HOOKIPA to Present Complete HB-200 Phase 1 Results and Recommended Phase 2 Dose for HB-202/HB-201 for the Treatment of Advanced HPV16+ Cancers at ASCO

On May 26, 2022 HOOKIPA Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOK, ‘HOOKIPA’), a company developing a new class of immunotherapeutics based on its proprietary arenavirus platform, reported that complete HB-200 Phase 1 results (NCT04180215) for single-vector HB-201 and alternating 2-vector HB-202/HB-201 in patients with advanced Human Papillomavirus 16-positive (HPV16+) cancers, including the recommended Phase 2 dose for HB-202/HB-201, will be shared in a poster presentation at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, taking place June 3-7, 2022 (Press release, Hookipa Biotech, MAY 26, 2022, https://ir.hookipapharma.com/news-releases/news-release-details/hookipa-present-complete-hb-200-phase-1-results-and-recommended [SID1234615087]). Data as of March 31, 2022 will be presented on 68 patients, 54 of whom had head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

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"We look forward to sharing the full Phase 1 data results on our HB-200 program at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper). The final analysis shows that HB-201 and 2-vector HB-202/HB-201 were generally well tolerated and showed anti-tumor activity in these difficult-to-treat patients. We also will share additional translational data that continue to show robust tumor-specific T cell responses from use of our HB-200 therapies," said Joern Aldag, Chief Executive Officer at HOOKIPA. "We are continuing to advance this truly novel science through the clinic, and the learnings from this phase help deepen our understanding of the potential of our technology. These insights inform our path as we advance the 2-vector HB-202/HB-201 immunotherapy into the ongoing Phase 2 HNSCC portion of the study, as well as our approach to our HB-300 program in prostate cancer."

The abstract is available on the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) website with key details noted below:

Recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of HB-200 arenavirus-based cancer immunotherapies in patients with HPV16+ cancers

Abstract # 2517, Developmental Therapeutics – Immunotherapy

Poster session: Sunday, June 5, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CDT
Poster discussion session: Sunday, June 5, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDT in Hall D2
Presenter: Siqing Fu, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics and principal investigator at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Key findings:

Single-vector HB-201 and 2-vector HB-202/HB-201 immunotherapies were generally well tolerated and showed anti-tumor activity in heavily pre-treated patients with HPV16+ head and neck cancer

HB-201 was evaluated at three dose levels, with two dosing schedules and two administration routes for safety, efficacy and immunogenicity

HB-202/HB-201 was evaluated at four dose levels and two administration routes for safety, efficacy, and the recommended Phase 2 dose

Anti-tumor activity in this heavily pre-treated patient population was observed with HB-201 and HB-202/HB-201 treatments alone, including sustained tumor control and partial responses.
About HB-202/HB-201
HB-201 and HB-202/HB-201 are HOOKIPA’s lead oncology candidates engineered with the company’s proprietary replicating arenaviral vector platform. HB-201 is a single-vector compound that uses Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus as its arenaviral backbone. HB-202 is a single-vector compound that uses Pichinde Virus as its arenaviral backbone. Both express the same antigen, an E7E6 fusion protein derived from HPV16. HB-202/HB-201 is an alternating 2-vector immunotherapy designed to further focus the immune response against the target antigen. In pre-clinical studies, alternating administration of HB-201 and HB-202 resulted in a ten-fold increase in immune response and better disease control than either compound alone. Both novel immunotherapy candidates, in combination with pembrolizumab, received Fast Track Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of 1st-line advanced/metastatic HPV16+ head and neck cancers.

About the HB-200 trial (NCT04180215)
This Phase 1/2 clinical trial is an open-label trial exploring different dose levels and dosing schedules in individuals with treatment-refractory HPV16+ head and neck cancers who progressed on standard of care, including checkpoint inhibitors. The HB-200 trial is evaluating two HOOKIPA compounds: HB-201 as single-vector therapy, HB-202/HB-201 as an alternating 2-vector therapy, and both in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor. The primary endpoint of Phase 1 is a recommended Phase 2 dose. Secondary endpoints include safety and tolerability, as well as preliminary efficacy defined by RECIST 1.1. The trial also includes exploratory objectives on T cell response and pharmacodynamic biomarkers.

The Phase 2 part of the trial is open-label with a primary endpoint of preliminary anti-tumor activity, defined by RECIST 1.1, for objective response rate and disease control rate. Secondary endpoints including safety, overall survival, progression-free survival and duration of response. Phase 2 is ongoing, evaluating HB-201 in combination with pembrolizumab in 1st– and 2nd-line plus settings, with additional arms planned based on final Phase 1 results.

