On January 10, 2022 Replimune Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: REPL), a clinical stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of a novel class of tumor-directed oncolytic immunotherapies, reported that Provide a corporate update, highlighting the progress of key programs (Press release, Replimune, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598456]).

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"Data with RP1 in various high-value skin cancer indications has continued to mature in 2021," said Philip Astley-Sparke, Chief Executive Officer of Replimune. "We have been thrilled to see the clear trends in safety and efficacy persist, with durability data that suggests RP1 has the profile to provide many patients with transformative long-term benefit. With our objective of establishing a broad skin cancer franchise with RP1, which has progressed to commercial planning, we have begun to validate the potential of our RP2 and RP3 oncolytic immunotherapies beyond skin cancers, including in tumor types that commonly metastasize to the liver. Replimune continues to build towards an exciting, data rich 2022, beginning later this quarter with a number of clinical updates, and visibility into the RP2/RP3 Phase 2 clinical development strategy."

Anticipated Key Milestones for 2022

CERPASS – Registration-directed Phase 2 clinical trial in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC)

RP1 in combination with Libtayo (cemiplimab-rwlc) in CSCC: The Company is actively enrolling patients in a registration-directed, global, randomized, controlled, 180-patient Phase 2 clinical trial (CERPASS) evaluating RP1 in combination with Libtayo vs. Libtayo alone in patients with advanced CSCC. The Company expects to complete enrollment such that the trigger for the primary data analysis is expected in late 2022.
IGNYTE – Multi-cohort Phase 2 clinical trial of RP1 combined with Opdivo (nivolumab)

Anti-PD-1 failed melanoma cohort: The Company continues to enroll patients in the 125-patient cohort of the IGNYTE Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with anti-PD1 failed melanoma. The company expects to release interim data from this cohort in late 2022.

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cohort: The Company has completed enrollment of 30-patients with anti-PD-1 naïve NMSC and continues to enroll patients with anti-PD-1 failed NMSC. The Company remains on track to provide updated data from the anti-PD1 naïve patients and initial data from the anti-PD-1 failed patients in the first quarter of 2022.

Anti-PD(L)-1 failed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cohort: Enrollment is open in a 30-patient cohort of RP1 in combination with Opdivo in anti-PD(L)-1 failed NSCLC patients, with initial data is expected to be released in late 2022.
ARTACUS – Phase 1b/2 clinical trial of RP1 as monotherapy in solid organ transplant recipients with CSCC

Enrollment continues in this 65-patient clinical trial with potential registrational intent, assessing the safety and efficacy of RP1 in organ transplant recipients with skin cancer. The Company remains on track to present initial data from this clinical trial in the first quarter of 2022.
RP2 and RP3

RP2 alone and in combination with Opdivo in difficult-to-treat cancers: The Company presented Phase 1 clinical data demonstrating deep and durable responses in difficult-to-treat cancers both as monotherapy and in combination with Opdivo in November 2021. The Company also initiated its expansion of the Phase 1 clinical trial of RP2 in combination with Opdivo, with a focus on patients with liver metastases from various prevalent tumor types including patients with lung, breast and gastrointestinal cancers. The company expects to present initial data from the expansion patients in late 2022.

RP3 alone and in combination with Opdivo: The Company is enrolling patients in a Phase 1 clinical trial for RP3, with initial data expected to be presented in the first quarter of 2022. The Company expects to start enrolling patients to be treated with RP3 in combination with Opdivo early in 2022, including patients with liver metastases from various prevalent tumor types such as lung, breast, head and neck cancer and gastrointestinal cancers. The company expects to present initial data from the expansion patients in late 2022.

