On April 3, 2018 Eleven Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: EBIO), a late-stage clinical company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapies for the treatment of cancer, reported that preliminary efficacy and safety data from its ongoing Phase 3 VISTA trial of Vicinium in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who have been previously treated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) have been selected for presentation during a plenary session currently scheduled for Monday, May 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. PT at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting taking place in San Francisco (Press release, Eleven Biotherapeutics, APR 3, 2018, View Source [SID1234525376]). Vicinium is a fusion protein, designed to be a next-generation ADC, that targets the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antigens on the surface of bladder cancer cells to deliver a potent cytotoxin into those cells.

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Data, as reported in the abstract published online today, are from a subgroup of the first 75 evaluable carcinoma in situ patients. Within these patients, preliminary findings show that greater than 95 percent expressed EpCAM on the surface of tumor cells, the target of Vicinium. Efficacy data as measured by complete response rates at three-months will be reported during the plenary session. Vicinium has been well-tolerated. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were reported in 46 percent of patients, the majority of which were Grade 1 or 2. The most common of these were dysuria (12%), UTI or pollakiuria (10%) and hematuria (7%), which are often associated with catheter-delivered treatments into the bladder and bladder cancer itself. As of the December 2017 data cut off, three treatment-related serious AEs were reported, including renal failure (CTCAE Grade 5) with cholestatic hepatitis (Grade 4) in one patient and acute kidney injury (Grade 3) in a second patient who recovered.

In March 2018, recruitment was completed in the VISTA trial, a single-arm registration study designed in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s final guidance for developing treatments for BCG-unresponsive NMIBC.
"When treatment with today’s standard of care, BCG, is no longer an option, the next treatment option is typically removal of the patient’s bladder, a challenging, life-altering procedure that many patients elect not to undergo," said Stephen Hurly, president and chief executive officer of Eleven Biotherapeutics. "Vicinium has demonstrated that it is a well-tolerated and active agent in patients with BCG unresponsive NMIBC in studies to-date. We are excited to be presenting the first preliminary data from our Phase 3 VISTA trial of Vicinium for patients with NMIBC at this year’s AUA meeting. During our plenary presentation, we will share initial efficacy findings and data supporting the favorable safety we have observed so far with Vicinium. We believe Vicinium holds tremendous potential as a treatment for bladder cancer, and we look forward to sharing these and additional data later in the year."
The company plans to host a conference call in conjunction with the data presentation, with details to follow.
About the VISTA Clinical Trial
The VISTA trial is an open-label, multicenter, single-arm Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of Vicinium in patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) that is carcinoma in situ (CIS, cancer found on the inner lining of the bladder that has not spread into muscle or other tissue) or papillary (cancer that has grown from the bladder lining out into the bladder but has not spread into muscle or other tissue), who have been previously treated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). The primary endpoint of the trial is the complete response rate in patients with CIS with or without papillary disease and durability of that response. Patients in the study receive locally administered Vicinium twice a week for six weeks, followed by once-weekly treatment for another six weeks, then treatment every other week for up to two years. Topline data assessing responses and durability of responses at three-months on treatment are expected in mid-2018, with 12-month data anticipated in mid-2019.

About Vicinium
Vicinium, Eleven Biotherapeutics’ lead product candidate, is a next-generation antibody-drug conjugate developed using the company’s proprietary Targeted Protein Therapeutics platform. Vicinium is comprised of a recombinant fusion protein that targets epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antigens on the surface of tumor cells to deliver a potent protein payload, Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (ETA). Vicinium is constructed with a stable, genetically engineered linker to ensure the payload remains attached until it is internalized by the cancer cell, which is believed to decrease the risk of toxicity to healthy tissues, thereby improving its safety. In prior clinical studies conducted by Eleven Biotherapeutics, EpCAM has been shown to be overexpressed in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) cells with minimal to no EpCAM expression observed on normal bladder cells. Eleven Biotherapeutics is currently conducting the Phase 3 VISTA trial, designed to support the registration of Vicinium for the treatment of NMIBC in patients who have previously received two courses of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and whose disease is now BCG-unresponsive. Topline, three-month data from the trial are expected in mid-2018. Additionally, Eleven Biotherapeutics believes that Vicinium’s cancer cell-killing properties promote an anti-tumor immune response that may potentially combine well with immuno-oncology drugs, such as checkpoint inhibitors. The activity of Vicinium in BCG-unresponsive NMIBC is also being explored at the US National Cancer Institute in combination with AstraZeneca’s immune checkpoint inhibitor durvalumab.

On April 3, 2018 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) and Allogene Therapeutics, Inc. (Allogene) reported that the two companies have entered into an asset contribution agreement for Pfizer’s portfolio of assets related to allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy, an investigational immune cell therapy approach to treating cancer (Press release, Pfizer, APR 3, 2018, https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer_and_allogene_therapeutics_enter_into_asset_contribution_agreement_for_pfizer_s_allogeneic_car_t_immuno_oncology_portfolio [SID1234525452]).

