On June 30, 2022 Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA), a biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease, reported that it has executed an agreement to terminate the U.S. and ex-U.S. vadadustat Collaboration and License Agreements with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) (Press release, Akebia, JUN 30, 2022, View Source [SID1234616419]). As part of the termination, Otsuka has agreed to pay Akebia a settlement fee of $55 million.

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As a result of the termination of the agreements, Akebia is regaining the rights from Otsuka for vadadustat, an investigational oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, in the United States, Europe, China, Russia, Canada, Australia, the Middle East, and certain other territories.

"We continue to believe in the potential of vadadustat as an oral treatment for patients with anemia due to chronic kidney disease, and we are pleased to be regaining the full rights to the product in these important markets," said John Butler, Chief Executive Officer of Akebia. "Otsuka has been a strong partner for many years, and we appreciate their desire to have an efficient transfer of the responsibilities back to Akebia. We plan to continue to pursue approval for vadadustat to make it available to patients in these territories, and we are excited about the potential additional value this brings to Akebia, as we continue to work to build the company into the future."

In October 2021, Otsuka submitted an initial marketing authorization application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for vadadustat for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults. The review is in progress. Otsuka and Akebia will coordinate to transfer the MAA to Akebia through processes outlined by the EMA. Vadadustat is also under review in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Australia through the Access Consortium. Responsibilities for that review will transfer to Akebia as well at a date to be agreed upon.

In the U.S., Akebia received a Complete Response Letter from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for vadadustat. Akebia plans to evaluate and determine potential next steps for vadadustat in the U.S. following the end of review conference with the FDA.

In the U.S., Akebia separately has a distribution agreement in place with Vifor Pharma, providing potential access to up to 60% of U.S. dialysis patients through existing Vifor Pharma relationships. Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation owns development and commercialization rights to vadadustat in Japan and certain other Asian counties.

On June 30, 2022 BeiGene (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160; SSE: 688235), a global, science-driven biotechnology company focused on developing innovative and affordable medicines to improve treatment outcomes and access for patients worldwide, reported new data from RATIONALE 306, a global Phase 3 trial evaluating tislelizumab plus chemotherapy in adult patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) without prior systemic treatment for advanced disease (Press release, BeiGene, JUN 30, 2022, View Source [SID1234616403]). Study results presented today as a late-breaking oral presentation at the 2022 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer (Abstract #LBA-1) showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival (OS) for patients receiving tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy with a median OS of 17.2 months [95% CI: 15.8,20.1] versus 10.6 months [95% CI: 9.3,12.1] for those receiving chemotherapy plus placebo. The combination of tislelizumab with chemotherapy reduced the risk of death by 34% (HR=0.66 [95% CI: 0.54,0.80, p<0.0001]) compared to chemotherapy plus placebo.

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"We are encouraged by the consistent, clinically meaningful benefit seen with tislelizumab and chemotherapy in key endpoints measuring efficacy and durability of response and across pre-specified subgroups in this 1L ESCC treatment setting," said Mark Lanasa, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Solid Tumors at BeiGene. "We sincerely appreciate the patients with ESCC from across the world who chose to participate in this study as we search for treatment options for this challenging condition."

The OS benefit for tislelizumab plus chemotherapy was observed regardless of baseline PD-L1 expression. The median OS for patients with PD-L1 score ≥10% was 16.6 months [(95% CI: 15.3,24.4] in the tislelizumab plus chemotherapy group versus 10.0 months [95% CI: 8.6,13.0] for patients receiving chemotherapy plus placebo (HR=0.62; 95% CI, 0.44,0.86, p=0.0020). Analysis of patients with a PD-L1 score <10% showed a median OS of 16.7 months [95% CI: 13.0,20.1] for tislelizumab plus chemotherapy versus 10.4 months [95% CI: 9.1,13.0]; (HR=0.72 [95% CI: 0.55,0.94]) for chemotherapy plus placebo. This survival benefit was consistent across all other pre-specified subgroups, including race, region, and choice of chemotherapy.

"ESCC represents the majority of esophageal cancer worldwide, but unfortunately chemotherapy by itself provides a median survival in the range of only a year, so the survival benefit seen when tislelizumab was added to chemotherapy in our study is compelling" said Harry Yoon, MD, Associate Professor of Oncology and Chair of the Gastroesophageal Cancer Disease Group at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "Additionally, it is encouraging to see a familiar safety and tolerability profile for the combination consistent with those established for chemotherapy in the community."

