Fate Therapeutics Announces Initial Clinical Data from Ongoing First-in-Human VOYAGE Study of FATE-NK100 for Relapsed / Refractory Acute Myelogenous Leukemia at SITC 2017 Annual Meeting

On November 10, 2017 Fate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:FATE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of programmed cellular immunotherapies for cancer and immune disorders, reported initial clinical data from the ongoing VOYAGE Phase 1 study of FATE-NK100 as a monotherapy for the treatment of refractory or relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) (Press release, Fate Therapeutics, NOV 10, 2017, View Source [SID1234521924]). The data were presented today in a poster session at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 2017 Annual Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland.

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Anti-leukemia activity was observed with FATE-NK100, the Company’s first-in-class adaptive memory natural killer (NK) cell cancer immunotherapy, in each of the treated dose cohorts of the VOYAGE study. The subject in the second dose cohort (2×107 cells/kg) achieved a morphologic leukemia-free state (mLFS) following a single intravenous infusion of FATE-NK100 as a monotherapy. Prior to treatment, the subject presented in relapse, was refractory to conventional NK cell therapy and had 50% leukemic blasts in the bone marrow. At Day 14 following treatment, a bone marrow biopsy showed clearance of leukemic blasts in the marrow, and approximately 3×104 FATE-NK100 cells per mL were measured in the peripheral blood.

"These are encouraging early data for FATE-NK100 in refractory and relapsed AML, especially in patients with such high leukemic blast burden in the marrow that have exhausted all therapeutic options," said Sarah Cooley, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation at the University of Minnesota and the clinical trial’s lead investigator. "The disappearance of all cells with morphologic characteristics of leukemia validates the in vivo anti-leukemia activity of FATE-NK100. We look forward to continuing enrollment in the VOYAGE study and to dosing the first patient with FATE-NK100 in the APOLLO study for the treatment of women with recurrent ovarian cancer."

The subject in the first dose cohort of VOYAGE (1×107 cells/kg) presented in primary induction failure with 87% leukemic blasts in the bone marrow. Two weeks following a single infusion of FATE-NK100, a bone marrow biopsy revealed a nearly 50% reduction in leukemic blasts. In addition, approximately 76% of NK cells in the peripheral blood were of FATE-NK100 origin.

"The significant reduction of leukemic blasts in the bone marrow observed in both subjects without any dose-limiting toxicities is very promising," stated Scott Wolchko, Chief Executive Officer of Fate Therapeutics. "Although the second subject’s morphologic leukemia-free state was not sustained following a single dose of FATE-NK100, the clearance of leukemia at Day 14 coupled with the presence of FATE-NK100 in circulation validates the cell product’s enhanced potency and persistence. We look forward to continuing subject enrollment and to combining FATE-NK100 with monoclonal antibody therapy for the treatment of advanced solid tumors through the launch of our DIMENSION study."

The accelerated dose-escalation design of VOYAGE is designed to evaluate the safety and determine the maximum dose of a single intravenous infusion of FATE-NK100 as a monotherapy. The three dose levels are 1×107, 2×107 and up to 1×108 adjusted to kg of body weight. FATE-NK100 has now advanced through the first two dose cohorts with no reports of dose limiting toxicities (DLTs). The third dose cohort is currently enrolling. A ten-subject expansion cohort is expected to be enrolled at the maximum dose level.

About FATE-NK100
FATE-NK100 is a first-in-class natural killer (NK) cell cancer immunotherapy comprised of adaptive memory NK cells, a highly specialized and functionally distinct subset of activated NK cells expressing the maturation marker CD57. Higher frequencies of CD57+ NK cells in the peripheral blood or tumor microenvironment in cancer patients have been linked to better clinical outcomes. In preclinical studies, FATE-NK100 has demonstrated enhanced anti-tumor activity across a broad range of hematologic and solid tumors, with augmented cytokine production, improved persistence and increased resistance to immune checkpoint pathways compared to other NK cell therapies that are being clinically administered today. FATE-NK100 is produced through a feeder-free, seven-day manufacturing process during which NK cells sourced from a healthy donor are activated ex vivo with pharmacologic modulators.

