On September 9, 2024 Prelude Therapeutics Incorporated (Nasdaq: PRLD) ("Prelude" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage precision oncology company, reported the publication of an abstract regarding PRT3789 at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2024 taking place in Barcelona, Spain September 13-17, 2024 (Press release, Prelude Therapeutics, SEP 9, 2024, View Source [SID1234646438]). The abstract can be found on the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2024 website Registration | ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2024

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"We are excited for the opportunity to share the first ever clinical data of a novel, highly-selective SMARCA2 degrader," stated Jane Huang, M.D., President and Chief Medical Officer of Prelude. "Patients whose cancer has a SMARCA4 mutation have limited treatment options and generally very aggressive disease. Although PRT3789 as a first-in-class molecule targeting a novel mechanism is early in its development, we are highly encouraged by the safety profile, target engagement and clinical activity we have seen to date."

PRT3789 is a potent and highly selective, first-in-class SMARCA2 degrader, in Phase 1 clinical development in biomarker selected SMARCA4 mutant patients. Enrollment remains on track, and the Company expects to conclude monotherapy dose escalation by year end 2024 and identify a recommended Phase 2 dose. In addition, enrollment of patients into back-fill cohorts enriched for NSCLC and SMARCA4 loss-of-function mutations is ongoing. Objectives for this first Phase 1 clinical study are to establish the safety and tolerability profile of PRT3789 as both monotherapy and in combination with docetaxel, evaluate activity, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and determine a dose and potential indications for advancement into a registrational clinical trial.

Oral presentation title: First Clinical Results from a Phase 1 Trial of PRT3789, a First-in-Class Intravenous SMARCA2 Degrader, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors with a SMARCA4 Mutation.

Observations in the abstract include:

•
As of the March 7, 2024 data cutoff date, 40 pts had been enrolled (NSCLC [18], pancreatic [5], breast [3], esophageal [2], other [12]; 55% have loss-of-function mutations;

•
Dose escalation had proceeded through 6 levels, from 24-212 mg, with 2 backfill cohorts opened;
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No DLTs or study drug-related SAEs have been reported;
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The most common AEs reported, of any grade or relatedness, are nausea (25%), constipation and dyspnea (each 17.5%), decreased appetite and fatigue (each 15%), and anemia (12.5%);
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Dose-related increases in AUC were observed;
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Dose-dependent decreases in SMARCA2 levels were seen at all doses with a trend for increasing depth and duration with increasing doses;
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Minimal effects on SMARCA4 levels were seen;
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Clinical activity of PRT3789 therapy noted to date includes RECIST partial responses, tumor shrinkage and prolonged stable disease (longer than response to most recent therapy) in patients with advanced, heavily pretreated esophageal cancer and NSCLC.

Updated data will be presented at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper).

Investor Conference Call and Webcast Information

Prelude Therapeutics will host a conference call, live webcast with slides and a Q&A on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM EST. A live webcast of the presentation will be available at Events & Presentations – Prelude Therapeutics (preludetx.com). A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call and archived on the Company’s website for 60 days following the call. The Company will be posting its updated corporate presentation shortly after 10:00 AM EST on its website at Events & Presentations – Prelude Therapeutics (preludetx.com).

On September 9, 2024 NeoImmuneTech, Inc. (NIT or "NeoImmuneTech"), a global leader in T cell-based immunotherapy, reported that it will present interim results of the Phase 1b clinical trial (NIT-112) combining a CAR-T therapy with NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa) during the ‘Mini oral session 1: Haematological malignancies’ at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) in Barcelona, Spain, from September 13 to 17 (Press release, NeoImmuneTech, SEP 9, 2024, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/neoimmunetech-presents-promising-interim-results-of-car-t-combination-with-its-nt-i7-asset-at-esmo-2024-302241828.html [SID1234646454]). These initial results present a promising approach to enhancing the potential of CAR-T therapies while maintaining a stable safety profile.

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The NIT-112 clinical trial involves patients with Large B-cell Lymphoma (LBCL) who received CAR-T therapies such as Kymriah, Yescarta, or Breyanzi, followed by NT-I7 administration 21 days after CAR-T infusion. The trial aims to evaluate safety, tolerability, the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D), and the potential for NT-I7 to enhance CAR-T expansion, persistence and stemness.