RP2 and/or RP3 next stage development including in patients with liver metastases from a range of tumor types: The Company remains on track to initiate a broad clinical development program with RP2 and/or RP3, intended to include a range of prevalent tumor types, including in patients with liver metastases, around mid-year 2022. Details of this plan remain on track to be presented in the first quarter of 2022.
J.P. Morgan Conference Presentation and Webcast

As previously announced, the Company will be present at the virtual meeting of the 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Monday, Jan. 10 at 7:30 a.m. PT. A simultaneous webcast of the presentation will be available in the Investors section of Replimune’s website at www.replimune.com. A replay will be available for 30 days following the conference.

About CERPASS
CERPASS is Replimune’s registration-directed randomized, global Phase 2 clinical study to compare the effects of Libtayo alone versus a combination of Libtayo and Replimune’s investigational oncolytic immunotherapy RP1. The clinical trial is enrolling enroll 180 patients with locally advanced or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) who are naïve to anti-PD-1 therapy. The clinical trial will evaluate complete response (CR) rate and overall response rate (ORR) as its two primary efficacy endpoints as assessed by independent review, as well as duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) as secondary endpoints. The study is being conducted under a clinical trial collaboration agreement with Regeneron in which the costs of the trial are shared and full commercial rights retained by Replimune. Libtayo is being jointly developed by Regeneron and Sanofi.
Libtayo is a registered trademark of Regeneron.

About IGNYTE
IGNYTE is Replimune’s multi-cohort Phase 1/2 trial of RP1 plus Opdivo. There are 4 tumor specific cohorts currently enrolling in this clinical trial including a 125-patient cohort in anti-PD-1 failed cutaneous melanoma. This cohort was initiated after completing enrollment in a prior Phase 2 cohort in the same clinical trial of approximately 30 patients with melanoma. The additional cohorts are in non-melanoma skin cancers which includes both naïve and anti-PD-1 failed CSCC, in anti-PD1 failed microsatellite instability high, or MSI-H/dMMR tumors and anti-PD(L)-1 failed non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC. This trial is being conducted under a collaboration and supply agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Opdivo is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

About RP1
RP1 is Replimune’s lead product candidate and is based on a proprietary new strain of herpes simplex virus engineered and genetically armed to maximize tumor killing potency, the immunogenicity of tumor cell death, and the activation of a systemic anti-tumor immune response.

About RP2 & RP3
RP2 and RP3 are derivatives of RP1 that express additional immune-activating proteins. RP2 expresses an anti-CTLA-4 antibody-like molecule and RP3 additionally expresses the immune co-stimulatory pathway activating proteins CD40L and 4-1BBL. RP2 and RP3 are intended to provide targeted and potent delivery of these proteins to the sites of immune response initiation in the tumor and draining lymph nodes, with the goal of focusing systemic immune-based efficacy on tumors and limiting off-target toxicity

On January 10, 2022 Biomea Fusion, Inc. ("Biomea") (Nasdaq: BMEA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel irreversible small molecules to treat and improve the lives of patients with genetically defined cancers and metabolic diseases, reported that in 2022 it plans to initiate clinical studies to dose its irreversible covalent menin inhibitor, BMF-219, in up to seven different cancer indications as well as in diabetes (Press release, Biomea Fusion, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598475]). Biomea is also confirming the preclinical development timeline of its second program, which the company is on track to announce in the first half of 2022 with an Investigational New Drug application (IND) planned within 12 months of candidate selection.

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BMF-219 is designed to be a highly selective, orally bioavailable small-molecule irreversible inhibitor of menin. 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. The menin complex plays a critical role in MYC-dependent oncogenic signaling, whereby menin enhances MYC-mediated transcription to promote cancer progression. Inhibition of menin is a novel approach to cancer treatment. Nonclinical studies of BMF-219 have shown sustained potent abrogation of menin-dependent oncogenic signaling and pathway control in vitro and in vivo. BMF-219 demonstrated consistent on-target inhibition with a strong anti-proliferative effect on various menin-dependent acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines; diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines representing categories of Double/Triple Hit Lymphoma (DHL/THL) and Double Expressor Lymphoma (DEL); and multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines harboring diverse mutational backgrounds, including MYC dysregulation. BMF-219 also exhibited high potency in in vitro KRAS-driven cancer cell models. MYC, which exerts much of its oncogenic activity through interaction with menin, is a major downstream effector of the KRAS pathway. As previously announced, BMF-219 was also able to normalize glucose levels in both diabetic preclinical models studied with the glucose tolerance and homeostasis effect maintained despite complete washout of BMF-219.

