Peptomyc announces Research IND Approval for Innovative Window of Opportunity Trial in Collaboration with OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA, in PDAC patients

On December 9, 2024 Peptomyc reported the approval of a Research Investigational New Drug (IND) application for a groundbreaking Window of Opportunity trial in collaboration with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute and Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care (BCCPC) (Press release, Peptomyc, DEC 9, 2024, View Source [SID1234648991]). This trial will evaluate the pharmacodynamic effects of OMO-103 in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The study aims to expedite drug development, improve understanding of pharmacodynamic parameters, and identify biomarkers for better patient selection.

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Dr. Manuela Niewel, Chief Medical Officer at Peptomyc, stated, "This collaboration with OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and BCCPC represents a significant step forward in our mission to develop more effective, personalized cancer treatments. The Window of Opportunity trial design allows us to gather crucial data on our investigational compound, potentially accelerating the drug development process."

This partnership combines Peptomyc’s expertise in anti-MYC mini-proteins (namely the investigational drug OMO-103) with OHSU’s state-of-the-art research facilities and multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment.

"We are excited to collaborate with Peptomyc on this important trial," said Dr. Charles Lopez, Principal Investigator at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and BCCPC. "By conducting this study, we hope to gain valuable insights that will ultimately lead to improved outcomes for cancer patients."

The trial is expected to begin enrollment in March 2025 and will focus on ≥18-year-old patients with advanced PDAC.

About PDAC

PDAC is an aggressive form of cancer with a poor prognosis and increasing incidence. It accounts for over 85% of all solid pancreatic tumors. The 5-year relative survival rate is only about 11% for all stages and 3% for metastatic disease. PDAC is characterized by late detection and particularly aggressive biology, which contribute to its dismal outcomes. Surgical resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is the only potentially curative treatment, but it is only possible for 10-20% of patients.

Given these challenges, PDAC remains a critical area for oncological research and innovative treatment approaches.

About MYC

MYC is the most dysregulated oncogene in human cancer, controlling multiple transcriptional programs associated to most hallmarks of cancers, including increased proliferation, metastatic potential, immune suppression and resistance to treatment.

About OMO-103

OMO-103 is a first-in-class and best-in-class mini-protein against MYC. It has successfully been tested in a Phase Ia study in all-comers solid tumors and is currently in a Phase Ib study in metastatic PDAC patients in combination with standard of care chemotherapy.

Kite Presents New Data Underscoring Curative Potential of Yescarta® in Relapsed/Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma at ASH

On December 8, 2024 Kite, a Gilead Company (Nasdaq: GILD), reported findings from three new analyses for Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) that demonstrate improved outcomes for people living with relapsed or refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), which were presented at 66 th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting & Exposition (Press release, Gilead Sciences, DEC 8, 2024, View Source [SID1234648877]).

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The data include findings from the largest real-world analysis of patients who received Yescarta as second-line treatment for R/R LBCL during 2022-2023 based on Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) registry data (abstract #526). This real-world evidence (RWE) demonstrates high rates of overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), complete response (CR), and other effectiveness measures, consistent with ZUMA-7 outcomes. Further RWE from CIBMTR demonstrate a decreasing trend in incidence, severity and duration of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune-effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in the third-line-plus setting during 2017-2023 (abstract #527). In addition, findings from the Phase 2 ALYCANTE study on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes following Yescarta treatment (abstract #4505), co-sponsored by the French collaborative group The Lymphoma Study Association/Lymphoma Academic Research Organization (LYSA/LYSARC) and Kite, show either stability or improvement of HRQoL three months following infusion.

"We are pleased that Yescarta’s overall survival benefit for patients with early relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma is confirmed in the largest real-world analysis of a broader patient population," said Dominique Tonelli, VP, Global Head of Medical Affairs, Kite. "By studying outcomes in the real world, we consistently demonstrate that patients treated with Yescarta have the opportunity to live longer."

Detailed Information on Yescarta Abstracts:

Abstract #526
Real-World Early Outcomes of Second-Line Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-Cel) Therapy in Patients (Pts) With Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Large B-Cell Lymphoma (LBCL)

The largest real-world analysis of 446 patients from 89 U.S. centers from the CIBMTR Registry with LBCL (diffuse LBCL [DLBCL], 78%; primary mediastinal LBCL [PMBCL], 3%; high-grade B-cell lymphoma, 18%; follicular lymphoma grade IIIB, 1%) who received second-line Yescarta treatment demonstrated outcomes consistent with the ZUMA-7 study across broader patient and disease characteristics than those included in the ZUMA-7 pivotal study or Phase 2 ALYCANTE study, at a median of 12-months of follow-up.

