Oxford Cancer Analytics Raises USD$11M in Series A Funding to Transform Early Lung Cancer Detection and Enable Curative Treatments

Dr. Heinrich Roder, expert in lung cancer proteomics liquid biopsy, appointed as Senior Vice President of Research and Development at OXcan

OXFORD, England & TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#AIOxford Cancer Analytics (OXcan), the medtech company developing blood tests for early cancer detection using advanced proteomics and AI, today announced it has raised US$11 million in Series A funding from global investors, including in-field institutional investors in disease detection and diagnostics. The funding round was led by We Venture Capital and Cross-Border Impact Ventures with participation from return investors Eka Ventures, and Civilization Ventures, and new investors DigitalDx Ventures, Macmillan Cancer Support (Innovation Impact Investment Portfolio), Aurelium Ventures, OKG Capital, and prominent angel investors. This investment positions the company to develop and globally commercialize its new generation of minimally invasive liquid biopsy blood tests for the early detection of lung cancer.

OXcan has also appointed Dr. Heinrich Roder as Senior Vice President, Research & Development. With over two decades of experience in lung cancer liquid biopsy and commercialization, Dr. Roder will further advance OXcan’s lung cancer blood test for deployment.

OXcan’s protein-based blood test identifies molecular signatures for high-risk lung cancer patients, leveraging a diverse global biobank to ensure worldwide scalability. Using advanced proteomics and AI, it fills an unmet niche in the liquid biopsy space by offering a protein-based blood test with high accuracy to detect cancers with the highest mortality burden.

Since 2023, OXcan has formed global partnerships, collaborating with over 20 healthcare centers across three continents to develop and deploy its technology.

About Oxford Cancer Analytics

Oxford Cancer Analytics (OXcan) is on a mission to drastically transform cancer early detection and management to impact millions of lives worldwide. OXcan’s multidisciplinary team is developing a new generation of liquid biopsy blood tests using cutting-edge proteomics and explainable machine learning approaches that can detect the deadliest cancers early, when they can still be cured. This blood test can be conducted in an affordable, minimally invasive, and routine manner with superior accuracy and localization capacity in large populations. OXcan has applied their biomarker discovery and validation platform starting from lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, and achieved ISO13485 certification status. For additional information, visit oxcan.org.

Contacts

Media contact:
Jodi Echakowitz

Boulevard Public Relations

jodi@boulevardpr.com
+1 416-271-7250

 

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Cancer Targeted Technology Receives Fast Track $2.4M Grant to Develop an Innovative PSMA-Targeted Small Molecule Drug Conjugate for Prostate Cancer

SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cancer Targeted Technology (CTT), a privately-held Seattle-based biotechnology firm focusing on cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, announced that the National Cancer Institute awarded the Phase I portion ($400K) of the fast track Phase I/II ($2.4M) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to develop a new drug to treat metastatic prostate cancer. The grant focuses on a promising new prodrug, CTT2274, that targets Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) on prostate cancer and is designed to release a toxic drug, MMAE, within the cell that takes up the prodrug. PSMA is over-expressed on prostate cancer and expression increases as the cancer metastasizes and becomes castrate resistant. CTT’s unique phosphoramidate-based agents, bind irreversibly to PSMA and unlike other agents targeting PSMA, this distinctive mode of binding enhances uptake and internalization by tumor cells, leading to increased accumulation of the therapeutic payload and improved efficacy.

Studies to date using CTT2274 treatment of mice bearing human prostate tumors have shown remission of tumor growth and an overall increase in survival. In addition, because of the prodrug release within the tumor cells, safety of the drug, at doses that are effective at inhibiting or reversing tumor growth, is excellent. In the Phase I portion of the grant, to be completed in Q2 2025, CTT will conduct additional non-clinical efficacy studies and manufacturing optimization. In Phase II of the grant, to be completed in Q2, 2026, CTT will conduct additional manufacturing and safety assessments necessary to advance CTT2274 to an Investigational New Drug (IND) application. These IND studies will support the initial clinical trial in metastatic prostate cancer planned for 2026.

“CTT2274 has a unique structure and linker that maximizes tumor uptake and allows for release of the chemotherapeutic drug only within the tumor cell thus minimizing potential side effects from the chemotherapy. No other prodrug like this is being developed for prostate cancer and CTT2274 holds great promise as a future treatment for men suffering from prostate cancer.” stated Dr. Beatrice Langton-Webster, CEO of CTT and Principal Investigator on the grant. Visit CTT’s website at http://www.cancertargetedtechnology.com to learn more about CTT2274.

Contacts

Dr. Langton-Webster at bealw@cancertargetedtechnology.com

Adicet Bio Presents Clinical Biomarker Data for Off-the-Shelf CAR T Cell Therapy in an Oral Session at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2024

-Data demonstrate characteristics essential for treatment of autoimmune diseases, including robust tissue homing and complete CD19+ B cell depletion in secondary lymphoid tissue

-Results highlight the potential benefits unique to gamma delta 1 CAR T cell therapy and ADI-001’s potential as a best-in-class off-the-shelf cell therapy for autoimmune diseases

-The company is pursuing ADI-001 in a basket study across six indications including lupus nephritis (LN), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM), stiff person syndrome (SPS) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV)

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. & BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Adicet Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACET), a clinical stage biotechnology company discovering and developing allogeneic, gamma delta T cell therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancer, today announced that clinical biomarker data from the ADI-001 Phase 1 GLEAN trial which demonstrates robust tissue homing, significant CAR T cell activation, and complete CD19+ B cell depletion in secondary lymphoid tissue will be featured in an oral session at ACR Convergence 2024 in Washington, D.C., November 14-19.

“We believe the key to advancing care for autoimmune patients is to develop a therapeutic candidate that demonstrates robust tissue homing, complete CD19+ B cell depletion in tissue, and superior drug exposure in secondary lymphoid tissue with a positive safety profile. We are proud to share data and analyses, including clinical biomarker data, at ACR that support the potential of ADI-001 in autoimmune diseases,” said Francesco Galimi, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer. “After activating clinical trial sites for LN and receiving investigational new drug application (IND) clearances to pursue additional autoimmune indications, we are committed to advancing ADI-001 in a basket study across six autoimmune indications. This strategy highlights our focus on addressing the significant unmet medical needs of patients who urgently require innovative and effective new treatment options.”

A summary of the results is reported below:

  • ADI-001 demonstrated significant levels of CAR T cell activation and tissue exposure in lymph node biopsies in the GLEAN trial, representing a range of 27-64% of total cellular material detected by ddPCR in evaluable biopsies at the 1E9 dose, and exceeding levels previously reported for patients who received autologous alpha-beta CAR T therapies. CAR T cells detected in tissues also demonstrated a robust activation profile, based on in situ levels of granzyme B.
    • Recently published studies have demonstrated depletion of CD19+ plasmablasts, memory B cells and naïve B cells in peripheral blood using anti-CD20 targeted antibodies, however, these CD20-targeted antibody modalities failed to fully deplete B cells within secondary lymphoid tissue.
  • Concurrent with ADI-001 tissue trafficking and activation, complete depletion of CD19+ B cells within analyzed lymph node tissue was also observed. These results support ADI-001’s potential for achieving complete B-cell depletion in peripheral blood and within tissues.

