainly allocated to the last payments related to the termination of raw material commitments for the first-generation vaccine, amounting to a total of €52 million. Looking forward there will be no further raw material payments related to CVnCoV. The remaining cash spend was mainly related to ongoing R&D activities.

In the second quarter of 2024, the company expects to fully settle all remaining CMO-related provisions stemming from CVnCoV. The company reaffirms its cash runway into the fourth quarter of 2025.

Revenues

Revenues amounted to €12.4 million for the first quarter of 2024, representing an increase of €5.3 million, or 74%, from €7.1 million for the same period in 2023.

The year-on-year increase was primarily driven by higher revenues from the GSK and CRISPR collaborations. For the three months ending March 31, 2024, total revenues of €8.9 million and €3.5 million were recognized, respectively, compared to €6.5 million and €0.2 million in the prior year period.

Operating Result

Operating loss amounted to €73.3 million for the first quarter of 2024, representing an increase of €12.9 million from €60.4 million for the same period in 2023.

The operating result was affected by several key drivers mainly related to the closing of the first-generation vaccine effort in COVID-19:

· Cost of sales increased primarily due to an increase of contract termination provisions as part of an arbitration ruling for Contract Manufacturing Organization activities related to the first-generation COVID-19 vaccine.

· Research and development expenses increased primarily with increased activity in oncology R&D projects and development of the R&D workforce. Additionally, the first quarter of 2024 was impacted by increased expenses related to the litigation to enforce intellectual property rights.

· General and administrative expenses decreased compared to the prior year period due to lower workforce in the corporate service functions and in the Management Board.

· Other income increased year-on-year due to the sale of raw materials to GSK.

Financial Result (Finance Income and Expenses)

Net financial result for the first quarter of 2024 amounted to €3.4 million, or an increase of €0.4 million, from €3.0 million for the same period in 2023. This increase was mainly driven by interest income on cash investments.

Pre-Tax Loss

Pre-tax loss was €69.9 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to €57.4 million in the same period of 2023.

Iovance Biotherapeutics Announces Clinical Data in Frontline Advanced Melanoma at ASCO 2024 Annual Meeting

On May 23, 2024 Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: IOVA), a commercial biotechnology company focused on innovating, developing, and delivering novel polyclonal tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies for patients with cancer, reported updated clinical data for lifileucel in combination with pembrolizumab in frontline advanced melanoma, as well as translational data, for the upcoming 2024 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting to be held May 31 – June 4, 2024, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL and online (Press release, Iovance Biotherapeutics, MAY 23, 2024, View Source [SID1234643606]).

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Clinical Data in Frontline Advanced Melanoma (Cohort 1A in IOV-COM-202 Trial)
Positive results from Cohort 1A in the IOV-COM-202 trial were published in an abstract1 and will be highlighted in an upcoming oral presentation at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper). Unprecedented response rates, as well as deep and durable responses, were observed in patients with frontline advanced melanoma who were naïve to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. These results strongly support the ongoing Phase 3 TILVANCE-301 clinical trial.

ASCO Oral Presentation Highlights

A recent data cut included 23 patients with a median follow up of 21.7 months.2
Confirmed ORR was 65.2%, including 7 (30.4%) complete responses and 8 (34.8%) partial responses by RECIST v1.1.
All evaluable patients demonstrated regression of their target lesions.
Nearly all responses remained ongoing. The duration of response was 12+ months for 8 responders (53.3%) and 6+ months for 11 responders (73.3%).
As a one-time treatment, lifileucel’s safety profile was differentiated from continuous ICI combination regimens.
Treatment-emergent adverse events were consistent with the underlying disease and known safety profiles of pembrolizumab monotherapy, nonmyeloablative lymphodepletion, and interleukin-2.
Friedrich Graf Finckenstein, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Iovance, stated, "The compelling response rates, including a 30.4% complete response rate, and depth and durability of responses for lifileucel in combination with pembrolizumab strongly support our strategy in frontline advanced melanoma. Expanding TIL cell therapy into earlier treatment settings is a top priority for Iovance. The positive data are highly encouraging for the anticipated ORR results in our ongoing TILVANCE-301 trial. A planned early interim analysis of ORR, a dual primary endpoint in TILVANCE-301, may support an accelerated approval in the frontline setting, with full approval supported by progression free survival."