About Human Papillomavirus-driven Cancers
Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common viral infection estimated to cause about 5 percent of the worldwide cancer burden. This includes up to 60 percent of head and neck, 89 percent of cervical, 78 percent of vaginal, 88 percent of anal, 67 percent of vulvar and 50 percent of penile cancers.

While there are numerous HPV types associated with cancer, HPV16 is the most common cause of cancer. Most HPV infections are cleared from the body with no lasting consequences. However, in some cases, HPV DNA becomes integrated into chromosomal DNA. When host cells take up this DNA, they express the HPV E6 and E7 proteins. This uptake can potentially lead to cancer since expression of these proteins leads to alterations in cell cycle control, which in turn predisposes these cells to become cancerous.

Heron Therapeutics to Present at the 2022 Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference

On May 26, 2022 Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: HRTX), a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on improving the lives of patients by developing and commercializing therapeutic innovations that improve medical care, reported that company management will participate in a fireside chat at the 2022 Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at 8:30 am ET (Press release, Heron Therapeutics, MAY 26, 2022, View Source [SID1234615086]). The conference is taking place June 8-10th, 2022 in New York, NY.

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A live webcast of the fireside chat will be available on the Company’s website at www.herontx.com in the Investor Resources section.

Genmab Announces Multiple Abstracts to be Presented at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting

On MAY 26, 2022 Genmab A/S (Nasdaq: GMAB) reported that multiple abstracts evaluating several investigational medicines in the company’s pipeline, or created using Genmab’s innovative drug development platforms, will be presented at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, being held at McCormick Place, in Chicago, IL, and virtually, June 3-7 (Press release, Genmab, MAY 26, 2022, View Source [SID1234615085]). The presentations will include data from multiple arms of the phase 1b/2 EPCORE NHL-2 clinical trial, evaluating the safety and preliminary efficacy of epcoritamab (DuoBody-CD3xCD20), an investigational subcutaneous bispecific antibody, in combination with standard-of-care therapies for the treatment of various types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including first-line, high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), relapsed or refractory DLBCL, and relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL). Epcoritamab is being co-developed by Genmab and AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV).

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In addition, several abstracts evaluating tisotumab vedotin (TIVDAK) in various tumor types will be presented, including an oral presentation of the innovaTV 205 study evaluating tisotumab vedotin in combination with carboplatin or pembrolizumab in first-line patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer (r/mCC). Tisotumab vedotin is being co-developed by Genmab and Seagen (Nasdaq: SGEN), under an agreement in which the companies share costs and profits for the product on a 50:50 basis.

Results from several clinical trials evaluating Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Janssen’s) subcutaneous formulation of daratumumab, and Janssen’s bispecific programs leveraging Genmab’s DuoBody technology platform, will be presented. Daratumumab is being developed by Janssen under an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab from Genmab, and the companies have a research and license agreement to create and develop bispecific antibodies using Genmab’s DuoBody technology platform.

All abstracts accepted for presentation have been published on the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) website.

"This year’s ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) provides a great opportunity for Genmab to share data evaluating epcoritamab, our first-in-class approved medicine tisotumab vedotin, and our innovative technologies, which reinforce our commitment to delivering new therapeutic options to patients in need," said Dr. Judith Klimovsky, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of Genmab. "Through our own research and development, and through industry partnerships, Genmab is developing differentiated therapies with the goal of transforming the future of cancer treatment."

Abstracts accepted for presentation at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) include:

Epcoritamab (DuoBody-CD3xCD20):

Abstract #: 7523. First-line treatment with subcutaneous (SC) epcoritamab (epco) + R-CHOP in patients (pts) with high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): phase 1/2 data update; Falchi et al. Saturday, June 4, 2022, 8:00-11:00 a.m. CDT/9:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m. EDT.
Abstract #: 7524. Subcutaneous epcoritamab with rituximab + lenalidomide (R2) in patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma (FL): update from phase 1/2 trial; Falchi et al. Saturday, June 4, 2022, 8:00-11:00 a.m. CDT/9:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m. EDT.
Abstract #: 7528. Subcutaneous epcoritamab + R-DHAX/C in patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT): preliminary phase 1/2 results; Abrisqueta et al. Saturday, June 4, 2022, 8:00-11:00 a.m. CDT/9:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m. EDT.
Abstract #: 7527. Epcoritamab (epco) with gemcitabine + oxaliplatin (GemOx) in patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) induces high response rate even in pts failing CAR T therapy; Brody et al. Saturday, June 4, 2022, 8:00-11:00 a.m. CDT/9:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m. EDT.
Abstract #: 7576. DLBCL Cell of Origin Typing and Whole Transcriptome Analysis using Single Slides with HTG EdgeSeq; Loya, et al. Saturday, June 4, 2022, 8:00-11:00 a.m. CDT/9:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m. EDT.
Tisotumab Vedotin:

Abstract #: 5507. Tisotumab vedotin (TV) + pembrolizumab (pembro) in first-line (1L) recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer (r/mCC): Interim results of ENGOT Cx8/GOG 3024/innovaTV 205; D. Lorusso et al. Monday, June 6, 2022, 8:00-11:00 a.m. CDT/9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EDT.
Abstract#: TPS5603. Trial in progress update on ENGOT-cx8/GOG-3024/innovaTV 205: Addition of a new cohort of tisotumab vedotin (TV) + pembrolizumab (pembro) + carboplatin (carbo) ± bevacizumab (bev) in first line (1L) recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer (r/mCC); I. Vergote et al. Saturday, June 4, 2022, 1:15-4:15 p.m. CDT/2:15-5:15 p.m. EDT.
Abstract #: TPS6100. innovaTV 207: New combination dosing cohorts in the open label phase 2 study of tisotumab vedotin in solid tumors; X. Le et al. Monday, June 6, 2022, 1:15-4:15 p.m. CDT/2:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m. EDT.
Abstract #: 5532. Factors Associated with Receipt of Second-Line Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer Treatment in the US: A Retrospective Administrative Claims Analysis; K. Sonawane et al. Saturday, June 4, 2022, 1:15-4:15 p.m. CDT/2:15-5:15 p.m. EDT.
Abstract #: 5523. Cervical Cancer Geographical Burden Analyzer: An Interactive, Open-Access Tool For Understanding Geographical Disease Burden in Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer Patients; T. Castellano et al. Saturday, June 4, 2022, 1:15-4:15 p.m. CDT/2:15-5:15 p.m. EDT
Abstract #: E17520. Productivity losses under various second-line recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer treatment scenarios in the US; T. Ayer et al.
Abstract #: E17525. Patterns of Care in Medicaid-Enrollees with recurrent or metastatic Cervical Cancer; C. A. Leath et al.
Daratumumab:

Subcutaneous daratumumab (DARA SC) versus active monitoring in patients (pts) with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM): randomized, open-label, phase 3 AQUILA study; Dimopoulos et al.
Time to response, duration of response, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with daratumumab (DARA) plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd) vs lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) alone in transplant-ineligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM): subgroup analysis of the phase 3 MAIA study; Facon et al.
Efficacy and safety of daratumumab (DARA) in pediatric and young adult patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL): results from the phase 2 DELPHINUS study; Hogan et al.
Daratumumab (DARA) + lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (RVd) in Black patients (pts) with transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM): an updated subgroup analysis of GRIFFIN; Nooka et al.
Daratumumab (DARA) + lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (RVd) in transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM): a post hoc analysis of sustained minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity from GRIFFIN; Rodriguez et al.
Daratumumab (DARA) in combination with bortezomib plus dexamethasone (D-Vd) or lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (D-Rd) in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): subgroup analysis of the phase 3 CASTOR and POLLUX studies in patients (pts) with early or late relapse after initial therapy; Spencer et al.
About Epcoritamab
Epcoritamab is an investigational IgG1-bispecific antibody created using Genmab’s proprietary DuoBody technology. Genmab’s DuoBody-CD3 technology is designed to direct cytotoxic T cells selectively to elicit an immune response towards target cell types. Epcoritamab is designed to simultaneously bind to CD3 on T cells and CD20 on B-cells and induces T cell mediated killing of CD20+ cells.i Epcoritamab was developed with selective, silencing mutations that may limit systemic, non-specific activity.ii CD20 is expressed on B-cells and a clinically validated therapeutic target in many B-cell malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.iii,iv Epcoritamab is being co-developed by Genmab and AbbVie as part of the companies’ broad oncology collaboration.

