On February 12, 2018 Celsion Corporation reported that an abstract discussing the Company’s Phase III HEAT study evaluating ThermoDox in combination with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was one of six selected for presentation as part of the lecture of the Presidential Selection at the Korean Liver Cancer Association’s 12th Annual Scientific Meeting in Seoul, South Korea (Press release, Celsion, FEB 12, 2018, View Source [SID1234523908]). ThermoDox is Celsion’s proprietary, heat-activated liposomal encapsulation of doxorubicin for the treatment of primary liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC. The presentation was given on February 9, 2018, by Won Young Tak, M.D., Ph.D., Professor Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Kyungpook National University Hospital Daegu, Republic of Korea, and a lead investigator for the HEAT Study and the Company’s ongoing second Phase III study of ThermoDox in combination with RFA, the OPTIMA Study.

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"RFA duration appears to be a critically important factor in treating patients with ThermoDox," said Dr. Tak. "Findings from the HEAT Study suggest that ThermoDox plus standardized RFA has the potential to significantly prolong the survival of, and perhaps cure, patients with liver cancer. This is a disease state with a high mortality rate and an urgent need for treatment options that can meaningfully improve patient survival. Interest in the HEAT Study and the potential for improved outcomes with ThermoDox plus standardized RAF remains of great interest to the treatment community, as evidenced by the academic committee’s selection. Validation of this approach would represent a meaningful advance for this potential new treatment option, and the ongoing OPTIMA Study, if successful, would represent a significant step forward toward providing a potential new treatment for patients with HCC."

The abstract titled, "Phase III HEAT Study Adding Lyso-Thermosensitive Liposomal Doxorubicin to Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Lesions," and Dr. Tak’s discussion, detailed learnings from the Company’s 701-patient HEAT Study and included results from simulation studies and findings from the post hoc subgroup analysis. Dr. Tak noted that key findings from the study and analyses of ThermoDox plus RFA suggested that the therapeutic effect of ThermoDox plus RFA may be improved when the RFA dwell time for solitary lesions is greater than or equal to 45 minutes. The HEAT study and post-hoc analyses are published in the October 2017 issue of Clinical Cancer Research, at:
View Source

Developed in consultation with leading primary liver cancer researchers, and statistical and regulatory experts, Celsion is conducting the Phase III OPTIMA Study, a global, pivotal, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (Clinical Trials.gov NCT021126560) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ThermoDox in combination with RFA standardized to a minimum of 45 minutes across all investigators and sites for treating lesions 3 to 7 centimeters, versus standardized RFA alone. Enrollment in the OPTIMA Study at year-end 2017 reached 74% of the 550 patients necessary to ensure that its primary endpoint, overall survival, can be evaluated with statistical significance. The statistical plan for the OPTIMA Study calls for two interim efficacy analyses by the independent Data Monitoring Committee. The Company currently expects enrollment completion during the third quarter of 2018 and the first pre-planned efficacy analysis in the first half of 2019.

Upcoming Symposium at International Liver Congress 2018

Celsion also reported that it will be sponsoring an HCC symposium on April 12, 2018, at the International Liver Congress 2018, in Paris, France. The International Liver Congress is an annual conference put on by EASL (The European Association for the Study of the Liver). The conference is being held from April 11-15 2018 in Paris. Participating in the symposium are liver cancer experts, Riccardo Lencioni, M.D., FSIR, EBIR, former professor at the University of Pisa School of Medicine and Ghassan K Abou-Alfa, M.D., a board-certified medical oncologist, specializing in primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), pancreas, gallbladder, and bile duct tumors, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Additional details about the symposium will be made available prior to the conference.

"With incidence and prevalence rates of 32 and 114 cases per 100,000, respectively, HCC is an enormous problem in South Korea, the importance of which is reinforced by the Korean Liver Association’s dedication to improving care for patients with this life limiting disease. Selection of the HEAT Study’s findings that ThermoDox, combined with well controlled RFA, has the potential to be curative and is being investigated in our current OPTIMA Study, compliments the search for medical advances that the South Korean medical community has been recognized for worldwide," said Michael H. Tardugno, Celsion’s chairman, chief executive officer and president. "Similarly in Europe, the OPTIMA Study, and the data supporting its "intent to cure" thesis, will be presented and discussed by internationally recognized HCC experts, Dr. Lencioni and Dr. Abou-Alfa. We look forward to advancing our Phase III OPTIMA Study and a first look at data early next year."