About VOYAGE
VOYAGE is an open-label, accelerated dose-escalation, Phase 1 clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and determine the maximum dose of a single intravenous infusion of FATE-NK100 as a monotherapy administered after lymphodepleting chemotherapy followed by sub-cutaneous IL-2 administration in subjects with refractory or relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). One subject is being enrolled in each of the three planned dose cohorts. A ten-subject expansion cohort is expected to be enrolled at the maximum dose level. Anti-tumor activity of FATE-NK100 is being assessed by rates of complete response, disease-free survival and overall survival. The study is being conducted at the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota as an investigator-initiated study.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow that progresses rapidly without treatment. Cancerous cells called leukemic blasts multiply and displace normal cells in the bone marrow, disrupting normal blood cell production. Each year in the United States, about 19,900 people are diagnosed with AML, and about 10,400 people die from all forms of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Current treatment options for AML consist of reducing and eliminating cancer cells mainly through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation.

Encouraging Response Observed with Opdivo (nivolumab) Plus Investigational IDO1 Inhibitor, BMS-986205, in Heavily Pre-Treated Patients with Advanced Cancers in Phase 1/2a Study CA017-003

On November 10, 2017 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported updated results for Opdivo (nivolumab) plus BMS-986205, a selective, once-daily oral indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitor from the ongoing Phase 1/2a dose escalation and expansion study, CA017-003. In the dose escalation phase, the maximum tolerated dose (primary endpoint) of BMS-986205 in combination with Opdivo was 200 mg (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, NOV 10, 2017, View Source [SID1234521922]). Based on safety and pharmacodynamic data, the recommended dose for further study was determined to be 100 mg. In the dose expansion phase, findings for anti-tumor activity (primary endpoint) were reported in two cohorts – heavily pre-treated bladder (n=25) and cervical cancer patients (n=22). In the bladder cancer cohort, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 32% and 44%, respectively. In the cervical cancer cohort, the ORR was 14% and DCR was 64%. The study also measured ORR by PD-L1 expression levels; in patients who express PD-L1 ≥1%, ORR was 46% and 25% in the bladder (n=13) and cervical cancer cohorts (n=12), respectively. In patients who express PD-L1 <1%, ORR was 22% in the bladder cancer cohort (n=9); no response was observed in cervical cancer patients (n=7). Response was observed regardless of prior lines of therapy.

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These data will be presented Saturday, November 11 at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 32nd Annual Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, in an oral presentation during Late-Breaking Abstract Session II in the Maryland Ballroom from 12:00 – 12:15 p.m. ET (Abstract #O41).

Jason Luke, M.D., study investigator and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, commented, "The preliminary response observed with BMS-986205 plus nivolumab in this study adds to our understanding of this combination, and together with the increases in tumor CD8 positive T cells and decreases in kynurenine, suggests a potent effect, which warrants further investigation across advanced cancers."

IDO1 is an enzyme that breaks down tryptophan, an essential amino acid which fuels cytotoxic T cells, to help regulate the immune system and avoid an over-response to threats. Some tumors express excessive amounts of IDO1 and deplete tryptophan, resulting in kynurenine production, which starves T cells of their fuel and prevents the immune system from responding appropriately to the cancer. Preclinical studies evaluating BMS-986205 suggest that targeting the IDO1 pathway in combination with other possible complementary immune pathways has the potential to more effectively activate the anti-tumor response. Early clinical data also show anti–PD-1 therapy may upregulate IDO1 expression in patients.

Mark Rutstein, development lead, IDO, Bristol-Myers Squibb, commented, "We are urgently pursuing transformative research to better understand tumor evasion mechanisms to help inform potential new treatment options for patients with advanced cancers. BMS-986205 has shown encouraging characteristics, including potent and selective inhibition of IDO1, as well as pharmacokinetic data that support once-daily dosing. We look forward to additional data from this study."