Details of the oral presentation

Title: ADI-001: An Allogeneic CD20-targeted γδ CAR T Cell Therapy with Potential for Improved Tissue Homing in Autoimmune Indications

Session Name: Abstracts: Miscellaneous Rheumatic & Inflammatory Diseases II

Abstract Number: 1866169

Presenting Author: Monica Moreno, Ph.D.

Date and Time: November 19, 2024; 12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. ET

About ADI-001 in Autoimmune Diseases

ADI-001 is an investigational allogeneic gamma delta CAR T cell therapy targeting B-cells via an anti-CD20 CAR. ADI-001 was granted Fast Track Designation by the FDA for the potential treatment of relapsed/refractory class III or class IV lupus nephritis (LN). Adicet is exploring the potential of ADI-001 in a basket study across six indications including lupus nephritis (LN), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM), stiff person syndrome (SPS) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV).

For more information about becoming a study site, please email clinicaltrials@adicetbio.com or visit https://www.adicetbio.com/hcp/autoimmune/.

About the Phase 1 Clinical Trial

The Phase 1 study has four separate arms, enrolling LN and SLE patients into one arm, SSc patients into a second arm, IIM and SPS patients in a third arm and AAV patients into a fourth arm. Enrolled patients will receive a single dose of ADI-001. The dose-limiting toxicity window is 28 days with response and safety assessments conducted on Day 28 and during the follow-up period on months 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24. The primary objectives of the study are to evaluate the safety and tolerability of ADI-001. Secondary objectives include measuring cellular kinetics, pharmacodynamics, changes in autoantibody titers, and appropriate disease activity scores in each indication.

About Adicet Bio, Inc.

Adicet Bio, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company discovering and developing allogeneic gamma delta T cell therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancer. Adicet is advancing a pipeline of “off-the-shelf” gamma delta T cells, engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), to facilitate durable activity in patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.adicetbio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” of Adicet within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to the business and operations of Adicet. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied statements regarding: the potential safety, tolerability and efficacy of ADI- 001 in multiple autoimmune indications; the potential for ADI-001 to be best-in-class allogenic cell therapy for autoimmune diseases; and the clinical development of ADI-001 in LN, SLE, SSc, IIM, SPS and AAV.

Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs of future events, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements, including without limitation, the effect of global economic conditions and public health emergencies on Adicet’s business and financial results, including with respect to disruptions to our preclinical and clinical studies, business operations, employee hiring and retention, and ability to raise additional capital; Adicet’s ability to execute on its strategy including obtaining the requisite regulatory approvals on the expected timeline, if at all; that positive results, including interim results, from a preclinical or clinical study may not necessarily be predictive of the results of future or ongoing studies; clinical studies may fail to demonstrate adequate safety and efficacy of Adicet’s product candidates, which would prevent, delay, or limit the scope of regulatory approval and commercialization; and regulatory approval processes of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and comparable foreign regulatory authorities are lengthy, time-consuming, and inherently unpredictable; and Adicet’s ability to meet production and product release expectations. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause Adicet’s actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Adicet’s most recent annual report on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Adicet’s other filings with the SEC. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Adicet undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

Contacts

Adicet Bio, Inc.
Investor and Media Contacts

Investors:
Anne Bowdidge

abowdidge@adicetbio.com

Janhavi Mohite

Precision AQ

212-362-1200

janhavi.mohite@precisionaq.com

Media:
Kerry Beth Daly

kbdaly@adicetbio.com

Qurient Launches Clinical Trial for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment with Adrixetinib (Q702)

SEONGNAM, South Korea–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Qurient–Qurient Co. Ltd. (KRX: 115180) has announced the commencement of a clinical trial for adrixetinib (formerly named Q702), following the clearance of its investigational new drug (IND) application by the U.S. FDA.


The trial is a Phase 1 dose escalation and expansion study designed to assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of Q702 as a single agent and in a triplet combination with venetoclax and azacitidine for patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06445907). Adrixetinib, an orally administered, selective inhibitor of AXL/MER/CSF1R kinases, has demonstrated significant anti-tumor activities, enhancing chemo-sensitivity and immune response across various tumor models. The innovative combination therapy is expected to work synergistically, potentially improving patient outcomes in AML treatment.

The trial’s principal investigator is Abhishek Maiti, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

The expression of AXL and MER (TAM family kinases) and CSF1R has been linked to a poorer prognosis in AML, positioning them as critical therapeutic targets within the cell and tumor microenvironment. Preclinical studies have shown the efficacy of AXL/MER inhibition, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with venetoclax, in various AML models, including aggressive FLT3-ITD bearing AML and venetoclax-resistant primary AML samples. CSF1R inhibition also targets AML by disrupting supportive microenvironmental signals, while AXL inhibition in macrophages may enhance the myeloid-centered anti-leukemia immune response.

Dr. Kiyean Nam, CEO of Qurient, conveyed his enthusiasm for the company’s strategic trajectory, stating, “The establishment of adrixetinib’s Phase 2 recommended dosage has set the stage for further clinical collaboration with leading American medical institutions for patients diagnosed with AML, but who may not be eligible for intensive chemotherapy. I believe that adrixetinib’s unique underlying biology can help these patients in combination with venetoclax and azacitidine.”

About Adrixetinib (Q702)

Adrixetinib, an innovative immunotherapy conceived by Qurient, is a selective triple kinase inhibitor that targets AXL, MER, and CSF1R. It enhances the body’s innate immune defenses and increases the susceptibility of cancer cells to therapeutic interventions. Q702 is currently in clinical development for the treatment of select advanced solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

About Qurient

Qurient is a pioneering clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in South Korea, listed on the Korea Exchange (KRX 115180). The company is dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics, from discovery to human proof-of-concept stages, utilizing a virtual R&D project management platform. For more information, visit www.qurient.com.

Contacts

Peter Yu, +(82)-31-8060-1600, media@qurient.com

QUANTRO Therapeutics and IMP enter into research collaboration to accelerate transcriptomic drug discovery

  • Strategic partnership with the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) to decipher transcription factor complexes
  • QUANTRO CEO Dr. Michael Bauer to attend BIO-Europe in Stockholm, November 4-6

Vienna, Austria, 24 October 2024: QUANTRO Therapeutics (QUANTRO), a pioneer in the discovery of first-in-class transcription factor targeting cancer treatments, announced today that the company is entering into a strategic research collaboration with the group of Dr. Johannes Zuber, a world-leading expert in functional genetics and one of the co-founders of QUANTRO, at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna, Austria. The goal of the collaboration is to investigate the molecular functions of transcription factor complexes that have emerged as promising targets for the development of cancer therapies.

