FDA Accepts Supplemental Biologics License Application and Grants Priority Review for ADCETRIS® (Brentuximab Vedotin) in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

On August 16, 2017 Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGEN) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for filing a supplemental Biologics License Application (BLA) based on data from the phase 3 ALCANZA trial and two phase 2 investigator-sponsored trials of ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) (Press release, Seattle Genetics, AUG 16, 2017, View Source [SID1234520261]).

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In November 2016, the FDA granted ADCETRIS Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) for the treatment of patients with CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma who require systemic therapy and have received one prior systemic therapy. These represent the most common subtypes of CTCL. The FDA granted Priority Review for the application and the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date is December 16, 2017. ADCETRIS is currently not approved for the treatment of CTCL.

"The FDA’s filing of our supplemental BLA with Priority Review status represents a significant milestone towards our goal of making ADCETRIS available to CTCL patients who require systemic therapy," said Jonathan Drachman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, Research and Development of Seattle Genetics. "Results from our positive phase 3 ALCANZA trial demonstrated that using ADCETRIS in this setting significantly improved the rate of objective responses lasting at least four months with a manageable safety profile. Data from two investigator-sponsored trials in a broader patient population were included in the submission to further support ADCETRIS use in this disease setting. We look forward to working with the FDA during the review of our application for ADCETRIS in CTCL, which, if approved, would be the fourth indication for this product."

The supplemental BLA is primarily based on positive results from a phase 3 trial called ALCANZA that were presented at the 58th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) annual meeting in December 2016 and published online in the Lancet in June 2017. Results from the ALCANZA trial in 128 CTCL patients requiring systemic therapy included:

The trial achieved its primary endpoint with the ADCETRIS treatment arm demonstrating a highly statistically significant improvement in the rate of objective response lasting at least four months (ORR4) versus the control arm as assessed by an independent review facility. ORR4, as assessed by Global Response Score, was 56.3 percent in the ADCETRIS arm compared to 12.5 percent in the control arm (p-value <0.0001).
Key secondary endpoints specified in the protocol, including complete response rate, progression-free survival and reduction in the burden of symptoms during treatment (Skindex-29), were all highly statistically significant in favor of the ADCETRIS arm.
The safety profile associated with ADCETRIS from the ALCANZA trial was generally consistent with the existing prescribing information. The most common adverse events of any grade include: anemia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue and neutropenia.
Based on discussions with the FDA, additional data from two investigator-sponsored phase 2 trials have also been incorporated into the supplemental BLA to support the potential for a broader label in CTCL.

About CTCL

Lymphoma is a general term for a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. There are two major categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Cutaneous lymphomas are a category of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that primarily involve the skin. According to the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation, CTCL is the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma and typically presents with red, scaly patches or thickened plaques of skin that often mimic eczema or chronic dermatitis. The most common subtypes of CTCL include mycosis fungoides and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Progression from limited skin involvement may be accompanied by skin tumor formation, ulceration and exfoliation, complicated by itching and infections. Advanced stages are defined by involvement of lymph nodes, peripheral blood and internal organs.

The standard treatment for systemically pretreated CTCL includes skin-directed therapies, radiation and systemic therapies. The systemic therapies currently approved for treatment have demonstrated 30 to 45 percent objective response rates, with low complete response rates.

About ADCETRIS

ADCETRIS is being evaluated broadly in more than 70 ongoing clinical trials, including four phase 3 studies: the ECHELON-1 trial in frontline classical Hodgkin lymphoma from which positive top-line results were recently reported, the ongoing ECHELON-2 trial in frontline mature T-cell lymphomas, the completed ALCANZA trial in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that supported the supplemental BLA to the FDA, and the recently initiated 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-positive tumor cells.

