Aravive to Participate in Fireside Chat at Cantor Fitzgerald Virtual Global Healthcare Conference

On September 16, 2021 Aravive, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARAV), a clinical-stage oncology company developing innovative therapeutics to treat life-threatening diseases, reported that Gail McIntyre, Ph.D., DABT, Chief Executive Officer of Aravive, and Reshma Rangwala, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Aravive, will participate in a virtual fireside chat at the Cantor Fitzgerald Virtual Global Healthcare Conference on September 30, 2021 at 9:20 AM ET (Press release, Aravive, SEP 16, 2021, View Source [SID1234594064]). Aravive will also participate in one-on-one meetings at the conference.

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This conference is being held virtually, and a live webcast will be accessible on the Events & Presentations page of www.aravive.com. An archived replay of the webcast will be available for 90 days following the webcast.

CureLab Oncology Featured at 2021 ESMO Congress

On September 16, 2021 CureLab Oncology’s a clinical-stage biotech company, reported that is featured at this year’s European Society for Medical Oncology (Press release, CureLab Oncology, SEP 16, 2021, View Source [SID1234587815]). Two reports were accepted and are featured as e-posters in the oncology/PRO educational portal for oncologists.

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The reports describe findings resulting from CureLab’s clinical trials of Elenagen, an experimental DNA therapy, that are currently underway at N.N. Alexandrov National Cancer Centre of Belarus under the direction of a team led by Deputy Director Professor Sergei Krasny, MD, DSc.

The reports are available online:

Plasmid encoding p62/SQSTM1 administered in combination with CMF chemotherapy improves outcomes in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer patients
Adding dosing of plasmid encoding p62/SQSTM1 to gemcitabine chemotherapy may provide clinical benefits to patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer
About Elenagen
CureLab’s lead investigational compound is code-named Elenagen, an experimental DNA therapy that consists of a circular piece of DNA called a plasmid that includes a gene for a human protein called p62/SQSTM1. In animal studies and Phase I/II human trials conducted ex-US, Elenagen has shown promise in reversing tumor grade, changing the tumor microenvironment, and enhancing the anti-cancer effects of chemotherapy. Experimental results indicate a mitigation of chronic inflammation and stimulation of an immune response to the tumor.

New Data Demonstrate Trodelvy® Survival Benefit in Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients Regardless of Initial HR/HER2 Status

On September 16, 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) reported new data from the Phase 3 ASCENT study evaluating Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) in patients with relapsed or refractory metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease (Press release, Gilead Sciences, SEP 16, 2021, View Source [SID1234587831]). In a retrospective subgroup analysis, Trodelvy improved progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR) compared with chemotherapy chosen by the patients’ physicians in patients who were not initially diagnosed with TNBC. The results were presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2021 from September 16-21, 2021 (Poster #258P).

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"In the metastatic stage of breast cancer, it is not uncommon for people to change from one subtype to another," said Javier Cortés, MD, Head of the International Breast Cancer Center (IBCC), Madrid and Barcelona, Spain. "Roughly one-third of patients with TNBC in the ASCENT study were not originally diagnosed with TNBC, and they still experienced a survival benefit with Trodelvy compared with chemotherapy. For treating physicians, this reinforces Trodelvy’s efficacy in more complex patients."

This analysis included 146 chemotherapy-eligible brain metastasis-negative patients with an original breast cancer diagnosis that was not TNBC, of which 70 received Trodelvy and 76 received physician’s choice of chemotherapy. Among these patients, Trodelvy improved median PFS compared with chemotherapy (4.6 months vs. 2.3 months; HR: 0.48; P=0.0004), median OS (12.4 months vs. 6.7 months; HR: 0.44; P<0.0001) and ORR (31% vs. 4%). Outcomes were similar to those of the overall ASCENT trial population.

The safety profile of Trodelvy in this subgroup was consistent with prior reports from the ASCENT study. Key treatment-related grade ≥3 adverse events for Trodelvy compared to chemotherapy were neutropenia (59% vs. 40%), leukopenia (12% vs. 9%), anemia (8% vs. 7%) and diarrhea (7% vs. 0%). There were no treatment-related deaths with Trodelvy. The Trodelvy U.S. Prescribing Information has a BOXED WARNING for severe or life-threatening neutropenia and severe diarrhea; see below for Important Safety Information.

