Immunotherapeutic Benefits of the DPX Delivery Platform Featured in Two Poster Presentations at the AACR-NCI-EORTC Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics

On October 7, 2021 IMV Inc. (NASDAQ: IMV; TSX: IMV), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering a novel class of immunotherapies against difficult-to-treat cancers, reported that the immunotherapeutic capabilities of its DPX delivery platform will be featured in two e-poster presentations at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC Virtual AACR-NCI-EORTC (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC-NCI-AACR) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) October 7-10, 2021 (Press release, IMV, OCT 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234590935]).

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"Collectively, these data demonstrate the versatility and potential of the DPX delivery platform to educate robust, targeted T cell responses to distinct cargo," said Jeremy Graff, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at IMV. "More specifically, the first presentation provides compelling evidence that the DPX technology triggers a more consistent and persistent immune response than conventional emulsions. The second presentation provides the scientific basis for the clinical pursuit of DPX-SurMAGE, a new IMV asset designed to simultaneously elicit immune responses to the survivin and MAGE-A9 proteins, both of which have been implicated in bladder cancer progression."

Yves Fradet, M.D., Professor, Department of Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval in Quebec City commented, "The results obtained with IMV’s dual-targeted DPX-based immunotherapy, DPX-SurMAGE, in preclinical studies are very promising. I believe that patients with bladder cancer will benefit from this treatment while maintaining their quality of life."

Pre-clinical and clinical data presented at the conference show that:

The DPX technology represents a versatile delivery platform that generates robust T cell-based immune responses,
When packaged within the DPX platform, antigenic peptides are delivered and presented to the immune system in a manner that elicits specific T cell-based immune responses that are not achievable with conventional water-based emulsion delivery,
IMV’s lead compound, maveropepimut-S (MVP-S, previously known as DPX-Survivac) is well-tolerated in multiple clinical trials and effectively elicits a specific, robust, and persistent, survivin-specific T cell response evident most prominently in subjects showing greatest clinical benefit,
The DPX delivery platform can be leveraged to incite a T cell response to numerous tumor antigens simultaneously,
IMV’s dual-targeted immunotherapy, DPX-SurMAGE, is well tolerated and generates robust and targeted T cell responses against both survivin and MAGE-A9 peptides in preclinical models.
Collectively, these data provide evidence that the DPX delivery platform is a unique and versatile, immune-educating technology that can be applied in a variety of therapeutic areas where generation of a target-specific immune response is expected to mitigate disease.

Poster Presentation Details

Survivin peptides formulated in the DPX delivery platform rather than standard emulsions, elicit a robust, sustained T cell response to survivin in advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer patients.

Presenter: Yogesh Bramhecha, Ph.D.,
Director, Translational Research, IMV Inc.
Poster Number: LBA026
DPX-SurMAGE, a novel dual-targeted immunotherapy for bladder cancer, induces target-specific T cells with a favorable safety profile in preclinical studies

Presenter: Yves Fradet, M.D.
Professor, Department of Surgery
Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City
Poster Number: LBA030
Full abstracts and e-posters are available on demand on the conference platform. Both e-posters are available under the Scientific Publications & Posters section on IMV’s website.

BeiGene Announces First Regulatory Approval in Australia for BRUKINSA® (Zanubrutinib) for Treatment of Patients with Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia

On October 7, 2021 BeiGene (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160), a global, science-driven biotechnology company focused on developing innovative and affordable medicines to improve treatment outcomes and access for patients worldwide, reported that BRUKINSA (zanubrutinib) has been approved in Australia for the treatment of adult patients with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) who have received at least one prior therapy or in first line treatment for patients unsuitable for chemo-immunotherapy (Press release, BeiGene, OCT 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234590956]).1 Following registration of BRUKINSA with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), these patients will have immediate access to BRUKINSA through a BeiGene sponsored post-approval, pre-reimbursement access program.

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"We are pleased to hear that people living with WM in Australia will have immediate access to this next-generation BTK inhibitor that has demonstrated clinical benefit with potential to improve treatment outcomes."

