On June 23, 2021 Sosei Group Corporation ("the Company"; TSE: 4565) reported that the first healthy subject has been dosed with HTL0022562 in a Phase 1 clinical study (Press release, Sosei, JUN 23, 2021, View Source [SID1234584295]). HTL0022562 (also known as BHV3100) is a novel, small molecule CGRP* receptor antagonist discovered by Sosei Heptares and the lead compound in a portfolio of CGRP antagonists licensed to Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd. ("Biohaven",NYSE: BHVN) in December 2020 for development as new therapies for CGRP-mediated disorders .

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The trial is a Phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, first-in-human study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of a single ascending dose and multiple ascending doses of subcutaneous HTL0022562 in healthy adult subjects. The trial aims to enroll 88 subjects at a single center in the UK and is expected to complete in 2022.

Sosei Heptares has advanced HTL0022562 successfully though a preclinical development program demonstrating its promising and differentiated properties for further investigation in human trials.

Under the global collaboration and license agreement with Biohaven, Sosei Heptares will conduct the Phase 1 clinical trial itself, receiving a milestone payment for its initiation, and is also eligible for development costs for conducting the trial. Biohaven will lead all future studies and development activities and Sosei Heptares will be eligible for further milestone payments and royalties.

Although the event reported today has no significant impact on the consolidated financial results for the accounting period ending 31 December 2021, the Company considers that an important developmental milestone has been achieved with HTL0022562 becoming the tenth drug candidate overall generated from Sosei Heptares’ SBDD platform to enter clinical development, and therefore makes this announcement.

Tim Tasker, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Sosei Heptares, said: "We are pleased to initiate this new clinical trial with HTL0022562 following the successful discovery and preclinical development work conducted by Sosei Heptares. We are also delighted at the speed of progress and the positive collaborative approach that has developed between our team and our partners at Biohaven and the confidence they have shown in our early clinical development capabilities. Together, we are committed to developing this novel differentiated agent to treat CGRP-mediated diseases with unmet need."

*Abbreviations used: CGRP – calcitonin gene-related peptide

About the Agreement with Biohaven
Sosei Heptares and Biohaven entered a global collaboration and license agreement in December 2020 under which Biohaven received exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize a portfolio of novel, small-molecule CGRP receptor antagonists discovered by Sosei Heptares for the treatment of CGRP-mediated disorders. Sosei Heptares received an upfront payment of US$10 million on signing in cash and Biohaven common shares and is eligible to receive additional research funding, up to US$370 million in development, regulatory and commercialization milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on net sales of products resulting from the collaboration.

About CGRP
CGRP is an important neuropeptide believed to be involved in multiple neuro-inflammatory and neuro-immune diseases. CGRP receptor antagonism interrupts pathologic signals in CGRP-mediated diseases, such as migraine. Following the success of this approach in migraine, Biohaven is exploring the potential of this approach in other neuro-inflammatory and neuro-immune diseases, including COVID-19.

On June 23, 2021 Clovis Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLVS), reported that the first clinical site for the Phase 1/2 LuMIERE study of FAP-2286, its novel peptide-targeted radionuclide therapy and imaging agent targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP), is now open at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) (Press release, Clovis Oncology, JUN 23, 2021, View Source [SID1234584262]).

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The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB is among the nation’s leading cancer research institutions and one of only 51 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

The Phase 1 portion of the LuMIERE study will evaluate the safety of the FAP-targeting investigational therapeutic agent and identify the recommended Phase 2 dose and schedule of lutetium-177 labeled FAP-2286 (177Lu-FAP-2286). FAP-2286 labeled with gallium-68 (68Ga-FAP-2286) will be utilized as an investigational imaging agent to identify patients with FAP-positive tumors appropriate for treatment with the therapeutic agent. Once the Phase 2 dose is determined, Phase 2 expansion cohorts are planned in multiple tumor types.