ADCETRIS for intravenous injection has received approval from the FDA for three indications: (1) regular approval for the treatment of patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma after failure of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) or after failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not auto-HSCT candidates, (2) regular approval for the treatment of classical Hodgkin lymphoma patients at high risk of relapse or progression as post-auto-HSCT consolidation, and (3) accelerated approval for the treatment of patients with systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) after failure of at least one prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimen. The sALCL indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for the sALCL indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

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

ADCETRIS was granted conditional marketing authorization by the European Commission in October 2012 for two indications: (1) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), or following at least two prior therapies when ASCT or multi-agent chemotherapy is not a treatment option, and (2) the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory sALCL. The European Commission extended the current conditional marketing authorization of ADCETRIS and approved ADCETRIS for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma at increased risk of relapse or progression following ASCT.

ADCETRIS has received marketing authorization by regulatory authorities in 67 countries for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL. See important safety information 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.

ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) U.S. Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNING

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): JC virus infection resulting in PML and death can occur in patients receiving ADCETRIS.

Contraindication

ADCETRIS is contraindicated with concomitant bleomycin due to pulmonary toxicity (e.g., interstitial infiltration and/or inflammation).

Warnings and Precautions

Peripheral neuropathy (PN): ADCETRIS treatment causes a PN that is predominantly sensory. Cases of motor PN have also been reported. ADCETRIS-induced PN is cumulative. Monitor patients for symptoms of neuropathy, such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain or weakness and institute dose modifications accordingly.
Anaphylaxis and infusion reactions: Infusion-related reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred with ADCETRIS. Monitor patients during infusion. If an infusion-related reaction occurs, interrupt the infusion and institute appropriate medical management. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediately and permanently discontinue the infusion and administer appropriate medical therapy. Patients who experienced a prior infusion-related reaction should be premedicated for subsequent infusions. Premedication may include acetaminophen, an antihistamine, and a corticosteroid.
Hematologic toxicities: Prolonged (≥1 week) severe neutropenia and Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia or anemia can occur with ADCETRIS. Febrile neutropenia has been reported with ADCETRIS. Monitor complete blood counts prior to each dose of ADCETRIS and consider more frequent monitoring for patients with Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Monitor patients for fever. If Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia develops, consider dose delays, reductions, discontinuation, or G-CSF prophylaxis with subsequent doses.
Serious infections and opportunistic infections: Infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia, and sepsis or septic shock (including fatal outcomes) have been reported in patients treated with ADCETRIS. Closely monitor patients during treatment for the emergence of possible bacterial, fungal or viral infections.
Tumor lysis syndrome: Closely monitor patients with rapidly proliferating tumor and high tumor burden.
Increased toxicity in the presence of severe renal impairment: The frequency of ≥Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with severe renal impairment compared to patients with normal renal function. Avoid the use of ADCETRIS in patients with severe renal impairment.
Increased toxicity in the presence of moderate or severe hepatic impairment: The frequency of ≥Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment compared to patients with normal hepatic function. Avoid the use of ADCETRIS in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.
Hepatotoxicity: Serious cases of hepatotoxicity, including fatal outcomes, have occurred with ADCETRIS. Cases were consistent with hepatocellular injury, including elevations of transaminases and/or bilirubin, and occurred after the first dose of ADCETRIS or rechallenge. Preexisting liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes, and concomitant medications may also increase the risk.
Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin. Patients experiencing new, worsening, or recurrent hepatotoxicity may require a delay, change in dose, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): JC virus infection resulting in PML and death has been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. First onset of symptoms occurred at various times from initiation of ADCETRIS therapy, with some cases occurring within 3 months of initial exposure. In addition to ADCETRIS therapy, other possible contributory factors include prior therapies and underlying disease that may cause immunosuppression. Consider the diagnosis of PML in any patient presenting with new-onset signs and symptoms of central nervous system abnormalities. Hold ADCETRIS if PML is suspected and discontinue ADCETRIS if PML is confirmed.
Pulmonary toxicity: Events of noninfectious pulmonary toxicity including pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, some with fatal outcomes, have been reported. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pulmonary toxicity, including cough and dyspnea. In the event of new or worsening pulmonary symptoms, hold ADCETRIS dosing during evaluation and until symptomatic improvement.
Serious dermatologic reactions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), including fatal outcomes, have been reported with ADCETRIS. If SJS or TEN occurs, discontinue ADCETRIS and administer appropriate medical therapy.
Gastrointestinal (GI) complications: Fatal and serious GI complications, including perforation, hemorrhage, erosion, ulcer, intestinal obstruction, enterocolitis, neutropenic colitis, and ileus have been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Lymphoma with preexisting GI involvement may increase the risk of perforation. In the event of new or worsening GI symptoms, perform a prompt diagnostic evaluation and treat appropriately.
Embryo-fetal toxicity: Based on the mechanism of action and findings in animals, ADCETRIS can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Females of reproductive potential should avoid pregnancy during ADCETRIS treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose of ADCETRIS.
Adverse Reactions

