Allarity Therapeutics Announces Expansion of Phase 2 Clinical Trial to Accelerate Development of Stenoparib in Advanced Ovarian Cancer

On February 6, 2025 Allarity Therapeutics, Inc. ("Allarity" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ALLR), a Phase 2 clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing stenoparib—a differentiated dual PARP/Wnt pathway inhibitor—as a personalized cancer treatment using its proprietary, drug-specific patient selection technology—the Drug Response Predictor (DRP)—reported plans for the next step in advancing the clinical development of stenoparib toward FDA approval in advanced ovarian cancer (Press release, Allarity Therapeutics, FEB 6, 2025, View Source [SID1234650088]). With this new phase 2 protocol, Allarity will capitalize and expand on the ongoing phase 2 clinical trial data to optimize the dose of stenoparib and to refine the DRP patient selection criteria in order to maximize the clinical benefit from stenoparib.

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An in-depth review of Allarity’s maturing clinical data, in collaboration with leading clinical investigators, prompted Allarity to design this new Phase 2 protocol to enable a more aggressive push of stenoparib toward regulatory approval. The protocol will enable new enrollment expressly focusing on patients with advanced, recurrent, platinum-resistant disease, a group that has shown durable clinical benefit from stenoparib in the current phase 2 trial and who have only limited treatment options following standard chemotherapy. In addition to expanding and deepening the clinical data set necessary for regulatory approval, this trial is also designed to enhance the understanding of stenoparib’s unique therapeutic mechanism of action. Of particular interest will be the impact of stenoparib treatment on the Wnt pathway, a key cellular pathway repeatedly shown to be involved in advanced ovarian cancers as well as many other advanced cancer types, most notably colon cancers. A richer understanding of stenoparib’s potential for controlling the Wnt pathway—a key aspect of the newly designed trial—could further distinguish stenoparib as a unique investigational cancer treatment.

The protocol will also further refine Allarity’s understanding of the stenoparib-DRP for identifying patients most likely to benefit from stenoparib treatment. As part of the trial, a DRP score will be assessed for all enrolled patients to generate the deeper, more robust data set necessary to refine the DRP cut-off that would ring-fence patients most likely to benefit from stenoparib. These data will be fundamental for supporting any regulatory approval for the stenoparib-DRP as a companion diagnostic (CDx) specific to stenoparib.

The Company has previously announced long-lasting clinical benefit for advanced, recurrent ovarian cancer patients, with some of these patients continuing on therapy for more than 14 months. Based upon these encouraging clinical benefit data, Allarity intends to pursue an advantaged regulatory path toward approval to further enable stenoparib’s clinical development.

Patient enrollment is expected to begin in the first half of 2025, subject to final protocol review by regulatory authorities. Recruitment will commence at leading U.S. trial sites, with the potential inclusion of additional sites in the U.K. as warranted.

"Until now, patients receiving stenoparib have had diverse and often extensive treatment histories, with many being very heavily pretreated. Based on data we have gathered to date from our clinical trials, and through in-depth analysis and consultation with leading gynecologic oncologists, we have developed a new clinical trial protocol focused on a well-defined, commercially significant patient population in desperate need of newer, safer treatment options beyond more chemotherapy, which comes with well-documented side effects," said Thomas Jensen, CEO of Allarity Therapeutics. "We are therefore pleased to have submitted this trial design and are eager to begin patient enrollment as soon as we receive the final green light from the regulatory authorities, including the FDA."

About Stenoparib
Stenoparib is an orally available, small-molecule dual-targeted inhibitor of PARP1/2 and tankyrase 1/2. At present, tankyrases are attracting significant attention as emerging therapeutic targets for cancer, principally due to their role in regulating the Wnt signaling pathway. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been implicated in the development and progression of numerous cancers. By inhibiting PARP and blocking Wnt pathway activation, stenoparib’s unique therapeutic action shows potential as a promising therapeutic for many cancer types, including ovarian cancer. Allarity has secured exclusive global rights for the development and commercialization of stenoparib, which was originally developed by Eisai Co. Ltd. and was formerly known under the names E7449 and 2X-121.

About the Drug Response Predictor – DRP Companion Diagnostic
Allarity uses its drug-specific DRP to select those patients who, by the gene expression signature of their cancer, are found to have a high likelihood of benefiting from a specific drug. By screening patients before treatment, and only treating those patients with a sufficiently high, drug-specific DRP score, the therapeutic benefit rate may be significantly increased. The DRP method builds on the comparison of sensitive vs. resistant human cancer cell lines, including transcriptomic information from cell lines, combined with clinical tumor biology filters and prior clinical trial outcomes. DRP is based on messenger RNA expression profiles from patient biopsies. The DRP platform has shown an ability to provide a statistically significant prediction of the clinical outcome from drug treatment in cancer patients in dozens of clinical studies (both retrospective and prospective). The DRP platform, which may be useful in all cancer types and is patented for more than 70 anti-cancer drugs, has been extensively published in the peer-reviewed literature.

2seventy bio Reports Preliminary* Full-Year U.S. Abecma Sales and Select Financial Results

On February 6, 2025 2seventy bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSVT) reported full-year Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel; ide-cel) sales results for 2024, in partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) (Press release, 2seventy bio, FEB 6, 2025, View Source [SID1234650073]).

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"We are pleased to see Abecma expansion in the third line setting and recorded U.S. revenue of $242 million in 2024, within our previously issued guidance of $240 to $250 million. Fourth quarter revenue was impacted by higher deferrals of infusions into 2025. We expect the use of CAR-T in multiple myeloma will continue to grow, and while competition remains high, we believe Abecma will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients," said Chip Baird, chief executive officer, 2seventy bio. "Equally important is that our Abecma-focused strategy, which led to the monetization of our R&D assets and streamlining of our operations, has put us on track to achieve quarterly breakeven later this year based on our current expectations. We remain committed to maximizing value for stakeholders and look forward to sharing more detail during our earnings call next month."

Further details on fourth quarter and full year 2024 results will be provided on the Company’s earnings call and within its Form 10-K, which is expected to be filed with the SEC by no later than March 17, 2025.

2seventy bio and BMS share equally in all profits and losses related to development, manufacturing, and commercialization of Abecma in the U.S.

*Fourth quarter and full-year 2024 financial results are preliminary, unaudited, and provided as an approximation in advance of 2seventy bio’s announcement of complete financial results in March 2025. This information is based on currently available information. Final results may therefore vary from these estimates. These preliminary estimates have not been audited by 2seventy bio’s independent registered public accounting firm.

ABECMA U.S. INDICATION

ABECMA is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after two or more prior lines of therapy including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

U.S. Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES, HLH/MAS, PROLONGED CYTOPENIA and SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with ABECMA. Do not administer ABECMA to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
Neurologic Toxicities, which may be severe or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with ABECMA, including concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. Monitor for neurologic events after treatment with ABECMA. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS) including fatal and life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with ABECMA. HLH/MAS can occur with CRS or neurologic toxicities.
Prolonged Cytopenia with bleeding and infection, including fatal outcomes following stem cell transplantation for hematopoietic recovery, occurred following treatment with ABECMA.
T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including ABECMA
ABECMA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the ABECMA REMS.
Warnings and Precautions:

Early Death: In KarMMa-3, a randomized (2:1), controlled trial, a higher proportion of patients experienced death within 9 months after randomization in the ABECMA arm (45/254; 18%) compared to the standard regimens arm (15/132; 11%). Early deaths occurred in 8% (20/254) and 0% prior to ABECMA infusion and standard regimen administration, respectively, and 10% (25/254) and 11% (15/132) after ABECMA infusion and standard regimen administration, respectively. Out of the 20 deaths that occurred prior to ABECMA infusion, 15 occurred from disease progression, 3 occurred from adverse events and 2 occurred from unknown causes. Out of the 25 deaths that occurred after ABECMA infusion, 10 occurred from disease progression, 11 occurred from adverse events, and 4 occurred from unknown causes.

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): CRS, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with ABECMA. Among patients receiving ABECMA for relapsed refractory multiple myeloma in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies (N=349), CRS occurred in 89% (310/349), including ≥ Grade 3 CRS (Lee grading system) in 7% (23/349) of patients and Grade 5 CRS in 0.9% (3/349) of patients. The median time-to-onset of CRS, any grade, was 1 day (range: 1 to 27 days), and the median duration of CRS was 5 days (range: 1 to 63 days). In the pooled studies, the rate of ≥Grade 3 CRS was 10% (7/71) for patients treated in dose range of 460 to 510 x 106 CAR-positive T cells and 5.4% (13/241) for patients treated in dose range of 300 to 460 x 106 CAR-positive T cells.

The most common manifestations of CRS (greater than or equal to 10%) included pyrexia (87%), hypotension (30%), tachycardia (26%), chills (19%), hypoxia (16%). Grade 3 or higher events that may be associated with CRS include hypotension, hypoxia, hyperbilirubinemia, hypofibrinogenemia, ARDS, atrial fibrillation, hepatocellular injury, metabolic acidosis, pulmonary edema, coagulopathy, renal failure, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and HLH/MAS.

Identify CRS based on clinical presentation. Evaluate for and treat other causes of fever, hypoxia, and hypotension. CRS has been reported to be associated with findings of HLH/MAS, and the physiology of the syndromes may overlap. HLH/MAS is a potentially life-threatening condition. In patients with progressive symptoms of CRS or refractory CRS despite treatment, evaluate for evidence of HLH/MAS.

Of the 349 patients who received ABECMA in clinical trials, 226 (65%) patients received tocilizumab; 39% (135/349) received a single dose, while 26% (91/349) received more than 1 dose of tocilizumab. Overall, 24% (82/349) of patients received at least 1 dose of corticosteroids for treatment of CRS. Almost all patients who received corticosteroids for CRS also received tocilizumab. For patients treated in dose range of 460 to 510 x 106 CAR-positive T cells, 76% (54/71) of patients received tocilizumab and 35% (25/71) received at least 1 dose of corticosteroids for treatment of CRS. For patients treated in dose range of 300 to 460 x 106 CAR-positive T cells, 63% (152/241) of patients received tocilizumab and 20% (49/241) received at least 1 dose of corticosteroid for treatment of CRS.

Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following ABECMA infusion at the REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs or symptoms of CRS and monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for at least 4 weeks after ABECMA infusion. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids as indicated. Ensure that a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of ABECMA. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time.

Neurologic Toxicities: Neurologic toxicities, including immune-effector cell-associated neurotoxicity (ICANS), which may be severe or life- threatening, occurred concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS following treatment with ABECMA.

In patients receiving ABECMA in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies, CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity occurred in 40% (139/349), including Grade 3 in 4% (14/349) and Grade 4 in 0.6% (2/349) of patients. The median time to onset of neurotoxicity was 2 days (range: 1 to 148 days). The median duration of CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity was 8 days (range: 1 to 720 days) in all patients including those with ongoing neurologic events at the time of death or data cut off. CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity resolved in 123 of 139 (88%) patients and median time to resolution was 5 days (range: 1 to 245 days). One-hundred and thirty four out of 349 (38%) patients with neurotoxicity had CRS. The onset of neurotoxicity during CRS was observed in 93 patients, before the onset of CRS in 12 patients, and after the CRS event in 29 patients. The rate of Grade 3 or 4 CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity was 5.6% (4/71) and 3.7% (9/241) for patients treated in dose range of 460 to 510 x 106 CAR-positive T cells and 300 to 460 x 106 CAR-positive T cells, respectively. The most frequent (greater than or equal to 5%) manifestations of CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity include encephalopathy (21%), headache (15%), dizziness (8%), delirium (6%), and tremor (6%).

At the safety update for KarMMa-3 study, one patient developed fatal neurotoxicity 43 days after ABECMA. In KarMMa, one patient had ongoing Grade 2 neurotoxicity at the time of death. Two patients had ongoing Grade 1 tremor at the time of data cutoff.

Cerebral edema has been associated with ABECMA in a patient in another study in multiple myeloma. Grade 3 myelitis and Grade 3 parkinsonism have occurred after treatment with ABECMA in another study in multiple myeloma.

Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following ABECMA infusion at the REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicities and monitor patients for signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicities for at least 4 weeks after ABECMA infusion and treat promptly. Rule out other causes of neurologic symptoms. Neurologic toxicity should be managed with supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms occur at any time.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS): In patients receiving ABECMA in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies, HLH/MAS occurred in 2.9% (10/349) of patients. All events of HLH/MAS had onset within 10 days of receiving ABECMA, with a median onset of 6.5 days (range: 4 to 10 days) and occurred in the setting of ongoing or worsening CRS. Five patients with HLH/MAS had overlapping neurotoxicity. The manifestations of HLH/MAS include hypotension, hypoxia, multiple organ dysfunction, renal dysfunction and cytopenia.

In KarMMa-3, one patient had Grade 5, two patients had Grade 4 and two patients had Grade 3 HLH/MAS. The patient with Grade 5 HLH/MAS also had Grade 5 candida sepsis and Grade 5 CRS. In another patient who died due to stroke, the Grade 4 HLH/MAS had resolved prior to death. Two cases of Grade 3 and one case of Grade 4 HLH/MAS had resolved.

