Kura Oncology to Participate in Three Upcoming Investor Conferences

On February 19, 2020 Kura Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: KURA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer, reported that Troy Wilson, Ph.D., J.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to participate in three upcoming investor conferences (Press release, Kura Oncology, FEB 19, 2020, View Source [SID1234554504]):

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A fireside chat at the SVB Leerink 9th Annual Global Healthcare Conference in New York at 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT on February 26, 2020;

A presentation at the Cowen 40th Annual Health Care Conference in Boston at 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT on March 3, 2020; and

A presentation at the Oppenheimer 30th Annual Healthcare Conference in New York at 10:20 a.m. ET / 7:20 a.m. PT on March 17, 2020.
Live audio webcasts of the fireside chat and presentations will be available in the Investors section of Kura’s website at www.kuraoncology.com, with an archived replay available for 30 days following the event.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Accepts Karyopharm’s Supplemental New Drug Application for XPOVIO® (Selinexor) as a Treatment for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

On February 19, 2020 Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:KPTI), an oncology-focused pharmaceutical company, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for filing its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) seeking accelerated approval for oral XPOVIO (selinexor) tablets, the Company’s first-in-class, Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (RR DLBCL), not otherwise specified, who have received at least two prior therapies (Press release, Karyopharm, FEB 19, 2020, View Source [SID1234554503]). The FDA also granted Karyopharm’s request for Priority Review and assigned a user fee goal date of June 23, 2020 under the Prescription Drug User-Fee Act (PDUFA).

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"We look forward to supporting the FDA through the review process for our second NDA for XPOVIO as there remains significant unmet medical need for patients whose DLBCL has relapsed or is refractory to multiple drug therapies," said Sharon Shacham, PhD, MBA, Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Karyopharm. "This regulatory milestone for XPOVIO represents another important step towards bringing a novel, oral treatment option with a unique mechanism of action to patients and families in need."

Provided marketing approval is granted by the FDA, Karyopharm plans to commercialize XPOVIO in the U.S. in this second indication by mid-2020. The Company also expects to submit a Marketing Authorization Application to the European Medicines Agency in 2020 requesting conditional approval for XPOVIO in this same indication.

Priority Review is granted by the FDA to drugs that, if approved, would provide significant improvements in the safety or effectiveness of the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of a serious condition when compared to standard applications. XPOVIO has received both Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations from the FDA for the treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL.

About XPOVIO (selinexor)

XPOVIO is a first-in-class, oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound. XPOVIO functions by selectively binding to and inhibiting the nuclear export protein exportin 1 (XPO1, also called CRM1). XPOVIO blocks the nuclear export of tumor suppressor, growth regulatory and anti-inflammatory proteins, leading to accumulation of these proteins in the nucleus and enhancing their anti-cancer activity in the cell. The forced nuclear retention of these proteins can counteract a multitude of the oncogenic pathways that, unchecked, allow cancer cells with severe DNA damage to continue to grow and divide in an unrestrained fashion. In addition to receiving accelerated U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of XPOVIO in July 2019 in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least four prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least two proteasome inhibitors, at least two immunomodulatory agents, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, Karyopharm has also submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) with a request for conditional approval of selinexor. A supplemental New Drug Application was recently accepted by the FDA seeking accelerated approval for selinexor as a new treatment for adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Selinexor has received Fast Track and Orphan designation from the FDA for the patient population evaluated in the SADAL study. Selinexor is also being evaluated in several other mid-and later-phase clinical trials across multiple cancer indications, including in multiple myeloma in a pivotal, randomized Phase 3 study in combination with Velcade (bortezomib) and low-dose dexamethasone (BOSTON), as a potential backbone therapy in combination with approved therapies (STOMP), in liposarcoma (SEAL) and in endometrial cancer (SIENDO), among others. Additional Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies are ongoing or currently planned, including multiple studies in combination with approved therapies in a variety of tumor types to further inform Karyopharm’s clinical development priorities for selinexor. Additional clinical trial information for selinexor is available at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Thrombocytopenia

XPOVIO can cause thrombocytopenia, leading to potentially fatal hemorrhage. Thrombocytopenia was reported as an adverse reaction in 74% of patients, and severe (Grade 3-4) thrombocytopenia occurred in 61% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first event was 22 days. Bleeding occurred in 23% of patients with thrombocytopenia, clinically significant bleeding occurred in 5% of patients with thrombocytopenia and fatal hemorrhage occurred in <1% of patients.