About CA017-003

CA017-003 is an ongoing Phase 1/2a dose escalation and expansion study evaluating BMS-986205 in patients with advanced cancers in combination with other agents, including Opdivo and Yervoy (ipilimumab), at different doses and schedules. The primary objectives of the dose escalation study are to establish the safety, tolerability, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD), maximum administered dose (MAD) or alternate dose; BMS-986205 doses from 25 to 400 mg once-daily (QD) were evaluated in combination with Opdivo given 240 mg every two weeks. The secondary objectives in the dose escalation phase include pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity and preliminary anti-tumor activity. The primary objective of the dose expansion phase is to investigate preliminary anti-tumor activity, as well as safety and tolerability with BMS-986205 in combination with Opdivo. In this portion of the study, patients received BMS-986205 100 or 200 mg orally QD in combination with Opdivo 240 mg intravenously every two weeks, or 480 mg intravenously every four weeks.

The study evaluated potency of BMS-986205 by measuring serum kynurenine, an immune-modulating metabolite produced by the IDO1 enzyme that potentially allows cancer cells to escape the immune response. In addition to the anti-tumor activity data presented at SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper), additional results included evidence of increased kynurenine inhibition in the blood, with 56% inhibition achieved at the 100 mg dose selected for further evaluation. Kynurenine was also evaluated in pre- and on-treatment tumor samples, with reductions of up to 100% noted. Proliferating CD8 positive T cells were also increased in the paired tumor samples from a range of tumor types, providing evidence of immunomodulation within the tumor microenvironment by an IDO1 inhibitor in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor.

Across doses from 25 to 400 mg of BMS-986205 in combination with Opdivo (n=286), treatment-related Grade 3/4 toxicities occurred in 11% of patients. Those occurring in two or more participants included increased AST (1.7%), increased ALT (1.4%), anemia (1.4%), autoimmune hepatitis (1.4%), fatigue (0.7%), pneumonitis (0.7%), hepatitis (0.7%), hyponatremia (0.7%), hypophosphatemia (0.7%) and increased lipase (0.7%). In the study, 1.4% of patients were discontinued due to study-drug toxicity.

Bristol-Myers Squibb is evaluating BMS-986205 in combination with Opdivo across several advanced cancers, and recently initiated a Phase 3 study evaluating this combination in patients with previously untreated metastatic or unresectable melanoma.

Bristol-Myers Squibb & Immuno-Oncology: Advancing Oncology Research

At Bristol-Myers Squibb, patients are at the center of everything we do. Our vision for the future of cancer care is focused on researching and developing transformational Immuno-Oncology (I-O) medicines for hard-to-treat cancers that could potentially improve outcomes for these patients.

We are leading the scientific understanding of I-O through our extensive portfolio of investigational compounds and approved agents. Our differentiated clinical development program is studying broad patient populations across more than 50 types of cancers with more than 15 clinical-stage programs designed to target different immune system pathways. Our deep expertise and innovative clinical trial designs position us to advance I-O/I-O, I-O/chemotherapy, I-O/targeted therapies and I-O/radiation therapies across multiple tumors and potentially deliver the next wave of therapies with a sense of urgency. We also continue to pioneer research that will help facilitate a deeper understanding of the role of immune biomarkers and how patients’ tumor biology can be used as a guide for treatment decisions throughout their journey.

We understand making the promise of I-O a reality for the many patients who may benefit from these therapies requires not only innovation on our part but also close collaboration with leading experts in the field. Our partnerships with academia, government, advocacy and biotech companies support our collective goal of providing new treatment options to advance the standards of clinical practice.

About Opdivo

Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body’s own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers.

Opdivo’s leading global development program is based on Bristol-Myers Squibb’s scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has enrolled more than 25,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression.

In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 60 countries, including the United States, the European Union and Japan. In October 2015, the company’s Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union.

