AstraZeneca ASCO 2021 Data Support Ambition to Revolutionize Cancer Outcomes by Treating Earlier and Transforming the Patient Experience

On May 19, 2021 AstraZeneca reported that it will present new data underscoring its ambition to redefine cancer care at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, June 4 to 8, 2021 (Press release, AstraZeneca, MAY 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234580311]).

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More than 100 abstracts will feature 21 approved and potential new medicines across the Company’s industry-leading oncology portfolio, with four abstracts selected as late-breakers, 12 oral presentations and one plenary presentation.

Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Oncology Business Unit, said: "Our data at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) this year show our unwavering resolve to revolutionize cancer care and strengthen our leading portfolio in lung and breast cancers as well as hematology. New results for LYNPARZA (olaparib) and IMFINZI (durvalumab) continue to validate our strategy of treating cancer early in settings with curative intent, and data for CALQUENCE deliver on our commitment to improve the patient experience by demonstrating efficacy with safe, tolerable medicines."

Cristian Massacesi, Senior Vice President, Head of Late-Stage Development, Oncology R&D said: "Over the past few years, the outlook for breast cancer patients with BRCA mutations has radically changed, and the OlympiA data at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) will represent another critical step forward. We have an opportunity to fundamentally change the prognosis for women with high-risk early disease and usher in a potential new standard of care in the adjuvant setting. Additionally, promising data in triple-negative breast cancer will challenge current treatment expectations and bring hope for new approaches in this aggressive form of the disease."

Redefining survival by treating cancer earlier
A plenary presentation of results from the OlympiA Phase III trial in early breast cancer will highlight the impact of LYNPARZA on the risk of disease recurrence versus placebo in the adjuvant treatment of patients with germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm) high-risk human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative early breast cancer. LYNPARZA is the first PARP inhibitor to demonstrate clinical benefit as an adjuvant treatment in early breast cancer. In February 2021, the trial’s Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended moving to early primary analysis based on a planned interim analysis showing a sustainable and clinically relevant treatment effect in the primary endpoint of invasive disease-free survival.

Five-year overall survival data from the PACIFIC Phase III trial will continue to support the unprecedented and sustained survival benefits of IMFINZI for patients with unresectable, Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have not progressed following concurrent chemoradiation therapy. These data represent the longest-ever survival reported in a Phase III trial of immunotherapy in this treatment setting.

Additionally, an oral presentation of Phase II data from the externally sponsored GeparNuevo trial conducted by the German Breast Group will show initial potential of IMFINZI to improve outcomes in patients with early triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) when added to standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Transforming the patient experience
Four-year follow-up data from the ELEVATE-TN trial will confirm the sustained clinical benefit of either CALQUENCE (acalabrutinib) monotherapy or CALQUENCE in combination with obinutuzumab, providing flexibility to tailor treatment for adults with treatment-naïve chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

In addition, an oral presentation of detailed results from the ELEVATE-RR Phase III trial will demonstrate significantly lower atrial fibrillation, fewer cardiac events and fewer discontinuations with CALQUENCE versus ibrutinib in adults with previously treated CLL at high risk for progression. ELEVATE-RR is the first head-to-head Phase III trial of two Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in CLL, confirming the favorable benefit-risk profile of CALQUENCE for patients with CLL.

Updated data from DESTINY-Gastric01 and DESTINY-CRC01 will further support the potential role of ENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) across HER2-targetable cancers. Additionally, data from a subgroup analysis of previously treated HER2-positive breast cancer patients with brain metastases in the DESTINY-Breast01 trial will reinforce the commitment to understanding the potential benefit of ENHERTU in hard-to-treat patient populations.

Initial results will be shared from the BEGONIA Phase Ib/II trial testing IMFINZI combinations in metastatic TNBC, including with ENHERTU. Also, data will be shared from a Phase II trial with ceralasertib, an ataxia telangiectasia and rad3-related (ATR) kinase inhibitor, in combination with IMFINZI showing that this combination demonstrated promising anti-tumor activity in melanoma patients for whom prior anti-PD1 treatment had failed.

