On December 17, 2020 Lantern Pharma (Nasdaq: LTRN), a clinical-stage biopharma company using its proprietary RADR artificial intelligence ("A.I.") platform to transform cancer drug development and identify patients who will benefit from its targeted oncology therapeutics, reported a collaboration and research agreement with the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and Kennedy Krieger Institute (Press release, Lantern Pharma, DEC 17, 2020, View Source [SID1234572987]). The collaboration will focus on the further development of Lantern’s LP-184 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Based in Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a leading research center for brain cancers and one of the largest brain tumor treatment and research centers in the world with a focus on treating an extremely large number of patients affected by all types of brain tumors.

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The collaboration will focus on advancing the targeted use of LP-184 in defined subtypes of GBM and clarifying the most promising clinical applications for the drug candidate. The goal of the collaboration is to develop a clinically ready program that has characterized the drug candidate with the most biologically relevant and robust genomic or biomarker signature. By having a gene signature that can be used in identifying patients that have the potential for the highest response, Lantern can potentially accelerate future clinical trials and shorten the time to achieving patient benefit for GBM patients.

The research program is at the forefront of translational cancer medicine and will use patient-derived cancer cells that are studied using physiologically relevant in vitro and in vivo models. This innovative approach allows researchers to more precisely understand the biology of what actually happens inside the cancer tumor, which will more accurately establish the precise biomarker signatures and help provide data-driven insight into additional mechanisms that can be leveraged in the fight against brain cancer.

"Collaborations with world-leading cancer centers are an essential part of our strategy to rapidly advance the insights driving our therapeutic programs and grow the power of our RADR A.I. platform by adding millions of new, unique, and proprietary data points in areas of high unmet need in cancer," said Panna Sharma, CEO of Lantern Pharma. "This relationship with Johns Hopkins is expected to allow us to use state-of-the-art models and biological methods to add more physiologically relevant data and insights into the mechanisms of LP-184, and further shape our algorithms for how our drug candidates interact with specific brain cancer subtypes. We believe the unique insights we gain will equip Lantern with critical advantages in our aim of accelerating LP-184’s path to clinical trials and ultimately commercialization while saving millions of dollars in development costs. This data-enabled and biomarker-based approach has the potential to meaningfully bend the cost curve of cancer drug development and help bring personalized cancer therapies to patients with reduced economic burden, and greater efficacy."

The research will be led by John Laterra, MD, Ph.D., an internationally recognized researcher in neurology, oncology, and neuroscience. Dr. Laterra serves as the Co-Director of the Brain Cancer Program and the Director of the Division of Neuro-Oncology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where he specializes in investigating mechanisms of brain tumor malignancy, tumor vascular biology, and identification of new therapeutic targets in gliomas.

LP-184 is a DNA-damaging small molecule drug candidate currently in preclinical development for certain genomically defined solid tumors, including glioblastomas. As a next-generation alkylating agent that preferentially damages DNA in cancer cells that overexpress certain biomarkers and can cross the blood-brain barrier, we believe LP-184 has the potential to be used as both monotherapy as well as a synergistic agent in combination with other drugs.

"We are focused on finding how LP-184 can exploit certain molecular mechanisms in gliomas to offer improved disease management and survival for glioblastoma patients," said Dr. Kishor Bhatia, Chief Scientific Officer at Lantern Pharma. Dr. Bhatia continued, "We look forward to our collaboration with Johns Hopkins, the Brain Cancer Program and Dr. Laterra who is at the forefront of GBM research. His approach combines real world patient insights along with advanced methodologies and patient-derived models that can improve the quality of the insight and provide more relevant data on efficacy. We look forward to sharing these results with the broader scientific and clinical community."

Among several objectives, the research goals are to determine whether certain genomic signatures generated with RADR, Lantern’s A.I. platform, can predict response to LP-184 and a more favorable outcome as compared to standard of care agents being used today. LP-184 has been advanced using Lantern’s proprietary RADR A.I. platform that leverages over one billion curated cancer data points, machine learning, genomics, and computational biology to accelerate the discovery of potential mechanisms of action, and biomarker signatures that correlate to drug response in cancer patients.

Although significant recent advances have been made in the use of targeted and biomarker-based therapies in cancer, GBM remains an area that has not experienced significant improvement in patient outcomes. The overall five-year survival rate for GBM across all stages remains at only 5.5% in the US, and GBM accounts for nearly 52% of all primary brain tumors each year according to the National Cancer Institute.

