Iovance Biotherapeutics’ Investigational New Drug Application (IND) Allowed to Proceed for TALEN®-Edited Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) in Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma and Stage III or IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

On March 15, 2022 Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: IOVA), a late-stage biotechnology company developing novel T cell-based cancer immunotherapies, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) to proceed for its first genetically modified TIL therapy, IOV-4001, for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma and stage III or IV NSCLC (Press release, Iovance Biotherapeutics, MAR 15, 2022, View Source [SID1234610092]).

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!

IOV-4001 leverages the gene editing TALEN technology licensed from Cellectis (Euronext Growth: ALCLS – NASDAQ: CLLS), a clinical-stage biotechnology company using its pioneering gene-editing platform to develop potentially life-saving cell and gene therapies, to inactivate the gene coding for the PD-1 protein. By removal of this important barrier for T cells to attack cancer, IOV-4001 has the potential to become an optimized, next generation TIL therapy for several solid tumor cancers. A clinical study of IOV-4001 in patients with metastatic melanoma or stage III or IV NSCLC is expected to begin in 2022.

Frederick Vogt, Ph.D., J.D., Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Iovance, stated, "IND allowance for IOV-4001 in two advanced cancers is an exciting milestone in the evolution of our TIL platform as we incorporate the gene editing TALEN technology to develop next generation TIL therapies. IOV-4001 provides a significant opportunity to deliver the combination of TIL and immune checkpoint inhibition within a single genome-edited TIL therapy in multiple solid tumor types. We look forward to bringing IOV-4001 into the clinic and to advancing additional next generation TIL therapies."

A poster highlighting preclinical activity, clinical-scale manufacturing process development, and characterization of IOV-4001 will be presented at the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2022 Annual Meeting. In the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) abstract, anti-tumor activity of IOV-4001 was superior to non-edited TIL, as well as non-edited TIL in combination with anti-PD-1, in a murine model.

About the TALEN Research Collaboration and Exclusive Worldwide Licensing Agreement

In January 2020, Iovance Biotherapeutics and Cellectis entered into a research collaboration and exclusive worldwide license agreement whereby Iovance licensed certain TALEN technology from Cellectis. The worldwide exclusive license enables Iovance to use certain TALEN technology addressing multiple gene targets to modify TIL for therapeutic use in several cancer indications. Iovance plans to initiate a clinical study of the first TALEN-edited TIL therapy, IOV-4001 (PD-1 inactivated TIL), in 2022. In addition, Iovance has a burgeoning preclinical pipeline of TALEN-edited TIL therapies, including double-knock out programs.

GSK to demonstrate its commitment to improving outcomes for patients with gynaecologic cancer at the 2022 SGO Annual Meeting

On March 15, 2022 GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plc reported that it will present new findings in support of advancing treatment for certain gynaecologic cancers, including data evaluating Zejula (niraparib) and Jemperli (dostarlimab) at the upcoming Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer (Press release, GlaxoSmithKline, MAR 15, 2022, View Source [SID1234610112]). The meeting will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, and virtually from 18-21 March 2022. The presentations demonstrate GSK’s commitment to improving outcomes for patients with gynaecologic cancers through research programmes that identify and address high unmet patient needs.

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!

Hesham Abdullah, Global Head of Oncology Development, GSK said: "The data we’re presenting at SGO will provide the research community with deeper insights about Zejula and Jemperli. We will also share data that furthers our understanding of ovarian and endometrial cancers, and real-world data that sheds light on potential gaps in the care of patients with gynaecologic cancer that need to be addressed."

Exploring optimal use of PARP inhibition maintenance therapy in ovarian cancer

Research being presented at SGO reinforces the role of first-line maintenance therapy with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in helping to optimise treatment outcomes for patients living with advanced ovarian cancer. This data contributes to the understanding of niraparib in the maintenance treatment of ovarian cancer.

