On December 3, 2024 Lantern Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRN), an artificial intelligence (AI) company dedicated to developing cancer therapies and transforming the cost, pace, and timeline of oncology drug discovery and development, reported that the FDA has granted Fast Track Designation for investigational drug candidate, LP-184, for treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) (Press release, Lantern Pharma, DEC 3, 2024, View Source [SID1234648779]). This marks the second Fast Track Designation received for LP-184 in 2024, following its designation for Glioblastoma in October.

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LP-184 is currently in a Phase 1A clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of this synthetically lethal investigational drug candidate in a broad range of solid tumors, including TNBC. LP-184 was optimized and advanced in part with Lantern’s AI platform, RADR, which helped validate mechanisms that could be exploited in the clinical setting to eradicate challenging cancers and uncover insights in targeted patient populations.

"Receiving a second FDA Fast Track Designation for LP-184 reinforces the significant potential of this drug candidate to address critical unmet needs in aggressive cancers, especially those like TNBC where patients have limited therapeutics options," stated Panna Sharma, President and CEO of Lantern Pharma. "Recent data presented at the Immuno-Oncology Summit demonstrated LP-184’s ability to sensitize TNBC tumors that are non-responsive to checkpoint inhibitors, potentially expanding treatment options for patients with limited therapeutic choices."

About TNBC and the Need for Novel Therapies

TNBC represents approximately 20% of all breast cancers, affecting nearly 29,000 patients annually in the US. The prognosis for TNBC patients is considerably worse than hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, with over 50% of patients relapsing in the first 3-5 years and metastatic TNBC patients having a median overall survival of less than one year. Currently available treatment options are limited, particularly for patients who develop resistance to existing therapies.

Compelling Preclinical Data Demonstrates LP-184’s Potential in TNBC

The graph above demonstrates LP-184’s remarkable anti-tumor activity across a panel of 10 TNBC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Notably, LP-184 showed consistent efficacy in both PARPi (PARP inhibitor) resistant and PARPi sensitive tumors, with treatment resulting in complete tumor regression (107-141% tumor growth inhibition) across all models tested. This data is particularly significant as it suggests LP-184’s potential as a novel therapeutic option for TNBC patients, including those who have developed resistance to existing PARP inhibitor treatments – a growing clinical challenge in TNBC therapy. This TNBC data was initially presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in 2022.

LP-184’s unique mechanism of action is driven by the enzymatic activation of the drug by Prostaglandin Reductase 1 (PTGR1), which converts LP-184 into its highly potent cytotoxic form specifically within cancer cells. RADR platform analysis and subsequent in-vivo validation studies have shown that PTGR1 is frequently elevated in TNBC tumors compared to normal tissue, making these cancers particularly susceptible to LP-184 treatment. This biomarker-driven approach allows for the potential identification of patients most likely to respond to LP-184 therapy, aligning with current and emerging precision medicine approaches in TNBC treatment.

About LP-184

LP-184 is a small molecule drug candidate and next-generation acylfulvene that preferentially damages DNA in cancer cells that overexpress specific biomarkers or harbor mutations in DNA damage repair pathways. LP-184 was developed using Lantern’s proprietary RADR AI platform to identify patient populations and cancer subtypes that have the potential to respond to treatment. The compound is being evaluated in multiple solid tumors where it has shown nanomolar potency and activity in drug-resistant cancers. LP-184 has received Orphan Drug Designations from the FDA for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma (GBM), and ATRT, and has also been granted a Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for ATRT.

On December 3, 2024 Plus Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSTV), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative radiotherapeutics, reported the renewal of its Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Telix IsoTherapeutics Group Inc. (‘IsoTherapeutics’, a Telix Group company) (Press release, Plus Therapeutics, DEC 3, 2024, View Source [SID1234648800]). This MSA secures a reliable supply of cGMP Re-186, the radioisotope used in Plus Therapeutics’ lead radiotherapeutic candidate Rhenium (186Re) Obisbemeda.