On December 17, 2020 Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) reported that unveiled a collaborative initiative aimed at improving colorectal cancer screening, early detection and prevention across the United States (Press release, Exact Sciences, DEC 17, 2020, View Source [SID1234573009]). The transformative $10 million grant from Exact Sciences, a provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, will fund a colorectal cancer ‘Dream Team’ of researchers, as well as a comprehensive public awareness campaign to increase screenings.

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The new Dream Team will be awarded in early 2021 and will identify communities near anchor institutions that serve minority and medically underserved communities, pinpoint the unique local needs of those areas and turn participating at-risk communities into "Stand Up To Cancer Zones" with high rates of colorectal cancer screening. The Dream Team will provide free colorectal cancer testing in the identified zones and will study samples collected via approved tests for colorectal cancer, including colonoscopy, CT colonography, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and at-home stool tests that analyze fecal DNA and/or blood. The research will aim to develop better approaches to colorectal cancer interception.

Fellowships for early-career investigators committed to studying health equity and disparities in colorectal cancer will also be funded. Public awareness campaigns will focus on medically underserved communities to increase awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screening and early detection, and the availability of multiple effective screening options, such as traditional colonoscopy as well as options used at home.

"This funding allows us to bring together institutions, clinicians and communities to address the challenges we face in colorectal cancer screening," said Nobel laureate Phillip A. Sharp, PhD, chair of Stand Up To Cancer’s Scientific Advisory Committee and an Institute professor at the David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to make sure people are informed about both the benefits of colorectal cancer screening and their options."

"We’re excited to work with Stand Up To Cancer on this bold new initiative," said Kevin Conroy, chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences. "We want to change the way people think about colorectal cancer screening. This collaboration will move cutting-edge research and education efforts forward so we can help more people."

This year, nearly 148,000 Americans will receive a new diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer.i Colorectal cancer is treatable in 90% of cases when detected early,ii yet 1 in 3 adults over age 50 are not up-to-date on recommended colorectal cancer screening.iii The COVID-19 pandemic has further compounded the problem with screening rates dropping significantly due to stay-at-home orders. For example, the total number of colonoscopies and biopsies performed declined by nearly 90% by mid-April 2020 compared to April 2019.iv Concurrently, new cases of colorectal cancer are occurring at a growing rate among young and middle-aged adults in the US, with the number of cases of colorectal cancer in people under 50 expected to almost double by 2030.v The disease disproportionately impacts people of color; Black people have the highest rates of colorectal cancer of any racial or ethnic group in the US.vi In October 2020, the US Preventive Services Task Force released a draft recommendation to lower the colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45,vii but educating the public about the benefits of screening, as well as screening options, remains vital.

"We want people to understand that this disease is highly preventable and that a simple test can save lives," said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of Stand Up To Cancer. "When it comes to screening for colorectal cancer, the best test is the test that gets done. People will always benefit from simple and accessible healthcare options, and at-home preventive care is particularly vital to keeping people healthy during the pandemic. Together with Exact Sciences, we’re going to make this message mainstream and our hope is that other collaborators, such as healthcare providers, community leaders and advocacy groups, will join us in taking a stand against colorectal cancer."

Research has shown that colorectal cancer screening rates are the lowest in Hispanic communities, with 59% of Hispanics getting screened, compared to 66% of Black people and 69% of white people getting screened.viii Black and Hispanic people are typically diagnosed at a later stage in the disease when it is more difficult to treat. These disparities could be driven by financial barriers, lack of insurance, existing health inequities and insufficient information about colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screening options.

SU2C, along with Exact Sciences, plans to engage with other collaborators to help reach the underserved communities, foster scientific research and guide public participation. The multi-pronged approach intends to ensure that colorectal cancer remains a disease that is treatable and survivable through widespread screening and early detection.

SU2C announced a Health Equity Initiative in January 2020. The initiative requires all future teams seeking Stand Up To Cancer funding to address recruitment and retention of patients from different ethnic and racial groups and underserved communities to improve diverse participation in cancer clinical trials. The initiative also includes collaborations with advocacy groups and industry and corporate supporters to move research and public awareness efforts forward. The new grant from Exact Sciences is the next critical step in SU2C’s movement to ensure cancer research, screening and treatment benefit everyone.

