Agios Announces First Patient Dosed with MAT2A Inhibitor AG-270 in Phase 1 Study in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors or Lymphoma with an MTAP Deletion

On March 19, 2018 Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AGIO), a leader in the field of cellular metabolism to treat cancer and rare genetic diseases, reported dosing of the first patient in a Phase 1 study of AG-270, a first-in-class methionine adenosyltransferase 2a (MAT2A) inhibitor (Press release, Agios Pharmaceuticals, MAR 19, 2018, View Source [SID1234524881]). This open-label, dose-escalation and expansion study investigates AG-270 in patients with solid tumors or lymphoma with deletion of the metabolic gene methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP).

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"In addition to significant milestones for our late-stage portfolio this year, we are pleased to demonstrate the continued productivity of our research engine by advancing our sixth internally discovered molecule into the clinic," said Scott Biller, M.D., chief scientific officer of Agios. "As a first-in-class MAT2A inhibitor, AG-270 has the potential to benefit the large number of patients whose cancer is characterized by the loss of MTAP. We look forward to conducting the early clinical work that will explore the pharmacology and clinical activity of MAT2A inhibition in tumors carrying this deletion."

"We are excited to participate in the development of this novel and targeted approach to cancer treatment," said Howard (Skip) Burris, M.D., chief medical officer and president of clinical operations at Sarah Cannon. "Bringing AG-270 into the clinic represents an opportunity for Sarah Cannon and Agios to continue a partnership that began with the IDH inhibitors and remains focused on transforming cancer care and personalizing treatment."

AG-270 Phase 1 Study Design

The purpose of this Phase 1 multi-center, open-label study is to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical activity of AG-270 in approximately 50 patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma with MTAP deletion. AG-270 will be administered as a single agent dosed orally once daily in 28-day cycles. The first part of the study is a dose-escalation phase in which cohorts of patients will receive ascending doses of AG-270 to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or optimal dose. The second part of the study is a dose expansion phase where additional patients will receive AG-270 at the MTD or optimal dose to further evaluate its safety, tolerability and clinical activity as a potential dose for future studies. Patients must have evidence of loss of the MTAP protein from their tumor tissue, or evidence of loss of the CDKN2A tumor suppressor gene (commonly co-deleted with the MTAP gene), in order to be eligible for the study. Please refer to www.clinicaltrials.gov for additional clinical trial information.

About the MAT2A Inhibitor AG-270
AG-270 is part of a 2016 global research collaboration agreement with Celgene Corporation. Through Phase 1 dose escalation, Celgene has the option, for a fee of at least $30 million, to participate in a worldwide cost and profit share with Agios. Upon exercise of the option the parties will share all development costs, subject to specified exceptions, and any profits on net sales and Agios will be eligible for up to $169 million in clinical and regulatory milestone payments for the program. As described in a 2016 Cell Reports publication, Agios discovered that MAT2A is a component of a novel pathway in MTAP-deleted tumors which, when inhibited, results in robust anti-tumor activity. Preclinical data presented at the 2017 Keystone Tumor Metabolism meeting demonstrated that small molecule inhibitors of MAT2A are efficacious in MTAP-deleted tumor xenograft models.

U.S. FDA Grants Priority Review for a Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for XTANDI® (enzalutamide) in Non-Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC)

On March 19, 2018 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Yoshihiko Hatanaka, "Astellas") reported that a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for XTANDI (enzalutamide) has been accepted for filing and granted Priority Review designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If approved, the sNDA would expand the indication of XTANDI to include men with non-metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC), based on data from the Phase 3 PROSPER trial (Press release, , 19 19, 2018, View Source [SID1234524898]). XTANDI is currently indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic CRPC.

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"Treatment options have been limited for men with non-metastatic CRPC, in whom the only evidence of progressive disease is a rapidly rising PSA"

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The FDA grants Priority Review designation to applications for drugs that, if approved, may offer significant improvements in the safety and effectiveness of the treatment of serious conditions when compared to standard applications. Under Priority Review, the FDA aims to take action on an application within six months of receipt, as compared to ten months under standard review. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date assigned by the FDA is July 2018. In addition, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has validated the Type II Variation submitted for XTANDI seeking to expand the current indication to the same patient population and started the review process on March 5.

"Once cancer spreads and metastasizes, men with castration-resistant prostate cancer face a daunting prognosis and challenging odds," said Steven Benner, M.D., senior vice president and global therapeutic area head, Oncology Development, Astellas. "We’re pleased to see the FDA’s Priority Review designation as we work to potentially bring XTANDI to men living with non-metastatic CRPC."

"Treatment options have been limited for men with non-metastatic CRPC, in whom the only evidence of progressive disease is a rapidly rising PSA," said Mace Rothenberg, M.D., chief development officer, Oncology, Pfizer Global Product Development. "XTANDI is already established as a standard of care for men with metastatic CRPC. This milestone marks an important step toward our ability to bring XTANDI to CRPC patients in an earlier setting."