About the OPTIMA Study

The Phase III OPTIMA Study is expected to enroll up to 550 patients in up to 70 clinical sites in the United States, Europe, China and Asia Pacific, and will evaluate ThermoDox in combination with optimized RFA, which will be standardized to a minimum of 45 minutes across all investigators and clinical sites for treating lesions three to seven centimeters, versus optimized RFA alone. The primary endpoint for the trial is Overall Survival, which is supported by post-hoc analysis of data from the Company’s 701 patient HEAT Study, where optimized RFA has demonstrated the potential to significantly improve survival when combined with ThermoDox. The statistical plan calls for two interim efficacy analyses by an independent Data Monitoring Committee.

ThermoDox has received U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation and has been granted orphan drug designation for primary liver cancer in both the U.S. and Europe. Further, the U.S. FDA has provided ThermoDox with a 505(b)(2) registration pathway. Subject to a successful trial, the OPTIMA Study has been designed to support registration in all key primary liver cancer markets. Celsion fully expects to submit registrational applications in the USA, Europe and China. The Company believes that applications will be accepted in South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam, three other large and important markets for ThermoDox subject to approval in Europe, China or the USA.

About ThermoDox

Celsion’s most advanced program is a heat-mediated, tumor-targeting drug delivery technology that employs a novel heat-sensitive liposome engineered to address a range of difficult-to-treat cancers. The first application of this platform is ThermoDox, a lyso-thermosensitive liposomal doxorubicin (LTLD), whose novel mechanism of action delivers high concentrations of doxorubicin to a region targeted with the application of localized heat at 40°C, just above body temperature. In one of its most advanced applications, ThermoDox, when combined with radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA), has the potential to address a range of cancers. For example, RFA in combination with ThermoDox has been shown to expand the "treatment zone" with a margin of highly concentrated chemotherapy when treating individual primary liver cancer lesions. The goal of this application is to significantly improve efficacy.

Celsion’s LTLD technology leverages two mechanisms of tumor biology to deliver higher concentrations of drug directly to the tumor site. The first: Rapidly growing tumors have leaky vasculature, which is permeable to liposomes and enables their accumulation within tumors. Leaky vasculature influences a number of factors within the tumor, including the access of therapeutic agents to tumor cells. Administered intravenously, LTLD is engineered to allow significant accumulation of liposomes at the tumor site at the time of radiofrequency ablation as these liposomes recirculate in the blood stream. The second: When the tumor tissue is heated to a temperature of 40°C or greater, the heat-sensitive liposome rapidly changes structure and the liposomal membrane selectively dissolves, creating openings that release the chemotherapeutic agent directly into the tumor and into the surrounding vasculature. Drug concentration increases as a function of the accumulation of liposomes at the tumor site, but only where the heat is present. This method targets only the tumor and the area related to tumor invasion, supporting precise drug targeting.

On February 12, 2018 Advaxis, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADXS), a late-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of immunotherapy products, reported that data from an earlier Phase 2 clinical study of axalimogene filolisbac (ADXS11-001) as a treatment for persistent or recurrent metastatic (squamous or non-squamous cell) carcinoma of the cervix (PRmCC) was accepted for publication in the May edition of peer-reviewed International Journal of Gynecological Cancer (Press release, Advaxis, FEB 12, 2018, View Source [SID1234523905]). The article is titled, "A Randomized Phase 2 Study of ADXS11-001 Listeria monocytogenes-Listeriolysin O Immunotherapy With or Without Cisplatin in Treatment of Advanced Cervical Cancer."

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This multicenter, randomized Phase 2 study conducted in India compared axalimogene filolisbac as a monotherapy with axalimogene filolisbac in combination with chemotherapy (cisplatin) in 110 patients with PRmCC. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and patients were followed every three months for up to 18 months for tumor response and survival status.

