On November 18, 2024 AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) reported the European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorization for ELAHERE (mirvetuximab soravtansine) for the treatment of adult patients with folate receptor-alpha (FRα) positive, platinum-resistant high grade serous epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer who have received one to three prior systemic treatment regimens (Press release, AbbVie, NOV 18, 2024, View Source [SID1234648484]). ELAHERE is the first and only folate receptor alpha (FRɑ)-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) medicine approved in the European Union (EU), as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Northern Ireland.

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"It’s been 10 years since a new treatment for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer was approved in the EU, and now oncologists have an effective, new, targeted treatment option for these patients," said Toon Van Gorp, Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at the University of Leuven.

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of death from gynecological cancers worldwide.i Most patients present with late-stage disease and will typically undergo surgery followed by platinum-based chemotherapy. Unfortunately, most patients eventually develop platinum-resistant disease.ii Historically, treatment options for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) have been limited, and those available often result in adverse events which can negatively impact quality of life.iii

"Ovarian cancer can be devastating, taking women away from precious moments with their family, disrupting careers and the many other important contributions that women make to society," said Clara Mackay, CEO, World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. "In Europe, ovarian cancer is three times more deadly than breast cancer, and having new innovative options allows us to work toward a world where everyone living with ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival and the best quality of life possible, no matter where they live."

In approximately one third of people living with ovarian cancer, the folate-receptor alpha (FRα) biomarker is highly expressediv (≥75% of tumor cells with ≥2+ membrane staining intensity). To determine biomarker status, patients can be tested with Roche’s VENTANA FOLR1 (FOLR1-2.1) RxDx Assay at diagnosis or at the first sign of resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. AbbVie collaborated with Roche Diagnostics on the newly approved immunohistochemistry (IHC) companion diagnostic test to identify patients who may be eligible for ELAHERE.

"The approval of ELAHERE by the European Commission provides a much needed clinically meaningful option for patients who receive the heartbreaking news their ovarian cancer has returned, fearing what’s next in their treatment journey after they’ve developed platinum-resistance," said Roopal Thakkar, M.D., executive vice president, research and development, chief scientific officer, AbbVie.

The marketing authorization of ELAHERE is supported by data from MIRASOL: a global, Phase 3 open-label, randomized, controlled trial.

Trial participants were 18 years of age or older with disease that had progressed while on or after one to three lines of previous therapy. Patient tumors had to express high levels of FRɑ (≥75% of tumor cells with ≥2+ membrane intensity), assessed using the VENTANA FOLR1 (FOLR1-2.1) RxDx Assay. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). Key secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS).
Results presented at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting demonstrated a 35% reduction in the risk of tumor progression or death in patients treated in the ELAHERE arm compared with the investigator’s choice (IC) chemotherapy arm, which represented an improvement in PFS [HR 0.65 (95% CI: 0.52, 0.81; p<0.0001)].
ELAHERE also demonstrated improvement in OS compared with IC chemotherapy, representing a 33% reduction in the risk of death in the ELAHERE arm in comparison to the IC chemotherapy arm [HR 0.67 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.89; p=0.0046)].
The most common adverse reactions with ELAHERE were blurred vision, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain, keratopathy, dry eye, constipation, vomiting, decreased appetite, peripheral neuropathy, headache, asthenia, increased aspartate aminotransferase and arthralgia. The most commonly reported serious adverse reaction was pneumonitis.
Data from the Phase 3 MIRASOL Trial were also published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
About the Phase 3 MIRASOL Trial
MIRASOL is a global Phase 3 open-label, randomized, controlled trial that enrolled 453 patients to compare the efficacy and safety of mirvetuximab soravtansine with the investigator’s choice of single-agent chemotherapy (weekly paclitaxel, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, or topotecan) in the treatment of platinum-resistant, high-grade serous ovarian cancer whose tumors express high levels of FRα (≥75% of cells with ≥2+ staining intensity), confirmed with a validated test. Participants had previously received one to three lines of prior therapy. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). Key secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS).

More information can be found on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 04209855).