Additional evidence will underscore the need for improved central nervous system control and the role of next-generation TKIs such as TAGRISSO (osimertinib) in the treatment of advanced epidermal growth factor (EGFR)-mutated NSCLC, as shown in the REFLECT retrospective real-world analysis of first- and second-generation TKIs.

Advancing an industry-leading clinical development program
In all, AstraZeneca will share 18 posters at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) describing trials-in-progress exploring novel medicines and combinations across multiple types and stages of cancer. These posters include:

Datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) – the TROPION-Lung01 Phase III trial testing datopotamab deruxtecan in patients with previously treated metastatic NSCLC, and the BEGONIA trial testing IMFINZIin combination with datopotamab deruxtecan in metastatic TNBC
ENHERTU – trials testing ENHERTU alone or in various combinations, including: DESTINY-Breast07, DESTINY-PanTumor01, and DESTINY-CRC02
IMFINZI – the MATTERHORN Phase III trial of neoadjuvant-adjuvant IMFINZI and chemotherapy in resectable gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer, and the BEGONIA Phase I/II trial testing IMFINZI in novel combinations for 1st-line treatment of patients with TNBC, including with ENHERTU and datopotamab deruxtecan.
CALQUENCE – the ESCALADE Phase III trial of CALQUENCE in combination with standard chemotherapy for patients age 65 and younger newly diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Camizestrant (AZD9833) – the SERENA-4 Phase III trial comparing camizestrant, a next-generation oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), plus palbociclib, versus anastrozole plus palbociclib, in patients with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer who have not previously received systemic treatment for advanced disease
Adavosertib – the ADAGIO Phase II multicenter trial of the WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib as a treatment for recurrent or persistent uterine serous carcinoma, a highly aggressive form of endometrial cancer
Collaboration in the scientific community is critical to improving outcomes for patients. LYNPARZA is developed and commercialized in collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc. AstraZeneca is collaborating with Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (Daiichi Sankyo) to develop and commercialize ENHERTU and datopotamab deruxtecan globally.

Key AstraZeneca presentations during the 2021 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting1

Lead author

Abstract title

Presentation details2

Immuno-Oncology

Spigel, D

Five-year survival outcomes with durvalumab after chemoradiotherapy in unresectable stage III NSCLC: An update from the PACIFIC trial.

Abstract #8511

Poster Discussion Session

Lung Cancer—Non-Small Cell Local-Regional/Small Cell/Other Thoracic Cancers

June 4, 2021

Janjigian, Y

MATTERHORN: Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant-adjuvant durvalumab and FLOT chemotherapy in resectable gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer—A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study.

Abstract #TPS4151

Poster Session

Gastrointestinal Cancer—Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary

June 4, 2021

McCoon, P

T-cell receptor pharmacodynamics associated with survival and response to tremelimumab (T) in combination with durvalumab (D) in patients (pts) with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC).

Abstract #4087

Poster Session

Gastrointestinal Cancer—Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary

June 4, 2021

Schmid, P

BEGONIA: Phase 1b/2 study of durvalumab (D) combinations in locally advanced/metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—Initial results from arm 1, d+paclitaxel (P), and arm 6, d+trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd).

Abstract #1023

Poster Discussion Session

Breast Cancer—Metastatic

June 4, 2021

Schmid, P

BEGONIA: Phase 1b/2, open-label, platform study of the safety and efficacy of durvalumab (D) ± paclitaxel (P) with novel oncology therapies for first line metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC): Addition of Arm 7, D + datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd; DS-1062).

Abstract #TPS1105

Poster Session

Breast Cancer—Metastatic

June 4, 2021

Kwon, M

Phase II study of ceralasertib (AZD6738), in combination with durvalumab in patients with metastatic melanoma who have failed prior anti-PD-1 therapy.

