Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to Host Conference Call on November 5th

On November 2, 2020 Ampio Pharmaceuticals (NYSE American: AMPE), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the advancement of immunology based therapies for prevalent inflammatory conditions, reported that the Company will present a business and financial update webinar on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 4:30 pm EST (Press release, Ampio, NOV 2, 2020, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ampio-pharmaceuticals-inc-to-host-conference-call-on-november-5th-301164428.html [SID1234569729]).

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Attending the conference call from Ampio will be Mr. Michael Macaluso (President and CEO), Dr. David Bar-Or (Director and Founder), Ms. Laura Goldberg (Vice President) and Mr. Daniel Stokely (CFO). The business update portion of the call will consist of a COVID-19 platform update from Dr. David Bar-Or and an update on the OAK Trial from Laura Goldberg. In addition to the business update, Daniel Stokely, CFO, will present a third quarter financial update.

To access the webinar, please log in to View Source approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. To ask a question, please dial in to 888-632-3385 (U.S.) or 785-424-1673 (International) and use the Participant Entry Code: 47668. Please note that you can also ask a question through the webinar platform.

A replay of this presentation will be available two hours after the end of the call by dialing 877-481-4010 (U.S.) or 919-882-2331 (International). Replay Passcode: 38512

enGene Announces FDA Clearance of IND Application for EG-70, an intravesical dual-immune modulator for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

On November 2, 2020 enGene Inc., a biotechnology company developing non-viral gene therapies for local administration into mucosal tissues enabled by its proprietary DDX platform, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for EG-70, a first-in-class non-viral gene therapy for the expression of innate and adaptive immune system activators circumscribed to the bladder (Press release, enGene, NOV 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234569728]). Under this IND, enGene intends to initiate its Phase 1/2, multi-center study in patients with Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in early 2021.

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"The FDA’s clearance of our IND for EG-70 is a significant moment in the field of gene therapy, and importantly, a major milestone for patients, as we are now one step closer to a treatment that is so critically needed," said Jason Hanson, President and Chief Executive Officer of enGene. "This milestone is a remarkably exciting one for us as we embark on our next chapter as a clinical stage company, harnessing the power of our non-viral gene therapy platform to impact the lives of patients around the globe."

"Our preclinical data suggest that EG-70 has the potential to produce meaningful and durable responses in patients with cancer," said Jose Lora, enGene’s Chief Scientific Officer. "EG-70 brings our technology to BCG-unresponsive NMIBC patients, a population with very limited therapeutic options. We believe EG-70 can change that."

"EG-70 entering the clinic is the culmination of a number of technological refinements to our platform and our ability to manufacture our proprietary DDX gene therapies at clinic-ready scale and quality," commented Anthony Cheung, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at enGene. "Our formulation work has resulted in a stability profile that enables storage and use of EG-70 in the same way that community urologists care for NMIBC patients today – a significant advantage over other gene therapy modalities."

The study design consists of an open label dose escalation Phase 1 study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of EG-70 and to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose, followed by a Phase 2 portion to evaluate efficacy and safety.

Jose Lora added "Based on our findings to date, we expect to achieve a crucial therapeutic advantage: locally harnessing the power of IL-12 and RIG-I activation without paying the price of systemic toxicity. Establishing this paradigm would provide a foundation for EG-70 to be examined across multiple tumor types with high unmet medical need."

Karyopharm Announces Phase 3 SEAL Study Meets Primary Endpoint with Significant Increase in Progression-Free Survival in Patients with Unresectable Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma

On November 2, 2020 Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: KPTI), a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company pioneering novel cancer therapies, reported positive top-line results from the Phase 3 portion of the randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, cross-over, SEAL study evaluating single agent, oral XPOVIO (selinexor) versus matching placebo in patients with advanced unresectable dedifferentiated liposarcoma (Press release, Karyopharm, NOV 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234569727]). The SEAL study met its primary endpoint of a statistically significant increase in progression-free survival (PFS); hazard ratio=0.70; p=0.023. These data indicate that treatment with XPOVIO reduced the risk of disease progression or death by approximately 30%, compared to placebo. The trial allowed patients on placebo with objective progression to cross over to the XPOVIO treatment arm. Among those patients who received XPOVIO, there was a trend towards an improvement in the median overall survival compared to those patients who began on the placebo arm of the study and never crossed over to the XPOVIO treatment arm. The safety profile for XPOVIO was consistent with previous clinical studies with fewer hematologic and infectious adverse events as compared to XPOVIO studies in patients with multiple myeloma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

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The detailed results from the SEAL study will be presented virtually in an oral presentation at the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) Annual Meeting on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 10:30 AM ET.

