Janssen Presents Phase 1 Results for RYBREVANT™ (amivantamab-vmjw) in the Treatment of Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with MET Exon 14 Skipping Mutations

On August 19, 2021 The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson reported preliminary data from the Phase 1 CHRYSALIS study evaluating RYBREVANTTM (amivantamab-vmjw) for the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) exon 14 skipping (METex14) mutations (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, AUG 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234586768]). The initial data showed anti-tumor activity in patients with METex14 mutations and a safety profile consistent with reported experience at the approved CHRYSALIS Phase 2 dose (RYBREVANTTM 1050 mg [<80 kg] / 1400 mg [≥80 kg]).1 These findings will be featured at the virtual International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer’s (IASLC) 2021 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) taking place from September 8-14 in Denver as an oral presentation (Abstract #OA15.03).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

METex14 mutations are found in approximately three percent of patients with NSCLC.2 These genetic alterations result in hyperactivation of the MET receptor with corresponding cancer cell growth.3 While MET inhibitors have recently received accelerated approval in this setting in some regions, the vast majority of patients eventually acquire resistance to these therapies, thus underscoring the need for new treatment options.4,5,6

"Newer treatment advances for non-small cell lung cancer provide benefit to patients with MET exon 14 skipping mutations, but because they are effective for only a finite period of time, patients ultimately find themselves in need of new therapies," said Alexander Spira, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, Director of the Virginia Cancer Specialists Research Institute, Co-Chair U.S. Oncology Thoracic Program and presenting study investigator†. "We look forward to sharing these latest results for amivantamab that suggest its novel mechanism of action may be of benefit to people living with this type of lung cancer."

In the METex14 cohort of the Phase 1 CHRYSALIS study, 19 patients with this genetic alteration received intravenous RYBREVANTTM 1050 mg (for patients who weigh <80 kg) or 1400 mg (for patients who weigh ≥80 kg).1 Disease response was evaluated using overall response rate (ORR), per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1* (RECIST v1.1) as the primary endpoint.1 Of the 14 response-evaluable patients, partial responses were observed in 64 percent with four patients pending confirmation.1 Activity was observed in treatment-naïve and previously-treated patients, including four of seven patients previously treated with MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).1 The median time to first response was 4.1 months (range, 1.6–9.9).1

The majority of treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were Grade 1-2.1 Treatment-related Grade ≥3 AEs were observed in three patients (16 percent), which included dyspnea (N=1), hypoalbuminemia (N=1) and rash (N=1).1 The incidence of treatment-related AEs leading to dose reduction and discontinuation was 11 percent and five percent, respectively.1 Dose interruptions occurred in 32 percent of patients.1

In May 2021, RYBREVANTTM received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations, based on data showing an ORR of 40 percent (95 percent CI, 29 – 51) and median duration of response of 11.1 months (95 percent CI, 6.9 – NE).7

"While the recent FDA approval of RYBREVANT was an important milestone for patients with non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, there continues to be a lack of long-term treatment options for patients with other mutations, including MET exon 14 skipping mutations," said Kiran Patel, M.D., Vice President, Clinical Development, Solid Tumors, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "We are encouraged by these data showing evidence that RYBREVANTTM can lead to broad activity against both EGFR and MET-driven tumors."

About RYBREVANTTM
RYBREVANTTM (amivantamab-vmjw) received accelerated approval by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy in May 2021.7 Janssen has filed regulatory submissions for RYBREVANTTM with health authorities in Europe and other markets. RYBREVANTTM is being studied in multiple clinical trials, including a Phase 1/1b study, CHRYSALIS-2 (NCT04077463) to examine the combination in patients who have progressed after treatment with osimertinib and chemotherapy; as first-line therapy in untreated advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC in the Phase 3 MARIPOSA (NCT04487080) study assessing amivantamab in combination with lazertinib**; the planned Phase 3 MARIPOSA-2 (NCT04988295) study assessing the efficacy of lazertinib, amivantamab, carboplatin-pemetrexed vs. with carboplatin-pemetrexed in patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R substitution NSCLC after osimertinib failure; the Phase 3 PAPILLON (NCT04538664) study assessing RYBREVANTTM in combination with carboplatin-pemetrexed for patients with advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated NSCLC and exon 20 insertion mutations; and the Phase 1 PALOMA (NCT04606381) study assessing the feasibility of subcutaneous (SC) administration of RYBREVANTTM based on safety and pharmacokinetics and to determine a dose, dose regimen and formulation for RYBREVANTTM SC delivery.8,9,10,11,12

**In 2018, Janssen Biotech, Inc. entered into a license and collaboration agreement with Yuhan Corporation for the development of lazertinib.