In KarMMa, one patient treated in the 300 x 106 CAR-positive T cells dose cohort developed fatal multi-organ HLH/MAS with CRS. In another patient with fatal bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, HLH/MAS was contributory to the fatal outcome. Three cases of Grade 2 HLH/MAS resolved.

HLH/MAS is a potentially life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate if not recognized early and treated. Treatment of HLH/MAS should be administered per institutional guidelines.

ABECMA REMS: Due to the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, ABECMA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the ABECMA REMS. Further information is available at www.AbecmaREMS.com or contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-866-340-7332.

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Allergic reactions may occur with the infusion of ABECMA. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in ABECMA.

Infections: ABECMA should not be administered to patients with active infections or inflammatory disorders. Severe, life-threatening, or fatal infections occurred in patients after ABECMA infusion.

In all patients receiving ABECMA in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies, infections (all grades) occurred in 61% of patients. Grade 3 or 4 infections occurred in 21% of patients. Grade 3 or 4 infections with an unspecified pathogen occurred in 12%, viral infections in 7%, bacterial infections in 4.3%, and fungal infections in 1.4% of patients. Overall, 15 patients had Grade 5 infections (4.3%); 8 patients (2.3%) with infections of pathogen unspecified, 3 patients (0.9%) with fungal infections, 3 patients (0.9%) with viral infections, and 1 patient (0.3%) with bacterial infection.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after ABECMA infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic, pre-emptive, and/or therapeutic antimicrobials according to standard institutional guidelines.

Febrile neutropenia was observed in 38% (133/349) of patients after ABECMA infusion and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated.

Viral Reactivation: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection resulting in pneumonia and death has occurred following ABECMA administration. Monitor and treat for CMV reactivation in accordance with clinical guidelines. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against plasma cells. Perform screening for CMV, HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing. Consider antiviral therapy to prevent viral reactivation per local institutional guidelines/clinical practice.

Prolonged Cytopenias: In patients receiving ABECMA in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies, 40% of patients (139/349) experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and 42% (145/349) experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia that had not resolved by Month 1 following ABECMA infusion. In 89% (123/139) of patients who recovered from Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia after Month 1, the median time to recovery from ABECMA infusion was 1.9 months. In 76% (110/145) of patients who recovered from Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, the median time to recovery was 1.9 months. Five patients underwent stem cell therapy for hematopoietic reconstitution due to prolonged cytopenia. The rate of Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia was 62% (44/71) and 56% (135/241) for patients treated in dose range of 460 to 510 x 106 CAR-positive T cells and 300 to 460 x 106 CAR-positive T cells, respectively.

Monitor blood counts prior to and after ABECMA infusion. Manage cytopenia with myeloid growth factor and blood product transfusion support according to local institutional guidelines.

Hypogammaglobulinemia: In all patients receiving ABECMA in the KarMMa and KarMMa-3 studies, hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse event in 13% (46/349) of patients; laboratory IgG levels fell below 500 mg/dL after infusion in 37% (130/349) of patients treated with ABECMA.

Hypogammaglobulinemia either as an adverse reaction or laboratory IgG level below 500 mg/dL after infusion occurred in 45% (158/349) of patients treated with ABECMA. Forty-one percent of patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) post-ABECMA for serum IgG <400 mg/dL.

Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with ABECMA and administer IVIG for IgG <400 mg/dl. Manage appropriately per local institutional guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis.

Use of Live Vaccines: The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or after ABECMA treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during ABECMA treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with ABECMA.

Secondary Malignancies: Patients treated with ABECMA may develop secondary malignancies. In KarMMa-3, myeloid neoplasms (four cases of myelodysplastic syndrome and one case of acute myeloid leukemia) occurred in 2.2% (5/222) of patients following treatment with ABECMA compared to none in the standard regimens arm at the time of the safety update. The median time to onset of myeloid neoplasm from ide-cel infusion was 338 days (Range: 277 to 794 days). Three of these five patients have died following the development of myeloid neoplasm. One out of the five cases of myeloid neoplasm occurred after initiation of subsequent antimyeloma therapy.

T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including ABECMA. Mature T cell malignancies, including CAR-positive tumors, may present as soon as weeks following infusion, and may include fatal outcomes.

Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1‑888‑805‑4555 for reporting and to obtain instructions on collection of patient samples for testing of secondary malignancy.