Among all patients, ORR was 79% (95% confidence interval [CI], 75–82), with a CR rate of 64% (95% CI, 60–69). The 12-month rate of duration of response (DOR) was 66% (95% CI, 59–71), progression-free survival (PFS) was 53% (48–58), event-free survival (EFS) was 53% (48–58), and OS was 71% (66–76). Any-grade CRS and ICANS were reported in 87% (Grade ≥ 3, 5%) and 50% (Grade ≥ 3, 22%), respectively.

When assessed by ZUMA-7 eligibility, ORRs in ineligible patients (n=219) versus eligible or unknown patients (n=214) were both 79%, respectively, with CR rates of 63% and 65%, respectively. At 12-months, DOR in ZUMA-7 ineligible and eligible or unknown patients were 60% and 69%, PFS were 48% and 58%, EFS were 48% and 58%, and OS were 62% and 80%, respectively. Incidence of ICANS was 54% in ZUMA-7 ineligible patients and 45% in ZUMA-7 eligible or unknown patients. Among 13 patients with PMBCL, ORR was 69% (95% CI, 39–91), all with CR. The six-month rate (95% CI) of DOR was 100%, PFS was 68%, EFS was 68%, and OS was 100%. Incidence of any-grade CRS was 85% and ICANS was 54%.

"It is reassuring that the largest real-world dataset for axi-cel as a second-line treatment for relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma, across a broader patient population than the ZUMA-7 pivotal study or Phase 2 ALYCANTE study for transplant-ineligible patients, has demonstrated consistent outcomes at 12-months median follow-up as in ZUMA-7," said Dr. Dasom (Caroline) Lee, Lead Investigator on the study and Fellow, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Stanford Medicine. "These data should provide further confidence to physicians that earlier use of axi-cel can provide the best chance for overall survival and possibly a cure for these patients."

Abstract #527
Real-world Trends of Cytokine Release Syndrome and Neurologic Events, and Pattern of Their Management among Patients Receiving Axicabtagene Ciloleucel for Relapsed or Refractory (r/r) Large B-cell Lymphoma (LBCL) in the U.S.: a CIBMTR Report

Real-world data from 1,615 patients with R/R LBCL from 109 U.S. centers from the CIBMTR registry demonstrated a decreasing trend in incidence, severity and duration of CRS and ICANS following treatment with Yescarta for adult patients with R/R LBCL in the third-line-plus setting.

Patients who received Yescarta during 2022–2023 (n=206) and 2020–2021 (n=486) had significantly lower incidences of Grade ≥ 3 CRS compared to those treated during 2017–2019 (n=923, odds ratio [OR] 0.17, 95% CI, 0.07−0.41, and OR 0.63, 95% CI, 0.43−0.94, respectively). Furthermore, patients treated in the later time periods of 2022-2023 and 2020-2021 experienced significantly shorter duration of CRS compared to 2017-2019 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.36, 95% CI, 1.14-1.64, and HR 1.34, 95% CI, 1.18-1.52, respectively).

Patients who received Yescarta during 2022–2023 and 2020–2021 had a significantly lower incidence of any-grade ICANS compared to those treated in 2017–2019 (OR 0.47, 95% CI, 0.34−0.66, and OR 0.63, 95% CI, 0.50−0.80, respectively). The duration of ICANS was also significantly shorter for those treated in 2020-2021 compared to 2017-2019 (HR 1.21, 95% CI, 1.02-1.43)

The rates of use of tocilizumab and corticosteroids for the treatment of CRS/ICANS were consistent for the three periods, although there was an increasing trend of anakinra use (1%, 6%, and 13%, respectively). Concerning other adverse events, rates of prolonged thrombocytopenia and clinically significant infections were consistent.

"Over the past seven years, there has been wider adoption of CAR T-cell therapies as a standard treatment for patients, and the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to administer the therapies safely and effectively has grown," said Dr. Jiasheng Wang, Assistant Professor of Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. "This real-world analysis reflects a growing understanding in clinical tools such as prophylactic and preemptive management strategies that can help manage axi-cel patients safely and effectively."

