On December 17, 2018 BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative molecularly-targeted and immuno-oncology drugs for the treatment of cancer, reported that the first patients have been enrolled in two global Phase 3 clinical trials of its investigational anti-PD-1 antibody, tislelizumab (Press release, BeiGene, DEC 17, 2018, View Source;p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2380809 [SID1234532091]). These trials are evaluating tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy as potential first-line treatments in patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, and in patients with unresectable, locally advanced recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

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"Available data have shown promise for anti-PD-1 antibodies in patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma and in patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma. We are looking forward to investigating tislelizumab globally in these Phase 3 trials," said Amy Peterson, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Immuno-Oncology, at BeiGene. "Gastric and esophageal cancers are among the most common malignancies in Asia and collectively are responsible for over 800,000 deaths annually in China1 alone. We are hopeful that these global studies of tislelizumab may ultimately lead to improved treatment options for patients diagnosed with these malignancies."

Global Phase 3 Trial in Advanced Gastric or Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma

The global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial is designed to enroll 720 patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Patients will either receive 200 mg of tislelizumab or placebo combined with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, the standard chemotherapy treatment, intravenously once every three weeks.

The co-primary endpoints will be progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints include overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR) and quality of life (QoL), as well as safety and tolerability.

Global Phase 3 Trial in Advanced ESCC

The global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial is designed to enroll 480 patients with unresectable, locally advanced recurrent, or metastatic ESCC. Patients will either receive 200 mg of tislelizumab or placebo combined with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, intravenously once every three weeks.

The co-primary endpoints will be PFS and OS. Secondary endpoints include ORR, DOR, and QoL, as well as safety and tolerability.

For more information about these trials, patients and physicians should email BeiGene at [email protected].

About Tislelizumab
Tislelizumab (BGB-A317) is an investigational humanized IgG4 anti–PD-1 monoclonal antibody specifically designed to minimize binding to FcγR on macrophages. In pre-clinical studies, binding to FcγR on macrophages has been shown to compromise the anti-tumor activity of PD-1 antibodies through activation of antibody-dependent macrophage-mediated killing of T effector cells.

Discovered by BeiGene scientists, tislelizumab is being developed as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies for the treatment of a broad array of both solid tumor and hematologic cancers. The new drug application (NDA) for tislelizumab in China for patients with R/R cHL has been accepted by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA, formerly known as CFDA) and granted priority review status. BeiGene and Celgene Corporation have a global strategic collaboration for the development of tislelizumab in solid tumors in the United States, Europe, Japan, and the rest of world outside Asia.

On December 17, 2018 Horizon Pharma plc (Nasdaq: HZNP) reported that the company will participate in the 37th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference (Press release, Horizon Pharma, DEC 17, 2018, View Source [SID1234532092]). Timothy P. Walbert, chairman, president and chief executive officer, will present at 4:30 p.m. PT on Jan. 8, 2019.

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The conference presentation will be webcast live and may be accessed by visiting Horizon’s website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be available for the event.

On December 17, 2018 TG Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: TGTX) and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reported the publication of results from the multicenter Phase 1/1b trial of umbralisib (TGR-1202), TG Therapeutics’ novel once-daily PI3K delta inhibitor, in combination with ibrutinib, the oral Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, in Lancet Haematology (Press release, TG Therapeutics, DEC 17, 2018, View Source [SID1234532247]). This investigator-initiated trial was conducted at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and four additional academic and community sites across the USA in collaboration with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Blood Cancer Research Partnership with funding by TG Therapeutics. The publication includes safety and efficacy information from a total of 42 relapsed or refractory patients, 21 with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and 21 with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

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In this study, the combination of umbralisib and ibrutinib was well tolerated and consistent with the additive toxicity profile of the two drugs individually. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and the maximum-tolerated dose of umbralisib when combined with ibrutinib was not reached. The recommended phase 2 dose of umbralisib when given in combination with ibrutinib was 800 mg once daily. Importantly, serious immune-mediated toxicities were not observed with this combination, as had previously been reported with combinations of different agents targeting this pathway, with only one case of transient Grade 3 transaminitis and no Grade 3/4 colitis or pneumonitis. The combination of umbralisib and ibrutinib was also clinically active, with 90% of relapsed/refractory CLL patients achieving an overall response (n=19), of which 62% (n=13) achieved a partial response or partial response with lymphocytosis, and 29% (n=6) achieved a complete response. Of the 21 patients treated with MCL, 67% (n=14) achieved an overall response, of which 48% (n=10) achieved a partial response and 19% (n=4) achieved a complete response.