In 2021, Biomea transformed into a clinical stage company with the initiation of BF-MNN-101, its first Phase I clinical trial of BMF-219. The trial is designed to assess BMF-219’s control of menin’s negative impact on patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Biomea is confirming its clinical development plans to initiate additional clinical studies of BMF-219 in the following liquid tumors —MM and DLBCL— in the first half of 2022, and the following solid tumors —non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer (CRC)— in the fourth quarter of 2022. In addition, subject to submission and clearance of an IND, Biomea plans to initiate a Phase I/II clinical trial of BMF-219 in diabetes during the second half of 2022.

"The preclinical profile of BMF-219 is highly compelling due both to its strong control of the menin pathway and very favorable safety profile. I am excited for Biomea to explore the clinical potential of this first-in-class and first-in-human irreversible menin inhibitor in multiple tumor types. We now know that the menin pathway is central to multiple cancer types. Targeting menin with a covalent binder is a very innovative approach and oncologists are eager to utilize BMF-219 for these patients who have limited therapeutic options," said Steve Morris, MD, Independent Medical Oncologist and Leukemia/Lymphoma Expert, Retired Faculty Member, Yale University School of Medicine and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; who performed basic and translational research regarding menin-driven leukemias and cared for patients with these malignancies during his 30-year career in academic medicine.

"From the very beginning, we recognized menin as a key node in the oncogenic pathways of a broad array of tumors. We are very excited about what we have learned over the past years in preclinical studies with our irreversible menin inhibitor, BMF-219. Having observed essentially complete pathway control with consistent on-target effect across multiple tumor types, these studies demonstrated that BMF-219 has the potential to irreversibly inhibit the function of menin while maintaining a wide safety margin. These results have validated our plans to pursue BMF-219 for the treatment of 7 select liquid and solid tumors which we are planning to initiate during this year," said Thomas Butler, CEO and Chairman of the Board. "We have also completed the preclinical validation of BMF-219 for the treatment of diabetes with two important animal models and are now preparing the IND to support the initiation of a Phase I/II clinical trial to begin in the second half of this year."

About Irreversible Menin Inhibitor BMF-219 Target Indications

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
AML is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults and represents the largest number of annual leukemia deaths in the U.S. and Europe. AML originates within the white blood cells in the bone marrow and can rapidly move to the blood and other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, and central nervous system. Approximately 20,000 people in the U.S are diagnosed with AML each year, and the five-year overall survival rate in adults is roughly 29% (Source: NCI SEER Data). Among patients with relapsed/refractory disease, the need is greatest, as the overall survival is approximately 3 to 9 months. It is estimated that upwards of 45% of AML patients have menin dependent genetic drivers (MLL-r or NPM1). ALL is a less common leukemia, with approximately 6,000 new cases in the U.S. each year and a higher five-year survival rate of nearly 70% (Source: NCI SEER Data). Between 10-15% of adult ALL patients and 60-70% of pediatric ALL patients have MLL-r translocations.