Abstract #4505
Health-related quality of life after Axi-cel as a second-line therapy in patients with high-risk relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplantation: results of the ALYCANTE phase II trial

New HRQoL findings from the Phase 2 ALYCANTE study, led and sponsored by the French collaborative group LYSA/LYSARC, for use of Yescarta in patients with R/R LBCL after one prior line of therapy who were deemed ineligible for high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), demonstrated that after a short initial deterioration at one-month post-infusion, patients reported longer-term stable or improved quality of life across parameters, after up to 12 months of follow-up.

Findings from 61 patients included in the ALYCANTE study reported a lower symptomatic level, noted by lower HRQoL, at three months compared to baseline, with a clinically significant difference for pain (mean=11.9 [95% CI, 5.4-18.4] at three months vs. 25.1 [95% CI, 17.7-32.6] at baseline), emotional impact (mean=12.9 [95% CI, 8.6-17.2] vs. 23.8 [95% CI, 17.9-29.6]) and worries/fears about health and functioning (mean=22.1 [95% CI, 16.8-27.3] vs. 33.0 [95% CI, 27.2-38.8]).

At three months post Yescarta infusion, 45% of patients presented a stable global health condition and 73% stable physical functioning. In the longer-term, at 12 months post-infusion, patients reported stable states, with clinically and statistically significant improvement in 4/22 HRQoL measures. Analyses confirmed findings observed over time for global health status, physical functioning and visual analogue scale (VAS, common valuation method to provide a single-index measure of HRQoL) were consistent between both the ALYCANTE and pivotal ZUMA-7 study.

"ALYCANTE is the first study to assess axi-cel as second-line therapy in transplant-ineligible relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma patients, with previous study findings confirming its efficacy in this patient population," said Prof. Roch Houot, Head of Haematology Department, University Hospital of Rennes, France and coordinator of the ALYCANTE study. "This current study shows that, in this frail and elderly population, axi-cel not only increased the quantity of life but also improved the quality of life which was comparable to that of the transplant-eligible patients, and allowed recovery of a fatigue score close to the general French population."

About LBCL

Globally, LBCL is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma . In the United States, more than 18,000 people are diagnosed with LBCL each year. About 30-40% of patients with LBCL will need second-line treatment, as their cancer will either relapse (return) or become refractory (not respond) to initial treatment.

About ALYCANTE study

ALYCANTE (NCT04531046) is a phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Yescarta in patients with R/R LBCL after one prior line of therapy who were deemed ineligible for high-dose chemotherapy and ASCT, sponsored by the LYSA/LYSARC collaborative group. The primary endpoint was the complete metabolic response at three months from Yescarta infusion. The study was funded by Kite, a Gilead Company, and carried out with Yescarta manufactured by Kite.

About ZUMA-7 Study

Based on the primary efficacy endpoint results of ZUMA-7, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved Yescarta as initial treatment of R/R LBCL in April 2022. The EU granted approval in October 2022, followed by approvals in several other countries such as: Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Israel, Japan and Switzerland.

ZUMA-7 is a randomized, open-label, global, multicenter, Phase 3 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of Yescarta versus standard of care (SOC) for second-line therapy in adult patients with relapsed or refractory LBCL within 12 months of first-line therapy. The SOC for initial treatment of R/R LBCL has been a multi-step process involving platinum-based salvage combination chemotherapy regimen, and for responders, HDT and ASCT. In the study, 359 patients in 77 centers around the world were randomized (1:1) to receive a single infusion of Yescarta or SOC second-line treatment. The primary endpoint was EFS as determined by blinded central review and defined as the time from randomization to the earliest date of disease progression per Lugano Classification, commencement of new lymphoma therapy, or death from any cause. Key secondary endpoints include objective response rate and OS. Additional secondary endpoints included patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and safety. Per hierarchical testing of primary and key secondary endpoints and group sequential testing of OS, an interim analysis of OS occurred at the time of the primary EFS.

About Yescarta

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

YESCARTA is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of:

Adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or that relapses within 12 months of first-line chemoimmunotherapy.
Adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, high grade B-cell lymphoma, and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma.

Limitations of Use: YESCARTA is not indicated for the treatment of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma.
Adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).
U.S. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES and SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA. Do not administer YESCARTA to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
Neurologic toxicities, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA, including concurrently with CRS or after CRS resolution. Monitor for neurologic toxicities after treatment with YESCARTA. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids, as needed.
T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including YESCARTA.
YESCARTA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS Program.
CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME (CRS)

CRS, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with YESCARTA. CRS occurred in 90% (379/422) of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) receiving YESCARTA, including ≥ Grade 3 (Lee grading system1) CRS in 9%. CRS occurred in 93% (256/276) of patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including ≥ Grade 3 CRS in 9%. Among patients with LBCL who died after receiving YESCARTA, four had ongoing CRS events at the time of death. For patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1, the median time to onset of CRS was 2 days following infusion (range: 1 to 12 days) and the median duration of CRS was 7 days (range: 2 to 58 days). For patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7, the median time to onset of CRS was 3 days following infusion (range: 1 to 10 days) and the median duration was 7 days (range: 2 to 43 days).