In addition, BRUKINSA recently received approval from the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy.

"BTK inhibition is an established mode of treatment for patients with WM, and the ASPEN trial showed that BRUKINSA is highly effective and has improved tolerability compared to the first-generation BTK inhibitor," said Professor Con Tam, MBBS, M.D., Disease Group Lead for Low Grade Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and a principal investigator on the BRUKINSA clinical program. "BeiGene first began clinical trials of BRUKINSA in Australia in 2013, and since that time, many Australians have benefitted from treatment as part of ongoing clinical studies. We hope this therapy will offer new hope for people living with WM in Australia."

In Australia, more than 6,000 people are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) each year, making it the sixth most common cancer in adults.2 WM is a rare, slow-growing lymphoma that occurs in less than two percent of patients with NHL.3 The disease usually affects older adults and is primarily found in the bone marrow, although it may also impact lymph nodes and the spleen.3

"While WM is a slow-growing lymphoma, not all patients fully respond to existing therapies and many discontinue treatment due to side effects," commented David Young, the National Team Leader at the WMozzies. "We are pleased to hear that people living with WM in Australia will have immediate access to this next-generation BTK inhibitor that has demonstrated clinical benefit with potential to improve treatment outcomes."

BeiGene has submitted for reimbursement of WM to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). In a first for the PBAC, BeiGene expects to enter a facilitated resolution pathway in order to seek a listing date for the WM indication.

"BRUKINSA has been shown to induce deep and durable responses with reduced off-target side effects, suggesting improved clinical benefit compared to standard BTK inhibitor therapy," said Jane Huang, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Hematology at BeiGene. "We are grateful to the Australian investigators, patients and families who participated in clinical trials contributing to TGA approval. Our ability to offer BRUKINSA to people in Australia impacted by WM is another step toward fulfilling our goal of increasing affordable access to oncology medicines around the world."

"This approval in Australia, and our recent approval in Singapore, represent BRUKINSA’s continued expansion in the APAC region," added Adam Roach, Vice President and Head of Commercial for APAC (ex-Greater China) at BeiGene. "We have been building commercial teams in these markets to support our goal of bringing this potential best-in-class BTK inhibitor to patients who need them globally."

The Australian registration for BRUKINSA in WM is based on efficacy results from the ASPEN clinical trial, a Phase 3 randomised, open-label, multicentre trial (NCT03053440) that evaluated BRUKINSA compared to ibrutinib in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) or treatment-naïve (TN) WM who harbor a MYD88 mutation (MYD88MUT). In the ASPEN trial, BRUKINSA demonstrated a numerically higher very good partial response (VGPR) rate (28.4%, 95% CI: 20, 38) compared to ibrutinib (19.2%, 95% CI: 12, 28), although the primary endpoint of statistical superiority related to deep response (VGPR or better) was not met.

In the ASPEN trial, of the 101 patients with WM randomized and treated with BRUKINSA, 5% of patients discontinued due to adverse events, including cardiomegaly, neutropenia, plasma cell myeloma, and subdural haemorrhage. Adverse events leading to dose reduction occurred in 14.9% of patients, with the most common being neutropenia (3.0%) and diarrhea (2.0%).

The overall safety profile of BRUKINSA is based on pooled data from 779 patients with B-cell malignancies treated with BRUKINSA in clinical trials. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) with BRUKINSA were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, haemorrhage/haematoma, rash, bruising, anaemia, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, pneumonia, and cough. The most common Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions (≥5%) were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, pneumonia, and anaemia.

The recommended dose of BRUKINSA is either 160 mg twice daily or 320 mg once daily, taken orally with or without food. The dose may be adjusted for adverse reactions and reduced for patients with severe hepatic impairment and certain drug interactions.