In two uncontrolled single-arm trials of ADCETRIS as monotherapy in 160 patients with relapsed classical HL and sALCL, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%), regardless of causality, were: neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, fatigue, nausea, anemia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, pyrexia, rash, thrombocytopenia, cough and vomiting.

In a placebo-controlled trial of ADCETRIS in 329 patients with classical HL at high risk of relapse or progression post-auto-HSCT, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in the ADCETRIS-treatment arm (167 patients), regardless of causality, were: neutropenia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, anemia, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, peripheral motor neuropathy, nausea, cough, and diarrhea.

Drug Interactions

Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, or P-gp inhibitors, has the potential to affect the exposure to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE).

Use in Specific Populations

MMAE exposure and adverse reactions are increased in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment. Avoid use.

Advise females of reproductive potential to avoid pregnancy during ADCETRIS treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose of ADCETRIS.

Advise males with female sexual partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during ADCETRIS treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose of ADCETRIS.

Advise patients to report pregnancy immediately and avoid breastfeeding while receiving ADCETRIS.

For additional Important Safety Information, including Boxed WARNING, please see the full Prescribing Information for ADCETRIS at www.seattlegenetics.com or www.ADCETRIS.com.

Moleculin Acquires Active Drug Compound for the Treatment of Brain Cancer

On August 16, 2017 Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (NASDAQ: MBRX) ("Moleculin" or the "Company"), a preclinical pharmaceutical company focused on the development of anti-cancer drug candidates, some of which are based on license agreements with The University of Texas System on behalf of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, reported it has acquired WP1122 active drug compound it plans to study for the treatment of brain tumors (Press release, Moleculin, AUG 16, 2017, View Source [SID1234520260]).

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Walter Klemp, CEO of Moleculin commented: "There has been a lot of excitement recently surrounding the WP1122 technology and its potential to become a new approach for treating brain tumors. We are pleased that we have now secured exclusive access to a significant quantity of GMP synthesized WP1122 drug substance from our sublicense partner in Poland."

"Access to this product allows us to accelerate preclinical toxicology and analytical testing of WP1122," Mr. Klemp continued, "which enables preparation of an Investigational New Drug application so we can begin proof of concept clinical trials. Research at MD Anderson using live human brain tumors transplanted into mice has shown that WP1122 has the potential to outperform the current standard of care treatment for glioblastoma, one of the most pervasive forms of brain tumors. We are eager to get this drug into human testing to determine if we have something that could make a real difference for patients."

Iovance Biotherapeutics Announces First Patient Dosed in C-145-04 Phase 2 Trial in Cervical Cancer

On August 16, 2017 Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:IOVA), a biotechnology company developing novel cancer immunotherapies based on tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) technology, reported that the first patient was dosed in its C-145-04 Phase 2 trial of LN-145 for the treatment of patients with recurrent, metastatic or persistent cervical carcinoma (Press release, Iovance Biotherapeutics, AUG 16, 2017, View Source [SID1234520259]).