Multiple Myeloma (MM)
MM is a cancer of plasma cells, which make antibodies (immunoglobulins) and are mainly located in the bone marrow. As cancerous cells migrate from the bone marrow, organ damage due to excess immunoglobulins in bones and blood and weakening of bones are common features. Approximately 35,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with MM each year and the 5-year relative survival rate is ~56% (Source: NCI SEER Data). Among patients with relapsed or refractory disease, the need is greatest, with overall survival as low as 6 months in some patients. Additionally, it is estimated that more than 60% of MM patients have menin dependent genetic drivers (MYC addicted or driven) and that these drivers are more common in the relapsed or refractory setting.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
DLBCL is the most common subtype of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. DLBCL starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes and it usually grows in lymph nodes. Every year, approximately ~18,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with DLBCL (Source: NCI SEER Data). Following initial treatment with standard chemotherapy, approximately 70% of patients have a complete response and approximately 50% of patients are cured. For patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL, median overall survival is between 6-7 months. Double Hit Lymphomas (DHL), Triple Hit Lymphomas (THL), and Double Expressor Lymphomas (DEL) are high grade B-cell lymphomas (HGBLs) that have high MYC and BCL2 dependency. Based on their aggressive nature, DHL, THL, and DEL represent a large portion of the relapsed or refractory DLBCL population.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer is the most common form of lung cancer, representing ~84% of all lung cancer cases or approximately 200,000 cases in the U.S. each year (Source: NCI SEER Data). Additionally, the five-year survival rate of NSCLC is ~25%. While lung cancer is the 3rd most common form of cancer in the U.S. based on incidence, lung cancer contributes to the highest number of annual cancer deaths in the U.S.. KRAS is the most frequent oncogene in NSCLC, occurring in ~30% of patients with NSCLC.

Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer in the U.S., representing approximately 60,000 cases in the U.S. each year (Source: NCI SEER Data). Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer with a very low five-year survival rate of ~11%, indicating that there is a large unmet need. It is rarely diagnosed early, contributing to the low survival rate. Among patients with pancreatic cancer, RAS mutations (including KRAS) occur in up to approximately 98% of patients.

Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer in the U.S., representing approximately 150,000 cases in the U.S. each year (Source: NCI SEER Data). These cancers start in the rectum or the colon and can be diagnosed/identified early, even potentially as noncancerous polyps. The five-year survival rate of CRC is approximately 65%. Among other mutations, KRAS mutations occur in approximately 50% of patients with CRC.

Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by a reduced ability to produce insulin and/or by a dysregulated response to insulin and affects nearly 34 million people in the U.S. (Source: CDC). Diabetes is grouped into a few clinical categories based on etiology or timing of diagnosis according to the latest guidance from the American Diabetes Association. Accounting for 1.6 million diagnosed patients in the U.S., Type 1 diabetes is due to autoimmune beta-cell destruction, usually leading to absolute insulin deficiency, including latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood. Type 2 diabetes has been diagnosed in approximately 25.3 million people in the U.S. and is due to a progressive loss of adequate beta-cell insulin secretion frequently on the background of insulin resistance. The primary treatment goal is to achieve glycemic control by reducing HbA1c (A1c), a marker for the amount of sugar in the bloodstream, to 6.5% or lower. Glycemic control is a validated approach to delaying disease progression, which leads to significant and potentially fatal renal, cardiac, neurological, and ophthalmic comorbidities.

On January 10, 2022 Bayer AG and Mammoth Biosciences, Inc., which is harnessing the diversity of nature to power the next-generation CRISPR products, reported a strategic collaboration and option agreement for the use of Mammoth’s CRISPR systems to develop in vivo gene-editing therapies (Press release, Bayer, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598492]).

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Mammoth Biosciences’ groundbreaking gene-editing technology is a key enabling technology, as well as a stand-alone therapeutic modality. It will significantly enhance Bayer’s efforts to develop transformative therapies for patients faster and strengthen the company’s recently established new cell and gene therapy platform. Under the terms of the agreement the two companies will start their collaboration with a focus on liver-targeted diseases.

"Bringing together Mammoth’s novel CRISPR systems with our existing gene augmentation and our induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) platforms will allow us to unleash the full potential of our cell and gene therapy strategy," said Stefan Oelrich, Member of the Board of Management, Bayer AG and President of the Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division. "Partnering with Mammoth’s cutting edge scientific team is a fundamental pillar for our company to improve the lives of patients suffering from conditions that are currently still difficult to treat."