The clinical and safety data from Cohort 1A continue to reinforce the rationale for the TILVANCE-301 trial. TILVANCE-301 is a global, randomized, registrational Phase 3 trial to support accelerated and full U.S. approvals of lifileucel in combination with pembrolizumab in frontline advanced melanoma. In addition, the ORR endpoint in TILVANCE-301 supports full approval of lifileucel monotherapy (Amtagvi) in post-anti-PD-1 melanoma. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to the design of the TILVANCE-301 trial, including dual-primary endpoints of ORR and progression free survival. Iovance plans to conduct an early interim analysis of ORR as the potential basis for regulatory submission and approvals.

Iovance Presentation and Posters at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting

Oral Presentation: Efficacy and safety of lifileucel, an autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte cell therapy, and pembrolizumab in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-naive unresectable or metastatic melanoma: updated results from IOV-COM-202 Cohort 1A (Abstract 9505)
Session: Melanoma/Skin Cancers
Friday, May 31, 2024, 2:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. CDT
Poster: IOV-3001, a modified interleukin-2 fusion protein, for potential use in tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte cell therapy regimens (Abstract 2552)
Session: Developmental Therapeutics-Immunotherapy
Saturday, June 1, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT
Poster: Dynamics of circulating cytokines and chemokines during and after tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte cell therapy with lifileucel in advanced melanoma patients
Session: Melanoma/Skin Cancers (Abstract 9594)
Saturday, June 1, 2024, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. CDT
ASCO 2024 Webcast
Iovance executives and key opinion leaders (KOLs) will discuss ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) data highlights and perspectives on the Amtagvi commercial launch during an audio webcast on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 6:15 p.m. CDT (7:15 p.m. EDT). To listen to the live or archived audio webcast, please register at View Source The live and archived webcast can be accessed in the Investors section of the Company’s website, IR.Iovance.com for one year.

SpringWorks Therapeutics Announces Data to be Presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting

On May 23, 2024 SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWTX), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on severe rare diseases and cancer, reported that four abstracts from the company’s portfolio will be presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting being held May 31 to June 4, 2024 (Press release, SpringWorks Therapeutics, MAY 23, 2024, View Source [SID1234643622]).

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Data from the pivotal Phase 2b ReNeu trial evaluating mirdametinib, an investigational MEK inhibitor, in adults and children with neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas (NF1-PN) will be presented in an oral presentation. ReNeu is the largest multicenter trial conducted to date in patients with NF1-PN, a condition in which tumors can grow aggressively along peripheral nerves and lead to pain, disfigurement and other morbidities. In the ReNeu trial, mirdametinib treatment demonstrated deep and sustained tumor volume reductions, and improvement in pain and health-related quality of life across both the adult and pediatric cohorts.

In addition, three new data sets from the pivotal Phase 3 DeFi trial of nirogacestat in adults with desmoid tumors will be presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper). Monitoring ovarian function in oncology studies and the onset and resolution of ovarian toxicity for desmoid tumor patients treated with nirogacestat in the DeFi trial will be discussed in an oral presentation. Investigators will also present two posters that include post hoc analyses from the DeFi trial in high-risk patient populations, which reinforce the efficacy and safety of nirogacestat in adults with desmoid tumors across various clinical characteristics.

"We are very pleased to present important data at this year’s ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting, including positive results from our pivotal Phase 2b ReNeu trial of mirdametinib in NF1-PN, which showed significant objective response rates confirmed by blinded independent central review, deep responses, as well as a manageable and tolerable safety profile in both adult and pediatric patients. These data are the foundation of our NDA, which we are on track to submit to the FDA by the end of the second quarter, and we believe provide compelling evidence of differentiation and potentially transformative benefit for patients with this devastating disease," said Jim Cassidy, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of SpringWorks. "In addition, new data and analyses from our Phase 3 DeFi trial further reinforce the robust efficacy and manageable safety profile of OGSIVEO across subgroups of adults with desmoid tumors who require systemic treatment."