U.S. FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR OPDIVO

OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 wild-type unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: IMMUNE-MEDIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS

YERVOY can result in severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. These immune-mediated reactions may involve any organ system; however, the most common severe immune-mediated adverse reactions are enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis), neuropathy, and endocrinopathy. The majority of these immune-mediated reactions initially manifested during treatment; however, a minority occurred weeks to months after discontinuation of YERVOY.

Assess patients for signs and symptoms of enterocolitis, dermatitis, neuropathy, and endocrinopathy and evaluate clinical chemistries including liver function tests (LFTs), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function tests at baseline and before each dose.

Permanently discontinue YERVOY and initiate systemic high-dose corticosteroid therapy for severe immune-mediated reactions.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. Fatal cases have been reported. Monitor patients for signs with radiographic imaging and for symptoms of pneumonitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or more severe pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 and withhold until resolution for Grade 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, fatal cases of immune-mediated pneumonitis have occurred. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% (61/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 6% (25/407) of patients.

In Checkmate 205 and 039, pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 6.0% (16/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 4.9% (13/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 2 (n=12).

Immune-Mediated Colitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated colitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 (of more than 5 days duration), 3, or 4 colitis. Withhold OPDIVO monotherapy for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 or recurrent colitis upon re-initiation of OPDIVO. When administered with YERVOY, withhold OPDIVO and YERVOY for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent colitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.9% (58/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 26% (107/407) of patients including three fatal cases.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal (diarrhea of ≥7 stools above baseline, fever, ileus, peritoneal signs; Grade 3-5) immune-mediated enterocolitis occurred in 34 (7%) patients. Across all YERVOY-treated patients in that study (n=511), 5 (1%) developed intestinal perforation, 4 (0.8%) died as a result of complications, and 26 (5%) were hospitalized for severe enterocolitis.

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Monitor patients for abnormal liver tests prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater transaminase elevations. For patients without HCC, withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for Grade 3 or 4. For patients with HCC, withhold OPDIVO and administer corticosteroids if AST/ALT is within normal limits at baseline and increases to >3 and up to 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), if AST/ALT is >1 and up to 3 times ULN at baseline and increases to >5 and up to 10 times the ULN, and if AST/ALT is >3 and up to 5 times ULN at baseline and increases to >8 and up to 10 times the ULN. Permanently discontinue OPDIVO and administer corticosteroids if AST or ALT increases to >10 times the ULN or total bilirubin increases >3 times the ULN. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.8% (35/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 13% (51/407) of patients.

In Checkmate 040, immune-mediated hepatitis requiring systemic corticosteroids occurred in 5% (8/154) of patients receiving OPDIVO.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal hepatotoxicity (AST or ALT elevations >5x the ULN or total bilirubin elevations >3x the ULN; Grade 3-5) occurred in 8 (2%) patients, with fatal hepatic failure in 0.2% and hospitalization in 0.4%.

Immune-Mediated Neuropathies

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, 1 case of fatal Guillain-Barré syndrome and 1 case of severe (Grade 3) peripheral motor neuropathy were reported.

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis, immune-mediated adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune thyroid disorders, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis, signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, thyroid function prior to and periodically during treatment, and hyperglycemia. Administer hormone replacement as clinically indicated and corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hypophysitis. Withhold for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hypophysitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Administer hormone-replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Initiate medical management for control of hyperthyroidism. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hyperglycemia.

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypophysitis occurred in 9% (36/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1% (20/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 5% (21/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 2.7% (54/1994) of patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 22% (89/407) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 8% (34/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, diabetes occurred in 0.9% (17/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, diabetes occurred in 1.5% (6/407) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe to life-threatening immune-mediated endocrinopathies (requiring hospitalization, urgent medical intervention, or interfering with activities of daily living; Grade 3-4) occurred in 9 (1.8%) patients. All 9 patients had hypopituitarism, and some had additional concomitant endocrinopathies such as adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, and hypothyroidism. 6 of the 9 patients were hospitalized for severe endocrinopathies.

