A Phase 1/2 Study of INCB000928 As Monotherapy or in Combination with Ruxolitinib in Patients with Anemia Due to Myelofibrosis (INCB 00928-104)

Background: Anemia represents a challenge in the management of patients with myelofibrosis (MF); at least a third of patients with MF are reported to have hemoglobin levels <10 g/dL and approximately 25% of these patients are red blood cell (RBC) transfusion-dependent at the time of diagnosis. Elevated serum hepcidin levels have been shown to be associated with anemia, increased requirement for RBC transfusions, and reduced overall survival in patients with MF. Hepcidin levels are regulated by the serine/threonine kinase, activin receptor-like kinase 2 (ALK2); in preclinical studies, knockdown or loss of ALK2 leading to decreased hepcidin production results in elevated serum iron levels. INCB000928 is a potent, orally bioavailable, and highly selective small molecule inhibitor of ALK2, and may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for hepcidin-induced anemia. INCB 00928-104 is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of INCB000928 as monotherapy or in combination with ruxolitinib in patients with anemia due to MF. Methods: INCB 00928-104 (NCT04455841) is a phase 1/2, open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation and -expansion study assessing INCB000928 alone (treatment group A [TGA]) or in combination with ruxolitinib (treatment group B [TGB]), in patients with MF who are transfusion-dependent or present with symptomatic anemia (Figure). For TGA, patients must have been intolerant, resistant, refractory, or lost response to prior therapy (≥12 weeks) with Janus kinase inhibitors and have a risk category of intermediate-2 or high according to the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS); for TGB, patients must have been on a therapeutic and stable regimen of ruxolitinib for ≥12 consecutive weeks prior to first dose of study treatment and have a DIPSS risk category of intermediate-1 or -2, or high. To be eligible patients must be ≥18 years of age, have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1 for the dose-escalation stages or 0-2 for the dose-expansion stage, have life expectancy > 6 months, and have histologically confirmed primary or secondary (post-polycythemia vera, post-essential thrombocythemia) MF. Patients are ineligible if they have any other hematologic malignancy; have undergone any prior allogeneic or autologous stem cell transplantation; have undergone major surgery within 28 days of first dose of study drug; or have received prior disease-directed therapy within 5 half-lives or 28 days before first dose of study drug. In Part 1 (dose escalation) of the study, patients will be enrolled into TGA or TGB. INCB000928 monotherapy will be administered orally at a starting dose of 50 mg/day in TGA (28-day cycles). The dose-escalation stage will use a Bayesian optimal interval design to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or recommended dose for expansion (RDE), with dose increases not exceeding 100% (2-fold) until a treatment-related toxicity Grade ≥2 is observed. Dose escalation in TGB will start 2 dose levels below the maximum evaluated dose determined to be safe and tolerable in TGA; patients in TGB will receive INCB000928 in combination with ruxolitinib. In each treatment group in Part 1, ≤24 patients will be treated in the dose-escalation stage. In Part 2 (dose expansion), the RDE in TGB will be evaluated in combination with ruxolitinib in approximately 25 patients. Patients will receive treatment for up to 12 months, and treatment may continue if patients are deriving clinical benefit and have no evidence of progressive disease. The primary study objective is to determine the safety and tolerability of INCB000928 monotherapy or in combination with ruxolitinib, and to identify dose-limiting toxicities, MTD, and RDE for TGB). Secondary objectives are: to determine the efficacy of INCB000928 monotherapy or in combination with ruxolitinib (assessed by anemia response, duration of anemia response, mean change from baseline in hemoglobin, and rate of RBC transfusion through week 24 and 48); to evaluate pharmacokinetics of INCB000928; and to evaluate the effect of INCB000928 as monotherapy or in combination with ruxolitinib on hepcidin level, and other measures of iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis. Disclosures Oh: Incyte Corporation: Consultancy; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Celgene/Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Blueprint Medicines: Consultancy; Kartos Therapeutics: Consultancy; Disc Medicine: Consultancy; PharmaEssentia: Consultancy; Constellation: Consultancy; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy. Gotlib:Deciphera: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: co-chair of the Study Steering Committee and Research Funding; Blueprint Medicines Corporation: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Chair of the Response Adjudication Committee and Research Funding, Research Funding. Mohan:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Ali:Incyte Corporation: Consultancy. Asatiani:Incyte Corporation: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Seguy:Incyte Corporation: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Zhou:Incyte Corporation: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Verstovsek:NS Pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Sierra Oncology: Consultancy, Research Funding; ItalPharma: Research Funding; Protagonist Therapeutics: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma Corp: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Blueprint Medicines Corp: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; PharmaEssentia: Research Funding.

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A First in Human Study Planned to Evaluate Hdp-101, an Anti-BCMA Amanitin Antibody-Drug Conjugate with a New Payload and a New Mode of Action, in Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2020-142285 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 34-34

Author(s):

Andras Strassz ◽

Marc S. Raab ◽

Robert Z. Orlowski ◽

Michael Kulke ◽

Gudrun Schiedner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Rna Polymerase Ii ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Tumor Cells ◽

Dose Escalation ◽

Research Funding ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Publicly Traded ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Myeloma Cells

