Alchemab Appoints Young T. Kwon as Chief Executive Officer

On May 26, 2022 Alchemab Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of naturally-occurring protective antibodies and immune repertoire-based patient stratification tools, reported that Young T. Kwon, PhD, Alchemab’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer, has succeeded Douglas A. Treco, PhD as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board, who resigned for personal reasons (Press release, Alchemab Therapeutics, MAY 26, 2022, View Source [SID1234615115]).

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Houman Ashrafian, Chairman of the Board said, "Doug was instrumental to our successful Series A financing and has made significant contributions to Alchemab. He led us in advancing our novel platform and our lead programs in neurodegeneration and cancer, and has helped build out an extremely talented team and established a solid operational foundation, including new operations in the U.S. We are extremely fortunate that he has been a part of Alchemab during this period of rapid growth and scientific progress."

"We are delighted that Young will lead our Company and join our Board," Dr. Ashrafian continued. "He has established himself as an outstanding leader and we are thrilled that he will be driving the Company forward during this exciting phase of growth. In addition to building transformative biotech companies, Young’s track record working with and developing talented teams will build on and shape Alchemab’s diverse, ambitious and unique culture. As the Company continues to grow its footprint in the U.S. and the U.K., we look forward to working with Young to advance our novel programs to the clinic and build out our highly differentiated platform."

"I am excited by Alchemab’s potential," said Dr. Kwon, "Over the last six months I have seen how combining experienced drug discovery capabilities with the latest computational approaches pave a new era in therapeutics discovery. I am grateful to Doug for his support and guidance and I look forward to the challenge of building upon the outstanding foundations that he has established."

Dr. Kwon has served as Alchemab’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer since November 2021. Dr. Kwon previously served as Chief Financial and Business Officer of Momenta Pharmaceuticals until its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson in October 2020. Prior to Momenta, Dr. Kwon was a business development professional at Biogen and worked at the venture capital firm Advanced Technology Ventures, investing in early-stage biotech and medical device companies. Dr. Kwon received a B.S. in biology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology from Harvard University.

Takeda and Seagen to Highlight ADCETRIS® Combination Data Showing Statistically Significant Improvement in Overall Survival (OS) for Patients with Advanced Hodgkin Lymphoma

On May 26, 2022 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502) and Seagen Inc., (NASDAQ:SGEN) reported that overall survival (OS) data from the Phase 3 ECHELON-1 clinical trial of an ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) plus chemotherapy combination will be presented in an oral session at the 59th American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting on Friday, June 3, 2022, 1:00-4:00 PM CT, and at the 27th European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Meeting on Friday, June 10, 2022, 11:30 – 12:45 CEST (Press release, Takeda, MAY 26, 2022, View Source [SID1234615131]).

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"The longer-term follow-up data from the ECHELON-1 trial have significant clinical importance, as this trial represents one of only two frontline randomized studies in advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma that shows an overall survival advantage for the experimental arm," said Stephen Ansell, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic, and ECHELON-1 study investigator. "These results clearly show that the addition of brentuximab vedotin to chemotherapy improves the long-term outcome of patients and the combination should be considered a standard of care."

Data from the ECHELON-1 trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in OS in adult patients with previously untreated Stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma treated with ADCETRIS plus doxorubicin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (A+AVD) vs. doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD). With approximately six years median follow up (73 months), patients receiving A+AVD had a 41 percent reduction in the risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.396 to 0.879), with an estimated OS rate (95% CI) of 93.9% (91.6, 95.5) at 6 years. The safety profile of ADCETRIS was consistent with previous studies, and no new safety signals were observed. Please see Important Safety Information, including a SPECIAL/BOXED WARNING for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), for ADCETRIS below.

"Patients with advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma have not benefitted from an improvement in overall survival outcomes for far too long," said Chris Arendt, Ph.D., Head of Oncology Cell Therapy and Therapeutic Area Unit, Research and Development, at Takeda. "We are extremely proud of the results of the ECHELON-1 trial, as these findings represent a transformative improvement in care that can profoundly impact the lives of patients with advanced-stage disease. We look forward to sharing the data with regulators around the world."

"These data unequivocally demonstrate the ability of the ADCETRIS combination regimen to improve upon a current standard of care, ABVD, for people with Hodgkin lymphoma by delivering an unsurpassed overall survival benefit," said Roger Dansey, M.D., Interim CEO and Chief Medical Officer, Seagen. "We continue to evaluate the potential of ADCETRIS in different patient populations and in combination with other approved and investigational medicines."

ADCETRIS is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated Stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma in combination with AVD in the United States and for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated CD30-positive Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma in combination with AVD in Europe.

