FDA Approves JEMPERLI (dostarlimab-gxly) for dMMR Endometrial Cancer

On April 22, 2021 AnaptysBio, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANAB), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class antibody product candidates focused on emerging immune control mechanisms applicable to inflammation and immuno-oncology indications, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved GSK’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for JEMPERLI (dostarlimab-gxly) for the treatment of adult patients with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that has progressed on or following prior treatment with a platinum-containing regimen (Press release, AnaptysBio, APR 22, 2021, View Source [SID1234578357]).

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JEMPERLI was generated by AnaptysBio using its proprietary somatic hypermutation (SHM) antibody platform and subsequently developed by TESARO, Inc., now a part of GSK, under a collaboration agreement. Eight AnaptysBio-generated therapeutic antibodies have advanced into clinical development to date, and JEMPERLI is the first AnaptysBio-generated antibody to obtain FDA approval.

"The approval of JEMPERLI is a transformative milestone for AnaptysBio. This event provides important validation for our proprietary SHM antibody discovery platform and provides significant potential future milestone and royalty revenue to support AnaptysBio’s growth," said Hamza Suria, president and chief executive officer of AnaptysBio. "While AnaptysBio has partnered certain pipeline assets, our primary value-creation strategy remains focused on advancing wholly-owned, first-in-class therapeutic antibodies from discovery through development, and we look forward to multiple upcoming clinical data readouts from our product pipeline through 2021 and 2022."

Treatment of patients with recurrent or advanced dMMR endometrial cancer, who have progressed on, or are being dosed following, prior treatment with a platinum-based chemotherapy, is the first indication approved by the FDA for JEMPERLI. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. AnaptysBio has earned a $20.0 million milestone payment as a result of this FDA approval. In 2020, AnaptysBio received milestone payments of $10.0 million and $5.0 million for the FDA’s and EMA’s acceptances of the BLA and Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) filings for JEMPERLI, respectively.

The FDA recently accepted a subsequent BLA filing for JEMPERLI for the treatment of adult patients with dMMR recurrent or advanced solid tumors who have progressed on or following prior treatment. AnaptysBio recently received a $10.0 million payment from GSK as a result of this milestone. Payments totaling an additional $45 million will be due to AnaptysBio upon the achievement of future regulatory milestones for JEMPERLI in the United States and Europe. Furthermore, $165 million in sales milestones are due to AnaptysBio upon achievement of certain annual JEMPERLI sales revenues. Royalties due to AnaptysBio for dostarlimab range from 8% to 25% of global net sales, where AnaptysBio will receive 8% of annual global net sales below $1 billion, and 12-25% of net sales above $1 billion. JEMPERLI is also being developed by GSK for the treatment of other tumor types and treatment settings, including currently ongoing phase III trials in recurrent or primary advanced endometrial cancer in combination with chemotherapy standard of care (RUBY) and the phase III FIRST study of platinum-based therapy with dostarlimab and niraparib versus standard of care platinum-based therapy as first-line treatment of stage III or IV non-mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer.

In addition, JEMPERLI is being evaluated as monotherapy and in combination therapy across multiple tumor types and other cancers, including platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, multiple myeloma and melanoma.

GSK continues to develop additional antibodies partnered with AnaptysBio, including cobolimab, an AnaptysBio-generated anti-TIM-3 antagonist antibody, and GSK4074386, an anti-LAG-3 antagonist antibody. Under the terms of the collaboration, AnaptysBio is due to receive development and regulatory milestone payments for each of the first two indications for each of these antibodies. AnaptysBio can potentially receive a total of $1.1 billion in aggregate milestone payments under this collaboration. In addition, AnaptysBio will receive royalties ranging from 4% to 8% on global net sales of cobolimab and GSK4074386 and 1% of GSK’s global net sales of ZejulaTM.

Important Safety Information for JEMPERLI

Indication

JEMPERLI is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer (EC), as determined by an FDA-approved test, that has progressed on or following prior treatment with a platinum-containing regimen.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumour response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).
Important Safety Information

Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which can be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue and can occur at any time during or after treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibody, including JEMPERLI.
Monitor closely for signs and symptoms of immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function tests at baseline and periodically during treatment. For suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.
Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, withhold or permanently discontinue JEMPERLI. In general, if JEMPERLI requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroids (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to ≤Grade 1. Upon improvement to ≤Grade 1, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reaction is not controlled with corticosteroids.
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

JEMPERLI can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis, which can be fatal. The incidence of pneumonitis in patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, including JEMPERLI, may be increased in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation.
Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 1.1% (5/444) of patients, including Grade 2 (0.9%) and Grade 3 (0.2%) pneumonitis. Pneumonitis led to discontinuation of JEMPERLI in 0.7% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in all patients with pneumonitis. Pneumonitis resolved in 80% of the 5 patients. Three patients reinitiated JEMPERLI after symptom improvement; of these, 33% had recurrence of pneumonitis.
Immune-Mediated Colitis

