On May 9, 2024 Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRNX), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for endocrine diseases and endocrine-related tumors, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 (Press release, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, MAY 9, 2024, View Source [SID1234642986]).

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"Building on the positive momentum from the first PATHFNDR readout in 2023, Crinetics began 2024 with continued strong performance. Our lead investigational compound, paltusotine, delivered positive data from two consecutive late-stage clinical trials in acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome. With our pivotal PATHFNDR Phase 3 program in acromegaly now complete, we are working diligently to submit an NDA in the second half of 2024. We also intend to discuss the positive results from our Phase 2 study in carcinoid syndrome with the FDA in preparation for the Phase 3 program, which is expected to be initiated by the end of this year," said Scott Struthers, Ph.D., founder and chief executive officer of Crinetics.

"The clinical trials for the second compound in our pipeline, atumelnant, which is being developed for the treatment of CAH and Cushing’s disease, continue to enroll patients. We plan to report initial results from a subset of patients from these trials in the second quarter," continued Dr. Struthers. "In the first quarter, we strengthened our balance sheet to support commercial readiness for a potential paltusotine launch in acromegaly, as well as to fund the development of our deep clinical and preclinical pipeline. The progress made across our pipeline positions the Company for long-term success and towards achieving our objective to become a fully integrated pharmaceutical company."

First Quarter 2024 and Recent Highlights:

Phase 3 PATHFNDR-2 study achieved primary and all secondary endpoints. In March, Crinetics reported positive topline results from its placebo-controlled Phase 3 study of paltusotine in non-pharmacologically treated participants with acromegaly. PATHFNDR-2 was designed to support a treatment indication in those with uncontrolled acromegaly.
Phase 2 study of paltusotine in carcinoid syndrome reported positive results. In March, Crinetics reported positive topline results from its open-label Phase 2 study of paltusotine in participants with carcinoid syndrome. Paltusotine was shown to result in rapid and sustained reductions in frequency and severity of flushing episodes and bowel movements.
Strengthened balance sheet with $350 million private placement financing. In February, Crinetics announced a private placement equity financing for gross proceeds of approximately $350 million.
Key Upcoming Milestones

Initial results from the ongoing Phase 2 studies of atumelnant* in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome will be presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, ENDO 2024, being held June 1-4, 2024 in Boston. The Phase 2 studies are evaluating the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of different doses of atumelnant in participants with CAH and Cushing’s disease.
Submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking regulatory approval of paltusotine for the treatment of acromegaly is anticipated in the second half of 2024.
Initiation of a Phase 3 program of paltusotine for carcinoid syndrome by the end of 2024, pending discussions with the FDA.
First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Research and development expenses were $53.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $38.5 million for the same period in 2023. The increases were primarily attributable to an increase in personnel costs of $9.4 million, increased outside services and facilities costs of $3.8 million, and increased spending on manufacturing and development activities of $1.4 million.
General and administrative expenses were $20.8 million for the three months March 31, 2024, compared to $12.2 million for the same period in 2023. The increases were primarily attributable to an increase in personnel costs of $5.6 million.
Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $66.9 million, compared to a net loss of $46.0 million for the same period in 2023.Revenues were $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $2.7 million for the same period in 2023.
Revenues were derived from licensing arrangements for our paltusotine product candidate in 2024 and for paltusotine and CRN01941 product candidates in 2023.
Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaled $901.0 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to $558.6 million as of December 31, 2023. On February 28, 2024, the company announced a private placement equity financing for gross proceeds of approximately $350 million. Based on its current projections, the company now expects that its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to fund its current operating plan into 2028.
*Proposed international nonproprietary name under review.

Conference Call and Webcast Details
Management will hold a live conference call and webcast today, Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. ET. To participate, please dial 1-888-886-7786 (domestic) or 1-416-764-8658 (international) and refer to Conference ID 71864759. To access the webcast, click here. For instant telephone access, click the Call me link here. Following the live event, a replay will be available on the Investors section of the Company’s website.

On May 9, 2024 MacroGenics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGNX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, reported an update on its recent corporate progress and announced financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (Press release, MacroGenics, MAY 9, 2024, View Source [SID1234643002]).

