Accropeutics Bioscience inks over $50M series B round

On December 1, 2021 Accro Bioscience (Suzhou) Limited ("Accropeutics Bioscience"), a China-based leadingbiotechnology company, reported that the company has recently raised over $50 million in an oversubscribed Series B round (Press release, Accro Bioscience, DEC 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234632773]). The financing was led by HongtaiAplus with participation from South China Venture Capital, Shenzhen Capital Group, Suzhou Oriza Holdings, and others.

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"Accropeutics Bioscience will leverage the funds to advance clinical development, pre-clinical research and international partnerships," said Dr. Xiaohu Zhang, co-founder and CEO of Accropeutics Bioscience, "We are very pleased with the support and confidence of our current and new investors."

"We appreciate the R&D and execution capabilities of the team, and look forward to the continuous breakthroughs of Accropeutics Bioscience in the future," said Morningside.

"We are optimistic about the development of Accropeutics Bioscience," said HongtaiAplus, "We are delighted to lead this round of financing and look forward to the in-depth cooperation with Accropeutics Bioscience in the future."

Roche completes purchase agreement with long-term partner TIB Molbiol to expand PCR-test portfolio in the fight against new infectious diseases

On December 1, 2021 Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) reported it has completed its share purchase agreement to acquire 100 percent of the outstanding shares of TIB Molbiol Group (Press release, Hoffmann-La Roche, DEC 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234596316]). TIB Molbiol will continue to operate as a subsidiary within the Diagnostics division. Roche and TIB Molbiol will build on their capabilities for the rapid development of assays for emerging pathogens and potential health threats, such as infectious diseases.

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With over 45 CE-IVD assays and more than a 100 research-use-only assays joining the Roche family, the companies will jointly accelerate access for patients around the world to even more clinically important diagnostic tests. TIB Molbiol will further expand Roche’s molecular diagnostics solutions, especially for the flexible open platforms LightCycler PCR and MagNA Pure sample preparation systems.

The two companies have collaborated for more than 20 years to rapidly address critical healthcare needs including biological threats, such as SARS, anthrax, avian influenza virus H5N1, MERS, the novel influenza virus H1N1 swine, Ebola virus, Zika virus and most recently, SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants. For example, in 2001 with anthrax and 2003 with SARS-CoV1, TIB Molbiol demonstrated their ability to develop PCR assays for the detection of new pathogens within days.

"I am very pleased that together with TIB Molbiol, we can significantly improve access for patients to a broader spectrum of diagnostic tests – from high volume routine tests to the diagnosis of rare diseases. TIB Molbiol will continue to be an innovation engine and frontrunner in our common fight against infectious diseases, such as SARS-CoV-2", said Thomas Schinecker, CEO Roche Diagnostics. "TIB Molbiol has helped to shape the future of PCR infectious disease testing, and will continue to drive cutting-edge research so we can bring better healthcare outcomes to patients faster."

INmune Bio, Inc. Announces Two Presentations at the 2021 British Society of Immunology Congress and Provides 119-day data on First patient in MDS trial.

On December 1, 2021 INmune Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: INMB) (the "Company"), a clinical-stage immunology company focused on developing treatments that harness the patient’s innate immune system to fight disease, reported two poster presentations at the 2021 British Society of Immunology Congress, which was held November 28-December 1, in Edinburgh, UK (Press release, INmune Bio, DEC 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234596334]).

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Mark Lowdell, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of INmune Bio, stated, "I’m delighted to have two of our team presenting our latest data on the mechanism of action of INKmune. These are the first comprehensive data showing that INKmune-mediated priming generates NK cells with memory-like phenotype (mlNK). Before this, mlNK cells could only be produced using multiple combinations of cytokines. These are the data which led us to the concept that INKmune is a ‘pseudokine’ that provides multiple signals to NK cells, akin to the multi-cytokine cocktails used by others. We also show that INKmune priming promotes significant proliferation of mlNK cells in vitro. These in vitro data have been replicated in the first patient treated with three, weekly doses of INKmune for high risk MDS. At 119 days post first treatment, 60% of the patient’s NK cells showed the activated, tumor killing phenotype compared to fewer than 15% before INKmune therapy. The patient remains well and with a significantly improved ECOG status."