Several antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are currently being evaluated in clinical trials in a variety of hematologic malignancies. Most of these ADCs are based on only a few toxic compounds, largely limited to microtubule- or DNA-targeting toxins that mainly impact proliferating cells and have limited efficacy in diseases with a low proliferative fraction such as indolent lymphomas or multiple myeloma. Thus, new compounds with alternative toxicity mechanisms and the ability to actively induce cell death in non-proliferating tumor cells could enhance the therapeutic potential of ADCs. We are currently developing amanitin based ADCs. Amanitin specifically inhibits RNA polymerase II thereby inhibiting the cellular transcription process at very low concentrations irrespective of the proliferation status of the target cell. Subsequently tumor cells enter apoptosis and are eliminated. Del(17p) is a frequent deletion in tumor cells, identifying high-risk patients with poor prognosis. TP53, a well-known tumor suppressor gene, is located on the short arm of chromosome 17. The major subunit of the RNA Polymerase II POLR2A is frequently co-deleted with TP53 in del(17p) human cancers, which renders these tumors more vulnerable to amanitin-ADC treatment compared to wild-type tumor and healthy cells. HDP-101 is a new ADC targeting BCMA (B cell maturation antigen) carrying a synthetic version of amanitin as a payload. In vitro cytotoxic potency of HDP-101 was demonstrated on BCMA-positive myeloma cell lines, as well as on non-proliferating primary CD138+ cells isolated from patients with refractory myeloma. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effects of HDP-101 were seen even in non-proliferating myeloma cells with low BCMA density. Toxicity was observed neither in non-BCMA expressing control cells nor in myeloma cells exposed to an amanitin-loaded non-target control antibody. In murine xenograft models of human myeloma, HDP-101 caused dose-dependent tumor regression including complete remissions after a single dose in subcutaneous and as well as in disseminated models. Safety profiling in Cynomolgus monkeys revealed a good therapeutic index after repeated dosing. On safe doses, hematology and clinical chemistry parameters were mainly unaffected except for a mild to moderate and transient increase of liver enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase predominantly after the first dose. Free payload was detectable at levels close to the lower limit of quantification only. GLP toxicity studies of the released payload in rodents revealed a NOAEL, which is well above concentrations observed in non-human primate studies after ADC administration as well as above the toxin doses administered by the ADC. This may be attributed to the hydrophilicity of the toxin, which cannot passively enter any antigen-negative cell and is rapidly cleared without further drug metabolism. Our non-clinical studies concluded that this amanitin-based ADC is a novel promising approach in the therapy of multiple myeloma to overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcome. Patients whose myeloma cells harbor 17p deletion may have a specific therapeutic sensitivity towards HDP-101. HDP-101-01 is a first-in-human, open label, non-randomized, multicenter, phase 1/2a trial in setup phase with HDP-101 in patients with multiple myeloma whose disease has progressed. The aim of the Phase 1 dose escalation part is to determine the Maximum Tolerated Dose and/or establish the Recommended phase 2 Dose. The primary objective of the phase 2 dose expansion phase is to assess the preliminary anti-tumor activity of HDP-101. Patients in phase 2a will be stratified based on del(17p) status. An adaptive Bayesian logistic regression model with overdose control principle will be used to guide the dose escalation steps. The design of the study ensures a safe dose escalation to reach a potential clinical benefit in a patient who have limited or no therapeutic options. The study is expected to enroll patients in early 2021. Disclosures Strassz: Heidelberg Pharma: Current Employment. Raab:Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Heidelberg Pharma: Research Funding; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Orlowski:STATinMED Research: Consultancy; Founder of Asylia Therapeutics, Inc., with associated patents and an equity interest, though this technology does not bear on the current submission.: Current equity holder in private company, Patents & Royalties; Laboratory research funding from BioTheryX, and clinical research funding from CARsgen Therapeutics, Celgene, Exelixis, Janssen Biotech, Sanofi-Aventis, Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.: Research Funding; Sanofi-Aventis, Servier, Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen, Inc., AstraZeneca, BMS, Celgene, EcoR1 Capital LLC, Forma Therapeutics, Genzyme, GSK Biologicals, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Janssen Biotech, Juno Therapeutics, Kite Pharma, Legend Biotech USA, Molecular Partners, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kulke:Heidelberg Pharma: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Schiedner:Heidelberg Pharma: Current Employment. Pahl:Heidelberg Pharma: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company.

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Final Results of Phase 1/1b Study of Tenalisib, Dual PI3K δ/γ Inhibitor in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory T-Cell Lymphoma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-123954 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 2831-2831 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Swaminathan P. Iyer ◽

Brad M. Haverkos ◽

Jasmine Zain ◽

Radhakrishnan Ramchandren ◽

Mary Jo Lechowicz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cell ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Dose Escalation ◽

Safety Profile ◽

Research Funding ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Clinical Activity ◽

Advisory Committees

Introduction: Tenalisib (RP6530) is a novel, highly specific, dual PI3K δ/γ inhibitor with nano-molar inhibitory potency at the enzyme and cellular level. PI3K plays a critical role in T-cell development and activation and several studies have validated the PI3K-AKT pathway as a potential therapeutic target in T cell lymphomas. Preliminary results of the ongoing Phase 1/1b T-cell lymphoma (TCL) study demonstrated an acceptable safety profile with encouraging clinical activity in relapsed/refractory TCL (Oki, ASCO 2018 and Iyer, ASH 2018). We now present the final results of the study (NCT02567656). Methods: This study comprised of four-dose escalation cohorts, followed by two dose expansion cohorts at MTD enrolling 20 patients each in PTCL and CTCL cohorts. Patients had histologically confirmed TCL, ECOG PS ≤2, and had received ≥1 prior therapy. Patients received Tenalisib [200 mg BID-800 mg BID (fasting), 800 mg (fed only)] orally until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary objectives were to determine the MTD and pharmacokinetic profile. The secondary objective was to evaluate overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response. Responses were evaluated for PTCL and CTCL based on IWG criteria (Cheson 2007) and mSWAT respectively. Adverse events were graded according to CTCAE v4.03. Results: Fifty-eight patients were enrolled in study, 19 in dose escalation and 39 in dose expansion (28 PTCL and 30 CTCL). Median number of prior therapies was 4 (range, 1-15). Safety assessment of 58 patients receiving at least one dose of Tenalisib demonstrated an acceptable safety profile. Treatment related Grade≥3 AEs were elevated ALT/AST (21%), rash (5%), and hypophosphatemia (3%). These events were reversible and managed by withholding study drug. Additionally, in few patients (N=9), steroids were used to manage elevated ALT/AST. There were six treatment related serious adverse events, none of these led to fatal outcome. At end of the study, four (3 CTCL; 1 PTCL) patients who completed minimum 8 cycles of therapy were rolled over to a compassionate use study (NCT03711604) and were followed up. Efficacy assessments demonstrated an ORR of 46% (3 CR and 13 PR) and clinical benefit rate (CR+PR+SD) of 77%. Subset efficacy analysis showed an ORR in PTCL of 47% (3 CR; 4 PR) and in CTCL of 45% (9 PR). The median time to initial response was 1.8 months and was similar in both sub-types. The overall median DOR was 4.91 months (range 0.9-26.6); in PTCL patients the DOR was 6.53 months, (range: 0.97-21.0) and 3.8 months (range: 1.67-25.67) in CTCL patients. In 3 PTCL patients who achieved CR, the median DOR was 19.5 months (range 7.5-21). Conclusion: Tenalisib demonstrated promising clinical activity and an improved safety profile in patients with relapsed/ refractory TCL. Currently, a phase I/II combination study to further evaluate safety and efficacy with romidepsin is ongoing in this target population. Disclosures Iyer: Arog: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Research Funding; Genentech/Roche: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding. Zain:Spectrum: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy. Korman:Genentech: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Glaxo: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Immune Pharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kyowa: Research Funding; Leo: Research Funding; Menlo: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Research Funding; Principia: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Prothena: Research Funding; Regeneron: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Rhizen: Research Funding; Sun: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Syntimmune: Research Funding; UCB: Research Funding; Valeant: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Eli Lilly: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Dermira: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; AbbVie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Routhu:Rhizen Pharmaceuticals S.A.: Employment. Barde:Rhizen Pharmaceuticals S.A.: Employment. Nair:Rhizen Pharmaceuticals S.A.: Employment. Huen:Galderma Inc: Research Funding; Glaxo Smith Kline Inc: Research Funding; Rhizen Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Innate Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.

