IDH1 Mutant Inhibitor Induces Cellular Differentiation and Offers a Combination Benefit With Ara-C In a Primary Human Idh1 Mutant AML Xenograft Model

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 3946-3946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine Yen ◽  
Rene Lemieux ◽  
Janeta Popovici-Muller ◽  
Yue Chen ◽  
Hua Yang ◽  
...  

Abstract Somatic point mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 have a gain-of-function neomorphic activity that converts alpha-ketoglutarate to the oncometabolite, R (-)-2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). Prospective studies of AML patients carrying IDH mutations have shown that intracellular concentrations of 2HG can range from 3-10 mM. This abnormal level of 2HG results in dysregulation of alpha-ketoglutarate dependent enzymes leading to alterations in the epigenetic state of hematopoietic progenitor/stem cells and functionally blocks their ability to fully differentiate. We have developed a potent and selective, orally available IDH1 mutant inhibitor AGI-14100, that is able to reduce intracellular 2HG concentrations to baseline levels found in wildtype cells. Ex vivo treatment of IDH1 mutant-containing primary human AML patient samples with AGI-14100 induced a proliferative burst followed by cellular differentiation as shown by flow cytometry and cytology. We next treated a primary human IDH1 (R132H)/FLT3-ITD mutant xenograft model with AGI-14100 either alone or in combination with Ara-c. In these studies, AGI-14100 alone significantly decreased tumor burden in the peripheral blood after 1 month of continuous BID treatment. In combination with a short-term, low-dose course of Ara-C, we also observed a decrease in the bone marrow tumor burden that was better than either treatment alone. Furthermore, this response was sustainable for >3 weeks even after dosing of both drugs had been terminated. Taken together, these data suggest that inhibition of mutant IDH1with AGI-14100 and low dose Ara-c could provide a combination benefit for patients with AML. