iBio Enters into a Research Services Agreement with FairJourney Biologics

On July 13, 2021 iBio, Inc. (NYSEA:IBIO) ("iBio" or the "Company"), a biotech innovator and biologics contract manufacturing organization, has taken another major step towards leveraging the speed and throughput of its proprietary, plant-based FastPharming Protein Expression System by reported it is adding three anti-cancer targets to its pipeline of therapeutic candidates (Press release, FairJourney Biologics, JUL 13, 2021, https://fjb.pt/collaboration/ibio-enters-into-a-research-services-agreement-with-fairjourney-biologics/ [SID1234584830]). This development establishes the Company’s new drug discovery capabilities announced just a few weeks ago.

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As part of iBio’s efforts to change the drug development paradigm with the FastPharming System by reducing the time and cost to move from initial concept to the clinic, the Company intends to partner with best-in-class technology partners to help achieve that vision. Accordingly, iBio has entered into a research services agreement with FairJourney Biologics S.A. ("FairJourney"), leaders in antibody optimization. Pursuant to the agreement, iBio will gain access to novel display technologies and proprietary antibody libraries.

"We believe combining our ‘speed-to-clinic’ advantages and Glycaneering TechnologiesTM with the antibody optimization technologies provided by FairJourney may enable us to quickly develop differentiated cancer therapeutic antibodies with improved antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, or ADCC," said Martin B. Brenner, DVM, Ph.D., iBio’s Chief Scientific Officer.

António Parada, CEO at FairJourney commented, "Our experience in antibody discovery for use in oncology has grown in recent years, with a number of undisclosed collaborations rapidly moving towards the clinic. We are excited to work with an innovator like iBio, which we believe has the ability to change the bioprocess paradigm, using its proprietary glycosylation technologies to enhance human anti-cancer antibody development."

Nascent Biotech and Manhattan BioSolutions Announce Promising Prelim/Preclinical Results in BCG-Based COVID-19 Vaccine Research Collaboration

On July 13, 2021 Nascent Biotech, Inc. (OTCQB:NBIO) ("Nascent Biotech", "Nascent", or the "Company"), a biotechnology company pioneering innovative medicines to overcome difficult-to-treat cancers and viral infections, and its collaboration partner, Manhattan BioSolutions (together, the "Partners"), reported that promising new preliminary preclinical results for the COVID-19 vaccine candidate now progressing under joint development by the Partners (Press release, Nascent Biotech, JUL 13, 2021, View Source [SID1234584829]).

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Under a research collaboration agreement signed in 2020, Nascent Biotech and Manhattan BioSolutions partnered to discover and develop a safe and affordable COVID-19 vaccination platform based on modifying licensed BCG vaccine technology originally developed for Tuberculosis ("TB"), but with broader utility in protecting against infection from other types of viruses, some of which may have the potential to cause major outbreaks in humans. The vaccine candidate currently in development is based on genetically engineered BCG bacteria, which have been modified by the addition of SARS-CoV-2 protein fragments. Next-generation vaccine candidates, each representing a different combination of a receptor binding domain ("RBD") fragment of a spike protein ("S") and a conserved nucleocapsid ("N") antigen, have been successfully constructed and validated for the expression of viral protein fragments in the BCG bacteria.

In a preclinical murine model, a single subcutaneous immunization of synthetic BCG-S generated cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice. T-cells from splenocytes isolated from BCG-S-immunized mice showed statistically significant antigen-specific IFN‐γ secretion, according to direct Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSpot ("ELISpot") T-cell analysis.

Based on this promising preliminary data, additional experiments are underway to better understand protective efficacy and other characteristics of the related immune response that follows immunization with the most promising BCG-vectored vaccine candidate demonstrated in mouse models.

Dr. Boris Shor, CEO of Manhattan BioSolutions, commented: "We successfully generated a versatile ‘plug-and-play’ BCG system that allows the expression of a large set of rationally selected SARS-CoV-2 polypeptide fragments previously identified to be immunogenic in a substantial study population. Current vaccine efforts are primarily focused on generation of humoral responses to vaccines. Our BCG-vectored vaccine candidates are designed to generate safe T-cell immunity against SARS-CoV-2, and these initial results are highly encouraging."

Sean Carrick, CEO of Nascent Biotech, added: ‘Published evidence suggests that BCG vaccination is safe and might be associated with a decrease in the incidence of sickness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and lower incidence of extreme fatigue. Through grant funding and additional investments, we are making progress toward building a Viral Infection business platform and providing meaningful treatment for patients. We continue to be excited about our partnership with Manhattan BioSolutions, and we look forward to working together to deliver innovative therapies with the power to improve patient outcomes."