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A Phase 1 Study of Sea-CD70 in Myeloid Malignancies

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2020-136203 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 23-24

Author(s):

Ahmed Aribi ◽

Anjali S Advani ◽

William Donnellan ◽

Amir T. Fathi ◽

Marcello Rotta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Immune Evasion ◽

Dose Escalation ◽

Research Funding ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Steering Committee ◽

Advisory Board ◽

Open Label ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Myeloid Malignancies

Background SEA-CD70 is being developed in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Current treatment options are limited for patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (r/r) MDS or r/r AML and outcomes remain poor. SEA-CD70 is an investigational humanized, non-fucosylated monoclonal antibody targeting CD70. Expression of CD70 is limited in normal tissue, but is aberrantly expressed on malignant myeloid blasts while absent from healthy hematopoietic progenitor cells. CD70 and its ligand, CD27, may play a role in malignant blast cell survival and/or tumor immune evasion. SEA-CD70 uses a novel sugar-engineered antibody (SEA) platform to produce a non-fucosylated antibody with enhanced effector function. The proposed mechanism of action of SEA-CD70 includes elimination of CD70 positive cells via enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), and mediation of complement-dependent cytoxicity (CDC). Additionally, SEA-CD70 has the potential to block the interaction of CD70 with CD27, which may disrupt signals that enhance blast proliferation and survival and may modulate the immune system to limit immune evasion and increase antigen specific T cell responses. Methods SGNS70-101 is a phase 1, open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation, and cohort expansion study designed to establish the safety, tolerability, and preliminary activity of SEA-CD70 in pts with myeloid malignancies (NCT04227847). Dose escalation is ongoing. In dose escalation, pts must have r/r MDS with 5-20% blasts which has failed prior treatment with a hypomethylating agent (HMA), and have no other therapeutic options known to provide clinical benefit for MDS. After conclusion of dose escalation, monotherapy expansion cohorts will be opened for pts with MDS and for pts with AML. Primary objectives are to evaluate the safety and tolerability, and to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or recommended expansion dose of SEA-CD70. Secondary objectives are to assess antitumor activity, PK, and immunogenicity of SEA-CD70. Once dose escalation is complete and the recommended monotherapy dose is identified, combination cohorts will be considered in AML and MDS. The study is currently enrolling with sites opening in the US and EU. Disclosures Aribi: Seattle Genetics: Consultancy. Advani:OBI: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Other: advisory board; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Kite: Other: Advisory board/ honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Other: steering committee/ honoraria, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Other: Advisory board/ honoraria, Research Funding; Immunogen: Research Funding; Glycomimetics: Consultancy, Other: Steering committee/ honoraria, Research Funding; Macrogenics: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding. Donnellan:Kite Pharma/Gilead: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Karyopharm Therapeutics: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; MedImmune: Research Funding; TCR2 Therapeutics: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; PTC Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bellicum Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Celularity: Research Funding; Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding; Forty Seven: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; H3 Biomedicine: Research Funding; Ryvu Therapeutics: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding. Fathi:Astellas: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amphivena: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Forty Seven: Consultancy; Jazz: Consultancy, Honoraria; Kite: Consultancy, Honoraria; NewLink Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy; PTC Therapeutics: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; TrovaGene: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Blue Print Oncology: Consultancy; Boston Biomedical: Consultancy; Kura: Consultancy; Trillium: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding. Rotta:Merck: Speakers Bureau; Jazz Pharma: Speakers Bureau. Vachani:Blueprint: Consultancy; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Jazz: Consultancy; Astellas: Research Funding; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Agios: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy. Yang:AROG: Research Funding; Protagonist: Research Funding; Jannsen: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding. Ho:Seattle Genetics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Garcia-Manero:Novartis: Research Funding; Helsinn Therapeutics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Onconova: Research Funding; Amphivena Therapeutics: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Acceleron Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; H3 Biomedicine: Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

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Efficacy of Melflufen, a Peptidase Targeted Therapy, and Dexamethasone in an Ongoing Open-Label Phase 2a Study in Patients with Relapsed and Relapsed-Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM) Including an Initial Report on Progression Free Survival

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3029.3029 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 3029-3029

Author(s):

Peter M. Voorhees ◽

Valeria Magarotto ◽

Pieter Sonneveld ◽

Torben Plesner ◽

Ulf-Henrik Mellqvist ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Overall Response Rate ◽

Response Rate ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Study Drug ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

Hematologic Toxicity ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Free Survival