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Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) and Allogene Therapeutics, Inc. (Allogene) reported that the two companies have entered into an asset contribution agreement for Pfizer’s portfolio of assets related to allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy, an investigational immune cell therapy approach to treating cancer.

Pfizer views this agreement as an attractive opportunity to support the continued development of allogeneic CAR T therapy in a highly focused and skilled manner. Pfizer will continue to participate financially in the development of the CAR T portfolio through a 25 percent ownership stake in Allogene. Separately, Pfizer continues to have an 8 percent ownership stake in Cellectis through an equity agreement entered into in 2014. Allogene, a Two River portfolio company, was formed with Series A financing of $300 million from an investment consortium that includes TPG, Vida Ventures, BellCo Capital, the University of California Office of the Chief Investment Officer and Pfizer, among others. TPG, Vida Ventures, BellCo Capital and Pfizer will be represented on the Allogene Board of Directors. Closing is expected in the second quarter of 2018, subject to closing conditions.

"The allogeneic CAR T platform represents a potentially transformative approach to treating cancer, and we are very excited about what the future may hold for this area of research," said Robert Abraham, Senior Vice President and Group Head, Oncology Research & Development, Pfizer. "We believe that under the strong scientific, clinical development and regulatory expertise of Allogene’s leadership team, the portfolio of CAR T assets contributed by Pfizer will be well-positioned to rapidly advance into potential innovative new therapies, and ultimately to reach patients in need more quickly."

"While there is important work underway across the industry for next-generation autologous cell therapy, Allogene hopes to bring about the next revolution in the field with the successful development of allogeneic cell therapy and the potential for greater and faster patient access," said Belldegrun. "Under the direction of David Chang, an extraordinary scientist, physician and life sciences business executive with over 30 years of unprecedented experience in developing cancer treatments, Allogene is poised to potentially lead the development of one of the most exciting opportunities in our industry today."

"Last year, Kite’s anti-CD19 CAR T therapy became the first autologous CAR T treatment to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adult patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Many believed the idea was rooted in science fiction, but science fiction became a reality," said Chang. "We believe that this partnership among leaders in the field – visionaries, industry forerunners, venture capitalists and researchers – has the potential to accelerate the development of allogeneic T cell therapy, making it a reality and forever changing how cancer is treated."

"Investing in innovation and R&D has long been a hallmark of who we are as investors, and for many years, we’ve been partnering with dynamic companies that are driving meaningful change in healthcare," said Todd Sisitsky, Managing Partner, TPG Capital. "We believe CAR T is one of the most exciting spaces within the pharmaceutical landscape today, and we are thrilled to partner with a best-in-class management team and industry leaders to invest in this potentially groundbreaking opportunity."

"As a pioneer of the allogeneic approach and expert in gene editing, the Cellectis team is excited by this agreement and eager to continue this groundbreaking work with Allogene’s experienced team, striving to accelerate the development of the portfolio and to continue along the path of making these treatments available to patients as soon as possible," said Dr. André Choulika, Cellectis CEO.

"I believe that the recognized expertise of the Allogene team in the field of CAR T will be of benefit to the development of UCART19, for which Servier is the sponsor of two clinical studies," commented Olivier Laureau, President of Servier Group. "The development of off-the-shelf allogeneic CAR T therapy in the field of oncology initiates a revolution that could potentially expand access of such innovative treatment to a larger number of oncologists and their patients."

Centerview Partners is acting as financial advisor to Pfizer, with Ropes & Gray LLP acting as its legal advisor. Cooley LLP is serving as legal counsel to Allogene, Vida Venture and TPG. Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP are also serving as legal counsel to TPG.

Allogeneic CAR T Cell Therapies

Allogeneic CAR T cell therapies have the potential to become the next advancement in one of the most powerful anti-cancer agents, eliminating the need to create personalized therapy from a patient’s own cells. These therapies are developed from cells of healthy donors and stored for "off-the-shelf" use in patients, simplifying manufacturing process and reducing waiting time for patients.

Allogene will receive from Pfizer the rights to 16 preclinical CAR T assets licensed from Cellectis and Servier and one clinical asset licensed from Servier, UCART19, an allogeneic CAR T therapy that is being developed for treatment of CD19-expressing hematological malignancies. In partnership with Servier, UCART19 is initially being developed in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is currently in Phase I. UCART19 utilizes TALEN gene editing technology pioneered and owned by Cellectis.

Allogene and Servier intend to initiate Phase 2 studies in 2019. Under the terms of the original development agreement, Allogene will have exclusive rights to develop and commercialize UCART19 in the United States, while Servier will retain exclusive rights for all other countries.