First-line brentuximab vedotin plus chemotherapy to improve overall survival in patients with stage III/IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma: An updated analysis of ECHELON-1. (Hematologic Malignancies—Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on Friday, June 3, 2022, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM CT at McCormick Place, Hall A8)

Key findings, which will be presented by Dr. Ansell, include:

The trial achieved its key secondary endpoint with the combination of A+AVD, resulting in a statistically significant improvement in OS versus the control arm of ABVD as assessed by an Independent Review Facility (IRF) (HR 0.59; p-value=0.009). This corresponds to a 41 percent reduction in the risk of death.
At a median follow up of 73 months, 39 and 64 OS events occurred in the A+AVD and ABVD arms, respectively.
Estimated six-year OS rates (95% CI) were 93.9% (91.6, 95.5) with A+AVD vs. 89.4% (86.6, 91.7) with ABVD.
Subgroup analyses supported a consistent benefit for A+AVD vs. ABVD.
The six-year PFS estimate (95% CI) was 82.3% (79.1, 85.0) with A+AVD vs. 74.5% (70.8, 77.7) with ABVD.
A+AVD resulted in a manageable safety profile consistent with prior reports.
Treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy continued to resolve or improve in both arms, with 86% (379/443) and 87% (249/286) of patients in the A+AVD and ABVD arms, respectively, either completely resolving (72% vs. 79%) or improving (14% vs. 8%) by last follow up.
Fewer patients reported second malignancies in the A+AVD vs. ABVD arm (23 vs. 32).
No new safety signals were identified.
About the ECHELON-1 Trial

The ECHELON-1 trial, which compared the use of ADCETRIS in combination with AVD to ABVD in 1,334 patients with previously untreated Stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma, had a primary endpoint of modified progression-free survival (PFS) per independent review facility (IRF). A key secondary endpoint was OS, which was an event-driven, pre-specified, alpha-controlled analysis in the intention-to-treat population.

About Hodgkin Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a general term for a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system affecting a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. There are two major categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is distinguished from other types of lymphoma by the presence of one characteristic type of cell, known as the Reed-Sternberg cell present in lymph nodes. Reed-Sternberg cells usually have a special protein on their surface called CD30, which is a key marker of HL. CD30 is present in approximately 95 percent of all cases of Hodgkin lymphoma.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 8,540 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma will be diagnosed in the United States during 2022 and more than 900 will die from the disease. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, as of 2020, over 83,000 people worldwide were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and approximately 23,000 people died from this cancer.i

About ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin)

ADCETRIS is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprising an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody attached by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), utilizing Seagen’s proprietary technology. The ADC employs a linker system that is designed to be stable in the bloodstream but to release MMAE upon internalization into CD30-positive tumor cells.

ADCETRIS injection for intravenous infusion has received FDA approval for six indications in adult patients with: (1) previously untreated systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) or other CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), including angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and PTCL not otherwise specified, in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone, (2) previously untreated Stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine, (3) cHL at high risk of relapse or progression as post-autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) consolidation, (4) cHL after failure of auto-HSCT or failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not auto-HSCT candidates, (5) sALCL after failure of at least one prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimen, and (6) primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) or CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides (MF) who have received prior systemic therapy.

Health Canada granted ADCETRIS approval with conditions for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL in 2013, and non-conditional approval for post-autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) consolidation treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma patients at increased risk of relapse or progression in 2017, adults with pcALCL or CD30-expressing MF who have had prior systemic therapy in 2018, for previously untreated Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine in 2019, and for previously untreated adult patients with sALCL, peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) or angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), whose tumors express CD30, in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone in 2019.

ADCETRIS received conditional marketing authorization from the European Commission in October 2012. The approved indications in Europe are: (1) for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated CD30-positive Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (AVD), (2) for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma at increased risk of relapse or progression following ASCT, (3) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma following ASCT, or following at least two prior therapies when ASCT or multi-agent chemotherapy is not a treatment option, (4) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory sALCL, and (5) for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) after at least one prior systemic therapy.

ADCETRIS has received marketing authorization by regulatory authorities in more than 70 countries for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL. See Important Safety Information below.

ADCETRIS is being evaluated broadly in more than 70 clinical trials, including a Phase 3 study in first-line Hodgkin lymphoma (ECHELON-1) and another Phase 3 study in first-line CD30-positive peripheral T-cell lymphomas (ECHELON-2), as well as trials in many additional types of CD30-positive malignancies.

Seagen and Takeda are jointly developing ADCETRIS. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Seagen has U.S. and Canadian commercialization rights and Takeda has rights to commercialize ADCETRIS in the rest of the world. Seagen and Takeda are funding joint development costs for ADCETRIS on a 50:50 basis, except in Japan where Takeda is solely responsible for development costs.

ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) Important Safety Information (European Union)

Please refer to Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) before prescribing.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

ADCETRIS is contraindicated for patients with hypersensitivity to brentuximab vedotin and its excipients. In addition, combined use of ADCETRIS with bleomycin causes pulmonary toxicity.

SPECIAL WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): John Cunningham virus (JCV) reactivation resulting in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and death can occur in patients treated with ADCETRIS. PML has been reported in patients who received ADCETRIS after receiving multiple prior chemotherapy regimens. PML is a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that results from reactivation of latent JCV and is often fatal.

Closely monitor patients for new or worsening neurological, cognitive, or behavioral signs or symptoms, which may be suggestive of PML. Suggested evaluation of PML includes neurology consultation, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis for JCV DNA by polymerase chain reaction or a brain biopsy with evidence of JCV. A negative JCV PCR does not exclude PML. Additional follow up and evaluation may be warranted if no alternative diagnosis can be established. Hold dosing for any suspected case of PML and permanently discontinue ADCETRIS if a diagnosis of PML is confirmed.

Be alert to PML symptoms that the patient may not notice (e.g., cognitive, neurological, or psychiatric symptoms).

Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis has been observed in patients treated with ADCETRIS. Fatal outcomes have been reported. Closely monitor patients for new or worsening abdominal pain, which may be suggestive of acute pancreatitis. Patient evaluation may include physical examination, laboratory evaluation for serum amylase and serum lipase, and abdominal imaging, such as ultrasound and other appropriate diagnostic measures. Hold ADCETRIS for any suspected case of acute pancreatitis. ADCETRIS should be discontinued if a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is confirmed.

Pulmonary Toxicity: Cases of pulmonary toxicity, some with fatal outcomes, including pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), have been reported in patients receiving ADCETRIS. Although a causal association with ADCETRIS has not been established, the risk of pulmonary toxicity cannot be ruled out. Promptly evaluate and treat new or worsening pulmonary symptoms (e.g., cough, dyspnoea) appropriately. Consider holding dosing during evaluation and until symptomatic improvement.

Serious infections and opportunistic infections: Serious infections such as pneumonia, staphylococcal bacteremia, sepsis/septic shock (including fatal outcomes), and herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus (CMV) (reactivation) and opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and oral candidiasis have been reported in patients treated with ADCETRIS. Patients should be carefully monitored during treatment for the emergence of possible serious and opportunistic infections.

Infusion-related reactions (IRR): Immediate and delayed IRR, as well as anaphylaxis, have been reported with ADCETRIS. Carefully monitor patients during and after an infusion. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediately and permanently discontinue administration of ADCETRIS and administer appropriate medical therapy. If an IRR occurs, interrupt the infusion and institute appropriate medical management. The infusion may be restarted at a slower rate after symptom resolution. Patients who have experienced a prior IRR should be premedicated for subsequent infusions. IRRs are more frequent and more severe in patients with antibodies to ADCETRIS.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS): TLS has been reported with ADCETRIS. Patients with rapidly proliferating tumor and high tumor burden are at risk of TLS. Monitor these patients closely and manage according to best medical practice.

Peripheral neuropathy (PN): ADCETRIS treatment may cause PN, both sensory and motor. ADCETRIS-induced PN is typically an effect of cumulative exposure to ADCETRIS and is reversible in most cases. Monitor patients for symptoms of neuropathy, such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain, or weakness. Patients experiencing new or worsening PN may require a delay and a dose reduction or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

Hematological toxicities: Grade 3 or Grade 4 anemia, thrombocytopenia, and prolonged (equal to or greater than one week) Grade 3 or Grade 4 neutropenia can occur with ADCETRIS. Monitor complete blood counts prior to administration of each dose.

Febrile neutropenia: Febrile neutropenia has been reported with ADCETRIS. Complete blood counts should be monitored prior to administration of each dose of treatment. Closely monitor patients for fever and manage according to best medical practice if febrile neutropenia develops.

When ADCETRIS is administered in combination with AVD or CHP, primary prophylaxis with G-CSF is recommended for all patients beginning with the first dose.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs): Cases of SCARs, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported with ADCETRIS. Fatal outcomes have been reported for SJS and TEN. If SJS, TEN or DRESS occur, ADCETRIS should be discontinued and appropriate medical therapy should be administered.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Complications: GI complications, some with fatal outcomes, including intestinal obstruction, ileus, enterocolitis, neutropenic colitis, erosion, ulcer, perforation and haemorrhage, have been reported with ADCETRIS. Promptly evaluate and treat patients if new or worsening GI symptoms occur.