Abstract Background: Melflufen is a highly potent anti-angiogenic compound that triggers rapid, robust and irreversible DNA damage and exerts its cytotoxicity through alkylation of DNA. The lipophilicity of melflufen leads to rapid and extensive distribution into tissues and cells where it binds directly to DNA or is readily metabolized by intracellular peptidases into hydrophilic alkylating metabolites. With targeted delivery of alkylating metabolites to tumor cells in vitro (such as multiple myeloma that are rich in activating peptidase), melflufen exerts a 20-100 fold higher anti-tumor potency and produces a 20 fold higher intracellular concentration of alkylating moieties compared with melphalan. Methods: Melflufen is evaluated in combination with dexamethasone (dex) 40 mg weekly in an ongoing Phase 1/2a study. RRMM patients with measurable disease and at least 2 prior lines of therapy are eligible (NCT01897714). Phase 1 established the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of melflufen to be 40 mg every 3 weeks in combination with low dose dex. The primary objective of Phase 2a is the overall response rate and safety of the MTD in a total of 55 patients. Response was investigator assessed at the end of each cycle by IMWG criteria. Here we present the Phase 2 data as of 14 July 2015 data-cut. Results: Thirty-one patients were dosed at the MTD. The median time from initial diagnosis to first dose of melflufen was 6 years (1-15). The median number of prior therapies was 4 (2-9). 97% of patients were exposed to immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), 90% to proteasome inhibitors (PIs), 77% to melphalan, and 71% had received prior autologous stem cell transplant. 58% were double refractory (IMiDs and PIs) and 42% were triple refractory (IMiDs, PIs and alkylators). In total, 121 doses of melflufen have been given (1-11 cycles). Median treatment duration was 13 weeks with 9 patients still ongoing. One patient completed therapy as planned, 15 patients discontinued due to AEs (48%) and 6 due to progression (19%). Twenty-three patients were evaluable for response (protocol defined as ≥2 doses of melflufen with baseline and follow-up response assessments). One patient achieved a very good partial response and 10 patients achieved partial response (PR) (1 unconfirmed, still ongoing) for an overall response rate (ORR) of 48%. Three additional patients achieved minimal response (MR) for a clinical benefit rate (CBR) of 61%. Time to clinical benefit and response was rapid with 93% of patients achieving ≥ MR after 1-3 cycles and 64% achieving PR after only 1-3 cycles. Eight patients maintained stable disease and 1 patient had early progressive disease. Similar ORRs were seen in PI-refractory (43%), IMiD-refractory (40%), alkylator-refractory (62%), double-refractory (38%) and triple-refractory (50%) patients. The median progression free survival (PFS) is currently at 7.6 months (95% confidence interval: 3.4 - ∞) based on 14 events in 30 patients. The most frequent adverse events (AE), all grades, occurring in >10% of patients, regardless of relationship to study drug were thrombocytopenia (94%), anemia (84%), neutropenia (61%), leukopenia (42%), pyrexia (36%), asthenia (32%), fatigue and nausea (26%), bone pain (19%), cough, diarrhea, dyspnea, mucosal inflammation and upper respiratory infection (16%) and constipation and epistaxis (13%). Treatment-related Grade 3 or 4 AEs were reported in 27 patients (87%). Those occurring in >5% of patients were thrombocytopenia (68%), neutropenia (55%), anemia (42%), leukopenia (32%) and febrile neutropenia, fatigue, pyrexia, asthenia and hyperglycemia each occurred in 6% of patients. Serious AEs occurred in 9 patients (29%), but were only assessed as related to study drug in 5 patients (16%) including 3 febrile neutropenia, 1 fever and 1 pneumonia. Cycle length has recently been increased to 28 days to improve tolerability with respect to hematologic toxicity. Conclusion: Melflufen has promising activity in heavily pretreated RRMM patients where conventional therapies have failed. The current ORR is 48% and CBR is 61%. Similar results were seen across patient populations regardless of refractory status. The median PFS is encouraging at 7.6 months. Hematologic toxicity was common, but non-hematologic AEs were infrequent. Updated results will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures Voorhees: Millennium/Takeda and Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Array BioPharma, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, and Oncopeptides: Consultancy; Janssen, Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline,Onyx Pharmaceuticals and Oncopeptides: Consultancy, Research Funding. Sonneveld:Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Research Funding; Celgene and Onyx: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Plesner:Roche and Novartis: Research Funding; Janssen and Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Genmab: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mellqvist:Celgene, Amgen, Mundipharma and Novartis: Honoraria. Byrne:Oncopeptides: Consultancy. Harmenberg:Oncopeptides: Consultancy. Nordstrom:Oncopeptides: Employment. Palumbo:Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Onyx: Consultancy, Honoraria; Array BioPharma: Honoraria; Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Genmab A/S: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria. Richardson:Oncopeptides, Celgene and Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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A Phase I Trial of the Antibody-Cytokine Fusion Protein F16IL2 in Combination with Anti-CD33 Immunotherapy for Posttransplant AML Relapse

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2021-145859 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 2345-2345

Author(s):

Andrew F. Berdel ◽

Christoph Rollig ◽

Martin Wermke ◽

Linus Angenendt ◽

Leo Ruhnke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fusion Protein ◽

Nk Cells ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Dose Escalation ◽

Research Funding ◽

Human Antibody ◽

Publicly Traded ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Dose Levels

Abstract Introduction Natural killer (NK) cells are key effectors in cancer immunosurveillance and posttransplant immunity, but shortage of environmental growth factors and deficient recognition of malignant cells may limit their anticancer efficacy. We hypothesized that the antibody-mediated anchoring of interleukin-2 (IL-2) to the leukemia-modified extracellular matrix (ECM) would increase NK cell abundance and activity to potentiate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts. In this novel-novel combination dose-escalation phase 1 trial, we enrolled patients with AML relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary activity of F16IL2, an antibody-cytokine fusion protein composed of the human antibody fragment scFv(F16) in diabody format and two molecules of human IL-2, in combination with the Fc-optimized, ADCC-mediating anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody BI 836858. F16 specifically targets the A1 domain of the ECM protein tenascin C (TnC), which is spliced into the TnC molecule during active angiogenesis and tissue remodeling while it is virtually absent in normal tissues. Methods F16IL2 (10 - 20 Mio IU IV) was administered on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of 28-day cycles, followed by administration of BI 836858 (10 - 40 mg IV) two days after each F16IL2 infusion. Dose escalation was performed over 4 dose levels (DL). Cohort 1 (10 Mio IU F16IL2 and 10 mg BI 836858, n = 5), cohort 2 (10 Mio IU F16IL2 and 20 mg BI 836858, n = 3), cohort 3 (20 Mio IU F16IL2 and 20 mg BI 836858, n = 4), cohort 4 (20 Mio IU F16IL2 and 40 mg BI 836858, n = 3). Safety and tolerability, pharmacodynamics and -kinetics, clinical efficacy and immune effector cell dynamics were investigated. This trial was registered at EudraCT as #2015-004763-37. Results Between December 2016 and March 2020, 15 patients with a median age of 50 years (range, 20 - 68) were enrolled and treated across 4 dose levels. Six patients (40%) had received two or more prior HSCT. The most frequent drug-related AEs (F16IL2 or BI 836858 or combination) were pyrexia (n = 13, 87%), chills (n = 12, 80%) and infusion-related reactions (n = 9, 60%), consistent with the expected toxicity profile of cytokine-armed or naked mAbs. These events were generally manageable, transient and of grade ≤ 2. One dose-limiting toxicity occurred at each of DL 3 (pulmonary edema) and 4 (acute GVHD). No patient died within the first 30 days of treatment initiation. Whereas no formal maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was reached, the maximum tested dose of 20 Mio IU F16IL2 and 40 mg BI 836858 was considered the recommended dose (RD). Three objective responses (1 CR, 1 CRi, 1 PR in extramedullary AML) were observed among 7 patients treated at the two higher DL, whereas no responses occurred at the two starting DL. Median OS among all 15 patients was 4.8 months (1.5 - 12.9), with a 6- and 12-month OS of 40% and 27%, respectively. Among those 7 patients whose AML was at least temporarily controlled with study treatment (CR/CRi, PR, SD), 12-month OS was 67% vs. 0% in non-responders. Combination therapy stimulated the expansion and activation of NK cells in bone marrow and peripheral blood. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that the strategy of potentiating ADCC with tumor-targeted immunocytokines is feasible in humans. In the difficult-to-treat situation of posttransplant AML relapse, responses were observed at higher DL, even in patients with extramedullary disease. The antibody-mediated targeted delivery of IL-2 to the ECM combined with anti-CD33 immunotherapy represents an innovative experimental approach associated with acceptable safety and encouraging biologic and clinical activity in posttransplant AML relapse. Disclosures Wermke: Novartis, Roche, Pfizer, BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Hemmerle: Philogen S.p.A.: Current Employment. Schäfers: Philogen S.p.A.: Research Funding. Rossig: BMS and Celgene: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; AdBoards by Amgen: Honoraria. Stelljes: Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Kite/Gilead: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; MSD: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene/BMS: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Medac: Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Rueter: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG: Current Employment. Neri: Philogen S.p.A.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Divested equity in a private or publicly-traded company in the past 24 months, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties: Multiple patents on vascular targeting; ETH Zurich: Patents & Royalties: CD117xCD3 TEA. Berdel: Philogen S.p.A.: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Schliemann: Roche: Consultancy; Philogen S.p.A.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Astellas: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy, Other: travel grants; Boehringer-Ingelheim: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy, Other: travel grants.