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"This continuing agreement with Telix IsoTherapeutics Group builds on our recently announced partnership with SpectronRx and reflects our comprehensive supply chain strategy," said Marc H. Hedrick, M.D., Plus Therapeutics’ President and Chief Executive Officer. "By securing supply of Re-186 through IsoTherapeutics and leveraging SpectronRx for final drug manufacturing of Rhenium (186Re) Obisbemeda, we are establishing a scalable, end-to-end supply chain that positions us to meet the demands of late-stage clinical trials and future commercial needs."

Key highlights of the agreement:

Focus on the production of key radionuclide intermediate aluminum perrhenate and the final processing of cGMP Re-186
Enables expanded, scalable, just-in-time manufacturing to support overall supply chain
About Rhenium (186Re) Obisbemeda

Rhenium (186Re) Obisbemeda is a novel injectable radiotherapy specifically formulated to deliver direct targeted high-dose radiation in CNS tumors in a safe, effective, and convenient manner to optimize patient outcomes. Rhenium (186Re) Obisbemeda has the potential to reduce off-target risks and improve outcomes for CNS cancer patients, versus currently approved therapies, with a more targeted and potent radiation dose. Rhenium-186 is an ideal radioisotope for CNS therapeutic applications due to its short half-life, beta energy for destroying cancerous tissue, and gamma energy for real-time imaging. Rhenium (186Re) Obisbemeda is being evaluated for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma and leptomeningeal metastases in the ReSPECT-GBM and ReSPECT-LM clinical trials. ReSPECT-GBM is supported by an award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), and ReSPECT-LM is funded by a three-year $17.6M grant by the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

On December 3, 2024 Relay Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RLAY), a clinical-stage precision medicine company transforming the drug discovery process by combining leading-edge computational and experimental technologies, and Elevar Therapeutics, Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of HLB Co., Ltd. and fully integrated biopharmaceutical company dedicated to elevating treatment outcomes for patients who have limited or inadequate therapeutic options, reported an exclusive global licensing agreement for lirafugratinib (RLY-4008) (Press release, Elevar Therapeutics, DEC 3, 2024, View Source [SID1234648745]). Lirafugratinib is a selective oral small molecule inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) that is being developed for patients with FGFR2-driven cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and other FGFR2-altered solid tumors. The announcement of the partnership follows Relay’s recent positive FDA interaction and previously reported differentiated data in cholangiocarcinoma and data across other solid tumors.

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"Data to-date show that lirafugratinib has the potential to be an important novel medicine for patients with FGFR2-driven cholangiocarcinoma and other FGFR2-altered solid tumors. We are pleased that Elevar will continue its development and leverage their growing commercial capabilities to bring it to patients in need around the world," said Sanjiv Patel, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Relay Therapeutics. "As a result of this agreement, we are able to remain fully focused on continuing to advance our PI3Kα programs, including initiating the RLY-2608 2L breast cancer pivotal trial and vascular malformations trial next year."

"Lirafugratinib is an NDA-ready therapy that has shown a potential best-in-class profile in both FGFR2-driven cholangiocarcinoma and in other FGFR2-altered solid tumors including in advanced stages where treatment options are limited," said Saeho Chong, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Elevar Therapeutics. "We are excited to diversify and expand our late-stage oncology pipeline with lirafugratinib, which is a strong strategic fit with our existing oncology portfolio and provides another opportunity to advance our mission of bringing life-changing medicines to cancer patients worldwide."