Rapid Oral Presentations at the 2024 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting

ReNeu: A pivotal phase 2b trial of mirdametinib in children and adults with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-associated symptomatic inoperable plexiform neurofibroma (PN)
Abstract #: 3016
Date and Time: June 3, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. CDT (9:00 – 10:30 a.m. EDT)

As previously reported, results from the pivotal Phase 2b ReNeu trial (NCT03962543) demonstrated a statistically significant confirmed objective response rate (ORR), the primary endpoint of the study, as well as deep and sustained reduction in tumor volume and significant improvement in key secondary patient-reported outcome measures in both adults and children with NF1-PN. The data being presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) include:

As of the data cutoff of September 20, 2023, mirdametinib treatment resulted in a confirmed ORR of 41% (24/58; P<0.001) in adults and 52% (29/56; P<0.001) in children, as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR). Two additional adult patients and one additional pediatric patient had a confirmed partial response in the long-term follow-up phase.
Tumor volume reductions were deep and durable over the course of the study. Median (range) best change in tumor volume from baseline was -41% (-90% to 13%) in adults and -42% (-91% to 48%) in children. Among study participants with a confirmed objective response on mirdametinib, 62% of adults and 52% of children achieved a >50% reduction in tumor volume.
The median treatment duration for both adults and children was 22 months; the median (range) time to onset of response was 7.8 months (4 to 19 months) in adult patients and 7.9 months (4 to 19 months) in pediatric patients; the median duration of response was not reached in either group.
Both adult and pediatric patients experienced improvement in patient-reported pain and patient-reported (adult) or patient- or parent proxy-reported (children) health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at the pre-specified Cycle 13 assessment. Least square (LS) mean change from baseline at Cycle 13 in worst tumor pain (assessed by Numeric Rating Scale-11) was -1.3 (P<0.001) in adults and -0.8 (P=0.003) in children. LS mean change from baseline at Cycle 13 in HRQoL was 3.9 in adults (P=0.018) and 4.0 (P=0.096) as self-reported in children; parent-proxy reported LS mean change in HRQoL in children was 5.6 (P=0.005).
Mirdametinib was generally well tolerated in the ReNeu trial, with most adverse events (AEs) being Grade 1 or 2. Among all study participants, 21% of adults and 9% of children discontinued the study due to treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), and dose reductions due to TRAEs were 17% in adults and 12% in children.
The most frequently reported TRAEs affecting >20% of adult participants were dermatitis acneiform, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. The most frequently reported TRAEs affecting ≥20% of pediatric participants were dermatitis acneiform, diarrhea, paronychia (infection of the tissue adjacent to a fingernail or toenail), nausea, decrease in ejection fraction (asymptomatic), and increase in blood creatinine phosphokinase (asymptomatic).
"ReNeu is the largest multicenter NF1-PN trial conducted to date and prospectively used blinded independent central review to confirm target tumor response in NF1-PN patients," said Christopher L. Moertel, M.D., Medical Director of the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology and Neurofibromatosis Program and Kenneth and Betty Jayne Dahlberg Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine and lead investigator of the ReNeu trial. "The potentially unprecedented depth of response and significant reduction in pain and other quality of life measures across the pediatric and adult cohorts in the ReNeu study, coupled with the manageable safety profile, support the potential for mirdametinib to become an important and much needed treatment for patients with NF1-PN, particularly adults who currently do not have an approved treatment option."