The PROSPER trial evaluated XTANDI plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) versus ADT alone in 1,401 patients with non-metastatic CRPC. The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating that the use of XTANDI plus ADT significantly reduced the risk of developing metastasis or death compared to ADT alone. Adverse events in the PROSPER trial were higher in the enzalutamide plus ADT arm compared to ADT alone (87% vs. 77%), and were generally consistent with those reported in prior enzalutamide clinical trials in patients with metastatic CRPC. Results from the PROSPER trial were presented at the 2018 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU) in February.1 For more information on the PROSPER trial, go to www.clinicaltrials.gov.

The FDA approved XTANDI in 2012 for the treatment of patients with metastatic CRPC who had previously received docetaxel. In 2014, the FDA approved XTANDI to treat patients with metastatic CRPC.

About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide.2 More than 164,000 men in the United States are estimated to be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018.3 In the European Union, the estimated number of new prostate cancer cases in 2015 was 365,000.4

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) refers to the subset of men whose prostate cancer progresses despite castration levels of testosterone.5 Non-metastatic CRPC means there is no clinically detectable evidence of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body (metastases), and there is a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.6 Many men with non-metastatic CRPC and a rapidly rising PSA level go on to develop metastatic CRPC.7

About XTANDI (enzalutamide) capsules

XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Important Safety Information for XTANDI

Contraindications

XTANDI is not indicated for women. XTANDI can cause fetal harm and potential loss of pregnancy.

Warnings and Precautions

Seizure occurred in 0.5% of patients receiving XTANDI in clinical studies. In a study of patients with predisposing factors, seizures were reported in 2.2% of patients. See section 5.1 of the Prescribing Information for the list of predisposing factors. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with XTANDI. Permanently discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) In post approval use, there have been reports of PRES in patients receiving XTANDI. PRES is a neurological disorder which can present with rapidly evolving symptoms including seizure, headache, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances, with or without associated hypertension. A diagnosis of PRES requires confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI. Discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop PRES.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) that occurred more commonly (≥2% over placebo) in the XTANDI patients from the two placebo-controlled clinical trials were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, decreased appetite, constipation, arthralgia, diarrhea, hot flush, upper respiratory tract infection, peripheral edema, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, weight decreased, headache, hypertension, and dizziness/vertigo. In the bicalutamide-controlled study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, the most common adverse reactions (≥10%) reported in XTANDI patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, hot flush, hypertension, nausea, constipation, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and weight loss.

In the placebo-controlled study of patients taking XTANDI who previously received docetaxel, Grade 3 and higher adverse reactions were reported among 47% of XTANDI patients and 53% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 16% of XTANDI patients and 18% of placebo patients. In the placebo-controlled study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, Grade 3-4 adverse reactions were reported in 44% of XTANDI patients and 37% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 6% of both study groups. In the bicalutamide-controlled study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, Grade 3-4 adverse reactions were reported in 38.8% of XTANDI patients and 37.6% of bicalutamide patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 7.6% of XTANDI patients and 6.3% of bicalutamide patients.

Lab Abnormalities: In the two placebo-controlled trials, Grade 1-4 neutropenia occurred in 15% of XTANDI patients (1% Grade 3-4) and 6% of placebo patients (0.5% Grade 3-4). Grade 1-4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 6% of XTANDI patients (0.3% Grade 3-4) and 5% of placebo patients (0.5% Grade 3-4). Grade 1-4 elevations in ALT occurred in 10% of XTANDI patients (0.2% Grade 3-4) and 16% of placebo patients (0.2% Grade 3-4). Grade 1-4 elevations in bilirubin occurred in 3% of XTANDI patients (0.1% Grade 3-4) and 2% of placebo patients (no Grade 3-4).

Infections: In the study of patients taking XTANDI who previously received docetaxel, 1% of XTANDI patients compared to 0.3% of placebo patients died from infections or sepsis. In the study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, 1 patient in each treatment group (0.1%) had an infection resulting in death.

Falls (including fall-related injuries) occurred in 9% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients in the two placebo-controlled trials. Falls were not associated with loss of consciousness or seizure. Fall-related injuries were more severe in XTANDI patients, and included non-pathologic fractures, joint injuries, and hematomas.

Hypertension occurred in 11% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients in the two placebo-controlled trials. No patients experienced hypertensive crisis. Medical history of hypertension was balanced between arms. Hypertension led to study discontinuation in <1% of patients in each arm.

Drug Interactions

Effect of Other Drugs on XTANDI Avoid strong CYP2C8 inhibitors, as they can increase the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, reduce the dose of XTANDI.

Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers as they can decrease the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, increase the dose of XTANDI.