Hepatotoxicity: Elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) have been reported with ADCETRIS. Serious cases of hepatotoxicity, including fatal outcomes, have also occurred. Pre-existing liver disease, comorbidities, and concomitant medications may also increase the risk. Test liver function prior to treatment initiation and routinely monitor during treatment. Patients experiencing hepatotoxicity may require a delay, dose modification, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

Hyperglycemia: Hyperglycemia has been reported during trials in patients with an elevated body mass index (BMI) with or without a history of diabetes mellitus. Closely monitor serum glucose for patients who experience an event of hyperglycemia. Administer anti-diabetic treatment as appropriate.

Infusion site extravasation: Extravasation during intravenous infusion has occurred. Given the possibility of extravasation, it is recommended to closely monitor the infusion site for possible infiltration during drug administration.

Renal and Hepatic Impairment: There is limited experience in patients with renal and hepatic impairment. Available data indicate that MMAE clearance might be affected by severe renal impairment, hepatic impairment, and by low serum albumin concentrations.

CD30+ CTCL: The size of the treatment effect in CD30 + CTCL subtypes other than mycosis fungoides (MF) and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) is not clear due to lack of high level evidence. In two single arm phase II studies of ADCETRIS, disease activity has been shown in the subtypes Sézary syndrome (SS), lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and mixed CTCL histology. These data suggest that efficacy and safety can be extrapolated to other CTCL CD30+ subtypes. Carefully consider the benefit-risk per patient and use with caution in other CD30+ CTCL patient types.

Sodium content in excipients: This medicinal product contains 13.2 mg sodium per vial, equivalent to 0.7% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

Traceability: In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.

INTERACTIONS

Patients who are receiving a strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitor, concomitantly with ADCETRIS may have an increased risk of neutropenia. If neutropenia develops, refer to dosing recommendations for neutropenia (see SmPC section 4.2). Co-administration of ADCETRIS with a CYP3A4 inducer did not alter the plasma exposure of ADCETRIS, but it appeared to reduce plasma concentrations of MMAE metabolites that could be assayed. ADCETRIS is not expected to alter the exposure to drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes.

PREGNANCY: Advise women of childbearing potential to use two methods of effective contraception during treatment with ADCETRIS and until 6 months after treatment. There are no data from the use of ADCETRIS in pregnant women, although studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity. Do not use ADCETRIS during pregnancy unless the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risks to the fetus.

LACTATION (breast-feeding): There are no data as to whether ADCETRIS or its metabolites are excreted in human milk, therefore a risk to the newborn/infant cannot be excluded. With the potential risk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or discontinue/abstain from therapy with ADCETRIS.

FERTILITY: In nonclinical studies, ADCETRIS treatment has resulted in testicular toxicity, and may alter male fertility. Advise men being treated with ADCETRIS not to father a child during treatment and for up to 6 months following the last dose.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines: ADCETRIS may have a moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS

Monotherapy: The most frequent adverse reactions (≥10%) were infections, peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, diarrhoea, pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection, neutropenia, rash, cough, vomiting, arthralgia, peripheral motor neuropathy, infusion-related reactions, pruritus, constipation, dyspnoea, weight decreased, myalgia and abdominal pain. Serious adverse drug reactions occurred in 12% of patients. The frequency of unique serious adverse drug reactions was ≤1%. Adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 24% of patients.

Combination Therapy: In the studies of ADCETRIS as combination therapy in 662 patients with previously untreated advanced HL and 223 patients with previously untreated CD30+ PTCL, the most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) were: infections, neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, constipation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, pyrexia, alopecia, anaemia, weight decreased, stomatitis, febrile neutropenia, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, insomnia, bone pain, rash, cough, dyspnoea, arthralgia, myalgia, back pain, peripheral motor neuropathy, upper respiratory tract infection, and dizziness. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients. Serious adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 3% of patients included febrile neutropenia (15%), pyrexia (5%), and neutropenia (3%). Adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 10% of patients.

ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) for injection U.S. Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNING

PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PML): JC virus infection resulting in PML and death can occur in ADCETRIS-treated patients.

Contraindication

ADCETRIS concomitant with bleomycin due to pulmonary toxicity (e.g., interstitial infiltration and/or inflammation).