About ELAHERE (mirvetuximab soravtansine)
ELAHERE is a first-in-class ADC composed of a folate receptor alpha binding antibody, cleavable linker, and the maytansinoid payload DM4, a potent tubulin inhibitor designed to kill the targeted cancer cells.

Mirvetuximab soravtansine (approved under the brand name ELAHERE) was granted approval by the European Commission in November 2024, and was granted full FDA approval in the United States in March 2024.

Marketing authorization submissions for mirvetuximab soravtansine are under review in multiple other countries.

EU Indication and Important Safety Information about Elahere ▼ (mirvetuximab soravtansine)

Indication
ELAHERE (mirvetuximab soravtansine) as monotherapy is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with folate receptor-alpha (FRα) positive, platinum-resistant high grade serous epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who have received one to three prior systemic treatment regimens.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

Special warning and precautions for use
Ocular disorders
Elahere can cause severe ocular adverse reactions, including visual impairment (predominantly blurred vision), keratopathy (corneal disorders), dry eye, photophobia, and eye pain. Patients should be referred to an eye care professional for an ophthalmic exam before initiation of Elahere. Before the start of each cycle, the patient should be advised to report any new or worsening ocular symptoms to the treating physician or qualified individual. If ocular symptoms develop, an ophthalmic exam should be conducted, the patient’s ophthalmic report should be reviewed and the dose of Elahere may be modified based on the severity of the findings. Use of lubricating eye drops during treatment with Elahere is recommended. In patients who develop ≥Grade 2 corneal adverse reactions, ophthalmic topical steroids are recommended for subsequent cycles of Elahere. The physician should monitor patients for ocular toxicity and withhold, reduce, or permanently discontinue Elahere based on the severity and persistence of ocular adverse reactions. Patients should be advised to avoid use of contact lenses during treatment with Elahere unless directed by a healthcare professional.

Pneumonitis
Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with Elahere. Patients should be monitored for pulmonary signs and symptoms of pneumonitis, which may include hypoxia, cough, dyspnoea, or interstitial infiltrates on radiologic exams. Infectious, neoplastic, and other causes for such symptoms should be excluded through appropriate investigations. Elahere treatment should be withheld for patients who develop persistent or recurrent Grade 2 pneumonitis until symptoms resolve to ≤Grade 1 and dose reduction should be considered. Elahere should be permanently discontinued in all patients with Grade 3 or 4 pneumonitis. Patients who are asymptomatic may continue dosing of Elahere with close monitoring.

Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy has occurred with Elahere, including Grade ≥3 reactions. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of neuropathy, such as paraesthesia, tingling or a burning sensation, neuropathic pain, muscle weakness, or dysesthesia. For patients experiencing new or worsening peripheral neuropathy, Elahere dose should be withheld, reduced, or permanently discontinued based on the severity of peripheral neuropathy.

Embryo-foetal toxicity
Based on its mechanism of action, Elahere could cause embryo-foetal harm when administered to a pregnant patient because it contains a genotoxic compound (DM4) and affects actively dividing cells. Patients of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment with Elahere and for 7 months after the last dose.

Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
The pregnancy status in patients of childbearing potential should be verified prior to initiating Elahere treatment. Administration of Elahere to pregnant patients is not recommended, and patients should be informed of the potential risks to the foetus if they become or wish to become pregnant. Patients who become pregnant must immediately contact their doctor. If a patient becomes pregnant during treatment with Elahere or within 7 months following the last dose, close monitoring is recommended. It is unknown whether Elahere or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. Elahere should not be used during breast-feeding and for 1 month after the last dose.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Elahere has moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. If patients experience visual disturbances, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, or dizziness during treatment with Elahere, they should be instructed not to drive or use machines until complete resolution of symptoms is confirmed.