"We are delighted to share these significant top-line results from the Phase 3 portion of the SEAL study, the first, late-stage clinical data for XPOVIO in a solid tumor indication," said Sharon Shacham, PhD, MBA, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Karyopharm. "The top-line results from the SEAL study are particularly encouraging as advanced dedifferentiated liposarcoma represents a very difficult to treat cancer with no established standard of care and limited treatment options available to patients. XPOVIO may be particularly promising as it represents the first oral therapy to show activity in patients with previously treated liposarcoma. We look forward to presenting the detailed results at the upcoming CTOS Annual Meeting and plan to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the first quarter of 2021 requesting the approval of XPOVIO to treat the patient population studied in SEAL. If approved, XPOVIO would represent the first oral, non-chemotherapy agent available for patients with dedifferentiated liposarcoma. The encouraging data from the SEAL study also provide additional rationale for advancing the clinical development of XPOVIO in other solid tumor indications, including in endometrial, glioblastoma, lung and other cancers where Karyopharm is currently conducting clinical studies."

XPOVIO is currently approved by the FDA as a treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and relapsed or refractory DLBCL. XPOVIO is currently the only XPO1 inhibitor approved by the FDA and has been extensively tested in clinical trials across numerous cancer indications worldwide since 2012. Karyopharm has also submitted a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for XPOVIO that is currently under review by the FDA for the expansion of XPOVIO’s label to include XPOVIO as a treatment for patients with multiple myeloma after at least one prior line of therapy. The sNDA has been assigned an action date by the FDA of March 19, 2021 under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA).The full Prescribing Information for XPOVIO is available at www.XPOVIO.com.

About the SEAL Study

SEAL (Selinexor in Advanced Liposarcoma) is a Phase 2/3, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multicenter study (NCT02606461) designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of twice-weekly, 60mg fixed dose of XPOVIO (selinexor) in patients with advanced unresectable dedifferentiated liposarcoma following at least two prior therapies. The Phase 2 portion of the study enrolled approximately 57 patients (1:1 randomization) and the Phase 3 portion enrolled approximately 285 patients (2:1 randomization). Patients on the placebo arm with confirmed progressive disease were permitted to cross over to the XPOVIO treatment arm. The primary endpoint of the study is PFS.

Conference Call Information

Karyopharm will host a conference call on November 20, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, to discuss the results from the SEAL study. To access the conference call, please dial (877) 870-4263 (local) or (412) 317-0790 (international) at least 10 minutes prior to the start time and ask to be joined into the Karyopharm Therapeutics call. A live audio webcast of the call will be available under "Events & Presentations" in the Investor section of the Company’s website, View Source An archived webcast will be available on the Company’s website approximately two hours after the event.

About XPOVIO (selinexor)

XPOVIO is a first-in-class, oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound. XPOVIO functions by selectively binding to and inhibiting the nuclear export protein exportin 1 (XPO1, also called CRM1). XPOVIO blocks the nuclear export of tumor suppressor, growth regulatory and anti-inflammatory proteins, leading to accumulation of these proteins in the nucleus and enhancing their anti-cancer activity in the cell. The forced nuclear retention of these proteins can counteract a multitude of the oncogenic pathways that, unchecked, allow cancer cells with severe DNA damage to continue to grow and divide in an unrestrained fashion. Karyopharm received accelerated U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of XPOVIO in July 2019 in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least four prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least two proteasome inhibitors, at least two immunomodulatory agents, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. Karyopharm has also submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) with a request for conditional approval of selinexor in this same RRMM indication. Karyopharm’s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) requesting an expansion of its current indication to include the treatment for patients with multiple myeloma after at least one prior line of therapy has been accepted for filing by the FDA. In June 2020, Karyopharm received accelerated FDA approval of XPOVIO for its second indication in adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma, after at least 2 lines of systemic therapy. Selinexor is also being evaluated in several other mid-and later-phase clinical trials across multiple cancer indications, including as a potential backbone therapy in combination with approved myeloma therapies (STOMP), in liposarcoma (SEAL) and in endometrial cancer (SIENDO), among others. Additional Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies are ongoing or currently planned, including multiple studies in combination with approved therapies in a variety of tumor types to further inform Karyopharm’s clinical development priorities for selinexor. Additional clinical trial information for selinexor is available at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