These data are described further in the manuscript entitled, "Umbralisib in combination with ibrutinib in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or mantle cell lymphoma: a multicenter phase 1–1b study," which was published today in Lancet Haematology. The online version of the article can be accessed at http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhae/article/PIIS2352-3026(18)30196-0/fulltext.

"Our study demonstrates for the first time that it is feasible to combine two agents targeting B cell receptor pathway kinases in patients with B cell malignancies," said Matthew Davids, MD, MMSc, Associate Director of the Center for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia at Dana-Farber. Dr. Davids continued, "We are particularly encouraged by the depth of response in the CLL patients, which compares favorably to historical data for ibrutinib monotherapy in this relapsed population. Our data support further exploration of dual BCR pathway blockade in CLL and other B cell malignancies."

Michael S. Weiss, the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated "We want to thank Dr. Davids and the team at Dana-Farber, and most importantly the patients who participated in this trial. We are excited to publish the first ever data evaluating the all oral combination of a PI3K delta inhibitor with a BTK inhibitor and believe this paper further highlights the favorable safety profile and combinability of umbralisib as compared to prior generation PI3k deltas. We believe these data support our plans to develop combinations utilizing umbralisib plus our BTK inhibitor, TG-1701, which has already demonstrated activity in patients in early clinical studies."

On December 16, 2018 Incyte (NASDAQ:INCY) and Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) (HKEX: 01801) reported that the companies, through their respective subsidiaries, have entered into a strategic collaboration agreement for three clinical-stage product candidates discovered and developed by Incyte—pemigatinib (FGFR1/2/3 inhibitor), itacitinib (JAK1 inhibitor) and parsaclisib (PI3Kδ inhibitor) (Press release, Incyte, DEC 16, 2018, View Source [SID1234532077]). Under the terms of the agreement, Innovent will pay Incyte US$40 million in cash up front, and Incyte shall be eligible to receive an additional US$20 million in consideration in connection with the first investigational new drug (IND) application by Innovent in China, which is expected to be achieved in 2019. Innovent will receive the rights to develop and commercialize the three assets in hematology and oncology in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

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"The collaboration and partnership with Innovent provides us with an important and strategic opportunity to further serve the oncology community around the world by potentially bringing new, innovative medicines to patients with high unmet medical needs in China," said Hervé Hoppenot, Chief Executive Officer of Incyte. "We believe Innovent’s experienced leadership team and sizeable clinical network will expand our clinical trials for itacitinib, pemigatinib and parsaclisib, and, if any of these product candidates are approved, will provide access to our innovative therapies to patients and healthcare providers in China."　

"We’re very pleased to enter into this collaboration with Incyte, a well-recognized innovative global biopharmaceutical company. This collaboration not only strengthens our portfolio by adding three potentially best-in-class clinical-stage targeted therapies, but, we believe, also proves that Innovent is an ideal partner for world-class pharmaceutical companies coming to China—transforming Innovent from a company primarily focused on monoclonal antibodies to one with a broader oncology focus that develops potentially innovative treatments regardless of molecule size," said Michael DC Yu., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Innovent. "Based on the compelling clinical data reported to-date, we believe pemigatinib, itacitinib and parsaclisib may be poised, if further development is successful and approvals in China are granted, to dramatically alter the treatment landscape for patients in China with FGFR-altered cholangiocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma, graft-versus-host-disease after bone marrow transplant and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, respectively, and other cancers. These three novel medicines from Incyte complement our rich pipeline of immune-oncology-focused monoclonal antibodies and also enable the exploration of combination treatment approaches with the potential to further improve patient outcomes worldwide."

Per the terms of the collaboration agreement, Innovent will pay Incyte US$40 million in cash up front and Incyte will be eligible to receive an additional US$20 million in consideration in connection with the first IND filing in China, which is expected to be achieved in 2019. Innovent will receive rights to develop and commercialize three product candidates (pemigatinib, itacitinib and parsaclisib) in hematology and oncology in the Innovent territory of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. In addition, Incyte will be eligible to receive up to US$129 million in potential development and regulatory milestones, and up to US$202.5 million in potential commercial milestones. Incyte will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties from the high teens to the low twenties on future sales of products resulting from the collaboration. Incyte retains an option to assist in the promotion of the three product candidates in China.