Cancer cells depend on specific transcription factors – proteins that regulate gene expression – to maintain their abnormal behavior. While transcription factors have long been considered “undruggable”, new molecules have been found that trigger their degradation or disrupt interactions with essential co-factors. These advances have led to major breakthroughs in the treatment of some cancer types. However, existing drugs targeting transcription have often been found only through serendipity, while their systematic discovery and development have been hampered by a lack of scalable methods to directly measure transcriptional activity. The new collaboration focuses on expanding QUANTRO’s transcriptomic discovery approach by integrating genetic screening technologies to gain a deeper understanding of how transcription factors interact with co-factors and other regulatory proteins. The Zuber lab at the IMP has developed advanced genetic screening and validation assays to identify and characterize such key co-factors and regulators, thereby complementing QUANTRO’s activities building an innovative proprietary transcription factor targeting R&D pipeline.

Dr. Johannes Zuber, Group Leader at the IMP, commented: “A detailed understanding of protein binding partners is essential for developing new drugs and refining existing hits. While finding compounds that bind to transcription factors is relatively straightforward, it is often unclear whether this binding event interferes with co-factor interactions or other critical protein functions. QUANTRO’s time-resolved transcriptomics technology can answer this question with unprecedented precision, and our genetic screens can pinpoint the relevant co-factors.”

Dr. Michael Bauer, CEO of QUANTRO, added: “Our transcriptomic discovery platform addresses one of drug discovery’s greatest challenges – making previously ‘undruggable’ targets accessible. With our proprietary technology, we can instantly detect transcriptional changes with high precision, enabling us to focus on direct and immediate transcriptional responses. This partnership will further strengthen our capabilities and understanding of the biology of the targets we are working on by integrating the IMP’s exceptional research expertise and by providing access to complementary know-how and resources. Together, we aim to accelerate drug discovery for currently untreatable diseases.”

Meet the QUANTRO management at BIO-Europe in Stockholm, November 4-6

Dr. Michael Bauer, CEO of QUANTRO, will participate in this important industry event and be available for personal meetings to discuss QUANTRO’s innovative approach to transcriptomic drug discovery. To schedule a meeting, please use the conference partnering system or reach out directly to Contact | QUANTRO.

About QUANTRO:

QUANTRO Therapeutics is a transcriptomic Drug Discovery and R&D company focused on building a highly innovative pipeline of modulators, inhibitors or degraders of transcription factors, transcriptional regulators and cell signaling targets. QUANTRO’s transcriptomic discovery platform is using a novel and proprietary time-resolved gene expression profiling technology to target gene transcription factors, thus far considered un-druggable.

The technology is uniquely positioned to quantify changes in gene expression over time with unprecedented precision and sensitivity, overcoming the deficiencies of traditional RT-qPCR based technologies like DRUG-seq, which are limited to only measure RNA abundance, without information on transcriptional activity and dynamics.

QUANTRO was founded in 2019 as a spin-out from the prestigious research institutes IMBA and IMP in Vienna, Austria. Since 2020, the company has been supported by Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF) and Evotec as seed investors. In total, EUR 11 million was earned in milestone-driven tranches in 2020 and 2023, complemented by undisclosed proceeds from a strategic collaboration on selected oncology targets with Boehringer Ingelheim Oncology.

Please find more information on our website at www.quantro-tx.com.

About the IMP:

The Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna is a basic life science research institute largely sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. With over 200 scientists from 40 countries, the IMP is committed to scientific discovery of fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying complex biological phenomena. The IMP is part of the Vienna BioCenter, one of Europe’s most dynamic life science hubs with 2,800 people from over 80 countries in six research institutions, two universities, and 40 biotech companies.

For more information, please visit www.imp.ac.at, www.viennabiocenter.org.

Contact

QUANTRO Therapeutics GmbH
Dr. Michael Bauer, CEO
Email: Contact | QUANTRO
Phone: +43 122 66001

Media Contact

MC Services AG
Dr. Cora Kaiser, Dr. Johanna Kobler (international and German-speaking media inquiries)
Shaun Brown (international trade press)
Email: quantro@mc-services.eu
Phone: +49 89 210228 0


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Immunome to Present Poster Highlighting Preclinical Evaluation of IM-1021, a ROR1-Targeted Antibody Drug Conjugate, at the 36th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium

BOTHELL, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Immunome, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMNM), a biotechnology company focused on developing first-in-class and best-in-class targeted cancer therapies, today announced that it will present a poster highlighting preclinical evaluation of IM-1021, a ROR1-targeted antibody drug conjugate (ADC), at the 36th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Barcelona on October 24, 2024.

Immunome expects to submit an IND for the IM-1021 program to the FDA in the first quarter of 2025.

Following the presentation, a copy of the poster will be made available in the “Events & Presentations” portion of Immunome’s website.

Poster Presentation Details:

Title: Preclinical evaluation of IM-1021, a ROR1-targeted antibody-drug conjugate with a novel topoisomerase I linker payload.

Presenter: Robert Lawrence, Director of Biology, Immunome

Date: October 24, 2024

About Immunome, Inc.

Immunome is a clinical-stage targeted oncology company committed to developing first- and best-in-class targeted therapies designed to improve outcomes for cancer patients. We are advancing an innovative portfolio of therapeutics, drawing on leadership that previously played key roles in the design, development, and commercialization of cutting-edge targeted cancer therapies, including antibody-drug conjugate therapies (ADCs.) In addition to a portfolio of discovery-stage ADCs, our pipeline includes AL102, a gamma secretase inhibitor which is currently in a Phase 3 trial for treatment of desmoid tumors, as well as IM-1021, a ROR1 ADC, and IM-3050, a FAP-targeted radioligand, both of which are the subject of INDs expected to be submitted in the first quarter of 2025. For more information, visit www.immunome.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not purely historical in nature are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We use words such as “will,” “expects,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Immunome’s expected timing for submission of an IND for its IM-1021 program and other statements regarding management’s intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations or forecasts for the future. These forward-looking statements are based on Immunome’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the risk that Immunome will not be able to realize the benefits of its strategic transactions; the risk that regulatory approvals for Immunome’s product candidates are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions; the risk that pre-clinical data may not be predictive of clinical data; the risk that Immunome’s product candidates fail to achieve their intended endpoints; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time described in Immunome’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, filed with the SEC on August 12, 2024, and in Immunome’s other filings with the SEC. Except as required by law, Immunome assumes no obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statements included in this press release.

Contacts

Immunome Contact:

Max Rosett

Chief Financial Officer

investors@immunome.com

Nurix Therapeutics Expands Its Board of Directors with the Addition of Drug Commercialization Expert Anil Kapur

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nurix Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: NRIX), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing targeted protein modulation drugs designed to treat patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases, today announced the appointment of Anil Kapur to its board of directors, effective October 15, 2024. Mr. Kapur has over 25 years of executive experience in pharmaceutical and biotech companies across both U.S. and international markets.

