ORIC Pharmaceuticals Announces Multiple Clinical Collaborations with Strategic Partners to Support Ongoing Trial Evaluating ORIC-944 in Combination with AR Inhibitors for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

On July 16, 2024 ORIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ORIC), a clinical stage oncology company focused on developing treatments that address mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, reported it initiated dosing of ORIC-944, a potent and selective allosteric inhibitor of PRC2, in combination with darolutamide as well as in combination with apalutamide, in the first half of 2024 as part of the ongoing Phase 1b trial in patients with metastatic prostate cancer (Press release, ORIC Pharmaceuticals, JUL 16, 2024, View Source [SID1234644891]). Each combination cohort includes a dose escalation and expansion portion, evaluating the combination of ORIC-944 and NUBEQA (darolutamide) or ORIC-944 and ERLEADA (apalutamide).

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The company also announced that it has entered into clinical trial collaboration and supply agreements with Bayer and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson company, to evaluate ORIC-944 in combination with NUBEQA, Bayer’s androgen receptor (AR) inhibitor, and ERLEADA, Johnson & Johnson’s AR inhibitor.

Under the terms of the collaborations, ORIC will continue to conduct and sponsor the ongoing Phase 1b trial, and Bayer and Johnson & Johnson will provide darolutamide and apalutamide, respectively, for the study. ORIC maintains full global development and commercial rights to ORIC-944.

"We are pleased to enter into these clinical collaborations to investigate the broader potential of ORIC-944 in combination with AR inhibitors, a combination approach that we believe is particularly promising based on our preclinical findings as well as emerging clinical data," said Jacob M. Chacko, M.D., president and chief executive officer. "As reported at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting earlier this year, the combination of ORIC-944 and AR inhibitors demonstrated synergy in multiple prostate cancer models with a unique mechanism of reprogramming prostate cancer to revert to an AR-dependent state. Together with the emerging clinical profile of ORIC-944, which has already demonstrated superior clinical half-life, robust target engagement and favorable safety as a monotherapy, the combination of ORIC-944 with an AR inhibitor has the potential to become a novel treatment paradigm for patients with prostate cancer."

About ORIC-944
ORIC-944 is a potent and selective allosteric inhibitor of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) via the embryonic ectoderm development (EED) subunit. ORIC-944 was initially evaluated as a single agent in a Phase 1b trial in patients with advanced prostate cancer and demonstrated potential best-in-class drug properties, including clinical half-life of approximately 20 hours, robust target engagement and a favorable safety profile.

Bayer announces positive topline results for NUBEQA® (darolutamide) from Phase III trial in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC)

On July 16, 2024 Bayer reported that the Phase III ARANOTE trial, investigating NUBEQA (darolutamide) plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), has met its primary endpoint of radiological progression-free survival (rPFS) (Press release, Bayer, JUL 16, 2024, View Source [SID1234644907]). NUBEQA plus ADT demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful increase in rPFS compared to placebo plus ADT.

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Results were consistent with NUBEQA’s established safety profile with no new signals observed. Detailed results from this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial are planned to be presented at a forthcoming scientific congress.

NUBEQA is currently indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with mHSPC in combination with docetaxel and for the treatment of adult patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC).1

"We are excited to share the positive results from this Phase III trial. Following potential regulatory approval, physicians will be able to tailor NUBEQA treatment plans with or without docetaxel based on individual patient’s needs," said Christian Rommel, Ph.D., Head of Research and Development at Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division. "Today’s results build on the established efficacy and tolerability profile of NUBEQA. We are looking forward to future outcomes of our clinical development program investigating the compound across multiple prostate cancer stages and indications."

Bayer plans to present the pivotal data at a forthcoming scientific conference and discuss these data with the U.S. FDA regarding submission for regulatory approval.

About the ARANOTE Trial

The ARANOTE trial (NCT04736199) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III study designed to assess the efficacy and safety of NUBEQA plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). 669 patients were randomized to receive 600mg of NUBEQA twice daily or matching placebo in addition to ADT.

The primary endpoint of this study is radiological progression-free survival (rPFS), as measured as the time from the date of randomization to the date of first documentation of radiological progressive disease or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. Secondary endpoints include overall survival, time from randomization to the date of death from any cause, time from randomization to the date of first castration-resistant event, time to initiation of subsequent anti-cancer therapy, time to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression, PSA undetectable rates, time to pain progression, and safety assessments.

About NUBEQA (darolutamide)1

NUBEQA (darolutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor (ARi) with a distinct chemical structure that competitively inhibits androgen binding, AR nuclear translocation, and AR-mediated transcription.