About the CHRYSALIS Study
CHRYSALIS (NCT02609776) is a Phase 1 open-label, multicenter, first-in-human study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of RYBREVANTTM as a monotherapy and in combinations including with lazertinib, a novel third-generation EGFR TKI13, in adults with advanced NSCLC.12 The study consists of two parts: RYBREVANTTM monotherapy and combination-dose escalations and RYBREVANTTM monotherapy and combination-dose expansions.12

About Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Worldwide, lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, and NSCLC makes up 80 to 85 percent of all lung cancers.14,15 The main subtypes of NSCLC are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma.16 Among the most common driver mutations in NSCLC are alterations in EGFR, which is a receptor tyrosine kinase supporting cell growth and division.16 EGFR mutations are present in 10 to 15 percent17,18,19,20,21 of people with NSCLC adenocarcinoma and occur in 40 to 50 percent of Asians.22,23 METex14 mutations are found in approximately three percent of patients with NSCLC.2

RYBREVANT IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION7

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Infusion Related Reactions7
RYBREVANT can cause infusion related reactions (IRR); signs and symptoms of IRR include dyspnea, flushing, fever, chills, nausea, chest discomfort, hypotension, and vomiting.

Based on the safety population, IRR occurred in 66% of patients treated with RYBREVANT. Among patients receiving treatment on Week 1 Day 1, 65% experienced an IRR, while the incidence of IRR was 3.4% with the Day 2 infusion, 0.4% with the Week 2 infusion, and cumulatively 1.1% with subsequent infusions. Of the reported IRRs, 97% were Grade 1-2, 2.2% were Grade 3, and 0.4% were Grade 4. The median time to onset was 1 hour (range 0.1 to 18 hours) after start of infusion. The incidence of infusion modifications due to IRR was 62% and 1.3% of patients permanently discontinued RYBREVANT due to IRR.

Premedicate with antihistamines, antipyretics, and glucocorticoids and infuse RYBREVANT as recommended. Administer RYBREVANT via a peripheral line on Week 1 and Week 2. Monitor patients for any signs and symptoms of infusion reactions during RYBREVANT infusion in a setting where cardiopulmonary resuscitation medication and equipment are available. Interrupt infusion if IRR is suspected. Reduce the infusion rate or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT based on severity.

Interstitial Lung Disease/Pneumonitis7
RYBREVANT can cause interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis. Based on the safety population, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.3% of patients treated with RYBREVANT, with 0.7% of patients experiencing Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis. Three patients (1%) discontinued RYBREVANT due to ILD/pneumonitis.

Monitor patients for new or worsening symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis (e.g., dyspnea, cough, fever). Immediately withhold RYBREVANT in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed.

Dermatologic Adverse Reactions7
RYBREVANT can cause rash (including dermatitis acneiform), pruritus and dry skin. Based on the safety population, rash occurred in 74% of patients treated with RYBREVANT, including Grade 3 rash in 3.3% of patients. The median time to onset of rash was 14 days (range: 1 to 276 days). Rash leading to dose reduction occurred in 5% of patients, and RYBREVANT was permanently discontinued due to rash in 0.7% of patients.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis occurred in one patient (0.3%) treated with RYBREVANT.

Instruct patients to limit sun exposure during and for 2 months after treatment with RYBREVANT. Advise patients to wear protective clothing and use broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen. Alcohol free emollient cream is recommended for dry skin.

If skin reactions develop, start topical corticosteroids and topical and/or oral antibiotics. For Grade 3 reactions, add oral steroids and consider dermatologic consultation. Promptly refer patients presenting with severe rash, atypical appearance or distribution, or lack of improvement within 2 weeks to a dermatologist. Withhold, dose reduce or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT based on severity.