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Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of the Oral Pyruvate Kinase Activator Mitapivat in Adults with Non-Transfusion-Dependent Alpha- or Beta-Thalassemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2021-150386 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 576-576

Author(s):

Kevin H.M. Kuo ◽

D. Mark Layton ◽

Ashutosh Lal ◽

Hanny Al-Samkari ◽

Joy Bhatia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Research Funding ◽

Study Drug ◽

Publicly Traded ◽

Ineffective Erythropoiesis ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

The Core ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Hb Concentration ◽

Extension Period

Abstract Background: The thalassemias are a group of red blood cell (RBC) disorders in which ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolysis occur due to imbalanced production and precipitation of globin chains. Thalassemic RBCs have insufficient levels of ATP to meet increased energy demands associated with globin chain imbalance, protein degradation, and cellular oxidative stress responses. Mitapivat (AG-348) is a first-in-class, small-molecule, oral activator of RBC pyruvate kinase (PKR), a key enzyme regulating ATP production via glycolysis. In a phase 2, open-label trial of mitapivat in adults with α- or β-non-transfusion-dependent (NTD) thalassemia (NCT03692052), 80.0% (16/20) of patients (pts) met the primary endpoint of a hemoglobin (Hb) response (increase ≥ 1.0 g/dL from baseline at 1 or more assessments between Wks 4-12, inclusive). Improvements in markers of hemolysis and erythropoiesis were also observed in pts and mitapivat was generally well tolerated. Methods: Pts aged ≥ 18 (yrs) with a known medical history of α- or β-thalassemia, Hb concentration of ≤ 10.0 g/dL, and ≤ 5 RBC units transfused in prior 24 wks and none in 8 wks prior to study drug were eligible for the study. All pts started mitapivat at 50 mg twice daily (BID), escalating to 100 mg BID based on individual safety and Hb assessments. After completion of the 24-wk core period, pts were continued on mitapivat treatment in the extension period if they had achieved a Hb response, or a delayed Hb response (Hb increase of ≥ 1.0 g/dL at ≥ 1 assessment after Wk 12), with no ongoing grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events (AE) related to study drug. Eligible pts continued mitapivat at the dose received at their Wk 24 visit. Study visits are conducted every 12 wks and will continue for up to 10 yrs. The extension period of the study is ongoing, here we report data up to Wk 72 visit (data cutoff March 27, 2021). Results: Of the 19 pts who completed the core period, 17 entered the extension period. During the extension period, 16 pts received 100 mg BID mitapivat and 1 received 50 mg BID. As of the cutoff date, 1 pt had discontinued (patient decision). Median (range, in wks) duration of mitapivat treatment for pts who entered the extension period was 70.9; (54.7, 105.6), with 8 of 17 pts receiving 72 wks or more of treatment as of the cutoff date for this analysis. The Median age of pts who entered the extension period was 44 yrs (range 29, 67). Mean baseline (standard deviation [SD]) Hb, total bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was 8.1 (1.2) g/dL, 40.1 (26.2) μmol/L and 272.4 (121.7) U/L, respectively. Median baseline erythropoietin (EPO) was 70.5 (range 15, 11191) IU/L. Improvements in Hb concentration achieved in the core period were sustained in the extension study (n = 8 at Wk 72; Figure 1). Mean Hb (SD) increase from baseline to Wk 60 (which includes 4 pts with α- and 9 with β-thalassemia) and Wk 72 (which includes 8 pts with β-thalassemia) were 1.5 (0.4) g/dL and 1.7 (0.5) g/dL, respectively. Improvements in markers of hemolysis and ineffective erythropoiesis observed in the core period were maintained in the extension period up to Wk 72 (mean [SD] bilirubin and LDH, -15.8 [16.6] μmol/L and -63.6 [216.0] U/L, respectively; median [range] EPO, -33.0 [-72.0, -16.0] IU/L). The safety profile was consistent with that observed during the core period. AEs occurring in ≥ 15% of pts during the extension period were headache (5/17) and back pain (3/17), none of which were grade ≥ 3. No notable trends for changes in bone mineral density were observed (Figure 2). There were no treatment-related serious AEs during the extension period. Conclusions: In pts with either α- or β-thalassemia, a favorable efficacy-safety profile was observed with long-term treatment with mitapivat. Results show sustained improvements in Hb, hemolysis and ineffective erythropoiesis - despite the globin genotypic heterogeneity of the cohort - and no new safety findings. Mitapivat, through its unique mechanism of action, may represent a novel therapeutic approach for this condition. Two phase 3 trials of mitapivat in α- and β-thalassemia, one in pts who are NTD and one in pts who are transfusion-dependent, will be initiated in 2021. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Kuo: Bluebird Bio: Consultancy; Alexion: Consultancy, Honoraria; Agios: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Apellis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bioverativ: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy. Layton: Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Agios Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Cerus: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lal: Chiesi: Consultancy; Agios Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; bluebird bio, Inc.: Research Funding; La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company: Research Funding; Terumo Corporations: Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Insight Magnetics: Research Funding; Protagonist Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Al-Samkari: Dova/Sobi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Moderna: Consultancy; Argenx: Consultancy; Rigel: Consultancy; Amgen: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy, Research Funding. Bhatia: Agios Pharmaceuticals: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Kosinski: Agios Pharmaceuticals: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Tong: Agios Pharmaceuticals: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Lynch: Agios Pharmaceuticals: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Uhlig: Agios Pharmaceuticals: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Vichinsky: Agios Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bluebird Bio: Consultancy, Research Funding; Global Blood Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding.