Pfizer’s Commitment to Immuno-Oncology

Immuno-Oncology (IO) is a key area of focus within Pfizer’s broad oncology portfolio, with research and development efforts spanning diverse modalities and mechanisms of action that tap into key immune system functions, harnessing the natural ability of the immune system to fight cancer. We believe that the future of IO lies in novel, biologically rational combinations based on unique tumor characteristics. We believe that Pfizer Oncology’s pipeline is in a strong position to help advance the next wave of IO science by developing new targeted therapies and IO combinations – areas in which Pfizer has a robust and proven legacy. We know that great science comes through collaboration, and we actively team up with strategic partners in IO who we believe will strengthen our portfolio and help speed innovative treatments to benefit more patients.

About Allogene Therapeutics

Allogene Therapeutics is a biotechnology company with a mission to catalyze the next revolution in cancer treatment through the development of allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapy directed at blood cancers and solid tumors. Founded and led by former Kite Pharma executives who bring unrivaled clinical development acumen in cell therapy, Allogene is well-positioned to further the potential of allogeneic cell therapy for patients.

Allogeneic CAR T therapies are engineered from cells of healthy donors and stored for "off-the-shelf" use in patients. This approach eliminates the need to create personalized therapy from a patient’s own cells, simplifies manufacturing, and reduces the time patients must wait for CAR T treatment. The Allogene portfolio includes 16 pre-clinical T cell therapy assets and UCART19, an allogeneic CAR T therapy currently in Phase 1 development for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Through its notable partnerships, Allogene leverages pioneering technology platforms, including TALEN gene editing technology, to progress its portfolio of immuno-oncology therapies. Allogene, with headquarters in San Francisco, California, is a Two River portfolio company formed with one of the largest Series A financings in biotechnology from an investment consortium that includes TPG, Vida Ventures, BellCo Capital, the University of California Office of the Chief Investment Officer and Pfizer, among others. For more information, please visit www.allogene.com, follow @AllogeneTx on Twitter and LinkedIn.

On 2, April Abeona Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:ABEO), a leading clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel cell and gene therapies for life-threatening rare genetic diseases, reported the appointment of Carsten Thiel, Ph.D., as Chief Executive Officer. Timothy J. Miller, Ph.D., will remain President and assume the position of Chief Scientific Officer in charge of the company’s expanding clinical and preclinical research programs (Press release, Abeona Therapeutics, APR 2, 2018, View Source [SID1234525106]). Dr. Thiel most recently served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. where he led global commercial operations bringing innovative and life-transformative therapies for rare diseases to patients.

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"The past year has been an extraordinary time in the history of Abeona, including significant progress in our clinical development programs and establishment of our new manufacturing facility in Cleveland," said Steven Rouhandeh, Executive Chairman of Abeona. "As CEO, Carsten Thiel brings a unique combination of extensive experience in research and global rare disease commercialization to Abeona. In his recent positions, he successfully created value by building cohesive talented teams, driving the commercial success of multiple products globally and fostering entrepreneurial culture; all key aspects that will be critical to our success in these areas in the years ahead. We are very grateful to Tim Miller for his vision and leadership that have brought us to this pivotal stage in our business growth."

Dr. Thiel brings 25 years of proven global biopharmaceutical industry experience, including rare and orphan diseases, to Abeona. Prior to leading his most recent position at Alexion, he served as its Senior Vice President, Europe/Middle East/Africa and Asia Pacific where he was responsible for driving Alexion’s global commercial operations in these regions, including maximizing the current rare disease portfolio as well as guiding the launch of anticipated new products and indications.

"I am thrilled to be joining Abeona during a period of major growth and momentum in the company’s range of promising development programs," said Dr. Thiel. "I look forward to bringing my experience in business development, biomedical research and commercialization to the outstanding Abeona team at a time when the company is ideally positioned to rapidly expand these areas."

Prior to joining Alexion, Dr. Thiel served as Vice President, Head of Europe at Amgen. In this role, he led regional operations and was responsible for multiple products in hematology/oncology, nephrology, and bone disorders, and prepared for new product launches in inflammation and cardiology. He also held various other senior leadership positions at Amgen, including General Manager, Germany, and General Manager, CEE, where he led all markets in Eastern Europe and established Amgen’s operations in Russia. He also served as Head of the Oncology franchise in Europe during the time of several blockbuster product launches. Prior to Amgen, Dr. Thiel held several sales and marketing leadership roles across Europe at Roche.

"As Abeona expands our innovative science and clinical research programs into new areas, I look forward to working more closely with our research and product development teams to fuel even greater success for developing novel gene and cell therapies," said Dr. Miller. "We welcome Carsten to our team at Abeona, and remain confident that our clinical advancements and strategic decisions have solidly positioned us to plan for many promising opportunities in global product commercialization and business strategy."