Key oral presentations include:

OVARIO (oral presentation, ID #39): an oral plenary presentation featuring an updated analysis from this phase II study evaluating niraparib in combination with bevacizumab as first-line maintenance therapy in patients with ovarian cancer following platinum-based chemotherapy and bevacizumab.
ROYAL (oral presentation, ID #28): an oral plenary presentation featuring a real-world evidence study examining the evolution of the ovarian cancer treatment paradigm in the US and Europe from 2017 to 2020. The findings may help us better understand the treatment paradigm of ovarian cancer and identify remaining unmet needs.
In addition, Zai Lab (a GSK partner) will present a late-breaking oral presentation of the phase III PRIME study (late-breaking oral presentation, ID #5), featuring data evaluating niraparib (independently manufactured by Zai Lab) in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer using an individualized starting dose.

As part of GSK’s ongoing commitment to the ovarian cancer community, additional real-world studies assessing unmet needs will also be presented, including a study evaluating trends in first-line maintenance treatment use in patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer, a study evaluating outcomes in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who received niraparib as second-line maintenance therapy, and a study that assessed trends in niraparib starting dose as first-line maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer.

Zejula is a once-daily oral monotherapy maintenance treatment approved for women with first-line platinum-responsive (complete or partial response) advanced ovarian cancer regardless of biomarker status in the US and the European Union (EU).

Advancing standard of care treatment in endometrial cancer

Key dostarlimab presentations at SGO include:

GARNET trial subgroup (poster presentation, ID #210): a post-hoc analysis from the GARNET trial evaluating the antitumour activity and safety of dostarlimab therapy in patients with endometrial cancer by age subgroups. This analysis will provide insights on outcomes in an older endometrial cancer patient population, potentially helping to inform treatment decisions.
Dostarlimab indirect treatment comparison (poster presentation, ID #216): an analysis comparing the clinical effectiveness of dostarlimab with doxorubicin in the treatment of advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, which may help further contextualize how dostarlimab fits in the recurrent or advanced dMMR endometrial cancer treatment landscape.
The GARNET trial was the basis for the US and EU regulatory approvals of Jemperli, a programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody.

Jemperli is the first anti-PD-1 monotherapy approved for endometrial cancer in the EU and received a conditional approval in April 2021 for the treatment of women with mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer who have progressed on or following prior treatment with a platinum-containing regimen. The treatment also received accelerated approval based on tumour response rate and durability of response in the US for adult patients with dMMR recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have progressed on or following prior treatment with a platinum-containing regimen. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).

Full list of GSK’s presentations at SGO for niraparib and ovarian cancer:

Abstract Name

Presenter

Presentation Details

Evolution of the Ovarian Cancer Treatment Paradigm, Including Maintenance Treatment, in the US and Europe: A Real-World Chart Review Analysis (2017–2020)

K. Moore

Oral Presentation, ID #28

OVARIO, A Phase II Study of Niraparib + Bevacizumab in Advanced Ovarian Cancer Following Front-Line Platinum-Based Chemotherapy with Bevacizumab: Updated Analysis

M. Hardesty

Oral Presentation, ID #39

Poly (adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitor First-Line Maintenance Among Patients with Newly Diagnosed Advanced Ovarian Cancer in a Real-World Database

J. Liu

Poster Presentation, ID #351

Real-World Clinical Outcomes with Poly (adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors as Second-Line Maintenance Therapy in Patients with Recurrent Ovarian Cancer in the United States

U. Matulonis

Poster Presentation, ID #353

Starting Dose of Niraparib as First-Line Maintenance Among Patients with Newly Diagnosed Advanced Ovarian Cancer in a Real-World Database

J. Liu

Poster Presentation, ID #352

Full list of GSK’s presentations at SGO for dostarlimab and endometrial cancer:

Abstract Name

Presenter

Presentation Details

Antitumor Activity and Safety of Dostarlimab Therapy in Patients with Endometrial Cancer by Age Subgroups: A Post-hoc Analysis from the GARNET Trial

A. Oaknin

Poster Presentation, ID #210

The Comparative Clinical Effectiveness of Dostarlimab Versus Doxorubicin in the Treatment of Advanced/Recurrent Endometrial Cancer

C. Mathews

Poster Presentation, ID #216

Patient Characteristics and Treatment Patterns in Patients With Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Cancer in Europe: A Real-World Study

Q. Shen

Poster Presentation, ID #348

About ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the 8th most common cancer in women worldwide.[1] Despite high response rates to platinum-based chemotherapy in the front-line setting, approximately 85% of patients will experience disease recurrence.[2] Once the disease recurs, it is rarely curable, with decreasing time intervals to each subsequent recurrence.

About endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer is found in the inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. It is the most common gynaecologic cancer in the US and second most common gynaecologic cancer globally [3]. Approximately 15-20% of women with endometrial cancer will be diagnosed with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. [4]

Indications and Important US Safety Information for ZEJULA (niraparib)

ZEJULA is indicated:

for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in a complete or partial response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.
for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in a complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy.
for the treatment of adult patients with advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who have been treated with three or more prior chemotherapy regimens and whose cancer is associated with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) positive status defined by either:
a deleterious or suspected deleterious BRCA mutation, or
genomic instability and who have progressed more than six months after response to the last platinum-based chemotherapy.

Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for ZEJULA.
Important Safety Information

Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MDS/AML), including some fatal cases, was reported in 15 patients (0.8%) out of 1785 patients treated with ZEJULA monotherapy in clinical trials. The duration of therapy in patients who developed secondary MDS/cancer therapy-related AML varied from 0.5 months to 4.9 years. These patients had received prior chemotherapy with platinum agents and/or other DNA-damaging agents including radiotherapy. Discontinue ZEJULA if MDS/AML is confirmed.

Hematologic adverse reactions (thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, and/or pancytopenia) have been reported in patients receiving ZEJULA. The overall incidence of Grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia were reported, respectively, in 39%, 31%, and 21% of patients receiving ZEJULA in PRIMA; 29%, 25%, and 20% of patients receiving ZEJULA in NOVA; and 28%, 27%, and 13% of patients receiving ZEJULA in QUADRA. Discontinuation due to thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia occurred, respectively, in 4%, 2%, and 2% of patients in PRIMA; 3%, 1%, and 2% of patients in NOVA; and 4%, 2%, and 1% of patients in QUADRA. In patients who were administered a starting dose of ZEJULA based on baseline weight or platelet count in PRIMA, Grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia were reported, respectively, in 22%, 23%, and 15% of patients receiving ZEJULA. Discontinuation due to thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia occurred, respectively, in 3%, 3%, and 2% of patients. Do not start ZEJULA until patients have recovered from hematological toxicity caused by prior chemotherapy (≤Grade 1). Monitor complete blood counts weekly for the first month, monthly for the next 11 months, and periodically thereafter. If hematological toxicities do not resolve within 28 days following interruption, discontinue ZEJULA, and refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations.

Hypertension and hypertensive crisis have been reported in patients receiving ZEJULA. Grade 3-4 hypertension occurred in 6% of patients receiving ZEJULA vs 1% of patients receiving placebo in PRIMA, with no reported discontinuations. Grade 3-4 hypertension occurred in 9% of patients receiving ZEJULA vs 2% of patients receiving placebo in NOVA, with discontinuation occurring in <1% of patients. Grade 3-4 hypertension occurred in 5% of ZEJULA-treated patients in QUADRA, with discontinuation occurring in <0.2% of patients. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate at least weekly for the first two months, then monthly for the first year, and periodically thereafter during treatment with ZEJULA. Closely monitor patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension. Manage hypertension with antihypertensive medications and adjustment of the ZEJULA dose, if necessary.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) occurred in 0.1% of 2,165 patients treated with ZEJULA in clinical trials and has also been described in postmarketing reports. Monitor all patients for signs and symptoms of PRES, which include seizure, headache, altered mental status, visual disturbance, or cortical blindness, with or without associated hypertension. Diagnosis requires confirmation by brain imaging. If suspected, promptly discontinue ZEJULA and administer appropriate treatment. The safety of reinitiating ZEJULA is unknown.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity and Lactation: Based on its mechanism of action, ZEJULA can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after receiving their final dose of ZEJULA. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from ZEJULA in breastfed infants, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with ZEJULA and for 1 month after receiving the final dose.

Allergic reactions to FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine): ZEJULA capsules contain FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), which may cause allergic-type reactions (including bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible persons. Although the overall incidence in the general population is low, it is frequently seen in patients who also have aspirin hypersensitivity.