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"We are very encouraged by the interim updated safety and preliminary efficacy data from the TAMARACK study of vobra duo in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer," said Scott Koenig, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of MacroGenics. "We believe this interim data set helps validate our previously stated hypothesis that improved tolerability coupled with compelling biological activity could be achieved through dose reductions and a longer dosing interval. We believe vobra duo’s biological activity shown to date aligns well with the parameters we outlined at the outset of the study. Based on our evaluation of the interim data to date, we have initiated planning activities for a potential Phase 3 study that could commence next year. We anticipate sharing final safety, efficacy and durability data, including radiographic progression-free survival data, which is the primary endpoint of the study, in the second half of 2024. Furthermore, having preliminarily identified suitable vobra duo doses in mCRPC in the TAMARACK study, we have greater confidence in the molecule’s potential to help patients with a broad range of B7-H3-expressing cancers."

"The interim safety and anti-tumor activity observed to date in the TAMARACK study look very promising for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer," said Johann DeBono, Regius Professor of Cancer Research and Professor in Experimental Cancer Medicine at The Institute of Cancer Research, London and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. "With the limited treatment options currently available to these patients, this novel ADC molecule could potentially become the first therapy targeting B7-H3 in patients with prostate cancer and would represent an important new treatment for this population."

Updates on Proprietary Investigational Programs

Recent progress and anticipated events related to MacroGenics’ investigational product candidates are highlighted below.

B7-H3-Directed Therapies

• Vobramitamab duocarmazine (vobra duo) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that targets B7-H3, an antigen with broad expression across multiple solid tumors and a member of the B7 family of molecules involved in immune regulation.

• MacroGenics completed enrollment of the TAMARACK Phase 2 study of vobra duo in November 2023. TAMARACK is being conducted in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who were previously treated with one prior androgen receptor axis-targeted therapy (ARAT). Participants may have received up to one prior taxane-containing regimen, but no other chemotherapy agents. The TAMARACK study is designed to evaluate vobra duo at two different doses: 2.0 mg/kg or 2.7 mg/kg every four weeks (q4W).

• A new presentation of TAMARACK interim data, consisting of updated safety and preliminary efficacy data, all based on a data cut-off date of April 12, 2024, is available under "Events & Presentations" in the Investor Relations section of MacroGenics’ website or directly via this link. Below is a high-level summary of this interim data, which is subject to further updates:

Vobra Duo
2.0 mg/kg q4W Vobra Duo
2.7 mg/kg q4W
Patients Enrolled n=91 n=90
PSA Reduction Summary:
PSA Evaluable Patients n=82 n=71
Any PSA Reduction ≥50% 41 (50.0%) 36 (50.7%)
Confirmed PSA Reduction ≥50% 36 (43.9%) 26 (36.6%)
Tumor Response Summary:
RECIST Evaluable Patients with Measurable Disease at Baseline n=45 n=32
Disease Control Rate (CR+PR+SD) 41 (91.1%) 28 (87.5%)
Overall Response Rate (CR+PR, confirmed only) 8 (17.8%) 8 (25.0%)
Overall Response Rate (CR+PR, including unconfirmed) 11 (24.4%) 14 (43.8%)
Safety Summary:
Safety Population n=90 n=86
Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events All Grade 89 (98.9%) 86 (100.0%)
Treatment- Emergent Adverse Events Grade ≥3 49 (54.4%) 44 (51.2%)
TEAE Leading to Study Drug Discontinuation 10 (11.1%) 13 (15.1%)
TEAE Leading to Study Drug Dose Reduction 39 (43.3%) 44 (51.2%)
TEAE Leading to Study Drug Dose Interruption 38 (42.2%) 48 (55.8%)
Five Most Common TEAE All Grade Asthenia (46.7%)
Nausea (35.6%)
Oedema peripheral (32.2%) Decreased appetite (28.9%) Fatigue (25.6%) Asthenia (58.1%)
Decreased appetite (37.2%) Oedema peripheral (36.0%) Nausea (30.2%)
Pleural effusion (29.1%)
Pleural Effusions Grade 1=8.9%
Grade 2=8.9%
No Grade ≥ 3 event Grade 1=14.0%
Grade 2=14.0%
Grade 3=1.2%
Palmar-plantar Erythrodysaesthesia Syndrome Grade 1=11.1%
Grade 2=4.4%
No Grade ≥ 3 event Grade 1=12.8%
Grade 2=9.3%
Grade 3=1.2%

• The median number of cycles of vobra duo administered was five (range of 1-10).