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"This marks an important milestone for Iovance, as patient dosing is now ongoing in all three of our internal Phase 2 trials. We initiated this study based on encouraging data generated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) showing responses in three of the nine cervical cancer patients treated with TIL therapy. This patient population had received standard of care treatment including prior chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Two patients from this study continued to have a complete response at 46 months and 54 months of follow up. The C-145-04 trial will investigate the effect of Iovance’s TIL therapy in cervical cancer patients. We look forward to progressing the study with the intent to report some initial data in 2018," said Dr. Maria Fardis, PhD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Iovance Biotherapeutics.

LN-145 is an adoptive cell transfer (ACT) therapy that utilizes an autologous TIL manufacturing process as originally developed by the NCI. C-145-04 is a Phase 2, multicenter, single-arm, open-label interventional study that will enroll up to 47 patients and will assess the safety and efficacy of LN-145 for the treatment of patients with recurrent, metastatic, or persistent cervical carcinoma. The cell transfer therapy used in this study involves patients receiving a non-myeloablative (NMA) lymphocyte depleting preparative regimen, followed by infusion of autologous TIL and the administration of a regimen of up to six doses of IL-2.

Additional information on this study is available at www.clinicaltrials.gov using the identifier number NCT03108495.a

Exelixis Submits U.S. Supplemental New Drug Application for CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib) for the Treatment of Previously Untreated Advanced Kidney Cancer

On August 16, 2017 Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXEL) reported it has completed the submission of a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CABOMETYX (cabozantinib) tablets as a treatment for patients with previously untreated advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (Press release, Exelixis, AUG 16, 2017, View Source [SID1234520258]). The sNDA submission is based on results from the CABOSUN randomized phase 2 trial of CABOMETYX in patients with previously untreated advanced RCC with intermediate- or poor-risk disease per the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC).

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"All of us at Exelixis are focused on improving care and outcomes for patients with cancer. Having successfully launched CABOMETYX for patients with previously treated advanced RCC, the submission of this sNDA for CABOMETYX as a treatment in the first-line RCC setting represents an important milestone for us," said Michael M. Morrissey, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Exelixis. "If approved, CABOMETYX will offer an important new alternative for the treatment of patients with previously untreated advanced RCC, having demonstrated a clinically meaningful and statistically significant progression-free survival benefit over sunitinib, a current standard of care. We would like to sincerely thank the study patients and clinicians who participated in the CABOSUN trial, the Alliance and NCI-CTEP, as well as our dedicated clinical, medical and regulatory teams for bringing us one step closer to our goal of expanding the population of patients who may benefit from CABOMETYX."

CABOSUN was conducted by The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology as part of Exelixis’ collaboration with the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (NCI-CTEP). On May 23, 2016, Exelixis announced that CABOSUN met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared with sunitinib in patients with advanced intermediate- or poor-risk RCC as determined by investigator assessment. These results were first presented by Dr. Toni Choueiri at the meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology 2016, and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (Choueiri, JCO, 2016).1 In June 2017, Exelixis announced that the analysis of the review by a blinded independent radiology review committee (IRC) confirmed the primary efficacy endpoint results of investigator-assessed PFS from the CABOSUN trial.

An sNDA is an application to the FDA that, if approved, will allow a drug sponsor to make changes to a previously approved product label, including modifications to the indication. CABOMETYX was previously approved by the FDA on April 25, 2016 for the treatment of patients with advanced RCC who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy. The approval was based on results from the phase 3 METEOR trial, which demonstrated that CABOMETYX provided a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival, PFS and objective response rate as compared with everolimus in this patient population.

About the CABOSUN Study
CABOSUN was a randomized, open-label, active-controlled phase 2 trial that enrolled 157 patients with advanced RCC determined to be intermediate- or poor-risk by the IMDC criteria. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive cabozantinib (60 mg once daily) or sunitinib (50 mg once daily, 4 weeks on followed by 2 weeks off). The primary endpoint was PFS. Secondary endpoints included overall survival and objective response rate. Eligible patients were required to have locally advanced or metastatic clear-cell RCC, ECOG performance status 0-2 and had to be intermediate or poor risk per the IMDC criteria (Heng, JCO, 2009).2 Prior systemic treatment for RCC was not permitted.