Immune-Mediated Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grades 2-4 increased serum creatinine. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 increased serum creatinine. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 1.2% (23/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 2.2% (9/407) of patients.

Immune-Mediated Skin Adverse Reactions and Dermatitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated rash, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), some cases with fatal outcome. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 rash. Withhold for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 rash. For symptoms or signs of SJS or TEN, withhold OPDIVO and refer the patient for specialized care for assessment and treatment; if confirmed, permanently discontinue. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated rash occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated rash occurred in 22.6% (92/407) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal immune-mediated dermatitis (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or rash complicated by full thickness dermal ulceration, or necrotic, bullous, or hemorrhagic manifestations; Grade 3-5) occurred in 13 (2.5%) patients. 1 (0.2%) patient died as a result of toxic epidermal necrolysis. 1 additional patient required hospitalization for severe dermatitis.

Immune-Mediated Encephalitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated encephalitis. Evaluation of patients with neurologic symptoms may include, but not be limited to, consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture. Withhold OPDIVO in patients with new-onset moderate to severe neurologic signs or symptoms and evaluate to rule out other causes. If other etiologies are ruled out, administer corticosteroids and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for immune-mediated encephalitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, encephalitis occurred in 0.2% (3/1994) of patients. Fatal limbic encephalitis occurred in one patient after 7.2 months of exposure despite discontinuation of OPDIVO and administration of corticosteroids. Encephalitis occurred in one patient receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY (0.2%) after 1.7 months of exposure.

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, permanently discontinue or withhold OPDIVO, administer high-dose corticosteroids, and, if appropriate, initiate hormone-replacement therapy. Across clinical trials of OPDIVO monotherapy or in combination with YERVOY, the following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions, some with fatal outcome, occurred in <1.0% of patients receiving OPDIVO: myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, myositis, uveitis, iritis, pancreatitis, facial and abducens nerve paresis, demyelination, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hypopituitarism, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, gastritis, duodenitis, sarcoidosis, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), motor dysfunction, vasculitis, and myasthenic syndrome.

Infusion Reactions

OPDIVO can cause severe infusion reactions, which have been reported in <1.0% of patients in clinical trials. Discontinue OPDIVO in patients with Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with Grade 1 or 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, infusion-related reactions occurred in 6.4% (127/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2.5% (10/407) of patients.

Complications of Allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO

Complications, including fatal events, occurred in patients who received allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Outcomes were evaluated in 17 patients from Checkmate 205 and 039, who underwent allogeneic HSCT after discontinuing OPDIVO (15 with reduced-intensity conditioning, 2 with myeloablative conditioning). Thirty-five percent (6/17) of patients died from complications of allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Five deaths occurred in the setting of severe or refractory GVHD. Grade 3 or higher acute GVHD was reported in 29% (5/17) of patients. Hyperacute GVHD was reported in 20% (n=2) of patients. A steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, without an identified infectious cause, was reported in 35% (n=6) of patients. Two cases of encephalitis were reported: Grade 3 (n=1) lymphocytic encephalitis without an identified infectious cause, and Grade 3 (n=1) suspected viral encephalitis. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) occurred in one patient, who received reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT and died of GVHD and multi-organ failure. Other cases of hepatic VOD after reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT have also been reported in patients with lymphoma who received a PD-1 receptor blocking antibody before transplantation. Cases of fatal hyperacute GVHD have also been reported. These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT.

Follow patients closely for early evidence of transplant-related complications such as hyperacute GVHD, severe (Grade 3 to 4) acute GVHD, steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, hepatic VOD, and other immune-mediated adverse reactions, and intervene promptly.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on their mechanisms of action, OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with an OPDIVO- or YERVOY- containing regimen and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO.

Lactation

It is not known whether OPDIVO or YERVOY is present in human milk. Because many drugs, including antibodies, are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from an OPDIVO-containing regimen, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment. Advise women to discontinue nursing during treatment with YERVOY and for 3 months following the final dose.