“I am delighted to welcome Anil to the Nurix board as we enter this important stage in the company’s development and execute on our plan to advance NX-5948 into pivotal clinical testing in 2025 and prepare for future commercialization,” said Arthur T. Sands, M.D., Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Nurix. “Anil has an impressive record of commercial operations excellence and extensive experience launching novel drugs in hematology and oncology with direct relevance to Nurix’s pipeline, including the launch of blockbuster drugs Imbruvica and Darzalex while at Johnson & Johnson. I believe his strategic, marketing, sales and business development insights will be invaluable to Nurix in the years to come.”

Mr. Kapur began his pharmaceutical executive career as Vice President, Commercial Leader Hematology Franchise at Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson’s global pharmaceutical strategy organization. As the J&J Joint Commercialization Committee Leader in partnership with Pharmacyclics, Mr. Kapur launched Imbruvica, the first BTK inhibitor for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, achieving an estimated $1 billion in sales within 18 months of launch. Mr. Kapur also led the J&J/Genmab joint commercialization committee and the global team that launched the transformational product Darzalex, the first biologic for multiple myeloma.

“I am excited to join Nurix’s board of directors at this important time as NX-5948 is poised to enter pivotal trials and as we form the strategy for its commercialization,” said Mr. Kapur. “I believe Nurix’s targeted protein degrader drug pipeline has great potential to change the treatment landscape and help patients living with B cell malignancies and beyond.”

As a senior leader in hematology and oncology in both small and large organizations, Mr. Kapur has been responsible for launching significant global brands, building and managing commercial capabilities, driving corporate strategy and managing alliances. Most recently, Mr. Kapur served as Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Chief Commercial Officer at Geron Corporation from December 2019 to August 2024. Prior to Geron, Mr. Kapur served as Chief Commercial Officer at Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and as Vice President, Head of Early Assets, Biomarkers and External Innovation for Worldwide Oncology Commercialization at Bristol-Myers Squibb. Mr. Kapur is a member of the board of directors of Verastem, Inc., a late-stage development biopharmaceutical company. Mr. Kapur holds a BE in Mechanical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology in India, an MS in Engineering from Louisiana Tech University, and an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.

About Nurix Therapeutics, Inc.
Nurix Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative small molecules and antibody therapies based on the modulation of cellular protein levels as a novel treatment approach for cancer, inflammatory conditions, and other challenging diseases. Leveraging extensive expertise in E3 ligases together with proprietary DNA-encoded libraries, Nurix has built DELigase, an integrated discovery platform, to identify and advance novel drug candidates targeting E3 ligases, a broad class of enzymes that can modulate proteins within the cell. Nurix’s drug discovery approach is to either harness or inhibit the natural function of E3 ligases within the ubiquitin-proteasome system to selectively decrease or increase cellular protein levels. Nurix’s wholly owned, clinical stage pipeline includes targeted protein degraders of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, a B-cell signaling protein, and inhibitors of Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene B, an E3 ligase that regulates activation of multiple immune cell types including T cell and NK cells. Nurix is headquartered in San Francisco, California. For additional information visit http://www.nurixtx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. Any statements contained herein that do not describe historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the expected contributions Mr. Kapur will bring to Nurix, Nurix’s plans to advance NX-5948 into pivotal clinical testing in 2025, and the potential for Nurix’s targeted protein degrader drug pipeline to change the treatment landscape in B cell malignancies, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Nurix’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended August 31, 2024, and subsequent filings with the SEC. Any of these risks and uncertainties could materially and adversely affect Nurix’s business and results of operations, which could, in turn, have a significant and adverse impact on Nurix’s stock price. Nurix cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Nurix undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contacts:

Investors
Jason Kantor, Ph.D.
Nurix Therapeutics, Inc.
ir@nurixtx.com

Elizabeth Wolffe, Ph.D.
Wheelhouse Life Science Advisors
lwolffe@wheelhouselsa.com

Media
Aljanae Reynolds
Wheelhouse Life Science Advisors
areynolds@wheelhouselsa.com

invIOs raises €8.2 million in a Series A to finance pipeline progress in immuno-oncology

  • Funding secures ongoing pipeline progress and achievement of preclinical and clinical milestones
    • Oral small molecule INV501: collaboration with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) making good progress; target validation and details of mechanism of action expected in Q1 2025
    • Cell therapy INV441: pre-IND meeting with US FDA successfully completed; first-in-humans study in glioblastoma to start mid-2025 as part of a new collaboration with DFCI
  • invIOs management to participate in LSX Inv€$tival Showcase™ in London on November 18th

VIENNA, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — invIOs GmbH (“invIOs”), a privately held biotechnology company developing novel therapies for cancer, today announced that the company has raised €8.2 million in a Series A fundraising that includes strong participation from existing shareholders and Ligand Pharmaceuticals. Ligand recently acquired APEIRON, the former parent company of invIOs. This funding secures ongoing pipeline progress and achievement of clinical and preclinical milestones through 2025.

Peter Llewellyn-Davies, CEO & CFO of invIOs, said: “We are pleased to have raised these funds, which enables us to move our programs forward as planned. I am particularly grateful for the strong support of existing shareholders, as well as the commitment of our new shareholder, Ligand Pharmaceuticals.”

invIOs also provided an update on recent progress with its two lead anti-cancer programs, INV441 and INV501. The company has collaborations in glioblastoma with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) for both programs. The collaborations are being led by David Reardon, MD, Clinical Director, Center for Neuro-Oncology at the DFCI and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Reardon is a world-renowned expert in brain cancer, particularly glioblastoma research and treatment.

“We are thrilled with the progress of our collaboration with the DFCI for both our oral small molecule candidate, INV501, and now also our cell therapy candidate, INV441. With these two immune-oncological approaches, we are developing cancer therapies that have the potential to address major unmet needs in treating deadly tumors, and we are excited to continue our work to ultimately improve and save patients’ lives,” commented Romana Gugenberger, PhD, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of invIOs.

INV501 first-in-class orally available small molecule. In July 2024, invIOs announced the selection of a lead candidate from its family of compounds. Preclinical testing has shown compelling efficacy and safety results with this candidate in both breast cancer and melanoma models, as well as the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and initiate anti-tumoral immune reactions.

IND-enabling toxicology studies are underway, and manufacturing under GMP conditions is in preparation. Target validation work is planned to be completed and details of the mechanism of action provided in Q1 2025.

INV441 cell therapy. INV441 uses tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that are modified via siRNA inhibiting the immune checkpoint Cbl-b and administered directly to the tumor. This approach has demonstrated strong preclinical proof of concept in murine glioma models. In 2024, invIOs filed important IP around this program. invIOs recently held a pre-IND (Investigational New Drug) meeting with the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). In the meeting, the FDA provided helpful input for the planned Phase 1 study with INV441 which is planned to be conducted by the DFCI and is expected to initiate in mid-2025.

Meet invIOs management at LSX Inv€$tival Showcase™ in London on November 18th

Peter Llewellyn-Davies, CEO & CFO, and Romana Gugenberger, PhD, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, will give a company presentation and host 1X1 meetings at this important industry event. To schedule a meeting, please use the conference partnering system or contact: investors@invios.com.