Abstract #9514

Poster Discussion Session

Melanoma/Skin Cancers

June 4, 2021

Suárez, C

Clinical activity of durvalumab and savolitinib in MET-driven, metastatic papillary renal cancer.

Abstract #4511

Poster Discussion Session

Genitourinary Cancer—Kidney and Bladder

June 4, 2021

Tumor drivers and resistance

Janzic, U

Real-world outcomes and clinical characteristics of patients with brain metastases from EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer: Data from a large retrospective study (REFLECT).

Abstract #9086

Poster Session

Lung Cancer—Non-Small Cell Metastatic

June 4, 2021

Im, S-A

SERENA-4: A phase 3 comparison of AZD9833 (camizestrant) plus palbociclib, versus anastrozole plus palbociclib, for patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer who have not previously received systemic treatment for advanced disease.

Abstract #TPS1101

Poster Session

Breast Cancer—Metastatic

June 4, 2021

Tada, H

Adjuvant gefitinib versus cisplatin/vinorelbine in Japanese patients with completely resected, EGFR-mutated, stage II-III non-small cell lung cancer (IMPACT, WJOG6410L): A randomized phase 3 trial.

Abstract #8501

Oral Abstract Session

Lung Cancer—Non-Small Cell Local-Regional/Small Cell/Other Thoracic Cancers

June 6, 2021

Antibody drug conjugates

Yoh, K

A randomized, phase 3 study of datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd; DS-1062) versus docetaxel in previously treated advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without actionable genomic alterations (TROPION-Lung01).

Abstract #TPS9127

Poster Session

Lung Cancer – Non-small Cell Metastatic

June 4, 2021

Andre, F

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) combinations in patients with HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer: A phase 1b/2, open-label, multicenter, dose-finding and dose-expansion study (DESTINY-Breast07).

Abstract #TPS1096

Poster Session

Breast Cancer—Metastatic

June 4, 2021

Li, BT

A phase 2, multicenter, open-label study evaluating trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) for the treatment of solid tumors harboring specific HER2-activating mutations (DESTINY-PanTumor01).

Abstract #TPS3162

Poster Session

Developmental Therapeutics—Molecularly Targeted Agents and Tumor Biology

June 4, 2021

Yoshino, T

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd; DS-8201) in patients (pts) with HER2-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Final results from a phase 2, multicenter, open-label study (DESTINY-CRC01).

Abstract #3505

Oral Abstract Session

Gastrointestinal Cancer—Colorectal and Anal

June 7, 2021

Raghav, K

Trastuzumab deruxtecan in patients with HER2-overexpressing locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): A randomized, multicenter, phase 2 study (DESTINY-CRC02).

Abstract #TPS3620

Poster Session

Gastrointestinal Cancer—Colorectal and Anal

June 4, 2021

Jerusalem, G

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) in patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer with brain metastases: a subgroup analysis of the DESTINY-Breast01 trial.

Abstract #526

Poster Session

Breast Cancer— Local/Regional/Adjuvant

June 4, 2021

Yamaguchi, K

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd; DS-8201) in patients with HER2-positive advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma: Final overall survival (OS) results from a randomized, multicenter, open-label, phase 2 study (DESTINY-Gastric01).

Abstract #4048

Poster Session

Gastrointestinal Cancer—Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary

June 4, 2021

DNA damage response

Tutt, A

OlympiA: A phase 3, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of adjuvant olaparib after (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations and high risk HER2-negative early breast cancer.

Abstract #LBA1

Plenary Session

June 6, 2021, 1:00pm EDT

Liu, JF

ADAGIO: A phase IIb, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study assessing the efficacy and safety of adavosertib (AZD1775) as treatment for recurrent or persistent uterine serous carcinoma.

Abstract #TPS5612

Poster Session

Gynecologic Cancer

June 4, 2021

Poveda, A

Olaparib maintenance monotherapy for non-germline BRCA1/2-mutated (non-gBRCAm) platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer (PSR OC) patients (pts): Phase IIIb OPINION primary analysis.

