1stOncology™: Cancer Intelligence Service – Page 11739 – 1stOncology is recognized as a Top 10 Global Pharma Analytic Provider

BioInvent Receives FDA Orphan Designation for BI-1206 for Mantle Cell Lymphoma

On January 30, 2019 BioInvent International AB (OMXS: BINV) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the Company orphan designation for its proprietary antibody BI-1206 for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) (Press release, BioInvent, JAN 30, 2019, View Source [SID1234532964]).

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!

Orphan designation is intended to support companies developing treatments that target rare medical conditions and are expected to provide significant therapeutic advantage over existing medicines. The orphan designation from the FDA provides certain incentives to BioInvent, including a 7-year market exclusivity in the U.S once a New Drug Application (NDA) or Biologics License Application (BLA) has been approved, and also availability of grants exclusively for orphan drug products.

BioInvent is currently conducting a dose escalation, consecutive-cohort, open-label Phase I/IIa study of BI-1206 with approximately 30 patients across sites in the EU and the U.S. The trial evaluates BI-1206 in combination with rituximab in patients with indolent relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). MCL is one of the targeted sub-indications, along with follicular lymphoma (FL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL).

"This orphan designation for BI-1206 is very good news for BioInvent, and most importantly for patients suffering from this very serious condition. There is a significant unmet medical need, as there are presently few treatment options for patients suffering from mantle cell lymphoma. We are looking forward to generating data from our Phase I/IIa trial to support the use of BI-1206 in combination with rituximab in this indication," says Martin Welschof, CEO of BioInvent.

First patient enrolled in 3rd dose cohort of Phase Ib/II study SENSITIZE

On January 30, 2019 4SC AG (4SC, FSE Prime Standard: VSC) reported the enrollment of the first patient in the third dose cohort of the ongoing Phase Ib/II study SENSITIZE (Press release, 4SC, JAN 30, 2019, View Source [SID1234532963]).

The SENSITIZE study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03278665) is enrolling up to 40 patients suffering from unresectable advanced-stage cutaneous melanoma who are refractory or non-responding to prior treatment with anti-PD-1 antibodies (checkpoint inhibitors).

In the first part of the study, three patient cohorts will be treated at three different dose levels of domatinostat in combination with pembrolizumab. In the second part, additional patients will be treated with the recommended dosing regimen defined in the first dose-finding part of the study. 4SC anticipates first data to be available in H1 2019.

Jason Loveridge, Ph.D., CEO of 4SC: "Enrolling the first patient in the third dose cohort of the SENSITIZE study again is a significant milestone for 4SC and the study is continuing steadily. We are convinced that the combination of domatinostat with checkpoint inhibitors is the best route to most rapidly progress domatinostat towards market approval. With this, as well as the investigator-sponsored Phase II study EMERGE in advanced gastrointestinal cancer, we continue to build momentum and execute on our plan, which is intended to lead to the initiation of a potentially pivotal trial in 2019."

NewLink Genetics to Participate in the Immuno-Oncology 360° Conference

On January 30, 2019 NewLink Genetics Corporation (NASDAQ:NLNK) reported that the Company’s Chairman, CEO and Chief Scientific Officer, Charles J. Link, Jr, MD, will participate in the Immuno-Oncology 360° Conference (IO360°) being held February 6 – 9, 2019 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square in New York, New York (Press release, NewLink Genetics, JAN 30, 2019, View Source [SID1234532961]).

Dr. Link’s presentation, "IDO Changes the T-cell Balance in the Tumor Microenvironment," will occur on Wednesday, February 6th, at 9:15 AM ET, and will include a discussion of immune regulation in the tumor microenvironment and how indoximod’s mechanism of action lends itself to counter multiple elements of immune regulation.

Additional information may be found on the IO360°website. The presentation slides will be available on the NewLink Genetics website at www.newlinkgenetics.com in the "Investors & Media" section under "Events & Presentations" once the presentation has begun.

Lilly Revises Date for Fourth-Quarter 2018 Financial Results Announcement

On January 30, 2019 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) has reported that revised the date for its fourth-quarter and full-year 2018 financial results announcement (Press release, Eli Lilly, JAN 30, 2019, View Source [SID1234532960]). The company will now announce results on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, one week earlier than previously scheduled. Lilly will also conduct a conference call on that day with the investment community and media to further detail the company’s financial performance.

The conference call will begin at 9 a.m. Eastern time. Investors, media and the general public can access a live webcast of the conference call through a link that will be posted on Lilly’s website at View Source A replay will also be available on the website following the conference call.

Novartis delivered strong sales growth with core margin expansion, built leading advanced therapy platforms and focused the company in 2018

On January 30, 2019 Novartis reported strong sales growth with core margin expansion, building leading advanced therapy platforms and focusing the company in 2018 (Press release, Novartis, JAN 30, 2019, View Source [SID1234532959])·

Full year net sales up 5% (cc1, +6% USD) driven by strong performance of growth drivers:

o Pharmaceuticals BU grew 7% (cc) driven by Cosentyx USD 2.8 billion (+36% cc) and Entresto USD 1.0 billion (+102% cc)

o Oncology BU grew 9% (cc) driven by AAA2 (USD 0.4 billion) including Lutathera, Promacta/Revolade USD 1.2 billion (+35% cc) and Tafinlar + Mekinist USD 1.2 billion (+31% cc)

· Full year core1 operating income grew 8% mainly driven by higher sales and gross margin expansion

· Net income was USD 12.6 billion (+64%) including a USD 5.7 billion net gain from the divestment of OTC JV. Operating income declined 5% mainly due to M&A transactions and restructurings

· Free cash flow1 grew 12% to USD 11.7 billion driven by strong operating cash flows

· Focused the company with transformational deals during 2018:

o Consumer healthcare JV stake divested to GSK for USD 13.0 billion

o Announced proposal to spin-off Alcon Division3; on track for H1 2019

o Sandoz began transformation with reshaping the portfolio4, geographic focus and a leaner cost structure

· Built leading advanced therapy platforms:

o Gene therapy – Acquired AveXis and in-licensed Luxturna

o Radioligand therapy – Acquired AAA and Endocyte

o Cell therapy – Expanding Kymriah global manufacturing including multiple collaborations

· Four additional products reached blockbuster status in 2018; Lutathera, Aimovig and Kymriah for DLBCL were launched; additional ten key launches on track by 2020

· Alcon sales grew 5% (cc, +6% USD) and core operating income grew 10%; expanding core margin

· Sandoz sales down -3% (cc, -2% USD) due to US price pressure; Biopharmaceuticals grew 24% (cc)

· Dividend of CHF 2.85 per share, an increase of 2%, proposed for 2018

· 2019 Group guidance5:

o New focused medicines company6 – Net sales expected to grow mid single digit (cc); core operating income expected to grow mid to high single digit (cc)

o Current Group structure7 – Net sales expected to grow low to mid single digit (cc); core operating income expected to grow mid single digit (cc)