About invIOs

invIOs is a privately held biotech company based in Vienna, Austria, focusing on the discovery and development of novel therapies for cancer. The invIOs team leverages deep expertise in immune system activation to develop individualized and targeted approaches against solid tumors. invIOs is advancing a pipeline of programs encompassing small molecule and cell therapy approaches.

INV501 is a novel small molecule candidate that can selectively enhance T cell mediated anti-tumor immune responses. INV501 is currently in preclinical testing and has demonstrated preclinical proof of concept with strong data in multiple solid tumor indications after oral administration. A lead candidate compound for clinical development has been selected, and IND-enabling studies are ongoing.

EPiC, invIOs’ proprietary cell therapy platform, enables rapid treatment of patients in an out-patient setting. EPiC is a technology platform that allows the creation of personalized cell therapies based on localized processing of a patient’s fresh immune cells. Proof of concept has been demonstrated via initial clinical results from the first asset from the EPiC platform, APN401. INV441, also derived from EPiC, is being developed for the treatment of glioblastoma and is in preclinical testing. invIOs has a collaboration with the DFCI for this program. Another EPiC program, INV451, is a novel CAR-T cell approach against lung cancer being developed with the Medical University of Innsbruck.

For further information, please visit www.invios.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Contacts

invIOs
Peter Llewellyn-Davies
CEO/CFO
T +43 1 8656577 0
Email: investors@invios.com

MC Services AG
Dr. Cora Kaiser, Dr. Regina Lutz
T +49 89 210 228 0
US: Laurie Doyle
T +1-339-832-0752
Email: invios@mc-services.eu

Pfizer’s TALZENNA® in Combination with XTANDI® Prolongs Overall Survival in Phase 3 TALAPRO-2 Trial

  • First and only PARP inhibitor plus ARPI combination to demonstrate statistically significant overall survival (OS) benefit in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)
  • Results to be shared with global health authorities to potentially update the TALZENNA label

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced positive topline results from the final prespecified overall survival (OS) analysis of the TALAPRO-2 study of TALZENNA® (talazoparib), an oral poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, in combination with XTANDI® (enzalutamide), an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI), in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Results showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in the final OS in all-comers (cohort 1) as well as in those patients with homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene-mutated mCRPC (cohort 2), compared to XTANDI alone.

The TALAPRO-2 results showed that TALZENNA plus XTANDI is the first and only PARP inhibitor in combination with an ARPI to significantly improve survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, regardless of mutation status,” said Roger Dansey, M.D., Chief Development Officer, Oncology, Pfizer. “Pfizer is dedicated to advancing scientific breakthroughs in genitourinary cancers, and these exciting TALAPRO-2 results further highlight our long-standing commitment to improving survival for men with prostate cancer.”

These overall survival results indicate potentially practice-changing efficacy for TALZENNA in combination with XTANDI for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer,” said Neeraj Agarwal, M.D., FASCO, Professor and Presidential Endowed Chair of Cancer Research at Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, and global lead investigator for TALAPRO-2. “Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is the most advanced and aggressive stage of the disease, and the TALAPRO-2 results provide much-needed hope to patients who remain in high unmet need for effective treatment options.”

At the time of the final analysis, the clinically meaningful improvement in radiographic progression free survival (rPFS) was maintained in both cohorts from the prior primary analysis previously reported and published in The Lancet. In addition, the safety profile of TALZENNA plus XTANDI was generally consistent with the known safety profile of each medicine. Detailed results from TALAPRO-2 will be submitted for presentation at an upcoming medical congress. These data will also be shared with global health authorities to potentially support regulatory filings to update and potentially expand the approved label for TALZENNA.

TALZENNA in combination with XTANDI was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with HRR gene-mutated mCRPC in June 2023. The combination was also approved by the European Commission in January 2024 for the treatment of adult patients with mCRPC in whom chemotherapy is not clinically indicated. TALZENNA is the first and only PARP inhibitor licensed in the European Union for use with XTANDI for patients with mCRPC, with or without gene mutations. TALZENNA in combination with XTANDI is now approved in more than 35 countries globally for patients with mCRPC.

About Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the fifth most common cause of cancer death among men worldwide, with an estimated 1.4 million new cases diagnosed in 2022.1 In the U.S., it is the most common cancer in men.2 mCRPC is a cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland and has progressed despite medical or surgical treatment to lower testosterone. Approximately 10%–20% of prostate cancer patients develop mCRPC within 5−7 years of diagnosis.3 Between 1.2%–2.1% of all prostate cancer cases globally are mCRPC.4

About TALAPRO-2

The Phase 3 TALAPRO-2 trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that enrolled 1,035 unique patients with mCRPC (who had not received new life-prolonging systemic treatments after documentation of mCRPC) at sites in the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region. The study included two patient cohorts: all-comers (n=805, of whom 169 had HRR mutations and 636 did not) and those with HRR gene mutations (n=399, including 169 patients from Cohort 1 and 230 enrolled in Cohort 2). Patients with castrate testosterone levels were randomized to receive TALZENNA 0.5 mg/day plus XTANDI 160mg/day, or placebo plus XTANDI 160mg/day.

The primary endpoint of the trial was rPFS, defined as the time from the date of randomization to first objective evidence of radiographic progression by blinded independent review, or death, whichever occurred first, in both Cohort 1 (all-comers) and Cohort 2 (those with HRRm). Secondary endpoints included OS, objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response.

For more information on the TALAPRO-2 trial (NCT03395197), go to www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About TALZENNA® (talazoparib)

TALZENNA is an oral inhibitor of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), which plays a role in DNA damage repair. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that TALZENNA blocks PARP enzyme activity and traps PARP at the site of DNA damage, leading to decreased cancer cell growth and cancer cell death.

TALZENNA is approved in the U.S., EU, and multiple other regions for the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious gBRCAm HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. In the U.S., TALZENNA is approved in combination with XTANDI for the treatment of adult patients with homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene-mutated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). In the EU, TALZENNA is approved in combination with enzalutamide for the treatment of adult patients with mCRPC in whom chemotherapy is not clinically indicated.

TALZENNA® (talazoparib) Indication in the U.S.

TALZENNA is a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor indicated for:

HRR gene-mutated mCRPC:

  • In combination with enzalutamide for the treatment of adult patients with homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene-mutated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Breast Cancer:

  • As a single agent, for the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm) HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for TALZENNA.

TALZENNA® (talazoparib) Important Safety Information

WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS

Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MDS/AML), including cases with a fatal outcome, has been reported in patients who received TALZENNA. Overall, MDS/AML has been reported in 0.4% (3 out of 788) of solid tumor patients treated with TALZENNA as a single agent in clinical studies. In TALAPRO-2, MDS/AML occurred in 2 out of 511 (0.4%) patients treated with TALZENNA and enzalutamide and in 0 out of 517 (0%) patients treated with placebo and enzalutamide. The durations of TALZENNA treatment in these five patients prior to developing MDS/AML were 0.3, 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Most of these patients had received previous chemotherapy with platinum agents and/or other DNA damaging agents including radiotherapy.

