On July 24, 2024 GeneCentric Therapeutics, a company making precision medicine more precise through RNA-based diagnostics, reported that the American Medical Association (AMA) has granted a PLA code for the PurISTSM pancreatic cancer test (Press release, GeneCentric Therapeutics, JUL 24, 2024, View Source [SID1234645075]). PurIST is commercially available under a collaboration agreement with Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM) and run on its xR platform. The PurIST PLA code is the first CPT code created to describe an algorithm-only analysis from previously sequenced, LDT, transcriptomic (RNA) data and represents a meaningful step toward reimbursement for AI-enabled algorithms.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"Receipt of a PurIST-specific PLA test code further supports the significance of GeneCentric’s pipeline of next-generation AI-derived tests," said Michael Milburn, PhD, President and CEO of GeneCentric Therapeutics. "This is a key step toward reimbursement and successful commercialization for PurIST, and we’re excited about the importance of this test in guiding first-line treatments for pancreatic cancer patients."

Pancreatic cancer has one of the highest mortality rates among all major cancers, and there has been limited availability of validated diagnostic tests or biomarkers to guide first-line treatment selection. The PurIST test classifies the tumors of patients with unresectable stage III or stage IV pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as either a basal or classical subtype and can help guide first-line therapy.

About the PurIST Test

PurIST identifies the molecular subtype of patients with unresectable stage III or stage IV PDAC and classifies patients with PDAC into either a basal or classical subtype and may help inform first-line therapy management. Tempus and GeneCentric recently completed a new clinical validation study demonstrating that PurIST can be used to help predict overall survival of classical patients between standard-of-care first-line therapies, FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine nab-paclitaxel. The PurIST test is available for ordering as part of the on-line Tempus HUB or via paper requisition forms for orders in the United States. Providers and patients can learn more about the PurIST test on the Tempus website.

About Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the 10th most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. and the 12th most common cancer worldwide. The National Cancer Institute estimates there will be over 64,440 new cases and more than 51,750 deaths in the U.S. alone in 2024, making it the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. with one of the highest mortality rates of all major cancers. More than 90% of pancreatic cancers are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and the 5-year overall survival for resectable/borderline-resectable and non-resectable PDAC is approximately 20% and 1-3%, respectively. The three main treatments for PDAC are surgical resection (if diagnosed early), radiation therapy and chemotherapy. For resectable tumors, surgical resection is provided with curative intent, however, for non-resectable tumors, chemotherapy such as FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel is often used.

On July 24, 2024 Step Pharma, the world leader in CTPS1 inhibition for the targeted treatment of cancer, reported the publication in the August edition of Haematologica of preclinical data from the University of Nantes (CRCI2NA) further supporting the therapeutic activity of Step’s highly selective CTPS1 inhibitors in the treatment of blood cancers (Press release, Step Pharma, JUL 24, 2024, View Source [SID1234645044]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The therapeutic activity was observed for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), including difficult-to-treat in vitro and in vivo models. Furthermore, Step Pharma’s CTPS1 inhibitors show significant synergy when combined with venetoclax, a selective BCL2 inhibitor that is commonly used to treat certain types of lymphoma and leukaemia.

CTPS1, an enzyme crucial in pyrimidine synthesis, plays a significant role in cancer cell proliferation. Step Pharma’s compounds selectively inhibit the de novo pyrimidine synthesis pathway by targeting CTPS1, providing a novel approach to cancer treatment. The Company’s lead asset, dencatistat (STP938), a first-in-class, highly selective, orally bioavailable CTPS1 inhibitor, is currently in phase 1 clinical development for T cell and B cell lymphoma (NCT05463263) with study sites open in France, the UK, and the USA.

MCL accounts for approximately 5% of B cell lymphoma. Despite recent advancements in the treatment of MCL, there is still an unmet clinical need for those who have not responded to Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor therapy.