Serious Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 037, serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=268). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients receiving OPDIVO . The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse drug reactions reported in 2% to <5% of patients receiving OPDIVO were abdominal pain, hyponatremia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased lipase. In Checkmate 066, serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=206). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were gamma-glutamyltransferase increase (3.9%) and diarrhea (3.4%). In Checkmate 067, serious adverse reactions (73% and 37%), adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation (43% and 14%) or to dosing delays (55% and 28%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (72% and 44%) all occurred more frequently in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) relative to the OPDIVO arm (n=313). The most frequent (≥10%) serious adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm and the OPDIVO arm, respectively, were diarrhea (13% and 2.6%), colitis (10% and 1.6%), and pyrexia (10% and 0.6%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, pyrexia, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and respiratory failure. In Checkmate 025, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients were acute kidney injury, pleural effusion, pneumonia, diarrhea, and hypercalcemia. In Checkmate 205 and 039, adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 7% and dose delays due to adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients (n=266). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥1% of patients were pneumonia, infusion-related reaction, pyrexia, colitis or diarrhea, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and rash. Eleven patients died from causes other than disease progression: 3 from adverse reactions within 30 days of the last OPDIVO dose, 2 from infection 8 to 9 months after completing OPDIVO, and 6 from complications of allogeneic HSCT. In Checkmate 141, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, dyspnea, respiratory failure, respiratory tract infection, and sepsis. In Checkmate 275, serious adverse reactions occurred in 54% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were urinary tract infection, sepsis, diarrhea, small intestine obstruction, and general physical health deterioration. In Checkmate 040, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients (n=154). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pyrexia, ascites, back pain, general physical health deterioration, abdominal pain, and pneumonia.

Common Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 037, the most common adverse reaction (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=268) was rash (21%). In Checkmate 066, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=206) vs dacarbazine (n=205) were fatigue (49% vs 39%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 25%), rash (28% vs 12%), and pruritus (23% vs 12%). In Checkmate 067, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) were fatigue (59%), rash (53%), diarrhea (52%), nausea (40%), pyrexia (37%), vomiting (28%), and dyspnea (20%). The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO (n=313) arm were fatigue (53%), rash (40%), diarrhea (31%), and nausea (28%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418) were fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, cough, dyspnea, and decreased appetite. In Checkmate 025, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406) vs everolimus (n=397) were asthenic conditions (56% vs 57%), cough (34% vs 38%), nausea (28% vs 29%), rash (28% vs 36%), dyspnea (27% vs 31%), diarrhea (25% vs 32%), constipation (23% vs 18%), decreased appetite (23% vs 30%), back pain (21% vs 16%), and arthralgia (20% vs 14%). In Checkmate 205 and 039, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=266) were upper respiratory tract infection (44%), fatigue (39%), cough (36%), diarrhea (33%), pyrexia (29%), musculoskeletal pain (26%), rash (24%), nausea (20%) and pruritus (20%). In Checkmate 141, the most common adverse reactions (≥10%) in patients receiving OPDIVO were cough and dyspnea at a higher incidence than investigator’s choice. In Checkmate 275, the most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270) were fatigue (46%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), nausea (22%), and decreased appetite (22%).. In Checkmate 040, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=154) were fatigue (38%), musculoskeletal pain (36%), abdominal pain (34%), pruritus (27%), diarrhea (27%), rash (26%), cough (23%), and decreased appetite (22%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients who received OPDIVO as a single agent were fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, asthenia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, decreased appetite, back pain, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, and pyrexia.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, the most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients who received YERVOY at 3 mg/kg were fatigue (41%), diarrhea (32%), pruritus (31%), rash (29%), and colitis (8%).

Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY, including Boxed WARNING regarding immune-mediated adverse reactions for YERVOY.

