On July 13, 2016 Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported a new collaboration on a Phase 1b study that will evaluate the safety and tolerability of BI 836845, Boehringer Ingelheim’s insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1/IGF-2 ligand neutralising antibody, in combination with abemaciclib (LY2835219), Lilly’s cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and 6 inhibitor, in patients diagnosed with HR+/HER2- mBC (Press release, Boehringer Ingelheim, JUL 13, 2016, View Source [SID:1234513868]). Based on the Phase 1b trial results, the collaboration has the potential to expand to Phase 2 trials in patients with HR+/HER2- mBC and other solid tumours. Enrolment is scheduled to begin in late 2016 and Boehringer Ingelheim will be the sponsor of the study programme.

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"We are pleased to join with Boehringer Ingelheim to study the potential of their molecule in combination with Lilly’s abemaciclib, for which we have an active Phase 3 development programme underway," said Richard Gaynor, M.D., senior vice president, product development and medical affairs for Lilly Oncology. "For patients living with metastatic breast cancer, the limited treatment options available make this an important area of focus for our efforts to advance the most innovative treatments."

Dr. Mehdi Shahidi
Dr. Mehdi Shahidi, Medical Head, Solid Tumour Oncology, Boehringer Ingelheim commented, " Boehringer Ingelheim is excited about initiating this collaboration with Lilly to investigate a novel combination of two compounds that have individually shown promising results in metastatic breast cancer and have a complementary mode of action. We hope that this study will lay foundations for making much needed new therapies available to patients with metastatic breast cancer."

Boehringer Ingelheim’s BI 836845 is an IGF ligand-neutralising antibody that binds to both IGF-1 and IGF-2 preventing activation of the respective receptor resulting in decreased growth-promoting signalling, which may decrease tumour growth. In a Phase Ib/II trial BI 836845 has shown promising preliminary efficacy and good clinical safety in combination with everolimus and exemestane in patients with HR+ mBC.1 Lilly’s abemaciclib is designed to block the growth of cancer cells by specifically inhibiting CDK 4 and 6. In many cancers, uncontrolled cell growth arises from a loss of control in regulating the cell cycle due to increased signalling from CDK 4 and 6.

The rationale for the collaboration is based upon the hypothesis that these two agents, in combination, could offer a more complete pathway interference and could potentially prolong cell cycle arrest. For HR+/HER2- mBC patients, this could translate to a reversal of resistance to hormone therapy.

About Metastatic Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide with nearly 1.7 million new cases diagnosed in 2012.2 In the U.S. this year, approximately 246,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed and about 40,450 women will die from breast cancer.3 Of all early stage breast cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S., approximately 30 percent will become metastatic, spreading to other parts of the body, with an estimated six to 10 percent of all new breast cancer cases initially being stage IV, or metastatic.4 Approximately 75% of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive and are typically managed with endocrine therapies, including aromatase inhibitors and selective oestrogen receptor modulators.5 Metastatic breast cancer is considered incurable, but is generally treatable.

About BI 836845
BI 836845 is an investigational compound in Phase II clinical development. It is a humanised antibody that binds to insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signalling pathways, which may play a role in the development or spread of cancer by providing a growth mechanism for tumours. BI 836845 specifically binds to IGF-1 and IGF-2. It is being studied in combination with other agents for use in patients with advanced solid tumours.

On July 12, 2016 Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE MKT: PVCT, www.provectusbio.com), a clinical-stage oncology and dermatology biopharmaceutical company ("Provectus" or "The Company"), reported that the European Society for Medical Oncology’s Scientific Committee has accepted an abstract for a poster presentation detailing the use of PV-10 as a treatment for stage III and IV melanoma as part of ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper)’s 2016 Congress (Press release, Provectus Pharmaceuticals, JUL 12, 2016, View Source [SID:1234513829]).

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The exact date and time of the presentation, titled "Intralesional Rose Bengal for Stage III and IV Melanoma," has yet to be decided. When the schedule is set, the details for this abstract, #3438, will be available at View Source

In addition, the abstract will also be published in the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2016 Congress Abstract Book, a supplement to the official ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) journal, Annals of Oncology. ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) has not yet announced the final publication number. The ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2016 Congress will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from October 7-11, 2016.

