NewLink Genetics Announces Oral Presentation at the 2018 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting

On November 1, 2018 NewLink Genetics Corporation (NASDAQ:NLNK) reported that an abstract with data pertaining to the use of the Company’s investigational immuno-oncology molecule, indoximod, in combination therapy for patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been accepted for an oral presentation at the 60th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition to be held at the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA, December 1-4th, 2018 (Press release, NewLink Genetics, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530681]).

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"We are pleased to have an abstract accepted for oral presentation at this year’s ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting," said Charles J. Link, Jr, MD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our updated Phase 1 data for indoximod plus standard-of-care chemotherapy support the potential for improved outcomes for newly diagnosed AML patients."

Abstract #332 entitled, Indoximod combined with standard induction chemotherapy is well tolerated and induces a high rate of complete remission with MRD-negativity in patients with newly diagnosed AML: results from a Phase 1 trial, Emadi, A., et al, to be presented during oral session 616 entitled, "Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Novel Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Combination Therapy," on Sunday, December 2, 2018, from 9:30-11:00 AM PT, at the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting
As of July when the abstract was submitted, 31 newly diagnosed AML patients were consented, with 25 included in the intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis, and 19 meeting qualifications for the per-protocol (PP) analysis. Per-protocol patients were defined as those who took at least 80% of the scheduled indoximod doses. Of 25 ITT patients, 21 (84%) achieved complete response (CR), and 15 of 19 PP patients (79%) achieved CR. Twelve of the 15 PP CR patients had a minimal residual disease (MRD) sample submitted at the end of induction at the time of abstract submission. MRD negativity was defined by a flow cytometry assay at a level of < 0.02% (Hematologics, Inc., Seattle, WA). Ten of these 12 patients (83%) were MRD negative. As to the other three patients, 2 died of complications of AML treatment prior to a MRD marrow sample being submitted while one patient’s results were pending. Of the 12 patients who had MRD samples submitted at the end of induction, one patient went directly to bone marrow transplant without undergoing consolidation therapy and was therefore taken off protocol. Of the remaining 11 patients, all 11 (100%) were MRD negative at the end of consolidation, the pre-specified endpoint of the protocol.

Data from the abstract suggest that a high percentage of newly diagnosed AML patients treated with indoximod plus standard-of-care (SOC) chemotherapy achieved CR and showed no evidence of minimal residual disease, or were MRD negative. In addition, data show that indoximod was well tolerated.

The abstract may be found on the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting website.

About Indoximod

Indoximod is an investigational, orally available small molecule targeting the IDO pathway. The IDO pathway is a key immuno-oncology target, suppressing immune response and allowing for immune escape by degrading tryptophan with the resultant production of kynurenine. Indoximod reverses the immunosuppressive effects of low tryptophan and high kynurenine through mechanisms that include modulation of the AhR-driven transcription of genes that control immune function. This results in increased proliferation of effector T cells, increased differentiation into helper T cells rather than regulatory T cells, and downregulation of IDO expression in dendritic cells. Indoximod is being evaluated in combination with treatment regimens including chemotherapy, radiation, checkpoint blockade and cancer vaccines across multiple indications including recurrent pediatric brain tumors, DIPG, and AML.

Novavax to Host Conference Call to Discuss Third Quarter Financial Results on November 7, 2018

On November 1, 2018 Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVAX) reported it will report its third quarter 2018 financial and operating results following the close of U.S. financial markets on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 (Press release, Novavax, NOV 1, 2018, http://ir.novavax.com/news-releases/news-release-details/novavax-host-conference-call-discuss-third-quarter-financial-1 [SID1234530664]).

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Conference call details are as follows:

Date: November 7, 2018
Time: 4:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time (ET)
Dial-in number: (877) 212-6076 (Domestic) or (707) 287-9331 (International)
Passcode: 3639227
Webcast: www.novavax.com, "Investors"/ "Events"
Conference call and webcast replay:

Dates: Starting at 7:30 p.m. ET, November 7, 2018 until
7:30 p.m. ET November 14, 2018
Dial-in number: (855) 859-2056 (Domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (International)
Passcode: 3639227
Webcast: www.novavax.com, "Investors"/ "Events", until February 7, 2019

DURECT Corporation Invites You to Join its Third Quarter 2018 Earnings Conference Call

On November 1, 2018 In conjunction with DURECT Corporation’s (Nasdaq: DRRX) reported third quarter 2018 financial results press release, you are invited to listen to a conference call that will be broadcast live over the internet on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 4:30 pm Eastern Time (1:30 pm Pacific Time) (Press release, DURECT, NOV 1, 2018, http://investors.durect.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=121590&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2374981 [SID1234530663]).