Undesirable effects
Summary of safety profile
The most common adverse reactions with Elahere were blurred vision (43%), nausea (41%), diarrhoea (39%), fatigue (35%), abdominal pain (30%), keratopathy (29%), dry eye (27%), constipation (26%), vomiting (23%), decreased appetite (22%), peripheral neuropathy (20%), headache (19%), asthenia (18%), AST increased (16%), and arthralgia (16%). The most commonly reported serious adverse reactions were pneumonitis (4%), small intestinal obstruction (3%), intestinal obstruction (3%), pleural effusion (2%), abdominal pain (2%), dehydration (1%), constipation (1%), nausea (1%), and ascites (1%), and thrombocytopenia (<1%). Adverse reactions that most commonly led to dose reduction or dose delay were blurred vision (17%), keratopathy (10%), dry eye (5%), neutropenia (5%), keratitis (4%), cataract (3%), visual acuity reduced (3%), thrombocytopenia (3%), peripheral neuropathy (3%), and pneumonitis (3%). Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 12% of patients who received Elahere, including most commonly, gastrointestinal disorders (4%), respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders (3%), blood and lymphatic system disorders (1%), nervous system disorders (1%), and eye disorders (1%).

On November 18, 2024 Immatics N.V. (NASDAQ: IMTX, "Immatics" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company active in the discovery and development of T cell-redirecting cancer immunotherapies, reported a business update and announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 (Press release, Immatics, NOV 18, 2024, View Source [SID1234648470]). The Company also reported the first clinical data update from the ongoing Phase 1 dose escalation trial evaluating its next-generation, half-life extended TCR Bispecific molecule, TCER IMA402 targeting PRAME.

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"This year, Immatics has demonstrated the strength of its pipeline by announcing data on clinical activity for its four clinical-stage assets across two therapeutic modalities. These include ACTengine IMA203 targeting PRAME positioned in 2L+ melanoma now moving forward into the Phase 3 trial SUPRAME targeting BLA filing in early 2027; ACTengine IMA203CD8 targeting hard-to-treat solid cancers with an initial focus on ovarian and endometrial cancers; and TCER IMA401 targeting MAGEA4/8 demonstrating clinical proof-of-concept during dose escalation and positioned in squamous NSCLC and head and neck cancer. Today, we are very pleased to announce first clinical data on TCER IMA402 targeting PRAME, which show promising signals of anti-tumor activity during early dose escalation and is initially positioned in 1L+ melanoma," said Harpreet Singh, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder of Immatics. "With our enhanced cash runway into the second half of 2027, Immatics is well positioned to advance all four candidates to highly relevant value inflection points with a specific focus on delivering meaningful clinical signals in multiple solid cancers in the coming year."

Third Quarter 2024 and Subsequent Company Progress

TCR Bispecifics Programs

TCER IMA402 (PRAME)

Today, Immatics is providing the first clinical data update from the ongoing Phase 1 dose escalation trial evaluating its next-generation, half-life extended TCR Bispecific molecule, TCER IMA402 targeting PRAME.

Patient Population: As of the data cut-off on November 6, 2024, 33 heavily pretreated patients with recurrent and/or refractory solid tumors have been treated with a dose range from 0.02 mg to 4 mg of IMA402 monotherapy. The treated patient population is composed of patients with a median of three and a maximum of five lines of prior systemic treatments. The safety population includes all 33 patients treated with IMA402, of which 21 patients were evaluable for efficacy analysis and are PRAME-positive or were not tested for PRAME. Of these 21 patients, eight patients received at least one dose of IMA402 at dose level 7 (DL7, 3 mg), and one patient received IMA402 at dose level 8 (DL8, 4 mg). Based on preclinical in-vivo data, relevant anti-tumor efficacy was expected starting at ~3 mg human equivalent dose, which aligns with the initial clinical anti-tumor activity reported today.

Safety: IMA402 demonstrated a favorable tolerability profile in the 33 patients treated. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were mostly mild to moderate cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and transient lymphopenia. Step dosing has been implemented and dose escalation is ongoing. The maximum tolerated dose has not yet been determined.

Pharmacokinetics: Early pharmacokinetic data indicate a median half-life of approximately seven days, potentially enabling bi-weekly dosing.

Initial Anti-Tumor Activity: Initial signs of clinical activity have been observed and are associated with PRAME expression and IMA402 dose levels administered.