CRS occurred in 84% (123/146) of patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL) in ZUMA-5, including ≥ Grade 3 CRS in 8%. Among patients with iNHL who died after receiving YESCARTA, one patient had an ongoing CRS event at the time of death. The median time to onset of CRS was 4 days (range: 1 to 20 days) and the median duration was 6 days (range: 1 to 27 days) for patients with iNHL.

Key manifestations of CRS (≥ 10%) in all patients combined included fever (85%), hypotension (40%), tachycardia (32%), chills (22%), hypoxia (20%), headache (15%), and fatigue (12%). Serious events that may be associated with CRS include, cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia), renal insufficiency, cardiac failure, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, capillary leak syndrome, multi-organ failure, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome (HLH/MAS) .

The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of CRS was assessed in two subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids for ongoing Grade 1 events. CRS occurred in 93% (38/41), including 2% (1/41) with Grade 3 CRS; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of CRS was 2 days (range: 1 to 8 days) and the median duration of CRS was 7 days (range: 2 to 16 days).

Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA. Thirty-one of the 39 patients (79%) developed CRS at which point the patients were managed with tocilizumab and/or therapeutic doses of corticosteroids with no patients developing Grade 3 or higher CRS. The median time to onset of CRS was 5 days (range: 1 to 15 days) and the median duration of CRS was 4 days (range: 1 to 10 days). Although there is no known mechanistic explanation, consider the risk and benefits of prophylactic corticosteroids in the context of pre-existing comorbidities for the individual patient and the potential for the risk of Grade 4 and prolonged neurologic toxicities.

Ensure that 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of YESCARTA. Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility following infusion for signs and symptoms of CRS. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for 4 weeks after infusion. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids as indicated.

NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES

Neurologic toxicities (including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome) that were fatal or life- threatening occurred. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (330/422) of all patients with NHL receiving YESCARTA, including ≥ Grade 3 in 25%. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 87% (94/108) of patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1, including ≥ Grade 3 in 31% and in 74% (124/168) of patients in ZUMA-7 including ≥ Grade 3 in 25%. The median time to onset was 4 days (range: 1-43 days) and the median duration was 17 days for patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1. The median time to onset for neurologic toxicity was 5 days (range:1- 133 days) and median duration was 15 days in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 77% (112/146) of patients with iNHL, including ≥ Grade 3 in 21%. The median time to onset was 6 days (range: 1-79 days) and the median duration was 16 days. Ninety-eight percent of all neurologic toxicities in patients with LBCL and 99% of all neurologic toxicities in patients with iNHL occurred within the first 8 weeks of YESCARTA infusion. Neurologic toxicities occurred within the first 7 days of infusion for 87% of affected patients with LBCL and 74% of affected patients with iNHL.

The most common neurologic toxicities (≥ 10%) in all patients combined included encephalopathy (50%), headache (43%), tremor (29%), dizziness (21%), aphasia (17%), delirium (15%), and insomnia (10%). Prolonged encephalopathy lasting up to 173 days was noted. Serious events, including aphasia, leukoencephalopathy, dysarthria, lethargy, and seizures occurred. Fatal and serious cases of cerebral edema and encephalopathy, including late-onset encephalopathy, have occurred.

The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of neurologic toxicities was assessed in 2 subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received corticosteroids at the onset of Grade 1 toxicities, neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (32/41) and 20% (8/41) had Grade 3 neurologic toxicities; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 6 days (range: 1-93 days) with a median duration of 8 days (range: 1-144 days). Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA. Of those patients, 85% (33/39) developed neurologic toxicities, 8% (3/39) developed Grade 3, and 5% (2/39) developed Grade 4 neurologic toxicities. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 6 days (range: 1-274 days) with a median duration of 12 days (range: 1-107 days). Prophylactic corticosteroids for management of CRS and neurologic toxicities may result in higher grade of neurologic toxicities or prolongation of neurologic toxicities, delay the onset and decrease the duration of CRS.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility, and for 4 weeks thereafter, and treat promptly.