The transaction is effective immediately upon the execution of the strategic collaboration agreement. Further financial details were not disclosed.

About Pemigatinib (INCB54828, FGFR inhibitor)

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) play an important role in tumor cell proliferation and survival, migration and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). Activating mutations, translocations and gene amplifications in FGFRs are closely correlated with the development of various cancers. Pemigatinib is an oral inhibitor of FGFR isoforms 1, 2 and 3 which, in preclinical studies, has demonstrated potency and selective pharmacologic activity against cancer cells with FGFR alterations. Phase 2 studies investigating the safety and efficacy of pemigatinib monotherapy across several FGFR-driven malignancies are ongoing—the FIGHT (FIbroblast Growth factor receptor in oncology and Hematology Trials) clinical trial program currently comprises FIGHT-201 in patients with metastatic or surgically unresectable bladder cancer, including with activating FGFR3 alterations; FIGHT-202 in patients with metastatic or surgically unresectable cholangiocarcinoma who have failed previous therapy, including with activating FGFR2 translocations; and FIGHT-203 in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms with activating FGFR1 translocations. FIGHT-302, a randomized Phase 3 trial in newly-diagnosed patients with cholangiocarcinoma and activating FGFR2 translocations, is expected to be initiated before the end of 2018 (NCT03656536).

About Itacitinib（INCB39110, JAK1 inhibitor）

Itacitinib (INCB039110) is a novel, potent, and selective JAK1 inhibitor currently in clinical studies for the treatment of treatment naïve acute and chronic GVHD, and non-small cell lung cancer in combination with osimertinib, an EGFR inhibitor. A Phase 3 study (GRAVITAS-301) of itacitinib for the treatment of acute GVHD is underway, with data expected in 2019. GRAVITAS-309 (NCT03584516) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal Phase 3 study evaluating itacitinib or placebo in combination with corticosteroids as a first-line treatment for patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) which is expected to be initiated early in 2019.

About Parsaclisib (INCB50465, PI3Kδ inhibitor)

Parsaclisib (INCB50465) is an investigational novel oral inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase delta (PI3Kδ) isoforms. PI3Kδ is an important anticancer target implicated in malignant B-cell growth, survival and proliferation which, in preclinical studies, has demonstrated potency and selectivity in preclinical studies and has potential therapeutic utility in the treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies such as lymphoma. Emerging data suggest that PI3Kδ may also be an important target in the solid tumor microenvironment. The CITADEL (Clinical Investigation of TArgeted PI3K-DELta Inhibition in Lymphomas) clinical trial program is currently evaluating parsaclisib in several ongoing Phase 2 trials as a treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphomas (follicular, marginal zone and mantle cell) Parsaclisib is also being studied in Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials as part of a combination therapy for patients with myelofibrosis, advanced or metastatic solid tumors and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

On December 16, 2018 Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) (HKEX: 01801) and Incyte (NASDAQ:INCY) reported that the companies, through their respective subsidiaries, have entered into a strategic collaboration agreement for three clinical-stage product candidates discovered and developed by Incyte—pemigatinib (FGFR1/2/3 inhibitor), itacitinib (JAK1 inhibitor) and parsaclisib (PI3Kδ inhibitor) (Press release, Incyte, DEC 16, 2018, View Source [SID1234532118]). Under the terms of the agreement, Innovent will pay Incyte US$40 million in cash up front, and Incyte shall be eligible to receive an additional US$20 million in consideration in connection with the first investigational new drug (IND) application by Innovent in China, which is expected to be achieved in 2019. Innovent will receive the rights to develop and commercialize the three assets in hematology and oncology in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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"The collaboration and partnership with Innovent provides us with an important and strategic opportunity to further serve the oncology community around the world by potentially bringing new, innovative medicines to patients with high unmet medical needs in China," said Hervé Hoppenot, Chief Executive Officer of Incyte. "We believe Innovent’s experienced leadership team and sizeable clinical network will expand our clinical trials for itacitinib, pemigatinib and parsaclisib, and, if any of these product candidates are approved, will provide access to our innovative therapies to patients and healthcare providers in China."