On July 12, 2016 Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) reported that the Company will discuss data supporting the ABP 501 Biologics License Application (BLA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Arthritis Advisory Committee (Press release, Amgen, JUL 12, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2184704 [SID:1234513830]). ABP 501 is a biosimilar candidate to Humira (adalimumab), an anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) monoclonal antibody, which is approved in many regions for the treatment of several inflammatory diseases.

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

During the meeting, Amgen will present a comprehensive data package which supports biosimilarity of ABP 501 to adalimumab based on analytical, nonclinical, clinical and pharmacokinetic data, including results from two Phase 3 studies conducted in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis. The Phase 3 studies met their primary endpoints showing clinical comparability to adalimumab. Safety and immunogenicity of ABP 501 were also comparable to adalimumab.

"As a developer of innovative medicines and biosimilars, Amgen has worked diligently to apply our more than 35 years of experience in biotechnology to the development of biosimilars," said Sean E. Harper, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. "Today, we’re looking forward to discussing the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity profile of ABP 501, Amgen’s first prospective biosimilar, with the FDA advisory committee. If approved, ABP 501 has the potential to provide an additional treatment option for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, as well as play a key role in long-term disease management."

The FDA has set a Biosimilar User Fee Act (BsUFA) target action date of Sept. 25, 2016 for ABP 501.

About ABP 501

ABP 501 is a biosimilar candidate to adalimumab, an anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody, which is approved in many regions for the treatment of several inflammatory diseases. The active ingredient of ABP 501 is an anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody that has the same amino acid sequence as adalimumab. ABP 501 has the same pharmaceutical dosage form and strength as adalimumab (U.S.) and adalimumab (EU).

On July 12, 2016 ONCODESIGN (ALONC – FR0011766229), a biotechnology company serving the pharmaceutical industry in the discovery of new therapeutic molecules to fight cancer and other serious illnesses with no known effective treatment, reported the official launch of a clinical study focusing on the evaluation of its first radiotracer in humans, as part of the IMAkinib project conducted jointly with Cyclopharma and the study sponsor, the Cancer Centre Georges-François Leclerc (CGFL) in Dijon (Press release, Oncodesign, JUL 12, 2016, View Source [SID:1234513845]).

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The objective of this radiotracer (ODS2004436) is to measure increased EGFR1 kinase activity during the development of a tumour, to select the treatment best suited to individual patients and to detect the emergence of any resistance early on. The radiotracer will be visualised by PET (Positron Emission Tomography), a standard nuclear imaging technique used for clinical diagnosis.

Mutations activating EGFR kinase are responsible for non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma, which accounts for 10 to 15% of lung cancers and affects 6,000 patients each year in France alone.

The clinical study, authorised by the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products ANSM, is now ready to begin at the CGFL Cancer Centre, which has been granted the CLIP designation2 to conduct early-stage clinical trials. The first patient with lung cancer will be recruited within the next few weeks in the medical oncology department of the CGFL Cancer Centre in Dijon (Dr. Isambert, Head of the early-stage unit).

The objective of this phase 0/1 is to demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of the radiotracer in human lung tumours. The clinical study will include 3 successive stages, designed to verify the specific labelling of tumours expressing the mutated EGFR receptor, verify the absence of significant marking on non-mutated tumours, and finally confirm the findings in a larger number of patients.

"With the advent of targeted therapies and precision medicine, the development of new molecular imaging biomarkers has become essential to provide the best treatment for patients," comments Prof. Fumoleau, Director of the CGFL Centre. "As a founding member of the Pharmimage platform with Oncodesign, it was only natural that we should conduct this phase 0/1 clinical study on the first radiotracer generated by the IMAkinib programme."

"This radiotracer was generated using our Nanocyclix technology, a chemical platform of next generation kinase inhibitors. The specificity of our molecules is a key advantage for the development of therapeutic molecules as well as for associated biomarkers, in a context of precision medicine and personalised treatments," adds Jan Hoflack, PhD, CSO of Oncodesign. "Our approach, which combines research on new therapies and identification of high-precision imaging tracers as of the first stage of our discovery programmes, is unique."