Progression-free survival was significantly improved for the tislelizumab plus chemotherapy (7.3 months) group compared to chemotherapy alone (5.6 months) (HR=0.62 [95% CI: 0.52,0.75, p<0.0001]), Additional benefit in overall response (ORR) was seen with tislelizumab and chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy [ORR 63.5% vs 42.4%; p<0.0001) and the median duration of response was 7.1 months [95% CI: 6.1,8.1] for tislelizumab plus chemotherapy versus 5.7 months [95% CI: 4.4,7.1] chemotherapy alone.

The incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) was similar in both arms; the most commonly reported TRAEs (≥ 20%) were anemia, decreased neutrophil count, decreased white blood cell count, decreased appetite, nausea and peripheral sensory neuropathy.

Tislelizumab is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for advanced or metastatic ESCC after prior chemotherapy. The EMA is also reviewing tislelizumab for advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after prior chemotherapy, and in combination with chemotherapy for previously untreated advanced or metastatic NSCLC. In January 2021, BeiGene announced a collaboration with Novartis to accelerate the clinical development and marketing of tislelizumab in North America, Europe, and Japan.

Tislelizumab is approved by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) as a treatment for nine indications, including a recent approval for use in patients with locally advanced or metastatic ESCC who have disease progression or are intolerant to first-line standard chemotherapy. Tislelizumab is not approved for use outside of China.

About RATIONALE 306

RATIONALE 306 (NCT03783442) is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, global Phase 3 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment in patients with advanced or metastatic ESCC. The primary endpoint of the trial is overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints include progression free survival, overall response rate, duration of response per RECIST v1.1, and OS in patients with PD-L1 score ≥10%, as well as health-related quality of life measures and safety.

The trial enrolled 649 patients at research centers across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either tislelizumab plus chemotherapy or placebo plus chemotherapy.

About Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

There are two main types of esophageal cancer, based on the cells where cancer develop: squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and adenocarcinoma (EAC). ESCC is the most common subtype of esophageal cancer, accounting for more than 85% of esophageal cancers worldwide.i,ii Because many patients are diagnosed with ESCC at later stages of disease, management of ESCC is challenging and the overall prognosis remains poor.iii,iv,v

About Tislelizumab

Tislelizumab is a humanized IgG4 anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody specifically designed to minimize binding to Fc-gamma (Fcγ) receptors on macrophages, helping to aid the body’s immune cells to detect and fight tumors. In pre-clinical studies, binding to Fcγ receptors on macrophages has been shown to compromise the anti-tumor activity of PD-1 antibodies through activation of antibody-dependent macrophage-mediated killing of T effector cells.

Tislelizumab is the first drug from BeiGene’s immuno-oncology biologics program and is being developed internationally as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies for the treatment of a broad array of both solid tumor and hematologic cancers.

BeiGene has initiated or completed more than 20 potentially registration-enabling clinical trials in 35 countries and regions, including 17 Phase 3 trials and four pivotal Phase 2 trials. More information on the clinical trial program for tislelizumab can be found at: View Source

BeiGene Oncology

BeiGene is committed to advancing best- and first-in-class clinical candidates internally or with like-minded partners to develop impactful and affordable medicines for patients across the globe. We have a growing R&D and medical affairs team of approximately 2,900 colleagues dedicated to advancing more than 100 clinical trials that have involved more than 16,000 subjects. Our expansive portfolio is directed predominantly by our internal colleagues supporting clinical trials in more than 45 countries and regions. Hematology-oncology and solid tumor targeted therapies and immuno-oncology are key focus areas for the Company, with both mono- and combination therapies prioritized in our research and development. BeiGene currently has three approved medicines discovered and developed in our own labs: BTK inhibitor BRUKINSA in the U.S., China, the European Union, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and additional international markets; and the non-FC-gamma receptor binding anti-PD-1 antibody tislelizumab as well as the PARP inhibitor pamiparib in China.

On June 30, 2022 Insightec, a global healthcare company dedicated to using acoustic energy to transform patient care, reported that it has received FDA approval for an investigational device exemption (IDE) for a clinical comparative study of the Exablate Prostate system used to treat diseased prostate tissue (Press release, Insightec , JUN 30, 2022, View Source [SID1234616420]). This study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of focal treatment using high intensity focused ultrasound when compared to active surveillance in men living with prostate cancer.