Abstract #5545

Poster Session

Gynecologic Cancer

June 4, 2021

Matthews, CA

Olaparib treatment (Tx) in patients (pts) with platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer (PSR OC) by BRCA mutation (BRCAm) and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) status: Overall survival (OS) results from the phase II LIGHT study.

Abstract #5515

Poster Discussion Session

Gynecologic Cancer

June 4, 2021

Pautier, P

Progression-free survival (PFS) and second PFS (PFS2) by disease stage in patients (pts) with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)-positive newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer receiving bevacizumab (bev) with olaparib/placebo maintenance in the phase III PAOLA-1/ENGOT-ov25 trial.

Abstract #5514

Poster Discussion Session

Gynecologic Cancer

June 4, 2021

Hematology

Byrd, J

First results of a head-to-head trial of acalabrutinib versus ibrutinib in previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Abstract #7500

Oral Abstract Session

Hematologic Malignancies

June 7, 2021

Sharman, JP

Acalabrutinib ± obinutuzumab versus obinutuzumab + chlorambucil in treatment-naïve chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Elevate-TN four-year follow up.

Abstract #7509

Poster Discussion Session

Hematologic Malignancies

June 4, 2021

Sehn, L

ESCALADE: A phase 3 study of acalabrutinib in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) for patients ≤65y with untreated non-germinal center B-cell–like (non-GCB) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Abstract #TPS7572

Poster Session

Hematologic Malignancies

June 4, 2021

174 company-sponsored or supported abstracts will be presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2021.

2Beginning Friday,June 4, 2021 09:00 EDT oral presentations, poster discussions and poster sessions will be available on demand for 180 days including video and slide presentations and discussant commentary.

SELECT SAFETY INFORMATION for LYNPARZA (olaparib) tablets
LYNPARZA is associated with serious, potentially fatal risks, including myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML), pneumonitis. Additionally, serious, potentially fatal risk of venous thromboembolic events has been reported with LYNPARZA in mCRPC. LYNPARZA can also cause fetal harm.

U.S. FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS

LYNPARZA is a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor indicated:

First-Line Maintenance BRCAm Advanced Ovarian Cancer
For the maintenance treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline or somatic BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm or sBRCAm) advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete or partial response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for LYNPARZA.

First-Line Maintenance HRD Positive Advanced Ovarian Cancer in Combination with Bevacizumab
In combination with bevacizumab for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete or partial response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy and whose cancer is associated with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) positive status defined by either:

a deleterious or suspected deleterious BRCA mutation, and/or
genomic instability
Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for LYNPARZA.

Maintenance Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
For the maintenance treatment of adult patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, who are in complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy.

Advanced gBRCAm Ovarian Cancer
For the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm) advanced ovarian cancer who have been treated with 3 or more prior lines of chemotherapy. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for LYNPARZA.

gBRCAm, HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer
For the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious gBRCAm, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer who have been treated with chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or metastatic setting. Patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer should have been treated with a prior endocrine therapy or be considered inappropriate for endocrine therapy. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for LYNPARZA.

First-Line Maintenance gBRCAm Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
For the maintenance treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious gBRCAm metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma whose disease has not progressed on at least 16 weeks of a first-line platinum-based chemotherapy regimen. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for LYNPARZA.

HRR Gene-mutated Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
For the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline or somatic homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene-mutated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have progressed following prior treatment with enzalutamide or abiraterone. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for LYNPARZA.

Please click here for complete Prescribing Information, including Patient Information (Medication Guide).

SELECT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR IMFINZI (durvalumab)
Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue, including the following: immune-mediated pneumonitis, immune-mediated colitis, immune-mediated hepatitis, immune-mediated endocrinopathies, immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction, and solid organ transplant rejection. IMFINZI can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions. Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody.