First-line Maintenance Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Most common adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) in ≥10% of all patients who received ZEJULA in PRIMA were thrombocytopenia (66%), anemia (64%), nausea (57%), fatigue (51%), neutropenia (42%), constipation (40%), musculoskeletal pain (39%), leukopenia (28%), headache (26%), insomnia (25%), vomiting (22%), dyspnea (22%), decreased appetite (19%), dizziness (19%), cough (18%), hypertension (18%), AST/ALT elevation (14%), and acute kidney injury (12%).

Common lab abnormalities (Grades 1-4) in ≥25% of all patients who received ZEJULA in PRIMA included: decreased hemoglobin (87%), decreased platelets (74%), decreased leukocytes (71%), increased glucose (66%), decreased neutrophils (66%), decreased lymphocytes (51%), increased alkaline phosphatase (46%), increased creatinine (40%), decreased magnesium (36%), increased AST (35%) and increased ALT (29%).

Maintenance Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

Most common adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) in ≥10% of patients who received ZEJULA in NOVA were nausea (74%), thrombocytopenia (61%), fatigue/asthenia (57%), anemia (50%), constipation (40%), vomiting (34%), neutropenia (30%), insomnia (27%), headache (26%), decreased appetite (25%), nasopharyngitis (23%), rash (21%), hypertension (20%), dyspnea (20%), mucositis/stomatitis (20%), dizziness (18%), back pain (18%), dyspepsia (18%), leukopenia (17%), cough (16%), urinary tract infection (13%), anxiety (11%), dry mouth (10%), AST/ALT elevation (10%), dysgeusia (10%), palpitations (10%).

Common lab abnormalities (Grades 1-4) in ≥25% of patients who received ZEJULA in NOVA included: decrease in hemoglobin (85%), decrease in platelet count (72%), decrease in white blood cell count (66%), decrease in absolute neutrophil count (53%), increase in AST (36%) and increase in ALT (28%).

Treatment of Advanced HRD+ Ovarian Cancer

Most common adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) in ≥10% of patients who received ZEJULA in QUADRA were nausea (67%), fatigue (56%), thrombocytopenia (52%), anemia (51%), vomiting (44%), constipation (36%), abdominal pain (34%), musculoskeletal pain (29%), decreased appetite (27%), dyspnea (22%), insomnia (21%), neutropenia (20%), headache (19%), diarrhea (17%), acute kidney injury (17%), urinary tract infection (15%), hypertension (14%), cough (13%), dizziness (11%), AST/ALT elevation (11%), blood alkaline phosphatase increased (11%).

Common lab abnormalities (Grades 1-4) in ≥25% of patients who received ZEJULA in QUADRA included: decreased hemoglobin (83%), increased glucose (66%), decreased platelets (60%), decreased lymphocytes (57%), decreased leukocytes (53%), decreased magnesium (46%), increased alkaline phosphatase (40%), increased gamma glutamyl transferase (40%), increased creatinine (36%), decreased sodium (34%), decreased neutrophils (34%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (29%), and decreased albumin (27%).

Please see full Prescribing Information

Indications and Important US Safety Information for JEMPERLI (dostarlimab-gxly)

JEMPERLI is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) recurrent or advanced:

endometrial cancer (EC), as determined by an FDA-approved test, that has progressed on or following prior treatment with a platinum-containing regimen, or
solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed on or following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.
These indications are approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for these indications may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).

Important Safety Information

Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which can be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue and can occur at any time during or after treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibody, including JEMPERLI.
Monitor closely for signs and symptoms of immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function tests at baseline and periodically during treatment. For suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.
Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, withhold or permanently discontinue JEMPERLI. In general, if JEMPERLI requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroids (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to ≤Grade 1. Upon improvement to ≤Grade 1, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reaction is not controlled with corticosteroids.
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

JEMPERLI can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis, which can be fatal. In patients treated with other PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies, the incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation. Pneumonitis occurred in 1.4% (7/515) of patients, including Grade 2 (1.2%) and Grade 3 (0.2%) pneumonitis.
Immune-Mediated Colitis

Colitis occurred in 1.4% (7/515) of patients, including Grade 2 (0.8%) and Grade 3 (0.6%) adverse reactions. Cytomegalovirus infection/reactivation have occurred in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In such cases, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies.
Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