Effects on Ability to Drive and Operate Machinery: Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients receiving ABECMA are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following ABECMA infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, during this initial period.

Adverse Reactions: The most common nonlaboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 20%) include pyrexia, CRS, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections – pathogen unspecified, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, febrile neutropenia, hypotension, tachycardia, diarrhea, nausea, headache, chills, upper respiratory tract infection, encephalopathy, edema, dyspnea and viral infections.

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

TransCode Therapeutics Announces Completion of Cohort 3 Initial Dosing with Lead Candidate in Phase 1 Clinical Trial

On February 6, 2025 TransCode Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNAZ), the RNA oncology company committed to more effectively treating cancer using RNA therapeutics, reported that Cohort 3 of its Phase 1 clinical trial enrolled three patients and all have been dosed with TTX-MC138, its lead candidate (Press release, TransCode Therapeutics, FEB 6, 2025, View Source [SID1234650089]). The Safety Review Committee monitoring the clinical trial unanimously approved opening of the third cohort based on its review of Cohort 1 and 2 safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) data and is monitoring Cohort 3 as preliminary data becomes available. The dose administered to patients in the third cohort is approximately double the dose administered in the second cohort.

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Several patients in the first and second cohort remain on study for continued treatment, receiving additional doses of TTX-MC138 over cycles of approximately 28 days each. No significant safety or dose limiting toxicities have been reported in any of the trial’s nine patients. Analyses of PK data and pharmacodynamic (PD) activity from Cohorts 1 and 2 is ongoing. To date, the analyses suggest that TTX-MC138 demonstrates a PK/PD profile consistent with preclinical results and results from TransCode’s previous Phase 0 clinical trial. Specifically, results from Cohort 1 confirmed the Phase 0 observation that TTX-MC138 shows evidence of pharmacodynamic activity in the presence of high baseline expression of miR-10b, reaching a 66% inhibition at 24 hours after infusion, similar to that seen in the Phase 0 trial. Additionally, TTX-MC138 activity increased with the escalated dose administered in Cohort 2 and was consistent at subsequent administrations suggesting a favorable pharmacokinetic profile.

About TTX-MC138

TTX-MC138 is a first-in-class therapeutic candidate designed to inhibit microRNA-10b, or miR-10b, a microRNA widely believed to be critical to the emergence and progression of many metastatic cancers. TransCode’s 2023 Phase 0 clinical trial produced evidence of delivery of a radiolabeled version of TTX-MC138 to metastatic lesions and pharmacodynamic activity, even at a microdose of the drug candidate, suggesting a broad therapeutic window for TTX-MC138.

About the Trial

TransCode’s Phase 1 clinical trial is a multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation and dose-expansion study designed to generate critical data to support evaluation of the safety and tolerability of TTX-MC138 in patients with a variety of metastatic solid cancers. While not an endpoint, the trial may provide early evidence of clinical activity of TTX-MC138. The trial comprises an initial dose-escalation stage followed by a dose-expansion stage. The primary objective of the dose-escalation stage is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of escalating dose levels of TTX-MC138. In the dose-expansion stage, the safety, tolerability and anti-tumor activity of TTX-MC138 will be further evaluated in certain tumor types selected based on preliminary results from the dose-escalation phase.

Further information is available at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT Identifier: (NCT06260774).

Alligator Bioscience Successfully Completes End of Phase 2 Interaction with FDA For Mitazalimab

On February 6, 2025 Alligator Bioscience (Nasdaq Stockholm: ATORX) reported the successful completion of its End of Phase 2 (EOP2) interaction with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), further strengthening the prospect of initiating Phase 3 in 2025 with mitazalimab, which is in development as a first-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer in combination with mFOLFIRINOX (Press release, Alligator Bioscience, FEB 6, 2025, View Source [SID1234650074]).

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The EOP2 meeting with the FDA provided positive feedback and alignment on the non-clinical and clinical data packages to support the Biologics License Application (BLA), including the Phase 3 trial design, thus reinforcing earlier regulatory guidance from the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) of Germany in July 2024. Additionally, a recent Type C Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) interaction with the FDA in December 2024 confirmed that the completed and planned CMC work through early 2025 is Phase 3-enabling.

Alligator expanded patient recruitment during 2024 in the ongoing OPTIMIZE-1 study by enrolling an additional 15 patients at the 450 µg/kg dose level as per guidance received from the FDA in December 2023. Results from this cohort, along with a 24-month follow-up on the 900 µg/kg dose group, are expected during Q1 2025. Alligator updated the FDA on this activity, and no new information emerged affecting the Phase 3 dose selection.