Please see Important Safety Information below and full U.S. prescribing information at View Source

About Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
The American Cancer Society’s 2017 statistics cite kidney cancer as among the top ten most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer among both men and women in the U.S.3 Clear cell RCC is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults.4 If detected in its early stages, the five-year survival rate for RCC is high; for patients with advanced or late-stage metastatic RCC, however, the five-year survival rate is only 12 percent, with no identified cure for the disease.5 Approximately 30,000 patients in the U.S. and 68,000 globally require treatment, and an estimated 14,000 patients in the U.S. each year are in need of a first-line treatment for advanced kidney cancer.6

The majority of clear cell RCC tumors have lower than normal levels of a protein called von Hippel-Lindau, which leads to higher levels of MET, AXL and VEGF.7,8 These proteins promote tumor angiogenesis (blood vessel growth), growth, invasiveness and metastasis.9-12 MET and AXL may provide escape pathways that drive resistance to VEGF receptor inhibitors.7,8

About CABOMETYX (cabozantinib)
CABOMETYX is the tablet formulation of cabozantinib. Its targets include MET, AXL and VEGFR-1, -2 and -3. In preclinical models, cabozantinib has been shown to inhibit the activity of these receptors, which are involved in normal cellular function and pathologic processes such as tumor angiogenesis, invasiveness, metastasis and drug resistance.

CABOMETYX is available in 20 mg, 40 mg or 60 mg doses. The recommended dose is 60 mg orally, once daily.

On April 25, 2016, the FDA approved CABOMETYX tablets for the treatment of patients with advanced RCC who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy. In February of 2016, Exelixis and Ipsen jointly announced an exclusive licensing agreement for the commercialization and further development of cabozantinib indications outside of the United States, Canada and Japan. This agreement was amended in December of 2016 to include commercialization rights for Ipsen in Canada. On September 9, 2016, the European Commission approved CABOMETYX tablets for the treatment of advanced RCC in adults who have received prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy in the European Union, Norway and Iceland. Ipsen has confirmed its intent to submit the regulatory dossier for cabozantinib as a treatment for first-line advanced RCC in the European Union in the third quarter of 2017.

On January 30, 2017, Exelixis and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited announced an exclusive licensing agreement for the commercialization and further clinical development of cabozantinib for all future indications in Japan, including RCC.

CABOMETYX is not indicated for the treatment of previously untreated advanced RCC.

U.S. Important Safety Information

Hemorrhage: Severe hemorrhage occurred with CABOMETYX. The incidence of Grade ≥3 hemorrhagic events was 2.1% in CABOMETYX-treated patients and 1.6% in everolimus-treated patients. Fatal hemorrhages also occurred in the cabozantinib clinical program. Do not administer CABOMETYX to patients that have or are at risk for severe hemorrhage.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Perforations and Fistulas: Fistulas were reported in 1.2% (including 0.6% anal fistula) of CABOMETYX-treated patients and 0% of everolimus-treated patients. GI perforations were reported in 0.9% of CABOMETYX-treated patients and 0.6% of everolimus-treated patients. Fatal perforations occurred in the cabozantinib clinical program. Monitor patients for symptoms of fistulas and perforations. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who experience a fistula that cannot be appropriately managed or a GI perforation.

Thrombotic Events: CABOMETYX treatment results in an increased incidence of thrombotic events. Venous thromboembolism was reported in 7.3% of CABOMETYX-treated patients and 2.5% of everolimus-treated patients. Pulmonary embolism occurred in 3.9% of CABOMETYX-treated patients and 0.3% of everolimus-treated patients. Events of arterial thromboembolism were reported in 0.9% of CABOMETYX-treated patients and 0.3% of everolimus-treated patients. Fatal thrombotic events occurred in the cabozantinib clinical program. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop an acute myocardial infarction or any other arterial thromboembolic complication.