JEMPERLI can cause immune-mediated colitis. Cytomegalovirus infection/reactivation have occurred in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis treated with PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies.
Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 1.4% (6/444) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.7%) and Grade 2 (0.7%). Colitis did not lead to discontinuation of JEMPERLI in any patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 17% (1/6) of patients with colitis. Colitis resolved in 50% of the 6 patients. Of the 2 patients in whom JEMPERLI was withheld for colitis, both reinitiated JEMPERLI.
Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

JEMPERLI can cause immune-mediated hepatitis, which can be fatal. Immune-mediated Grade 3 hepatitis occurred in 0.2% (1/444) of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required, and the event resolved.
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

Adrenal Insufficiency
JEMPERLI can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment per institutional guidelines, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold JEMPERLI if not clinically stable. Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.9% (4/444) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.5%) and Grade 2 (0.5%). Adrenal insufficiency resulted in discontinuation in 1 (0.2%) patient and resolved in 25% of the 4 patients.
Hypophysitis
JEMPERLI can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field cuts. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold JEMPERLI if not clinically stable.
Thyroid Disorders
JEMPERLI can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement or medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated. Withhold JEMPERLI if not clinically stable.
Thyroiditis occurred in 0.5% (2/444) of patients; both were Grade 2. Neither event of thyroiditis resolved; there were no discontinuations of JEMPERLI due to thyroiditis.
Hypothyroidism occurred in 5.6% (25/444) of patients, all of which were Grade 2. Hypothyroidism did not lead to discontinuation of JEMPERLI and resolved in 40% of the 25 patients. Systemic corticosteroids were not required for any of the 25 patients with hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism occurred in 1.8% (8/444) of patients, including Grade 2 (1.6%) and Grade 3 (0.2%). Hyperthyroidism did not lead to discontinuation of JEMPERLI and resolved in 63% of the 8 patients. Systemic corticosteroids were not required for any of the 8 patients with hyperthyroidism.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Which Can Present with Diabetic Ketoacidosis
JEMPERLI can cause type 1 diabetes mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue JEMPERLI depending on severity.
Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction

JEMPERLI can cause immune-mediated nephritis, which can be fatal. Nephritis occurred in 0.5% (2/444) of patients; both were Grade 2. Nephritis did not lead to discontinuation of JEMPERLI and resolved in both patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 1 of the 2 patients experiencing nephritis.
Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

JEMPERLI can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Bullous and exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), have occurred with PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-bullous/exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue JEMPERLI depending on severity.
Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in <1% of the 444 patients treated with JEMPERLI or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. Severe or fatal cases have been reported for some of these adverse reactions.
Nervous System: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy
Cardiac/Vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis
Ocular: Uveitis, iritis, other ocular inflammatory toxicities. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment to include blindness can occur.
Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis, including increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis and associated sequelae including renal failure, arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica
Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism
Other (Hematologic/Immune): Haemolytic anaemia, aplastic anaemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenia, solid organ transplant rejection
Infusion-Related Reactions

Severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions have been reported with PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. Severe infusion-related reactions (Grade 3) occurred in 0.2% (1/444) of patients receiving JEMPERLI. All patients recovered from the infusion-related reactions.
Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion or permanently discontinue JEMPERLI based on severity of reaction.
Complications of Allogeneic HSCT after PD-1/PD-L1–Blocking Antibody:

Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibody. These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT. Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibody prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity and Lactation:

Based on its mechanism of action, JEMPERLI can cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with JEMPERLI and for 4 months after their last dose. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from JEMPERLI in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with JEMPERLI and for 4 months after their last dose.
Common Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) in ≥10% of 104 dMMR endometrial cancer patients who received JEMPERLI as monotherapy were fatigue (48%), nausea (30%), diarrhoea (26%), anaemia (24%), constipation (20%), vomiting (18%), pruritus (14%), cough (14%), decreased appetite (14%), urinary tract infection (13%), and myalgia (12%).
JEMPERLI was permanently discontinued due to adverse reactions in 5 (4.8%) patients, including transaminases increased, sepsis, bronchitis, and pneumonitis. Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 23% of patients who received JEMPERLI. Adverse reactions that required dosage interruption in ≥1% of patients who received JEMPERLI were anaemia, diarrhoea, increased lipase, and pyrexia. (Press release, AnaptysBio, APR 22, 2021, View Source [SID1234578357])

Dynavax to Report First Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Host Conference Call on May 6, 2021

On April 22, 2021 Dynavax Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: DVAX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel vaccines, reported first quarter 2021 financial results on Thursday, May 6, 2021, after the U.S. financial markets close (Press release, Dynavax Technologies, APR 22, 2021, View Source [SID1234578356]).

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Dynavax will host a conference call and live audio webcast on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. (ET)/1:30 p.m. (PT).

The live audio webcast may be accessed through the "Events & Presentations" page on the "Investors" section of the Company’s website at View Source Alternatively, participants may dial (866) 420-4066 (domestic) or (409) 217-8237 (international) and refer to conference ID 4533398. A replay of the webcast will be available for 30 days following the live event.