Warnings and Precautions

Peripheral neuropathy (PN): ADCETRIS causes PN that is predominantly sensory. Cases of motor PN have also been reported. ADCETRIS-induced PN is cumulative. Monitor for symptoms such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain, or weakness. Institute dose modifications accordingly.
Anaphylaxis and infusion reactions: Infusion-related reactions (IRR), including anaphylaxis, have occurred with ADCETRIS. Monitor patients during infusion. If an IRR occurs, interrupt the infusion and institute appropriate medical management. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediately and permanently discontinue the infusion and administer appropriate medical therapy. Premedicate patients with a prior IRR before subsequent infusions. Premedication may include acetaminophen, an antihistamine, and a corticosteroid.
Hematologic toxicities: Fatal and serious cases of febrile neutropenia have been reported with ADCETRIS. Prolonged (≥1 week) severe neutropenia and Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia or anemia can occur with ADCETRIS.
Administer G-CSF primary prophylaxis beginning with Cycle 1 for patients who receive ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy for previously untreated Stage III/IV cHL or previously untreated PTCL.

Monitor complete blood counts prior to each ADCETRIS dose. Monitor more frequently for patients with Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Monitor patients for fever. If Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia develops, consider dose delays, reductions, discontinuation, or G-CSF prophylaxis with subsequent doses.

Serious infections and opportunistic infections: Infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia, and sepsis or septic shock (including fatal outcomes) have been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Closely monitor patients during treatment for bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.
Tumor lysis syndrome: Closely monitor patients with rapidly proliferating tumor and high tumor burden.
Increased toxicity in the presence of severe renal impairment: The frequency of ≥Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with severe renal impairment compared to patients with normal renal function. Avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment.
Increased toxicity in the presence of moderate or severe hepatic impairment: The frequency of ≥Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment compared to patients with normal hepatic function. Avoid use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.
Hepatotoxicity: Fatal and serious cases have occurred in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Cases were consistent with hepatocellular injury, including elevations of transaminases and/or bilirubin, and occurred after the first ADCETRIS dose or rechallenge. Preexisting liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes, and concomitant medications may increase the risk. Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin. Patients with new, worsening, or recurrent hepatotoxicity may require a delay, change in dose, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.
PML: Fatal cases of JC virus infection resulting in PML have been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. First onset of symptoms occurred at various times from initiation of ADCETRIS, with some cases occurring within 3 months of initial exposure. In addition to ADCETRIS therapy, other possible contributory factors include prior therapies and underlying disease that may cause immunosuppression. Consider PML diagnosis in patients with new-onset signs and symptoms of central nervous system abnormalities. Hold ADCETRIS if PML is suspected and discontinue ADCETRIS if PML is confirmed.
Pulmonary toxicity: Fatal and serious events of noninfectious pulmonary toxicity, including pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, have been reported. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms, including cough and dyspnea. In the event of new or worsening pulmonary symptoms, hold ADCETRIS dosing during evaluation and until symptomatic improvement.
Serious dermatologic reactions: Fatal and serious cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported with ADCETRIS. If SJS or TEN occurs, discontinue ADCETRIS and administer appropriate medical therapy.
Gastrointestinal (GI) complications: Fatal and serious cases of acute pancreatitis have been reported. Other fatal and serious GI complications include perforation, hemorrhage, erosion, ulcer, intestinal obstruction, enterocolitis, neutropenic colitis, and ileus. Lymphoma with preexisting GI involvement may increase the risk of perforation. In the event of new or worsening GI symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, perform a prompt diagnostic evaluation and treat appropriately.
Hyperglycemia: Serious cases, such as new-onset hyperglycemia, exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus, and ketoacidosis (including fatal outcomes) have been reported with ADCETRIS. Hyperglycemia occurred more frequently in patients with high body mass index or diabetes. Monitor serum glucose and if hyperglycemia develops, administer anti-hyperglycemic medications as clinically indicated.
Embryo-fetal toxicity: Based on the mechanism of action and animal studies, ADCETRIS can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus, and to avoid pregnancy during ADCETRIS treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose of ADCETRIS.
Most Common (≥20% in any study) Adverse Reactions

Peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, neutropenia, upper respiratory tract infection, pyrexia, constipation, vomiting, alopecia, decreased weight, abdominal pain, anemia, stomatitis, lymphopenia, and mucositis.

Drug Interactions

Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers has the potential to affect the exposure to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE).

Use in Specific Populations

Moderate or severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment: MMAE exposure and adverse reactions are increased. Avoid use. Advise males with female sexual partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during ADCETRIS treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose of ADCETRIS.

Advise patients to report pregnancy immediately and avoid breastfeeding while receiving ADCETRIS.

Alpha Tau Medical Announces First Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

On May 26, 2022 Alpha Tau Medical Ltd. (NASDAQ: DRTS) (NASDAQ: DRTSW), ("Alpha Tau" or the "Company"), the developer of the innovative alpha-radiation cancer therapy Alpha DaRT, reported first quarter 2022 financial results and provided a corporate update (Press release, Alpha Tau Medical, MAY 26, 2022, View Source [SID1234615147]).