"We’re excited to be working together with Bayer, building on the technology leap of our novel CRISPR systems, along with Bayer’s expertise in successful drug development," said Dr. Peter Nell, Chief Business Officer and Head of Therapeutic Strategy at Mammoth. "This joint effort has the potential to benefit patients by developing CRISPR-based approaches for the clinic with the appropriate urgency, while ensuring scientific excellence and safety."

Cell and gene therapies are the next step in the evolution of drug development. By addressing the root cause of diseases, they are potentially capable of permanently reversing diseases with a one-time treatment. Gene editing serves as a key enabler for cell therapies when used outside the living body (ex vivo) and allows therapeutic targeting of a wide range of genetic diseases with a high unmet medical need when used inside the living body (in vivo).

Mammoth Biosciences’ proprietary toolkit of ultra-small Cas enzymes, including Cas14 and Casɸ, allows for expanded high-fidelity gene editing to be combined with targeted systemic delivery. Under the agreement, Bayer gains access to this novel gene-editing technology, which offers the potential of an advanced in vivo applicability due to the ultra-compact size of these novel CRISPR systems.

Under the terms of the agreement, Mammoth Biosciences will receive an upfront payment of USD 40 million and is eligible to receive target option exercise fees as well as potential future payments in the magnitude of more than one billion USD upon successful achievement of certain research, development, and commercial milestones across five preselected in vivo indications with a first focus on liver-targeted diseases. In addition, Bayer will pay research funding and tiered royalties up to low double-digit percentage of net sales. The companies are also exploring work on ex vivo projects on a nonexclusive basis.

On January 10, 2021 BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:BCRX) reported preliminary, unaudited ORLADEYO (berotralstat) revenue for the fourth quarter and full year 2021 and provided new guidance for full year 2022 ORLADEYO net revenue and expected peak ORLADEYO sales (Press release, BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598509]).

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"Following 12 months of a successful launch through a global pandemic, we have a clear picture of the continued commercial trajectory for ORLADEYO based on a very attractive product profile, leading to strong patient demand to switch from injectable therapies to our oral, once-daily medicine, with 70 percent patient retention through the first year. Building on our substantial 2021 patient base, we are confident that ORLADEYO will achieve no less than $250 million of net revenue in 2022 and that ORLADEYO will become the market leader as the most prescribed prophylactic therapy with peak sales of $1 billion," said Jon Stonehouse, president and chief executive officer of BioCryst.

Fourth Quarter 2021 (Q4 2021) ORLADEYO Launch Dynamics

Preliminary, unaudited ORLADEYO net revenue in Q4 2021 was $45.6 million. Preliminary, unaudited ORLADEYO net revenue for full year 2021 (FY 2021) was $122 million.

New patient demand for ORLADEYO remains strong and consistent, with a similar number of new patients added in Q4 2021 as in each of the previous three quarters of the year. Patients switching from other prophylactic therapies and acute-only therapy continue to drive the launch. More than half of patients new to ORLADEYO since launch had a previous prophylactic medicine prior to ORLADEYO and most of the remainder were from acute-only treatment.

Most patients are well-controlled on ORLADEYO and remain on therapy. Approximately 70 percent of patients starting ORLADEYO, including those switching from injectable prophylaxis, remain on ORLADEYO in the first year.

ORLADEYO is now covered by all major payors and national and regional pharmacy benefit managers, which will lead to more patients being reimbursed quickly.

The ORLADEYO prescriber base continues to grow significantly. The number of new physicians prescribing ORLADEYO in Q4 2021 was similar to the number added in Q3 2021. In market research, 60 U.S. physicians, who treat an average of seven HAE patients each, reported that they expect to double their use of ORLADEYO, and that ORLADEYO will become their most prescribed prophylactic treatment in the next 12 months.
"We expect ORLADEYO revenues in 2022 to more than double in our second year of launch as we benefit from a full year of reimbursement and continued strong demand from patients and physicians. ORLADEYO is transforming the lives of HAE patients, which is why ORLADEYO is on a trajectory to become the market leader in HAE prophylaxis," said Charlie Gayer, chief commercial officer of BioCryst.