In the PRAME-negative patient population across all doses and indications, only one patient out of seven (14%) showed tumor shrinkage of -2.9%.
In comparison, in the PRAME-positive or non-tested patients across all indications treated with low dose levels (DLs 1-6), tumor shrinkage was observed in 25% (3/12) of patients, including one unconfirmed partial response in a cutaneous melanoma patient.
Nine patients with tumors that tested PRAME-positive or were not tested for PRAME received a relevant dose (8 patients at DL7 and 1 patient at DL8). 78% (7/9) thereof experienced shrinkage of their target lesions, including several patients with significant ongoing tumor shrinkage:
one cutaneous melanoma patient with an ongoing (at 3 months post first dose at data cut-off) confirmed partial response with -40.2% tumor shrinkage treated at DL7;
two patients with ongoing (at 6+ weeks and 8+ months) stable diseases with significant tumor shrinkage (-27.5% in a patient with cutaneous melanoma at DL8 and at first scan; -25% in a patient with uveal melanoma deepening over time and treated at escalating doses starting at DL4 and currently at DL7);
one ovarian cancer patient with ongoing (at 3 months) stable disease and tumor shrinkage of -13% started at DL6 and currently at DL7.
Early Signs of Clinical Activity Associated with PRAME Expression and IMA402 Dose

*Patients who received DL7 or higher, either from start or as part of intra-patient dose-escalation; #continuing treatment; PD: Progressive Disease; SD: Stable Disease; PR: Partial Response; cPR: confirmed Partial Response; BOR: Best Overall Response; BL: Baseline; NT: not tested or not evaluable for PRAME expression

More information and details on the IMA402 clinical data are available on the Events & Presentations page of the Immatics corporate website: View Source

Based on these initial signs of dose-dependent and PRAME target expression-dependent clinical activity observed during dose escalation, the Company will continue to evaluate IMA402 at higher dose levels to determine the optimal therapeutic dose. The next data update on IMA402 is planned for 2025.

TCER IMA401 (MAGEA4/8)

On September 16, 2024, Immatics announced the proof-of-concept clinical data for the first candidate of its next-generation, half-life extended TCR Bispecifics platform, TCER IMA401 (MAGEA4/8), during an oral presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2024.

As of data cut-off on July 23, 2024, 35 heavily pretreated patients with recurrent and/or refractory solid tumors were treated with IMA401 monotherapy across nine escalating dose levels. The treated patient population was composed of patients with 16 different solid tumor indications who were both HLA-A*02:01 and MAGEA4/8-positive, had received a median of four and up to eight lines of prior systemic treatments and the majority had an ECOG performance status of ≥ 1.

Proof-of-concept clinical data from the Phase 1a first-in-human dose escalation basket trial showed initial anti-tumor activity in multiple tumor types, durable objective responses, including confirmed responses ongoing at 13+ months, a manageable tolerability profile and a half-life of 14+ days.

Treatment with IMA401 monotherapy in patients with relevant IMA401 doses and MAGEA4/8high levels (N=17) demonstrated:

Objective response rate of 29% with confirmed responses observed in 25% of patients
Disease control rate of 53% and tumor shrinkage of 53%
As the clinical trial progresses, the Company aims to further leverage the potential of IMA401 by focusing on the enrollment of indications with high MAGEA4/8 target expression, such as lung and head and neck cancer patients, seeking to optimize the treatment schedule and also exploring the incremental clinical benefit available to patients through combining IMA401 with a checkpoint inhibitor. The next data update on IMA401 is expected in 2025.

ACTengine Cell Therapy Programs

ACTengine IMA203

On November 8, 2024, Immatics announced an expanded clinical dataset that included all infused patients in the Phase 1b dose expansion part of the trial (N=41), consisting of the 28 melanoma patients reported on October 10, 2024, and 13 non-melanoma patients, of which 10 non-melanoma patients were reported on November 8, 2023.

As of the data cut-off on August 23, 2024, treatment with IMA203 monotherapy in the melanoma patient population has demonstrated:

Confirmed objective response rate of 54% and an objective response rate of 62%
Disease control rate of 92% and tumor shrinkage in 88% of patients
12.1 months median duration of response, 6 months median progression-free survival and >1-year median progression-free survival in patients with deep responses
Median overall survival has not yet been reached
IMA203 monotherapy has maintained a favorable tolerability profile with no treatment-related Grade 5 events in the entire safety population (N=70 Phase 1a and Phase 1b patients across all dose levels and all tumor types).