Catalent Signs Agreement with JOS Pharmaceuticals to Develop Fast-Dissolve Zydis® Formulation for Cannabidiol as an Anesthesia Premedication

On July 13, 2021 Catalent, the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies, development, and manufacturing solutions for drugs, biologics, cell and gene therapies, and consumer health products, reported that it has signed a development agreement with JOS Pharmaceuticals, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on anesthesiology (Press release, Catalent, JUL 13, 2021, https://www.catalent.com/catalent-news/catalent-signs-agreement-with-jos-pharmaceuticals-to-develop-fast-dissolve-zydis-formulation-for-cannabidiol-as-an-anesthesia-premedication/ [SID1234584828]). Under the agreement, Catalent will undertake a feasibility study for the potential development of a licensed cannabidiol (CBD) product for use as an anesthetic premedication using Catalent’s proprietary Zydis orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) technology.

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Zydis technology creates a freeze-dried tablet that disperses almost instantly in the mouth without water, and is recognized as one of the world’s best-performing ODTs. In the feasibility study, scientists at Catalent’s facility in Swindon, U.K., will focus on establishing proof of concept and prototype development of a Zydis formulation of a highly purified, naturally derived CBD. JOS Pharmaceuticals extracts CBD from certified hemp and is developing its se•d8 prescription CBD wafer for awake sedation anesthesia administered for cataract surgery, as well as anxiolysis during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures.

"Our clinical trial product is specifically designed to provide rapid and reliable relaxation for the patient, while still allowing for awake cooperation during the procedure. It would be paradigm changing to replace the DEA controlled drugs used currently as premedication with a safe and effective botanical," said Stephen D. Ochs, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of JOS Pharmaceuticals.

"Zydis is an ideal dose form for the delivery of drugs, as it offers an easy and convenient route of administration for patients that can also assist in the rapid onset of effects," said Jonathan Arnold, President of Oral and Specialty Delivery at Catalent. "CBD derived from hemp is a rapidly evolving market, and our team in Swindon is looking forward to applying its experience and expertise in product development to this licensed program."

Catalent’s 250,000-square foot site in Swindon, U.K. houses the company’s Zydis development and manufacturing operation, which produces more than one billion ODTs annually.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals Announces Rylaze™ (asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn) Investor Webcast on July 20, 2021

On July 13, 2021 Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) reported that the company will host a webcast on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 p.m. IST to provide an update on Rylaze (asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn), which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 30, 2021 (Press release, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, JUL 13, 2021, View Source [SID1234584827]).

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Jazz senior management will be joined by Dr. Luke Maese, associate professor of pediatrics, University of Utah – Huntsman Cancer Institute, Primary Children’s Hospital, to discuss the Rylaze FDA approval, commercial launch and an overview of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) and the need for recombinant, non-E. coli derived asparaginase treatments.

About Rylaze (asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (recombinant)-rywn)
Rylaze, also known as JZP458, is approved in the U.S. for use as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) in pediatric and adult patients one month and older who have developed hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase. Rylaze has orphan drug designation for the treatment of ALL/LBL in the United States. Rylaze is a recombinant erwinia asparaginase that uses a novel Pseudomonas fluorescens expression platform. JZP458 was granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2019 for the treatment of this patient population. Rylaze was approved as part of the Real-Time Oncology Review program, an initiative of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence designed for efficient delivery of safe and effective cancer treatments to patients.

The full U.S. Prescribing Information for Rylaze is available at: <View Source>

Important Safety Information

RYLAZE should not be given to people who have had:

Serious allergic reactions to RYLAZE
Serious swelling of the pancreas (stomach pain), serious blood clots, or serious bleeding during previous asparaginase treatment
RYLAZE may cause serious side effects, including:

Allergic reactions (a feeling of tightness in your throat, unusual swelling/redness in your throat and/or tongue, or trouble breathing), some of which may be life-threatening
Swelling of the pancreas (stomach pain)
Blood clots (may have a headache or pain in leg, arm, or chest)
Bleeding
Liver problems
Contact your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur.

Some of the most common side effects with RYLAZE include: liver problems, nausea, bone and muscle pain, tiredness, infection, headache, fever, allergic reactions, fever with low white blood cell count, decreased appetite, mouth swelling (sometimes with sores), bleeding, and too much sugar in the blood.

RYLAZE can harm your unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing. Females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception (other than oral contraceptives) during treatment and for 3 months following the final dose. Do not breastfeed while receiving RYLAZE and for 1 week after the final dose.

