On May 9, 2019 Marker Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRKR), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company specializing in the development of next-generation T cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of hematological malignancies and solid tumor indications, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019 (Press release, TapImmune, MAY 9, 2019, View Source [SID1234536044]).
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"We continued to make significant progress this quarter. Based on our early interactions with the U.S. FDA, we are confident in our submission package for our IND for post-transplant acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In light of the feedback from the FDA, we plan to submit an IND for a Phase 2 clinical trial in the third quarter, which should enable us to enroll the first patient by the end of the year," said Peter L. Hoang, President & CEO of Marker Therapeutics. "Depending on the results and upon further discussions with the FDA, we believe that if results are positive, this has the potential to serve as a pivotal trial—particularly if results are consistent with data generated to date from our MultiTAA therapies in investigator-sponsored trials. We look forward to initiating our first company-sponsored trial in such an important disease area, for which there are limited treatment options. Additionally, we anticipate reporting an update from our solid tumor program in pancreatic cancer in the third quarter."
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS AND CURRENT UPDATES
Multi-Antigen Targeted (MultiTAA) T Cell Therapies
·Company Prepares IND for Potentially Pivotal Trial in Post-Transplant AML
Based on interactions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the clinical trial design of the planned Marker-sponsored Phase 2 clinical trial in post-transplant AML, the Company remains on track to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the third quarter, and anticipates first patient enrolled by the end of 2019. The multicenter trial will evaluate clinical efficacy of Marker’s MultiTAA-specific T cells in patients with AML in both the adjuvant and active disease setting, following an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The dose to be administered in the trial is expected to be the maximum tolerated dose currently determined in the Baylor College of Medicine-sponsored Phase 1 trial. In the adjuvant setting, patients will be randomized to either MultiTAA therapy at approximately 90 days post-transplant or standard of care observation, while the active disease patients will receive MultiTAA T cells as part of a single-arm group at approximately 90 days post-transplant.
·MultiTAA T Cell Therapies Continue to Generate Positive Clinical Data Across Various Indications
In several ongoing investigator-sponsored Phase 1 clinical trials led by Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Marker’s MultiTAA therapies have demonstrated the potential to mediate a meaningful anti-tumor effect, as well as significant in vivo expansion of T cells. Across all hematological indications studied in these trials—including AML, lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and multiple myeloma—MultiTAA therapy has appeared to be well-tolerated, with no incidence of cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity or any other serious adverse events related to the therapy.
·Company to Report Update from Phase 1/2 Trial in Pancreatic Cancer in Q3 2019
Marker plans to report additional interim data from BCM’s ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial in pancreatic cancer in the third quarter of 2019. The Phase 1/2 trial is a three-arm trial which includes chemo-responsive patients (Arm A), chemo-refractory patients (Arm B) and an exploratory arm for patients who have surgically-resectable disease (Arm C). Patients in the chemo-responsive arm have completed at least three months of standard-of-care chemotherapy, and are receiving up to six administrations of MultiTAA T cells in alternation with chemotherapy. Patients in the chemo-refractory arm are either ineligible for chemotherapy or have progressed on chemotherapy, and are receiving up to six doses of MultiTAA T cells as a monotherapy. The surgically-resectable patients are receiving a dose of T cells prior to surgical resection which allows Marker to assess the tumor samples for T-cell infiltration, epitope spreading and other important characteristics. These patients are eligible to receive five additional doses of T cells after surgical resection.
T Cell Based Vaccines
·Ovarian Cancer Data
As of January 2019, the Company has completed enrollment in its Phase 2 clinical trial in ovarian cancer using TPIV200 as a maintenance therapy for patients in their first remission after surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, with a total of 120 patients enrolled, randomized, and treated at 17 clinical sites. The trial completed enrollment six months faster than anticipated and the Company expects to reach its planned interim analysis trigger of 55 patients who have progressed before the end of 2019 and to report the results of this interim analysis in the fourth quarter of 2019.
·Triple Negative Breast Cancer Data
The Company reported initial findings from its dose-finding, four-arm Phase 2 clinical trial in triple negative breast cancer, including low- and high-dose TPIV200 with or without cyclophosphamide. Of 27 patients evaluated for immunogenicity, 26 showed significant immune response to the vaccine treatment. Of 80 patients treated at 11 clinical sites, 14 have shown disease progression, as of April 30, 2019, following treatment with TPIV200.
FIRST QUARTER 2019 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 was $5.3 million compared to a net loss of $3.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.
Research and development expenses were $2.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, an increase of $1.2 million, compared to $1.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to increased headcount-related expenses, stock-based compensation expenses and consulting expenses resulting from the expansion of our internal infrastructure as we advance the clinical development of our MultiTAA T cell product candidates.
General and administrative expenses were $2.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, an increase of $1.2 million, compared to $1.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in general and administrative headcount and stock-based compensation expenses.
CASH POSITION AND GUIDANCE
At March 31, 2019, Marker had cash and cash equivalents of $57.7 million. The Company believes that its existing cash and cash equivalents will fund the Company’s current operations into late 2020.
UPCOMING NEAR-TERM POTENTIAL MILESTONES
·First update in solid tumor program planned for third quarter of 2019;
·IND submission for Company-sponsored Phase 2 AML clinical trial in the third quarter of 2019, with first patient enrolled by end of 2019;
·Interim analysis readout in the TPIV200 ovarian trial expected in fourth quarter of 2019; and
·Overall update on ongoing clinical trials in cell therapy to be provided by the end of 2019.