About Tisotumab Vedotin
Tisotumab vedotin-tftv (TIVDAK) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) composed of Genmab’s human monoclonal antibody directed to tissue factor (TF) and Seagen’s ADC technology that utilizes a protease-cleavable linker that covalently attaches the microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) to the antibody. Nonclinical data suggests that the anticancer activity of tisotumab vedotin is due to the binding of the ADC to TF expressing cancer cells, followed by internalization of the ADC-TF complex, and release of MMAE via proteolytic cleavage. MMAE disrupts the microtubule network of actively dividing cells, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death. In vitro, tisotumab vedotin also mediates antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.

In September 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval for tisotumab vedotin-tftv (TIVDAK) in adult patients with previously treated recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy, making it the first and only approved ADC for these patients. The ongoing clinical trial InnovaTV 301, an open label, randomized, global trial, is intended as the confirmatory trial for use in verifying and describing the clinical benefit and as support for US and global regulatory applications.

TIVDAK (tisotumab vedotin-tftv) U.S Indication & Important Safety Information
TIVDAK is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy.

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 confirmatory trials.

Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNING: OCULAR TOXICITY
TIVDAK caused changes in the corneal epithelium and conjunctiva resulting in changes in vision, including severe vision loss, and corneal ulceration. Conduct an ophthalmic exam at baseline, prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. Adhere to premedication and required eye care before, during, and after infusion. Withhold TIVDAK until improvement and resume, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue, based on severity.

Warnings and Precautions
Ocular Adverse Reactions occurred in 60% of patients with cervical cancer treated with TIVDAK across clinical trials. The most common were conjunctival adverse reactions (40%), dry eye (29%), corneal adverse reactions (21%), and blepharitis (8%). Grade 3 ocular adverse reactions occurred in 3.8 % of patients, including severe ulcerative keratitis in 3.2% of patients. One patient experienced ulcerative keratitis with perforation requiring corneal transplantation. Cases of symblepharon were reported in patients with other tumor types treated with TIVDAK at the recommended dose. In innovaTV 204, 4% of patients experienced visual acuity changes to 20/50 or worse including 1% of patients who experienced a visual acuity change to 20/200. Of the patients who experienced decreased visual acuity to 20/50 or worse, 75% resolved, including the patient who experienced decreased visual acuity to 20/200.

Refer patients to an eye care provider for an ophthalmic exam including visual acuity and slit lamp exam at baseline, prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. Adhere to premedication and required eye care to reduce the risk of ocular adverse reactions. Promptly refer patients to an eye care provider for any new or worsening ocular signs and symptoms. Withhold dose, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue TIVDAK based on the severity of the adverse reaction.

Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) occurred in 42% of cervical cancer patients treated with TIVDAK across clinical trials; 8% of patients experienced Grade 3 PN. PN adverse reactions included peripheral neuropathy (20%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (11%), peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy (5%), motor neuropathy (3%), muscular weakness (3%), and demyelinating peripheral polyneuropathy (1%). One patient with another tumor type treated with TIVDAK at the recommended dose developed Guillain- Barre syndrome. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neuropathy. For new or worsening PN, withhold, dose reduce, or permanently discontinue TIVDAK based on the severity of PN.

Hemorrhage occurred in 62% of cervical cancer patients treated with TIVDAK across clinical trials. The most common all grade hemorrhage adverse reactions were epistaxis (44%), hematuria (10%), and vaginal hemorrhage (10%). Grade 3 hemorrhage occurred in 5% of patients. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hemorrhage. For patients experiencing pulmonary or CNS hemorrhage, permanently discontinue TIVDAK. For Grade ≥2 hemorrhage in any other location, withhold until bleeding has resolved, blood hemoglobin is stable, there is no bleeding diathesis that could increase the risk of continuing therapy, and there is no anatomical or pathologic condition that can increase the risk of hemorrhage recurrence. After resolution, either resume treatment or permanently discontinue TIVDAK.

Pneumonitis: Severe, life-threatening, or fatal pneumonitis can occur in patients treated with antibody-drug conjugates containing vedotin, including TIVDAK. Among patients with cervical cancer treated with TIVDAK across clinical trials, 2 patients (1.3%) experienced pneumonitis, including 1 patient who had a fatal outcome.

Monitor patients for pulmonary symptoms of pneumonitis. Infectious, neoplastic, and other causes for symptoms should be excluded through appropriate investigations.