Andrew Parker, Chief Executive Officer of Step Pharma, commented

"The publication in Haematologica of these preclinical data provides additional evidence of the importance of inhibiting CTPS1 for the treatment of blood malignancies, including T and B cell lymphoma. The findings further support our approach as we continue to progress our phase 1 trial to develop targeted and efficient treatment options for individuals with blood cancer."

David Chiron, CNRS researcher at CRCI2NA, Nantes University, added

"These data represent a significant advancement in our understanding of blood cancer biology, particularly regarding the role of CTPS1. Our research on inhibiting CTPS1 emphasises the potential of this approach to fill an important gap in current treatment methods. These findings support the targeted inhibition of CTPS1 as a promising therapeutic strategy and pave the way for further research to gain a deeper understanding of its role and broader applications in different types of blood cancers."

On July 24, 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO), the world leader in serving science, reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 29, 2024 (Press release, Thermo Fisher Scientific, JUL 24, 2024, View Source [SID1234645045]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Second Quarter 2024 Highlights

•Second quarter revenue was $10.54 billion.
•Second quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased 15% to $4.04.
•Second quarter adjusted EPS increased 4% to $5.37.

•Advanced our proven growth strategy, launching a range of high-impact, innovative new products during the quarter. This included a number of analytical instruments introduced at the American Society for Mass Spectrometry conference, including the Thermo Scientific Stellar mass spectrometer, which validates proteins of clinical interest discovered through our groundbreaking Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer; and three new built-for-purpose editions of the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Ascend Tribrid mass spectrometer tailored to MultiOmics, Structural Biology and BioPharma applications. To help our customers meet their sustainability goals, we also launched: a first-of-its-kind biobased film for our bioprocessing containers, which uses plant-based materials to deliver lower-carbon solutions in the manufacturing of therapies; and a new line of ENERGY STAR-certified Thermo Scientific TSX Universal Series ULT Freezers, which deliver industry-leading performance and energy efficiency.

•Continued to strengthen our industry-leading commercial engine and deepen our trusted partner status with customers to accelerate their innovation and enhance their productivity. In the quarter, we expanded our leading clinical trial supply services with a new ultra-cold facility in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands and a new state-of-the-art innovation lab at our site in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, to enable our pharmaceutical and biotech customers to accelerate the development of therapies and medicines. Also in the quarter, to support Indonesia’s growing investments in healthcare, scientific research, and renewable energy, we expanded our presence and capabilities in the country, further demonstrating our relevance to customers around the world.

•Shortly after the quarter ended, we completed our acquisition of Olink, a provider of differentiated next-generation proteomic solutions. The addition of Olink’s technology extends our capabilities and further advances our leadership position in protein research,enabling our customers to meaningfully accelerate discovery and scientific breakthroughs while delivering on the promise of precision medicine.

"Our excellent execution enabled us to deliver another quarter of strong financial performance and share gain," said Marc N. Casper, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. "We continue to see the benefit of our proven growth strategy and the impact of our PPI Business System in our performance. Shortly after the quarter ended, we were also pleased to welcome our Olink colleagues to Thermo Fisher and are excited about the power of this new combination to better serve our customers and advance science."

Casper added, "We have made very good progress through the halfway point of the year and are in a great position to deliver differentiated performance in 2024. We’ve further extended our industry leadership and positioned our company for an even brighter future."

Second Quarter 2024

Revenue for the quarter declined 1% to $10.54 billion in 2024, versus $10.69 billion in 2023. Organic revenue was 1% lower and Core organic revenue growth was flat.

GAAP Earnings Results

GAAP diluted EPS in the second quarter of 2024 increased 15% to $4.04, versus $3.51 in the same quarter last year. GAAP operating income for the second quarter of 2024 grew to $1.82 billion, compared with $1.58 billion in the year-ago quarter. GAAP operating margin increased to 17.3%, compared with 14.8% in the second quarter of 2023.

Non-GAAP Earnings Results

Adjusted EPS in the second quarter of 2024 increased 4% to $5.37, versus $5.15 in the second quarter of 2023. Adjusted operating income for the second quarter of 2024 was $2.35 billion, compared with $2.37 billion in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted operating margin increased to 22.3%, compared with 22.2% in the second quarter of 2023.