JEMPERLI can cause immune-mediated hepatitis, which can be fatal. Grade 3 hepatitis occurred in 0.2% (1/515) of patients.
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

Adrenal Insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1.4% (7/515) of patients, including Grade 2 (0.8%) and Grade 3 (0.6%). For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment per institutional guidelines, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue JEMPERLI depending on severity.
Hypophysitis
JEMPERLI can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Initiate hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue JEMPERLI depending on severity.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroiditis occurred in 0.4% (2/515) of patients; both were Grade 2. Hypothyroidism occurred in 7.2% (37/515) of patients, all of which were Grade 2. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 1.9% (10/515) of patients, including Grade 2 (1.7%) and Grade 3 (0.2%). Initiate hormone replacement or medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue JEMPERLI depending on severity.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Which Can Present with Diabetic Ketoacidosis
JEMPERLI can cause type 1 diabetes mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue JEMPERLI depending on severity.
Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction

JEMPERLI can cause immune-mediated nephritis, which can be fatal. Nephritis occurred in 0.4% (2/515) of patients; both were Grade 2.
Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

JEMPERLI can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Bullous and exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), have occurred with PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-bullous/exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue JEMPERLI depending on severity.
Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in <1% of the 515 patients treated with JEMPERLI or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. Severe or fatal cases have been reported for some of these adverse reactions.
Nervous System: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy
Cardiac/Vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis
Ocular: Uveitis, iritis, other ocular inflammatory toxicities. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment to include blindness can occur
Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis, including increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis and associated sequelae including renal failure, arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica
Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism
Other (Hematologic/Immune): Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenia, solid organ transplant rejection
Infusion-Related Reactions

Severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions have been reported with PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. Severe infusion-related reactions (Grade 3) occurred in 0.2% (1/515) of patients receiving JEMPERLI. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion or permanently discontinue JEMPERLI based on severity of reaction.
Complications of Allogeneic HSCT

Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibody, which may occur despite intervening therapy. Monitor patients closely for transplant-related complications and intervene promptly.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity and Lactation

Based on its mechanism of action, JEMPERLI can cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with JEMPERLI and for 4 months after their last dose. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from JEMPERLI in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with JEMPERLI and for 4 months after their last dose.
Common Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients with dMMR EC were fatigue/asthenia, nausea, diarrhea, anemia, and constipation. The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased lymphocytes, decreased sodium, decreased leukocytes, decreased albumin, increased creatinine, increased alkaline phosphatase, and increased alanine aminotransferase.

Please see full Prescribing Information

GSK in Oncology

GSK is focused on maximising patient survival through transformational medicines. GSK’s pipeline is focused on immuno-oncology, cell therapy, tumour cell targeting therapies and synthetic lethality. Our goal is to achieve a sustainable flow of new treatments based on a diversified portfolio of investigational medicines utilising modalities such as small molecules, antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates and cell therapy, either alone or in combination.

Aura Biosciences to Host Virtual Investor Day Focused on Ocular Oncology with Key Thought Leaders on March 22

On March 15, 2022 Aura Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: AURA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a novel class of virus-like drug conjugate (VDC) therapies for multiple oncology indications, reported it will host a virtual Investor Day on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time (Press release, Aura Biosciences, MAR 15, 2022, View Source [SID1234610128]). Aura Bioscience’s executive management team will be joined by two distinguished ocular oncology thought leaders:

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!

Carol Shields, MD, Chief of the Ocular Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital and Professor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, PA)
Hans Grossniklaus, MD, MBA, Senior Professor of Ophthalmology and Founding Director of the Ocular Oncology and Pathology Service at Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
The program will include an overview of choroidal melanoma (CM), AU-011’s novel mechanism of action, and a summary of the clinical data on AU-011 in CM to date, followed by a moderated Q&A with Drs. Shields and Grossniklaus. The Company plans to select the route of administration and treatment regimen for AU-011 in CM and initiate the pivotal program in the second half of 2022.

To access the virtual event, please dial (877) 958-0846 (U.S. and Canada) or (778) 360-2654 (international) at least 10 minutes prior to the start time and refer to conference ID 7158466. A live video webcast will be available in the Investor section of the Company’s website at View Source A webcast replay will also be available on the corporate website at the conclusion of the call.