"The successful outcome of our End-of-Phase 2 FDA interaction marks a critical milestone in our development program," said Søren Bregenholt, CEO of Alligator Bioscience. " With clear regulatory alignment on our Phase 3 trial and robust CMC progress, mitazalimab is well-positioned for Phase 3 initiation during 2025. We remain committed to addressing the unmet medical need of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer."

Henlius and Dr. Reddy’s Ink Licensing Deal for HLX15 (investigational daratumumab biosimilar) Expansion in Europe and the U.S.

On February 6, 2025 Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc. (2696.HK) reported it has entered into a license agreement with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories SA, wholly-owned subsidiary of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., (BSE: 500124 | NSE: DRREDDY| NYSE: RDY | NSEIFSC: DRREDDY, along with its subsidiaries hereafter referred to as "Dr. Reddy’s") for the company’s independently developed investigational daratumumab biosimilar HLX15, a recombinant anti-CD38 fully human monoclonal antibody injection (Press release, Shanghai Henlius Biotech, FEB 6, 2025, View Source [SID1234650090]). Dr. Reddy’s will gain exclusive rights to commercialize both subcutaneous and intravenous formulation of HLX15 in a total of 43 countries and regions, comprising 42 European countries and regions and the United States (U.S.).

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Under the terms of the agreement, Henlius will be responsible for development, manufacturing and commercial supply, and may receive up to a total of $131.6 million, including a $33 million upfront payment and additional milestone payments. In addition, Henlius is eligible to receive royalties on annual net sales of the product. Dr. Reddy’s is a global pharmaceutical company, operating in over 75 countries across the globe. Through a partnership with Dr. Reddy’s, Henlius aims to boost the growth and reach of its products in the European and U.S. markets, providing local patients with enhanced treatment options.

"This collaboration with Dr. Reddy’s on HLX15 is a significant step in our response to global health needs and improving access to advanced biologics," said Dr. Jason Zhu, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Henlius. "Dr. Reddy’s has a long-standing dedication to oncology, driven by the purpose that ‘Good Health Can’t Wait’, and is committed to timely access to affordable and high-quality medicines, which complement Henlius’ focus on addressing unmet medical needs in research and development. We are confident that this partnership will enhance the global market competitiveness of both organizations in oncology treatment, ultimately allowing us to reach and support more patients around the world."

"We are pleased to join hands with Dr. Reddy’s, signifying a pivotal moment in Henlius’ journey to expand our global partner network," said Ping Cao, Chief Business Development Officer and SVP of Henlius, "Henlius’ robust product development capabilities in biosimilars, along with its advanced manufacturing and quality systems that meet global standards, paired with Dr. Reddy’s vast experience and resources in the global commercialization of biosimilars, positions this collaboration to effectively harness the strengths of both organizations. Together, we aim to deliver more high-quality and affordable treatment options to the U.S. and European markets."

Erez Israeli, Chief Executive Officer of Dr. Reddy’s, said: "We are pleased to collaborate with Henlius to make this daratumumab biosimilar available to patients in the U.S., and Europe. Over the years, we have created a portfolio of biosimilar products that are being marketed in several emerging markets. This latest collaboration with Henlius further progresses our regulated markets journey in biosimilars. Additionally, oncology has been a top focus therapy area for us. We look forward to leveraging our strong commercial capabilities in these markets to ensure patients receive access to best-in-class therapies and affordable treatment options."

About HLX15

HLX15 is a fully human anti-CD38 IgG1κ monoclonal antibody independently developed by Henlius, and is a biosimilar candidate to Darzalex & Darzalex Faspro* which are indicated for the treatment of multiple myeloma. In accordance with the biosimilar guidelines of NMPA, EMA, and USFDA, HLX15 is being developed following the principles of stepwise development. HLX15 and reference daratumumab are considered comparable based on analytical similarity assessment and pre-clinical studies. In June 2024, the Phase 1 clinical study (NCT05679258) of HLX15 was successfully completed, meeting its primary endpoint. The findings indicate that HLX15 had similar pharmacokinetic characteristics, as well as comparable safety and immunogenicity profiles to the US-, EU-, and CN-sourced daratumumab. Comparative efficacy studies are currently underway.

*Darzalex & Darzalex Faspro are registered trademarks of Johnson & Johnson.