About BRUKINSA (zanubrutinib)

BRUKINSA is a small molecule inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) discovered by BeiGene scientists that is currently being evaluated globally in a broad clinical program as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies to treat various B-cell malignancies. Because new BTK is continuously synthesised, BRUKINSA was specifically designed to deliver complete and sustained inhibition of the BTK protein by optimising bioavailability, half-life, and selectivity. With differentiated pharmacokinetics compared to other approved BTK inhibitors, BRUKINSA has been demonstrated to inhibit the proliferation of malignant B cells within a number of disease relevant tissues.

BRUKINSA is approved in the United States, China, Australia, Canada, and other international markets in selected indications and under development for additional approvals globally.

BeiGene Oncology

BeiGene is committed to advancing hematology, immuno-oncology and targeted therapies in order to bring impactful and affordable medicines to patients across the globe. We have a growing R&D team of approximately 2,300 colleagues dedicated to advancing more than 90 clinical trials involving more than 13,000 patients and healthy subjects. Our expansive portfolio is directed by a predominantly internalised clinical development team supporting trials in more than 40 countries or regions. We currently market three medicines discovered and developed in our labs: BTK inhibitor BRUKINSA in the United States, China, Canada, and additional international markets; and non-FC-gamma receptor binding anti-PD-1 antibody tislelizumab and PARP inhibitor pamiparib in China. BeiGene has a high quality, innovative science and medicine organisation and is a leader in China with a large oncology focused commercial team.

BeiGene also partners with innovative companies who share our goal of developing therapies to address global health needs. We commercialise a range of oncology medicines in China licensed from Amgen and Bristol Myers Squibb. We also plan to address greater areas of unmet need globally through our collaborations including with Amgen, Bio-Thera, EUSA Pharma, Mirati Therapeutics, Seagen, and Zymeworks. BeiGene has also entered into a collaboration with Novartis granting Novartis rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialise tislelizumab in North America, Europe, and Japan.

NVL-655 Exhibits Antitumor Activity in Lorlatinib-Resistant Subcutaneous and Intracranial Models of ALK-Rearranged NSCLC

On October 7, 2021 Nuvalent Presented the Corporate Presentation(Press release, Nuvalent, OCT 7, 2021, https://www.nuvalent.com/nvl-655-exhibits-antitumor-activity-in-lorlatinib-resistant-subcutaneous-and-intracranial-models-of-alk-rearranged-nsclc/ [SID1234590976])

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Amgen Announces New LUMAKRAS™ (sotorasib) Combination Data From Phase 1b CodeBreaK 101 Study In Patients With KRAS G12C-mutated Cancers At AACR-NCI-EORTC 2021

On October 7, 2021 Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) reported new combination study results from the Phase 1b CodeBreaK 101 study, a comprehensive global master protocol trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of LUMAKRAS (sotorasib), the first and only approved KRASG12C inhibitor, in more than 10 different investigational combination regimens for the treatment of patients with KRAS G12C-mutated cancers (Press release, Amgen, OCT 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234590921]). Results from two arms of the study — LUMAKRAS with afatinib, a pan-ErbB tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and LUMAKRAS with trametinib, a mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor (MEKi) — will be presented at the plenary session titled ‘Drugging Difficult Targets’ during the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC 2021 Virtual AACR-NCI-EORTC (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC-NCI-AACR) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.

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"A critical component of cancer drug development is to interrogate multiple pathways to understand whether different combinations can meaningfully advance cancer care. For this reason, Amgen has undertaken the broadest and most comprehensive global clinical development program for patients with the KRAS G12C mutation, exploring multiple combinations that will allow us to understand where we can best serve patients," said David M. Reese, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. "Consistent with our master protocol clinical trial design, which allows us to rapidly add, expand or remove cohorts to quickly understand what combinations work best for patients, Amgen will take these afatinib and trametinib results into account as we prioritize which combinations to move forward within our comprehensive LUMAKRAS development program. We look forward to presenting additional data, including PD-1 and SHP2 combination datasets, in the coming months."