Elicio Therapeutics Moves into Boston’s Seaport District and Provides Update on Programs

On March 15, 2022 Elicio Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a pipeline of novel immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and other diseases, reported its move from Cambridge, MA to a larger facility in Boston’s Seaport District and an update on its programs for 2022 (Press release, Elicio Therapeutics, MAR 15, 2022, View Source [SID1234610146]). Elicio joins a growing collection of emerging and established biotech companies in the Seaport District, which has become Boston’s new hub for biotech innovation. The move will allow for further expansion given the promising advances being made with the Company’s lead asset, ELI-002, an investigational KRAS-targeted cancer vaccine designed with Elicio’s proprietary lymph node-targeting Amphiphile (AMP) platform. In addition, the move will also allow for the continuing development of the Company’s TCR-T and infectious disease programs.

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!

"As someone who’s been with the Company from the very beginning, I’m immensely proud of how we have continued to expand our team and our pipeline over the last few years. We have had a 50% increase in staff over the last two years. In addition, we are collecting our first set of clinical data for ELI-002 and continuing to take key steps in developing the cell therapy and infectious disease parts of our pipeline," said Peter DeMuth, Ph.D., Elicio’s Chief Scientific Officer. "We believe in the potential of our lymph node-targeted approach to build a niche within the immunotherapy space and to meet the unmet need in a number of aggressive cancers and infectious diseases. I’m proud of our team of scientists who are doing the important groundwork and look forward to our progress this year."

Christopher Haqq, M.D., Ph.D., Elicio’s Executive Vice President, Head of Research and Development, and Chief Medical Officer, added, "We’re excited to progress the ELI-002 program which holds promise to induce durable remissions in early-stage KRAS-mutated cancers. There is an initial focus on patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) and patients with low volume metastases while planning has begun for trials to explore all cancer stages and combination therapies. With approximately 25% of tumors containing KRAS mutations, this is a critically important target for cancer treatment. We are extremely encouraged by the preclinical data generated so far and expect AMPLIFY-201 readouts in the coming months to validate the mechanism of ELI-002 and to support a Phase 1b/2 trial early next year."

ELI-002 is poised to address the shortcomings of past cancer vaccine development efforts by hijacking the body’s natural biodistribution to traffic AMP mKRAS peptides, alongside ELI-004, an activity-boosting AMP adjuvant, directly to the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are often considered "the schoolhouse of the immune system" as they host the selection and activation of T cells to elicit an immune response. Through this approach, ELI-002 has shown the ability to significantly enhance immune responses in preclinical models across a wide range of KRAS mutations versus conventional peptides, leading to greater infiltration and elimination of tumors.

The clinical development strategy for ELI-002 takes advantage of recent advances in therapy response monitoring to rapidly assess the clinical activity of ELI-002 as adjuvant therapy in patients with early-stage KRAS-driven cancers who have MRD following surgery and chemotherapy.
In the Phase 1 AMPLIFY-201 study, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and serum tumor biomarkers will be measured as a biomarker indicating anti-tumor response, in addition to the primary safety endpoint and identification of a recommended Phase 2 dose.
This novel approach will allow Elicio to validate the clinical activity of ELI-002 more efficiently, before moving into a Phase 1b/2 trial with a more traditional endpoint of Relapse-Free Survival (RFS).
Enrollment in the Phase 1 AMPLIFY-201 study continues, following the dosing of the first patient at MD Anderson in October 2021, with the expectation to move from Cohort 1 to Cohort 2 in the next quarter, and the Phase 1b/2 trial planned for early 2023.
The anticipated Phase 1b/2 trial will study the broad spectrum 7-peptide formulation of ELI-002. This formulation is designed to provide immune response coverage against the seven of the most common KRAS mutations, thereby increasing the potential patient population for ELI-002 and potentially reducing the chance of bypass resistance mechanisms. Most other KRAS-targeted therapeutics in development — particularly small molecule KRAS inhibitors —are only able to target one or two KRAS mutations.