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The Insightec Exablate Prostate system uses sound waves to ablate, or destroy, targeted tissue in the prostate. The treatment is performed under Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guidance for high resolution visualization of the patient’s anatomy for precise targeting and real-time temperature monitoring. The single session treatment does not require incisions and allows patients to quickly return to normal activity with minimal complications.

"We are excited to continue this important research that can impact on the standard of care for prostate cancer treatment," said Behfar Ehdaie, MD, MS, a urologic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and principal investigator for the study. "Exablate Focused Ultrasound has been shown to provide an accurate, safe, and effective option to engage the prostate gland directly in select patients based on 2-years biopsy outcomes. The new trial will build on this success and help further enhance treatment options."

"At Insightec, we are committed to the next generation of prostate cancer research and patient care," said Maurice R. Ferré, MD, Insightec CEO and Chairman of the Board. "Through technological innovation and medical advancements, there has been significant progress made in treating the prostate over the last decade, but we’re not done yet. Our goal for this study is to demonstrate the clinical benefits of Exablate Prostate and provide patients with the opportunity for improved quality of life outcomes."

A previous Insightec-sponsored clinical trial led by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for the Exablate Prostate system reported minimal damage to adjacent structures and low rates of impact on potency and continence, supporting function and quality of life for patients. The new comparative study builds on the evidence of this clinical trial and aims to further enhance prostate treatment options and improve clinical outcomes.

The Insightec Exablate Prostate system received 510(k) FDA clearance in November 2021, making way for the system to be offered to patients in a commercial facility and for further clinical studies. In January 2022, the system was used to treat prostate disease in its first US commercial patient.

Results from the new study will define the role of focal therapy to delay and avoid radical therapy for men with prostate cancer and support expanded clinical adoption of the technology and increased access for patients through insurance reimbursement.

On June 30, 2022 Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, reported it has teamed up with Biodesix, Inc. (Colorado, U.S.) (Nasdaq: BDSX), a leading data-driven diagnostic solutions company, to incorporate the results of Biodesix’s Nodify Lung blood-based lung nodule risk assessment testing into Philips Lung Cancer Orchestrator lung cancer patient management system (Press release, Biodesix, JUN 30, 2022, View Source [SID1234616404]). The incorporation of proteomics data, along with the radiologic and patient history data currently used to determine the treatment decisions, can help create diagnostic efficiency for cancer care centers in the management of a growing number of lung nodule cases. Philips Lung Cancer Orchestrator solution is designed to enable health systems to operationalize lung cancer screening and lung nodule management programs at scale.

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Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide [1], with current 5-year survival rates after diagnosis typically less than 20% [2]. If detected and treated early, however, research shows 10-year survival rates could increase to more than 90% [3]. Thanks to the adoption of low-dose CT (computer tomography) screening and better management of incidental lung nodule findings, early-stage diagnosis and treatment is now possible, but has resulted in rapidly increasing caseloads. For example, recent changes in U.S. guidelines have nearly doubled the number of people now eligible for lung cancer screening [4].

"By incorporating Biodesix’s Nodify Lung testing, we take another step in leveraging integrated diagnostics from imaging, genomics, and now proteomic results from a simple blood draw to address key moments in the lung cancer patient journey, support care team decision-making, and help health systems learn from their practice patterns," said Louis Culot, General Manager Oncology Informatics and Genomics at Philips. "We expect the inclusion of Biodesix’s ground-breaking technology in Philips Lung Cancer Orchestrator to help drive more confident decisions for the care team, and ultimately benefit patients."

As a next-step after radiologic lung nodule assessment, minimally-invasive biopsy procedures such as endobronchial biopsy (accessing a nodule via the patient’s airways), are already helping early-stage diagnosis. With 62% of biopsies conducted on benign nodules, by detecting the presence of blood-based biomarkers combined with clinical and radiomic factors, Biodesix’s Nodify Lung blood-based proteomic tests help clinicians to reclassify the risk of malignancy to better target resources to those who need them. If a nodule is malignant, the delay in surgical care for cancer patients by four weeks increases the mortality by 6-8% [5].

"We are delighted that our tests are being incorporated into Philips’ vision for end-to-end cancer care management using a multi-diagnostic approach," said Scott Hutton, Chief Executive Officer at Biodesix. "By integrating our Nodify tests in Philips Lung Cancer Orchestrator we hope to make these tests more accessible to physicians and patients and more easily utilized by care teams with the ultimate goal of improving patient care and outcomes."