Ocular Toxicity7
RYBREVANT can cause ocular toxicity including keratitis, dry eye symptoms, conjunctival redness, blurred vision, visual impairment, ocular itching, and uveitis. Based on the safety population, keratitis occurred in 0.7% and uveitis occurred in 0.3% of patients treated with RYBREVANT. All events were Grade 1-2. Promptly refer patients presenting with eye symptoms to an ophthalmologist. Withhold, dose reduce or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT based on severity.

Embryo Fetal Toxicity7
Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal models, RYBREVANT can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the final dose of RYBREVANT.

Adverse Reactions7
The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were rash, IRR, paronychia, musculoskeletal pain, dyspnea, nausea, fatigue, edema, stomatitis, cough, constipation, and vomiting. The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased lymphocytes, decreased albumin, decreased phosphate, decreased potassium, increased alkaline phosphatase, increased glucose, increased gamma-glutamyl transferase, and decreased sodium.

New Publication Date for Allarity Therapeutics’ Q2 2021 Interim Report

On August 19, 2021 Allarity Therapeutics A/S ("Allarity" or the "Company") reported a new publication date for the Company’s Q2 2021 Interim Report, which is now being made public on August 23, 2021 (previously: August 31, 2021) (Press release, Allarity Therapeutics, AUG 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234586789]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The reason for the change of publication date is to accelerate the Company’s preparations for the transformation and recapitalization as announced on May 21, 2021 as the Company advances towards migration to listing on the U.S. Nasdaq stock market (New York, N.Y.).

RedHill Biopharma to Host Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Operational Highlights Webcast on August 26, 2021

On August 19, 2021 RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: RDHL) ("RedHill" or the "Company"), a specialty biopharmaceutical company, reported that it will report its second quarter 2021 financial results and operational highlights on Thursday, August 26, 2021 (Press release, RedHill Biopharma, AUG 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234586754]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The Company will host a webcast on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. EDT, during which it will present key highlights.

The webcast including slides will be broadcast live on the Company’s website, View Source, and will be available for replay for 30 days.

To participate in the conference call, please dial one of the following numbers 15 minutes prior to the start of the call: United States: +1-877-870-9135; International: +1-646-741-3167 and Israel: +972-3-530-8845; the access code for the call is:5554521.

AffyImmune Therapeutics to Present Initial Clinical Results at Upcoming CAR-TCR Summit

On August 19, 2021 AffyImmune Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company finding safe, effective ways to use CAR T cells against solid cancers, reported that scientific co-founder Moonsoo Jin will present twice at Hanson Wade’s 6th CAR-TCR Summit being held virtually August 30 – September 2 (Press release, AffyImmune Therapeutics, AUG 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234586769]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Dr. Jin’s first presentation "Developing Manufacturing and Quality Control Platforms for Cell Immunotherapy" will occur as part of the CAR-TCR 101 Deep Dive Day Bootcamp at 1:30 pm EST on August 30. In this talk, he will explore strategies to optimize CMC for high quality cell production, summarize key quality control parameters and assays, and discuss how to build product development teams to effectively manage change controls and scale.

His second presentation "First in Patient Clinical Readouts for Affinity Tuned CAR T with Real-Time Monitoring of Response" is part of the Clinical Management track on September 1 at 2:30 pm EST. There, Dr. Jin will expand on AffyImmune’s Tune & Track platform, including early insights into clinical experiences and results.

"We are honored to have two speaking slots at this year’s CAR-TCR conference," began Eric von Hofe, President of AffyImmune. "With these presentations, AffyImmune will demonstrate its technological and clinical advancements from the past year, particularly with our Tune & Track platform."

Interested parties can register at https://car-tcr-summit.com/take-part/register.

TScan Therapeutics Reports Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Highlights Recent Company Progress

On August 19, 2021 TScan Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TCRX) (TScan or the Company), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cell therapies (TCR-T) for the treatment of patients with cancer, reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, highlighted recent program progress, and outlined key upcoming milestones (Press release, TScan Therapeutics, AUG 19, 2021, View Source [SID1234586755]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"TScan achieved significant milestones this quarter, including the completion of our IPO that provided additional capital to execute on our long-term goals of advancing transformational TCR-T therapies for patients," said David Southwell, Chief Executive Officer and President at TScan. "We are on track in advancing our early-stage pipeline of liquid and solid tumor TCR-T therapy candidates to the clinic. Specifically, we plan to complete IND-enabling studies for our lead liquid tumor candidates, TSC-100 and TSC-101, and submit IND applications to the FDA during the fourth quarter. Additionally, we continue to progress our solid tumor program with the ongoing discovery of novel shared T cell targets and are advancing our TSC-200 series candidates against four targets with a goal to treat patients with multiplexed therapy."

