On December 12, 2024 Candel Therapeutics, Inc. ("Candel") (Nasdaq: CADL), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing multimodal biological immunotherapies to help patients fight cancer, reported the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 10,000,001 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $6.00 per share and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 3,333,333 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $5.99 per pre-funded warrant to purchase one share of the common stock, which represents the per share public offering price for the common stock less the $0.01 per share exercise price for each such pre-funded warrant (Press release, Candel Therapeutics, DEC 12, 2024, View Source [SID1234649084]). The gross proceeds from the offering to Candel are expected to be approximately $80 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. The offering is expected to close on or about December 16, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. In addition, Candel has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 2,000,000 additional shares of common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount.

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Candel intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to continue the development of its product candidates, including preparing submission of a Biologics License Application for CAN-2409 in prostate cancer and for general corporate purposes.

Citigroup, BofA Securities and Canaccord Genuity are acting as joint bookrunning managers for the offering. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as lead manager for the offering.

A shelf registration statement relating to the shares of common stock offered in the public offering described above was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on August 5, 2022 and declared effective by the SEC on August 12, 2022. The offering is being made only by means of a written prospectus and prospectus supplement that form a part of the registration statement. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering has been filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus will be filed with the SEC. When available, copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may also be obtained by contacting Citigroup Global Markets Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717, or telephone: 1-800-831-9146; BofA Securities, NC1-022-02-25, 201 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department, email: [email protected]; or Canaccord Genuity LLC, Attention: Syndication Department, 1 Post Office Square, 30th Floor, Boston, MA 02109, or by email at [email protected].

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities being offered, nor shall there be any sale of the securities being offered in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

On December 12, 2024 Aptose Biosciences Inc. ("Aptose" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: APTO, TSX: APS), a clinical-stage precision oncology company developing highly differentiated targeted agents to treat hematologic malignancies, reported the publication of preclinical data for Aptose’s lead hematology compound tuspetinib (TUS) in Cancer Research Communications, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) (Press release, Aptose Biosciences, DEC 12, 2024, View Source [SID1234649068]).

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The publication, entitled "Preclinical development of tuspetinib for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia," is the first preclinical profiling of tuspetinib, a well-tolerated, once daily, oral kinase inhibitor currently in clinical development for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The publication defines TUS activities on select oncogenic signaling targets, demonstrates enhanced activity and safety of TUS when combined with other agents, and illustrates synthetic lethality when combined with venetoclax (VEN). Pharmacokinetic and toxicology studies revealed that TUS is readily absorbed and achieves plasma concentrations sufficient to inhibit the target kinases, it has a plasma half-life that supports once daily dosing, and it demonstrates a favorable safety profile.

Aptose is now enrolling newly diagnosed AML patients in a Phase 1/2 clinical study to receive the tuspetinib + venetoclax + azacitidine (TUS+VEN+AZA) triplet combination (NCT03850574). Clinical studies in patients with relapsed or refractory AML receiving TUS single agent or the TUS+VEN combination have been completed.

"The non-clinical findings presented in the publication suggest that TUS will demonstrate favorable safety and a breadth of antileukemic activity across AML patient populations with a diversity of adverse mutations, and the initial clinical data is bearing that out," said William G. Rice, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are eager for the next set of data in our triplet combination trial of TUS+VEN+AZA."

Key findings:

Tuspetinib inhibits a defined cluster of oncogenic signaling kinases operative in AML
TUS inhibits SYK, JAK1/2, RSK2, mutant KIT, and wild type and mutant forms of FLT3
TUS potently killed AML lines (GI50 = 1.3 to 5.2 nM) and Ba/F3 cells expressing wildtype (GI50 = 9.1 nM) or various mutant forms of FLT3 (GI50 = 2.5 – 56 nM)
TUS dampens stroma-induced activation of FLT3-ITD signaling in AML cells
TUS prolongs survival in multiple AML models
Oral TUS markedly extended survival in subcutaneously and orthotopically inoculated xenograft models of FLT3 mutant human AML, was well tolerated, and delivered enhanced activity when combined with venetoclax or 5-azacytidine
TUS combines effectively with other classes of agents to kill AML cells with mutations in RAS and other difficult-to-treat adverse mutations
TUS was 2.1-15-fold and a 4.5-13-fold more potent than gilteritinib at blocking fibrinogen and immunoglobulin-mediated activation of SYK in KG-1a cells
The most notable observation was the marked and unexpected synthetic lethal vulnerability to venetoclax and two MCL1 inhibitors in the TUS-resistant cells

On December 12, 2024 Transcenta Holding Limited ("Transcenta") (HKEX: 06628), a global clinical stage biopharmaceutical company with fully-integrated capabilities in discovery, research, development and manufacturing of antibody-based therapeutics, reported late-breaking presentation of preclinical study results of novel humanized LIV-1 antibody based ADCs at 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) (Press release, Transcenta, DEC 12, 2024, View Source [SID1234649085]). The ADCs (ADC-1 and ADC-2) were engineered using Transcenta’s proprietary antibody with site-specifical conjugation of Topoisomerase I Inhibitor payloads and these ADCs demonstrated significantly higher tumor regression activities than MMAE based ADCs in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumor models.

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Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype and has the highest rate of recurrence. The predominant standard of care for advanced TNBC is systemic chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy; however, the responses are typically short lived. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop more effective treatments [1].

LIV-1, a member of the zinc transporter family and an estrogen-regulated gene in metastatic breast cancer, is overexpressed in a high prevalence in breast cancer (93%), including both TNBC and hormone receptor positive breast cancer, as well as in melanoma (82%), prostate (72%), ovarian (48%) and uterine (30%) cancer. This makes LIV-1 an attractive cell surface target for developing ADC therapeutics.

To develop next generation LIV-1 targeting ADC, Transcenta generated a proprietary novel humanized anti-LIV-1 mAb, 48D6, which displayed unique epitope form benchmark antibody, high binding affinity, specificity, excellent internalization ability. The conjugation method also eliminated FcR binding which resulted in significantly reduced non-specific FcR mediated binding and clearance, and improved pharmacokinetics profile in mice.

In vitro studies indicated that breast tumor cells, such as MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7, are more sensitive to Topo I inhibitor than MMAE. Consequently, Transcenta developed two Topo I inhibitor-based ADCs (ADC-1 and ADC-2) using glycotransferase mediated site-specific conjugation. Both ADC-1 and ADC-2 have a drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) of 4 but with two different Topo I inhibitor payloads. A MMAE based ADC (ADC-3) with the same site-specific conjugation and DAR4 was also synthesized as the control.

Although ADC-1 and ADC-2 displayed similar and specific cytotoxic activities against human LIV-1-expressing tumor cells in vitro, as compared to SGN-LIV1A analog (DAR4) or ADC-3, they exhibited much higher maximal tumor cell killing than SGN-LIV1A analog in vivo. In addition, both ADC-1 and ADC-2 demonstrated a strong bystander effect which is important to overcome tumor heterogeneity.

In vivo pharmacology study revealed that ADC-1 or ADC-2 exhibited dose-dependent and more potent anti-tumor activities than the SGN-LIV1A analog or ADC-3 in the human LIV-1 transfected MDA-MB-468, a TNBC tumor model.

At 3 mg/kg the tumor growth inhibition (TGI)% were: ADC-1 92.4%, ADC-2 94.7%, ADC-3 68.5% and SGN-LIV1A analog 57.0% on Day 30. However, the overall response rate (ORR, 50% reduction of tumor volume from baseline) at 3mg/kg for SGN-LIV1A analog or ADC-3 was 0%, while ORRs of ADC-1 and ADC-2 were 40% and 70%, respectively. At 6 mg/kg, on Day 42, ORRs of ADC-1 and ADC-2 were 90% and 100%, respectively, and complete response (CR) rates were 90% and 100% respectively. The body weight of mice didn’t change significantly at either 3 or 6 mg/kg for ADC-1 or ADC-2.