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"2022 is an important year for the Company, as we look to initiate a number of important clinical trials across large global markets, including our first U.S. pivotal trial as well as trials in internal organs such as the prostate," commented Alpha Tau CEO Uzi Sofer. "The first quarter of 2022 already saw us reach a number of meaningful milestones, including our first U.S. data read out and our debut as a public company traded on NASDAQ under symbol "DRTS." We are also working in parallel to expand our manufacturing capabilities and to strengthen our supply chain in the U.S., Israel, and Asia, as part of the expansion of our clinical trial activities and future commercialization."

First quarter 2022 Corporate Highlights:

Reported results in January 2022 from the first pilot multi-center study of Alpha DaRT in the United States, led by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In this trial of malignant skin and soft tissue cancer patients, a complete response, as measured by RECIST criteria, was observed in all ten out of ten tumors treated (100%), with no product-related serious adverse events reported. Alongside these data, a 98% overall response rate was observed in a pooled analysis of superficial tumors treated that reached their efficacy endpoint measurement by quarter end, across the Company’s various trials.
Completed patient recruitment in the Company’s Japanese pivotal trial in head and neck cancer, with data submission targeted for the second half of 2022.
Entered into a sponsored research agreement with investigators at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in January 2022 to evaluate the combination of Alpha DaRT with DNA-repair inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of breast tumors.
Completed its business combination in March 2022 with Healthcare Capital Corp., a special purpose acquisition company, together with a concurrent Private Investment in Public Equity (PIPE) financing, raising a total of approximately $104 million in gross proceeds, and commenced trading of its shares and warrants on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols "DRTS" and "DRTSW", respectively.
Appointed Ruth (Ruti) Alon to its Board of Directors in March 2022. Ms. Alon brings a wealth of healthcare experience and serves on the boards of multiple private and public companies in the sector.
Upcoming 2022 Milestone Targets Include:

First Israeli patient in the prostate cancer feasibility trial in the second quarter of 2022.
Initiation of multi-center pivotal U.S. trial in skin cancers in the middle of 2022.
Recruitment in the Canadian feasibility trial in pancreatic tumors to begin in the second half of 2022.
Submission of Alpha DaRT pivotal trial in head and neck cancer to Japan’s PMDA in the second half of 2022 for marketing authorization.
Financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022

R&D expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 were $5.2 million, compared to $2.2 million for the same period in 2021, primarily due to increased R&D activity and increased share-based compensation costs.

Marketing expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 were $0.2 million, compared to $0.2 million for the same period in 2021.

G&A expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 were $3.3 million, compared to $0.4 million for the same period in 2021, primarily due to costs associated with the merger with Healthcare Capital Corp., increased professional fees and share-based compensation.

Financial expenses, net, for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 were $17.0 million, compared to $9.0 million for the same period in 2021, primarily due to an increase in the revaluation of warrants.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2022, the Company had a net loss of $25.7 million, or ($0.54) per share, compared to a loss of $11.7 million, or ($0.29) per share, in the same period in 2021.

Balance Sheet Highlights

As of March 31, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short term deposits in the amount of $107.0 million, compared to $31.9 million on December 31, 2021. In addition, incremental proceeds of approximately $13 million from the original PIPE were received after March 31, 2022. The Company expects that this cash balance will be sufficient to fund operations for at least two years.

In addition, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a program for the buyback of the Company’s publicly traded warrants in an amount of up to $3 million. Repurchases may be started or suspended at any time without prior notice, depending on market conditions and other factors.

About Alpha DaRT

Alpha DaRT (Diffusing Alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy) is designed to enable highly potent and conformal alpha-irradiation of solid tumors by intratumoral insertion of radium-224 impregnated seeds. When the radium decays, its short-lived daughters are released from the seed, and disperse while emitting high-energy alpha particles with the goal of destroying the tumor. Since the alpha-emitting atoms diffuse only a short distance, Alpha DaRT aims to mainly affect the tumor, and to spare the healthy tissue around it.