Based on the Phase 1b data and discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Immatics is on track to commence SUPRAME, the registration-enabling Phase 3 randomized-controlled clinical trial in melanoma for IMA203, in December 2024.

SUPRAME will evaluate IMA203 targeting PRAME in 360 HLA-A*02:01-positive patients with second-line or later (2L+) unresectable or metastatic melanoma who have received prior treatment with a checkpoint inhibitor. Patients will be randomized 1:1 for IMA203 or investigator’s choice of selected approved treatments in the 2L+ setting, including nivolumab/relatlimab, nivolumab, ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, lifileucel (U.S. only) or chemotherapy. The primary endpoint for full approval will be median PFS and secondary endpoints will include objective response rate, safety, duration of response, no overall survival detriment and patient-reported outcomes.

Patient enrollment for SUPRAME is forecast to be completed in 2026, and a pre-specified interim analysis is planned for early 2026. Immatics aims to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) in early 2027 for full approval.

ACTengine IMA203CD8 (GEN2) monotherapy

On November 8, 2024, Immatics announced updated Phase 1 dose escalation clinical data on its next-generation ACTengine IMA203CD8 TCR-T cell therapy in 44 heavily pretreated HLA-A*02:01 and PRAME-positive patients with solid tumors, thereof 41 patients being evaluable for efficacy. Of note, these patients had been treated at substantially lower doses compared to IMA203 (GEN1), i.e. in a range of 0.2-0.48×109 TCR-T cells/m2 BSA (dose level 3) to 0.801-1.2×109 TCR-T cells/m2 BSA (dose level 4c) T cells infused.

As of the data cut-off on September 30, 2024, treatment with IMA203CD8 monotherapy demonstrated:

Confirmed objective responses observed in 41% of patients
Median duration of response of 9.2 months at a median follow-up of 13.1 months
Tumor shrinkage of 84% and disease control rate at week 6 of 85%
10 out of 17 responses were ongoing, of which three confirmed responses were ongoing at 14+, 15+ and 24+ months
Deep responses with ≥50% tumor size reduction were observed in 11 out of 17 responders. This group included two patients with complete response of target lesions, of which one patient showed a complete metabolic response according to PET-CT scan

IMA203CD8 monotherapy has maintained a manageable tolerability profile in the 44 patients treated.

Based on the enhanced pharmacology of IMA203CD8 demonstrated in this trial, the evaluation of higher doses of IMA203CD8 in the ongoing dose escalation trial opens the possibility of addressing hard-to-treat solid tumor indications with a medium-level of PRAME copy numbers, such as ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.

Corporate Development

In September 2024, Immatics regained full clinical development and commercialization rights to IMA401 due to ongoing portfolio prioritization efforts within Bristol Myers Squibb. The Phase 1 dose escalation trial with IMA401 is ongoing and will continue to be conducted by Immatics.

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Cash Position: Cash and cash equivalents as well as other financial assets total $549.2 million1 (€490.5 million) as of September 30, 2024, compared to $476.8 million1 (€425.9 million) as of December 31, 2023. The increase is mainly due to the public offering in January 2024, partly offset by ongoing research and development activities. Following the $150 million public offering in October 2024, the Company now projects a cash runway into the second half of 2027.

Revenue: Total revenue, consisting of revenue from collaboration agreements, was $56.7 million1 (€50.6 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $6.6 million1 (€5.9 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase is mainly the result of a one-time revenue associated with the termination of the IMA401 collaboration by Bristol Myers Squibb during the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Research and Development Expenses: R&D expenses were $43.6 million1 (€38.9 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $34.1 million1 (€30.5 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase mainly resulted from costs associated with the advancement of the clinical pipeline candidates.
General and Administrative Expenses: G&A expenses were $12.5 million1 (€11.2 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $10.0 million1 (€8.9 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Net Profit and Loss: Net loss was $9.6 million1 (€8.6 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a net loss of $29.7 million1 (€26.5 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in net loss results from the increase in recognized revenue in the period.

Full financial statements can be found in the 6-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 18, 2024, and published on the SEC website under www.sec.gov.