• A total of five events with fatal outcome occurred as follows: one Grade 5 event in the 2.0 mg/kg dosing cohort: acute myocardial infarction (considered unrelated to study drug by the investigator); three Grade 5 events in the 2.7 mg/kg dosing cohort: one cardiac arrest (considered unrelated to study drug by the investigator) and two events of pneumonitis. In addition, a patient in the 2.7 mg/kg dosing cohort had a Grade 3 pleural effusion that is recorded as having a fatal outcome. The latter three deaths are being investigated, as follow-up is incomplete on this ongoing trial.

• Additional data is provided in the presentation on the Company’s website and as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

• Based on a current evaluation of this interim data, the Company is undertaking the initial steps necessary to prepare for the potential initiation of a Phase 3 study in mCRPC in 2025. The final decision to pursue such a Phase 3 study will be based on an analysis of the final data set, including rPFS, when available.

• The Company intends to share final safety, efficacy, and durability data, including the primary endpoint of radiographic progression-free survival, from the TAMARACK trial in the second half of 2024.

• MacroGenics plans to expand the TAMARACK study of vobra duo by enrolling patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and anal cancer. The Company expects to initiate dosing in these additional cohorts in mid-2024.

• MacroGenics continues to enroll a Phase 1/2 dose escalation study of vobra duo in combination with lorigerlimab in patients with various advanced solid tumors. The Company anticipates commencing a dose expansion study of this combination in mCRPC and at least one additional indication in 2024.

• MGC026 is a clinical B7-H3-targeting ADC that is site-specifically conjugated to exatecan, a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload developed by Synaffix (a Lonza company). With distinct mechanisms of action, vobra duo and MGC026 may address different cancers, tumor stages, or be used in combination with alternate agents — or potentially with one another — to enhance their clinical utility. A Phase 1 dose escalation study of MGC026 in patients with advanced solid tumors is ongoing.

MGC026 preclinical data was presented recently at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. In preclinical studies, MGC026 was shown to have greater potency than B7-H3-directed antibodies conjugated to deruxtecan, or DXd, a topoisomerase-based payload utilized in other ADCs. In addition, the MGC026 payload has been shown to be less susceptible to multi-drug resistance (MDR) mechanisms than DXd and SN-38.

• Enoblituzumab is an Fc-optimized monoclonal antibody that targets B7-H3. The HEAT study, an investigator-sponsored, randomized Phase 2 clinical trial being conducted by MacroGenics’ academic collaborators, is ongoing. This study is being conducted to evaluate the activity of neoadjuvant enoblituzumab given prior to radical prostatectomy in up to 219 men with high-risk localized prostate cancer.

Lorigerlimab

• Lorigerlimab is a bispecific, tetravalent PD-1 × CTLA-4 DART molecule. In addition to the ongoing study of lorigerlimab in combination with vobra duo mentioned above, MacroGenics is enrolling LORIKEET, a randomized Phase 2 study of lorigerlimab in combination with docetaxel vs. docetaxel alone in second-line, chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC patients. A total of 150 patients are planned to be treated in the 2:1 randomized study. The current trial design includes a primary study endpoint of radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS). The Company anticipates completing enrollment of the study in 2024 and providing a clinical update in the first half of 2025.

Emerging ADC Pipeline

• MGC028 is a preclinical ADC incorporating an ADAM9-targeting antibody and represents the second MacroGenics ADC molecule that incorporates Synaffix’s novel site-specific linker and topoisomerase I inhibitor-based cytotoxic payload. ADAM9 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain 9) is a member of the ADAM family of multifunctional type 1 transmembrane proteins that play a role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression and is overexpressed in multiple cancers, making it an attractive target for cancer treatment. The Company currently anticipates submitting an investigational new drug (IND) application for MGC028 by the end of 2024.

MGC028 preclinical data was presented recently at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. In preclinical studies, MGC028 demonstrated specific antitumor activity in in vivo models representing gastric, lung, pancreatic, colorectal cancer, SCCHN and cholangiocarcinoma. In addition, in a non-human primate study, MGC028 was well tolerated at high dose levels, with mild, reversible side effects and no ocular toxicity, which is often a concern with tubulin-inhibitor-based ADCs. These promising preclinical results support the continued investigation of MGC028 as a therapeutic option for treating ADAM9-expressing solid cancers.

Partnered Program

• MGD024 is a next-generation, humanized CD123 × CD3 DART molecule designed to minimize cytokine-release syndrome, while maintaining anti-tumor cytolytic activity, and permitting intermittent dosing. MacroGenics continues to enroll patients in a Phase 1 dose-escalation study of MGD024 in patients with CD123-positive neoplasms, including acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Under an October 2022 exclusive option and collaboration agreement, Gilead Sciences, Inc. has the option to license MGD024 at predefined decision points during the Phase 1 study.