"The significantly enhanced anti-tumor activities of ADC-1 and ADC-2 are likely due to the high affinity binding of 48D6 to LIV-1 and the high cytotoxicity of Topo I inhibitor for breast tumor cells." said Dr. Xueming Qian, Chairman of the Board and CEO at Transcenta, "These data warrant further investigation of the lead LIV-1 targeting ADCs (ADC-1 and ADC-2) as potential next-generation therapeutic agent in LIV-1 positive breast cancer and other solid tumors."

The 47th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) held from December 10 to 13, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, USA. This Symposium is designed to provide state-of-the-art information on the experimental biology, etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of breast cancer and premalignant breast disease to an international audience of academic and private physicians and researchers.

On December 12, 2024 BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160; SSE: 688235), a global oncology company that intends to change its name to BeOne Medicines Ltd., reported new data on its emerging breast cancer portfolio following its first-ever presentations at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS). Poster presentations included first-in-human data for BeiGene’s investigational cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 inhibitor BGB-43395 in hormone receptor- positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer (Press release, BeiGene, DEC 12, 2024, View Source [SID1234649069]). Two posters highlighting the designs of in-progress trials for BGB-43395 and CDK2 inhibitor BG-68501/EXT-197 and a poster detailing the preclinical characterization of BGB-43395 were also presented.

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"Despite treatment advances, breast cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide and the number one cause of cancer death in women," said Mark Lanasa, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, Solid Tumors at BeiGene. "We are advancing a robust portfolio of investigational medicines for breast cancer and are pleased to share our first clinical data for our investigational CDK4 inhibitor BGB-43395 at SABCS. We’ve made tremendous progress with this program, having enrolled over 100 patients in the first year of clinical development, and the early results are encouraging. We look forward to continuing its development alongside other molecules in our breast cancer pipeline, including additional cell cycle dependent kinase inhibitors and ADCs."

BeiGene’s breast cancer pipeline features cell cycle dependent kinase inhibitors designed to potentially deliver better efficacy and reduced toxicity than currently available options, initially for HR+/HER2- disease. CDK inhibitors target checkpoint proteins that control cell division to stop the growth of cancer cells. Widely used CDK4/6 inhibitors have been shown to provide substantial clinical benefit for patients with certain breast cancers. However, dose-limiting toxicities, thought to be the result of CDK6 inhibition, and the development of resistance mutations, curb the utility of these medicines. BeiGene’s CDK4 inhibitor, BGB-43395, is highly potent and selective for CDK4 relative to CDK6, and it has the potential to reduce dose-limiting toxicities, improving tolerability while achieving comparable or better efficacy.

BGB-43395 is being investigated in an ongoing phase 1 study (NCT06120283). Early safety and tolerability data for 65 patients with metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer or other advanced solid tumors who received BGB-43395 either as monotherapy or in combination with fulvestrant or letrozole in escalating dose cohorts were presented in a poster at SABCS. To date, the results indicate that BGB-43395 has been generally well tolerated across different dose levels, with encouraging early signs of clinical activity emerging. The data support continued development; more than 100 patients have been enrolled to date across the program, and further results of ongoing studies will be presented at future scientific conferences.

Complementing BGB-43395, BeiGene’s CDK2 inhibitor, BG-68501/EXT-197, targets elevated CDK2 activity, which is a key resistance mechanism to CDK4/6 inhibition in HR+/HER2- breast cancer. BG-68501 is currently being evaluated in a first-in-human Phase 1 study (NCT06257264). In addition to small molecule cell cycle dependent kinase inhibitors, BeiGene’s pipeline in breast and gynecologic cancers includes novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other molecularly targeted agents and modalities. BG-C9074, an ADC targeting the B7H4 protein, which is broadly expressed in breast and gynecologic cancers, is currently in Phase 1 development (NCT06233942). BeiGene also plans to evaluate the potential of BCL2 inhibition in breast cancer, with next-generation BCL2 inhibitor BGB-21447 expected to begin clinical testing in solid tumor indications soon. Multispecific antibodies and targeted protein degraders with potential applications in breast cancer are among the preclinical assets being developed.