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A live audio webcast of the presentation will be available by accessing DURECT’s homepage at www.durect.com and clicking "Investor Relations." If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be archived on DURECT’s website under Audio Archive in the "Investor Relations" section.

Seattle Genetics Announces More Than 30 Presentations at ASH 2018 Highlighting Progress with Broad ADCETRIS® (Brentuximab Vedotin) Development Program

On November 1, 2018 Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:SGEN) reported that 31 abstracts featuring data from the broad ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) development program have been accepted for presentation at the 60th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition taking place from December 1-4, 2018 in San Diego, Calif (Press release, Seattle Genetics, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530659]). ADCETRIS is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) directed to CD30, which is expressed on the surface of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) cells and several types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. ADCETRIS is being evaluated globally as the foundation of care for CD30-expressing lymphomas in more than 70 corporate- and investigator-sponsored clinical trials.

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Data accepted for presentation at the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting include the following:

Data from the phase 3 ECHELON-2 clinical trial evaluating ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy in previously untreated patients with CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) patients will be presented in an oral presentation on Monday, December 3, 2018 at 6:15 p.m. PT. Seattle Genetics and its partner Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda) reported positive top-line results from the ECHELON-2 trial in October 2018. The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) of ADCETRIS in combination with CHP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone) versus the control arm, CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone). The ADCETRIS plus CHP arm also demonstrated superior overall survival (OS), a key secondary endpoint, compared to CHOP. The ECHELON-2 trial is the first trial to demonstrate an OS advantage in this difficult to treat type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Seattle Genetics expects to submit in November 2018 a supplemental Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval of ADCETRIS plus CHP in frontline CD30-expressing PTCL.
Several analyses from the phase 3 ECHELON-1 clinical trial evaluating ADCETRIS in combination with chemotherapy in frontline Stage III or IV classical HL adult patients, which formed the basis of FDA approval in this indication in March 2018, will be presented. Data presentations include additional analyses from the ECHELON-1 study, including PFS per investigator and outcomes in younger patients (18-30 years of age). These analyses are consistent with the previously reported modified PFS data and demonstrate improved outcomes in the ADCETRIS plus AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) arm versus ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine).
Preliminary results from a phase 2 study of ADCETRIS in combination with Opdivo (nivolumab) among patients with relapsed or refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (CHECKMATE 436 trial), as well as updated results from an ongoing phase 1/2 study evaluating the combination therapy in relapsed or refractory HL.
"There will be more than 30 data presentations from both corporate- and investigator-sponsored studies presented at the 2018 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting evaluating ADCETRIS in a variety of CD30-expressing lymphoma settings. These presentations are reflective of a robust ADCETRIS clinical development program that we, in partnership with the oncology community, are conducting to improve the treatment outcomes for patients," said Roger Dansey, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Seattle Genetics. "Importantly, and in collaboration with our partner Takeda, the results of the phase 3 ECHELON-2 clinical trial evaluating ADCETRIS in combination with CHP chemotherapy in frontline CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphoma patients will be presented in an oral presentation on Monday, December 3rd. These data are the basis for our planned supplemental Biologics License Application to the FDA requesting approval of ADCETRIS in this setting, which we intend to submit in November 2018."

ADCETRIS is not currently approved for use in frontline PTCL or in combination with Opdivo.

Multiple corporate and investigator presentations will be featured at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper). Abstracts can be found at www.hematology.org and include the following:

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Brentuximab Vedotin with Chemotherapy in Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with Stage III or IV Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Subgroup Analysis from the Phase 3 ECHELON-1 Study (Abstract #1647, poster presentation)
Older Patients (pts) with Previously Untreated Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL): A Detailed Analysis from the Phase 3 ECHELON-1 Study (Abstract #1618, poster presentation)
Phase 1/2 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin in Combination with Nivolumab in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Classic Hodgkin lymphoma: Part 3 (Concurrent Dosing) Results and Updated Progression-Free Survival Results from Parts 1 and 2 (Staggered Dosing) (Abstract #1635, poster presentation)
Phase 1 Study of MDR1 Inhibitor Plus Brentuximab Vedotin in Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma (Abstract #1636, poster presentation)
Real World Prevalence of Diagnostic Revision Among Patients with Peripheral T-cell Lymphomas (PTCL) in the US: Results of an Administrative Claims and Electronic Medical Record Analyses (Abstract #1633, poster presentation)
Superior Clinical Benefit of Brentuximab Vedotin in Mycosis Fungoides Versus Physician’s Choice Irrespective of CD30 Level of Large Cell Transformation Status in the Phase 3 ALCANZA Study (Abstract #1646, poster presentation)
A Phase II Study of Brentuximab Vedotin plus Adriamycin and Dacarbazine without Radiation in Non-Bulky Limited Stage Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (Abstract #1654, poster presentation)
Treatment Patterns and Outcomes of Relapsed/Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (RR-PTCL) Patients Treated in the Community Oncology Setting (Abstract #1656, poster presentation)
Nivolumab Combined with Brentuximab Vedotin for Relapsed/Refractory Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Preliminary Results From the Phase 2 CheckMate 436 Trial (Abstract #1691, poster presentation)
The Development and Validation of an Electronic Health Record (EHR)-Based Algorithm for Identifying Treatment Failure in Newly Diagnosed Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) Treated in a US Community Oncology Setting (Abstract #2261, poster presentation)
Real World Evidence in Relapsed/Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients Who Are Ineligible for Stem Cell Transplant in the United States (US) (Abstract #2268, poster presentation)
Toxicity Profile of Brentuximab Vedotin in Combination with Chemotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Patients with ALK+ ALCL: a Children’s Oncology Group Study ANHL12P1 (Abstract #1625, poster presentation)
Phase I Study of the Antibody-Drug Conjugate Brentuximab Vedotin Combined with Re-Induction Chemotherapy in Patients with CD30-Expressing Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Abstract #1431, poster presentation)
Phase 1 Results from a Phase 1/2 Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability and Recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D) of Brentuximab Vedotin Plus Doxorubicin, Vinblastine and Dacarbazine (A+AVD) in Pediatric Patients (Pts) with Advanced Stage Newly Diagnosed Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) (Abstract #1644, poster presentation)
Sunday, December 2, 2018

Brentuximab Vedotin Plus Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced-Stage Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL): Evaluation of Modified Progression-Free Survival (mPFS) and Traditional PFS in the Phase 3 ECHELON-1 Study (Abstract #2904, poster presentation)
Resolution of Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) in Patients Who Received A+AVD or ABVD in the Phase 3 ECHELON-1 Trial (Abstract #2921, poster presentation)
Interim Analysis Results from an International, Multi-Centre, Non-Interventional Retrospective Study to Describe Treatment Pathways, Outcomes, and Resource Use in Patients with Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma: B-CD30+ Hodgkin Lymphoma International Multi-Centre Retrospective Study of Treatment Practices and Outcomes (B-HOLISTIC) (Abstract #2917, poster presentation)
Combining Brentuximab Vedotin with DHAP as Salvage Treatment in Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma: the Phase II HOVON/LLPC Transplant BRaVE Study (Abstract #2923, poster presentation)
Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas in Spain: Profiling Clinical, Phenotypic and Genetic Characteristics in Spanish Population (Abstract #2938, poster presentation)
Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma: Evaluation of Clinicopathologic Diagnosis Compared to Gene Expression Based Diagnosis in a Clinical Trial with CD30+ B-Cell Lymphomas (Abstract #2959, poster presentation)
Utilization of a Novel Method of Detection of CD30 Expression in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (Abstract #2978, poster presentation)
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) Trajectories during Treatment for Advanced Stage Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) (Abstract #3587, poster presentation)
Monday, December 3, 2018