Biomea Fusion to Present New Preclinical Data Showing BMF-219’s Strong Activity in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Tumor Models at ASCO 2022

On May 26, 2022 Biomea Fusion, Inc. (Nasdaq: BMEA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing novel covalent small molecules to treat and improve the lives of patients with genetically defined cancers and metabolic diseases, reported it will present new data at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting demonstrating BMF-219’s activity in ex vivo preclinical models of CLL (Press release, Biomea Fusion, MAY 26, 2022, View Source [SID1234615164]). In addition, the company will present a Trial In Progress (TIP) poster presentation detailing the design of COVALENT-101. Once released at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, the preclinical and TIP presentations can be viewed on Biomea’s website at View Source

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"Given our leadership team’s involvement with the discovery and development of ibrutinib and, thus, its demonstrated efficacy in CLL, we were highly encouraged to see BMF-219 demonstrate greater activity than ibrutinib ex vivo, especially in patient samples with TP53 alterations and NOTCH1 mutations," said Thomas Butler, Biomea’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. "BMF-219’s powerful cell-killing activity across ex vivo CLL models as a single agent, at similar concentrations as our prior experiments of BMF-219 in ex vivo models of other cancer types, is a very important finding. We are eager and very excited to fully explore the clinical potential of a covalent menin inhibitor across multiple liquid and solid tumor types."

BMF-219 demonstrated potency across ex vivo CLL tumor models with varying cytogenetic risk profiles and Rai stages, indicating broad activity with over 98% cell lethality in all of these models. Additionally, BMF-219 showed consistently strong activity compared to venetoclax (used as a positive control) and significantly greater activity than a clinical non-covalent (reversible) menin inhibitor. Additionally, BMF-219 exhibited robust growth inhibition in patient samples that were less responsive to bendamustine and ibrutinib.

Poster Presentation Details:

Preclinical activity of irreversible Menin inhibitor, BMF-219, in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. (Abstract #7541)
Session Title: Hematologic Malignancies—Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Session Date and Time: Saturday, June 4, 2022, 8:00 AM-11:00 AM CDT
Full Text:
Background: Menin is a scaffold protein that drives oncogenic function through transcriptional modulation directed by its various cofactors. A previous report demonstrated that menin regulates a distinct set of gene targets independent of its function with the MLL proteins in hematopoiesis and is essential for B-cell maturation (Li et al.Blood.2013;122(12):2039-46.). Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a disease of malignant B lymphocytes, for which standard-of-care agents are generally well tolerated; however, CLL patients with certain genetic backgrounds demonstrate inferior outcomes to these regimens. A major driving feature of CLL is overexpression of the anti-apoptotic marker, BCL2. We previously reported the ability of BMF-219, a selective, irreversible menin inhibitor, to downregulate the expression of BCL2 in acute leukemia cells. Additionally, we have reported the synergy of BCL2-targeted agent, venetoclax, with BMF-219 in potent cell killing of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) preclinical models, prompting our exploration of BMF-219 activity in CLL. Here, we provide the first preclinical evidence for menin as a therapeutic target in CLL, by demonstrating high potency of BMF-219 against a diverse collection of CLL patient specimens.

Methods: A comprehensive panel of CLL samples isolated from patients with Rai Stages 1 to 3 disease, including relapsed or refractory disease, were cultured ex vivo in the presence of BMF-219 or clinical reversible menin inhibitors to assess the antileukemic activity of the compounds. Samples were analyzed for differential gene expression of select targets in response to treatment.

Results: BMF-219 demonstrated high potency, achieving >98% cell lethality at 1 μM exposure in all patient samples tested, with IC50 values in the range of 0.1 to 0.38 μM. Specimens isolated from patients with clinical profiles of high-risk genetic backgrounds associated with inferior outcomes to standard therapy, such as mutations in TP53 and NOTCH1, and chromosomal aberrations such as del(13q), trisomy 12 and complex karyotype, exhibited high sensitivity to BMF-219 treatment. BMF-219 was also highly effective against patient samples with clinical profiles of resistance to bendamustine, ibrutinib and venetoclax therapy. In comparison, clinical reversible menin inhibitors demonstrated no significant activity across all patient samples tested, with incalculable IC50 values and <15% reduction in cell viability at 1 μM exposure. Expression of select target genes in treated CLL cell lines was explored and will be reported.

Conclusions: Collectively, our data demonstrate the potent preclinical activity of BMF-219 against CLL patient specimens harboring various mutational and cytogenetic backgrounds, including categories of high-risk. These data highlight the unique potential of irreversible menin inhibition as a novel therapeutic option for patients with CLL.