Lirafugratinib was granted breakthrough therapy designation and orphan drug designation by the FDA. Lirafugratinib is being investigated in the global ReFocus trial in patients with FGFR2-altered tumors. The study includes a pivotal cohort in patients with FGFR2-fusion CCA that was designed to support accelerated approval and is fully enrolled. Interim data from this cohort were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress in 2022. The study also includes cohorts in patients with other types of solid tumors, including gastric, pancreatic, and head and neck tumors. Interim data from these cohorts were presented at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC AACR-NCI-EORTC (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC-NCI-AACR) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) in 2023 and 2024. Earlier in 2024, Relay Therapeutics met with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss data from the ReFocus trial and potential regulatory pathways. The FDA recommended that the company first file an NDA for FGFR2-driven CCA, followed by a supplemental NDA for FGFR2-altered other solid tumors with data from an expanded cohort of patients.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) or bile duct cancer is a rare disease in which malignant cells form in the bile ducts. Approximately 8,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with CCA each year.

Terms of the Agreement

Under the terms of the agreement, Elevar will be granted global development and commercialization rights for lirafugratinib. Elevar will assume full responsibility for all further development activities, including submission of the NDAs, all subsequent clinical development, and global commercialization for FGFR2-driven CCA and FGFR2-altered other solid tumors.

Relay Therapeutics is eligible to receive up to $75 million in upfront and regulatory milestones, plus up to $425 million in potential commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties up to the low-teens percentage.

Moelis & Company LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Relay Therapeutics in the transaction. Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as exclusive legal advisor to Relay Therapeutics in the transaction.

About Lirafugratinib

Lirafugratinib (RLY-4008) is a potent, selective and oral small molecule inhibitor of FGFR2, a receptor tyrosine kinase that is frequently altered in certain cancers. FGFR2 is one of four members of the FGFR family, a set of closely related proteins with highly similar protein sequences and properties. Preclinically, lirafugratinib demonstrated FGFR2-dependent killing in cancer cell lines and induced regression in in vivo models with minimal inhibition of other targets, including other members of the FGFR family. In addition, lirafugratinib demonstrated strong activity against known clinical on-target resistance mutations in cellular and in vivo preclinical models. Lirafugratinib is currently being evaluated in a clinical trial in patients with advanced or metastatic FGFR2-altered solid tumors with a single arm, potentially registration-enabling cohort for FGFRi-naïve FGFR2-fusion CCA.

On December 3, 2024 Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Terns" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: TERN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of small-molecule product candidates to address serious diseases, including oncology and obesity, reported encouraging early data from the ongoing dose escalation part of the Phase 1 CARDINAL study evaluating TERN-701 in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (Press release, Terns Pharmaceuticals, DEC 3, 2024, View Source [SID1234648762]).

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TERN-701 is an investigational, oral, potent, small molecule allosteric BCR-ABL inhibitor being developed for patients with CML. CARDINAL is a global, multicenter, open-label, two-part Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and efficacy of TERN-701 in patients with relapsed/refractory CML with or without BCR-ABL resistance mutations who were previously treated with at least one 2G tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Patients previously treated with asciminib are also eligible.

"These exciting early data from our Phase 1 dose escalation cohorts clearly show TERN-701 has compelling clinical activity with a highly encouraging cumulative MMR rate of 50% at 3 months. At the first two dose levels, we see clinically meaningful molecular and hematologic responses in patients with high baseline BCR-ABL transcript levels who had poor responses on prior 2G TKIs, 3G TKIs including ponatinib, as well as asciminib," said Emil Kuriakose MD, chief medical officer of Terns.

"The emerging safety data show a profile supporting best-in-class potential with no dose limiting toxicities across three completed dose levels, no clinically meaningful changes in liver or pancreatic enzymes, and no AE-related dose reductions or discontinuations at doses that achieve plasma exposures well above target efficacious concentrations. Taken together, the clinical activity and safety data across the dose range in these heavily pre-treated patients with refractory disease support a potential wide therapeutic index that allows for high levels of target coverage with favorable safety/tolerability."