"I envision that targeted radionuclide therapy has the potential to transform how we diagnose and treat cancer and I look forward to exploring this in the LuMIERE clinical trial," said Thomas Hope, M.D., Director of Molecular Therapy in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at the University of California, San Francisco and lead investigator of the LuMIERE trial.

"We are pleased to initiate sponsored clinical development of FAP-2286 with the LuMIERE study based on the clinical community’s enthusiasm to further explore the potential of targeted radionuclide therapy and FAP as a therapeutic target," said Patrick J. Mahaffy, President and CEO of Clovis Oncology. "Given FAP is highly expressed in many of the hardest-to-treat solid tumors, we look forward to exploring the potential of FAP-2286 to treat patients with cancer as our first entry into this emerging field of targeted radiotherapy. The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and each of the clinical trial sites expected to open for enrollment in the near future bring tremendous nuclear medicine and medical oncology expertise as well as passion for the program."

FAP is a cell-surface protein that is expressed in limited amounts by normal tissues, but highly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) present in the tumor microenvironment of many solid tumors including breast, lung, colorectal and pancreatic carcinomas.i,ii,iii,iv Preclinical data demonstrate that 177Lu-FAP-2286 potently and selectively binds FAP on the surface of CAFs and tumor cells to deliver the beta particle-emitting radioisotope 177Lu, resulting in DNA damage and cell death.v Compelling anti-tumor efficacy of 177Lu-FAP-2286 has been demonstrated in FAP-expressing preclinical tumor models.vi

To learn more about targeted radiotherapy, FAP-2286 and Clovis’ targeted radionuclide development program, visit www.targetedradiotherapy.com.

About FAP-2286

FAP-2286 is a clinical candidate under investigation as a peptide-targeted radionuclide therapy (PTRT) and imaging agent targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP). FAP-2286 consists of two functional elements; a targeting peptide that binds to FAP and a site that can be used to attach radioactive isotopes for imaging and therapeutic use. FAP is highly expressed in many epithelial cancers, including more than 90 percent of breast, lung, colorectal and pancreatic carcinomas.Clovis holds U.S. and global rights for FAP-2286 excluding Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Israel.

FAP-2286 is an unlicensed medical product.

About Targeted Radionuclide Therapy

Targeted radionuclide therapy is an emerging class of cancer therapeutics, which seeks to deliver radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing delivery of radiation to normal tissue. Targeted radionuclides are created by linking radioactive isotopes, also known as radionuclides, to targeting molecules (e.g., peptides, antibodies, small molecules) that can bind specifically to tumor cells or other cells in the tumor environment. Based on the radioactive isotope selected, the resulting agent can be used to image and/or treat certain types of cancer. Agents that can be adapted for both therapeutic and imaging use are known as "theranostics." Clovis is developing a pipeline of novel, targeted radiotherapies for cancer treatment and imaging, including its lead candidate, FAP-2286, an investigational peptide-targeted radionuclide therapeutic (PTRT) and imaging agent, as well as three additional discovery-stage compounds.

On June 23, 2021 Photocure, The Bladder Cancer Company, reported the publication of a study in the journal Urologic Oncology (Press release, PhotoCure, JUN 23, 2021, View Source [SID1234584296]). The study objective was to determine the estimated budget impact to practices that incorporate blue light cystoscopy (BLC) with hexaminolevulinate HCl (HAL) for the surveillance of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in the clinic setting.

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The study utilizes real world data from a large Academic Hospital Urology practice in the U.S. to estimate the net cost when Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview is utilized for both surveillance and TURBT* in all NMIBC patients based on National Medicare Reimbursement rates alone. The objective of this budget impact model was to quantify the impact of using BLC with HAL when used in patients who were undergoing cystoscopy for the detection of NMIBC, including carcinoma in situ (CIS), among patients suspected or known to have lesion(s). The model compared the costs and outcomes of two different scenarios in NMIBC: white light cystoscopy (WLC) in the office, followed by WLC during TURBT, versus BLC in the office, followed by BLC during TURBT.In a simulated facility with 50 newly diagnosed bladder cancer patients, the model illustrates that the additional use of BLC in surveillance identified 9 additional recurrences over two years compared to WLC alone. Use of flexible BLC for surveillance marginally increased costs to the practice, with a net difference of $0.76 per cystoscopy over 2 years.