Upcoming Investor Conferences

Jefferies London Healthcare Conference, London, United Kingdom – November 19 – 21, 2024

To see the full list of events and presentations, visit www.investors.immatics.com/events-presentations.

About IMA402
TCER IMA402 is a drug candidate owned by Immatics. IMA402 is Immatics’ second TCER molecule from the bispecifics pipeline and is directed against an HLA-A*02-presented peptide derived from preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME), a protein frequently expressed in a large variety of solid cancers, thereby supporting the program’s potential to address a broad cancer patient population. Immatics’ PRAME peptide is present at a high copy number per tumor cell and is homogenously and specifically expressed in tumor tissue. The peptide has been identified and characterized by Immatics’ proprietary mass spectrometry-based target discovery platform, XPRESIDENT. IMA402 is part of Immatics’ strategy to leverage the full clinical potential of targeting PRAME, one of the most promising targets for TCR-based therapies.

On November 18, 2024 Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) reported that it has received CE Mark for its VENTANA FOLR1 (FOLR1-2.1) RxDx Assay. This is the first immunohistochemistry (IHC) companion diagnostic test to be made widely available in Europe to aid in identifying epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients who may be eligible for targeted treatment with ELAHERE (mirvetuximab soravtansine) (Press release, Hoffmann-La Roche, NOV 18, 2024, View Source [SID1234648485]). ELAHERE is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy developed by AbbVie for the treatment of FRɑ-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

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This certification follows the news earlier this year that the VENTANA FOLR1 (FOLR1-2.1) test had received pre-authorisation in Germany and Austria. This exceptional decision allowed clinicians and patients in these countries to access the test ahead of the CE Mark certification.

"This certification will allow us to extend the reach of our innovative diagnostic solutions," said Jill German, Head of Pathology Lab at Roche Diagnostics. "The early exemption approval in Germany and Austria highlighted the urgent need for this test. Now, clinicians across Europe can access a critical tool to quickly identify ovarian cancer patients who may be eligible for targeted therapy. By enabling more precise and personalised treatment decisions, we hope this may help improve outcomes for the many women in Europe facing this devastating disease."

Folate receptor 1 protein (FOLR1), also known as folate receptor alpha (FRɑ), is expressed at some level in approximately 90 percent of ovarian carcinomas and serves as a predictive biomarker for FOLR1-targeted therapy for EOC patients.1,2 The VENTANA FOLR-1 (FOLR1-2.1) test informs clinicians about the likelihood of potential patient benefit from FOLR1 therapy,3,4 advancing Roche’s commitment to personalised healthcare through innovative solutions that help fit the treatment to the individual.

Ovarian cancer is the eighth overall cause for cancer death in women worldwide, representing 4.7% of all cancer deaths in women. It is also one of the deadliest gynaecological cancers worldwide. In 2022, 46,232 women in Europe and 209,596 women worldwide died from ovarian cancer.5

The launch of Roche’s first IHC companion test for ovarian cancer in CE countries highlights the company’s commitment, as the world’s leading provider of in vitro diagnostics, to continued innovation and evolution of its products in order to advance personalised healthcare and deliver novel, high medical value solutions that improve patients’ lives.

About the VENTANA FOLR1 (FOLR1-2.1) RxDx Assay
Roche has developed a leading, comprehensive and differentiated cancer immunohistochemical portfolio, with biomarkers that support multiple guidelines for the diagnosis and stratification of cancers. VENTANA FOLR1 (FOLR1-2.1) RxDx Assay is a qualitative immunohistochemical assay using mouse monoclonal anti-FOLR1 clone FOLR1-2.1 intended for use in the assessment of folate receptor alpha (FRɑ) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), including primary peritoneal cancer and primary fallopian tube cancer, tissue specimens by light microscopy. The OptiView DAB IHC Detection Kit is used for staining on a BenchMark ULTRA instrument.

The approval is based on the results from the SORAYA6 and MIRASOL7 clinical studies. Both studies enrolled platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer patients who were FRɑ-positive by the VENTANA FOLR1 (FOLR1-2.1) RxDx Assay. In the single-arm SORAYA trial, 32% of patients demonstrated a partial or complete response to ELAHERE therapy.5 In the MIRASOL trial, patients who received ELAHERE demonstrated a significant improvement in progression-free survival by investigator assessment compared with IC chemotherapy, which represented a 35% reduction in the risk of tumour progression or death (HR 0.65, 95% CI, 0.52-0.81). Patients who received ELAHERE also demonstrated a significant improvement in overall survival compared to chemotherapy, which represented a 33% reduction in the risk of death (HR 0.67, 95% CI, 0.50-.0.89).

On November 18, 2024 Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: KPTI), a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company pioneering novel cancer therapies, reported abstracts detailing selinexor data have been selected to be presented at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition, being held December 7-10, 2024 in San Diego, CA (Press release, Karyopharm, NOV 18, 2024, View Source [SID1234648471]).

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"We are pleased to share presentations on selinexor at this year’s annual meeting," said Reshma Rangwala, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research at Karyopharm. "The data being presented demonstrate our commitment, as well as that of our partners to our ongoing work in multiple myeloma and myelofibrosis."

Details for the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2024 selected Karyopharm abstracts are as follows:

Abstract Title

Presentation Type

Abstract #

Session Date/Time

Multiple Myeloma

Efficacy and Safety of Selinexor, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone (SPd) for Treatment of Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM)

Poster

1996

Saturday, December 7, 2024

5:30pm – 7:30pm PST/ 8:30pm – 10:30pm EST

Myelofibrosis

Selinexor Depletes Ruxolitinib Refractory Myelofibrosis Hematopoietic Stem Cells By Inducing Apoptosis and Blunting the Pro-Inflammatory Milieu

Poster

1377

Saturday, December 7, 2024

5:30pm – 7:30pm PST/ 8:30pm – 10:30pm EST

Details for a selected partner presentation on Antengene’s latest data are as follows:

Abstract Title

Presentation Type

Abstract #

Session Date/Time

Multiple Myeloma

Weekly Selinexor, Bortezomib and Dexamethasone (SVd)
Versus Twice Weekly Bortezomib and Dexamethasone (Vd) in Chinese Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Primary Analysis of Phase 3 Bench Study

Poster

4748

Monday, December 9, 2024

6:00pm – 8:00pm PST/

9:00pm – 11:00pm EST

About XPOVIO (selinexor)

XPOVIO is a first-in-class, oral exportin 1 (XPO1) inhibitor and the first of Karyopharm’s Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compounds for the treatment of cancer. XPOVIO functions by selectively binding to and inhibiting the nuclear export protein XPO1. XPOVIO is approved in the U.S. and marketed by Karyopharm in multiple oncology indications, including: (i) in combination with VELCADE (bortezomib) and dexamethasone (XVd) in patients with multiple myeloma after at least one prior therapy; (ii) in combination with dexamethasone in patients with heavily pre-treated multiple myeloma; and (iii) under accelerated approval in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), including DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma, after at least two lines of systemic therapy. XPOVIO (also known as NEXPOVIO in certain countries) has received regulatory approvals in a growing number of ex-U.S. territories and countries, including Europe, the United Kingdom, China, South Korea and Israel, and is marketed in those areas by Karyopharm’s global partners. Selinexor is also being investigated in several other mid- and late-stage clinical trials across multiple high unmet need cancer indications, including in endometrial cancer and myelofibrosis.

For more information about Karyopharm’s products or clinical trials, please contact the Medical Information department at: Tel: +1 (888) 209-9326; Email: [email protected]

XPOVIO (selinexor) is a prescription medicine approved in the United States:

In combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy (XVd).
In combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least two proteasome inhibitors, at least two immunomodulatory agents, and an anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody (Xd).
For the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma, after at least two lines of systemic therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).
SELECT IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warnings and Precautions

