On October 31, 2016 Novogen Ltd (ASX: NRT; NASDAQ: NVGN) reported that it has entered into a worldwide licensing agreement with Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, to develop and commercialise GDC-0084, a small molecule inhibitor of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway (Press release, Novogen, OCT 31, 2016, View Source [SID1234516119]). Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo! The lead indication for GDC – 0084 is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, accounting for approximately 15% of primary brain tumours. Median overal l survival is considered to be approximately 12 – 15 months from the time of diagnosis. 1 Therapies targeting the PI3K pathway have been under development by a number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for several years, in various types of cancer. GDC – 0084 is distinguished from most molecules in the class by its ability to cross the blood – brain barrier, potentially making it suitable for cancers of the central nervous system. Genentech has completed a phase I study of GDC – 0084 in patients with r ecurrent GBM, and data was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting in Chicago, IL in June 2016 2 . The study recruited 47 patients at five centres in the United States and Spain, including UCLA, Dana – Farber Cancer Institute, and Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition, GDC – 0084 has an open Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the transaction includes a quantity of pre – manufactured drug substance that is expected to be sufficient to support a proposed phase II clinical trial. Novogen CEO, Dr James Garner, commented, "We are excited that Genentech has entrusted us to take forward this promising investigational medicine in one of the most challenging areas of cancer treatment. This is a transformative step for Novogen, and the a ddition of GDC – 0084 to our portfolio strengthens our position as an emerging oncology biotech company. Our pipeline is now diversified across three distinct technology platforms, and we anticipate it will provide a rich flow of value – driving milestones as the company progresses." He added, "The PI3K inhibitor class is well – validated and is of considerable interest to larger pharmaceutical companies. While a number of development candidates are in clinical trials across a range of cancer types, we believe GDC-0084 is well differentiated and represents an important opportunity to contribute to the treatment of patients with glioblastoma." Under the terms of the agreement, Novogen will pay Genentech an upfront payment of US$ 5 million and performance – related co nsideration linked to regulatory and commercial outcomes. In addition, Genentech will receive royalty payments in – line with industry benchmarks. Genentech will immediately initiate transfer of the IND for GDC – 0084 to Novogen, as well as key manufacturing and analytical processes. Novogen anticipates being able to provide an update to the market in the design, project cost, and timelines of the proposed phase II study early in the new year
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