First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

• Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balance as of March 31, 2024, was $184.2 million, compared to $229.8 million as of December 31, 2023.

• Revenue: Total revenue was $9.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to total revenue of $24.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in revenue from collaborative and other agreements, including a $15.0 million milestone received from Incyte in the quarter ended March 31, 2023.

• R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $46.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to $45.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.

• SG&A Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses were $14.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to $13.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily related to increased stock-based compensation expense and other professional fees.

• Net Loss: Net loss was $52.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to net loss of $38.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.

• Shares Outstanding: Shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2024 were 62,560,502.

• Cash Runway Guidance: MacroGenics anticipates that its cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balance of $184.2 million as of March 31, 2024, in addition to projected and anticipated future payments from partners and product revenues should extend its cash runway into 2026. The Company’s expected funding requirements reflect anticipated expenditures related to the Phase 2 TAMARACK clinical trial, the Phase 2 LORIKEET study as well as MacroGenics’ other ongoing clinical and preclinical studies.

Conference Call Information

To participate via telephone, please register in advance at this link. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive a confirmation email detailing how to join the conference call, including the dial-in number along with a unique passcode and registrant ID that can be used to access the call.

The listen-only webcast of the conference call can be accessed under "Events & Presentations" in the Investor Relations section of MacroGenics’ website at View Source A recorded replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call and archived on MacroGenics’ website for 30 days following the call.

On May 9, 2024 Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIRX), a clinical-stage precision oncology company focused on the treatment and prevention of virus-associated cancers that impact patients worldwide, reported financial results for the first quarter of 2024 and provided a business update (Press release, Viracta Therapeutics, MAY 9, 2024, View Source [SID1234643018]).

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"Our near-term goal is to address the high unmet medical needs of patients living with relapsed or refractory EBV-positive PTCL by advancing Nana-val through regulatory approval as quickly as possible," said Mark Rothera, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viracta. "Topline results from Stage 1 of the ongoing pivotal Phase 2 NAVAL-1 trial provided a strong signal of efficacy with a generally well-tolerated safety profile that were consistent with outcomes from the prior Phase 1b/2 study of Nana-val. The observed objective and complete response rates of Nana-val far exceeded the nanatinostat monotherapy arm, further validating the combined mechanism of action of Nana-val treatment. We look forward to sharing additional data from Stage 1, which continue to mature, as well as initial results from Stage 2 in the third quarter of 2024. We are encouraged by the growing data from the NAVAL-1 trial that underscore the benefit of Nana-val, our first-in-class, all-oral combination treatment regimen, and plan to engage with the FDA on a potential accelerated approval pathway in mid-2024."

Clinical Trial Updates and Anticipated Milestones

Pivotal Phase 2 NAVAL-1 trial of Nana-val (nanatinostat in combination with valganciclovir) in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) lymphoma

Clinical Trial Updates:

•
Presented positive topline Stage 1 data from both arms of the R/R EBV+ peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) cohort, patients randomized to either nanatinostat monotherapy (n=10) or to nanatinostat in combination with valganciclovir (Nana-val, n=10), at the 2024 Joint Annual Congress of Taiwan Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and The Hematology Society of Taiwan.

o
As of the February 7, 2024 data cutoff date, Nana-val (nanatinostat in combination with valganciclovir) demonstrated greater efficacy than nanatinostat alone and was generally well-tolerated. The median duration of response (DoR) continues to mature.
▪
In the Nana-val arm, the objective response rate (ORR) was 50% and the complete response rate (CRR) was 20% in the intent-to-treat population, while the ORR was 71% and the CRR was 29% in the efficacy-evaluable population.
▪
In the nanatinostat monotherapy arm, the ORR and CRR were 10% and 0% in the intent-to-treat population, while the ORR was 13% in the efficacy-evaluable population.
o
Data also showed that Nana-val was generally well tolerated, with the most common treatment-related adverse events in both treatment arms of thrombocytopenia, anemia, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss.
▪
These adverse events were primarily mild to moderate in severity and generally manageable or reversible.
▪
The type, frequency, and severity of these adverse events were generally consistent with those from over 135 patients with R/R EBV+ lymphomas who have been treated with Nana-val to date.
Anticipated 2024 Milestones:

•
Engage with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in mid-2024 to align on requirements for accelerated approval.
•
Enroll patients into the post-Phase 2 expansion cohort to support potential accelerated approval.
•
Present Stage 1 + Stage 2 data (n=21) in the R/R EBV+ PTCL cohort in patients treated with Nana-val in the third quarter of 2024.
•
Report Stage 1 data from patients with R/R EBV+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and R/R EBV+ post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) by year-end 2024.