Checkmate Trials and Patient Populations

Checkmate 067 – advanced melanoma alone or in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 037 and 066 – advanced melanoma; Checkmate 017 – squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); Checkmate 057 – non-squamous NSCLC; Checkmate 025 – renal cell carcinoma; Checkmate 205/039 – classical Hodgkin lymphoma; Checkmate 141 – squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck; Checkmate 275 – urothelial carcinoma; Checkmate 040 – hepatocellular carcinoma.

BioSpecifics Technologies Corp. Reports Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results

On November 10, 2017 BioSpecifics Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: BSTC), a biopharmaceutical company that originated and continues to develop collagenase based-therapies with a first in class collagenase-based product marketed as XIAFLEX in the U.S. and Xiapex in Europe, reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017 and provided a corporate update (Press release, BioSpecifics Technologies, NOV 10, 2017, View Source [SID1234521921]).

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"BioSpecifics continues to make important progress as we remain focused on further developing XIAFLEX for the treatment of serious medical conditions. We are excited about the potential of our ongoing Phase 1 trial of XIAFLEX for the treatment of uterine fibroids and look forward to reporting data in 2018," said Thomas L. Wegman, President of BioSpecifics. "Additionally, we look forward to our partner Endo initiating Phase 3 trials of XIAFLEX for the treatment of cellulite in the coming months."

Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results

BioSpecifics reported net income of $2.7 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017, or $0.38 per basic share and $0.37 per share on a fully diluted basis, compared to net income of $3.1 million, or $0.43 per basic share and $0.42 per share on a fully diluted basis, for the same period in 2016.

Total revenue for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017 was $6.5 million, compared to $6.9 million for the same period in 2016. Royalty revenue increased by $0.4 million for the 2017 quarter as compared to the 2016 quarter primarily due to increased sales of XIAFLEX for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease and Dupuytren’s contracture, whereas total revenue was lower due to the exercise of an opt-in right by Endo for the human lipoma indication of $750,000 in the 2016 period.

Research and development expenses for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017 were $0.4 million compared to $0.3 million for the same period in 2016.

General and administrative expenses for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017 were $2.2 million compared to $1.8 million for the same period in 2016.

Provision for income taxes for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017 were $1.5 million, compared to $1.8 million for the same period in 2016.

As of September 30, 2017, BioSpecifics had cash and cash equivalents and investments of $61.3 million, compared to $52.8 million as of December 31, 2016.

XIAFLEX Commercial Highlights

On November 9, 2017, Endo reported commercial highlights for XIAFLEX for the third quarter of 2017 (Endo’s third quarter 2017 financials are reported in BioSpecifics’ fourth quarter 2017 financials). For the third quarter of 2017, total revenues were $52.5 million compared to $47.7 million in the third quarter of 2016, an 10 percent growth. Endo continues to expect high-single to low-double digit revenue growth for sales of XIAFLEX in 2017.

Endo announced a partnership with Tim Herron, a four-time PGA Tour winner, and Damon Adamany, MD, of the CORE Institute, launched Facts on Hand, an unbranded campaign to raise awareness of Dupuytren’s Contracture, a progressive, potentially disfiguring hand condition. Endo also recently launched several direct-to-consumer initiatives intended to increase patient awareness of XIAFLEX as a possible treatment option for Dupuytren’s Contracture and Peyronie’s Disease.

XIAFLEX Pipeline Updates and Anticipated Upcoming Milestones

BioSpecifics manages the development of XIAFLEX for the treatment of uterine fibroids. The Phase 1 clinical trial is currently enrolling. BioSpecifics has the right to initiate the development of any new potential indication not licensed by Endo. Endo’s licensed indications include Dupuytren’s Contracture and Peyronie’s Disease, both approved and marketed; in addition to cellulite, adhesive capsulitis, human and canine lipoma, lateral hip fat and plantar fibromatosis.