Advise women not to become pregnant or breastfeed during treatment with IMFINZI and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

In the PACIFIC trial, the most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pneumonitis or radiation pneumonitis (7%) and pneumonia (6%).

The most common adverse reactions were cough, fatigue, pneumonitis or radiation pneumonitis, upper respiratory tract infections, dyspnea, and rash.

The safety and effectiveness of IMFINZI have not been established in pediatric patients.

Please click here for complete Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

SELECT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR CALQUENCE (acalabrutinib)

INDICATION AND USAGE

CALQUENCE is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

SELECT SAFETY INFORMATION

Serious adverse events, including fatal events, have occurred with CALQUENCE, including serious and opportunistic infections, hemorrhage, cytopenias, second primary malignancies, and atrial fibrillation and flutter. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 30%) of any grade in patients with CLL were anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, and diarrhea.

Please see full Prescribing Information including Patient Information.

SELECT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR TAGRISSO (osimertinib)

There are no contraindications for TAGRISSO
TAGRISSO is associated with several serious and sometimes fatal adverse reactions, including interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, QTc interval prolongation, cardiomyopathy, keratitis, erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and embryo-fetal toxicity
The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were diarrhea, rash, dry skin, nail toxicity, stomatitis, fatigue, and decreased appetite
U.S. FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS

TAGRISSO is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test
TAGRISSO is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy
Please see complete Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use in Specific Populations

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

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

NOTES TO EDITORS

About AstraZeneca in oncology
AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients.

The Company’s focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyze changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience.

AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

Sosei Heptares announces that the third novel drug candidate from its multi-target drug discovery collaboration with Pfizer has started clinical trials

On May 19, 2021 Sosei Group Corporation ("the Company") (TSE: 4565) reported that it has been notified by Pfizer that the first subject in a clinical trial has been dosed with a new drug candidate nominated from the multi-target drug discovery collaboration between the two companies (Press release, Sosei Heptares, MAY 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234580327]). Achievement of this milestone triggers a payment of US$5 million to Sosei Heptares. This candidate was nominated for advancement by Pfizer in December 2019 generating a US$3 million milestone payment at that time.

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Pfizer nominated three distinct clinical candidates from the collaboration with Sosei Heptares during 2019, all of which are now progressing in Phase I clinical trials. These candidates have also now been disclosed by Pfizer as:

PF-07081532 (an oral GLP1 receptor agonist for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity)
PF-07054894 (a CCR6 antagonist targeting Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and
PF-07258669 (an MC4 receptor antagonist for Anorexia)
This candidate is the ninth GPCR-targeted drug candidate overall originating from Sosei Heptares’ StaR technology and structure-based drug design (SBDD) platform to enter clinical trials.

Dr. Rob Cooke, Chief Technology Officer of Sosei Heptares, said: "The start of clinical trials with this new clinical candidate is a further important milestone in our highly productive and longstanding collaboration with Pfizer. It is a clear demonstration of the power of our structure-based design and discovery capabilities when combined with the complementary development expertise of a truly collaborative partner. This productivity is further exemplified by the fact that nine candidates derived from our platform have entered clinical trials across multiple disease areas, with more than 20 active programs underway either with partners or in house. This broad portfolio of exciting new drug candidates has potential to address significant unmet need globally and generate significant future value for shareholders."

About the Agreement with Pfizer

Sosei Heptares and Pfizer entered a multi-target drug discovery collaboration in November 2015 to research and develop potential new medicines directed at GPCR targets across multiple therapeutic areas. Many of these targets have clinical or biological validation as key points for therapeutic intervention potentially targeting a range of diseases but have proven difficult to address with conventional discovery approaches because of inherent technical challenges.

To address these challenges, Sosei Heptares and Pfizer scientists worked closely together to leverage their respective complementary expertise in enabling GPCR-focused structure-based drug design (SBDD) and development directed to the GPCR targets selected by Pfizer. Pfizer is responsible for developing and commercializing any potential therapeutic agents (small molecules or biologics) for each target and will have exclusive global rights to any potential resulting agents.