Pipeline Update: BCX9930 Pivotal Trials in PNH Now Enrolling

BioCryst is currently enrolling patients in two global pivotal trials, REDEEM-1 and REDEEM-2, with the company’s oral Factor D inhibitor, BCX9930 (500 mg bid), in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The company also has begun screening patients in a proof of concept (PoC) basket trial of BCX9930 (500 mg bid) in patients with C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and primary membranous nephropathy (PMN).

BioCryst plans to further advance and expand its Factor D program over the next two years by achieving the following:

Complete and report data from REDEEM-1 and REDEEM-2
Prepare to submit regulatory approval filings in PNH
Complete the renal PoC basket trial and advance to pivotal trials in C3G, IgAN and PMN
Commence PoC trials in other complement-mediated diseases
"Following the discovery, development and commercialization of ORLADEYO, the BioCryst team plans to repeat this success as we leverage our platform to bring new oral medicines to patients suffering from other rare diseases. BCX9930 is especially exciting because the clinical data we have reported so far provides confidence that we can help patients in PNH, and across many complement-mediated diseases, with this pipeline in a molecule," said Dr. Helen Thackray, chief research and development officer of BioCryst.

Presentation Today at 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

Today at 9:45 a.m. ET, the company will present at the 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, which is being conducted as a virtual event. Links to a live audio webcast and replay of the presentation may be accessed in the Investors section of BioCryst’s website at https://www.biocryst.com/.

About ORLADEYO (berotralstat)
ORLADEYO (berotralstat) is the first and only oral therapy designed specifically to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older. One capsule of ORLADEYO per day works to prevent HAE attacks by decreasing the activity of plasma kallikrein.

U.S. Indication and Important Safety Information

INDICATION
ORLADEYO (berotralstat) is a plasma kallikrein inhibitor indicated for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older.

Limitations of use
The safety and effectiveness of ORLADEYO for the treatment of acute HAE attacks have not been established. ORLADEYO should not be used for the treatment of acute HAE attacks. Additional doses or dosages of ORLADEYO higher than 150 mg once daily are not recommended due to the potential for QT prolongation.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
An increase in QT prolongation was observed at dosages higher than the recommended 150 mg once-daily dosage and was concentration dependent.

The most common adverse reactions (≥10 percent and higher than placebo) in patients receiving ORLADEYO were abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, back pain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

A reduced dosage of 110 mg taken orally once daily with food is recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C) and in patients taking chronically administered P-glycoprotein (P-gp) or breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) inhibitors (eg, cyclosporine).

Berotralstat is a substrate of P-gp and BCRP. P-gp inducers (eg, rifampin, St. John’s wort) may decrease berotralstat plasma concentration, leading to reduced efficacy of ORLADEYO. The use of P-gp inducers is not recommended with ORLADEYO.

ORLADEYO at a dose of 150 mg is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. For concomitant medications with a narrow therapeutic index that are predominantly metabolized by CYP2D6 or CYP3A4, appropriate monitoring and dose titration is recommended. ORLADEYO at a dose of 300 mg is a P-gp inhibitor. Appropriate monitoring and dose titration is recommended for P-gp substrates (eg, digoxin) when coadministering with ORLADEYO.

The safety and effectiveness of ORLADEYO in pediatric patients <12 years of age have not been established.

There are insufficient data available to inform drug-related risks with ORLADEYO use in pregnancy. There are no data on the presence of berotralstat in human milk, its effects on the breastfed infant, or its effects on milk production.