Antengene Submits New Drug Application for Selinexor in Taiwan for the Treatment of Three Indications in Hematologic Malignancies

On July 13, 2021 Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK), a leading innovative biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing global first-in-class and/or best-in-class therapeutics in hematology and oncology, reported that it has submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) for selinexor, a first-in-class XPO1 inhibitor, for three indications: in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (XVd), or in combination with dexamethasone (Xd) for the treatment of patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM); and as monotherapy in adult patients with relapsed and/or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (rrDLBCL), including DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma, who have received at least two lines of systemic therapy (Press release, Antengene, JUL 13, 2021, View Source [SID1234584826]).

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Antengene has submitted New Drug Applications (NDAs) for selinexor in multiple Asia Pacific markets including China, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore, and was granted Priority Review status by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and Orphan Drug Designation by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of South Korea (MFDS). This NDA submitted in Taiwan marks another milestone in Antengene’s expansion in the APAC markets and the company’s effort to address the unmet clinical needs of patients with hematologic malignancies.

Dr. Jay Mei, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Antengene, commented: "Within just nine months, we have submitted NDAs in six APAC markets, demonstrating our commitment to addressing the unmet needs of patients in the APAC region. Our seasoned team has a wealth of experience and depth of insight in product registration and commercialization in the Asia Pacific markets. I am confident that Antengene will deliver on our promise to bring our portfolio of innovative therapies to patients in the APAC markets."

"Selinexor is an anti-tumor drug with a highly novel mechanism of action. It has been approved by the FDA for three indications in two tumor types (MM and DLBCL) in less than two years, demonstrating its broad anti-tumor effects," said Kevin Lynch, Chief Medical Officer of Antengene. "Selinexor treatment in combination with dexamethasone still has 25.3% overall response rate (ORR) in patients who have failed five established therapies (penta-refractory) myeloma; and for patients with multiple myeloma who received at least one prior line of treatment, the median progression-free survival (PFS) is 13.9 months, which is significantly higher than that of the control group receiving bortezomib-based standard of care. In the subgroup analysis, patients who are 65 years or older, with renal insufficiency or high-risk cytogenetics can still achieve significant benefits from the XVd regimen. These are patients who are otherwise very difficult to treat. Finally, selinexor monotherapy can enable patients with rrDLBCL to obtain deep and durable responses with a median duration of response of 23.0 months for patients with complete response. We are therefore very optimistic about the potential efficacy benefits of selinexor combination regimens in DLBCL."

Antengene and Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: KPTI) have entered into an exclusive collaboration and license agreement for the development and commercialization of selinexor and other two XPO1 inhibitors, and a PAK4/NAMPT inhibitor in 17 APAC markets including Mainland China.

About Selinexor (XPOVIO)

Selinexor, a first-in-class and only-in-class oral selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) compound discovered and developed by Karyopharm, is currently being developed by Antengene, which has the exclusive development and commercial rights in certain Asia-Pacific markets, including Greater China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the ASEAN countries.

In July 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved selinexor in combination with low-dose dexamethasone for the treatment of RRMM and in June 2020 approved selinexor as a single-agent for the treatment of rrDLBCL. In December 2020, selinexor also received FDA approval as a combination treatment (XVd) for MM after at least one prior therapy. In February 2021, selinexor was approved by the Israeli Ministry of Health for the treatment of patients with RRMM or rrDLBCL and in March 2021, the European Commission (EC) has granted conditional marketing authorization for selinexor (NEXPOVIO) for the treatment of adult patients with RRMM.

Selinexor is so far the first and only oral SINE compound approved by the FDA and is the first drug approved for the treatment of both MM and DLBCL. Selinexor is also being evaluated in several other mid-and later-phase clinical trials across multiple solid tumor indications, including liposarcoma and endometrial cancer. In November 2020, at the Connective Tissue Oncology Society 2020 Annual Meeting (CTOS 2020), Antengene’s partner, Karyopharm, presented positive results from the Phase III randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, cross-over SEAL trial evaluating single agent, oral selinexor versus matching placebo in patients with liposarcoma. Karyopharm also announced that the ongoing Phase III SIENDO trial of selinexor in patients with endometrial cancer passed the planned interim futility analysis and the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) recommended the trial should proceed as planned without any modifications. Top-line SIENDO trial results are expected in the second half of 2021.

Antengene is currently conducting five late-stage clinical trials of selinexor in China for the treatment of MM, DLBCL, non-small cell lung cancer, and peripheral T and NK/T-cell lymphoma.