Annual Guidance for 2024

Thermo Fisher is raising its full-year revenue and adjusted EPS guidance. The company is raising its revenue guidance to a new range of $42.4 to $43.3 billion versus its previous guidance of $42.3 to $43.3 billion. The company is raising its adjusted EPS guidance to a new range of $21.29 to $22.07 versus its previous guidance of $21.14 to $22.02.

On July 24, 2024 AIM ImmunoTech Inc. (NYSE American: AIM) ("AIM" or the "Company") reported the publication of new pre-clinical data concerning the company’s drug Ampligen as part of a combinational therapy in the treatment of melanoma, showing that combination dendritic cell-based vaccines including anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors and Ampligen-containing chemokine modulation helped slow tumor cell growth and improved survival in a mouse model (Press release, AIM ImmunoTech, JUL 24, 2024, View Source [SID1234645033]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"Therapeutic Anti-Tumor Efficacy of DC-Based Vaccines Targeting TME-Associated Antigens is Improved When Combined with a Chemokine-Modulating Regimen and/or Anti-PD-L1" was published in the peer-reviewed journal Vaccines.

AIM Medical Officer David Strayer, MD, stated: "This new pre-clinical data further demonstrates Ampligen’s therapeutic potential when used with dendritic-cell vaccines, with anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors, or in combination with both. The data supports AIM’s belief that we are on the right path in our ongoing development of Ampligen as an anti-tumor therapy."

On July 24, 2024 Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) (Merus, the Company, we, or our), a clinical-stage oncology company developing innovative, full-length multispecific antibodies (Biclonics and Triclonics), reported that the first patient has been dosed in the Company’s phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of petosemtamab, a Biclonics targeting EGFR and LGR5, compared to investigator’s choice of single agent chemotherapy or cetuximab in previously treated (2/3L) patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (r/m HNSCC) referred to as the LiGeR-HN2 trial (Press release, Merus, JUL 24, 2024, View Source [SID1234645067]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Merus has confirmed through feedback with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that petosemtamab 1500 mg every two weeks is appropriate for further development in HNSCC as monotherapy, and in combination with pembrolizumab.

"With petosemtamab’s strong clinical data in HNSCC and alignment with the FDA on dose, we are excited to have treated our first patient in the 2/3L phase 3 trial," said Fabian Zohren, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Merus. "We believe petosemtamab has the potential to become the new standard of care across r/m HNSCC."

More details of the trial can be found at clinicaltrials.gov.

About LiGeR-HN2
LiGeR-HN2, a phase 3 trial, will evaluate the safety and efficacy of petosemtamab compared to investigator’s choice of methotrexate, docetaxel, or cetuximab in 2/3L r/m HNSCC patients. The trial is open to adult patients that have progressed on or after anti-PD-1 therapy and platinum-containing therapy. The primary endpoints are overall response rate as assessed by BICR based on RECIST v1.1 and overall survival. Secondary endpoints are duration of response and progression free survival. Merus plans to enroll approximately 500 patients in the trial.

About Petosemtamab
Petosemtamab, or MCLA-158, is a Biclonics low-fucose human full-length IgG1 antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5). Petosemtamab is designed to exhibit three independent mechanisms of action including inhibition of EGFR-dependent signaling, LGR5 binding leading to EGFR internalization and degradation in cancer cells, and enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) activity.

About Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) describes a group of cancers that develop in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the mouth, throat, and larynx. These cancers begin when healthy cells change and grow in an unchecked manner, ultimately forming tumors. HNSCC is generally associated with tobacco consumption, alcohol use and/or HPV infections, depending on where they develop geographically. HNSCC is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and it is estimated that there were more than 930,000 new cases and over 465,000 deaths from HNSCC globally in 2020.1 The incidence of HNSCC continues to rise and is anticipated to increase by 30% to more than 1 million new cases annually by 2030.2 HNSCC is a serious and life-threatening disease with poor prognosis despite currently available standard of care therapies.