"We’re very pleased to enter into this collaboration with Incyte, a well-recognized innovative global biopharmaceutical company. This collaboration not only strengthens our portfolio by adding three potentially best-in-class clinical-stage targeted therapies, but, we believe, also proves that Innovent is an ideal partner for world-class pharmaceutical companies coming to China—transforming Innovent from a company primarily focused on monoclonal antibodies to one with a broader oncology focus that develops potentially innovative treatments regardless of molecule size," said Michael DC Yu., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Innovent. "Based on the compelling clinical data reported to-date, we believe pemigatinib, itacitinib and parsaclisib may be poised, if further development is successful and approvals in China are granted, to dramatically alter the treatment landscape for patients in China with FGFR-altered cholangiocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma, graft-versus-host-disease after bone marrow transplant and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, respectively, and other cancers. These three novel medicines from Incyte complement our rich pipeline of immune-oncology-focused monoclonal antibodies and also enable the exploration of combination treatment approaches with the potential to further improve patient outcomes worldwide."

Per the terms of the collaboration agreement, Innovent will pay Incyte US$40 million in cash up front and Incyte will be eligible to receive an additional US$20 million in consideration in connection with the first IND filing in China, which is expected to be achieved in 2019. Innovent will receive rights to develop and commercialize three product candidates (pemigatinib, itacitinib and parsaclisib) in hematology and oncology in the Innovent territory of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. In addition, Incyte will be eligible to receive up to US$129 million in potential development and regulatory milestones, and up to US$202.5 million in potential commercial milestones. Incyte will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties from the high teens to the low twenties on future sales of products resulting from the collaboration. Incyte retains an option to assist in the promotion of the three product candidates in China.

The transaction is effective immediately upon the execution of the strategic collaboration agreement. Further financial details were not disclosed.

About Pemigatinib (INCB54828, FGFR inhibitor)

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) play an important role in tumor cell proliferation and survival, migration and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). Activating mutations, translocations and gene amplifications in FGFRs are closely correlated with the development of various cancers. Pemigatinib is an oral inhibitor of FGFR isoforms 1, 2 and 3 which, in preclinical studies, has demonstrated potency and selective pharmacologic activity against cancer cells with FGFR alterations. Phase 2 studies investigating the safety and efficacy of pemigatinib monotherapy across several FGFR-driven malignancies are ongoing—the FIGHT (FIbroblast Growth factor receptor in oncology and Hematology Trials) clinical trial program currently comprises FIGHT-201 in patients with metastatic or surgically unresectable bladder cancer, including with activating FGFR3 alterations; FIGHT-202 in patients with metastatic or surgically unresectable cholangiocarcinoma who have failed previous therapy, including with activating FGFR2 translocations; and FIGHT-203 in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms with activating FGFR1 translocations. FIGHT-302, a randomized Phase 3 trial in newly-diagnosed patients with cholangiocarcinoma and activating FGFR2 translocations, is expected to be initiated before the end of 2018 (NCT03656536).

About Itacitinib（INCB39110, JAK1 inhibitor）

Itacitinib (INCB039110) is a novel, potent, and selective JAK1 inhibitor currently in clinical studies for the treatment of treatment naïve acute and chronic GVHD, and non-small cell lung cancer in combination with osimertinib, an EGFR inhibitor. A Phase 3 study (GRAVITAS-301) of itacitinib for the treatment of acute GVHD is underway, with data expected in 2019. GRAVITAS-309 (NCT03584516) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal Phase 3 study evaluating itacitinib or placebo in combination with corticosteroids as a first-line treatment for patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) which is expected to be initiated early in 2019.

About Parsaclisib (INCB50465, PI3Kδ inhibitor)

Parsaclisib (INCB50465) is an investigational novel oral inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase delta (PI3Kδ) isoforms. PI3Kδ is an important anticancer target implicated in malignant B-cell growth, survival and proliferation which, in preclinical studies, has demonstrated potency and selectivity in preclinical studies and has potential therapeutic utility in the treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies such as lymphoma. Emerging data suggest that PI3Kδ may also be an important target in the solid tumor microenvironment. The CITADEL (Clinical Investigation of TArgeted PI3K-DELta Inhibition in Lymphomas) clinical trial program is currently evaluating parsaclisib in several ongoing Phase 2 trials as a treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphomas (follicular, marginal zone and mantle cell) Parsaclisib is also being studied in Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials as part of a combination therapy for patients with myelofibrosis, advanced or metastatic solid tumors and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.