"We are thrilled to share these impactful early data from the Phase 1 CARDINAL study of TERN-701, which support its potential to be a best-in-class allosteric inhibitor for the treatment of CML," said Amy Burroughs, chief executive officer of Terns. "In addition to the meaningful clinical data, the CARDINAL study highlights yet another example of excellent clinical and operational execution at Terns, with patients enrolled in all four dose escalation cohorts in less than a year. We are well-positioned to initiate dose expansion cohorts in the first half of 2025 and look forward to sharing additional safety and efficacy data, including longer term MMR data in late 2025."

As of the October 28, 2024 cutoff date, 15 patients were enrolled across three dose levels of 160mg (n=7), 320mg (n=5), and 400mg (n=3) of TERN-701 dosed once daily, with an overall median treatment duration of 3 months (range 0.79 – 7.5 months). Enrolled patients were heavily pretreated with a median of 4 prior TKIs (range: 1-6) and 80% having had 3 or more TKIs. 47% and 40% of patients, respectively, had previously received ponatinib and asciminib. 73% were not in MMR at baseline, with 60% having a baseline BCR-ABL transcript >1% international scale (IS). As of the data cutoff, 14 of 15 patients remain on treatment.

Twelve patients were efficacy evaluable, defined as having baseline BCR-ABL transcript and at least two post-baseline BCR-ABL transcript levels (centrally assessed). All efficacy evaluable patients were in the 160mg and 320mg dose levels. Key efficacy highlights include:

•
88% (7/8) of patients with baseline transcript > 1% had decreases in BCR-ABL on treatment, with 7 ongoing as of data cutoff
•
Cumulative MMR rate of 50% (5/10) in non-T315i mutation patients with 3 or more months of treatment and/or MMR or better at baseline
•
100% (4/4) of patients with MMR or better at baseline have maintained their response and remain on treatment
•
Additional notable responses include:
o
MR2 within 5 months in a 4L patient at 160mg QD with baseline transcript > 1% and suboptimal response and intolerance to asciminib
o
MR4 (deep molecular response) within 3 months in a 5L patient treated at 320mg with baseline transcript >10% and treatment failure on bosutinib at study entry

TERN-701 showed a highly encouraging safety profile across the 160mg to 400mg dose levels, with 500mg undergoing evaluation as of data cutoff. Key safety highlights:

•
No dose limiting toxicities (DLT) through 400mg dose level
•
No adverse event (AE)-related treatment discontinuations or dose reductions
•
No Grade 3 or higher treatment-related AEs
•
No treatment related serious AEs

The incidence of treatment emergent hematologic AEs was notably low in this heavily pre-treated population, with no Grade 3 or higher treatment-related cytopenias. There were no non-hematologic treatment-related AEs more than Grade 2 in severity. Finally, no clinically meaningful changes in liver and pancreatic enzymes, blood pressure and other vitals, or electrocardiogram were seen.

Steady state PK data, available for the 160mg and 320mg dose levels at data cutoff, showed linear PK with dose proportional increases in exposure. Plasma protein binding-corrected Caverage for TERN-701 exceeded the in vitro IC90 for multiple mutated and non-mutated BCR-ABL variants with once daily dosing. Importantly, at 160mg and 320mg QD, TERN-701 achieved average free drug concentrations approximately 4-fold and 8-fold higher, respectively, than in vivo exposures where potent inhibition of the BCR-ABL signaling pathway in was seen in CML mouse tumor models, indicating robust pharmacodynamic effects at these clinical doses.

As of December 3, 2024, the CARDINAL study has enrolled 19 patients inclusive of the 500mg cohort, with all dose escalation cohorts having enrolled at least 3 patients. The study is on track to initiate dose expansion in the first half of 2025 with additional efficacy data expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, including longer term MMR rates.

Company Webcast

Terns will host a company webcast at 8:00 am ET today. The discussion will cover TERN-701’s Phase 1 interim data, next steps for the CARDINAL program, and TERN-701’s potential role in the CML treatment landscape.

The event will be webcast live and can be accessed by visiting the investor relations section of the Company’s website at View Source An archived webcast will be available following the event.

