1stOncology™: Cancer Intelligence Service – Page 11184 – 1stOncology is recognized as a Top 10 Global Pharma Analytic Provider

Zanidatamab Clinical Data Selected for Oral Presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium

On December 10, 2020 Zymeworks Inc. (NYSE: ZYME), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing multifunctional biotherapeutics, reported the selection of three abstracts for presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, taking place virtually on January 15 – 17, 2021 (Press release, Zymeworks, DEC 10, 2020, View Source [SID1234572610]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The presentations highlight updated clinical data for the HER2-targeted bispecific antibody, zanidatamab, in HER2-expressing gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (both as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy) and in HER2-expressing/amplified biliary tract cancer (as monotherapy). Zymeworks is currently recruiting globally in a pivotal clinical trial in patients with HER2-amplified biliary tract cancer for which a "trial in progress" poster will also be presented during the meeting.

Oral Presentation Session

Title: Zanidatamab (ZW25) in HER2-expressing gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA):

Results from a phase I study

Lead Author: Funda Meric-Bernstam, MD, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, TX

Abstract: 164

Rapid Abstract Session: Esophageal and Gastric Cancer

Date and Time: January 15, 2021 at 11:30 am – 12:15 pm ET

Poster Presentations

The poster presentations will be available on Friday, January 15 at 8:00 am ET on the conference website as well as the Zymeworks website.

Title: Zanidatamab (ZW25) in HER2-positive biliary tract cancers (BTCs): Results from a phase I study.

Lead Author: Funda Meric-Bernstam, MD, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, TX

Abstract: 299

Poster Session: Hepatobiliary Cancer

Title: A phase IIb, open-label, single-arm study of zanidatamab (ZW25) monotherapy in subjects with advanced or metastatic HER2-amplified biliary tract cancers (BTCs).

Lead Author: Shubham Pant, MD, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, TX

Abstract: TPS352

Trials in Progress Poster Session: Hepatobiliary Cancer

About Zanidatamab

Zanidatamab is a bispecific antibody, based on Zymeworks’ Azymetric platform, that can simultaneously bind two non-overlapping epitopes of HER2, known as biparatopic binding. This unique design results in multiple mechanisms of action including dual HER2 signal blockade,

increased binding, and removal of HER2 protein from the cell surface, and potent effector function leading to encouraging antitumor activity in patients. Zymeworks is developing zanidatamab in multiple Phase 1, Phase 2, and registration-enabling clinical trials globally as a targeted treatment option for patients with solid tumors that express HER2. The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for zanidatamab in patients with previously treated HER2 gene-amplified biliary tract cancer (BTC), and two Fast Track designations to zanidatamab, one as monotherapy for refractory BTC and one in combination with standard of care chemotherapy for first-line gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). These designations mean zanidatamab is eligible for Accelerated Approval, Priority Review and Rolling Review, as well as intensive FDA guidance on an efficient drug development program. Zanidatamab has also received Orphan Drug designations for the treatment of biliary tract, gastric and ovarian cancers, as well as Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of gastric cancer from the European Medicines Agency.

Ambrx Presents Phase 1 Trial Data Update and Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial in Progress for Lead Program ARX788 at the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

On December 10, 2020 Ambrx Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing Precision Biologics using an expanded genetic code, reported a clinical update on their lead program ARX788, a homogeneous and highly stable, site-specific antibody drug conjugate (ADC) targeting HER2 positive cancers (Press release, Ambrx, DEC 10, 2020, View Source [SID1234572609]).

"As presented at the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, ARX788 Phase 1 studies demonstrated promising antitumor activity in heavily pre-treated cancer patients at the recommended Phase 2 dose," said Joy Yan, MD, PhD, Ambrx Chief Medical Officer.

• ORR of 74% (14/19) and DCR of 100% in the 1.5 mg/kg cohort of the Phase 1 HER2-positive breast cancer trial in China
• ORR of 67% (2/3) and DCR of 100% in the 1.5 mg/kg cohort of Phase 1 HER2-positive pan tumor trial in U.S. and Australia
• mDOR or mPFS at the 1.5 mg/kg dose have not been reached.
• ARX788 was well-tolerated, with most adverse events being mild or moderate, and were manageable.

Patients who failed prior Kadcyla (T-DM1) or Enhertu (DS-8201a) achieved clinical responses, as assessed by RECIST v1.1 in the ACE-Pan Tumor-01 (ARX788-1711) trial, which enrolled patients with HER2 expressing cancers including breast cancer, gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, bladder, colorectal, biliary track, and salivary gland cancers in US and Australia.