Monitoring ovarian function in oncology trials: Results and insights from the DeFi phase 3 trial of nirogacestat in desmoid tumor
Abstract #: 11520
Date and Time: May 31, 2:45 – 4:15 p.m. CDT (3:45 – 5:15 p.m. EDT)

Results and insights from the DeFi trial (NCT03785964) on monitoring ovarian function in oncology studies will be presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper). In the DeFi trial, ovarian toxicity (OT) was reported in 75% (27 of 36) of females of reproductive potential (FORP) receiving nirogacestat and 0% (0 of 37) of FORP patients receiving placebo. In a post hoc analysis, resolution of OT was reported by investigators in 78% (21 of 27) of FORP patients, assessed by reproductive hormone values (FSH, LH, AMH, progesterone and estradiol) or perimenopausal symptoms (e.g., menstrual irregularity) or both. Investigators reported OT resolution among all patients (11/11) who were off treatment for any reason, with a median time to resolution of 76 days. Among patients who remained on nirogacestat, 71% (10/14) of patients experienced resolution of OT according to investigators, with a median time to resolution of 171 days.

"Historically, ovarian toxicity has rarely been systematically assessed in cancer clinical trials. And when collected, data have not always been gathered with the goal of counseling future patients clearly in mind. The DeFi trial developed one of the most comprehensive assessments of ovarian function in an oncology clinical trial to date. This timely and important ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) presentation will review best practices for evaluating a drug’s effect on ovarian function for future cancer trials, using the DeFi trial as an example," said Elizabeth Loggers, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Clinical Research Division, sarcoma expert and Medical Director, Supportive and Palliative Care, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Washington. "In this case, our ability to confirm resolution of ovarian toxicity in most DeFi participants, including all who discontinued nirogacestat for any reason, is possible because DeFi observed ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper)’s recommendations to assess ovarian function through both clinical measures and biomarkers, even beyond the end of a trial, if necessary, to better characterize the temporality and nature of resolution."

Poster Presentations at the 2024 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting

Efficacy of nirogacestat in patients with poor prognostic factors for desmoid tumors: Analyses from the randomized phase 3 DeFi trial
Abstract #: 11556
Date and Time: June 1, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. CDT (2:30 – 5:30 p.m. EDT)

A post hoc analysis of the DeFi trial was conducted to assess the effect of nirogacestat in subgroups of patients with desmoid tumors who have risk factors associated with poor prognosis (i.e., larger tumor size, younger age, CTNNB1 gene mutation, and presence of pain at baseline). Nirogacestat demonstrated consistent improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and ORR versus placebo in patients with these poor prognostic factors. These results were consistent with the overall DeFi patient population and suggest that nirogacestat can provide clinically meaningful benefit in patients with characteristics that have been historically associated with poor prognosis.

Efficacy and safety of nirogacestat in patients with desmoid tumor and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutation: phase 3 DeFi analyses
Abstract #: 11558
Date and Time: June 1, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. CDT (2:30 – 5:30 p.m. EDT)

A post hoc analysis of the DeFi trial was conducted to assess the effects of nirogacestat in desmoid tumor patients with APC mutations, which are associated with more aggressive desmoid tumor behavior and poor prognosis. Of the 142 patients in the DeFi trial intent-to-treat population, 29 had identified APC mutations (nirogacestat, N=13; placebo, N=16). Results of the analysis demonstrated improvements in PFS, ORR and patient-reported outcomes, including pain, desmoid tumor-specific symptom burden, role and physical functioning, and overall quality of life in this subgroup of patients. Reductions in tumor size, volume, and T2 hyperintensity were also observed with nirogacestat compared with placebo in desmoid tumor patients with identified APC mutations. These efficacy results, as well as the safety results in this subgroup, were consistent with the overall DeFi trial population, and suggest that nirogacestat can provide clinically meaningful benefits in the challenging population of patients with progressing desmoid tumors and APC mutations.

About the ReNeu Trial

ReNeu (NCT03962543) is an ongoing, multi-center, open-label Phase 2b trial evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of mirdametinib in patients two years of age and older with an inoperable NF1-associated PN causing significant morbidity. The study enrolled 114 patients to receive mirdametinib at a dose of 2 mg/m2 twice daily (maximum dose of 4 mg twice daily) without regard to food. Mirdametinib was administered orally in a 3-week on, 1-week off dosing schedule as either a capsule or dispersible tablet. The primary endpoint is confirmed objective response rate defined as ≥ 20% reduction in target tumor volume as measured by MRI and assessed by blinded independent central review. Secondary endpoints include safety and tolerability, duration of response, and changes from baseline in patient reported outcomes to Cycle 13.