On January 10, 2022 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) ("Takeda") reported the exercise of its option to acquire Adaptate Biotherapeutics ("Adaptate"), a UK company focused on developing antibody-based therapeutics for the modulation of variable delta 1 (Vδ1) gamma delta (γδ) T cells (Press release, Takeda, JAN 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234598526]). Through the acquisition, Takeda will obtain Adaptate’s antibody-based γδ T cell engager platform, including pre-clinical candidate and discovery pipeline programs. Adaptate’s γδ T cell engagers are designed to specifically modulate γδ T cell-mediated immune responses at tumor sites while sparing damage to healthy cells.

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The planned acquisition of Adaptate follows Takeda’s recently exercised option to acquire GammaDelta Therapeutics ("GammaDelta") and is intended to further accelerate the development of innovative γδ T cell-based therapies. Combining GammaDelta’s cell therapy-based platform and Adaptate’s antibody-based γδ T cell engager platform with Takeda’s strong research and development organization positions Takeda to be at the leading edge in deploying the full potential of γδ T cells in the fight against cancer. The planned acquisition complements Takeda’s ongoing efforts to research and develop cell engagers for solid tumor applications, bolstered by the novel T cell engager COBRA platform, which was acquired from Maverick Therapeutics in another successful build-to-buy collaboration.

"Partnering with early-stage innovators to access cutting-edge platforms in the fight against cancer is at the center of our R&D strategy," said Christopher Arendt, Ph.D., Head of Oncology Cell Therapy and Therapeutic Area Unit of Takeda. "Adaptate’s γδ T cell engager platform and the team’s deep understanding of γδ T cell biology gives us an opportunity to develop a new class of therapeutics that tap into powerful innate immune mechanisms. The planned acquisition will strengthen our immuno-oncology R&D efforts as part of our ongoing pursuit of life-transforming medicines for patients with cancer."

Adaptate was formed in 2019 as a spin-out company from GammaDelta with investment from Abingworth LLP and Takeda, in which Takeda received an exclusive right to purchase Adaptate for a pre-negotiated upfront payment. The acquisitions of Adaptate and GammaDelta are expected to be finalized in Q1 of Takeda’s fiscal year 2022, pending completion of review under applicable antitrust laws, including the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 in the U.S.

"Our acquisition by Takeda recognizes the tremendous work put in over the last two years by Adaptate’s incredibly talented team," said Dr. Natalie Mount, CEO of Adaptate. "We have rapidly demonstrated, in preclinical models, the therapeutic potential of our novel Vδ1-targeting antibodies, and this move brings us an exciting step closer to realizing the full potential for Vδ1 T cell targeted therapies to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients."

In addition, Tim Haines, Chair & Managing Partner at Abingworth noted, "Having played an instrumental role in creating Adaptate, we are delighted to see the impressive developments of its γδ T cell therapeutic antibody portfolio to date, under the leadership of Natalie Mount. We look forward to seeing Takeda progress Adaptate’s very promising therapeutic antibodies into the clinic."

Takeda’s oncology pipeline focuses on novel strategies that leverage the power of the immune system, with a focus on innate immunity. Innate immune responses serve as the body’s first defense mechanism against disease and involve the orchestration of a broad arsenal of mechanisms and cell types, including γδ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, that may help to overcome cancer’s ability to evade immune recognition. Adaptate has discovered a unique set of antibodies that selectively modulate γδ T cell activity in the tumor microenvironment. The antibodies provide a precisely targeted signal to the immune system, thereby offering the opportunity for superior efficacy and safety compared to conventional immuno-oncology approaches in solid tumors.

Takeda’s Commitment to Oncology

Our core R&D mission is to deliver novel medicines to patients with cancer worldwide through our commitment to science, breakthrough innovation and passion for improving the lives of patients. Whether it’s with our hematology therapies, our robust pipeline, or solid tumor medicines, we aim to stay both innovative and competitive to bring patients the treatments they need. For more information, visit www.takedaoncology.com