Philips Lung Cancer Orchestrator is an integrated patient management system for CT lung cancer screening programs and incidental lung nodule findings that keeps track of patients, appointments, diagnostic images, test results, and clinical decisions for every step of a lung cancer patient’s screening and treatment journey. Fitting seamlessly into conventional screening and diagnostic workflows, it coordinates the end-to-end patient journey to create a fully traceable, fully documented timeline of scheduled actions, and aggregates data on tumor staging, radiology, pathology, and biomarker analyses for informed decision-making. The ability to order and receive the results expedites Biodesix’s proteomic testing directly to and from the Lung Cancer Orchestrator at the same time it adds new insights on nodule risk of malignancy to further support the decision-making process.

Lung Cancer Orchestrator is part of Philips’ expanding portfolio of integrated cancer care solutions that seamlessly connect data, technology, operations, and clinical workflows to enable pivotal decision-making. Visit Philips Oncology to learn how Philips combines smart diagnostic and imaging technologies with connected workflows that integrate patient data from disparate systems, to provide solutions that put expert information at clinicians’ fingertips to help expand the quality and reach of personalized cancer care.

On June 30, 2022 Inhibrx, Inc. (Nasdaq: INBX), a biotechnology company with four clinical programs in development and a robust preclinical pipeline, reported the completion of Phase 1 dose escalation of INBRX-105, a novel targeted 4-1BB agonist, in combination with Keytruda (Press release, Inhibrx, JUN 30, 2022, View Source [SID1234616421]). It also reported the funding of an additional $60 million from its Loan and Security Agreement, as amended (the "Loan Agreement"), with Oxford Finance, LLC ("Oxford"), to bring its cash balance to approximately $176 million as of June 30, 2022.

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"We are very encouraged by the results observed in Part 3 and believe the Part 4 expansion cohorts have been designed to demonstrate the potential of INBRX-105," commented Mark Lappe, Inhibrx’s CEO. "The additional debt provided by Oxford provides non-dilutive financing and, we believe, the time needed to mature our programs ahead of various potential strategic options."

Phase 1 Dose Escalation Results for INBRX-105 in Combination with Keytruda
INBRX-105 is a precisely engineered multi-specific therapeutic candidate based on our single domain antibody ("sdAb") platform designed to agonize 4-1BB selectively in the presence of programmed death ligand 1 ("PD-L1"), a protein typically enriched in the tumor microenvironment and lymphoid tissues.

The study is a first-in-human, multicenter, open-label, non-randomized, Phase 1 trial in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors. This four-part trial is designed to determine the safety profile and identify the maximum tolerated dose and the recommended Phase 2 dose of INBRX-105 administered in combination with Keytruda, a programmed death receptor-1 checkpoint inhibitor. Part 3, dose escalation in combination with Keytruda, has concluded with a total of 30 patients enrolled. Patients were not pre-screened for PD-L1 expression. INBRX-105 in combination with Keytruda was reasonably well-tolerated and we observed durable responses in checkpoint-naïve and relapsed refractory patients. These results informed what we believe to be the optimal dose level for INBRX-105 in combination with Keytruda in Part 4. Additionally, single agent responses have been observed at this same dose level in both checkpoint-naïve and relapsed/refractory patients.

Part 4, dose expansion cohorts of INBRX-105 in combination with Keytruda, initiated enrollment in May 2022. This will include a total of approximately 90 patients in five separate cohorts and we expect to announce initial data from these cohorts in the first half of 2023.

Additional $60 Million in Debt from Oxford
On June 29, 2022, Inhibrx drew two additional term loans from its Loan Agreement with Oxford for an aggregate principal amount of $60.0 million. The two additional term loans were based on the completion of the following:

$30 million upon the receipt of positive topline data from the Phase 1 clinical trial of INBRX-101, our AAT-Fc fusion protein for the treatment of Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which we released in May 2022; and
$30 million upon initiation of Part 4 of the Phase 1 clinical trial of INBRX-105, our PD-L1x4-1BB tetravalent conditional agonist.
Inhibrx has one additional $30 million tranche available under the Loan Agreement, which will be available to fund upon the initiation of a potential registration-enabling clinical trial of INBRX-101. To date, the aggregate balance of Inhibrx’s outstanding term loans, which mature in January 2027, is $170.0 million. The repayment schedule provides for interest-only payments until March 2025 with a potential 12-month extension.