Thrombocytopenia: Monitor platelet counts throughout treatment. Manage with dose interruption and/or reduction and supportive care.
Neutropenia: Monitor neutrophil counts throughout treatment. Manage with dose interruption and/or reduction and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factors.
Gastrointestinal Toxicity: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss may occur. Provide antiemetic prophylaxis. Manage with dose interruption and/or reduction, antiemetics, and supportive care.
Hyponatremia: Monitor serum sodium levels throughout treatment. Correct for concurrent hyperglycemia and high serum paraprotein levels. Manage with dose interruption, reduction, or discontinuation, and supportive care.
Serious Infection: Monitor for infection and treat promptly.
Neurological Toxicity: Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities until neurological toxicity resolves. Optimize hydration status and concomitant medications to avoid dizziness or mental status changes.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential and males with a female partner of reproductive potential, of the potential risk to a fetus and use of effective contraception.
Cataract: Cataracts may develop or progress. Treatment of cataracts usually requires surgical removal of the cataract.
Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients with multiple myeloma who receive XVd are fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, peripheral neuropathy, upper respiratory tract infection, decreased weight, cataract and vomiting. Grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities (≥10%) are thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, hypophosphatemia, anemia, hyponatremia and neutropenia. In the BOSTON trial, fatal adverse reactions occurred in 6% of patients within 30 days of last treatment. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 52% of patients. Treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 19%.
The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients with multiple myeloma who receive Xd are thrombocytopenia, fatigue, nausea, anemia, decreased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, vomiting, hyponatremia, neutropenia, leukopenia, constipation, dyspnea and upper respiratory tract infection. In the STORM trial, fatal adverse reactions occurred in 9% of patients. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 58% of patients. Treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 27%.
The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) in patients with DLBCL, excluding laboratory abnormalities, are fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, appetite decrease, weight decrease, constipation, vomiting, and pyrexia. Grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities (≥15%) are thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, anemia, and hyponatremia. In the SADAL trial, fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.7% of patients within 30 days, and 5% of patients within 60 days of last treatment; the most frequent fatal adverse reactions was infection (4.5% of patients). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients; the most frequent serious adverse reaction was infection (21% of patients). Discontinuation due to adverse reactions occurred in 17% of patients.
Use In Specific Populations
Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed.

For additional product information, including full prescribing information, please visit www.XPOVIO.com.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. at 1-888-209-9326 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

On November 18, 2024 Bexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a novel class of biologic therapy to treat solid tumor cancers and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), reported completion of enrollment in the open label portion of Phase 1b/2 ASIST study of BXQ-350 in combination with Standard-of-Care (SOC) for the first line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) (Press release, Bexion, NOV 18, 2024, View Source [SID1234648486]).

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"I am delighted that Bexion has completed enrollment for its Phase 1b/2 clinical trial and am especially pleased my clinical site has made significant contributions toward this effort," said Reema A. Patel, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Markey Cancer Center of the University of Kentucky. "BXQ-350’s mechanism of action lends itself to potential benefit in metastatic colorectal patients and peripheral neuropathy. Severe neuropathy is a key reason that patients drop off chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, and BXQ-350 has been shown to possess potential anti-neuropathy properties. I am excited by the potential of BXQ-350 to reduce or even potentially reverse neuropathic pain in these patients."

The ASIST study will assess the safety and efficacy of BXQ-350 plus SOC, modified FOLFOX7 (mFOLFOX7) and bevacizumab, in patients with newly diagnosed mCRC. The study is also evaluating whether the administration of BXQ-350 with mFOLFOX7 and bevacizumab may diminish CIPN, enabling participants to receive the total and planned doses of mFOLFOX7.

"We extend our gratitude to all the patients, clinical investigators, and site research staff who continue to contribute to the advances we are making," said Jim Beach, Chief Executive Officer of Bexion. "We are excited about advancing to the next stage of clinical development, including further discussions with FDA on study design, and we look forward to providing updates as we reach upcoming milestones in 2025."

More information about the clinical trial is available at clinicaltrials.gov (ASIST study; NCT05322590).

About BXQ-350
Bexion’s lead drug candidate is BXQ-350, a first-in-class biologic containing the multifunctional sphingolipid activator protein, Saposin C, and a phospholipid. Multiple Phase 1 clinical trials in adult and pediatric patients have demonstrated a robust safety profile for BXQ-350 with evidence of single agent activity across multiple solid tumor types. Additionally, other clinical and non-clinical data suggest BXQ-350 has activity in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, an area of high unmet medical need in patients treated with oxaliplatin and other chemotoxic agents.