Details of the presentations are as follows:

Title: Tumor-priming generates memory-like natural killer cells with universal anti-tumor functions

Poster: P-107

Session: Poster session 1

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that target virus-infected and tumor cells. NK cells are exciting candidates for cancer immunotherapy due to their fast-acting ‘innate’ ability to mount anti-tumor responses and recently highlighted ‘adaptive’ properties including priming and memory-like functions. Tumor-priming of NK cells through in-vitro exposure to tumor target cells pre-activates NK cells to demonstrate enhanced tumor cell lysis upon restimulation, generating long-term memory-like features. The generation of memory-like NK cells was previously reported following exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV), interleukin (IL)-12/15/18 combinations or the tumor cell line NALM-16.

Here, we report a novel type of tumor-induced memory-like (TIML) NK cell induced by the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell line, INB16. These TIML NK cells are generated in vitro over a period of seven days to show better expansion, survival, and proliferation relative to other memory-like NK cells, maintaining similar levels of enhanced NK cell anti-tumor functional abilities including tumor lysis, and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion against a wide range of tumor targets. Their unique phenotypic and gene expression signatures suggest a novel and distinct form of memory-like NK cell governed by tumor-specific signaling pathways. The universal and wide-acting function of these highly expanded NK cells may have important implications in the clinical setting to better mitigate challenges in low NK cell number and lytic ability.

A link to the abstract can be found here.

Title: Tumor-priming defines an intermediate stage in natural killer cell activity between resting and lytic stages for enhanced NK cell function upon re-stimulation

Poster: P-597

Session: Poster session 1

Natural killer (NK) cells are critical effector cells of the innate immune system belonging to the family of group one innate lymphocytes (ILCs). They display direct cytotoxicity against sensitive tumor targets and secrete a wide array of cytokines that help mount an effective immune response against cancer development and progression, making them attractive candidates for cancer immunotherapy.

We previously reported a tumor-priming approach to NK cell activation, whereby exposure to the acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line CTV-1 specifically activates NK cells to display more enhanced anti-tumoral functions. This has yielded encouraging results in clinical trials against acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. Other groups reported a similar tumor-priming strategy for specific activation of NK cell anti-tumor responses using NALM-16. Still, the mechanisms involved in tumor-priming of NK cells remain to be elucidated, and it is unclear how the ‘primed’ state can be achieved for optimal clinical benefit.

Here, we show that tumor-priming stimulates NK cells to a point along the lytic activation pathway for enhanced NK cell function upon re-stimulation. The primed state is achieved through exposure to less sensitive tumor targets that form fewer conjugates, and induce lower levels of avidity, degranulation, activation marker expression, pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and lysis by NK cells. This tumor-primed state leads to enhanced NK cell function upon re-stimulation and potent NK cell killing of previously insensitive tumor targets. Interestingly, tumor-priming of NK cells is achieved in the presence of inhibitory signals and can be achieved using whole cell or cell lysate preparations, which generate differential activation signatures relative to cytokine stimulation.

This may have important implications in the clinic, where continuous cytokine exposure is associated with a dose-limiting toxicity in patients. These findings help define the tumor-primed NK cell activation state for the development of more optimal NK cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies in cancer.

A link to the abstract can be found here.

About INKmune

INKmune is a pharmaceutical-grade, replication-incompetent human tumor cell line (derived from CTV-1) which conjugates to resting NK cells and delivers multiple, essential priming signals akin to treatment with at least three cytokines in combination. INKmune is stable at -80oC and is delivered by a simple IV infusion. The INKmune:NK interaction ligates multiple activating and co-stimulatory molecules on the NK cell and enhances its avidity of binding to tumor cells; notably those resistant to normal NK-mediated lysis. Tumor-primed NK (TpNK) cells can lyse a wide variety of NK-resistant tumors including leukemias, lymphomas, myeloma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer.

Daiichi Sankyo to Present New Breast Cancer Data Across DXd ADC Portfolio at 2021 SABCS

On December 1, 2021 Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) reported that it will present new breast cancer research data across its DXd ADC portfolio at the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (#SABCS21) to be held December 7 to 10, 2021 (Press release, Daiichi Sankyo, DEC 1, 2021, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211201005222/en/Daiichi-Sankyo-to-Present-New-Breast-Cancer-Data-Across-DXd-ADC-Portfolio-at-2021-SABCS [SID1234596353]).

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Additional analyses from the head-to-head DESTINY-Breast03 phase 3 trial of ENHERTU (trastuzumab deruxtecan) versus trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in patients with previously treated HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer along with updated results from the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cohort of the TROPION-PanTumor01 phase 1 trial of datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) will be highlighted in oral presentations. Trials-in-progress from other ongoing breast cancer trials in the DESTINY clinical development program of ENHERTU as well as a collaborative window of opportunity study conducted by SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group with patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd) in patients with previously untreated early stage breast cancer also will be featured.

"Our goal is to continuously improve the standard of care in patients with breast cancer across different subtypes and treatment settings including neoadjuvant, adjuvant and metastatic disease with our innovative ADC portfolio," said Ken Takeshita, MD, Global Head, R&D, Daiichi Sankyo. "We look forward to presenting updates from the DESTINY-Breast03 trial and TROPION-PanTumor01 trial, two important trials that demonstrate the strength and potential of our DXd ADC technology in creating transformative medicines for patients with cancer."

Following SABCS, Daiichi Sankyo will hold its annual R&D Day for investors and analysts on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 5:30 pm EST/Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 7:30 am JST. Company executives will provide an overview of Daiichi Sankyo’s research data presented at SABCS and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) annual meetings, provide updates on the company’s R&D strategy and address questions from investors and analysts.

Following is an overview of breast cancer research data from the DXd ADC portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo to be presented at SABCS 2021:

Presentation Title

Author

Abstract #

Presentation Details

ENHERTU (T-DXd)

Clinical Data

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) vs. trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer: results of the randomized phase 3 study: DESTINY-Breast03

S. Hurvitz

GS3-01

Oral Presentation; General Session: 3

Thursday, December 9

8:45 AM – 11:30 AM CST

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) in previously treated HER2 positive metastatic or unresectable breast cancer: first real-life data from the cohort temporary authorization for use program in France

T. Petit

P2-13-26

Poster

Poster Session 2: Treatment – Therapeutic Strategies: HER2 Targeted Therapy

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Trials-In-Progress

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) vs. trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in high-risk patients with HER2 positive, residual invasive early breast cancer after neoadjuvant therapy: a randomized, phase 3 trial: DESTINY-Breast05

C.E. Geyer, Jr.

OT1-02-03

Poster

Ongoing Trials Poster Session 1: Antibody-Drug Conjugates

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Phase 3 study of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) with or without pertuzumab vs. a taxane, trastuzumab and pertuzumab in first-line, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive metastatic breast cancer: DESTINY-Breast09

S.M. Tolaney

OT1-14-02

Poster

Ongoing Trials Poster Session 1: HER2 Mab

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

A phase 3, open-label trial of neoadjuvant trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) monotherapy or T-DXd followed by THP compared with ddAC-THP in patients with high-risk HER2 positive early-stage breast cancer: DESTINY-Breast11

N. Harbeck

OT1-12-04

Poster

Ongoing Trials Poster Session 1: HER2

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Open-label, multinational, multicenter, phase 3b/4 study of trastuzumab deruxtecan

(T-DXd) in patients with or without baseline brain metastasis with previously treated advanced/metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive breast cancer: DESTINY-Breast12

N.U. Lin

OT2-26-01

Poster

Ongoing Trials Poster Session 2: Targeted Therapy – T-DXd, Brain Mets

Thursday, December 9

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Randomized study comparing electronic patient reported outcomes monitoring with routine follow-up during trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) treatment in patients with inoperable or metastatic breast cancer (PRO-DUCE study)

T. Sangai

OT1-12-08

Poster

Ongoing Trials Poster Session 1: HER2

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Pre-Clinical Data

Activity and tolerability of combination of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) with the pan-AKT inhibitor capivasertib in preclinical HER2 positive and HER2 low breast cancer models

A. Bashi Cheraghchi

P2-13-23

Poster

Poster Session 2: Treatment – Therapeutic Strategies: HER2 Targeted Therapy

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Presentation Title

Author

Abstract #

Presentation Details

Activity and tolerability of combination of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) with olaparib in preclinical HER2 positive and HER2 low breast cancer models