Second Quarter 2021 and Recent Business Highlights

Financial and Corporate

In July 2021, TScan completed its initial public offering (IPO), raising $100 million in aggregate gross proceeds, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, and began trading on The Nasdaq Global Market. The IPO followed the closing of a Series C preferred stock financing of $100 million in gross proceeds in January 2021.

In July 2021, Gavin MacBeath, Ph.D., TScan’s Chief Scientific Officer, presented findings from TScan’s work to discover the targets of T cells in recovering COVID-19 patients at the Cell-Mediated Therapies for Infectious Disease Summit. The presentation also featured in vitro data comparing several polyepitope T-cell vaccine candidates based on the Company’s novel T cell target discoveries.

In May 2021, TScan appointed Brian M. Silver as Chief Financial Officer, and Gabriela Gruia M.D., to its Board of Directors. Mr. Silver brings more than 25 years of diverse strategic and financial experience within the healthcare and investment banking sectors to TScan, including as a managing director in the healthcare group of Morgan Stanley, as a partner at Perella Weinberg Partners, and his most recent role as Chief Financial Officer at Freeline Therapeutics. Dr. Gruia is a seasoned oncology drug development executive with more than 25 years of global regulatory and research experience, including her prior role as Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs for Novartis Oncology. TScan also named Timothy Barberich, the founder and former Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Sepracor Inc., as Chair of TScan’s Board of Directors.
Upcoming Expected Milestones and Key Priorities

Liquid Tumor Programs: TScan’s two lead liquid tumor TCR-T therapy candidates, TSC-100 and TSC-101, are designed to target HA-1 and HA-2, respectively, and treat patients with hematological malignancies who are undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Present additional preclinical data of TSC-100 and TSC-101 during the fourth quarter of 2021.

Complete Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies and submit IND applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for TSC-100 and TSC-101 during the fourth quarter 2021.

Initiate clinical trials for TSC-100 and TSC-101 in the first half of 2022 with initial top-line data expected in the second half of 2022.
Solid Tumor Programs: TScan’s TSC-200 series of TCR-T therapy candidates include a combination of known targets, such as HPV16 for TSC-200 and PRAME for TSC-203, as well as targets that are novel antigens for TCR-T therapy, such as for TSC-201 and TSC-202.

Present additional preclinical data of TSC-200 series during the first half of 2022.

Complete three IND-enabling studies for TSC-200 series and submit subsequent IND applications to FDA during the second half of 2022. A fourth IND is also planned for the first half of 2023.
Infectious Disease Program

Continue research into potential second generation COVID-19 vaccine constructs utilizing TScan’s novel T cell target discoveries.
Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

As of June 30, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents totaling $106.2 million, which excludes gross proceeds of $100 million from the IPO. Based on the Company’s current operating plan, TScan expects that cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2021, combined with the proceeds from the IPO, will enable it to fund its operating expenses into 2024.

Research and development expenses for the second quarter 2021 were $10.8 million, compared to $4.5 million for the second quarter 2020.

General and administrative expenses for the second quarter 2021 were $2.7 million, compared to $1.1 million for the second quarter 2020.

Net loss for the second quarter 2021 was $10.7 million or $7.69 per common share compared to a net loss of $5.6 million or $6.18 per common share for the second quarter 2020. Net loss per share was calculated using 1.3 million weighted average common shares and 0.9 million weighted average common shares outstanding for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively, both of which periods exclude the conversion of preferred shares and the issuance of new shares of common stock in the IPO.

On July 20, 2021, the Company issued 6,666,667 shares of common stock in the IPO, raising gross proceeds of $100 million, and bringing the total shares outstanding to 23,965,724, which consists of 18,822,590 shares of voting common stock and 5,143,134 shares of non-voting common stock.