Exelixis to Release First Quarter 2021 Financial Results on Thursday, May 6, 2021

On April 22, 2021 Exelixis, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXEL) reoported that its first quarter 2021 financial results will be released on Thursday, May 6, 2021 after the markets close (Press release, Exelixis, APR 22, 2021, View Source [SID1234578355]). At 5:00 p.m. EDT / 2:00 p.m. PDT, Exelixis management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results and provide a general business update. Access to the event is available via the Internet from the company’s website.

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To access the webcast link, log onto www.exelixis.com and proceed to the News & Events / Event Calendar page under the Investors & Media heading. Please connect to the company’s website at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be required to listen to the webcast. Alternatively, please call 855-793-2457 (domestic) or 631-485-4921 (international) and provide the conference call passcode 6139476 to join by phone.

A telephone replay will be available until 8:00 p.m. EDT on May 8, 2021. Access numbers for the telephone replay are: 855-859-2056 (domestic) and 404-537-3406 (international); the passcode is 6139476. A webcast replay will also be archived on www.exelixis.com for one year.

Plus Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2021 Financial Results and Business Highlights

On April 22, 2021 Plus Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSTV) (the "Company"), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel, targeted therapies for rare and difficult to treat cancers, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, and provided an overview of recent business highlights (Press release, Cytori Therapeutics, APR 22, 2021, View Source [SID1234578354]).

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The Company’s lead investigational drug is Rhenium NanoLiposome (RNL), a radiotherapy in development for several rare cancer targets, including recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). RNL, currently being evaluated in the U.S. multi-center ReSPECT Phase 1 dose-finding clinical trial, is designed to safely, effectively, and conveniently deliver a very high dose of radiation directly to brain tumors.

"In the first quarter of 2021, we made meaningful progress in critical areas including advancing our drug development and manufacturing activities, refining our clinical understanding of RNL behavior in the glioblastoma patients and in seeking FDA feedback on potential new clinical indications for RNL," said Marc H. Hedrick M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Plus Therapeutics.

First Quarter 2021 Clinical Highlights

Company highlights during the first quarter of 2021 included:

Entering into a master services agreement (MSA) with Piramal Pharma Solutions for the development, manufacture, and supply of RNL intermediate drug product.
Completing the 6th dose escalation cohort, with 18 patients treated in ReSPECT, with concomitant increases in both RNL drug volume and radiation dose.
Beginning treatment in an expansion cohort at the 6th dose with higher drug flow rates and faster drug infusion times.
Submitting 2 RNL pre-IND meeting briefing packages to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of leptomeningeal metastases and pediatric brain cancers, specifically ependymoma, high-grade glioma, and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.
Expected Upcoming Clinical Milestones and Events for 2021

In upcoming quarters in 2021, the Company intends to focus on a number of additional business objectives and potential milestones:

Complete enrollment of the ReSPECT Phase 1 trial for RNL in recurrent glioblastoma.
Complete pivotal trial planning in conjunction with FDA feedback for RNL in recurrent glioblastoma.
Complete a pre-IND meeting with the FDA, execute IND-enabling studies, if needed, and move into clinical trials for new RNL indications.
Continue development and evaluation of additional external and internal drug development candidates to expand the drug development pipeline.
Continue to explore partnership opportunities for three clinical-stage investigational drugs: RNL, DocePLUS and generic DoxoPLUS.
First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

As of March 31, 2021, the Company’s cash balance was $14.4 million, compared to $8.3 million as of December 31, 2020.
Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2021 was $2.5 million, compared to total operating expenses of $2.56 million for the same quarter in 2020.
Net loss for the first quarter of 2021 was $2.7 million, or $(0.33) per share, compared to a net loss of $1.1 million, or $(0.28) per share, for the same quarter in 2020. The net loss was consistent year on year when excluding the book gains on the warrants reported in Q1 2020. Remeasurement of warrant liabilities was no longer required for Series U warrants that were amended in Q2 and Q3 2020 and reclassified to equity.
First Quarter 2021 Results Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call and live audio webcast at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time today to discuss its financial results and provide a general business update.

Event: Plus Therapeutics First Quarter 2021 Results Conference Call
Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Live Call: 877-402-3914 (toll free); 631-865-5294 (Intl.); Conference ID: 3084418
The webcast can be accessed live via the investor section of the Plus Therapeutics website at ir.plustherapeutics.com/events and will be available for replay beginning two hours after the conclusion of the conference call.

Ligand to Report First Quarter Financial Results on May 3, 2021

On April 22, 2021 Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: LGND) reported that it will report financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 after the close of the U.S. financial markets on Monday, May 3, 2021 and will hold a conference call that same day beginning at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (Press release, Ligand, APR 22, 2021, View Source [SID1234578353]). Speakers on the call will include Ligand’s CEO John Higgins, President and COO Matt Foehr and Executive Vice President and CFO Matt Korenberg.

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