NUBEQA is being evaluated in a robust clinical development program, which includes studies across various stages of prostate cancer, including in the Phase III ARANOTE trial evaluating NUBEQA plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) versus ADT alone for mHSPC, the ARASTEP Phase III trial evaluating NUBEQA plus ADT versus ADT alone in HSPC patients with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR) and no evidence of metastatic disease by conventional imaging and a positive PSMA PET/CT at baseline, as well as in the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP) led international Phase III co-operative group DASL-HiCaP (ANZUP1801) trial evaluating NUBEQA as an adjuvant treatment for localized prostate cancer with very high risk of recurrence. Information about these trials can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

NUBEQA is currently indicated in the U.S. in combination with docetaxel and ADT for the treatment of adult patients with mHSPC and for the treatment of adult patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) with ADT.1

NUBEQA is developed jointly by Bayer and Orion Corporation, a globally operating Finnish pharmaceutical company.

INDICATIONS

NUBEQA (darolutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC)
Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in combination with docetaxel
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

NUBEQA (darolutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC)
Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in combination with docetaxel
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warnings & Precautions

Ischemic Heart Disease – In a study of patients with nmCRPC (ARAMIS), ischemic heart disease occurred in 3.2% of patients receiving NUBEQA versus 2.5% receiving placebo, including Grade 3-4 events in 1.7% vs. 0.4%, respectively. Ischemic events led to death in 0.3% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 0.2% receiving placebo. In a study of patients with mHSPC (ARASENS), ischemic heart disease occurred in 3.2% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 2% receiving placebo with docetaxel, including Grade 3-4 events in 1.3% vs. 1.1%, respectively. Ischemic events led to death in 0.3% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 0% receiving placebo with docetaxel. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Discontinue NUBEQA for Grade 3-4 ischemic heart disease.

Seizure – In ARAMIS, Grade 1-2 seizure occurred in 0.2% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 0.2% receiving placebo. Seizure occurred 261 and 456 days after initiation of NUBEQA. In ARASENS, seizure occurred in 0.6% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel, including one Grade 3 event, vs. 0.2% receiving placebo with docetaxel. Seizure occurred 38 to 340 days after initiation of NUBEQA. It is unknown whether antiepileptic medications will prevent seizures with NUBEQA. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while receiving NUBEQA and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause harm to themselves or others. Consider discontinuation of NUBEQA in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity – Safety and efficacy of NUBEQA have not been established in females. NUBEQA can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with NUBEQA and for 1 week after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions

In ARAMIS, serious adverse reactions occurred in 25% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 20% of patients receiving placebo. Serious adverse reactions in ≥1% of patients who received NUBEQA included urinary retention, pneumonia, and hematuria. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.9% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 3.2% of patients receiving placebo. Fatal adverse reactions in patients who received NUBEQA included death (0.4%), cardiac failure (0.3%), cardiac arrest (0.2%), general physical health deterioration (0.2%), and pulmonary embolism (0.2%). The most common adverse reactions (>2% with a ≥2% increase over placebo), including laboratory test abnormalities, were increased AST, decreased neutrophil count, fatigue, increased bilirubin, pain in extremity and rash. Clinically relevant adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% of patients treated with NUBEQA included ischemic heart disease and heart failure.

In ARASENS, serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 42% of patients receiving placebo with docetaxel. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients who received NUBEQA with docetaxel included febrile neutropenia (6%), decreased neutrophil count (2.8%), musculoskeletal pain (2.6%), and pneumonia (2.6%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 4% of patients receiving placebo with docetaxel. Fatal adverse reactions in patients who received NUBEQA included COVID-19/COVID-19 pneumonia (0.8%), myocardial infarction (0.3%), and sudden death (0.3%). The most common adverse reactions (≥10% with a ≥2% increase over placebo with docetaxel) were constipation, rash, decreased appetite, hemorrhage, increased weight, and hypertension. The most common laboratory test abnormalities (≥30%) were anemia, hyperglycemia, decreased lymphocyte count, decreased neutrophil count, increased AST, increased ALT, and hypocalcemia. Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received NUBEQA with docetaxel included fractures, ischemic heart disease, seizures, and drug-induced liver injury.

Drug Interactions

Effect of Other Drugs on NUBEQA – Combined P-gp and strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers decrease NUBEQA exposure, which may decrease NUBEQA activity. Avoid concomitant use.

Combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increase NUBEQA exposure, which may increase the risk of NUBEQA adverse reactions. Monitor more frequently and modify NUBEQA dose as needed.

Effects of NUBEQA on Other Drugs – NUBEQA inhibits breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) transporter. Concomitant use increases exposure (AUC) and maximal concentration of BCRP substrates, which may increase the risk of BCRP substrate-related toxicities. Avoid concomitant use where possible. If used together, monitor more frequently for adverse reactions, and consider dose reduction of the BCRP substrate.

NUBEQA inhibits OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 transporters. Concomitant use may increase plasma concentrations of OATP1B1 or OATP1B3 substrates. Monitor more frequently for adverse reactions and consider dose reduction of these substrates.