LUMAKRAS in Combination with Afatinib (Abstract LBA6581)
The LUMAKRAS and afatinib combination arm enrolled 33 heavily pre-treated patients with KRAS G12C-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including five patients previously treated with LUMAKRAS monotherapy. Ten patients received 20 mg of afatinib/960 mg of sotorasib (cohort 1; 4 patients with prior LUMAKRAS experience) and 23 patients received 30 mg of afatinib/960 mg of sotorasib (cohort 2; 1 patient with prior LUMAKRAS experience). The objective response rate (ORR) was 20% in cohort 1 and 35% in cohort 2, and the disease control rate was 70% and 74% in the two cohorts, respectively.

The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) for this study were diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. TRAEs of grade 3 occurred in 30% of patients in both dose groups with diarrhea being the most common.

LUMAKRAS in Combination with Trametinib (Abstract LBA6580)
In CodeBreaK 101, the combination of LUMAKRAS and trametinib showed antitumor activity in heavily pre-treated patients with KRAS G12C-mutated solid tumors, including those with prior KRASG12C inhibitor treatment. A total of 41 patients were enrolled in the Phase 1b study with 18 patients with NSCLC, 18 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and five patients with other solid tumors. The maximum tolerated dose tested was 2 mg trametinib/960 mg sotorasib administered daily.

In patients with CRC who were KRASG12C inhibitor naïve, 9% achieved partial response (1 of 11), and 82% achieved disease control (9 of 11). In patients who were previously treated with a KRASG12C inhibitor, 14% achieved partial response (1 of 7), and 86% achieved disease control (6 of 7).

In patients with NSCLC who were KRASG12C inhibitor naïve, 20% achieved partial response (3 of 15) and 87% achieved disease control (13 of 15). In patients who were previously treated with a KRASG12C inhibitor, 67% achieved disease control (2 of 3).

The most common TRAEs for this study were diarrhea, rash, dermatitis acneiform, nausea and vomiting. No new safety concerns were identified.

About LUMAKRASTM (sotorasib)
Amgen took on one of the toughest challenges of the last 40 years in cancer research by developing LUMAKRAS, a KRASG12C inhibitor.1 LUMAKRAS has demonstrated a positive benefit-risk profile with rapid, deep and durable anticancer activity in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring the KRAS G12C mutation with a once daily oral formulation.2

In May 2021, LUMAKRAS was the first KRASG12C inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world with its approval in the U.S., under accelerated approval. LUMAKRAS is also approved in the United Arab Emirates, and in Canada and Great Britain under Project Orbis.

Amgen is progressing the largest and broadest global KRASG12C inhibitor development program with unparalleled speed and exploring more than 10 sotorasib combination regimens, including triplets, with clinical trial sites spanning five continents. To date, LUMAKRAS has treated over 3,000 patients around the world through the clinical development program and commercial use.

In the U.S., LUMAKRAS was reviewed by the FDA under its Real-Time Oncology Review (RTOR), a pilot program that aims to explore a more efficient review process that ensures safe and effective treatments are made available to patients as early as possible. Amgen is participating in the FDA’s Project Orbis initiative and through the initiative, has Marketing Authorization Applications (MAAs) for sotorasib in review in Australia and Brazil. Additionally, Amgen has submitted an MAA in the European Union, Japan, Switzerland, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, Turkey, Taiwan, Colombia, Thailand, Mexico and Hong Kong.

LUMAKRAS is also being studied in multiple other solid tumors.1

About CodeBreaK
The CodeBreaK clinical development program for Amgen’s drug sotorasib is designed to treat patients with an advanced solid tumor with the KRAS G12C mutation and address the longstanding unmet medical need for these cancers.

CodeBreaK 100, the Phase 1 and 2, first-in-human, open-label multicenter study, enrolled patients with KRAS G12C-mutant solid tumors. Eligible patients must have received a prior line of systemic anticancer therapy, consistent with their tumor type and stage of disease. The primary endpoint for the Phase 2 study was centrally assessed objective response rate. The Phase 2 trial in NSCLC enrolled 126 patients, 124 of whom had centrally evaluable lesions by RECIST at baseline. The Phase 2 trial in colorectal cancer (CRC) is fully enrolled and results have been submitted for publication.