BeiGene recently launched the Cancer Has No Borders podcast, featuring engaging discussions on the world of oncology and BeiGene. The first episode features Claire Saxton, Executive Vice President, Insights & Impact at Cancer Support Community (CSC), and BeiGene’s Dr. Lanasa discussing the unmet need in breast cancer, the realities of the current treatment landscape, and the need for innovation. CSC is a global nonprofit that uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. Listen on podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon, and YouTube.

BeiGene will host an investor conference call and webcast on Monday, December 16th, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. EST to discuss recent data presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2024 Annual Meeting and at SABCS. A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed from the investors section of BeiGene’s website at View Source, View Source, or View Source An archived replay will be available for 90 days following the event.

The Company recently announced its intent to change its name to BeOne, reaffirming its commitment to develop innovative medicines to eliminate cancer by partnering with the global community to serve as many patients as possible.

About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer accounts for close to one in four cancer cases and one in six cancer deaths in women worldwide.1 Globally, breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the fourth highest cause of cancer mortality as well as the leading cause of cancer death in women.1 More than 2.3 million patients were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, and over 666,000 deaths were reported globally.1 Approximately two-thirds of breast cancer cases are the HR+/HER2- subtype.

On December 12, 2024 RemeGen Co. Ltd. ("RemeGen") (9995.HK, 688331.SH) at the Poster Spotlight Session "Novel HER2 Therapeutics" of the 47th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), reported for the first time the data from a phase III study (RC48-C006, NCT03500380) of Disitamab Vedotin (DV) in treating patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer with liver metastasis (BCLM) (Press release, RemeGen, DEC 12, 2024, View Source [SID1234649086]). This is the first prospective randomized phase III study globally on a HER2-targeting ADC that demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with HER2-positive advanced BCLM. Professor Jiayu Wang from the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences presented and discussed the study. SABCS is one of the largest and most influential annual conferences focusing on advances in breast cancer clinical research, and this RemeGen sponsored study attracted the attention of experts worldwide.

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Data shows that about 45% of patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer have liver metastasis. This subset has a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of only 8% to 12%, for whom no satisfactory therapies are available now.

This is a randomized, open-label, multicenter phase III study comparing the efficacy and safety of DV versus Lapatinib plus Capecitabine in patients with HER2-positive advanced BCLM. A total of 104 patients were enrolled, of whom 53 received DV and 50 received Lapatinib plus Capecitabine. All patients had previously been treated with Trastuzumab and Taxanes.

As of data cutoff date (December 31, 2023), according to the assessment by the Independent Review Committee (IRC), DV significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) versus Lapatinib plus Capecitabine (median: 9.9 months vs. 4.9 months; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.56 [95% CI: 0.35-0.90]), which is consistent with the investigator-assessed PFS (HR: 0.62 [95% CI: 0.39-0.98]). The overall survival (OS) data, though immature, indicated a benefit trend in favor of DV. The safety profile was consistent with past DV use experience, with no new safety signals detected.

"This is the first confirmatory phase III study that demonstrated promising efficacy of an HER2-targeting ADC in patients with HER2-positive advanced BCLM," observed Professor Jiayu Wang. DV demonstrated clinically meaningful benefit compared with Lapatinib plus Capecitabine and a manageable safety profile, potentially offering a promising new treatment option for patients with HER2-positive advanced BCLM previously treated with Trastuzumab and Taxanes. The Biologics License Application (BLA) filing for this indication of DV has been accepted by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China’s National Medical Products Administration in October 2024 and priority review was granted based on the breakthrough therapy designation.