To date, Sosei Heptares has delivered multiple stabilized receptors (StaR proteins), X-ray structures and biophysical data on certain programs. These achievements have led to the design and development of novel small molecule candidates, three of which have now entered clinical trials. The progress under this partnership has triggered multiple significant milestone payments from Pfizer, with further payments and potential royalties possible under the agreement, provided the criteria under the agreement are satisfied.

Apexigen Announces Presentation of Phase 2 Clinical Data on CD40 Antibody, Sotigalimab (APX005M), in Combination Therapy for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer at the ASCO 2021 Annual Meeting

On May 19, 2021 Apexigen, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing a new generation of antibody therapeutics for oncology, reported the presentation of clinical data from the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy’s Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating sotigalimab, Apexigen’s monoclonal antibody targeting CD40, in combination therapy for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2021 Annual Meeting, being held virtually June 4-8, 2021 (Press release, Apexigen, MAY 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234590991]). Sotigalimab, Apexigen’s lead immuno-oncology therapeutic, is a potentially first-in-class and best-in-class CD40 agonist, with unique epitope specificity and Fc receptor engagement for optimal therapeutic effect and tolerability.

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"These important new data will play a critical role in our development plans for sotigalimab," said Xiaodong Yang, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Apexigen. "We were thrilled to partner with the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Cancer Research Institute and Bristol Myers Squibb, providing our potential best-in-class CD40 therapeutic for their pancreatic cancer study to help address one of the greatest outstanding challenges in oncology. We are encouraged by the clinical benefit observed with the novel combination regimen of sotigalimab and standard of care gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel. We believe the improvements observed in one-year overall survival, while not statistically significant as compared to the historical standard-of-care control, may provide meaningful benefit in a subset of patients with pancreatic cancer."

Dr. Yang continued, "Beyond these promising data, we are particularly encouraged by the pharmacodynamic effects of sotigalimab. These include an increase in activated myeloid dendritic cells and M1 macrophages, which demonstrates the on-mechanism and differentiated activity of sotigalimab. In addition, the identification of a unique biomarker signature that was associated with clinical benefit of treatment with sotigalimab plus chemotherapy may play a critical role in guiding our clinical strategy, as well as enabling the identification and selection of patients most likely to benefit from sotigalimab. Based on these clinical and biomarker data, we expect an additional Phase 2 trial with more patients and a biomarker-based patient selection strategy may be needed before launching a Phase 3 trial in this indication. We look forward to leveraging these important learnings in our ongoing and future studies, building upon our foundation of compelling single-agent activity in immunotherapy-naïve melanoma, durable activity in PD-1 refractory melanoma, and promising activity in our target combinations of chemotherapy and/or radiation in other solid tumors. To maximize the full therapeutic potential of sotigalimab, we have implemented a broad and comprehensive clinical development strategy and are currently conducting several Phase 2 trials across indications, lines of therapies and combination settings, from which we anticipate multiple milestones and near-term data readouts."

The poster titled, "Gemcitabine and nab-Paclitaxel ± Nivolumab ± CD40 Agonistic Monoclonal Antibody Sotigalimab (APX005M) in Participants with Untreated Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Phase 2 Final Results", will be presented by Mark O’Hara, M.D., an assistant professor of Medicine, in the division of Hematology-Oncology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Abstract #4019; Track: Gastrointestinal Cancer—Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary). The poster has been selected for presentation as part of a Poster Discussion Session from 9:00-10:00 a.m. ET on Friday, June 4, 2021. The poster will also be available on-demand through the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) conference portal, starting at 9:00 a.m. ET.