Elicio’s pipeline of preclinical and clinical programs originates from the Company’s proprietary AMP platform technology. Each program seeks to anticipate and solve challenges in conventional immunomodulation through targeted delivery of payloads (e.g., peptides, proteins, small molecules, nucleic acids) to the lymph nodes. Elicio has investigated the platform in preclinical models across several modalities and therapeutic areas, beyond its focus on cancer vaccines. This also includes Elicio’s universal CpG adjuvant, ELI-004, which is being explored in a variety of indications besides in the lead ELI-002 program.

In addition, with TCR-T cell therapies, Elicio’s "AMP-lification" approach has shown enhanced immune activation as well as tumor infiltration and elimination against several TCR-T targets with evaluation of further targets underway. Peptide and protein subunit vaccines against infectious diseases are another area of interest, with vaccines that include Elicio’s AMP adjuvants demonstrating potent T cell responses against a range of antigens such as influenza, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human papillomavirus (HPV) and SARS-CoV-2, including in non-human primates. The Company has a development pipeline of adjuvants with differentiated profiles to meet the needs for the full infectious disease vaccine part of the pipeline.

Annette Matthies, Ph.D., Elicio’s Chief Business Officer, added, "We view Elicio as the partner of choice for the enablement of immunotherapies via lymph node-targeting. By concentrating an immunotherapeutic molecule’s effect in the lymph node, the AMP platform has shown it can enable that molecule’s full therapeutic potential, from enhancing immunogenicity with increased T cell activation and proliferation to improving risk-benefit by reducing systemic exposure. We have had particular success in boosting TCR-T cell therapies as well as traditional peptide and protein-based infectious disease vaccines, and consider these to be prime partnership opportunities."

About the Amphiphile Platform

Our proprietary Amphiphile, or AMP, platform delivers investigational immunotherapeutics directly to the "brain center" of the immune system – the lymph nodes. We believe this site-specific delivery of disease-specific antigens, adjuvants, and other immunomodulators may efficiently educate, activate, and amplify critical immune cells, potentially resulting in induction and persistence of potent adaptive immunity required to treat many diseases. In preclinical models, we have observed lymph node-specific engagement driving therapeutic immune responses of increased magnitude, function, and durability. We believe our AMP lymph node targeted approach will produce superior clinical benefits compared to immunotherapies that do not engage the lymph nodes.

Our AMP platform, originally developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, has broad potential across cancers, infectious diseases, and other disease indications to advance a number of development initiatives through internal activities, in-licensing arrangements or development collaborations and partnerships.

The Amphiphile platform is thought to deliver immunotherapeutics directly to the lymph nodes by latching on to the protein albumin, found in the bloodstream, as it travels to lymphatic tissue. In preclinical models, we have observed lymph node-specific engagement driving therapeutic immune responses of increased magnitude, function, and durability.

Leman Biotech raises USD 11 million for its immunotherapy boosting protein

On March 15, 2022 EPFL spin-off Leman Biotech has raised USD 11 million for its protein that can improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy drugs used to treat some types of cancer (Press release, Leman Biotech, MAR 15, 2022, View Source [SID1234628394]).

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!

Immunotherapy is a promising new weapon in the fight against some types of cancer. It involves enhancing the ability of a patient’s own immune system to identify and destroy tumor cells. However, this form of treatment fails in around two thirds of patients because their T cells – the main cancer-killing lymphocytes – become exhausted. One option scientists are currently studying to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy is to add a protein that gives a boost to tired T cells. That’s the path being explored by EPFL spin-off Leman Biotech.

Its researchers have tested one such protein and found it has a nearly 90% efficacy rate on mice. "We ran several more preclinical trials these past few months using different types of human tumors transplanted into mice," says Prof. Li Tang, EPFL Professor and Co-Founder of Leman Biotech. "The results were just as encouraging, and the mice went on to have normal life expectancies."

The company just raised USD 11 million in its first funding round. The next step will be to complete the preclinical trials and then enter the clinical phase, which the start-up hopes to do within two years.

"For a first funding round, USD 11 million is a hefty sum," said Natalia Giovannini of the EPFL’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO). "Leman Biotech’s success in attracting capital reflects the considerable interest in its innovation."

The company will use the proceeds to quickly ramp up its operations. "We’ve already opened two research labs – one in the Superlab Suisse, at the Biopôle in Epalinges, and the other in southern China where our co-founder is based," concludes Tang.