Hypertension and Hypertensive Crisis: CABOMETYX treatment results in an increased incidence of treatment-emergent hypertension. Hypertension was reported in 37% (15% Grade ≥3) of CABOMETYX-treated patients and 7.1% (3.1% Grade ≥3) of everolimus-treated patients. Monitor blood pressure prior to initiation and regularly during CABOMETYX treatment. Withhold CABOMETYX for hypertension that is not adequately controlled with medical management; when controlled, resume CABOMETYX at a reduced dose. Discontinue CABOMETYX for severe hypertension that cannot be controlled with anti-hypertensive therapy. Discontinue CABOMETYX if there is evidence of hypertensive crisis or severe hypertension despite optimal medical management.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea occurred in 74% of patients treated with CABOMETYX and in 28% of patients treated with everolimus. Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 11% of CABOMETYX-treated patients and in 2% of everolimus-treated patients. Withhold CABOMETYX in patients who develop intolerable Grade 2 diarrhea or Grade 3-4 diarrhea that cannot be managed with standard antidiarrheal treatments until improvement to Grade 1; resume CABOMETYX at a reduced dose. Dose modification due to diarrhea occurred in 26% of patients.

Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia Syndrome (PPES): Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (PPES) occurred in 42% of patients treated with CABOMETYX and in 6% of patients treated with everolimus. Grade 3 PPES occurred in 8.2% of CABOMETYX-treated patients and in <1% of everolimus-treated patients. Withhold CABOMETYX in patients who develop intolerable Grade 2 PPES or Grade 3 PPES until improvement to Grade 1; resume CABOMETYX at a reduced dose. Dose modification due to PPES occurred in 16% of patients.

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): RPLS, a syndrome of subcortical vasogenic edema diagnosed by characteristic finding on MRI, occurred in the cabozantinib clinical program. Perform an evaluation for RPLS in any patient presenting with seizures, headache, visual disturbances, confusion, or altered mental function. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop RPLS.

Embryo-fetal Toxicity: CABOMETYX 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 CABOMETYX and for 4 months after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions: The most commonly reported (≥25%) adverse reactions are: diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, PPES, hypertension, vomiting, weight decreased, and constipation.

Drug Interactions: Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers: Reduce the dosage of CABOMETYX if concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors cannot be avoided. Increase the dosage of CABOMETYX if concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inducers cannot be avoided.

Lactation: Advise a lactating woman not to breastfeed during treatment with CABOMETYX and for 4 months after the final dose.

Reproductive Potential: Contraception―Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with CABOMETYX and for 4 months after the final dose. Infertility ―CABOMETYX may impair fertility in females and males of reproductive potential.

Hepatic Impairment: Reduce the CABOMETYX dose in patients with mild (Child-Pugh score [C-P] A) or moderate (C-P B) hepatic impairment. CABOMETYX is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Please see full Prescribing Information at View Source

Xenetic Biosciences Reports 2017 Second Quarter Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On August 15, 2017 Xenetic Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: XBIO) ("Xenetic" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, research and development of next-generation biologic drugs and novel orphan oncology therapeutics, reported its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 (Press release, Xenetic Biosciences, AUG 15, 2017, View Source [SID1234537805]).

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Xenetic also provided an update to its corporate progress as well as clinical and regulatory status and anticipated milestones for the Company’s lead product candidate, XBIO-101 (sodium cridanimod), a small-molecule immunomodulator and interferon inducer which, in preliminary studies, has been shown to increase progesterone receptor ("PrR") expression in endometrial tumor tissue, and an update on its proprietary PolyXen platform technology.

"The second quarter was marked by the advancement of our flagship program, XBIO-101, into our Phase 2 program for the treatment of endometrial cancer, along with the important data we received from Shire’s Phase 1/2 study of SHP656, which utilized our PolyXen platform technology. While this study did not meet its primary endpoint and Shire has subsequently stated the program has been discontinued, key findings from the study specific to our PolyXen platform technology, provide further validation that it has the potential to improve the clinical utility of protein and peptide drugs," stated M. Scott Maguire, Xenetic’s CEO.