Withhold TIVDAK for patients who develop persistent or recurrent Grade 2 pneumonitis and consider dose reduction. Permanently discontinue TIVDAK in all patients with Grade 3 or 4 pneumonitis.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: TIVDAK can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TIVDAK and for 2 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TIVDAK and for 4 months after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions
In the innovaTV 204 clinical trial (n=101), serious adverse reactions occurred in 43% of patients; the most common (≥3%) were ileus (6%), hemorrhage (5%), pneumonia (4%), PN, sepsis, constipation, and pyrexia (each 3%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4% of patients who received TIVDAK, including septic shock, pneumonitis, sudden death, and multisystem organ failure (each 1%).

Adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation occurred in 13% of patients receiving TIVDAK; the most common (≥3%) were PN (5%) and corneal adverse reactions (4%). Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption occurred in 47% of patients; the most common (≥3%) were PN (8%), conjunctival adverse reactions (4%), and hemorrhage (4%). Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction occurred in 23% of patients; the most common (≥3%) were conjunctival adverse reactions (9%) and corneal adverse reactions (8%).

The most common (≥25%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were hemoglobin decreased (52%), fatigue (50%), lymphocytes decreased (42%), nausea (41%), PN (39%), alopecia (39%), epistaxis (39%), conjunctival adverse reactions (37%), hemorrhage (32%), leukocytes decreased (30%), creatinine increased (29%), dry eye (29%), prothrombin international normalized ratio increased (26%), activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged (26%), diarrhea (25%), and rash (25%).

Drug interactions

Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase unconjugated monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) exposure, which may increase the risk of TIVDAK adverse reactions. Closely monitor patients for TIVDAK adverse reactions.

Use in Specific Populations

Moderate or Severe Hepatic Impairment: MMAE exposure and adverse reactions are increased. Avoid use.

Lactation: Advise lactating women not to breastfeed during TIVDAK treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose.

Please see full prescribing information, including BOXED WARNING for TIVDAK here.

About DARZALEX(daratumumab)
DARZALEX (daratumumab) is the first monoclonal antibody (mAb) to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to treat certain multiple myeloma indications. Daratumumab is being developed by Janssen Biotech, Inc. under an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab from Genmab. The subcutaneous formulation of daratumumab (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) is the first subcutaneous CD38 antibody approved for the treatment of certain multiple myeloma indications and the first and only approved treatment for certain patients with light-chain (AL) amyloidosis.v,vi,vii

Please see local country prescribing information for all labeled indication and safety information.

Galera Announces Oral Presentation at 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting Detailing Results from Phase 3 ROMAN Trial of Avasopasem

On May 26, 2022 Galera Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing a pipeline of novel, proprietary therapeutics that have the potential to transform radiotherapy in cancer, reported data from its Phase 3 ROMAN trial of avasopasem for severe oral mucositis will be highlighted in an oral presentation at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting on Friday, June 3, 2022 from 2:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. CDT during the Head and Neck Cancer session (Press release, Galera Therapeutics, MAY 26, 2022, View Source [SID1234615084]). Topline data was announced in December 2021. Abstracts are currently available in the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) digital program.

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"We are pleased that our Phase 3 trial of avasopasem was selected for an oral presentation at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), where details of the clinically meaningful and statistically significant results will be shared," said Mel Sorensen, M.D., Galera’s President and CEO. "Our research shows that radiation oncologists and patients cite SOM as the most burdensome radiotherapy toxicity in head and neck cancer treatment, and there are currently no FDA-approved drugs to reduce the incidence or duration of SOM in solid tumors. Avasopasem has been granted Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track Designations by the U.S. FDA for the reduction of SOM induced by radiotherapy, and we look forward to submitting a New Drug Application to the FDA by year end in order to bring this potential treatment to patients as quickly as possible."

Results from the 455-patient Phase 3 trial demonstrated a meaningful reduction in patients’ SOM burden across multiple endpoints, with statistically significant reductions on the primary endpoint of incidence of SOM and the secondary endpoint of number of days of SOM, more than halving the median number of days a patient suffered SOM. Exploratory analyses, such as time to SOM onset and SOM incidence at various landmarks of radiotherapy delivered, also demonstrated clinical benefit of avasopasem in reducing the burden of SOM. Avasopasem also appeared to be generally well tolerated compared to placebo. These results are consistent with those from the positive 223-patient Phase 2b trial (Anderson, J Clin Oncol, 2019) that was the basis for Breakthrough Therapy Designation.

Additionally, Galera’s Phase 2 GRECO-2 study of rucosopasem (GC4711) in combination with stereotactic body radiation therapy in pancreatic cancer will be presented at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in a Trials in Progress poster session on Saturday, June 4, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CDT. The primary endpoint of this trial is overall survival.