T. Proia

P2-13-18

Poster

Poster Session 2: Treatment – Therapeutic Strategies: HER2 Targeted Therapy

Wednesday, December 8

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM CST

Datopotamab Deruxtecan (Dato-DXd)

Datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) in advanced/metastatic HER2 negative breast cancer: Results from the phase 1 TROPION-PanTumor01 study

I. Krop

GS1-05

Oral Presentation; General Session 1

Tuesday, December 7

8:15 AM – 10:45 AM CST

Patritumab Deruxtecan (HER3-DXd) – Collaborative Studies

Activity of patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd), a HER3 directed antibody drug conjugate, in early breast cancer according to ERBB3 expression: Interim analysis results of a window of opportunity study (SOLTI-1805 TOT-HER3)

A. Prat

PD13-04

Spotlight Poster Discussion

Spotlight Poster Discussion 13: Novel Therapeutics

Friday, December 10

7:00 AM – 8:30 AM CST

Antitumor activity of patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd), a HER3 directed antibody drug conjugate across a diverse panel of breast cancer patient-derived xenografts

A. Òdena

P5-13-14

Poster

Poster Session 5: Prognostic and Predictive Factors: Predictive Biomarkers for Targeted Therapies

Friday, December 10

7:00 AM – 8:30 AM CST

About the DXd ADC Portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo

The DXd ADC portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo consists of six ADCs with five in clinical development across multiple types of cancer. The company’s three lead ADCs include ENHERTU, a HER2 directed ADC, datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd), a TROP2 directed ADC, which are being jointly developed and commercialized globally with AstraZeneca; and patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd), a HER3 directed ADC. Two additional ADCs, DS-7300 (B7-H3) and DS-6000 (CDH6), are being developed through a strategic collaboration with Sarah Cannon Research Institute.

Each ADC is designed using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC technology to target and deliver chemotherapy inside cancer cells that express a specific cell surface antigen. Each ADC is composed of a monoclonal antibody attached to a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload (an exatecan derivative, DXd) via a tetrapeptide-based cleavable linker.

ENHERTU (5.4 mg/kg) (trastuzumab deruxtecan; fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki in U.S. only) is approved in more than 30 countries for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2 based regimens based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast01 trial.

ENHERTU (6.4 mg/kg) is approved in Israel, Japan, Singapore and U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2 positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen based on the results from the DESTINY-Gastric01 trial. A Type II Variation is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2 positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen.

ENHERTU is approved in the U.S. with Boxed WARNINGS for Interstitial Lung Disease and Embryo-Fetal Toxicity. For more information, please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide.

Datopotamab deruxtecan, patritumab deruxtecan, DS-7300 and DS-6000 are investigational medicines that have not been approved for any indication in any country. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

U.S. Important Safety Information for ENHERTU

Indications
ENHERTU is a HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens in the metastatic setting.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
Locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen.
WARNING: INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis, including fatal cases, have been reported with ENHERTU. Monitor for and promptly investigate signs and symptoms including cough, dyspnea, fever, and other new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in all patients with Grade 2 or higher ILD/pneumonitis. Advise patients of the risk and to immediately report symptoms.
Exposure to ENHERTU during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception.
Contraindications
None.

Warnings and Precautions
Interstitial Lung Disease / Pneumonitis
Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Advise patients to immediately report cough, dyspnea, fever, and/or any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ILD. Promptly investigate evidence of ILD. Evaluate patients with suspected ILD by radiographic imaging. Consider consultation with a pulmonologist. For asymptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 1), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 0, then if resolved in ≤28 days from date of onset, maintain dose. If resolved in >28 days from date of onset, reduce dose one level. Consider corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥0.5 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent). For symptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2 or greater), permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Promptly initiate systemic corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥1 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent) and continue for at least 14 days followed by gradual taper for at least 4 weeks.

Metastatic Breast Cancer
In clinical studies, of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 9% of patients. Fatal outcomes due to ILD and/or pneumonitis occurred in 2.6% of patients treated with ENHERTU. Median time to first onset was 4.1 months (range: 1.2 to 8.3).