"Trodelvy is already transforming outcomes for patients with second-line or later metastatic TNBC," said Bill Grossman, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President, Oncology Clinical Research, Gilead Sciences. "Gilead is committed to continued research that further defines the clinical profile of Trodelvy. As such, we are pleased that this sub-analysis in patients not initially diagnosed with TNBC demonstrated similarly strong overall survival, progression-free survival and response rates as were observed in the overall ASCENT study population."

About Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

TNBC is the most aggressive type of breast cancer and accounts for approximately 15% of all breast cancers. TNBC is diagnosed more frequently in younger and premenopausal women and is more prevalent in Black and Hispanic women. TNBC cells do not have estrogen and progesterone receptors and have limited HER2. Due to the nature of TNBC, treatment options are extremely limited compared with other breast cancer types. TNBC has a higher chance of recurrence and metastases than other breast cancer types. The average time to metastatic recurrence for TNBC is approximately 2.6 years compared with 5 years for other breast cancers, and the relative five-year survival rate is much lower. Among women with metastatic TNBC, the five-year survival rate is 12%, compared with 28% for those with other types of metastatic breast cancer.

About the ASCENT Study

The ASCENT study is a global, open-label, randomized Phase 3 study that enrolled more than 500 patients across 230 study locations. The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Trodelvy compared with a single-agent chemotherapy of the physician’s choice in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic TNBC who had received at least two prior systemic treatments. Patients were randomized to receive either Trodelvy or a chemotherapy chosen by the patients’ treating physicians. The primary endpoint was PFS (as determined by blinded independent central review) in patients without brain metastases. Secondary endpoints included: PFS for full study population or intention-to-treat (ITT) population, OS in both the ITT population and in the subgroup without brain metastasis, independently determined ORR, duration of response, time to onset of response according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1), quality of life and safety. More information about ASCENT is available at View Source

About Trodelvy

Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) is a first-in-class antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate directed to the Trop-2 receptor, a protein overexpressed in multiple types of epithelial tumors, including metastatic TNBC and metastatic UC, where high expression is associated with poor survival and relapse. Beyond the approvals of Trodelvy in the United States, it is also approved in Australia, Switzerland, and the UK for adults with metastatic TNBC. Trodelvy is also under regulatory review in the EU and Canada, as well as in Singapore through our partner Everest Medicines. Trodelvy is also being investigated as a potential treatment for hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Additional evaluation across multiple solid tumors is also underway.

In the United States, Trodelvy is indicated for the treatment of:

Adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease.
Adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC who have previously received a platinum-containing chemotherapy and either programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor.
U.S. Important Safety Information for Trodelvy

BOXED WARNING: NEUTROPENIA AND DIARRHEA

Severe or life-threatening neutropenia may occur. Withhold Trodelvy for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm3 or neutropenic fever. Monitor blood cell counts periodically during treatment. Consider G-CSF for secondary prophylaxis. Initiate anti-infective treatment in patients with febrile neutropenia without delay.
Severe diarrhea may occur. Monitor patients with diarrhea and give fluid and electrolytes as needed. Administer atropine, if not contraindicated, for early diarrhea of any severity. At the onset of late diarrhea, evaluate for infectious causes and, if negative, promptly initiate loperamide. If severe diarrhea occurs, withhold Trodelvy until resolved to ≤Grade 1 and reduce subsequent doses.
CONTRAINDICATIONS

Severe hypersensitivity reaction to Trodelvy.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Neutropenia: Severe, life-threatening, or fatal neutropenia can occur and may require dose modification. Neutropenia occurred in 61% of patients treated with Trodelvy. Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 47% of patients. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 7%. Withhold Trodelvy for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm3 on Day 1 of any cycle or neutrophil count below 1000/mm3 on Day 8 of any cycle. Withhold Trodelvy for neutropenic fever.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea occurred in 65% of all patients treated with Trodelvy. Grade 3-4 diarrhea occurred in 12% of patients. One patient had intestinal perforation following diarrhea. Neutropenic colitis occurred in 0.5% of patients. Withhold Trodelvy for Grade 3-4 diarrhea and resume when resolved to ≤Grade 1. At onset, evaluate for infectious causes and if negative, promptly initiate loperamide, 4 mg initially followed by 2 mg with every episode of diarrhea for a maximum of 16 mg daily. Discontinue loperamide 12 hours after diarrhea resolves. Additional supportive measures (e.g., fluid and electrolyte substitution) may also be employed as clinically indicated. Patients who exhibit an excessive cholinergic response to treatment can receive appropriate premedication (e.g., atropine) for subsequent treatments.