Phase 1b/2 trial of Nana-val in patients with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) EBV+ nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and other advanced EBV+ solid tumors (Study 301)

Clinical Trial Updates:

•
Completed enrollment of the sixth dose cohort from the Phase 1b dose escalation portion of the trial evaluating the novel split daily dosing (SDD) regimen in patients with R/M EBV+NPC.
•
Started enrolling patients into the seventh dose cohort also evaluating the SDD regimen in the Phase 1b dose escalation portion of the trial.
Anticipated 2024 Milestones:

•
Determine the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) in the second half of 2024.
•
Initiate a dose-optimization cohort to confirm the RP2D as part of the study’s Phase 2 expansion by year-end 2024.

Business Updates

•
Engaged with the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) on the extension of the NAVAL-1 trial into Japan.
o
At a recent meeting, the PMDA endorsed the enrollment of patients in Japan into the NAVAL-1 trial without a preceding Japanese Phase 1 safety/pharmacokinetics study.
o
Viracta plans to engage with the PMDA in the second half of 2024 to align on a potential approval pathway for Nana-val in R/R EBV+PTCL.

▪
The PMDA has granted full approval for R/R PTCL drugs based on a primary ORR endpoint supported by DoR and safety in single-arm studies.

First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

•
Cash position – Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled approximately $39.6 million as of March 31, 2024, which Viracta expects will be sufficient to fund operations late into the first quarter of 2025.
•
Research and development expenses –Research and development expenses were approximately $10.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to approximately $7.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in research and development expenses was largely due to a non-cash adjustment for insurance costs related to the February 2021 reverse merger with Sunesis Pharmaceuticals of $1.8 million, as well as increases in costs incurred to support the advancement and expansion of our clinical development programs, including incremental costs to support NAVAL-1, our pivotal Phase 2 trial of Nana-val in patients with R/R EBV+ lymphomas.
•
General and administrative expenses – General and administrative expenses were approximately $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $4.6 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was largely due to lower corporate liability insurance premiums and legal costs.
•
Net loss – Net loss was approximately $9.1 million, or $0.23 per share (basic and diluted), for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to a net loss of $12.2 million, or $0.32 per share (basic and diluted), for the same period in 2023. This change was primarily the result of $5.0 million of other income received related to the monetization of a pre-commercialization, event-based milestone from Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. in March 2024, partially offset by the non-cash adjustment for insurance costs related to the February 2021 merger of $1.8 million.

About the NAVAL-1 Trial

NAVAL-1 (NCT05011058) is a global, multicenter, clinical trial of Nana-val in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) lymphoma. This Phase 2 trial employs a Simon two-stage design where, in Stage 1, participants are enrolled into one of three indication cohorts based on EBV+ lymphoma subtype. If two objective responses are achieved within a lymphoma subtype in Stage 1 (n=10), then additional patients will be enrolled in Stage 2 for a total of 21 patients. EBV+ lymphoma subtypes demonstrating promising antitumor activity in Stage 2 may be further expanded following discussion with regulators to potentially support registration.

About the Phase 1b/2 Study of Nana-val in Patients with Advanced EBV+ Solid Tumors (Study 301)
This Phase 1b/2 trial (NCT05166577) is an open-label, multinational clinical trial evaluating Nana-val alone and in combination with pembrolizumab. The Phase 1b dose escalation part is designed to evaluate safety and to select the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of Nana-val in patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Project Optimus initiative, at the start of Phase 2, up to 40 patients with R/M EBV+ NPC will be randomized to receive either the RP2D or a dose level below the RP2D in a dose-optimization cohort. Once the RP2D has been confirmed, up to 60 patients with R/M EBV+ NPC will be randomized to receive Nana-val at the RP2D with or without pembrolizumab to further evaluate antitumor activity, safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and potential pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Additionally, patients with other advanced EBV+ solid tumors will be enrolled to receive Nana-val at the RP2D in a Phase 1b dose expansion cohort.