For more information about Karyopharm’s products or clinical trials, please contact the Medical Information department at:

Tel: +1 (888) 209-9326
Email: [email protected]

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Thrombocytopenia: XPOVIO can cause life-threatening thrombocytopenia, potentially leading to hemorrhage. Thrombocytopenia was reported in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and developed or worsened in patients with DLBCL.

Thrombocytopenia is the leading cause of dosage modifications. Monitor platelet counts at baseline and throughout treatment. Monitor more frequently during the first 3 months of treatment. Institute platelet transfusion and/or other treatments as clinically indicated. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of bleeding and evaluate promptly. Interrupt, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Neutropenia: XPOVIO can cause life-threatening neutropenia, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Neutropenia and febrile neutropenia occurred in patients with MM and in patients with DLBCL.

Obtain white blood cell counts with differential at baseline and throughout treatment. Monitor more frequently during the first 3 months of treatment. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of concomitant infection and evaluate promptly. Consider supportive measures, including antimicrobials and growth factors (e.g., G-CSF). Interrupt, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction (AR).

Gastrointestinal Toxicity: XPOVIO can cause severe gastrointestinal toxicities in patients with MM and DLBCL.

Nausea/Vomiting: Provide prophylactic antiemetics. Administer 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and other anti-nausea agents prior to and during treatment with XPOVIO. Interrupt, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of ARs. Administer intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and replace electrolytes as clinically indicated.

Diarrhea: Interrupt, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of ARs. Provide standard anti-diarrheal agents, administer intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, and replace electrolytes as clinically indicated.

Anorexia/Weight Loss: Monitor weight, nutritional status, and volume status at baseline and throughout treatment. Monitor more frequently during the first 3 months of treatment. Interrupt, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of ARs. Provide nutritional support, fluids, and electrolyte repletion as clinically indicated.

Hyponatremia: XPOVIO can cause severe or life-threatening hyponatremia. Hyponatremia developed in patients with MM and in patients with DLBCL.

Monitor sodium level at baseline and throughout treatment. Monitor more frequently during the first 2 months of treatment. Correct sodium levels for concurrent hyperglycemia (serum glucose >150 mg/dL) and high serum paraprotein levels. Assess hydration status and manage hyponatremia per clinical guidelines, including intravenous saline and/or salt tablets as appropriate and dietary review. Interrupt, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of the AR.

Serious Infection: XPOVIO can cause serious and fatal infections. Most infections were not associated with Grade 3 or higher neutropenia. Atypical infections reported after taking XPOVIO include, but are not limited to, fungal pneumonia and herpesvirus infection.

Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection, and evaluate and treat promptly.

Neurological Toxicity: XPOVIO can cause life-threatening neurological toxicities.

Coadministration of XPOVIO with other products that cause dizziness or mental status changes may increase the risk of neurological toxicity.

Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, until the neurological toxicity fully resolves. Optimize hydration status, hemoglobin level, and concomitant medications to avoid exacerbating dizziness or mental status changes. Institute fall precautions as appropriate.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: XPOVIO 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 and males with a female partner of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XPOVIO and for 1 week after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (ARs) in ≥20% of patients with MM are thrombocytopenia, fatigue, nausea, anemia, decreased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, vomiting, hyponatremia, neutropenia, leukopenia, constipation, dyspnea, and upper respiratory tract infection.

The most common ARs, excluding laboratory abnormalities, in ≥20% of patients with DLBCL are fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, appetite decrease, weight decrease, constipation, vomiting, and pyrexia. Grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities in ≥15% of patients included thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, anemia, and hyponatremia. Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities in ≥5% were thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and neutropenia.