Review the Prescribing Information of drugs that are BCRP, OATP1B1, and OATP1B3 substrates when used concomitantly with NUBEQA.

For important risk and use information about NUBEQA, please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information.

About Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the fifth most common cause of cancer death in men worldwide.2 In 2020, an estimated 1.4 million men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, including almost 300,000 cases in the U.S., and about 375,000 died from the disease worldwide.3,4

At the time of diagnosis, most men have localized prostate cancer, meaning their cancer is confined to the prostate gland and can be treated with curative surgery or radiotherapy. Upon relapse when the disease will metastasize or spread, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the cornerstone of treatment for this hormone-sensitive disease. Approximately 10% of men will already present with mHSPC when first diagnosed.5,6,7 Men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) will start their treatment with hormone therapy, such as ADT, androgen receptor inhibitor (ARi) plus ADT or a combination of the chemotherapy docetaxel and ADT. Despite this treatment, most men with mHSPC will eventually progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), a condition with limited survival.

SELLAS Announces U.S. FDA Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) Granted to SLS009 for the Treatment of Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia

On July 16, 2024 SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SLS) ("SELLAS" or the "Company"), a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for a broad range of cancer indications, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) to SLS009, a highly selective CDK9 inhibitor, for the treatment of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (Press release, Sellas Life Sciences, JUL 16, 2024, View Source [SID1234644894]). The FDA previously granted Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designations to SLS009 for the treatment of AML.

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"Receiving our second Rare Pediatric Disease Designation, following pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia last month, is another acknowledgment of SLS009’s novel transformational treatment potential to improve the lives of patients, including children with AML," said Angelos Stergiou, MD, ScD h.c., President and Chief Executive Officer of SELLAS. "This designation reinforces our dedication to addressing the urgent needs of children with AML, including those with treatment-resistant mutations, highlighting the promise of SLS009 to offer the specialized care and support they require, especially considering the limited treatment options for rare pediatric diseases. We look forward to continued SLS009 development and enrolling pediatric AML patients in our Phase 2 clinical trial."

AML prognosis with currently available treatments in the refractory and/or relapsed pediatric patient population remains poor. In a representative study, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate in relapsed pediatric AML was 33% for all patients, and in patients whose remission lasted less than 12 months only 15.7%. In patients who did not achieve complete remission after one course of chemotherapy 5-year overall survival was 0%. About 50% of children with pediatric AML relapse. Generally, the only therapy considered curative in relapsed and refractory patients is a bone marrow transplant and the primary goal of chemotherapy is to achieve remission so that pediatric patients can be transplanted.

Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) Designation is granted by the FDA for serious or life-threatening diseases that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States and in which the serious or life-threatening manifestations primarily affect individuals less than 18 years of age. If, in the future, a New Drug Application (NDA) for SLS009 for the treatment of pediatric AML is approved by the FDA, SELLAS might be eligible to receive a Priority Review Voucher (PRV) that could be redeemed to receive a priority review for any subsequent marketing application. PRVs may be used by the sponsor or sold to another sponsor for their use and have recently sold for approximately $100 million.

4SC receives Orphan Drug Status (ODS) for resminostat (Kinselby) in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in Switzerland

On July 16, 2024 4SC AG (4SC, FSE Prime Standard: VSC), a biotech company improving the lives of patients suffering with advanced-stage CTCL, reported to have received notification from the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (SwissMedic) that it has granted Orphan Drug Status to resminostat for the treatment of CTCL (Press release, 4SC, JUL 16, 2024, View Source [SID1234644874]).

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In Switzerland, ODS provides privileged status to drugs that show promise for the treatment of rare diseases and this qualifies 4SC for benefits including fee reductions and a faster review process.

This follows previous announcements that both the European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration had granted resminostat (Kinselby) orphan drug designation. This gives a number of benefits, most importantly ten and seven years’ market exclusivity respectively in the EU and US.

Jason Loveridge, Ph.D., CEO of 4SC, commented: "Receiving orphan drug status in Switzerland builds on the solid foundation of regulatory support that we already have in the EU and US and will help our efforts to commercialise Kinselby in these major markets."

Beyond Air® To Participate in the BTIG Virtual Biotechnology Conference 2024

On July 16, 2024 Beyond Air, Inc. (NASDAQ: XAIR) ("Beyond Air" or the "Company") a commercial stage medical device and biopharmaceutical company focused on harnessing the power of endogenous and exogenous nitric oxide (NO) to improve the lives of patients suffering from respiratory illnesses, neurological disorders and solid tumors (through its affiliate Beyond Cancer, Ltd. ("Beyond Cancer")), reported that Steve Lisi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Air, will participate in one-on-one meetings at the BTIG Virtual Biotechnology Conference being held August 5-6, 2024 (Press release, Beyond Air, JUL 16, 2024, View Source [SID1234644895]).

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If you are interested in meeting with the Beyond Air team during the conference, please contact your BTIG representative.