REMS

Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, YESCARTA is available only through a restricted program called the YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS Program which requires that: Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer YESCARTA must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements and must have on-site, immediate access to a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab for each patient for infusion within 2 hours after YESCARTA infusion, if needed for treatment of CRS. Certified healthcare facilities must ensure that healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer YESCARTA are trained about the management of CRS and neurologic toxicities. Further information is available at www.YescartaTecartusREMS.com or 1-844-454-KITE (5483).

HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS

Allergic reactions, including serious hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis, may occur with the infusion of YESCARTA.

SERIOUS INFECTIONS

Severe or life-threatening infections occurred. Infections (all grades) occurred in 45% of patients with NHL. Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in 17% of patients, including ≥ Grade 3 or higher infections with an unspecified pathogen in 12%, bacterial infections in 5%, viral infections in 3%, and fungal infections in 1%. YESCARTA should not be administered to patients with clinically significant active systemic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to local guidelines.

Febrile neutropenia was observed in 36% of all patients with NHL and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated.

In immunosuppressed patients, including those who have received YESCARTA, life-threatening and fatal opportunistic infections including disseminated fungal infections (e.g., candida sepsis and aspergillus infections) and viral reactivation (e.g., human herpes virus-6 [HHV-6] encephalitis and JC virus progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [PML]) have been reported. The possibility of HHV-6 encephalitis and PML should be considered in immunosuppressed patients with neurologic events and appropriate diagnostic evaluations should be performed. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against B cells, including YESCARTA. Perform screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.

PROLONGED CYTOPENIAS

Patients may exhibit cytopenias for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and YESCARTA infusion. ≥ Grade 3 cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following YESCARTA infusion occurred in 39% of all patients with NHL and included neutropenia (33%), thrombocytopenia (13%), and anemia (8%). Monitor blood counts after infusion.

HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA

B-cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse reaction in 14% of all patients with NHL. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment and manage using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement. The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following YESCARTA treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during YESCARTA treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment.

SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES

Patients treated with YESCARTA may develop secondary malignancies. T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including YESCARTA. Mature T cell malignancies, including CAR-positive tumors, may present as soon as weeks following infusion, and may include fatal outcomes.

Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Kite at 1-844-454-KITE (5483) to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing.

EFFECTS ON ABILITY TO DRIVE AND USE MACHINES

Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following YESCARTA infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, during this initial period.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7 included fever, CRS, fatigue, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, diarrhea, headache, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, febrile neutropenia, chills, cough, infection with unspecified pathogen, dizziness, tremor, decreased appetite, edema, hypoxia, abdominal pain, aphasia, constipation, and vomiting.

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1 included CRS, fever, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, chills, diarrhea, febrile neutropenia, infections with pathogen unspecified, nausea, hypoxia, tremor, cough, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, and cardiac arrhythmias.

The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with iNHL in ZUMA-5 included fever, CRS, hypotension, encephalopathy, fatigue, headache, infections with pathogen unspecified, tachycardia, febrile neutropenia, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, tremor, chills, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, cough, vomiting, hypoxia, arrhythmia, and dizziness.

2024 ASH Oral Presentation—-Abbisko presents promising preliminary phase 2 study results of pimicotinib in the treatment of Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (cGvHD) at the 66th ASH Annual Meeting

On December 8, 2024 Abbisko Therapeutics (HKEX: 02256) reported the presentation of preliminary Phase 2 study results for pimicotinib (ABSK021) in patients with chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (cGvHD) who have either progressed or not responded to one or more prior lines of therapy (Press release, Abbisko Therapeutics, DEC 8, 2024, View Source [SID1234648878]). The presentation took place at the 66th ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Conference, held December 7-10, 2024, in San Diego, California. Despite most enrolled patients having not yet completed the 6-month treatment cycle required for cGvHD response evaluation, preliminary data from the subset of patients receiving 20mg QD shows that pimicotinib achieved an ORR of 64%.

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As of November 22, 2024, a preliminary 64% ORR was observed in the subset of patients receiving pimicotinib 20mg QD, with responses observed in all affected organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, eyes, liver, joints and fascia, esophagus, skin, and lungs.