Dr. Thiel earned his doctorate in molecular biology & biochemistry at Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Goettingen, Germany.

On April 2, 2018 Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: PBYI), a biopharmaceutical company, reported that NERLYNX (neratinib) has been included as a recommended treatment option in the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology Central Nervous System Cancers for Breast Cancer patients with brain metastases (Press release, Puma Biotechnology, APR 2, 2018, View Source [SID1234525377]). The NCCN designated NERLYNX in combination with capecitabine as a category 2A treatment option and NERLYNX in combination with paclitaxel as a category 2B treatment option. Use, as designated for breast cancer patients with brain metastases, is outside the FDA approved indication for NERLYNX and considered investigational.

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"Physicians use the NCCN Guidelines as the standard resource for determining the best course of treatment for patients," said Alan H. Auerbach, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Puma. "We believe the updated NCCN guidelines will increase awareness, which will help assist patients, their caregivers and their healthcare providers in making informed decisions while treating this significant unmet need in advanced breast cancer."

About Brain Metastases in Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of three types of cancers that are most likely to metastasize to the brain. Across all sub-types, approximately 10-15% of women with metastatic breast cancer develop brain metastases. This rate is as high as 30% for women with advanced HER2+ disease.

About National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a not-for-profit alliance of 27 of the world’s leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education, is dedicated to improving the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of cancer care so that patients can live better lives. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system. As the arbiter of high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers.
Category 2A: Based upon lower-level evidence, there is uniform NCCN consensus that the intervention is appropriate.
Category 2B: Based upon lower-level evidence, there is NCCN consensus that the intervention is appropriate.

About HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Approximately 20% to 25% of breast cancer tumors over-express the HER2 protein. HER2-positive breast cancer is often more aggressive than other types of breast cancer, increasing the risk of disease progression and death. Although research has shown that trastuzumab can reduce the risk of early stage HER2-positive breast cancer returning after surgery, up to 25% of patients treated with a trastuzumab-based regimen experience recurrence.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
NERLYNX (neratinib) tablets, for oral use
INDICATIONS AND USAGE: NERLYNX is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the extended adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early-stage HER2 overexpressed/amplified breast cancer, to follow adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapy.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: None

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:
Diarrhea: Aggressively manage diarrhea occurring despite recommended prophylaxis with additional antidiarrheals, fluids, and electrolytes as clinically indicated. Withhold NERLYNX in patients experiencing severe and/or persistent diarrhea. Permanently discontinue NERLYNX in patients experiencing Grade 4 diarrhea or Grade ≥ 2 diarrhea that occurs after maximal dose reduction.

Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver function tests monthly for the first 3 months of treatment, then every 3 months while on treatment and as clinically indicated. Withhold NERLYNX in patients experiencing Grade 3 liver abnormalities and permanently discontinue NERLYNX in patients experiencing Grade 4 liver abnormalities.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: NERLYNX can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5%) were diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, vomiting, rash, stomatitis, decreased appetite, muscle spasms, dyspepsia, AST or ALT increase, nail disorder, dry skin, abdominal distention, epistaxis, weight decreased and urinary tract infection.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Puma Biotechnology, Inc. at 1-844-NERLYNX (1-844-637-5969) and www.NERLYNX.com or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Gastric acid reducing agents: Avoid concomitant use with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and H2-receptor antagonists. Separate NERLYNX by 3 hours after antacid dosing.
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use.
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid concomitant use.
P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates: Monitor for adverse reactions of narrow therapeutic agents that are P-gp substrates when used concomitantly with NERLYNX.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS:
Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed.
Please see Full Prescribing Information for additional safety information.
The recommended dose of NERLYNX is 240 mg (six 40 mg tablets) given orally once daily with food, continuously for one year. Antidiarrheal prophylaxis should be initiated with the first dose of NERLYNX and continued during the first 2 months (56 days) of treatment and as needed thereafter.
To help ensure patients have access to NERLYNX, Puma has implemented the Puma Patient Lynx support program to assist patients and healthcare providers with reimbursement support and referrals to resources that can help with financial assistance. More information on the Puma Patient Lynx program can be found at www.NERLYNX.com or 1-855-816-5421.

On April 2, 2018 Aduro Biotech, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADRO) reported that Stephen T. Isaacs, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Aduro, will present at the H.C. Wainwright Annual Global Life Sciences Conference in Monte Carlo, Monaco on Monday, April 9, 2018, at 10:15 am Central European Summer Time (Press release, Aduro Biotech, APR 2, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2340610 [SID1234525107]).

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To access the live webcast and subsequent archived recording of this and other company presentations, please visit Aduro’s website at www.aduro.com.