COVALENT-101: A phase 1 study of BMF-219, a novel oral irreversible menin inhibitor, in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute leukemia (AL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and multiple myeloma (MM). (Abstract #TPS7064)
Session Title: Hematologic Malignancies—Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, and Allotransplant
Session Date and Time: Saturday, June 4, 2022, 8:00 AM-11:00 AM CDT
Full Text:
Background: Menin, a protein involved in transcriptional regulation, impacting cell cycle control, apoptosis, and DNA damage repair, plays a direct role in oncogenic signaling in multiple cancers. Inhibition of menin is therefore a novel approach to cancer treatment. Preclinical data of BMF-219, a highly selective, orally bioavailable, small-molecule irreversible inhibitor of menin, show sustained potent abrogation of menin-dependent oncogenic signaling in vitro and in vivo. BMF-219 exhibited a strong anti-proliferative effect on various menin-dependent acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines, DLBCL lines representing Double/Triple Hit Lymphoma (DHL/THL) and Double Expressor Lymphoma (DEL), and MM cell lines with diverse mutational backgrounds. BMF-219 also showed high potency ex vivo in patient samples from MLL-rearranged and NPM1-mutant AML, THL and MYC-amplified DLBCL, and bone marrow mononuclear cells from treatment-naive and R/R MM.

Methods: COVALENT-101 (NCT05153330) is an open-label, multi-cohort, non-randomized, multicenter Phase I study evaluating the safety, tolerability, and clinical activity of escalating doses of once daily oral BMF-219 in patients with R/R AL, DLBCL and MM who have received standard therapy. Utilizing an accelerated titration design, doses of BMF-219 will be escalated in single-subject cohorts independently for each indication until 1 subject experiences either a ≥ Grade 2 related-adverse event or dose limiting toxicity (DLT). At that point, the cohort will switch to a classical "3 +3" design. Treatment will continue in 28-day cycles until progression or intolerability. Expansion cohorts for each indication will enroll patients to obtain further safety and efficacy data. Patients with R/R AL, R/R DLBCL ≥ 2 but ≤ 5 therapies, and R/R MM who received ≥ 3 therapies and failed or are ineligible for any standard therapies are eligible. Patients must have ECOG PS ≤ 2, and adequate organ function. Key exclusion criteria include known CNS disease involvement, prior menin inhibitor therapy, and clinically significant cardiovascular disease.

The primary objective is to determine independently for each cohort/indication the optimal biological dose (OBD)/ recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of BMF-219 oral monotherapy. Key secondary objectives include further evaluation of safety and tolerability, characterization of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of BMF-219, and assessment of its antitumor activity based on best overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and time to progression (TTP) per disease-specific response criteria as assessed by the investigator. Food-effect studies will be performed in DLBCL and MM patients at certain dose levels. The enrollment commenced in January 2022. Clinical trial information: NCT05153330.

About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

CLL is a chronic leukemia that progresses relatively slowly and typically impacts older adults. In the United States, approximately 20,000 patients are diagnosed with CLL each year. While the existing treatments options produce 5-year survival outcomes greater than 87%, there is an unmet need for patients that have high- or medium-risk cytogenetic profiles and those that are relapsed or refractory to existing treatments.

Alpine Immune Sciences Announces Presentations at the 2022 EULAR and ASCO Annual Meetings

On May 26, 2022 Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALPN), a leading clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on developing innovative treatments for cancer and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, reported the acceptance of abstracts for presentation at the 2022 European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark to be held June 1–4, 2022 and the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago to be held June 3-7, 2022 (Press release, Alpine Immune Sciences, MAY 26, 2022, View Source [SID1234615067]).

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EULAR Annual Congress
Novel preclinical and preliminary phase 1 healthy volunteer data of ALPN-303 will be presented as follows:

ASCO Annual Meeting

Updated data from the dose escalation portion of NEON-1, a phase 1 study of davoceticept as monotherapy, and a trials in progress poster of NEON-2, a phase 1 combination study of davoceticept and pembrolizumab, will be presented at poster presentations as follows:

About ALPN-303

ALPN-303 is a dual B cell cytokine antagonist being developed for multiple autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases. Engineered by directed evolution, ALPN-303 potently inhibits the pleiotropic B cell cytokines B cell activating factor (BAFF, BLyS) and a proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL), which play key roles in B cell development, differentiation, and survival, and together contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and many other autoantibody-related inflammatory diseases. By simultaneously blocking these two cytokines, ALPN-303 has the potential to improve outcomes in patients suffering from severe autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases.

About Davoceticept (ALPN-202)

Davoceticept (ALPN-202) is a first-in-class, conditional CD28 costimulator and dual checkpoint inhibitor intended for the treatment of cancer. Preclinical studies of davoceticept have successfully demonstrated superior efficacy in tumor models compared to checkpoint inhibition alone. NEON-1 (NCT04186637), a Phase 1 monotherapy dose escalation and expansion trial in patients with advanced malignancies, has completed dose escalation and is currently enrolling its expansion cohorts. NEON-2 (NCT04920383), a combination study of davoceticept (ALPN-202) and pembrolizumab, was initiated in June 2021.