The 12-month OS rate was approximately 35% (n = 38/109). Median OS was 8.28 months in the axalimogene filolisbac monotherapy arm and 8.78 months in the combination arm (p=non-significant). Overall, approximately 25% of patients (n = 27/109) reached the 18-month survival milestone. There were 3 confirmed complete responses (RECIST 1.1) and 1 confirmed partial response.

The most commonly reported treatment related adverse events were mild-to-moderate and related to cytokine release symptoms (chills, fever, vomiting and nausea), consistent with the observed safety profile in later clinical studies.

"These compelling results led to the conduct of the Phase 2 GOG-0265 study, where the 12-month OS rate with axalimogene filolisbac was subsequently replicated in a more heavily-pretreated PRmCC population in the U.S. In addition, these data are supportive of our upcoming planned submission of a conditional Marketing Authorization Application with the European Medicines Agency for axalimogene filolisbac for the treatment for metastatic cervical cancer, and give us added confidence in our immunotherapy as a treatment for these patients with limited treatment options," stated Anthony Lombardo, interim Chief Executive Officer of Advaxis.

About Axalimogene Filolisbac

Axalimogene filolisbac is a targeted Listeria monocytogenes (Lm)-based immunotherapy that attacks HPV-associated cancers by altering a live strain of Lm bacteria to generate cancer-fighting T cells against cancer antigens while neutralizing the tumor’s natural protections that guard the tumor microenvironment from immunologic attack. In a Phase 2 trial evaluating axalimogene filolisbac for the treatment of PRmCC, the product candidate showed a 12-month overall survival rate of 38% observed in 50 patients in the trial. This is a 55% improvement over an expected, model-predicted, 12-month survival rate of 24.5%.

Axalimogene filolisbac has achieved multiple regulatory milestones, including classification as an EMA advanced therapy-medicinal product for the treatment of cervical cancer, receipt of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Fast Track Designation as an adjuvant therapy for treating high-risk, locally advanced cervical cancer (HRLACC), receipt of a Special Protocol Assessment agreement with the FDA for the Phase 3 AIM2CERV trial, and orphan drug designations in three HPV-associated indications (PRmCC, head and neck, and anal cancer).

On February 12, 2018 MabVax Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: MBVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of antibody-based products to address unmet medical needs in the treatment of cancer, reported positive interim results from the Company’s ongoing Phase 1 trial evaluating MVT-5873 in combination with standard of care chemotherapy in patients newly diagnosed with pancreatic and other CA19-9 positive malignancies (Press release, MabVax, FEB 12, 2018, View Source [SID1234523919]). At the dose tested, all six patients in the cohort had meaningful reductions in tumor volume by RECIST.

In the Phase 1 study, MabVax’s MVT-5873, a fully human antibody, was given in combination with nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine to patients newly diagnosed with CA19-9 positive pancreatic cancer. MVT-5873 at a dose of 0.125 mg/kg when added to first-line chemotherapy was generally well tolerated by all subjects. The Company reported that all six patients had measurable tumor reductions, with four patients meeting the criteria for partial response (PR) and two patients meeting the criteria for stable disease (SD). These results help confirm results reported from a group of patients treated earlier. Patient CA19-9 levels, which are a prognostic indicator of the disease state, were markedly reduced in all subjects with this combination therapy. The Company plans to enroll additional patients at this dose to further explore safety and potential response.

"We are highly encouraged by the continued positive response across all of the initial patients at this dose of MVT-5873. We are enrolling additional patients at this dose level to confirm our early clinical results with a goal to determine if these clinically meaningful initial results can continue to be replicated in a larger patient population. With additional confirmatory data, we could establish the potential of combining MVT-5873 with first line therapy in very difficult to treat cancer patients," commented David Hansen, MabVax’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

This Phase 1 clinical trial is an open-label, multi-center nonrandomized study evaluating the safety and recommended Phase 2 dose of MVT-5873 in combination with a standard of care chemotherapy in subjects with pancreatic and other CA19-9 positive malignancies. Secondary objectives include evaluating tumor response rate by RECIST 1.1, duration of response, and to determine pharmacokinetics. This study utilizes a conventional 3+3 design to identify the recommended Phase 2 dose. Dr. Eileen O’Reilly, Associate Director of the David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, attending physician, member at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College is the lead investigator in the MVT-5873 Phase 1 clinical trial.