Hypersensitivity and Infusion-Related Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions including life-threatening anaphylactic reactions have occurred with Trodelvy. Severe signs and symptoms included cardiac arrest, hypotension, wheezing, angioedema, swelling, pneumonitis, and skin reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions within 24 hours of dosing occurred in 37% of patients. Grade 3-4 hypersensitivity occurred in 2% of patients. The incidence of hypersensitivity reactions leading to permanent discontinuation of Trodelvy was 0.3%. The incidence of anaphylactic reactions was 0.3%. Pre-infusion medication is recommended. Observe patients closely for hypersensitivity and infusion-related reactions during each infusion and for at least 30 minutes after completion of each infusion. Medication to treat such reactions, as well as emergency equipment, should be available for immediate use. Permanently discontinue Trodelvy for Grade 4 infusion-related reactions.

Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea occurred in 66% of all patients treated with Trodelvy and Grade 3 nausea occurred in 4% of these patients. Vomiting occurred in 39% of patients and Grade 3-4 vomiting occurred in 3% of these patients. Premedicate with a two or three drug combination regimen (e.g., dexamethasone with either a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist or an NK1 receptor antagonist as well as other drugs as indicated) for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Withhold Trodelvy doses for Grade 3 nausea or Grade 3-4 vomiting and resume with additional supportive measures when resolved to Grade ≤1. Additional antiemetics and other supportive measures may also be employed as clinically indicated. All patients should be given take-home medications with clear instructions for prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting.

Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions in Patients with Reduced UGT1A1 Activity: Patients homozygous for the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1)*28 allele are at increased risk for neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and anemia and may be at increased risk for other adverse reactions with Trodelvy. The incidence of Grade 3-4 neutropenia was 67% in patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28, 46% in patients heterozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele and 46% in patients homozygous for the wild-type allele. The incidence of Grade 3-4 anemia was 25% in patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, 10% in patients heterozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, and 11% in patients homozygous for the wild-type allele. Closely monitor patients with known reduced UGT1A1 activity for adverse reactions. Withhold or permanently discontinue Trodelvy based on clinical assessment of the onset, duration and severity of the observed adverse reactions in patients with evidence of acute early-onset or unusually severe adverse reactions, which may indicate reduced UGT1A1 function.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action, Trodelvy can cause teratogenicity and/or embryo-fetal lethality when administered to a pregnant woman. Trodelvy contains a genotoxic component, SN-38, and targets rapidly dividing cells. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Trodelvy and for 6 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Trodelvy and for 3 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In the ASCENT study (IMMU-132-05), the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) were fatigue, neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, alopecia, anemia, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (SAR) (>1%) were neutropenia (7%), diarrhea (4%), and pneumonia (3%). SAR were reported in 27% of patients, and 5% discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. The most common Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities (incidence ≥25%) in the ASCENT study were reduced neutrophils, leukocytes, and lymphocytes.

In the TROPHY study (IMMU-132-06), the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) were diarrhea, fatigue, neutropenia, nausea, any infection, alopecia, anemia, decreased appetite, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and rash. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (SAR) (≥5%) were infection (18%), neutropenia (12%, including febrile neutropenia in 10%), acute kidney injury (6%), urinary tract infection (6%), and sepsis or bacteremia (5%). SAR were reported in 44% of patients, and 10% discontinued due to adverse reactions. The most common Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities (incidence ≥25%) in the TROPHY study were reduced neutrophils, leukocytes, and lymphocytes.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

UGT1A1 Inhibitors: Concomitant administration of Trodelvy with inhibitors of UGT1A1 may increase the incidence of adverse reactions due to potential increase in systemic exposure to SN-38. Avoid administering UGT1A1 inhibitors with Trodelvy.

UGT1A1 Inducers: Exposure to SN-38 may be substantially reduced in patients concomitantly receiving UGT1A1 enzyme inducers. Avoid administering UGT1A1 inducers with Trodelvy.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING.