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer
In DESTINY-Gastric01, of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 10% of patients. Median time to first onset was 2.8 months (range: 1.2 to 21.0).

Neutropenia
Severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Monitor complete blood counts prior to initiation of ENHERTU and prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count [ANC] <1.0 to 0.5 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less. Reduce dose by one level. For febrile neutropenia (ANC <1.0 x 109/L and temperature >38.3ºC or a sustained temperature of ≥38ºC for more than 1 hour), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved. Reduce dose by one level.

Metastatic Breast Cancer
In clinical studies, of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU 5.4mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 62% of patients. Sixteen percent had Grade 3 or 4 decrease in neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 23 days (range: 6 to 547). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 1.7% of patients.

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer
In DESTINY-Gastric01, of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 72% of patients. Fifty-one percent had Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 16 days (range: 4 to 187). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 4.8% of patients.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Patients treated with ENHERTU may be at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including ENHERTU. In the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU, two cases (0.9%) of asymptomatic LVEF decrease were reported. In DESTINY-Gastric01, of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, no clinical adverse events of heart failure were reported; however, on echocardiography, 8% were found to have asymptomatic Grade 2 decrease in LVEF. Treatment with ENHERTU has not been studied in patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease or LVEF <50% prior to initiation of treatment.

Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ENHERTU and at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. When LVEF is >45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, continue treatment with ENHERTU. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is <10%, continue treatment with ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF has not recovered to within 10% from baseline, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. If LVEF recovers to within 10% from baseline, resume treatment with ENHERTU at the same dose. When LVEF is <40% or absolute decrease from baseline is >20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ENHERTU. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

Additional Dose Modifications
Thrombocytopenia
For Grade 3 thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 to 25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (platelets <25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less. Reduce dose by one level.

Adverse Reactions
Metastatic Breast Cancer
The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in a pooled analysis of 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received at least one dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Breast01 and Study DS8201-A-J101. ENHERTU was administered by intravenous infusion once every three weeks. The median duration of treatment was 7 months (range: 0.7 to 31).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 20% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, vomiting, nausea, cellulitis, hypokalemia, and intestinal obstruction. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 4.3% of patients including interstitial lung disease (2.6%), and the following events occurred in one patient each (0.4%): acute hepatic failure/acute kidney injury, general physical health deterioration, pneumonia, and hemorrhagic shock.

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 9% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, nausea, and ILD. Dose reductions occurred in 18% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were fatigue, nausea, and neutropenia.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (79%), white blood cell count decreased (70%), hemoglobin decreased (70%), neutrophil count decreased (62%), fatigue (59%), vomiting (47%), alopecia (46%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (41%), alanine aminotransferase increased (38%), platelet count decreased (37%), constipation (35%), decreased appetite (32%), anemia (31%), diarrhea (29%), hypokalemia (26%), and cough (20%).

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer
The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 187 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma in DESTINY‑Gastric01. Patients intravenously received at least one dose of either ENHERTU (N=125) 6.4 mg/kg once every three weeks or either irinotecan (N=55) 150 mg/m2 biweekly or paclitaxel (N=7) 80 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks. The median duration of treatment was 4.6 months (range: 0.7 to 22.3) in the ENHERTU group and 2.8 months (range: 0.5 to 13.1) in the irinotecan/paclitaxel group.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients receiving ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg. Serious adverse reactions in >2% of patients who received ENHERTU were decreased appetite, ILD, anemia, dehydration, pneumonia, cholestatic jaundice, pyrexia, and tumor hemorrhage. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 2.4% of patients: disseminated intravascular coagulation, large intestine perforation, and pneumonia occurred in one patient each (0.8%).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 15% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 62% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, decreased appetite, leukopenia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, ILD, pneumonia, lymphopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and hypokalemia. Dose reductions occurred in 32% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were neutropenia, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, and febrile neutropenia.

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were hemoglobin decreased (75%), white blood cell count decreased (74%), neutrophil count decreased (72%), lymphocyte count decreased (70%), platelet count decreased (68%), nausea (63%), decreased appetite (60%), anemia (58%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (58%), fatigue (55%), blood alkaline phosphatase increased (54%), alanine aminotransferase increased (47%), diarrhea (32%), hypokalemia (30%), vomiting (26%), constipation (24%), blood bilirubin increased (24%), pyrexia (24%), and alopecia (22%).