Interim results show that at dose levels 4 and 5, which are considered mid-level doses (360, 480 µg/kg), NT-I7 demonstrated a stable safety profile. No cases of Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) or Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS), which are known as high-risk side effects of CAR-T therapies, were observed subsequent to NT-I7 administration. Only mild, manageable side effects (Grade 1-2), such as injection site erythema and swelling were observed in 6 out of 11 patients (54.5%). Overall, a strong safety profile was observed.

NT-I7 administration resulted in significant amplification of CAR-T cells, prolonged persistence and an increase in T cell stemness, characterized by a higher frequency of T cells with a stem-cell memory (Tscm) phenotype (CD45RA+CCR7+CD95+). The overall response rate (ORR) from the interim results was 81.1% (9 out of 11 patients), with 7 achieving a complete response (CR) and 2 achieving a partial response (PR). Kymriah is known to have an ORR of 52% in LBCL patients.

Dr Luke Oh, President and Chief Executive Officer of NeoImmuneTech, Inc., said: "We are thrilled by the preliminary results of study NIT-112 showing NT-I7’s ability to amplify CAR-T cells. This successful amplification of CAR-T cells is expected to translate into improved patient outcomes. NIT plans to actively pursue technology transfer related to the combination of NT-I7 with CAR-T therapies and we look forward to accelerating our discussions with the organizations already conducting preclinical studies combining NT-I7 with our own CAR-T technologies."

Title: Phase 1b study of NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa), a long-acting IL-7, post-CD19-directed CAR T cell therapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
Presentation Number: 806MO
Speakers: Armin Ghobadi (St. Louis, United States of America)
Lecture Time: 15:05 – 15:10 (Fri, 2024. 09. 13)
Session Name: Mini oral session 1: Hematological malignancies (ID 31)
Room: Toledo Auditorium – Hall 3

About NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa) (rhIL-7-hyFc)
NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa) is the only clinical-stage long-acting human IL-7 and is being developed in oncologic and immunologic indications, where T cell amplification and increased functionality may provide clinical benefit. IL-7 is a fundamental cytokine for naïve and memory T cell development and sustaining immune response to chronic antigens (as in cancer) or foreign antigens (as in infectious diseases). NT-I7 exhibits favorable PK/PD and safety profiles, making it an ideal combination partner. NT-I7 is being studied in multiple clinical trials in solid tumors and as vaccine adjuvant. Studies are being planned for testing in hematologic malignancies, additional solid tumors and other immunology-focused indications.

On September 9, 2024 BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX, BCTXW) (TSX: BCT) ("BriaCell" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops novel immunotherapies to transform cancer care, reported a poster presentation at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 39th Annual Meeting, held November 6-10, 2024, in Houston, TX (Press release, BriaCell Therapeutics, SEP 9, 2024, View Source [SID1234646424]).

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"We are thrilled to be invited to present our data at this prestigious conference," stated Miguel Lopez-Lago, PhD, BriaCell’s Chief Scientific Officer. "We look forward to continuing our investigations of novel targeted immunotherapy candidates in clinical studies with the goal of making a positive contribution to the lives of breast cancer and prostate cancer patients."

The details about the presentation and session Information are as follows:

Location: Exhibit Halls A B George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Date and Time: Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, 9:00 am -7:00 pm CST

Following the presentation, a copy of the poster will be posted on View Source

On September 9, 2024 Protara Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TARA), a clinical-stage company developing transformative therapies for the treatment of cancer and rare diseases, reported completion of the first cohort of the Phase 2 STARBORN-1 trial evaluating TARA-002, an investigational cell-based immunopotentiator, for the treatment of pediatric patients with lymphatic malformations (LMs) (Press release, Protara Therapeutics, SEP 9, 2024, https://ir.protaratx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/protara-therapeutics-announces-completion-first-cohort-phase-2 [SID1234646439]). Enrollment is now underway in additional cohorts.

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"The initial data is compelling and reflective of the significant benefit observed in previous studies with OK-432, the predecessor of TARA-002," said Nancy Bauman, MD, Children’s National Medical Center: Children’s Research Institute, Washington DC, and investigator for the STARBORN-1 trial. "There is a pressing need for an effective therapeutic option for LMs, a rare condition mainly affecting children for which there are currently no U.S. FDA approved agents. I remain excited about the potential for TARA-002 to play a meaningful role in the treatment of these patients and look forward to future learnings from this important study."