A global Phase 3 randomized active-controlled study comparing sotorasib to docetaxel in patients with KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC (CodeBreaK 200) has completed enrollment. Amgen also has several Phase 1b studies investigating sotorasib monotherapy and sotorasib combination therapy across various advanced solid tumors (CodeBreaK 101) open for enrollment. A Phase 2 randomized study will evaluate sotorasib in patients with stage IV KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC in need of first-line treatment (CodeBreaK 201).

For information, please visit www.hcp.codebreaktrials.com.

LUMAKRASTM (sotorasib) U.S. Indication
LUMAKRASTM is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with KRAS G12C-mutated locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have received at least one prior systemic therapy.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).

LUMAKRAS (sotorasib) Important Safety Information

Hepatotoxicity

LUMAKRAS can cause hepatotoxicity, which may lead to drug-induced liver injury and hepatitis.
Among 357 patients who received LUMAKRAS in CodeBreaK 100, hepatotoxicity occurred in 1.7% (all grades) and 1.4% (Grade 3). A total of 18% of patients who received LUMAKRAS had increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST); 6% were Grade 3 and 0.6% were Grade 4. In addition to dose interruption or reduction, 5% of patients received corticosteroids for the treatment of hepatotoxicity.
Monitor liver function tests (ALT, AST and total bilirubin) prior to the start of LUMAKRAS, every 3 weeks for the first 3 months of treatment, then once a month or as clinically indicated, with more frequent testing in patients who develop transaminase and/or bilirubin elevations.
Withhold, dose reduce or permanently discontinue LUMAKRAS based on severity of adverse reaction.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis

LUMAKRAS can cause ILD/pneumonitis that can be fatal. Among 357 patients who received LUMAKRAS in CodeBreaK 100, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 0.8% of patients, all cases were Grade 3 or 4 at onset, and 1 case was fatal. LUMAKRAS was discontinued due to ILD/pneumonitis in 0.6% of patients.
Monitor patients for new or worsening pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis (e.g., dyspnea, cough, fever). Immediately withhold LUMAKRAS in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue LUMAKRAS if no other potential causes of ILD/pneumonitis are identified.
Most Common Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions ≥ 20% were diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, fatigue, hepatotoxicity and cough.
Drug Interactions

Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of all concomitant medications, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary and herbal products.
Inform patients to avoid proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists while taking LUMAKRAS.
If coadministration with an acid-reducing agent cannot be avoided, inform patients to take LUMAKRAS 4 hours before or 10 hours after a locally acting antacid.
Please see LUMAKRASTM full Prescribing Information.

About Amgen Oncology
At Amgen Oncology, our mission to serve patients drives all that we do. That’s why we’re relentlessly focused on accelerating the delivery of medicines that have the potential to empower all angles of care and transform lives of people with cancer.

For the last four decades, we have been dedicated to discovering the firsts that matter in oncology and to finding ways to reduce the burden of cancer. Building on our heritage, Amgen continues to advance the largest pipeline in the Company’s history, moving with great speed to advance those innovations for the patients who need them.

At Amgen, we’re advancing oncology at the speed of life.

For more information, follow us on www.twitter.com/amgenoncology.

NKGen Biotech to Participate in the Virtual Solebury Trout Fall Private Company Showcase Co-hosted with BMO

On October 7, 2021 NKGen Biotech, a biotechnology company harnessing the power of the body’s immune system through the development of Natural Killer (NK) cell therapies, reported that Stephen Chen, NKGen Biotech’s Chief Technical Officer, will present at the Virtual Solebury Trout Fall Private Company Showcase co-hosted with BMO, to be held October 14, 2021 (Press release, NKMax America, OCT 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234590936]).

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Details on the conference can be found below.

Virtual Solebury Trout Fall Private Company Showcase Co-hosted with BMO
Format: Company presentation
Date: Thursday, October 14, 2021
Presentation Time: 11:00 a.m. EDT [8:00 a.m. PDT]
Webcast: Click here to register