This study illustrates how the inclusion of BLC with Cysview throughout the continuum of care in NMIBC patients results in improved detection, and therefore improved patient risk stratification, without impacting overall cost in a Hospital outpatient setting.

"This model analyzes how incorporation of Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview impacts the cost to a practice in the continuum of care of NMIBC patients. We found that a practice’s patients could experience the benefits of earlier detection and improved risk stratification without a significant cost burden experienced by the practice. I believe future studies examining the economic impact of Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview are warranted and would further elucidate the direct and long-term cost benefits in the diagnosis, treatment and management of NMIBC patients," said Dr. Stephen B. Williams, MD, MS, FACS Chief of Urology, Professor (Tenured) of Urology and Radiology, Robert Earl Cone Professorship, Director of Urologic Oncology, Director of Urologic Research, Co-Director of the Surgical Outcomes Research Division, and lead author of the study.

Read the full article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1078143921002313?dgcid=author

In December 2020, Photocure communicated an abstract of this study, which was presented at the SUO congress prior to the manuscript undergoing peer review for publication: View Source

*TURBT: trans-urethral resection of bladder tumors

Note to editors:

All trademarks mentioned in this release are protected by law and are registered trademarks of Photocure ASA

About Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer ranks as the seventh most common cancer worldwide with 1 720 000 prevalent cases (5-year prevalence rate)1a, 573 000 new cases and more than 200 000 deaths annually in 2020.1b

Approx. 75% of all bladder cancer cases occur in men.1 It has a high recurrence rate with an average of 61% in year one and 78% over five years.2 Bladder cancer has the highest lifetime treatment costs per patient of all cancers.3

Bladder cancer is a costly, potentially progressive disease for which patients have to undergo multiple cystoscopies due to the high risk of recurrence. There is an urgent need to improve both the diagnosis and the management of bladder cancer for the benefit of patients and healthcare systems alike.

Bladder cancer is classified into two types, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), depending on the depth of invasion in the bladder wall. NMIBC remains in the inner layer of cells lining the bladder. These cancers are the most common (75%) of all BC cases and include the subtypes Ta, carcinoma in situ (CIS) and T1 lesions. In MIBC the cancer has grown into deeper layers of the bladder wall. These cancers, including subtypes T2, T3 and T4, are more likely to spread and are harder to treat.4

1 Globocan. a) 5-year prevalence / b) incidence/mortality by population. Available at: View Source, accessed [April 2021].
2 Babjuk M, et al. Eur Urol. 2019; 76(5): 639-657
3 Sievert KD et al. World J Urol 2009;27:295–300
4 Bladder Cancer. American Cancer Society. View Source

About Hexvix/Cysview (hexaminolevulinate HCl)

Hexvix/Cysview is a drug that preferentially accumulates in cancer cells in the bladder making them glow bright pink during Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC). BLC with Hexvix/Cysview improves the detection of tumors and leads to more complete resection, fewer residual tumors and better management decisions.

Cysview is the tradename in the U.S. and Canada, Hexvix is the tradename in all other markets. Photocure is commercializing Cysview/Hexvix directly in the U.S. and Europe, and has strategic partnerships for the commercialization of Hexvix/Cysview in China, Canada, Chile, Australia and New Zealand. Please refer to View Source for further information on our commercial partners.

On June 23, 2021 XBiotech Inc. (NASDAQ: XBIT) reported that it has enrolled the first patient in its 1-BETTER study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate XB2001 in combination chemotherapy for treatment of Pancreatic Cancer (Press release, XBiotech, JUN 23, 2021, View Source [SID1234584263]).

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XBiotech’s novel anti-cancer agent, XB2001, is being assessed in combination with ONIVYDE + 5-FU/LV chemotherapy regimens. Safety and tolerability of the regimen, as well as progression-free survival, overall survival and time-to-treatment-failure will be assessed in the study.