The Phase 1 clinical trial of XIAFLEX for the treatment of uterine fibroids is ongoing and BioSpecifics plans to announce results in 2018. The study, being conducted at the Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University, is designed to enroll 15 subjects administered XIAFLEX prior to hysterectomy. The primary endpoint of the study will assess the safety and tolerability of a single injection of XIAFLEX directly into the uterine fibroid under transvaginal ultrasound guidance. The secondary endpoints will assess symptoms of pain and bleeding, quality of life throughout the study as well as size, collagen content and rate of apoptosis of XIAFLEX treated fibroids.
Endo plans to initiate Phase 3 clinical trials of XIAFLEX for the treatment of cellulite in the coming months following discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Endo continues its commercial review of additional indications.

Alpine Immune Sciences Presents Preclinical Data on Novel Immuno-Oncology Molecules at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer’s 32nd Annual Meeting

On November 10, 2017 Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALPN), a leading immunotherapy company focused on developing treatments for autoimmune/inflammatory diseases and cancer, reported immuno-oncology preclinical data characterizing the functional activity of molecules Alpine successfully generated from its variant immunoglobulin domain (vIgD) platform (Press release, Alpine Immune Sciences, NOV 10, 2017, View Source [SID1234521920]). Several novel immuno-oncology molecules were functionally active via multiple mechanisms of action, including the demonstration of tumor suppression in an animal model. The findings will be presented on Friday, November 10, in a poster session titled "Immune Modulation, Cytokines, and Antibodies" [#P343] at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper)’s (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 32nd Annual Meeting in National Harbor, MD.

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"Our unique vIgD platform is capable of producing first-in-class immuno-oncology biologics with potentially unique mechanisms of action," said Stanford Peng, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Medical Officer of Alpine. "This promising data highlights the versatility of the platform, showing vIgDs may be implemented in multiple therapeutic formats and may be tailored to modulate multiple molecular pathways according to the desired therapeutic application."

Preclinical Study Design and Results

Alpine scientists used the vIgD directed evolution platform to engineer a number of vIgDs with unique binding profiles to proteins relevant to the immune synapse, including PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, TIGIT, CD155, CD28, and/or ICOS. The poster describes the vIgD domains in multiple therapeutic formats, including tumor-localized Fc fusion proteins, multi-checkpoint inhibitors, and vIgDs fused with tumor-specific monoclonal antibodies (V-mAbs). Various in vitro and in vivo tests characterized the functional activity of these potentially novel therapeutics. Data include:

Tri-specific vIgDs for treating cancer with a single domain capable of interacting with three different B7 family members. Depending on formatting, tri-specific vIgDs are potentially capable of agonizing CD28, blocking PD-L1, blocking CTLA-4, and/or depleting tumor cells and/or regulatory T cells. Initial formats investigated in an animal model of cancer demonstrated activity with tumor growth suppression.
A dual ICOS/CD28 costimulatory vIgD fused with the HER2-targeting monoclonal antibody trastuzumab to provide immune stimulation in the tumor microenvironment. These V-mAbs demonstrated in vitro proof of principle for immune cell stimulation and proliferation in response to HER2-positive tumor cells.
Multiple vIgD Fc fusions capable of targeting TIGIT and PD-1 while sparing CD226. These multi-checkpoint inhibitory molecules blocked checkpoint activity and improved IFN-γ production by "exhausted" T cells.
"The SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) data suggest the versatile vIgD platform has the potential to contribute to the next generation of immuno-oncology therapeutics. Based on these and other encouraging preclinical data, we are continuing to identify and develop appropriate candidates from our vIgD platform for clinical trials for both oncology and inflammation," said Mitchell H. Gold, M.D., Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alpine.

Nektar to Webcast Presentation at Jefferies 2017 London Healthcare Conference

On November 10, 2017 Nektar Therapeutics (Nasdaq: NKTR) reported that its corporate presentation will be webcast at the upcoming Jefferies 2017 London Healthcare Conference in London on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. GMT (Press release, Nektar Therapeutics, NOV 10, 2017, View Source [SID1234521926]).

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The presentation will be accessible via a Webcast through a link posted on the Investors, Events Calendar section of the Nektar website: View Source This Webcast will be available for replay until December 11, 2017.