XBIO-101 Program Update

In the second quarter of 2017, the Company commenced patient enrollment for its Phase 2 clinical study of XBIO-101 in conjunction with progestin therapy for the treatment of endometrial cancer. The study targets a population of patients who have either failed progestin monotherapy or who have been identified as having progesterone receptor negative ("PrR-") tumors.

The primary objective of the open-label, multi-center, single-arm, two-period Phase 2 study is to assess the antitumor activity of XBIO-101 in conjunction with progestin therapy as measured by Overall Disease Control Rate in women with recurrent or persistent endometrial carcinoma not amenable to surgical treatment or radiotherapy who have either failed progestin monotherapy or who have been identified as PrR-. Secondary objectives include assessments of efficacy and safety/tolerability parameters.

The study is expected to enroll up to 72 women with recurrent or persistent endometrial cancer not amenable to surgical treatment or radiotherapy but suitable to be treated with progestins. All subjects determined to be PrR- at screening, as well as those subjects who experience disease progression after at least 4 weeks of progestin monotherapy, will receive XBIO-101 in combination with continued progestin treatment. Subjects will receive treatment until disease progression as defined according to RECIST 1.1 criteria.

Xenetic has also filed a protocol under its existing Investigational New Drug application to expand the development of XBIO-101 into a biomarker study related to the treatment of triple negative breast cancer.

Expected Upcoming Milestones

Commence patient dosing in the Phase 2 clinical study evaluating XBIO-101 in conjunction with progestin therapy for the treatment of progestin resistant endometrial cancer in Q3 2017; and
Announce interim data from Phase 2 study before the end of 2018.
PolyXen Platform Technology Update

In May 2017, the Company, along with its strategic collaborator, Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPG), announced data from Shire’s Phase 1/2 program of SHP656, its PSA-Recombinant Factor VIII ("rFVIII"), which was being developed as a long-acting therapeutic for the treatment of hemophilia A, utilizing Xenetic’s PolyXen platform technology to conjugate polysialic acid to therapeutic blood-clotting factors. Despite not achieving the principal objective of once-weekly dosing in this Phase 1/2 study, the Company’s PolyXen technology demonstrated that it works as a platform to successfully extend the circulating half-life of rFVIII with no drug-related serious adverse events reported to date. Including the Company’s own studies with a polysialylated erythropoietin ("PSA-EPO", "ErepoXen") candidate, this is the second instance in which PolyXen platform technology has been demonstrated, in a human clinical trial setting, to confer extended half-life to a biotherapeutic, while maintaining pharmacological activity and a favorable safety and tolerability profile. Moving forward, Xenetic believes data from Shire’s SHP656 program, although discontinued, continues to support the broad utility of its proprietary PolyXen technology platform, and expects the growing body of data from this platform will enable the Company to build a pipeline of partnerships utilizing this proven technology.

Expected Next Steps

Pursue business development activities to identify target molecules to explore partnerships utilizing PolyXen delivery platform; and
Explore other potential applications of the PolyXen platform technology within the Shire portfolio.
"We remain focused on driving forward with our strategy, including the continued advancement of our lead product candidate XBIO-101, as well as leveraging our proprietary PolyXen platform technology with the goal of building shareholder value in both the near and long-term," concluded Mr. Maguire.

Summary of Financial Results for Second Quarter 2017

Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2017, was $2.9 million compared to a net loss of approximately $47.8 million for the same period in 2016. The decrease in net loss was primarily due to a decrease of in-process research and development expense, as well as a decrease in share-based compensation expense related to warrants previously issued in 2016. These decreases were offset by an increase in general operating costs and costs related to the initiation of our XBIO-101 Phase 2 clinical study.

The Company ended the quarter with approximately $2.3 million of cash.