Do not start TALZENNA until patients have adequately recovered from hematological toxicity caused by previous chemotherapy. Monitor blood counts monthly during treatment with TALZENNA. For prolonged hematological toxicities, interrupt TALZENNA and monitor blood counts weekly until recovery. If counts do not recover within 4 weeks, refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations including bone marrow analysis and blood sample for cytogenetics. If MDS/AML is confirmed, discontinue TALZENNA.

Myelosuppression consisting of anemia, neutropenia, and/or thrombocytopenia have been reported in patients treated with TALZENNA. In TALAPRO-2, Grade ≥3 anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were reported, respectively, in 45%, 18%, and 8% of patients receiving TALZENNA and enzalutamide. Overall, 39% of patients (199/511) required a red blood cell transfusion, including 22% (111/511) who required multiple transfusions. Discontinuation due to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia occurred, respectively, in 7%, 3%, and 0.4% of patients.

Withhold TALZENNA until patients have adequately recovered from hematological toxicity caused by previous therapy. Monitor blood counts monthly during treatment with TALZENNA. If hematological toxicities do not resolve within 28 days, discontinue TALZENNA and refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations including bone marrow analysis and blood sample for cytogenetics.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity TALZENNA can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential or who are pregnant to use effective contraception during treatment with TALZENNA and for 4 months after receiving the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In TALAPRO-2, serious adverse reactions reported in >2% of patients included anemia (9%) and fracture (3%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 1.5% of patients, including pneumonia, COVID infection, and sepsis (1 patient each).

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%, all Grades), including laboratory abnormalities, for patients in the TALAPRO-2 study who received TALZENNA in combination with enzalutamide vs patients receiving placebo with enzalutamide were hemoglobin decreased (79% vs 34%), neutrophils decreased (60% vs 18%), lymphocytes decreased (58% vs 36%), fatigue (49% vs 40%), platelets decreased (45% vs 8%), calcium decreased (25% vs 11%), nausea (21% vs 17%), decreased appetite (20% vs 14%), sodium decreased (22% vs 20%), phosphate decreased (17% vs 13%), fractures (14% vs 10%), magnesium decreased (14% vs 12%), dizziness (13% vs 9%), bilirubin increased (11% vs 7%), potassium decreased (11% vs 7%), and dysgeusia (10% vs 4.5%).

Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received TALZENNA with enzalutamide included abdominal pain (9%), vomiting (9%), alopecia (7%), dyspepsia (4%), venous thromboembolism (3%) and stomatitis (2%).

Based on animal studies, TALZENNA may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Coadministration with P-gp inhibitors The effect of coadministration of P-gp inhibitors on talazoparib exposure when TALZENNA is taken in combination with enzalutamide has not been studied. Monitor patients for increased adverse reactions and modify the dosage as recommended for adverse reactions when TALZENNA is coadministered with a P-gp inhibitor.

Coadministration with BCRP inhibitors Monitor patients for increased adverse reactions and modify the dosage as recommended for adverse reactions when TALZENNA is coadministered with a BCRP inhibitor. Coadministration of TALZENNA with BCRP inhibitors may increase talazoparib exposure, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Renal Impairment The recommended dosage of TALZENNA for patients with moderate renal impairment (CLcr 30 – 59 mL/min) is 0.35 mg taken orally once daily in combination with enzalutamide. The recommended dosage of TALZENNA for patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr 15 – 29 mL/min) is 0.25 mg taken orally once daily in combination with enzalutamide. No dose adjustment is required for patients with mild renal impairment. TALZENNA has not been studied in patients requiring hemodialysis.

Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information and Patient Information for TALZENNA® (talazoparib) at www.TALZENNA.com.

About XTANDI® (enzalutamide) and Important Safety Information

XTANDI® (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor. XTANDI is a standard of care and has received regulatory approvals in one or more countries around the world for use in men with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC; also known as metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer or mHSPC), metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and nonmetastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (nmCSPC) with biochemical recurrence at high risk for metastasis (high-risk BCR). XTANDI is currently approved for one or more of these indications in more than 90 countries, including in the U.S., EU, and Japan. Over one million patients have been treated with XTANDI globally.5

Warnings and Precautions

Seizure occurred in 0.6% of patients receiving XTANDI in eight randomized clinical trials. In a study of patients with predisposing factors for seizure, 2.2% of XTANDI-treated patients experienced a seizure. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with XTANDI. Patients in the study had one or more of the following predisposing factors: use of medications that may lower the seizure threshold, history of traumatic brain or head injury, history of cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, and Alzheimer’s disease, meningioma, or leptomeningeal disease from prostate cancer, unexplained loss of consciousness within the last 12 months, history of seizure, presence of a space occupying lesion of the brain, history of arteriovenous malformation, or history of brain infection. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while taking XTANDI and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm to themselves or others. Permanently discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) There have been reports of PRES in patients receiving XTANDI. PRES is a neurological disorder that 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.

Hypersensitivity reactions, including edema of the face (0.5%), tongue (0.1%), or lip (0.1%) have been observed with XTANDI in eight randomized clinical trials. Pharyngeal edema has been reported in post-marketing cases. Advise patients who experience any symptoms of hypersensitivity to temporarily discontinue XTANDI and promptly seek medical care. Permanently discontinue XTANDI for serious hypersensitivity reactions.

Ischemic Heart Disease In the combined data of five randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, ischemic heart disease occurred more commonly in patients on the XTANDI arm compared to patients on the placebo arm (3.5% vs 2%). Grade 3-4 ischemic events occurred in 1.8% of patients on XTANDI versus 1.1% on placebo. Ischemic events led to death in 0.4% of patients on XTANDI compared to 0.1% on placebo. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Discontinue XTANDI for Grade 3-4 ischemic heart disease.

Falls and Fractures occurred in patients receiving XTANDI. Evaluate patients for fracture and fall risk. Monitor and manage patients at risk for fractures according to established treatment guidelines and consider use of bone-targeted agents. In the combined data of five randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, falls occurred in 12% of patients treated with XTANDI compared to 6% of patients treated with placebo. Fractures occurred in 13% of patients treated with XTANDI and in 6% of patients treated with placebo.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity The safety and efficacy of XTANDI have not been established in females. XTANDI can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy when administered to a pregnant female. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XTANDI and for 3 months after the last dose of XTANDI.

Adverse Reactions (ARs) the data from the five randomized placebo-controlled trials, the most common ARs (≥ 10%) that occurred more frequently (≥ 2% over placebo) in XTANDI-treated patients were musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, hot flush, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, hypertension, hemorrhage, fall, fracture, and headache. In the bicalutamide-controlled study, the most common ARs (≥ 10%) reported in XTANDI-treated patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, hot flush, hypertension, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and weight loss.