About CARDINAL

The CARDINAL trial is an ongoing global, multicenter, open-label, two-part Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the safety, PK, and efficacy of TERN-701 in patients with previously treated CML. Part 1 is the dose escalation portion of the trial evaluating once-daily TERN-701 monotherapy in up to five dose cohorts in up to 60 adults with chronic phase CML with confirmed BCR-ABL and a history of treatment failure or suboptimal response to at least one second generation TKI (nilotinib, dasatinib or bosutinib). Participants who are intolerant to prior TKI treatment (including asciminib) are also allowed. The primary endpoints for Part 1 are the incidence of DLTs during the first treatment cycle, and additional measures of safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints include TERN-701 PK and efficacy assessments, such as hematologic and molecular responses as measured by the change from baseline in BCR-ABL transcript levels. The starting dose is 160 mg QD (once-daily) with dose escalations as high as 500 mg QD and the option to explore a lower dose of 80 mg QD. Part 2 is the dose expansion portion of the trial that will enroll approximately 40 patients, randomized to once-daily treatment with one of two doses of TERN-701 to be selected based on data from Part 1. The primary endpoint of the dose expansion portion of the trial is efficacy, measured by hematologic and molecular responses. Secondary endpoints include safety, tolerability and PK. The overall objective of the CARDINAL trial is to select the optimal dose(s) of TERN-701 to move forward to a potential pivotal trial in chronic phase CML.

On December 3, 2024 TRIO Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering bispecific antibodies for the treatment of cancer with unprecedented potency and selectivity, reported the successful completion of a $3.1 million financing round (Press release, Trio Pharmaceuticals, DEC 3, 2024, View Source [SID1234648780]). TRIO’s pre-Series A financing was led by San Diego based Friedman Bioventure Fund (FBVF). "The TRIO team has demonstrated impressive bioactivity for both their TRAILBody and TIE-ADC bispecific antibody architectures, and we believe these potential medicines warrant accelerated development," said Dr. Jeff Friedman of FBVF.

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Additional significant support came from the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), through its venture philanthropy arm, the Myeloma Investment Fund (MIF), underscoring the potential of TRIO’s work to impact cancers with high unmet needs. Further investors included NuFund Venture Group, Life Science Angels and others.

Friedman Bioventure brings expertise in supporting innovative biotech startups, aiming to accelerate breakthrough therapies to market. The Myeloma Investment Fund focuses on advancing treatments for cancers affecting blood and bone marrow, notably multiple myeloma. The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is the largest nonprofit in the world solely focused on accelerating a cure for each and every multiple myeloma patient. MMRF has raised over $600 million for research, opened nearly 100 clinical trials, and helped bring 15+ FDA-approved therapies to market.

"TRIO’s innovative approach aligns with our mission to drive breakthrough treatments for the myeloma community," said Dr. Stephanie Oestreich, Managing Director, Myeloma Investment Fund. "This investment underscores our commitment to accelerating therapeutic options for myeloma patients."

TRIO Pharmaceuticals’ proprietary platforms, TRAILBody and TIE-ADC, are advancing next-generation immunotherapies for cancers with high mortality rates, such as Multiple Myeloma, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, ovarian, endometrial, and triple-negative breast cancers. These therapies combine targeted tumor growth inhibition with immune system modulation to offer potent, less toxic options compared to conventional treatments.

"This financing round empowers us to expand our preclinical activities and advance our programs towards clinical development," said Dr. Reiner Laus, CEO of TRIO Pharmaceuticals. "The support from organizations like Friedman Bioventure and the Myeloma Investment Fund is invaluable as we work to bring our transformative therapies closer to patients in need."

TRIO Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to reimagining cancer care through the application of novel antibody therapeutics. This funding will accelerate TRIO’s journey towards clinical trials, offering new hope for patients facing cancers that resist standard therapies.