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Safety and Efficacy of Venetoclax Combined with Rituximab, Ifosfamide, Carboplatin and Etoposide Chemoimmunotherapy (VICER) for Treatment of Relapsed Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma: Results from the Phase 1 Study

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-115587 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 397-397 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Paolo Caimi ◽

Deepa Jagadeesh ◽

Kirsten Marie Boughan ◽

Robert M. Dean ◽

Brenda Cooper ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Board Of Directors ◽

Dose Escalation ◽

Research Funding ◽

Phase 1 ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Hematologic Toxicity ◽

Second Line ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Line Therapy ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Introduction: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (r/r) disease after front line chemoimmunotherapy have poor survival. Standard second line therapy for r/r DLBCL consists of platinum-based chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Approximately 50% of pts do not respond to second line therapy, highlighting the need for increased efficacy of these regimens. The antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 is overexpressed in approximately 30% of DLBCL cases. Preclinical and early clinical data suggest that addition of venetoclax (VEN), a potent selective Bcl-2 inhibitor, to chemoimmunotherapy augments response rates and durability in lymphoma. We conducted a phase 1 dose escalation and dose expansion study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VEN in combination with R-ICE (rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide) (VICER) r/r DLBCL pts. Here we present the results after completion of VEN dose escalation. Methods: Patients (≥18 years of age) with r/r DLBCL who failed one or two lines of therapy were enrolled. The primary objective was to determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of VEN when combined with R-ICE. VEN was given orally on days 1 - 10 of each 21 - day cycle x 3 cycles. Dose escalation was conducted according to a 3+3 design, with 3 dose levels (400, 600 and 800mg). R-ICE was given at standard dose and schedule on days 1 - 3 of each cycle for 3 cycles. No intra-patient dose escalation was allowed. Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) mitigation included inpatient administration, hydration, allopurinol and frequent laboratory evaluation during cycle 1. All patients received pegfilgrastim; use of prophylactic antibiotics during neutropenia was left at the discretion of the treating physician. Results: As of July 20, 2018, 18 pts with DLBCL (14 male, 4 female) were enrolled (VEN 400mg, n = 3; 600 mg, n = 3; 800 mg, n = 12). Median age of pts was 55.5 years [range 27-78]. All pts received rituximab and anthracycline containing first - line therapy, 4 patients had failed a second line of therapy. One patient experienced dose limiting toxicity (DLT) at 800 mg VEN, with acute renal failure, febrile neutropenia, sepsis and rapid tumor progression and died after cycle 1. No other DLTs were observed. Hematologic toxicity was common, with grade ≥3 anemia in 6 (33%) pts; grade ≥3 neutropenia in 14 (78%) pts and grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia in 10 (55%) pts. Five (28%) pts experienced febrile neutropenia. The most common non-hematologic all-grade treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were fatigue (7 [38%] pts), nausea (6 [33%] pts); diarrhea (6 [33%] pts), anorexia (5 [27%] pts], infection (5 [27%] pts) and sensory neuropathy (5 [27%] pts). Grade ≥3 TEAEs included infection (4 [22%] pts), cholecystitis (2 [11%]) and one case each (5.5%) of peripheral edema, acute renal failure, acute coronary syndrome, atrial fibrillation, hyponatremia and hypokalemia. One case of laboratory TLS occurred, but no clinical TLS was observed. At data cutoff, the intent-to-treat (ITT) population included 13 patients that had at least one cycle of therapy and end of treatment response or had discontinued prior to response assessment; 3 pts did not complete all planned cycles of VICER: one patient died after DLT, one patient proceeded to ASCT in complete remission (CR) after 2 cycles and another withdrew after cycle 1, achieving partial remission (PR) with additional 2 cycles of R-ICE. Nine pts (69%) achieved CR and 2 (15%) achieved PR (overall response rate (ORR): 11/13 [84.6%]) (Tables 2 and 3). Figure 1 depicts tumor response data. Among 11 responding pts, 7 have undergone stem cell collection, with a median CD34 cell count of 3.73x106 cells/kg. Seven pts have completed their ASCT, with hematopoietic engraftment in all cases. Median follow up of patients in CR/PR is 6 months (range 1 - 12), none has experienced progression. Conclusions: In this Phase 1 study, VICER shows encouraging antilymphoma activity in r/r DLBCL, including double hit/double expressor lymphomas, with high rates of complete metabolic response (69% CR by PET), which is higher than historical levels reported with R-ICE alone (CR typically <45%). The RP2D of VEN is 800 mg. Hematologic toxicity - particularly neutropenia - is common, and G-CSF support as well as antibiotic prophylaxis are necessary to prevent infectious complications. Updated safety, progression-free survival and response data will be presented at the meeting. Disclosures Caimi: Kite Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; ADC Therapeutics: Research Funding; Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Hill:Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Trial in Progress: Phase I Dose-Escalation and Dose-Expansion Trial of a Novel Glutaminase Inhibitor (CB-839 HCl) in Combination with Carfilzomib and Dexamethasone in Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-123399 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 3160-3160

Author(s):

Wilson I Gonsalves ◽

Srinivas Devarakonda ◽

Rachid Baz ◽

Natalia Neparidze ◽

Alex A Adjei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Dose Escalation ◽

Mitochondrial Respiration ◽

Research Funding ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Tca Cycle ◽