In AFFIRM, the placebo-controlled study of metastatic CRPC (mCRPC) patients who previously received docetaxel, Grade 3 and higher ARs were reported among 47% of XTANDI-treated patients. Discontinuations due to ARs were reported for 16% of XTANDI-treated patients. In PREVAIL, the placebo-controlled study of chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients, Grade 3-4 ARs were reported in 44% of XTANDI patients and 37% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to ARs were reported for 6% of XTANDI-treated patients. In TERRAIN, the bicalutamide-controlled study of chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients, Grade 3-4 ARs were reported in 39% of XTANDI patients and 38% of bicalutamide patients. Discontinuations with an AR as the primary reason were reported for 8% of XTANDI patients and 6% of bicalutamide patients.

In PROSPER, the placebo-controlled study of nonmetastatic CRPC (nmCRPC) patients, Grade 3 or higher ARs were reported in 31% of XTANDI patients and 23% of placebo patients. Discontinuations with an AR as the primary reason were reported for 9% of XTANDI patients and 6% of placebo patients.

In ARCHES, the placebo-controlled study of metastatic CSPC (mCSPC) patients, Grade 3 or higher ARs were reported in 24% of XTANDI-treated patients. Permanent discontinuation due to ARs as the primary reason was reported in 5% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients.

In EMBARK, the placebo-controlled study of nonmetastatic CSPC (nmCSPC) with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR) patients, Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions during the total duration of treatment were reported in 46% of patients treated with XTANDI plus leuprolide, 50% of patients receiving XTANDI as a single agent, and 43% of patients receiving placebo plus leuprolide. Permanent treatment discontinuation due to adverse reactions during the total duration of treatment as the primary reason was reported in 21% of patients treated with XTANDI plus leuprolide, 18% of patients receiving XTANDI as a single agent, and 10% of patients receiving placebo plus leuprolide.

Lab Abnormalities: Lab abnormalities that occurred in ≥ 5% of patients, and more frequently (> 2%) in the XTANDI arm compared to placebo in the pooled, randomized, placebo-controlled studies are hemoglobin decrease, neutrophil count decreased, white blood cell decreased, hyperglycemia, hypermagnesemia, hyponatremia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypercalcemia.

Hypertension: In the combined data from five randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials, hypertension was reported in 14.2% of XTANDI patients and 7.4% of placebo patients. Hypertension led to study discontinuation in < 1% of patients in each arm.

Drug Interactions

Effect of Other Drugs on XTANDI Avoid coadministration with strong CYP2C8 inhibitors. If coadministration cannot be avoided, reduce the dosage of XTANDI.

Avoid coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the dosage of XTANDI.

Effect of XTANDI on Other Drugs Avoid coadministration with certain CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 substrates for which minimal decrease in concentration may lead to therapeutic failure of the substrate. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the dosage of these substrates in accordance with their Prescribing Information. In cases where active metabolites are formed, there may be increased exposure to the active metabolites.

Please access this link for XTANDI’S US Full Prescribing Information for additional safety information.

About Pfizer Oncology

At Pfizer Oncology, we are at the forefront of a new era in cancer care. Our industry-leading portfolio and extensive pipeline includes three core mechanisms of action to attack cancer from multiple angles, including small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and bispecific antibodies, including other immune-oncology biologics. We are focused on delivering transformative therapies in some of the world’s most common cancers, including breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology-oncology, and thoracic cancers, which includes lung cancer. Driven by science, we are committed to accelerating breakthroughs to help people with cancer live better and longer lives.

About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development, and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments, and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on X at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.

About the Pfizer/Astellas Collaboration

In October 2009, Medivation, Inc., which is now part of Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), and Astellas (TSE: 4503) entered into a global agreement to jointly develop and commercialize XTANDI® (enzalutamide). The companies jointly commercialize XTANDI in the United States, and Astellas has responsibility for manufacturing and all additional regulatory filings globally, as well as commercializing XTANDI outside the United States.

Disclosure Notice

The information contained in this release is as of October 10, 2024. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.

This release contains forward-looking information about Pfizer Oncology, TALZENNA and XTANDI, including their potential benefits, the TALAPRO-2 results and plans to share the results with global health authorities to potentially update the TALZENNA label, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements.

Contacts

Media Contact:

+1 (212) 733-1226

PfizerMediaRelations@Pfizer.com

Investor Contact:

+1 (212) 733-4848

IR@Pfizer.com

Read full story here

Bayer announces positive topline results for NUBEQA® (darolutamide) from Phase III trial in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC)

  • Phase III ARANOTE trial met primary endpoint, significantly increasing radiological progression-free survival (rPFS) with NUBEQA plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared to placebo plus ADT
  • Results were consistent with NUBEQA’s established safety profile with no new signals observed
  • NUBEQA now has positive mHSPC data both with and without docetaxel based on two pivotal Phase III studies
  • Bayer plans to present the pivotal data at a forthcoming scientific congress and discuss these data with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for regulatory approval

WHIPPANY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Phase III ARANOTE trial, investigating NUBEQA® (darolutamide) plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), has met its primary endpoint of radiological progression-free survival (rPFS). NUBEQA plus ADT demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful increase in rPFS compared to placebo plus ADT.

Results were consistent with NUBEQA’s established safety profile with no new signals observed. Detailed results from this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial are planned to be presented at a forthcoming scientific congress.

NUBEQA is currently indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with mHSPC in combination with docetaxel and for the treatment of adult patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC).1

We are excited to share the positive results from this Phase III trial. Following potential regulatory approval, physicians will be able to tailor NUBEQA treatment plans with or without docetaxel based on individual patient’s needs,” said Christian Rommel, Ph.D., Head of Research and Development at Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division. “Today’s results build on the established efficacy and tolerability profile of NUBEQA. We are looking forward to future outcomes of our clinical development program investigating the compound across multiple prostate cancer stages and indications.”

Bayer plans to present the pivotal data at a forthcoming scientific conference and discuss these data with the U.S. FDA regarding submission for regulatory approval.

About the ARANOTE Trial

The ARANOTE trial (NCT04736199) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III study designed to assess the efficacy and safety of NUBEQA plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). 669 patients were randomized to receive 600mg of NUBEQA twice daily or matching placebo in addition to ADT.

The primary endpoint of this study is radiological progression-free survival (rPFS), as measured as the time from the date of randomization to the date of first documentation of radiological progressive disease or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. Secondary endpoints include overall survival, time from randomization to the date of death from any cause, time from randomization to the date of first castration-resistant event, time to initiation of subsequent anti-cancer therapy, time to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression, PSA undetectable rates, time to pain progression, and safety assessments.

About NUBEQA® (darolutamide)1

NUBEQA® (darolutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor (ARi) with a distinct chemical structure that competitively inhibits androgen binding, AR nuclear translocation, and AR-mediated transcription.