In patients with MM, fatal ARs occurred in 9% of patients. Serious ARs occurred in 58% of patients. Treatment discontinuation rate due to ARs was 27%. The most frequent ARs requiring permanent discontinuation in ≥4% of patients included fatigue, nausea, and thrombocytopenia.

In patients with DLBCL, fatal ARs occurred in 3.7% of patients within 30 days, and 5% of patients within 60 days of last treatment; the most frequent fatal AR was infection (4.5% of patients). Serious ARs occurred in 46% of patients; the most frequent serious AR was infection. Discontinuation due to ARs occurred in 17% of patients.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
In MM, no overall difference in effectiveness of XPOVIO was observed in patients >65 years old when compared with younger patients. Patients ≥75 years old had a higher incidence of discontinuation due to an AR than younger patients, a higher incidence of serious ARs, and a higher incidence of fatal ARs.

Clinical studies in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.

The effect of end-stage renal disease (CLCR <15 mL/min) or hemodialysis on XPOVIO pharmacokinetics is unknown.

Curis to Release Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Hold Conference Call on November 10, 2020

On November 2, 2020 Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRIS), a biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, reported that the Company will release its third quarter 2020 financial results on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, after the close of US markets (Press release, Curis, NOV 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234569726]). Management will host a conference call on the same day at 4:30 p.m. ET.

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To access the live conference call, please dial (888) 346-6389 from the United States or (412) 317-5252 from other locations, shortly before 4:30 p.m. ET. The conference call can also be accessed on the Curis website at www.curis.com in the ‘Investors’ section. A replay of the financial results conference call will be available on the Curis website shortly after completion of the call.

DURECT Corporation Appoints Dr. Norman Sussman as Chief Medical Officer

On November 2, 2020 DURECT Corporation (Nasdaq: DRRX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of treatments for acute organ injury and chronic liver diseases, reported it has appointed Norman Sussman, M.D. as its Chief Medical Officer, effective immediately (Press release, DURECT, NOV 2, 2020, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/durect-corporation-appoints-dr-norman-sussman-as-chief-medical-officer-301165184.html [SID1234569725]). In this new role, Dr. Sussman will oversee the clinical development of DURECT’s pipeline including multiple indications for its lead investigational drug candidate DUR-928.

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"We are excited to welcome Dr. Sussman as our Chief Medical Officer as we continue to advance DUR-928 through clinical development for the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis (AH), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and other indications," stated James E. Brown, D.V.M., President and Chief Executive Officer of DURECT. "Dr. Sussman is a renowned hepatologist with a proven track record in clinical research of liver diseases. We believe he will provide critical support in advancing our clinical programs and we look forward to his contributions."

Dr. Sussman commented, "I am delighted to be joining DURECT at this exciting time for the company as it prepares to initiate dosing in a potentially pivotal Phase 2b trial in AH and continues to advance clinical programs for other indications involving acute organ injury and chronic liver diseases. DUR-928 is an epigenetic regulator with a unique mechanism of action that has potential to transform the treatment of these diseases. I look forward to leveraging my clinical experience as I join a talented and dedicated team at DURECT working to bring desperately needed, potentially life-saving therapies to patients with no good therapeutic options."

Dr. Sussman has extensive clinical experience and expertise in the liver disease field and brings over 30 years of clinical research and development experience in academia and industry. He joins DURECT from Baylor College of Medicine, where he was an Associate Professor of Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Sussman has been a faculty member of Baylor College of Medicine intermittently since 1985. During this time, he has served as a Principal Investigator for research focused on the assessment and management of acute liver failure and artificial liver support. Dr. Sussman has also had leadership experience in industry as the founder and Vice President of both Amphioxus Cell Technologies from 1995 to 2003 and Hepatix, Inc from 1993 to 1995. Most recently, he has also served in senior leadership roles as a member of the Baylor Faculty Senate and as Director of the telehealth program, Project ECHO, at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center.

Dr. Sussman received his MBBCh from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. He then completed his residency at St. Louis University Hospital and his post-doctoral fellowship at Washington University. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Transplant Hepatology. Dr. Sussman is also a Fellow of the American Association of the Study of Liver Disease, which is a designation that recognizes his superior level of professional achievement in the field of hepatology.