Glutamine Metabolism ◽

Cellular Respiration ◽

Advisory Committees

Background: c-MYC activation is an early event of myeloma pathogenesis. It upregulates the expression of the glutaminase 1 (GLS1) enzyme which converts glutamine to glutamate in the mitochondria. Glutamate is required for the biosynthesis of various molecules in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (i.e., glutamine anaplerosis). CB-839 HCl is a first-in-class, orally available, selective, noncompetitive inhibitor of GLS1. This inactivation of GLS1 results in an increase of glutamine and a decrease of glutamate and several TCA cycle intermediates within cancer cells, leading to a decrease in their proliferation and/or an increase in cell death. In the phase 1 study, CX-839-002, the safety and tolerability of CB-839 HCl was evaluated in patients with hematological tumors (multiple myeloma (MM) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), either as monotherapy or in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone or with dexamethasone alone. It was determined to be well tolerated and the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached. Proteasome inhibitors (PI) are the cornerstone agents in the treatment of myeloma. They disrupt normal protein homeostasis causing an induction of cellular proteotoxic stress, thus, making it an effective strategy against myeloma plasma cells, which naturally mass-produce large quantities of immunoglobulin proteins. PI-resistant MM cells are associated with changes in cellular bioenergetics that favor the increased use of mitochondrial respiration for energy production. Given the increased reliance of PI-resistant MM cells on mitochondrial respiration, and the critical role of glutamine for cellular respiration, inhibition of glutamine metabolism is a rational molecular strategy for the treatment of PI-resistant MM. Furthermore, pre-clinical studies demonstrate the in vitro and ex vivo synergism of CB-839 HCl with carfilzomib (CFZ) in terms of its cytotoxicity and anti-proliferation capacity in various primary human myeloma cell lines and primary patient myeloma cells respectively. As a result, this novel combination of glutaminase inhibition with proteasome inhibition appears promising as a therapeutic combination in MM and warrants further clinical investigation. Methods: This study is a phase 1, multicenter clinical trial of CB-839 HCl in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone for patients with relapsed and/or refractory myeloma. Part A of this trial is a 3+3 dose escalation design and Part B is a dose expansion cohort at the RP2D determined in Part A. Up to a maximum of 42 patients will be enrolled at participating ETCTN sites. CFZ will be administered in its usual weekly dosing schedule of days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28 day schedule along with dexamethasone on days 1, 8, 15 and 22. CB-839 will be started at a dose level of 400 mg twice daily and will be investigated to a maximum dose of 800 mg twice daily. Prior to day 1 of Cycle 1, we will administer a 7 day lead in of CB-839 monotherapy before combining it with CFZ. Key inclusion criteria are having relapsed/refractory myeloma with at least 2 prior lines of therapy and prior exposure to PIs, immunomodulators and Anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, having measurable disease, adequate hematologic reserve, kidney function and liver function. Key exclusion criteria are being refractory or intolerant to CFZ, adverse cardiac history, central nervous system disease and AL amyloidosis. The primary objective of this trial is to determine the MTD or recommended phase II dosing (RP2D) of CB-839 HCl in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone. The secondary objective is to evaluate the safety and tolerability as well as the overall response rate (ORR) associated of CB-839 HCl in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone. Correlative objectives will evaluate plasma pharmacokinetic profiles of CB-839 HCl and carfilzomib when used in combination. They will also evaluate potential predictive and prognostic biomarkers as well as resistance mechanisms using genomic DNA, RNA, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and metabolomics-based assessment platforms. Recruitment is ongoing and this trial is registered on clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03798678. Disclosures Baz: Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Karyopharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding. Neparidze:Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Research Funding; Eidos Therapeutics: Other: Member of Independent Diagnostic Committee; MMRF/Synteract: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kumar:Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding.

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Preliminary Results from a Phase 1 Study of APVO436, a Novel Anti-CD123 x Anti-CD3 Bispecific Molecule, in Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2020-141619 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 11-12

Author(s):

Justin M. Watts ◽

Tara Lin ◽

Eunice S. Wang ◽

Alice S. Mims ◽

Elizabeth H. Cull ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Myeloid Leukemia ◽

High Risk ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Research Funding ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Cytokine Release ◽

Publicly Traded ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Acute Myeloid

Introduction Immunotherapy offers the promise of a new paradigm for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). CD123, the IL-3 receptor alpha-chain, represents an attractive target for antibody therapies because of its high expression on AML/MDS blasts and leukemic stem cells compared to normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. APVO436, a novel bispecific anti-CD123 x anti-CD3 ADAPTIR™ molecule, depleted CD123+ cells in AML patient samples ex vivo (Godwin et al. ASH 2017), reduced leukemia engraftment in a systemic AML xenograft model (Comeau et al. AACR 2018), and transiently reduced peripheral CD123+ cells in non-human primates with minimal cytokine release and in a dose-dependent fashion (Comeau et al. AACR 2019). These data provide a basis for the clinical application of APVO436 as a treatment in AML and MDS. Here, we report preliminary data from a first-in-human dose-escalation study of APVO436 in patients with R/R AML and high-risk MDS. Study Design/Methods This ongoing Phase 1/1b study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03647800) was initiated to determine the safety, immunogenicity, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical activity of APVO436 as a single agent. Major inclusion criteria were: R/R AML with no other standard treatment option available, R/R MDS with > 5% marrow blasts or any peripheral blasts and failure of a hypomethylating agent, ECOG performance status ≤ 2, life expectancy > 2 months, white blood cells ≤ 25,000 cells/mm3, creatinine ≤ 2 x upper limit of normal (ULN), INR and PTT < 1.5 x ULN and alanine aminotransferase < 3 x ULN. Patients were not restricted from treatment due to cytogenetic or mutational status. Intravenous doses of APVO436 were administered weekly for up to six 28-day cycles (24 doses) with the option to continue dosing for up to 36 total cycles (144 doses). Flat and step dosing regimens were escalated using a safety-driven modified 3 + 3 design. Pre-medication with diphenhydramine, acetaminophen, and dexamethasone was administered starting with dose 1 to mitigate infusion related reactions (IRR) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). First doses and increasing step doses of APVO436 were infused over 20-24 hours followed by an observation period of 24 hours or more. Bone marrow biopsies were performed every other cycle with responses assessed by European Leukemia Net 2017 criteria for AML or International Working Group (IWG) 2006 criteria for MDS. Results The data cut-off for this interim analysis was July 9, 2020. Twenty-eight patients with primary R/R AML (n=19), therapy-related R/R AML (n=3), or high-risk MDS (n=6) have been enrolled and received a cumulative total of 186 doses. The number of doses received per patient ranged from 1 to 43 (mean of 6.4 doses). Most patients discontinued treatment due to progressive disease; however, blast reduction was achieved in 2 patients, with one patient with MDS maintaining a durable response for 11 cycles before progressing. APVO436 was tolerated across all dose regimens in all cohorts tested. The most common adverse events (AEs), regardless of causality, were edema (32%), diarrhea (29%), febrile neutropenia (29%), fever (25%), hypokalemia (25%), IRR (21%), CRS (18%), chills (18%), and fatigue (18%). AEs ≥ Grade 3 occurring in more than one patient were: febrile neutropenia (25%), anemia (18%), hyperglycemia (14%), decreased platelet count (11%), CRS (11%), IRR (7%), and hypertension (7%). After observing a single dose limiting toxicity (DLT) at a flat dose of 9 µg, step dosing was implemented and no DLTs have been observed thereafter. No treatment-related anti-drug antibodies (ADA) were observed. Transient serum cytokine elevations occurred after several reported IRR and CRS events, with IL-6 most consistently elevated. Conclusions Preliminary results indicate that APVO436 is tolerated in patients with R/R AML and MDS at the doses and schedules tested to date, with a manageable safety profile. Dose escalation continues and the results will be updated for this ongoing study. Disclosures Watts: BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Aptevo Therapeutics: Research Funding; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Rafael Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lin:Ono Pharmaceutical: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Bio-Path Holdings: Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Research Funding; Aptevo: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Genetech-Roche: Research Funding; Celyad: Research Funding; Prescient Therapeutics: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Mateon Therapeutics: Research Funding; Jazz: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding; Trovagene: Research Funding; Tolero Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Wang:Abbvie: Consultancy; Macrogenics: Consultancy; Astellas: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Bristol Meyers Squibb (Celgene): Consultancy; PTC Therapeutics: Consultancy; Stemline: Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Consultancy; Pfizer: Speakers Bureau. Mims:Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: Other: Senior Medical Director for Beat AML Study; Syndax Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kura Oncology: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Agios: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Other: Data Safety Monitoring Board; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Cull:Aptevo Therapeutics: Research Funding. Patel:Agios: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; DAVA Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; France Foundation: Honoraria. Shami:Aptevo Therapeutics: Research Funding. Walter:Aptevo Therapeutics: Research Funding. Cogle:Aptevo Therapeutics: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Chenault:Aptevo Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Macpherson:Aptevo Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Chunyk:Aptevo Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. McMahan:Aptevo Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Gross:Aptevo Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Stromatt:Aptevo Therapeutics: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company.