XB2001 blocks inflammation pathways turned on by tumors that help tumors vascularize, spread and cause collateral damage to healthy tissues. By using XB2001 to block inflammation in pancreatic cancer, investigators also hope to see a reduction in serious adverse events and reduced hospitalizations of subjects. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects of XB2001 may make the chemotherapy more effective and less toxic.

The study is also investigating a novel clinical endpoint that XBiotech calls the "clinical benefit response", which involves radiological assessment of muscle mass and patient reported measures of pain, fatigue and appetite. In earlier clinical studies in advanced cancer patients, XBiotech discovered that subjects with preserved muscle mass and stabilization or improvement of these symptoms, had dramatically improved overall survival. The Company previously validated this endpoint in a phase III study in colorectal cancer patients and will explore this endpoint now with its new drug in pancreatic cancer.

The current study will commence with a Phase 1 portion to establish safety, tolerability and dosing of XB2001 in combination with ONIVYDE+5-FU/LV. The Phase I portion will serve to establish a recommended Phase 2 dose, which will involve enrollment of 60 patients randomized to receive either placebo+ONIVYDE+5-FU/LV or XB2001+ONIVYDE+5-FU/LV for up to 12 cycles.

Dr. Carl Gray, Principal Investigator at Community Cancer Trials of Utah, site of first patient enrollment, commented, "Pancreatic cancer remains an aggressive and difficult form of cancer to treat. If we can use XB2001 to improve outcomes and increase the tolerability of chemotherapy, this would be an exciting advance."

John Simard, chairman and CEO of XBiotech stated, "Chemotherapy and paraneoplastic-related acute and chronic inflammatory responses play a key role in tumor progression and is a cause of significant morbidity with chemotherapy. Currently there is no approved therapy to specifically target this fundamental aspect of tumor biology or these effects of chemotherapy."

About True Human Therapeutic Antibodies
XBiotech’s True Human antibodies are derived without modification from individuals who possess natural immunity to certain diseases. XBiotech is undertaking discovery and clinical development programs across multiple disease areas. XBiotech’s True Human antibodies have the potential to harness the body’s natural immunity to fight disease with increased safety, efficacy and tolerability.

On June 23, 2021 Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc. (the "Company" or "Y-mAbs") (Nasdaq: YMAB) a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel, antibody-based therapeutic products for the treatment of cancer, reported that it has recently concluded a Type B meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") regarding omburtamab for the treatment of pediatric patients with CNS/leptomeningeal metastasis from neuroblastoma (Press release, Y-mAbs Therapeutics, JUN 23, 2021, View Source [SID1234584281]).

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At the Type B meeting with the FDA, available data from external historical control groups and plans for statistical analyses to compare such data with the data from Study 03-133 were discussed. Based on our discussions with the FDA, we believe we now have a clearer path towards the resubmission of the omburtamab BLA to the FDA. Y-mAbs agreed to provide the agency with additional detailed data and the statistical analysis plan ("SAP") and anticipates being able to do so during the third quarter of 2021. Upon receiving the FDA’s feedback on these items, we expect to move forward and request a Type B pre-BLA meeting. Pending a positive Type B pre-BLA meeting, we aim to initiate rolling resubmission of the omburtamab BLA by the end of the year.

"Although we are moving the timeline into the fourth quarter, we believe we now have a clearer path towards the resubmission of the BLA for omburtamab, which, if approved, would address an important unmet medical need," stated Thomas Gad, founder, Chairman and President.

Dr. Claus Moller, Chief Executive Officer, continued, "We are very pleased to be aligned with the FDA on the next step towards the resubmission of the omburtamab BLA, and believe that, if approved, omburtamab can be of significant benefit to children with CNS/leptomeningeal metastasis from neuroblastoma."

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ("MSK") developed omburtamab, which is exclusively licensed by MSK to Y-mAbs. As a result of this licensing arrangement, MSK has institutional financial interests in the compound.