About NF1-PN

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare genetic disorder that arises from mutations in the NF1 gene, which encodes for neurofibromin, a key suppressor of the MAPK pathway.1,2 NF1 is the most common form of neurofibromatosis, with an estimated global birth incidence of approximately 1 in 2,500 individuals, and approximately 100,000 patients living with NF1 in the United States.3,4 The clinical course of NF1 is heterogeneous and manifests in a variety of symptoms across numerous organ systems, including abnormal pigmentation, skeletal deformities, tumor growth and neurological complications, such as cognitive impairment.5 Patients with NF1 have an eight to 15-year mean reduction in their life expectancy compared to the general population.2

NF1 patients have approximately a 30-50% lifetime risk of developing plexiform neurofibromas, or PN, which are tumors that grow in an infiltrative pattern along the peripheral nerve sheath and that can cause severe disfigurement, pain and functional impairment; in rare cases, NF1-PN may be fatal.6,7 Patients with NF1-PN can also experience additional manifestations, including neurocognitive deficits and developmental delays. NF1-PNs are most often diagnosed in the first two decades of life.6 These tumors can be aggressive and are associated with clinically significant morbidities; typically, they grow more rapidly during childhood.8,9

Surgical removal of these tumors is challenging due to the infiltrative tumor growth pattern along nerves and can lead to permanent nerve damage and disfigurement.10 MEK inhibitors have emerged as a validated class of treatment for NF1-PN.11

About Mirdametinib

Mirdametinib is a potent, oral, allosteric small molecule MEK inhibitor in development as a monotherapy treatment for neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas (NF1-PN) and low-grade glioma (LGG), and as a combination therapy for the treatment of several subsets of biomarker-defined metastatic solid tumors. Mirdametinib is an investigational drug for which safety and efficacy have not been established.

Mirdametinib is designed to inhibit MEK1 and MEK2, which occupy pivotal positions in the MAPK pathway. The MAPK pathway is a key signaling network that regulates cell growth and survival and that plays a central role in multiple oncology and rare disease indications when genetically altered.

The FDA and the European Commission have granted Orphan Drug designation for mirdametinib for the treatment of NF1. The FDA has also granted Fast Track designation for the treatment of patients ≥ 2 years of age with NF1-PN that are progressing or causing significant morbidity and Rare Pediatric Disease designation for the treatment of NF1.

SpringWorks expects to complete the rolling submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for mirdametinib in children and adults with NF1-PN in the second quarter of 2024. The Company also plans to file a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for mirdametinib for the treatment of children and adults with NF1-PN in the second half of 2024.

About the DeFi Trial

DeFi (NCT03785964) is a global, randomized (1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of nirogacestat in adult patients with progressing desmoid tumors. The double-blind phase of the study randomized 142 patients (nirogacestat, n=70; placebo n=72) to receive 150 mg of nirogacestat or placebo twice daily. Key eligibility criteria included tumor progression by ≥20% as measured by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) within 12 months prior to screening. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival, as assessed by blinded independent central review, or death by any cause. Secondary and exploratory endpoints include safety and tolerability measures, objective response rate (ORR), duration of response, changes in tumor volume assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and changes in patient-reported outcomes (PROs). DeFi includes an open-label extension phase, which is ongoing.