"Reaching the clinical stage in the development of an internal program for the first time is crucial for Oncodesign and its teams. It marks the culmination of 20 years of work and commitment to Oncodesign’s mission, i.e. provide patients with new cancer treatments," concludes Philippe Genne, PhD, founder and CEO of Oncodesign. "The IMAkinib project launched in 2009 includes several radiotracer programmes, the most advanced being the development of the radiotracer targeting the activated EGFR receptor. Our role in this programme is that of a pioneer in pharmaco-imaging focusing on new molecular markers. As this approach may lead to more effective treatments of tumours expressing EGFR-activating mutations using specific kinase inhibitors, it is important to identify such mutations."

About IMAkinib

IMAkinib is an Oncodesign research programme, conducted jointly with Cyclopharma and Ariana Pharmaceuticals. This programme received a grant from Bpifrance of €10.3m as part of the Industrial Strategic Innovation Programme, with an overall funding of €25m. The objective of IMAkinib is to develop biomarkers used in nuclear medicine to provide diagnostic solutions in oncology and help select the treatment best suited to individual patients, then monitor its efficacy and any potential resistance. The radiotracers developed are small molecules generated by Oncodesign’s Nanocyclix technology, labelled with radioactive 18F-fluorine [18F]. The IMAkinib programme includes several independent projects, the most advanced entering its phase 0/1 clinical study in lung cancer. Oncodesign has also worked jointly with Guerbet, and the teams of Prof. Denis Guilloteau of University François Rabelais in Tours and Dr Louisa Barré of CEA-Cycéron in Caen, on the development of radiochemical synthesis and on the preclinical studies on the radiotracer targeting the EGFR receptor.

On July 11, 2016 AMRI (NASDAQ: AMRI) reported that it has completed the acquisition of Prime European Therapeuticals S.p.A., also known as "Euticals", a privately-held company headquartered in Lodi, Italy, specializing in custom synthesis and the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) (Press release, Albany Molecular Research, JUL 11, 2016, View Source [SID:1234513793]). This completes the transaction initially announced on May 5, 2016.

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The acquisition positions AMRI as one of the largest independent developers and suppliers of API to the pharmaceutical industry, and in particular, provides the company with an established custom synthesis presence in key European markets.

"We are delighted to have Euticals join the AMRI family as we create an industry leader in global contract research and manufacturing. Euticals’ API platform is a significant addition to AMRI’s capabilities, and we are excited about the future opportunities our company will have as a result of this pivotal acquisition," said William S. Marth, AMRI’s president and chief executive officer.

Mr. Marth added: "This significantly expands AMRI’s customer base, further diversifies our revenue streams, and moves us significantly closer to our goal of reaching $1 billion in annual revenues by 2018. The Euticals acquisition accelerates our company’s strategy to become a global, preeminent provider of contract research, development and manufacturing services to the pharmaceutical industry, while at the same time enhancing our ability to expertly serve our customers.

"As we prepare to celebrate AMRI’s 25th anniversary this year, the closing of this transaction is a timely achievement that I am confident will position AMRI for success over many years to come," concluded Mr. Marth.

AMRI financed the EUR 315 million transaction through the issuance of approximately 7.1 million shares of AMRI common stock (valued at signing), seller notes totaling EUR 55 million and the remainder in cash. In connection with the acquisition, AMRI secured $235 million in incremental borrowings under its existing Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, which bears interest at LIBOR with a floor of 1% plus 475 basis points, and repaid its $30 million revolving credit facility. AMRI intends to provide updated 2016 financial guidance, including the impact of the Euticals’ acquisition, in early August in conjunction with the company’s second quarter financial results.

The 7.1 million shares of AMRI common stock issued in connection with the transaction were offered and sold outside the United States to Lauro Cinquantesette S.p.A. (Lauro 57), the sole stockholder of Euticals and an eligible investor pursuant to Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Such shares have not been registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, the shares in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful.

Nomura acted as exclusive financial advisor to AMRI in connection with this transaction and Goodwin Procter LLP and LCA Studio Legale acted as AMRI’s legal advisors. Lincoln International acted as sole financial advisor to Lauro 57, and Chiomenti Studio Legale and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP acted as Lauro 57’s legal advisors.