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Subcutaneous Epcoritamab in Combination with R-CHOP in Patients with Previously Untreated High-Risk Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Preliminary Results from a Phase 1/2 Trial

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2021-146569 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 1413-1413

Author(s):

David Belada ◽

Jacob Haaber Christensen ◽

Kristina Drott ◽

Sylvia Snauwaert ◽

Joshua Brody ◽

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Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

B Cell ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Dose Escalation ◽

Research Funding ◽

Metabolic Response ◽

Phase 1 ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Background: In patients (pts) with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that is considered high risk (revised International Prognostic Index [R-IPI]: 3-5), standard treatment with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) is associated with a 4-year overall survival rate of 55% (Sehn et al, Blood 2007). Epcoritamab (DuoBody ®-CD3×CD20) is a subcutaneously administered bispecific antibody that simultaneously binds to CD3 on T cells and CD20 on malignant B cells to induce T-cell-mediated killing. Single-agent epcoritamab demonstrated a manageable safety profile and substantial antitumor activity in pts with heavily pretreated B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in the first-in-human phase 1/2 trial (EPCORE NHL-1; NCT03625037). Among pts with relapsed/refractory DLBCL treated at the identified recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of 48 mg (n=8), the overall response rate was 88% and the complete response rate was 38% (Hutchings, Lancet, in press). These encouraging data supported initiation of the EPCORE NHL-2 phase 1/2 trial (NCT04663347), which is evaluating epcoritamab in combination with various standard of care therapies in pts with B-cell NHL. We present data from arm 1 of this trial, in which epcoritamab in combination with R-CHOP is evaluated in pts with previously untreated high-risk DLBCL. Methods: Adults with previously untreated DLBCL and an R-IPI score ≥3 received flat-dose epcoritamab in combination with standard R-CHOP for 6 cycles followed by epcoritamab monotherapy. The study includes a dose-escalation cohort (epcoritamab doses: dose level 1 = 24 mg; dose level 2 = 48 mg). Step-up dosing of epcoritamab (ie, priming and intermediate doses before first full dose) and corticosteroid prophylaxis were used as previously described (Hutchings, Lancet, in press) to mitigate cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Tumor response was evaluated by positron emission tomography-computed tomography obtained once every 6 weeks for the first 24 weeks. Results: As of July 15, 2021, 9 pts have been treated with the combination of epcoritamab + R-CHOP (4 with epcoritamab 24 mg; 5 with 48 mg). Median age was 66 years (range, 56-78). All pts had stage III-IV disease. At data cutoff, all pts remained on treatment with a median follow-up of 12.2 weeks (range, 2.2-28.2). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were CRS (56%; all grade 1/2), anemia (56%; grade 1-3), neutropenia (44%; all grade 3/4), fatigue (33%; all grade 1/2), and peripheral neuropathy (33%; all grade 1/2). Notably, no grade ≥3 CRS events or cases of febrile neutropenia were reported. No dose-limiting toxicities have been observed. Four pts have had ≥1 response assessment, with 3 achieving complete metabolic response (CMR; all in the epcoritamab 24 mg dose-escalation cohort) and 1 pt achieving partial metabolic response (epcoritamab 48 mg cohort) by week 6; 2 of the 3 pts with CMR had response assessments at 6 months, and both remained in CMR at that time. Both dose cohorts have been cleared by the Dose Escalation Committee and Safety Committee, and the expansion part has been opened to enroll additional pts. Conclusions: These preliminary data from a small number of pts suggest that epcoritamab in combination with R-CHOP has a manageable safety profile with no new safety signals. Adverse events were similar to those previously reported for epcoritamab and R-CHOP individually. All evaluable pts achieved early responses, and all pts remain on treatment. Updated and additional data from pts treated in the expansion phase will be presented. These findings warrant further evaluation of epcoritamab for the treatment of high-risk, newly diagnosed DLBCL. Disclosures Belada: Genmab: Research Funding. Drott: Roche: Honoraria; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria; Respiratorius AB: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Narkhede: TG Therapeautics: Research Funding; Genmab: Other: Medical writing support, Research Funding; Genentech/Roche: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding. Elliot: Genmab: Current Employment, Patents & Royalties: P158-US-PSP3 . Liu: Genmab: Current Employment. Cota Stirner: AbbVie: Current Employment. Abbas: Genmab: Current Employment. Falchi: Abbvie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genmab: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Genetech: Research Funding. Clausen: Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel expences ASH 2019; Gilead: Consultancy, Other: Travel expences 15th ICML ; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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