About Desmoid Tumors

Desmoid tumors (sometimes referred to as aggressive fibromatosis, or desmoid fibromatosis) are rare, aggressive, locally invasive tumors of the soft tissues that can be serious, debilitating, and, in rare cases when vital structures are impacted, life-threatening.12,13

Desmoid tumors are most commonly diagnosed in patients between the ages of 20 and 44 years, with a two-to-three times higher prevalence in females.14,15 It is estimated that there are 1,000-1,650 new cases diagnosed per year in the United States.15,18,19

Although they do not metastasize, desmoid tumors are associated with recurrence rates of up to 77% after surgical resection.14,16,17 Desmoid tumor experts and treatment guidelines now recommend systemic therapies as first-line intervention instead of surgery for most tumor locations requiring treatment.17

About OGSIVEO (nirogacestat)

OGSIVEO (nirogacestat) is an oral, selective, small molecule gamma secretase inhibitor approved in the United States for the treatment of adult patients with progressing desmoid tumors who require systemic treatment.

OGSIVEO is not approved for the treatment of any other indication in the United States, or for any indication in any other jurisdiction by any other health authority.

SpringWorks is also evaluating nirogacestat as a potential treatment for patients with ovarian granulosa cell tumors and for patients with multiple myeloma as part of several B-cell maturation agent (BCMA) combination therapy regimens in collaboration with leaders in industry and academia.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Diarrhea: Diarrhea, sometimes severe, can occur in patients treated with OGSIVEO. Diarrhea occurred in 84% of patients treated with OGSIVEO, and included Grade 3 events in 16% of patients. Median time to first diarrhea event was 9 days (range: 2 to 434 days). Monitor patients and manage using antidiarrheal medications. Modify dose as recommended.
Ovarian Toxicity: Female reproductive function and fertility may be impaired in patients treated with OGSIVEO. Impact on fertility may depend on factors like duration of therapy and state of gonadal function at time of treatment. Long-term effects of OGSIVEO on fertility have not been established. Advise patients on the potential risks for ovarian toxicity before initiating treatment. Monitor patients for changes in menstrual cycle regularity or the development of symptoms of estrogen deficiency, including hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
Hepatotoxicity: ALT or AST elevations occurred in 30% and 33% of patients, respectively. Grade 3 ALT or AST elevations (>5 × ULN) occurred in 6% and 2.9% of patients. Monitor liver function tests regularly and modify dose as recommended.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers: New cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma occurred in 2.9% and 1.4% of patients, respectively. Perform dermatologic evaluations prior to initiation of OGSIVEO and routinely during treatment.
Electrolyte Abnormalities: Decreased phosphate (65%) and potassium (22%) occurred in OGSIVEO-treated patients. Phosphate <2 mg/dL occurred in 20% of patients. Grade 3 decreased potassium occurred in 1.4% of patients. Monitor phosphate and potassium levels regularly and supplement as necessary. Modify dose as recommended.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: OGSIVEO can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Oral administration of nirogacestat to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in embryo-fetal toxicity and death at maternal exposures below human exposure at the recommended dose of 150 mg twice daily. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females and males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with OGSIVEO and for 1 week after the last dose.
ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common (≥15%) adverse reactions were diarrhea (84%), ovarian toxicity (75% in the 36 females of reproductive potential), rash (68%), nausea (54%), fatigue (54%), stomatitis (39%), headache (30%), abdominal pain (22%), cough (20%), alopecia (19%), upper respiratory tract infection (17%), and dyspnea (16%).
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 20% of patients who received OGSIVEO. Serious adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% of patients were ovarian toxicity (4%).
The most common laboratory abnormalities (≥15%) were decreased phosphate, increased urine glucose, increased urine protein, increased AST, increased ALT, and decreased potassium.
DRUG INTERACTIONS

CYP3A Inhibitors and Inducers: Avoid concomitant use with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors (including grapefruit products, Seville oranges, and starfruit) and strong or moderate CYP3A inducers.
Gastric Acid Reducing Agents: Avoid concomitant use with proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, OGSIVEO can be staggered with antacids (e.g., administer OGSIVEO 2 hours before or 2 hours after antacid use).
Consult the full Prescribing Information prior to and during treatment for important drug interactions.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with OGSIVEO and for 1 week after the last dose.
To report suspected adverse reactions, contact SpringWorks Therapeutics at 1-888-400-SWTX (1-888-400-7989) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information for OGSIVEO for more information.