Combination of Balstilimab Plus Zalifrelimab Doubles Responses in 2L Cervical Cancer in Data to Be Presented at ESMO

On September 16, 2021 Agenus (NASDAQ: AGEN), an immuno-oncology company with an extensive pipeline of checkpoint antibodies, cell therapies, adjuvants, and vaccines designed to activate immune response to cancers and infections, reported that final results from the Bal/Zal combination study at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Virtual Conference 2021 in an abstract titled Balstilimab (anti-PD-1) in combination with zalifrelimab (anti-CTLA-4): final results from a Phase 2 study in patients (pts) with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) cervical cancer (CC) (Press release, Agenus, SEP 16, 2021, View Source [SID1234587897]).

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The data are being presented by lead investigator Dr. David O’Malley, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and the Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).

"With a median follow-up of almost 2 years, the Bal/Zal combination showed high response rates, durable clinical activity, and promising overall survival results", said Steven O’Day, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Agenus. "Furthermore, later this year we expect to present new data on our next-generation CTLA-4 inhibitor AGEN1181, which we expect to further define the positive role this combination strategy could have in addressing unmet needs for cancer patients."

The Phase 2 trial was conducted in 155 patients with recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer (R/M CC) which has limited effective treatment options and disproportionately affects younger women. In the 125 evaluable patients, the objective response rate (ORR) in all patients was 26%, with 9% of patients achieving a complete response, and 17% of patients achieving a partial response. The median duration of response (DoR) was not reached after a 19.4-month median follow-up. Notably, responses were also observed in the PD-L1 negative and adenocarcinoma populations, with 9% of both patient groups achieving an ORR. Based on these observations, we predict more than half of the patients to be alive beyond 12 months*.

The Bal/Zal combination continued to show no unexpected toxicities and no new safety signals were identified.

Detailed results from this trial will be presented in a Mini Oral Session on September 19th from 11:35 – 11:40am ET by David O’Malley, MD. In addition, in a Trials in Progress abstract, Agenus presented the RaPiDS trial design for balstilimab alone or in combination with zalifrelimab as second-line treatment for patients with previously treated R/M CC.

"This trial represents the largest study evaluating PD-1 + CTLA-4 inhibition in relapsed cervical cancer to date and shows that the combination could represent a meaningful new option for patients in this setting," said Dr. O’Malley. "Efficacy outcomes continued to improve over time, and the combination likewise continued to show a positive safety profile."

* Updated data to be presented during September 19th Mini Oral session.

ALX Oncology Announces Initiation of Investigator-Sponsored Trial of Evorpacept (ALX148) in Patients with Indolent and Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

On September 16, 2021 ALX Oncology Holdings Inc., ("ALX Oncology") (Nasdaq: ALXO), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing therapies that block the CD47 checkpoint pathway, reported the initiation of a Phase 1/2 investigator-sponsored trial of evorpacept (also known as ALX148), a next generation CD47 blocker, in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide for the treatment of patients with indolent and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma ("NHL") (Press release, ALX Oncology, SEP 16, 2021, View Source [SID1234591864]). This study is being led by Dr. Paolo Strati at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center ("MDACC"), one of the largest multidisciplinary programs in the U.S. for treating NHL.

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"We are excited to launch this study that builds upon the promising anti-tumor activity and tolerability observed from ASPEN-01, ALX Oncology’s Phase 1b study to investigate the combination of evorpacept and rituximab in patients with advanced relapsed and refractory NHL," said Paolo Strati, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Lymphoma-Myeloma and Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, MDACC. "NHL remains a difficult-to-treat cancer and patients are in desperate need for more therapeutic options to help improve disease outcomes. From a mechanistic perspective, the combination of a CD47 blocker and rituximab, as well as the combination of lenalidomide and rituximab, have demonstrated clinical activity against NHL. As these doublet combinations act through different but synergistic mechanisms, and have non-overlapping individual toxicity profiles, we anticipate the triplet combination of evorpacept, rituximab and lenalidomide will positively impact efficacy without increasing toxicity."

About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Approximately 500,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with NHL each year. In the U.S., NHL is the seventh most common type of cancer, and over 80,000 newly diagnosed cases of NHL are estimated in 2021. Treatment options are currently limited and resistance to existing therapies or relapse following treatment is common. The most prevalent form of NHL, accounting for about 40% of newly diagnosed NHL cases, is an aggressive form called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma ("DLBCL"). Patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL have an extremely poor prognosis with a median survival of approximately 6 months. Indolent lymphomas comprise another common form of NHL, especially among elderly individuals, where safe and effective chemotherapy-free options for these patients are urgently needed.