The ECHELON-2 Trial: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Controlled Phase 3 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin and CHP (A+CHP) Versus CHOP in the Frontline Treatment of Patients with CD30+ Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas (Abstract #997, oral presentation at 6:15 p.m. PT)
Longitudinal Adverse Event Assessment of the Combination of Ipilimumab, Nivolumab And Brentuximab Vedotin in Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Trial of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (E4412: Arms A-F) (Abstract #623, oral presentation at 8:00 a.m. PT)
A Phase I Study with an Expansion Cohort of the Combinations of Ipilimumab, Nivolumab and Brentuximab Vedotin in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma: A trial of the ECOG-ACRIN Research Group (E4412: Arms G-I) (Abstract #679, oral presentation at 10:30 a.m. PT)
B-CAP (brentuximab vedotin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and predniso(lo)Ne) in Older Patients with Advanced-Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma: Results of a Phase II Intergroup Trial By the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) and the Nordic Lymphoma Group (NLG) (Abstract #926, oral presentation at 4:45 p.m. PT)
Response-Adapted Therapy with Nivolumab and Brentuximab Vedotin (BV), Followed by BV and Bendamustine for Suboptimal Response, in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Standard-Risk Relapsed/Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (Abstract #927, oral presentation at 5:00 p.m. PT)
Productivity Loss Among Parent Caregivers is Associated with Poor Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) at the Initial Diagnosis Of Pediatric Advanced Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) (Abstract #975, oral presentation at 5:00 p.m. PT)
Baseline Tumor Transcriptome Characteristics Associated with the Response of Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients to Brentuximab Vedotin in Combination with Nivolumab (Abstract #2837, poster presentation)
Patient and Physician Preferences for First-Line Treatment of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma in the United States (Abstract #4786, poster presentation)
Prolonged Overall Survival (OS) in a Subset of Responders to the Combination of Brentuximab Vedotin (Bv) and Bendamustine (B) in Heavily Treated Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): Results of an International Multi-Center Phase I/II Experience (Abstract #2907, poster presentation)
About ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin)

ADCETRIS is being evaluated broadly in more than 70 clinical trials in CD30-expressing lymphomas. These include the recently completed phase 3 ECHELON-2 trial in frontline peripheral T-cell lymphomas (also known as mature T-cell lymphoma), the completed phase 3 ECHELON-1 trial in previously untreated Hodgkin lymphoma, the completed phase 3 ALCANZA trial in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and the ongoing CHECKMATE 812 trial of ADCETRIS in combination with Opdivo (nivolumab) for relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma.

ADCETRIS is an ADC comprising an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody attached by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), utilizing Seattle Genetics’ proprietary technology. The ADC employs a linker system that is designed to be stable in the bloodstream but to release MMAE upon internalization into CD30-expressing tumor cells.

ADCETRIS injection for intravenous infusion has received FDA approval for five indications in adult patients with: (1) previously untreated Stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), in combination with chemotherapy, (2) cHL at high risk of relapse or progression as post-autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) consolidation, (3) cHL after failure of auto-HSCT or failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not auto-HSCT candidates, (4) sALCL after failure of at least one prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimen, and (5) primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) or CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides (MF) who have received prior systemic therapy.

Health Canada granted ADCETRIS approval with conditions for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL in 2013, and non-conditional approval for post-autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) consolidation treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma patients at increased risk of relapse or progression.

ADCETRIS received conditional marketing authorization from the European Commission in October 2012. The approved indications in Europe are: (1) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma following ASCT, or following at least two prior therapies when ASCT or multi-agent chemotherapy is not a treatment option, (2) the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory sALCL, (3) for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma at increased risk of relapse or progression following ASCT, and (4) for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) after at least one prior systemic therapy.

ADCETRIS has received marketing authorization by regulatory authorities in 72 countries for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL. See select important safety information, including Boxed Warning, below.

Seattle Genetics and Takeda are jointly developing ADCETRIS. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Seattle Genetics has U.S. and Canadian commercialization rights and Takeda has rights to commercialize ADCETRIS in the rest of the world. Seattle Genetics and Takeda are funding joint development costs for ADCETRIS on a 50:50 basis, except in Japan where Takeda is solely responsible for development costs

Arcus Biosciences Announces Participation at Three Investor Conferences in November

On November 1, 2018 Arcus Biosciences, Inc. (NYSE:RCUS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on creating innovative cancer immunotherapies, reported that members of the management team will participate at the following upcoming investor conferences (Press release, Arcus Biosciences, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530658]):

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Credit Suisse 27th Annual Healthcare Conference in Scottsdale, AZ on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at 4:35 pm MT.
Piper Jaffray 30th Annual Healthcare Conference in New York City, NY on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at 3:50 pm ET.
Evercore ISI HealthCONx in Boston, MA on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 10:15 am ET.
To access the live audio webcast of the presentations, please visit the "Events & Presentations" section of the Arcus website at View Source A replay of the webcast will be available for 30 days following the live event.