In many patients with cGvHD, pulmonary manifestations, such as shortness of breath and diminished lung function, can occur and finally be diagnosed as cGvHD-associated BOS (Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome), which is one of the major challenges in the treatment of cGvHD urgently requiring new therapies. During the oral presentation, researchers highlighted specific lung response results in six subjects at the latest data cut-off: one subject achieved an 11% increase in FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second), one subject’s FEV1 recovered to more than 75% after treatment thereby returning to normal levels, and the remaining four subjects saw improvements in the NIH Lung score with significant improvements in shortness of breath. Together, data demonstrate the clinical efficacy of pimicotinib for the treatment of cGvHD-associated BOS.

As of the November 22, 2024 data cut-off, the majority of enrolled patients have not yet completed the 6-month treatment cycle to determine the primary endpoint of the study, suggesting the possibility of improved outcomes with longer-term treatment with pimicotinib. The results show that pimicotinib demonstrated robust clinical efficacy and is well tolerated in heavily pre-treated patients with cGvHD. Rapid and durable responses were observed across both inflammation-dominated and fibrosis-dominated organs, accompanied by patient-reported reductions in organ-specific symptom burden. The majority of adverse events were Grade 1 and reversible. Based on latest clinical experience, pimicotinib represents a potentially promising and novel therapeutic option for the management of cGvHD.

About Pimicotinib (ABSK021)

Pimicotinib (ABSK021), which is being independently developed by Abbisko Therapeutics, is a novel, orally administered, highly selective, and potent small-molecule inhibitor of CSF-1R. Pimicotinib has been granted breakthrough therapy designations (BTD) by China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and priority medicine (PRIME) designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of patients with TGCT that are not amenable to surgery. Pimicotinib is also currently being evaluated for the treatment of patients with chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease.

Jacobio Pharma Presented preliminary Data on BET Inhibitor for Myelofibrosis at 2024 ASH

On December 8, 2024 Jacobio Pharma (1167.HK), a clinical-stage oncology company dedicated to developing therapies toward undruggable targets, reported preliminary Phase I data of BET inhibitor JAB-8263 to treat myelofibrosis (MF) at the 2024 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) (American Society of Hematology) Annual Meeting in San Diego, California (Press release, Jacobio Pharmaceuticals, DEC 8, 2024, View Source [SID1234648879]).

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The data showed that JAB-8263 was well tolerated with Recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D) being 0.3mg QD. The preliminary efficacy data for JAB-8263 monotherapy in MF are promising, as most patients demonstrated spleen volume reduction (SVR) and total symptom score (TSS) reduction.

As of the data cutoff date of Oct 17, 2024, 16 patients with intermediate-/high-risk MF have been enrolled, and 13 patients have undergone at least one post-treatment efficacy assessment.

All patients showed a mean SVR-19.95%at week 24 and -26.16% at best response.
Two patients achieved ≥35% SVR, and an SVR of -34.9% was observed in one patient.
Six of ten (60%) patients experienced a ≥50% reduction in TSS at week 24.
The best response of SVR in 2 of 8 patients (JAK inhibitors-treated) was -41.2% and -34.9%, respectively.
At week 24, 3 of 6 (50%) patients (JAK inhibitors-treated) achieved TSS50.
The monotherapy of JAB-8263 expansion in MF and solid tumor is ongoing. Andrea Wang-Gillam M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer and Global Head of R&D at Jacobio said, "The preliminary data demonstrated the promising clinical value of our potent BET inhibitor in MF. We will continue exploring for broader indications for JAB-8263, hoping to bring hope to more cancer patients."

Agios Presents Positive Results from Phase 3 ENERGIZE-T Study of Mitapivat at ASH 2024 and Provides Regulatory Update on Mitapivat

On December 8, 2024 Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGIO), a leader in cellular metabolism and pyruvate kinase (PK) activation pioneering therapies for rare diseases, reported positive results from the Phase 3 ENERGIZE-T study investigating mitapivat, an oral, small molecule PK activator, in adults with transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia (Press release, Agios Pharmaceuticals, DEC 8, 2024, View Source [SID1234648861]). These findings were shared in an oral presentation (abstract #409) at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego, California.

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Thalassemia is a rare inherited blood disorder caused by genetic mutations that lead to a reduced production of healthy hemoglobin, compromising red blood cell development, health and survival, and resulting in chronic anemia. Patients with thalassemia often experience a range of debilitating complications, both from the disease itself and as secondary effects of common management strategies such as blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy, including organ damage, stroke, and other serious health issues.