Effect of XTANDI on Other Drugs Avoid CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, as XTANDI may decrease the plasma exposures of these drugs. If XTANDI is co-administered with warfarin (CYP2C9 substrate), conduct additional INR monitoring.

Please see Full Prescribing Information for additional safety information.

About the Enzalutamide Development Program

Pfizer and Astellas are collaborating on a comprehensive development program that includes studies of enzalutamide across the full spectrum of advanced prostate cancer. Ongoing studies of enzalutamide in prostate cancer include the ARCHES trial in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and the EMBARK trial in non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

Obsidian Therapeutics to Present at Upcoming Investor Conferences

On March 19, 2018 Obsidian Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company dedicated to the development of next-generation cell and gene therapies with pharmacologic operating systems, reported that the company will participate in two upcoming investor conferences (Press release, , 19 19, 2018, View Source [SID1234524897]):

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Obsidian will participate in two conferences: BioCentury Future Leaders in the Biotech Industry Conf. 3/23, and Jefferies IO Cell Therapy Summit 4/3.

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On Friday, March 23, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. ET, Michael Gilman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, will present a company overview at BioCentury’s 25th Annual Future Leaders in the Biotech Industry Conference at the Millennium Broadway Hotel & Conference Center in New York, NY. A breakout session will follow the presentation at 12:00 noon.

On Tuesday, April 3, 2018, Dr. Gilman will also make a presentation on Obsidian at 3:15 p.m. ET at the Jefferies IO Cell Therapy Summit, an event focused on novel therapeutics in the immuno-oncology space, at the Boston Harbor Hotel in Boston.

Histogenics Corporation to Present at Needham & Company’s 17th Annual Healthcare Conference

On March 19, 2018 Histogenics Corporation (Histogenics) (Nasdaq:HSGX), a leader in the development of restorative cell therapies that may offer rapid-onset pain relief and restored function, reported that Adam Gridley, Chief Executive Officer of Histogenics, will be presenting a corporate overview at Needham & Company’s 17th Annual Healthcare Conference on, March 28, 2018 at 11:00 AM EDT at the Westin Grand Central Hotel in New York, NY (Press release, , 19 19, 2018, View Source;p=irol-news&nyo=0 [SID1234524896]).

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To access a live audio webcast of the presentations on the "Investor Relations" page of the Histogenics website, please click here. The webcasts will be available for approximately 45 days following the respective conferences.

Affimed Appoints Dr. Leila Alland as Chief Medical Officer

On March 19, 2018 Affimed N.V. (Nasdaq: AFMD), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing highly targeted cancer immunotherapies, reported the appointment of Dr. Leila Alland to the position of Chief Medical Officer (CMO), effective March 26, 2018 (Press release, , 19 19, 2018, View Source [SID1234524894]). As CMO, Dr. Alland will be responsible for the clinical strategy and execution of Affimed’s first-in-class NK and T cell engager programs through early and late stage clinical trials. Dr. Alland brings to the Company over 20 years of experience in industry and academic research with a strong track record of successful oncology and hematology drug development.

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"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Alland as our new Chief Medical Officer as she brings with her a wealth of expertise in immuno-oncology drug development including PD-1- and EGFR-targeting agents," said Dr. Adi Hoess, CEO of Affimed. "With Dr. Alland leading our strategy and execution in the clinic, we look forward to advancing our robust pipeline of both mono- and combination therapeutics through clinical development to regulatory approval."

Dr. Alland has broad experience as a clinical leader developing both large and small molecule oncology products for solid and hematological malignancies, including Opdivo, Tagrisso, and Tasigna. Dr. Alland most recently served as CMO of Tarveda Therapeutics, developing clinical candidates for solid tumors. Prior to that, she was Vice President and Head of Oncology Early Clinical Development at AstraZeneca where she led Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical development of oncology and immuno-oncology programs including a Phase 2 registration study that contributed to the accelerated approval of Tagrisso. Previously, Dr. Alland served at Bristol-Myers Squibb as clinical head for multiple early phase oncology programs including immuno-oncology antibody therapeutics, and at Novartis where she led the clinical development program for Tasigna. Dr. Alland is also an experienced pediatric hematologist/oncologist and accomplished scientist, having served on the faculty at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, where she was awarded the prestigious James S. McDonnell Foundation Scholar Award for research.

"Affimed’s novel tetravalent bispecific antibodies for immune cell engagement offer a unique approach to accelerate the trajectory of the immuno-oncology field and achieve significant benefit for patients," said Dr. Leila Alland. "I am excited to be joining the accomplished team at Affimed and look forward to advancing the differentiated pipeline of NK and T cell engagers for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute myeloid leukemia and other malignancies."

Dr. Alland completed her fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY and her internship and residency at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA. She received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and her M.D. from New York University School of Medicine.