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU.
Lactation: There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. Contraception: Females: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 7 months following the last dose. Males: Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months following the last dose. Infertility: ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility.
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use: Of the 234 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 26% were ≥65 years and 5% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged ≥65 years (53%) as compared to younger patients (42%). Of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2‑positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Gastric01, 56% were ≥65 years and 14% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients.
Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, due to potentially increased exposure, closely monitor for increased toxicities related to the topoisomerase inhibitor.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. at 1-877-437-7763 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide.

About Daiichi Sankyo in Oncology

The oncology portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo is powered by our team of world-class scientists that push beyond traditional thinking to create transformative medicines for people with cancer. Anchored by our DXd antibody drug conjugate (ADC) technology, our research engines include biologics, medicinal chemistry, modality and other research laboratories in Japan, and Plexxikon, our small molecule structure-guided R&D center in the U.S. We also work alongside leading academic and business collaborators to further advance the understanding of cancer as Daiichi Sankyo builds towards our ambitious goal of becoming a global leader in oncology by 2025.

Labcorp and ConcertAI Optimize Precision Oncology Research With Real-World Data and Artificial Intelligence

On December 1, 2021 Labcorp (NYSE: LH), a leading global life sciences company, and ConcertAI, LLC (ConcertAI), a leader in enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) and real-world data (RWD) solutions for life science companies and health care providers, reported a collaboration to optimize precision oncology research (Press release, LabCorp, DEC 1, 2021, View Source [SID1234596375]). The companies will work together to launch clinical studies in ways that minimize the burden on physician practices, drive faster patient recruitment, maximize patient retention and ensure equitable access to research as a care option.

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Through this collaboration, Labcorp will leverage ConcertAI’s suite of software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings for clinical trial design, protocol optimization, site selection and study execution. These solutions, when paired with Labcorp’s expertise in clinical development services and diagnostic testing, will optimize oncology clinical trial design and execution using RWD and AI.

"With Labcorp, we are building an advanced network, AI technologies and SaaS solutions to further advance the industry’s goals for diversity and digital enablement in clinical development services, especially in oncology," said Jeff Elton, Ph.D., CEO of ConcertAI. "As a leading RWD and SaaS AI solutions company for evidence generation, ConcertAI is committed to advancing precision oncology in partnership with industry leaders."

ConcertAI’s offerings will allow Labcorp Drug Development to access data to make more informed decisions about oncology clinical trials. This analytical toolset drives actionable insights that will lead to a better understanding of patient profiles and treatment pathways, ultimately yielding quicker and more effective clinical trials.

Clinical trials also increasingly require analysis of potential trial sites to identify and select locations containing patients with specific characteristics. Using data to help understand the availability of patients across a sampling of oncology cancer centers helps bring health care within reach for all and ensures that the design of a trial contains a diverse set of participants to measure drug safety and effectiveness in broadly representative populations. ConcertAI and Labcorp have structured a long-term collaboration to leverage data and analytics to find solutions to these difficult problems.

"Oncology is highly complex, with hundreds of molecular targets and factors across solid tumors and hematological malignancies, so the need is great for diversity in cancer trials," said Prasanth Reddy, M.D., MPH, FACP, senior vice president and head of oncology at Labcorp. "Labcorp Drug Development, which supports more than 50% of all oncology clinical trials globally, combined with ConcertAI’s high-depth data and AI technologies, is a powerful combination to optimize trial design, improve patient access, and increase efficiency of oncology trials to bring new therapeutic options to patients who need them most."

Improved screening, along with new diagnostics and treatments in cancer have been significant contributors to recent reductions in deaths and other adverse outcomes. Health care providers and pharmaceutical companies require support to bring additional, innovative treatment options to market. Pairing ConcertAI’s RWD and AI expertise with Labcorp Drug Development’s established site relationships and patient-centric approach will provide customers with a differentiated offering, generating actionable insights and improved trial execution—ultimately yielding trials that are more cost effective, more inclusive and more likely to succeed.