NUBEQA is being evaluated in a robust clinical development program, which includes studies across various stages of prostate cancer, including in the Phase III ARANOTE trial evaluating NUBEQA plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) versus ADT alone for mHSPC, the ARASTEP Phase III trial evaluating NUBEQA plus ADT versus ADT alone in HSPC patients with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR) and no evidence of metastatic disease by conventional imaging and a positive PSMA PET/CT at baseline, as well as in the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP) led international Phase III co-operative group DASL-HiCaP (ANZUP1801) trial evaluating NUBEQA as an adjuvant treatment for localized prostate cancer with very high risk of recurrence. Information about these trials can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

NUBEQA is currently indicated in the U.S. in combination with docetaxel and ADT for the treatment of adult patients with mHSPC and for the treatment of adult patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) with ADT.1

NUBEQA is developed jointly by Bayer and Orion Corporation, a globally operating Finnish pharmaceutical company.

INDICATIONS

NUBEQA® (darolutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

  • Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC)
  • Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in combination with docetaxel

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

NUBEQA® (darolutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

  • Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC)
  • Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in combination with docetaxel

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warnings & Precautions

Ischemic Heart Disease – In a study of patients with nmCRPC (ARAMIS), ischemic heart disease occurred in 3.2% of patients receiving NUBEQA versus 2.5% receiving placebo, including Grade 3-4 events in 1.7% vs. 0.4%, respectively. Ischemic events led to death in 0.3% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 0.2% receiving placebo. In a study of patients with mHSPC (ARASENS), ischemic heart disease occurred in 3.2% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 2% receiving placebo with docetaxel, including Grade 3-4 events in 1.3% vs. 1.1%, respectively. Ischemic events led to death in 0.3% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 0% receiving placebo with docetaxel. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Discontinue NUBEQA for Grade 3-4 ischemic heart disease.

Seizure – In ARAMIS, Grade 1-2 seizure occurred in 0.2% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 0.2% receiving placebo. Seizure occurred 261 and 456 days after initiation of NUBEQA. In ARASENS, seizure occurred in 0.6% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel, including one Grade 3 event, vs. 0.2% receiving placebo with docetaxel. Seizure occurred 38 to 340 days after initiation of NUBEQA. It is unknown whether antiepileptic medications will prevent seizures with NUBEQA. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while receiving NUBEQA and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause harm to themselves or others. Consider discontinuation of NUBEQA in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity – Safety and efficacy of NUBEQA have not been established in females. NUBEQA can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with NUBEQA and for 1 week after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions

In ARAMIS, serious adverse reactions occurred in 25% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 20% of patients receiving placebo. Serious adverse reactions in ≥1% of patients who received NUBEQA included urinary retention, pneumonia, and hematuria. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.9% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 3.2% of patients receiving placebo. Fatal adverse reactions in patients who received NUBEQA included death (0.4%), cardiac failure (0.3%), cardiac arrest (0.2%), general physical health deterioration (0.2%), and pulmonary embolism (0.2%). The most common adverse reactions (>2% with a ≥2% increase over placebo), including laboratory test abnormalities, were increased AST, decreased neutrophil count, fatigue, increased bilirubin, pain in extremity and rash. Clinically relevant adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% of patients treated with NUBEQA included ischemic heart disease and heart failure.

In ARASENS, serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 42% of patients receiving placebo with docetaxel. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients who received NUBEQA with docetaxel included febrile neutropenia (6%), decreased neutrophil count (2.8%), musculoskeletal pain (2.6%), and pneumonia (2.6%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 4% of patients receiving placebo with docetaxel. Fatal adverse reactions in patients who received NUBEQA included COVID-19/COVID-19 pneumonia (0.8%), myocardial infarction (0.3%), and sudden death (0.3%). The most common adverse reactions (≥10% with a ≥2% increase over placebo with docetaxel) were constipation, rash, decreased appetite, hemorrhage, increased weight, and hypertension. The most common laboratory test abnormalities (≥30%) were anemia, hyperglycemia, decreased lymphocyte count, decreased neutrophil count, increased AST, increased ALT, and hypocalcemia. Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received NUBEQA with docetaxel included fractures, ischemic heart disease, seizures, and drug-induced liver injury.

Drug Interactions

Effect of Other Drugs on NUBEQA – Combined P-gp and strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers decrease NUBEQA exposure, which may decrease NUBEQA activity. Avoid concomitant use.

Combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increase NUBEQA exposure, which may increase the risk of NUBEQA adverse reactions. Monitor more frequently and modify NUBEQA dose as needed.

Effects of NUBEQA on Other Drugs – NUBEQA inhibits breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) transporter. Concomitant use increases exposure (AUC) and maximal concentration of BCRP substrates, which may increase the risk of BCRP substrate-related toxicities. Avoid concomitant use where possible. If used together, monitor more frequently for adverse reactions, and consider dose reduction of the BCRP substrate.

NUBEQA inhibits OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 transporters. Concomitant use may increase plasma concentrations of OATP1B1 or OATP1B3 substrates. Monitor more frequently for adverse reactions and consider dose reduction of these substrates.

Review the Prescribing Information of drugs that are BCRP, OATP1B1, and OATP1B3 substrates when used concomitantly with NUBEQA.

For important risk and use information about NUBEQA, please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information.

About Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the fifth most common cause of cancer death in men worldwide.2 In 2020, an estimated 1.4 million men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, including almost 300,000 cases in the U.S., and about 375,000 died from the disease worldwide.3,4

At the time of diagnosis, most men have localized prostate cancer, meaning their cancer is confined to the prostate gland and can be treated with curative surgery or radiotherapy. Upon relapse when the disease will metastasize or spread, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the cornerstone of treatment for this hormone-sensitive disease. Approximately 10% of men will already present with mHSPC when first diagnosed.5,6,7 Men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) will start their treatment with hormone therapy, such as ADT, androgen receptor inhibitor (ARi) plus ADT or a combination of the chemotherapy docetaxel and ADT. Despite this treatment, most men with mHSPC will eventually progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), a condition with limited survival.

About Oncology at Bayer

Bayer is committed to delivering science for a better life by advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments. The oncology franchise at Bayer includes six marketed products and several other assets in various stages of clinical development. Together, these products reflect the company’s approach to research, which prioritizes targets and pathways with the potential to impact the way that cancer is treated.

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2023, the Group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of 47.6 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 5.8 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

© 2024 Bayer

BAYER, the Bayer Cross and NUBEQA are registered trademarks of Bayer.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

References

  1. NUBEQA (darolutamide) [Prescribing Information]. Whippany, NJ: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; October 2023.
  2. Hyuna S et al. Ca Cancer J Clin 2021; 71:209–249.
  3. Prostate Cancer: Statistic. Cancer.Net. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/statistics. Accessed: January 2024.
  4. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2024. Accessed: January 2024.
  5. Piombino C et al. Cancers (Basel). 2023 Oct 11;15(20):4945.
  6. Helgstrand JT et al. Cancer. 2018;124(14):2931-2938.
  7. Buzzoni C et al. Eur. Urol. 2015;68:885–890.

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Contacts

Sue Ann Pentecost, Tel + 910.221.6446

Email: sueann.pentecost@bayer.com