Monitor platelet counts at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Institute platelet transfusion and/or other treatments as clinically indicated. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of bleeding and evaluate promptly. Interrupt and/or reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Neutropenia

XPOVIO can cause neutropenia, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Neutropenia was reported as an adverse reaction in 34% of patients, and severe (Grade 3-4) neutropenia occurred in 21% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first event was 25 days. Febrile neutropenia was reported in 3% of patients.

Obtain neutrophil counts at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of concomitant infection and evaluate promptly. Consider supportive measures including antimicrobials for signs of infection and use of growth factors (e.g., G-CSF). Interrupt and/or reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Gastrointestinal Toxicity

Gastrointestinal toxicities occurred in patients treated with XPOVIO.

Nausea/Vomiting

Nausea was reported as an adverse reaction in 72% of patients, and Grade 3 nausea occurred in 9% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first nausea event was 3 days.

Vomiting was reported in 41% of patients, and Grade 3 vomiting occurred in 4% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of the first vomiting event was 5 days.

Provide prophylactic 5-HT3 antagonists and/or other anti-nausea agents, prior to and during treatment with XPOVIO. Manage nausea/vomiting by dose interruption, reduction, and/or discontinuation. Administer intravenous fluids and replace electrolytes to prevent dehydration in patients at risk. Use additional anti-nausea medications as clinically indicated.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea was reported as an adverse reaction in 44% of patients, and Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 6% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of diarrhea was 15 days.

Manage diarrhea by dose modifications and/or standard anti-diarrheal agents; administer intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration in patients at risk.

Anorexia/Weight Loss

Anorexia was reported as an adverse reaction in 53% of patients, and Grade 3 anorexia occurred in 5% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of anorexia was 8 days.

Weight loss was reported as an adverse reaction in 47% of patients, and Grade 3 weight loss occurred in 1% of patients treated with XPOVIO. The median time to onset of weight loss was 15 days.

Monitor patient weight at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Manage anorexia and weight loss with dose modifications, appetite stimulants, and nutritional support.

Hyponatremia

XPOVIO can cause hyponatremia; 39% of patients treated with XPOVIO experienced hyponatremia, 22% of patients experienced Grade 3 or 4 hyponatremia. The median time to onset of the first event was 8 days.

Monitor sodium level at baseline, during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor more frequently during the first two months of treatment. Correct sodium levels for concurrent hyperglycemia (serum glucose >150 mg/dL) and high serum paraprotein levels. Treat hyponatremia per clinical guidelines (intravenous saline and/or salt tablets), including dietary review. Interrupt and/or reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Infections

In patients receiving XPOVIO, 52% of patients experienced any grade of infection. Upper respiratory tract infection of any grade occurred in 21%, pneumonia in 13%, and sepsis in 6% of patients. Grade ≥3 infections were reported in 25% of patients, and deaths resulting from an infection occurred in 4% of patients. The most commonly reported Grade ≥3 infections were pneumonia in 9% of patients, followed by sepsis in 6%. The median time to onset was 54 days for pneumonia and 42 days for sepsis. Most infections were not associated with neutropenia and were caused by non-opportunistic organisms.

Neurological Toxicity

Neurological toxicities occurred in patients treated with XPOVIO.

Neurological adverse reactions including dizziness, syncope, depressed level of consciousness, and mental status changes (including delirium and confusional state) occurred in 30% of patients, and severe events (Grade 3-4) occurred in 9% of patients treated with XPOVIO. Median time to the first event was 15 days.

Optimize hydration status, hemoglobin level, and concomitant medications to avoid exacerbating dizziness or mental status changes.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on data from animal studies and its mechanism of action, XPOVIO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Selinexor administration to pregnant animals during organogenesis resulted in structural abnormalities and alterations to growth at exposures below those occurring clinically at the recommended dose.

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential and males with a female partner of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XPOVIO and for 1 week after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) are thrombocytopenia, fatigue, nausea, anemia, decreased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, vomiting, hyponatremia, neutropenia, leukopenia, constipation, dyspnea, and upper respiratory tract infection.

The treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 27%; 53% of patients had a reduction in the XPOVIO dose, and 65.3% had the dose of XPOVIO interrupted. The most frequent adverse reactions requiring permanent discontinuation in 4% or greater of patients who received XPOVIO included fatigue, nausea, and thrombocytopenia. The rate of fatal adverse reactions was 8.9%.

H3 Biomedicine Announces Appointment of Chief Medical Officer, Antonio Gualberto

On February 19, 2020 H3 Biomedicine, Inc. (H3), a U.S.-based precision medicine research & development subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd., reported the appointment of Antonio Gualberto, MD, PhD, to the position of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) (Press release, H3 Biomedicine, FEB 19, 2020, View Source [SID1234554502]). Dr. Gualberto will oversee global clinical research & development for the H3 pipeline of clinical stage assets.

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"H3 is at a pivotal stage of growth. The breadth of our precision medicine-driven discovery and clinical R&D require a CMO with vast scientific knowledge and leadership expertise," said Lihua Yu, PhD, President and Chief Data Science Officer, H3. "Dr. Gualberto, possesses more than 20 years of experience in developing clinical assets at multiple biopharma companies, his deep acumen and proven success will be instrumental as we work toward our goal of delivering clinically meaningful outcomes for patients with highly unmet medical needs."

Most recently Dr. Gualberto served as co-founder and CMO at Kura Oncology, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer. At Kura, Dr. Gualberto led the discovery of the mechanism of action and clinical proof-of-concept of farnesyl transferase inhibitors as well as bringing a pipeline of new agents to the clinic. Prior to Kura, Dr. Gualberto held positions of increasing responsibility at EMD Serono, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Takeda and Pfizer. Dr. Gualberto received his MD and PhD degrees from the University of Seville in Spain. He also completed several fellowships in the field of Molecular Pathology, was a member of the Berkeley National Laboratory, and held academic faculty positions at Case Western Reserve University and Brown University.

"Our entire organization is thrilled by the appointment of Dr. Gualberto to the position of CMO here at H3," commented Terushige Iike, Chief Executive Officer of H3 and President of the Oncology Business Group at Eisai Co., Ltd. "We eagerly anticipate the progress we will make as a company with Antonio leading our global clinical research & development organization. His expertise and wide experience will be invaluable to H3 as we advance our pipeline of multiple clinical stage assets."

"With the umbrella of support of a global pharmaceutical company such as Eisai, H3 is uniquely positioned as a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company. In creating a prolific drug discovery engine and partnership platform, H3 has shown itself to be a leader in the development of new clinical programs," said Dr. Gualberto. "H3 has a first-rate team that is highly regarded in the Oncology community, with fantastic discovery and development capabilities and I look forward to working closely with our entire organization."

Genprex, Inc. Prices $17,500,000 Common Stock Offering Priced At-The-Market and Without Warrants

On February 19, 2020 Genprex, Inc. ("Genprex" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: GNPX), a clinical stage gene therapy company developing a new and potentially life-saving approach to treating some of the world’s most deadly cancers based upon a novel proprietary technology platform, reported it has entered into securities purchase agreements with institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 5,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, at an offering price of $3.50 per share, pursuant to a registered direct offering, priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules (Press release, Genprex, FEB 19, 2020, View Source [SID1234554501]). There are no warrants in the offering. The gross proceeds of the offering will be approximately $17,500,000 before deducting fees and other estimated offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds to advance its lead clinical programs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and for working capital and general corporate purposes. The closing of the registered direct offering is expected to take place on or about February 21, 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

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A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners is acting as lead placement agent for the offering.

Joseph Gunnar & Co., LLC is acting as co-placement agent for the offering.This offering was made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-233774) previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and an additional registration statement on Form S-3 filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act 1933, as amended, filed with the SEC. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. A prospectus supplement relating to the shares of common stock will be filed by Genprex with the SEC. When available, copies of the prospectus supplement, together with the accompanying prospectus, can be obtained at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or from A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, 590 Madison Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, New York 10022 or by email at [email protected]. Joseph Gunnar & Co. LLC, 30 Broad Street, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10004 or by email at [email protected].

Corporate Presentation

On February 19, 2020 Genmab Presented the Corporate Presentation (Presentation, Genmab, FEB 19, 2020, View Source [SID1234554500]).

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