Summary of the data:
The Phase 2 study evaluated multiple novel combination regimens on top of standard of care gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (Gem+NP) in three cohorts: Cohort A1 (Gem+NP+Nivolumab), Cohort B2 (Gem+NP+Sotigalimab 0.3 mg/kg), and cohort C2 (Gem+NP+Nivolumbab+Sotigalimab 0.3 mg/kg). Each cohort was designed to be compared against a historical control OS.
The primary endpoint was 1-year overall survival (OS) as compared to the historical control standard of care (Gem+NP) of 35%. The one-year OS was 57.3% for A1 (P=0.007, n=34), 48.1% for B2 (P=0.062, n=36), and 41.3% for C2 (P=0.236, n=35). Improvements in OS were statistically significant for cohort A1, with moderate clinical activity observed in cohort B2
Safety profiles across all three cohorts were manageable and consistent with previously reported Phase 1b data, suggesting sotigalimab may be well tolerated when utilized in multiple combination therapy strategies
An increase of activated myeloid dendritic cells (CD86+ mDC) was found in the patients treated with sotigalimab containing regimens (Cohorts B2 and C2)
An increase of tumoral M1 macrophages was found only in patients treated with sotigalimab+chemotherapy (Cohort B2)
Lower baseline levels of effector memory CD8+ T cells, exhausted effector memory CD4+ T cells and TNF and MYC gene expression were associated with improved survival with sotigalimab+chemotherapy (Cohort B2)
Additional biomarker results from the Phase 2 study will be presented in a poster titled, "Baseline level and early on-treatment clearance of circulating mutant KRAS in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treated with chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy", to be presented by Jacob Till, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Research Investigator, at Penn. (Abstract #4122; Track: Gastrointestinal Cancer—Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary).

About the Phase 1b/2 Clinical Trial
In the Phase 1b portion of this open-label, multicenter Phase 1b/2 clinical trial, previously untreated patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma received sotigalimab in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, a standard-of-care chemotherapy regimen for this patient population, and half of the patients also received Bristol Myers Squibb’s PD-1 inhibitor, nivolumab. The Phase 2 portion of the trial evaluated multiple combination regimens on top of standard of care gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (Gem+NP): Gem+NP plus sotigalimab, Gem+NP plus nivolumab and Gem+NP plus sotigalimab and nivolumab. The primary endpoint was 1-year overall survival (OS) rate compared with a 35% historical rate for Gem+NP. Secondary endpoint results included safety (adverse events [AEs], treatment-related adverse events [TRAEs]), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and duration of response (DOR). Exploratory endpoints included immune pharmacodynamics, associations between tumor and immune biomarkers and clinical outcomes, and baseline and on-treatment microbiome profiles. For additional information on this trial (NCT03214250), please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About Sotigalimab (APX005M)
Sotigalimab is a novel, humanized monoclonal antibody that stimulates the anti-tumor immune response. Sotigalimab targets CD40, a co-stimulatory receptor that is essential for activating both innate and adaptive immune systems. Binding of Sotigalimab to CD40 on antigen presenting cells (i.e., dendritic cells, monocytes and B-cells) initiates a multi-faceted immune response bringing multiple components of the immune system (e.g., T cells, macrophages) to work in concert against cancer. Sotigalimab is currently in Phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of cancers such as pancreatic cancer, esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancers, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, rectal cancer and sarcoma in various combinations with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a cancer vaccine. Additional information on clinical trials for Sotigalimab can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

xCures partners with FibroFighters to launch a real-time learning platform for Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma

On May 19, 2021 xCures reported their collaboration with the FibroFighters Foundation to launch a real-time learning platform for the Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma (FLHCC) community (Press release, xCures, MAY 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234584919]). FLHCC is a rare cancer primarily affecting adolescents and young adults. With an annual incidence of fewer than 300 cases, little is known regarding the best treatment options.

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The xCures platform is a direct-to-patient research program that brings together patients, clinicians, patient advocates, and researchers, to accelerate the understanding of cancers and find better treatments faster.

Tom Stockwell, Executive Director of FibroFighters commented "We are very excited to be working with xCures on this important project". "This platform will have an immediate impact across many of our patients’ lives." He added, "I only wish this extremely valuable tool could have been available during my son’s fight." Tom has dedicated his life to helping FLHCC patients and families.