About Nana-val (Nanatinostat and Valganciclovir)

Nanatinostat is an orally available histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor being developed by Viracta. Nanatinostat is selective for specific isoforms of Class I HDACs, which are key to inducing viral genes that are epigenetically silenced in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated malignancies. Nanatinostat is currently being investigated in combination with the antiviral agent valganciclovir as an all-oral combination therapy, Nana-val, in various subtypes of EBV-associated malignancies. Ongoing trials include a pivotal, global, multicenter, open-label Phase 2 basket trial in multiple subtypes of relapsed or refractory (R/R) EBV+ lymphoma (NAVAL-1) as well as a multinational Phase 1b/2 clinical trial in patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) EBV+ NPC and other advanced EBV+ solid tumors.

About Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

T-cell lymphomas comprise a heterogeneous group of rare and aggressive malignancies, including peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). There are approximately 5,600 newly diagnosed T-cell lymphoma patients and approximately 2,600 newly diagnosed PTCL-NOS and AITL patients in the U.S. annually. Approximately 70% of these patients are either refractory to first-line therapy, or eventually experience relapse of their disease. Clinical trials are currently recommended for all lines of PTCL therapy, and most patients with R/R PTCL have poor outcomes, with median progression-free survival and median overall survival times reported to be 3.7 and 6.5 months, respectively. Approximately 40% to 65% of PTCL is associated with EBV, the incidence of EBV+ PTCL varies by geography, and reported outcomes for patients with EBV+ PTCL are inferior to those whose disease is EBV-negative. There is no approved targeted treatment specific for EBV+ PTCL, and therefore this represents a high unmet medical need.

About EBV-Associated Cancers

Approximately 90% of the world’s adult population is infected with EBV. Infections are commonly asymptomatic or associated with mononucleosis. Following infection, the virus remains latent in a small subset of cells for the duration of the patient’s life. Cells containing latent virus are increasingly susceptible to malignant transformation. Patients who are immunocompromised are at an increased risk of developing EBV-positive (EBV+) lymphomas. EBV is estimated to be associated with approximately 2% of the global cancer burden including lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and gastric cancer.

On May 9, 2024 CRISPR Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CRSP), a biopharmaceutical company focused on creating transformative gene-based medicines for serious diseases, reported that members of its senior management team will present at the Bank of America Securities Health Care Conference on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 12:20 p.m. ET (Press release, CRISPR Therapeutics, MAY 9, 2024, View Source [SID1234642987]).

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

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A live webcast of the fireside chat will be available on the "Events & Presentations" page in the Investors section of the Company’s website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Company’s website for 14 days following the presentation.

On May 9, 2024 MEI Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: MEIP), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company evaluating novel drug candidates to address known resistance mechanisms to standard-of-care cancer therapies, reported results for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2024, and highlighted recent corporate events (Press release, MEI Pharma, MAY 9, 2024, View Source [SID1234643003]).

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

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"Over the past several months, MEI has received encouraging clinical data for voruciclib and ME-344 supporting the further development of these programs," said David Urso, president and chief executive officer of MEI Pharma. "The clinical focus for the rest of the year will be voruciclib, our oral CDK9 inhibitor. We anticipate providing updates from the clinical trial evaluating voruciclib in combination with venetoclax in patients with relapsed/refractory AML, a study designed to provide additional evidence of the anti-leukemic activity of this combination, during the remainder of calendar 2024."

Mr. Urso continued: "While venetoclax is an established option for patients with AML and is increasingly used as a standard treatment, the disease typically progresses and patients require therapy after venetoclax, which consistently yields limited benefit. While treatments targeting specific patient populations with mutations such as FLT3 and IDH and the menin inhibitors may be an option for some relapsed/refractory AML patients, the majority of patients do not have therapeutically actionable mutations. We believe that voruciclib in combination with venetoclax has potential, as a mutation-agnostic therapy, to benefit the largest number of patients with relapsed/refractory AML."

Select Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 and Recent Highlights

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In January 2024, MEI presented a Trials in Progress poster of the Phase 1b study of ME-344, an investigational inhibitor of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation ("OXPHOS"), evaluating the combination with bevacizumab (Avastin) in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients at the 2024 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium.