"The randomized controlled Phase 2/3 HER2-positive breast cancer pivotal trial in China has treated 22 subjects as of December 5th, 2020 and continues to quickly enroll patients," said Dr. Xichun Hu, the leading PI of the ongoing ARX788 Phase 1 and Phase 2/3 trials in China.
"We remain on track to open multiple global ARX788 registrational studies next year, with the first study in HER2-positive breast cancer patients who failed prior T-DM1, T-DXd, or tucatinib-containing regimens starting in early 2021. These global registrational studies are designed to obtain BLA and sBLA in HER2 positive breast cancer, HER2 positive gastric cancer, HER2-low breast cancer, and other HER2-expressing or HER2-mutated solid tumors," said Dr. Yan.

About ARX788
ARX788 is a homogeneous and highly stable antibody drug conjugate (ADC) targeting the HER2 receptor. ARX788 is a Precision Biologic ADC that consists of two cytotoxic payloads site-specifically conjugated to a Herceptin (trastuzumab) based antibody. ARX788 was designed for maximum performance in the preclinical setting by optimizing the number, position and chemical bonds that conjugate the cytotoxic AS269 payload to the antibody. AS269 is a proprietary tubulin inhibitor specifically designed to form a highly stable covalent bond with our synthetic amino acids, a fundamental step in the creation of a Precision ADC. Ambrx is developing and commercializing ARX788 with its partner NovoCodex.

Avid Bioservices Announces Pricing of Public Offering of Common Stock

On December 10, 2020 Avid Bioservices, Inc. (NASDAQ:CDMO) (NASDAQ:CDMOP), a dedicated biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) working to improve patient lives by providing high quality development and manufacturing services to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, reported the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 3,333,335 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $9.00 per share (Press release, Avid Bioservices, DEC 10, 2020, View Source [SID1234572608]). The gross proceeds from this offering are expected to be approximately $30 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by Avid Bioservices, Inc. The offering is expected to close on or about December 14, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. Avid Bioservices, Inc. has also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase from it up to an additional 500,000 shares of common stock at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. Avid Bioservices, Inc. intends to use the net proceeds from the offering primarily for the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities and any remainder for general corporate purposes.

RBC Capital Markets is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering. Craig-Hallum Capital Group and Stephens Inc. are acting as co-managers for the offering.

The shares described above are being offered by Avid Bioservices, Inc. pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 previously filed with and subsequently declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). A preliminary prospectus supplement relating to the offering has also been filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website at View Source Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained from RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Attn: Equity Capital Markets, 200 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281, by telephone at 877-822-4089 or by email at [email protected], Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC, Attn: Equity Capital Markets, 222 South Ninth Street, Suite 350, Minneapolis, MN 55402, by telephone at (612) 334-6300 or by e-mail at [email protected] or from Stephens Inc., Attn: Equity Syndicate, 111 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, by telephone at (501) 377-2000 or by email at [email protected].

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any offer, sale or solicitation of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Geron Announces Fifty Percent Enrollment Milestone in IMerge Phase 3 Clinical Trial in Lower Risk MDS

On December 10, 2020 Geron Corporation (Nasdaq: GERN), a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company, reported achievement of fifty percent enrollment in the IMerge Phase 3 clinical trial of imetelstat in lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) (Press release, Geron, DEC 10, 2020, View Source [SID1234572607]). Data from the IMerge Phase 2 were recently presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and support the ongoing Phase 3.

"Reaching fifty percent enrollment is a key milestone towards the completion of this registration-enabling Phase 3 clinical trial, and we appreciate all of the support from our investigators and the patients who are participating in this study," said Aleksandra Rizo, M.D., Ph.D., Geron’s Chief Medical Officer. "We believe that the IMerge Phase 3 will confirm the meaningful and durable transfusion independence and the disease-modifying activity of imetelstat observed from the Phase 2, and that imetelstat could become a much-needed treatment alternative for patients with lower risk MDS."

The IMerge Phase 3 is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with registration intent. The trial is designed to enroll approximately 170 transfusion dependent patients with Low or Intermediate-1 risk MDS, or lower risk MDS, who have relapsed after or are refractory to prior treatment with an erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA). The primary endpoint is the rate of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion independence (TI) for a consecutive period of eight weeks or longer, or 8-week RBC-TI rate. Key secondary endpoints include the rate of RBC-TI of at least 24 weeks, or 24-week RBC-TI rate, rate of hematologic improvement-erythroid (HI-E), defined as a reduction of at least four units of RBC transfusions over eight weeks compared with the prior RBC transfusion burden, and duration of transfusion independence.

The Company continues to expect full enrollment in the IMerge Phase 3 in the second quarter of 2021. As long as enrollment is completed by the end of the first half of 2021, Geron maintains its projection of top-line results from IMerge to be available in the second half of 2022.