Of three patients treated in the first cohort, which enrolled individuals six years to less than 18 years of age, two patients treated with TARA-002 achieved a complete response after receiving one dose of TARA-002; the responses were seen in a patient with a macrocystic lymphatic malformation and a patient with a ranula. The safety and tolerability seen in this cohort was consistent with that of the historical experience with OK-432 and included treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of pain, swelling, fatigue, and body temperature increases. All TEAEs were mild to moderate and resolved.

"We are pleased with the progress of our Phase 2 STARBORN-1 trial and the encouraging results we have seen thus far," said Jesse Shefferman, Chief Executive Officer of Protara Therapeutics. "We have received positive feedback from our investigators and already have a number of patients on waiting lists for our subsequent cohorts, and expect to share initial results from our next cohort in the first half of 2025."

STARBORN-1 is a Phase 2 single-arm, open-label, prospective clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of intracystic injection of TARA-002 for the treatment of macrocystic and mixed cystic LMs (≥ 50% macrocystic disease) in participants six months to less than 18 years of age. The trial will enroll approximately 30 patients including age de-escalation safety lead-in cohorts of children ages six years to less than18 years, two years to less than six years, and six months to less than two years, who will receive up to four injections of TARA-002 spaced approximately six weeks apart.

The primary endpoint of the trial is the proportion of participants with macrocystic and mixed cystic LMs who demonstrate clinical success, defined as having either a complete response (90% to 100% reduction from baseline in total LM volume) or substantial response (60% to less than 90% reduction in total LM volume) as measured by axial imaging.

About TARA-002 in LMs

TARA-002 is an investigational cell therapy based on the broad immunopotentiator, OK-432, which was originally granted marketing approval by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare as an immunopotentiating cancer therapeutic agent. This cell therapy is currently approved in Japan and Taiwan for LMs and has been used to successfully treat thousands of pediatric patients with this rare condition. In addition, OK-432 was studied in the largest ever conducted Phase 2 trials in LMs, in which the therapy was administered via a now-closed compassionate use program led by the University of Iowa.

TARA-002 has been granted Rare Pediatric Disease designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of LMs.

About Lymphatic Malformations

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are rare, congenital malformations of lymphatic vessels resulting in the failure of these structures to connect or drain into the venous system. Most LMs are present in the head and neck region and are diagnosed in early childhood during the period of active lymphatic growth, with more than 50% detected at birth and 90% diagnosed before the age of three years. The most common morbidities and serious manifestations of the disease include compression of the upper aerodigestive tract, including airway obstruction requiring intubation and possible tracheostomy dependence; intralesional bleeding; impingement on critical structures, including nerves, vessels, lymphatics; recurrent infection; and cosmetic and other functional disabilities.

On September 9, 2024 Boehringer Ingelheim reported positive results from a Phase Ib primary analysis of Cohort 1 of the Beamion LUNG-1 trial evaluating zongertinib (BI 1810631) in pre-treated patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activating HER2 mutations (Press release, Boehringer Ingelheim, SEP 9, 2024, View Source [SID1234646455]). Zongertinib demonstrated a meaningful objective response rate and was generally well tolerated in the Cohort 1 setting. The results were presented in a Presidential Symposium at the IASLC 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) and are included in the official 2024 WCLC Press Program.

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As of May 2024, 132 patients have been treated with 120 mg / 240 mg of zongertinib once a day (n=75/n=57). With a confirmed objective response rate (ORR) of 66.7%, 97.5% CI (53.8–77.5), (p<0.0001) as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR), the primary endpoint was met for Cohort 1 (120 mg; n=75). Tumor shrinkage of any magnitude was observed in 94% of all patients across doses, per investigator assessment. The trial design includes a dose expansion that was carried out to find the optimal dose of zongertinib for this patient population. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either the 120 mg (n=58) or the 240 mg (n=55) group. After an interim futility analysis, 120 mg was selected as the dose to be evaluated further in Cohort 1, and 17 additional patients were enrolled. In the part of the trial where patients were randomized 1:1, zongertinib showed a response rate of 72.4% in patients treated with 120 mg daily, and 78.2% in patients treated with 240 mg daily as well as disease control rates (DCRs) of 95% and 100% respectively.