In the ENERGIZE-T trial, mitapivat demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in transfusion burden compared to placebo in patients with transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia, achieving its primary endpoint. Additionally, the ENERGIZE-T study met all the key secondary endpoints, with mitapivat demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in additional measures of transfusion reduction response compared to placebo. In June 2024, Agios also presented positive results from the Phase 3 ENERGIZE study, which evaluated mitapivat in adults with non-transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia.

"Treatment options for patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia are extremely limited, and transfusions carry serious risks, such as iron overload, infections and immune reactions. There is a significant need for alternative treatments to manage this debilitating disease," said Maria Domenica Cappellini, M.D., professor, Internal Medicine, University of Milan, Italy. "The strong Phase 3 ENERGIZE-T results build on the positive findings from the Phase 3 ENERGIZE study in patients with non-transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia presented earlier this year, pointing to mitapivat as a potential transformative advancement in thalassemia care."

Phase 3 ENERGIZE-T Study Results
ENERGIZE-T is a Phase 3, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled and multicenter 48-week study. A total of 258 patients were enrolled in the study worldwide, with 171 patients randomized to mitapivat 100 mg twice-daily (BID) and 87 patients randomized to matched placebo.

The study’s primary endpoint of transfusion reduction response (TRR) was defined as a ≥50% reduction in transfused red blood cell (RBC) units with a reduction of ≥2 units of transfused RBCs in any consecutive 12-week period through Week 48 compared with baseline. A TRR was achieved by 30.4% (n=52/171) of patients in the mitapivat arm compared to 12.6% (n=11/87) of patients in the placebo arm (2-sided p=0.0003).

Additionally, mitapivat demonstrated statistically significant reductions in transfusion burden compared with placebo as measured by the three key secondary endpoints of transfusion reduction response reflective of durability of response up to 36 weeks during the 48-week double-blind period. The key secondary endpoint TRR2, defined as a ≥50% reduction in transfused RBC units in any consecutive 24-week period through Week 48 compared with baseline, was achieved in 13.5% (n=23/171) versus 2.3% (n=2/87) of patients in the mitapivat and placebo arms, respectively (2-sided p=0.0003). The key secondary endpoints TRR3 and TRR4 were defined as a ≥33% and ≥50% reduction in transfused RBC units, respectively, from Week 13 through Week 48 compared with baseline. TRR3 was achieved in 14.6% (n=25/171) versus 1.1% (n=1/87) of patients in the mitapivat and placebo arms, respectively (2-sided p<0.0001), and TRR4 was achieved in 7.6% (n=13/171) versus 1.1% (n=1/87) of patients in the mitapivat and placebo arms, respectively (2-sided p=0.0056).

The results for the primary and key secondary endpoints were not driven by any of the individual prespecified subgroups, including but not limited to genotype and baseline transfusion burden, highlighting the overall robustness of the efficacy results.

Further, 17 patients (9.9%) in the mitapivat arm compared with one patient (1.1%) in the placebo arm achieved the secondary endpoint of transfusion independence (transfusion-free for 8 or more consecutive weeks through Week 48). Three patients in the mitapivat arm did not receive any transfusions during the 48-week double-blind period.

Overall, during the 48-week double-blind period, incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar across the mitapivat and placebo arms. The proportion of patients with any treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was 90.1% (n=155) in patients on mitapivat and 83.5% (n=71) in patients on placebo. The most frequent TEAEs that occurred in at least 10% of patients on mitapivat were headache, upper respiratory tract infection, initial insomnia, diarrhea and fatigue. Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 11.0% (n=19) and 15.3% (n=13) of patients on mitapivat and placebo, respectively; 2.3% (n=4) and 1.2% (n=1), respectively, were considered treatment-related. There were 5.8% (n=10) of patients on mitapivat and 1.2% (n=1) on placebo with TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation. The TEAEs leading to discontinuation of mitapivat, each of which occurred in one patient, were diarrhea, paresthesia oral, concurrent anxiety and insomnia, initial insomnia, supraventricular tachycardia, fatigue, hypertransaminasemia, hepatitis C, hepatic cancer, and renal mass. The TEAE that led to discontinuation of the one patient on placebo was blood creatine phosphokinase increased.

Mitapivat Thalassemia Regulatory Next Steps
Currently, there are no disease-modifying therapies approved to treat the full spectrum of patients with thalassemia across transfusion requirements and genotypes. The standard of care for thalassemia remains centered on supportive care to address symptoms through transfusions, splenectomy, and/or iron chelation therapy, none of which address the underlying pathophysiology of the disease.