To learn more about IMerge and whether the study is enrolling patients in your area, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

Myelodysplastic syndromes is a group of blood disorders in which the proliferation of malignant progenitor cells produces multiple malignant cell clones in the bone marrow resulting in disordered and ineffective blood production. There are approximately 60,000 people in the United States living with the disease and approximately 16,000 reported new cases of MDS in the United States every year. The majority of patients, approximately 70%, fall into the lower risk groups at diagnosis, according to the International Prognostic Scoring System that takes into account the presence of a number of disease factors, such as cytopenias and cytogenetics, to assign relative risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and overall survival.

Chronic anemia is the predominant clinical problem in patients who have lower risk MDS. Due to low hemoglobin, many of these patients become dependent on red blood cell transfusions which can lead to iron overload, higher risk of development AML and poorer overall survival. Currently, no drug therapy has been shown prospectively to alter or delay disease progression.

About Imetelstat

Imetelstat is a novel, first-in-class telomerase inhibitor exclusively owned by Geron and being developed in hematologic myeloid malignancies. Early clinical data strongly suggest that imetelstat has disease-modifying activity through the apoptosis of malignant stem and progenitor cells, which allows potential recovery of normal hematopoiesis. Current clinical studies of imetelstat include IMerge, an ongoing Phase 2/3 trial in lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and IMpactMF, an upcoming Phase 3 clinical trial in refractory myelofibrosis (MF). Imetelstat has been granted Fast Track designation by the United States Food and Drug Administration for both the treatment of patients with non-del(5q) lower risk MDS who are refractory or resistant to an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent and for patients with Intermediate-2 or High-risk MF whose disease has relapsed after or is refractory to janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor treatment.

TRACON Pharmaceuticals Announces Dosing of First Patient in ENVASARC Pivotal Trial

On December 10, 2020 TRACON Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TCON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel targeted cancer therapeutics and utilizing a cost efficient, CRO-independent product development platform to partner with ex-U.S. companies to develop and commercialize innovative products in the U.S., reported dosing of the first patient in the ENVASARC registration trial (Press release, Tracon Pharmaceuticals, DEC 10, 2020, View Source [SID1234572606]).

"We are pleased to initiate dosing in the ENVASARC registration trial of envafolimab in sarcoma," said Sant Chawla, M.D., Director of the Sarcoma Oncology Center, Santa Monica. "Immunotherapy has radically changed the treatment paradigm for a number of cancers, and we believe envafolimab has the potential to do the same for sarcoma patients who have few treatment options."

"Dosing the first patient in the ENVASARC registration trial within one year of executing the license to envafolimab fulfills our 2020 expectations for what has been a productive year of clinical development and regulatory interactions for our lead product candidate," said Charles Theuer, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of TRACON. "We look forward to the availability of interim top-line data from this important study, which we expect in mid-2021."

About ENVASARC (NCT 04480502)

Key elements of the ENVASARC registration trial include:

Multi-center, open-label, randomized, non-comparative, parallel cohort study at approximately 25 top cancer centers in the United States.
Eligible patients will have undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) or myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) and received one or two prior cancer therapies, but no prior immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Planned total enrollment of 160 patients, with 80 patients enrolled into cohort A of treatment with single agent envafolimab and 80 patients enrolled in cohort B of treatment with envafolimab and Yervoy.
Primary endpoint of objective response rate (ORR) with duration of response a key secondary endpoint.
Open-label format with blinded independent central review of efficacy endpoint data.
About Envafolimab

Envafolimab (KN035), a novel, single-domain antibody against PD-L1, is the first subcutaneously injected PD-(L)1 inhibitor to be studied in registration trials. Envafolimab is currently being studied in the ENVASARC Phase 2 registration trial in the U.S. sponsored by TRACON, as well as in a Phase 2 registration trial as a single agent in MSI-H/dMMR advanced solid tumor patients and a Phase 3 registration trial in combination with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in advanced biliary tract cancer patients in China sponsored by TRACON’s corporate partners, Alphamab Oncology and 3D Medicines. Alphamab Oncology and 3D Medicines submitted an NDA to the NMPA in China for envafolimab in MSI-H/dMMR cancer in November 2020. In the Phase 2 registration trial, the confirmed objective response rate (ORR) by blinded independent central review in MSI-H/dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) patients treated with envafolimab who failed a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin and irinotecan was 32%, which was similar to the 28% confirmed ORR reported in the Opdivo package insert in MSI-H/dMMR CRC patients who failed a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan and the 33% confirmed ORR reported for Keytruda in MSI-H/dMMR CRC patients who failed a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin and irinotecan in cohort A of KEYNOTE-164.