For additional information about the Phase 1 MVT-5873 clinical trial, please visit clinicaltrials.gov, and reference Identifier NCT 02672917.

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On February 12, 2018 Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE:CFBI), a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs that address liver and inflammatory diseases, reported that pre-clinical studies show Namodenoson’s novel mechanism of action which entails de-regulation of 3 key signaling pathways which mediate the etiology and pathology of NAFLD/NASH and are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic effect in the liver (Press release, Can-Fite BioPharma, FEB 12, 2018, View Source [SID1234524644]).

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Pre-clinical studies were conducted in hepato-stellate cells in vitro and in an experimental NASH CCL4 model, showing that in both systems, the molecular mechanism of action of Namodenoson was conferred by decreased expression levels of the signaling protein phosphoinositol-3-phosphate (PI3K) which controls 3 downstream signal transduction pathways, the Wnt, NF-kB and α-SMA, which control liver inflammation and liver fibrosis. The detailed data is scheduled to be presented at the 2018 International Liver Congress (ILC), which is the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) (View Source).

The Company is currently conducting a Phase II trial with its drug candidate Namodenoson for the treatment of 60 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). There is currently no U.S. FDA approved drug for the treatment of NASH, which is an addressable pharmaceutical market estimated to reach $35-40 billion by 2025. Can-Fite’s 12-week study has been designed by leading Key Opinion Leaders in the area of NASH and liver diseases in the US including the company CAB members, Dr. Scott Friedman, Chief of the Division of Liver Diseases at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York; Dr. Arun Sanayal, Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Molecular Pathology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine; Dr. Rifaat Safadi, Head of the Liver Unit, Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Division of Medicine at Hadassah Medical Center and Dr. Stephen A. Harrison, the Medical Director of Pinnacle Clinical Research.

Namodenoson has been tested in over 100 subjects with other liver diseases, with clinical data suggesting a very favorable safety profile.

"We believe that the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic effects of Namodenoson, together with the favorable safety profile to date make it a promising drug candidate for the treatment of NAFLD/NASH," stated Prof. Rifaat Safadi.

About NAFLD/NASH

NAFLD is characterized by excess fat accumulation in the form of triglycerides (steatosis) in the liver. According to a study published in Hepatology, an estimated 17%-33% of the population in the U.S. has NAFLD, with a higher prevalence in people with type II diabetes. Incidence is increasing based on rising obesity rates. NAFLD includes a range of liver diseases, with NASH being the more advanced form, manifesting as hepatic injury and inflammation. According to the NIH, the incidence of NASH in the U.S. is believed to affect 2-5% of the population. The spectrum of NAFLDs resembles alcoholic liver disease; however, they occur in people who drink little or no alcohol. If untreated, NASH can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. By 2025, the addressable pharmaceutical market for NASH is estimated to reach $35-40 billion.

About Namodenoson (CF102)

Namodenoson is a small orally bioavailable drug that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). Namodenoson is being evaluated in Phase II trials for two indications, as a second line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, and as a treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A3AR is highly expressed in diseased cells whereas low expression is found in normal cells. This differential effect is believed to account for the excellent safety profile of the drug. Can-Fite has received Orphan Drug Designation for Namodenoson in Europe and the U.S., as well as Fast Track Status in the U.S. as a second line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma

On February 12, 2018 Clovis Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLVS) reported its fourth quarter and full year 2017 financial results on Monday, February 26, 2018, after the close of the U.S. financial markets (Press release, Clovis Oncology, FEB 12, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2331932 [SID1234523909]). Clovis’ senior management will host a conference call and live audio webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the company’s results in greater detail.

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The conference call is being webcast and can be accessed from the Clovis Oncology website at www.clovisoncology.com. A replay of the webcast will be available for 30 days.

Conference Call Details

Clovis will hold a conference call to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2017 results on February 26 at 4:30 p.m. ET. The conference call will be simultaneously webcast on the Company’s web site at www.clovisoncology.com, and archived for future review. Dial-in numbers for the conference call are as follows: US participants 866.489.9022, International participants 678.509.7575, conference ID: 3097118.