"xCures, FibroFighters, and the entire Fibrolamellar patient community are working together to advance knowledge about FLHCC across the country and around the world," stated Mika Newton, xCures’ CEO. "This partnership will leverage access to leading therapeutics, diagnostics, and algorithms to improve patient outcomes at the point of care and provide much needed real-time data for doctors treating this rare cancer."

For FLHCC patients, xCures integrates medical records into a clear patient summary report suitable for sharing with their oncologist, including their case summary, a list of top options, the rationale supporting each recommendation, and how to access the options.

Treatment options are informed by real-world data collected on the xCures platform, learning from the experiences of all FLHCC patients, and using AI algorithms to better understand which treatments work better for different FLHCC patients and why. Novel options and therapeutic rationales are sourced from expert oncologists and key opinion leaders in treatment of FLHCC.

xCures also helps patients access treatment options through trial matching, managed access, compassionate use programs, and by supporting insurance coverage of treatments with data. At the patient’s request, xCures may also convene a Virtual Tumor Board (VTB) where nationally recognized cancer experts further refine the xCures options summary based on a discussion of the patient’s personal medical history and preferences.

xCures and FibroFighters are actively assembling this expert panel for the Fibrolamellar community.

Exscientia announces multi-target, AI-driven drug discovery collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb

On May 19, 2021 Exscientia, the clinical stage, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven pharmatech company, reported that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) (Press release, Exscientia, MAY 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234580246]). This expanded collaboration has the potential to add to the Bristol Myers Squibb drug pipeline whilst enhancing Exscientia’s portfolio of shared assets. The collaboration will use AI to accelerate the discovery of small molecule therapeutic drug candidates in multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology & immunology. The agreement includes up to $50 million in upfront funding, up to $125 million in near to mid-term potential milestones, and additional clinical, regulatory and commercial payments that take the potential value of the deal beyond $1.2 billion. Exscientia will also receive tiered royalties on net sales of any marketed drug products resulting from the collaboration.

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This expanded collaboration builds upon Exscientia’s existing collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb that was initiated in 2019 with Celgene prior to Celgene’s acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb. Exscientia will take responsibility for AI-design and experimental work necessary to discover drug candidates associated with this collaboration for Bristol Myers Squibb. Molecules will be designed using Exscientia’s AI-driven drug discovery platform, which delivers optimized compounds fulfilling complex design goals faster and more effectively than traditional drug discovery.

Andrew Hopkins, CEO of Exscientia, commented, "We are proud that Bristol Myers Squibb wants to build on our work together with this expanded collaboration and believe it speaks to the strength and promise of Exscientia’s AI technologies and drug discovery expertise. We’re excited to work with such an experienced collaborator as Bristol Myers Squibb to develop the best possible medicines for patients."

Rupert Vessey, President of Research & Early Development at Bristol Myers Squibb said, "We have been pleased with Exscientia’s work in tackling a number of distinct projects for Bristol Myers Squibb. Exscientia’s application of AI technologies is proving capable of generating best-in-class molecules while also reducing discovery times. Rapid discovery of molecules that can enter the clinic in a timely manner could positively impact our work in discovering treatments for areas of unmet medical need"

Exscientia has already built a strong track record for its drug discovery platform, being the first company to advance AI-designed small molecule drug candidates into clinical studies. In addition to Bristol Myers Squibb, Exscientia has previously entered collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies including Bayer, Sanofi, and Dainippon Sumitomo, multiple emerging biotech companies and the Gates Foundation, demonstrating Exscientia’s reputation as the collaborator of choice for high-value AI-driven drug discovery. The company currently has more than a dozen partnered or wholly owned drugs in development. Exscientia recently secured a $525 million Series D investment, led by Softbank, to further fund expansion of its technology capabilities and proprietary drug pipeline.