November 4, 2024 - 🧬 [nGram] Oncology Highlights (29th Oct - 4th Nov): Novartis Scemblix® FDA Approval, Genentech's Landmark Results, Allogene RMAT Designation


  1. Novartis Scemblix FDA approved in newly diagnosed CML
    • Scemblix (asciminib) received accelerated FDA approval for newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (Ph+ CML-CP).
    • Approval is based on superior major molecular response (MMR) rates at week 48 from the ASC4FIRST Phase III trial compared to standard of care tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
    • Scemblix demonstrated fewer dose reductions and adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation compared to other TKIs.
    • The ASC4FIRST trial continues with further analysis at week 96 to evaluate additional endpoints.
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  2. Shorla Oncology receives FDA expanded approval for Jylamvo in pediatric indications
    • The FDA has expanded the approval of Jylamvo (methotrexate) to treat pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA).
    • Jylamvo is the only oral liquid methotrexate approved for both adult and pediatric indications, offering a convenient alternative for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills.
    • The drug remains stable at room temperature for 90 days, eliminating the need for refrigeration before dispensing.
    • Next steps include ensuring the continuity of supply and expanding the portfolio of innovative therapies for underserved patient populations.
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  3. Allogene Therapeutics receives FDA RMAT designation for ALLO-316 in renal cell carcinoma
    • ALLO-316, an AlloCAR T investigational product, received RMAT designation from the FDA for treating CD70 positive advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
    • The designation is based on positive data from the Phase 1 TRAVERSE trial, which showed potential for ALLO-316 in patients who have failed standard RCC therapies.
    • RMAT designation aims to accelerate development and review, offering early interactions with the FDA and potentially streamlining market approval.
    • Allogene plans to present updated Phase 1 data at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) annual meeting.
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  4. Immorta Bio's SenoVax reduces growth and stops metastasis of aggressive breast cancer
    • SenoVax, an immune stimulatory therapy, successfully reduced tumor growth and metastasis in aggressive breast cancer animal models.
    • The therapy works by removing senescent cells surrounding tumors, allowing the immune system to combat cancer effectively.
    • SenoVax has shown potential in treating other cancers, such as lung cancer, and aids in blood cell recovery post-chemotherapy.
    • The promising results are supported by several filed patents, indicating a potential new approach to treating triple-negative metastatic breast cancer.
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  5. Biond Biologics partners with Merck KGaA for phase 1 trial of BND-35 with cetuximab
    • Biond Biologics collaborates with Merck KGaA to evaluate BND-35 with cetuximab in a Phase 1 trial for solid tumors.
    • Merck KGaA will supply cetuximab for the trial, which aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the combination therapy.
    • BND-35 is an anti-ILT3 antibody designed to remodel the tumor microenvironment and enhance immune response.
    • Enrollment for the BND-35 monotherapy arm has begun, with several patients already dosed.
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  6. Shuttle Pharma doses first patients in phase 2 clinical trial of ropidoxuridine for treatment of patients with glioblastoma
    • Shuttle Pharmaceuticals has dosed the first three patients in its Phase 2 trial of Ropidoxuridine for glioblastoma treatment.
    • The trial targets IDH wild-type, methylation negative glioblastoma patients, who currently have limited treatment options.
    • 40 patients will be randomized into two dose groups to determine the optimal dose, with an additional 14 patients to be added later.
    • The trial aims to complete within 18 to 24 months, focusing on survival compared to historical controls.
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  7. Immunome presents compelling preclinical data demonstrating robust anti-tumor activity for IM-1021
    • Immunome presented preclinical data for IM-1021, a ROR1-targeted ADC, at the EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium.
    • IM-1021 showed superior efficacy in mantle cell lymphoma and triple negative breast cancer models.
    • The ADC payload HC74 demonstrated higher potency and better ADME properties compared to deruxtecan.
    • Immunome plans to submit an IND for IM-1021 to the FDA in Q1 2025, aiming to start clinical trials post-clearance.
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  8. Revitope enters into a license agreement for next-generation T cell engagement technology
    • Revitope has signed a license agreement with Genmab for its TwoGATEâ„¢ T Cell Engagement technology.