Based on the favorable benefit-risk profile observed in both the Phase 3 ENERGIZE and ENERGIZE-T studies, Agios filed regulatory applications for mitapivat (PYRUKYND) for the treatment of adult patients with non-transfusion-dependent and transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia with the U.S., European Union, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates health authorities.

The Phase 3 ENERGIZE and ENERGIZE-T trials enrolled a total of 452 patients reflective of the real-world thalassemia population. The results demonstrated that mitapivat improves hemolytic anemia and quality-of-life related measures, as measured by significant reductions in transfusion burden and significant improvements in hemoglobin and fatigue.

The primary and all the key secondary efficacy endpoints were met, demonstrating the efficacy of mitapivat compared with placebo in the treatment of adult patients with non-transfusion-dependent and transfusion-dependent alpha- or beta-thalassemia.
Overall, the incidence of AEs was similar for patients on mitapivat and patients on placebo. There were 4.7% (n=14) of patients on mitapivat and 0.7% (n=1) of patients on placebo with TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation across the two studies.
Two of 301 patients (0.66%) on mitapivat experienced AEs of hepatocellular injury within the first six months of exposure leading to treatment discontinuation. Liver tests improved following discontinuation of mitapivat. Based on the data from the ENERGIZE and ENERGIZE-T studies, Agios included, in its regulatory applications, hepatocellular injury as an important potential risk of mitapivat in patients with thalassemia and proposed monthly monitoring of liver tests for the first six months of treatment with mitapivat. In addition, mitapivat clinical trial protocols across all indications have been updated to incorporate similar monitoring.
"Informed by the robust data from both the Phase 3 ENERGIZE and ENERGIZE-T trials, we believe mitapivat has demonstrated an overall favorable benefit-risk profile in all subtypes of thalassemia, a disease where patients face debilitating challenges and have limited or no treatment options," said Sarah Gheuens, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer and head of R&D at Agios. "We are confident that this comprehensive data package will highlight mitapivat’s effectiveness in treating patients with thalassemia with the convenience of an oral medication. We look forward to collaborating with regulators with the goal of bringing this novel therapy to patients with thalassemia as quickly as possible."

Investor Event at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2024
Agios will host a live and webcast investor event with the company’s leadership team and medical experts. The event will take place on Monday, December 9, in San Diego, starting at 7:00 a.m. PT (10:00 a.m. ET). The webcast will be accessible on the Investors section of the company’s website (www.agios.com) under the "Events & Presentations" tab. The archived webcast will be available on the company’s website approximately two hours after the event.

About PYRUKYND (mitapivat)
PYRUKYND is a pyruvate kinase activator indicated for the treatment of hemolytic anemia in adults with pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency in the United States, and for the treatment of PK deficiency in adult patients in the European Union.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Acute Hemolysis: Acute hemolysis with subsequent anemia has been observed following abrupt interruption or discontinuation of PYRUKYND in a dose-ranging study. Avoid abruptly discontinuing PYRUKYND. Gradually taper the dose of PYRUKYND to discontinue treatment if possible. When discontinuing treatment, monitor patients for signs of acute hemolysis and anemia including jaundice, scleral icterus, dark urine, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, or shortness of breath.

Adverse Reactions: Serious adverse reactions occurred in 10% of patients receiving PYRUKYND in the ACTIVATE trial, including atrial fibrillation, gastroenteritis, rib fracture, and musculoskeletal pain, each of which occurred in 1 patient. In the ACTIVATE trial, the most common adverse reactions including laboratory abnormalities (≥10%) in patients with PK deficiency were estrone decreased (males), increased urate, back pain, estradiol decreased (males), and arthralgia.

Drug Interactions:

Strong CYP3A Inhibitors and Inducers: Avoid concomitant use.
Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors: Do not titrate PYRUKYND beyond 20 mg twice daily.
Moderate CYP3A Inducers: Consider alternatives that are not moderate inducers. If there are no alternatives, adjust PYRUKYND dosage.
Sensitive CYP3A, CYP2B6, CYP2C Substrates Including Hormonal Contraceptives: Avoid concomitant use with substrates that have narrow therapeutic index.
UGT1A1 Substrates: Avoid concomitant use with substrates that have narrow therapeutic index.
P-gp Substrates: Avoid concomitant use with substrates that have narrow therapeutic index.
Hepatic Impairment: Avoid use of PYRUKYND in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment.

Please see full Prescribing Information and Summary of Product Characteristics for PYRUKYND.