About Severe Oral Mucositis (SOM)
Approximately 42,000 patients with head and neck cancer undergo standard-of-care radiotherapy every year in the U.S. and are at risk of experiencing SOM. In patients with head and neck cancer, radiotherapy is a mainstay of treatment. Approximately 70 percent of patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer develop SOM, defined by the inability to eat solid food or drink liquids. The impact on patients who develop SOM is substantial, particularly when hospitalization and/or surgical placement of PEG tubes to maintain nutrition and hydration are required. SOM can adversely affect cancer treatment outcomes by causing interruptions in radiotherapy, which may compromise the otherwise good prognosis for tumor control in many of these patients. There is currently no drug approved to prevent or treat SOM for these patients.

About Avasopasem
Avasopasem manganese (avasopasem, or GC4419) is a selective small molecule dismutase mimetic in development for the reduction of radiation-induced severe oral mucositis (SOM) in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) and for the reduction of radiation-induced esophagitis in patients with lung cancer. The FDA has granted Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy designations to avasopasem for the reduction of SOM induced by radiotherapy, with or without systemic therapy.

Forma Therapeutics Highlights Etavopivat Development Expansion and Introduces New Oncology Program from Research Pipeline at Inaugural Research and Development (R&D) Day

On May 26, 2022 Forma Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on sickle cell disease (SCD), prostate cancer and other rare hematologic diseases and cancers, reported that it will hold a virtual R&D Day today to provide a comprehensive update on its pipeline and strategic vision (Press release, Forma Therapeutics, MAY 26, 2022, View Source [SID1234615083]).

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The R&D event is taking place today at 8:00 a.m. ET. A live webcast will be available in the "News & Investors" section of Forma’s website.

"We are pleased to share insights into Forma’s unique commitment to patients and expansion of etavopivat development into transfusion-dependent populations that have tremendous unmet need across sickle cell disease, thalassemia and MDS," said Frank Lee, president and chief executive officer of Forma.

"In our early stage research pipeline, we are excited to introduce a USP1 program that targets a novel DNA damage repair pathway relevant to a broad range of tumor types." said David Cook, chief scientific officer of Forma. "We are also capitalizing on our knowledge of the emerging science of red blood cell health by exploring areas beyond hematologic disease."

Etavopivat (oral PKR activator) Program in SCD, thalassemia and MDS:

In addition to ongoing enrollment in the Phase II/III Hibiscus Study in SCD, Forma will outline ongoing and anticipated future development plans:

A Phase II trial is enrolling patients in three cohorts: SCD with chronic transfusion, and both transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Etavopivat has the potential to address RBC health, hemolytic anemia and/or ineffective erythropoiesis in these populations, leading to reduction of transfusion burden and associated iron overload and improvement of anemia.

A Phase II trial in lower risk MDS is planned to commence in the second half of 2022. Dr. Michael Savona of Vanderbilt University will review the significant unmet need in lower-risk MDS and the potential for etavopivat to provide a well-tolerated oral treatment that may be able to improve the ability of bone marrow to produce healthier RBCs.

Analyses from the completed Phase I trial in SCD show benefit in both pain events reported in the trial and vaso-occlusive crises (VOC’s) occurring on treatment.

Enrollment in the Phase II/III Hibiscus Study in SCD is on track for the first interim analysis (IA1) in late 2022.

FT-7051 (oral CBP/p300 inhibitor) in prostate cancer:

Forma’s Phase I trial continues to enroll men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

As of May 12, 2022, 25 patients have enrolled in the Phase I dose escalation trial, assessing the predicted efficacious exposure range supported by target engagement.

The trial population is heavily pre-treated, with a high AR-v7 positivity rate and mutation burden.

Future trial enrollment to include less heavily pre-treated patients and alternative dosing schedule to address adverse events, with updated results expected in the first half of 2023.

Research Pipeline/RBC Health:

Forma’s ongoing research efforts are focused on novel mechanisms of action in oncology and expansion in red blood cell health and hematologic diseases:

Forma’s research pipeline is led by the USP1 program (FT-3171), targeting a novel DNA damage repair pathway with potential to address multiple tumor types in both poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi)-sensitive and resistant settings.

FT-3171 IND filing is expected in the first half of 2023.

Ongoing pre-clinical research is targeting areas of expansion for RBC health, novel mechanisms that may be complementary to etavopivat in rare hematology, and targeted oncology.