    • Genmab gains rights to use TwoGATEâ„¢ for multiple drug target pairs, with options for exclusive worldwide development and commercialization of up to three products.
    • Revitope will receive an upfront payment of $9 million, with potential milestone payments up to $600 million and tiered royalties on sales.
    • TwoGATEâ„¢ technology aims to enhance precision in cancer immunotherapy by targeting dual antigens on tumor cells.
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  9. Hoth Therapeutics announces promising preclinical results for cancer therapeutic HT-KIT
    • Hoth Therapeutics reported early data from a preclinical study of HT-KIT, showing effective tumor growth inhibition.
    • The study, conducted with NC State University, demonstrated stable tumor volumes in treated subjects, indicating potential therapeutic efficacy.
    • Treated animals showed consistent tumor sizes with minimal variability, highlighting the treatment's reproducibility.
    • Hoth plans to continue analyzing additional tissue data to further validate these promising results.
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  10. Phase III results for Genentech’s Itovebi show significant progression-free survival in HR-positive advanced breast cancer
    • The Phase III INAVO120 study results for Itovebi, in combination with palbociclib and fulvestrant, were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
    • Itovebi-based regimen reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 57%, with progression-free survival of 15.0 months compared to 7.3 months for the control group.
    • The FDA has approved Itovebi for treating PIK3CA-mutated, HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.
    • Data from INAVO120 are being used for submissions to other global health authorities, including the European Medicines Agency.
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  11. Cardiff Oncology publishes phase 2 trial data for KRAS mutant mCRC
    • Phase 2 trial shows onvansertib with FOLFIRI and bevacizumab is effective and well-tolerated in KRAS mutant mCRC.
    • Post hoc analysis reveals a 7.7-fold higher clinical benefit in bev-naïve patients with an ORR of 77%.
    • Findings support the transition of onvansertib to first-line RAS-mutant mCRC treatment.
    • Initial data from the first-line CRDF-004 trial expected in the second half of 2024.
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  12. Numab Therapeutics initiates phase 1 study of NM32 in solid tumors
    • Numab Therapeutics has started a Phase 1 clinical trial for NM32, a tri-specific immuno-oncology therapeutic.
    • NM32 targets ROR1 and CD3, with a third domain targeting serum albumin for half-life extension.
    • The trial is a dose-escalation study to assess pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety.
    • Up to 60 patients with ROR1-overexpressing solid tumors will be enrolled across major US clinical sites.
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  13. Three phase 3 trials of datopotamab deruxtecan-based combinations initiated in patients with advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer
    • Three global phase 3 trials have begun to evaluate datopotamab deruxtecan-based combinations in advanced nonsquamous NSCLC.
    • TROPION-Lung10 compares datopotamab deruxtecan plus rilvegostomig or rilvegostomig alone against pembrolizumab in high PD-L1 expressing NSCLC.
    • TROPION-Lung14 assesses datopotamab deruxtecan with osimertinib versus osimertinib alone in EGFR mutated NSCLC.
    • TROPION-Lung15 evaluates datopotamab deruxtecan with or without osimertinib against platinum-based chemotherapy in EGFR mutated NSCLC post-osimertinib treatment.
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  14. Akeso enrolls first patient in phase 3 trial for head and neck cancer treatment
    • Akeso has initiated a Phase III trial (AK117-302) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
    • The trial compares ivonescimab and ligufalimab against pembrolizumab for first-line treatment of PD-L1 positive R/M HNSCC.
    • This is the first global Phase III trial investigating a CD47 monoclonal antibody for solid tumors.
    • Initial data shows significant tumor reduction and survival benefits, with further results expected at the 2024 ESMO Congress.
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  15. SynOx Therapeutics raises $92 million in Series B financing and doses first patients in Phase 3 trial
    • SynOx Therapeutics secured $92 million in Series B financing, led by Gilde Healthcare.
    • Funds will support the Phase 3 TANGENT trial of emactuzumab for Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumour (TGCT).
    • The TANGENT trial is a global, multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
    • First patients have been dosed, with a target enrollment of approximately 130 patients.
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