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In March 2024, the MEI reported initiation of enrollment in an expansion cohort in the ongoing Phase 1 study evaluating voruciclib, its investigational selective oral cyclin-dependent kinase 9 ("CDK9") inhibitor, in combination with venetoclax (Venclexta), a B-cell lymphoma 2 ("BCL2") inhibitor, in relapsed and refractory ("R/R") acute myeloid leukemia ("AML") patients. The decision to open the expansion cohort was based on initial data demonstrating anti-leukemic activity, including complete responses in heavily pretreated patients. Additionally, at doses of 100 mg or more, initial results from correlative biomarker assay analyses of available samples from patients treated with the combination demonstrated anticipated decreases of myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein ("Mcl-1"), including progressively greater decreases in Mcl-1 in patients achieving a response compared to patients with stable disease or progressive disease. We also observed expected increases in Mcl-1 after administering venetoclax and subsequent anticipated decreases in Mcl-1 after administering voruciclib, supporting our hypothesis that voruciclib, as an inhibitor of CDK9, regulates Mcl-1 and therefore may address the increase of Mcl-1 levels associated with venetoclax. There was no evidence of overlapping toxicity with venetoclax and no dose limiting toxicities were observed.

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In April 2024, MEI reported that 25% of evaluable patients with relapsed metastatic colorectal cancer in Cohort 1 of the Phase 1b study evaluating ME-344, an investigational inhibitor of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, in combination with bevacizumab (Avastin) had no disease progression at Week 16. This landmark analysis exceeded the 20% threshold set in the Clinical Study Protocol to add an additional 20 patients to the study via the initiation of Cohort 2. The combination was also observed to be generally well-tolerated to date. While the threshold was met to proceed to Cohort 2, following a strategic review the Company decided to continue to advance ME-344 via its ongoing development of a new formulation rather than through the addition of a new cohort of patients. The Company has already initiated research and development activity of the new formulation with the goal of increasing biological activity, improving convenience of administration and increasing the commercial opportunity.

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In April 2024, MEI reported that its Board of Directors unanimously aligned on a strategy to prioritize clinical development of voruciclib and enable development of a new ME-344 formulation for the potential of a future Phase 1 study. Additionally, the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously determined not to proceed with a second return of capital under the October 31, 2023, Anson Funds and Cable Car Capital cooperation agreement in order to conserve resources and align strategic investment, and thereby extend the Company’s operational cash runway.

Expected Drug Candidate Pipeline Developments

Voruciclib – Oral CDK9 inhibitor in Phase 1 Study

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MEI expects to report clinical data from additional dose escalation and expansion cohorts of the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating voruciclib plus venetoclax in patients with R/R AML during the remainder of calendar 2024.

The Company has completed patient enrollment of the dose expansion cohort evaluating a 300 mg dose of voruciclib administered daily for 14 consecutive days in a 28-day cycle in combination with standard dose venetoclax. Additionally, MEI is enrolling dose escalation cohorts evaluating up to four dose levels of voruciclib starting at 150 mg administered daily for 21 consecutive days in a 28-day cycle in combination with venetoclax.

ME-344 –Inhibitor of Mitochondrial OXPHOS in Phase 1b Study

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MEI has initiated research and development activity of a new ME-344 formulation with the goal of increasing biological activity, improving convenience of administration and increasing the commercial opportunity. The Company expects to provide an update on our formulation efforts in the first half of calendar 2025.

Select Third Quarter and Nine Months Financial Results for Fiscal Year 2024

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As of March 31, 2024, MEI had $56.6 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments with no outstanding debt.

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For the nine months ended March 31, 2024, cash used in operations was $32.5 million, compared to $41.2 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease is primarily due to the timing of payments on operating liabilities, as compared to the prior period combined with a lower clinical spend due to the wind down of the zandelisib program resulting from the discontinuation of development activities announced in December 2022.

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Research and development expenses decreased by $9.9 million to $5.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to $15.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily related to a reduction in zandelisib program costs, as well as reduced personnel and related costs from our reductions in headcount. These decreases were partially offset by increases related to clinical trials, reformulation and manufacturing costs associated with ME-344 and increased clinical costs for the ongoing clinical study with voruciclib.

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General and administrative expenses decreased by $2.6 million to $4.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to $7.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily related to reduced personnel and related costs from our reductions in headcount, as well as lower external legal expenses.

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MEI recognized no revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to $5.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The decrease in revenue was due to all remaining noncash deferred revenue associated with the Kyowa Kirin Commercialization Agreement having been recognized in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 due to the termination of that agreement in July 2023.

The Company believes its cash balance is sufficient to fund operations for at least the next 12 months.