Phase Ib, Cohort 1 data also show preliminary brain activity with zongertinib. 33% (120 mg; n=27) and 40% (240 mg; n=25) of patients with asymptomatic brain metastases achieved confirmed objective response, with a DCR of 74% and 92% respectively, as per RANO-BM (recommendations for standardized tumor response and progression assessment) by BICR. The central nervous system is a common site of metastasis in NSCLC and is associated with poor prognosis and quality of life.2 Brain metastases are present in up to 30% of patients with NSCLC with activating HER2 mutations at diagnosis.3

"These new data could represent positive news in the future treatment of non-small cell lung cancer patients with activating HER2 mutations," said the trial’s principal investigator, Dr. John Heymach, MD, PhD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "While these mutations are rare, they are critical drivers in a subset of non-small cell lung cancer cases, and current treatment options are severely limited. Patients with this type of cancer typically face a poor prognosis, with approximately 50% responding to first-line treatment and only 20% responding to second-line therapy." 4,5,6,7

Zongertinib is an investigational oral HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in development for patients with advanced NSCLC with activating HER2 mutations. Zongertinib was designed to spare wild-type EGFR thereby mitigating associated toxicities. Beamion LUNG-2, a global Phase III trial evaluating zongertinib compared to standard of care as first-line treatment in patients with advanced NSCLC with activating HER2 mutations is currently enrolling.

Paola Casarosa, Board of Managing Directors, Head of Innovation Unit at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "Zongertinib’s efficacy and tolerability profile has the potential to become part of the future treatment landscape for patients with HER2 mutated lung tumors. Zongertinib is a perfect example of our approach to science in the discovery and development of novel treatments. Boehringer is committed to providing breakthrough therapies for cancer patients, and we look forward to advancing the zongertinib clinical program."

Zongertinib was generally well tolerated for 120 mg and 240 mg, with no deaths attributed to treatment and a low incidence of adverse events leading to dose reductions (11%) and discontinuation (3%). No new safety signals or treatment-related interstitial lung diseases (ILD) were observed, and Grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 17% (120 mg) and 19% (240 mg) of patients treated with zongertinib. The most common TRAEs were Grade 1 or 2 diarrhea (43% and 11% respectively), Grade 1 or 2 rash (19% and 8% respectively).

Data are still maturing and with two thirds of responding patients still on treatment at data cut-off, progression-free survival (PFS) and duration of response (DoR) data will be reported at an upcoming conference.

About non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Lung cancer claims more lives than any other cancer type and the incidence is set to increase to over 3 million cases worldwide by 2040.8 NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer.9 The condition is often diagnosed at a late stage,10 and fewer than 3 in 10 patients are alive five years after diagnosis.11 People living with advanced NSCLC can experience a detrimental physical, psychological, and emotional impact on their daily lives. There remains a high unmet need for additional treatment options for people living with advanced NSCLC. Up to 4% of lung cancers are driven by HER2 mutations (or gene alterations).12 Mutations in HER2 can lead to overexpression and overactivation, which can in turn result in uncontrolled cell production, inhibition of cell death and promotion of tumor growth and spread.13

About zongertinib
Zongertinib (also known as BI 1810631) is an investigational oral HER2-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that is being developed as a potential treatment for HER2 mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Zongertinib was granted FDA Fast Track Designation in 2023, then in 2024 it was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the U.S. FDA and China CDE for the treatment of adult patients with advanced NSCLC whose tumors have activating HER2 mutations, and who have received a prior systemic therapy. HER2 is a member of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases (enzymes that act like chemical messengers).14 A recent study has shown pre-clinically that the investigational compound zongertinib has potential for further clinical study in HER2 dependent solid cancers as monotherapy and as concurrent treatment with ADC therapy or with KRAS-targeted drugs.14 Read more here.

About the Beamion clinical trial program
Beamion LUNG-1 (NCT04886804): An open-label, Phase I dose escalation trial, with dose confirmation and expansion, of zongertinib as monotherapy in people with advanced or metastatic solid tumors and NSCLC with activating HER2 mutations. The study has 2 parts. The first part is open to adults with different types of advanced cancer (solid tumors with changes in the HER2 gene) for whom previous treatment was not successful. The second part is open to people with non-small cell lung cancer with a specific mutation in the HER2 gene. Beamion LUNG-2 is a phase 3, open label, randomized, active-controlled study that will enroll 270 patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC harboring HER2 tyrosine kinase domain mutations to evaluate zongertinib compared with standard of care.