On December 17, 2020 Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS), a clinical-stage oncology company developing innovative, full-length multi-specific antibodies (Biclonics and TriclonicsTM), and Sema4, a patient-centered health intelligence company, reported they have entered into a strategic agreement to utilize Sema4’s advanced genomic testing to identify patients with tumors harboring neuregulin 1 gene (NRG1) fusions who may be eligible for investigational treatment with the bispecific antibody Zenocutuzumab ("Zeno") in the Phase 1/2 eNRGy trial sponsored by Merus (Press release, Merus, DEC 17, 2020, View Source [SID1234572989]).

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Under the terms of the agreement, Sema4 will perform genomic testing to identify patients with advanced NRG1 positive (NGR1+) solid tumors who might need novel clinical options and raise awareness of Merus’ eNRGy trial.

NRG1 gene fusions are a group of rare genomic alterations emerging as a potential actionable driver of tumorigenesis and growth across many types of solid tumors, including lung, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, and colorectal cancers. Zeno, through its unique mechanism of blocking the interaction of the NRG1 fusion protein with its receptor HER3, has the potential to be particularly effective against NRG1+ cancers.

"Our next-generation genomic testing solutions deliver critical information to oncologists and their patients, enabling them to make informed treatment decisions," said Eric Schadt, PhD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sema4. "We are pleased to partner with the Merus team to provide clinicians with this advanced molecular analysis of solid tumors, and to increase awareness about emerging investigational care options and patient eligibility for the eNRGy trial."

"Our agreement with Sema4, and the opportunity to leverage advanced genomic testing solutions for oncology, hold promise to help us accelerate enrollment in our eNRGy clinical trial," said Dr. Andrew Joe, Chief Medical Officer of Merus. "We look forward to continuing to explore the potential for Zeno to become an effective new treatment option for patients with cancers harboring NRG1 fusions."

Merus is currently enrolling patients into the Phase 1/2 eNRGy trial to assess the safety and anti-tumor activity of Zeno monotherapy in NRG1+ cancers. The eNRGy trial consists of three cohorts: NRG1+ pancreatic cancer; NRG1+ non-small cell lung cancer; and NRG1+ other solid tumors.

On December 17, 2020 Allterum Therapeutics, Inc. reported that it completed its $1.8 million Series Seed offering to members of the FanninDirectSM investor group (Press release, Allterum, DEC 17, 2020, View Source [SID1234573011]). Allterum is developing a novel immunotherapy for treatment of IL7R-expressing cancers, including difficult to treat cases of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a program which has received both Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease Designations from FDA. The company will use the proceeds for its pre-clinical antibody manufacturing and toxicology work and to continue to build the management team.

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Philip P. Breitfeld, MD, a pediatric oncologist and former Global Vice President, Therapeutic Centers of Excellence of IQVIA (the renamed Quintiles/IMS Health), has joined Allterum as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Breitfeld has over thirty five years experience in clinical development, including at major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

"Having been fortunate to be part of the care of many children and adolescents with ALL, it is a dream to be part of the Allterum team focused on bringing new therapeutic options to children with ALL," said Dr. Breitfeld.

Although a majority of pediatric patients with ALL are successfully treated with current chemotherapies, a subset of patients experience relapse. In particular, patients with recurring T-cell ALL have extremely limited therapeutic options; as a result, these patients frequently have a poor prognosis. Allterum’s immunotherapy, invented at the National Cancer Institute by Dr. Scott Durum and his colleagues, was designed to be effective in these patients. It is also expected to benefit a much larger group of patients with IL7-R-expressing cancers including additional patients with leukemias, as well as sub-populations of patients with solid tumors.

"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Breitfeld to the team," said Dr. Atul Varadhachary, Allterum President & CEO. "He will play a pivotal role in advancing our programs addressing unmet critical medical needs in both childhood leukemias and in solid tumors."

Allterum is partnering with the Therapeutics Advances in Childhood Leukemia & Lymphoma (TACL) consortium to design a Phase 1/2 clinical trial, with Dr. Eric Schafer (Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital) and Dr. Susan Rheingold (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) as Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively, of the study. Allterum anticipates filing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA in early 2021, leading to the launch of the clinical trial.

In addition to the initial sponsor funding by Fannin Partners and the Series Seed proceeds, Allterum has also received a $2.9 million Product Development grant from the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

On December 17, 2020 Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALPN), a leading clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on developing innovative treatments for cancer and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, reported the company will present at the 39th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. ET/11:00 a.m. PT (Press release, Alpine Immune Sciences, DEC 17, 2020, View Source [SID1234572971]).

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A live webcast of the presentation will be available online in the investor relations section of the company’s website at View Source A replay of the presentation will be available on the company website for 90 days following the webcast.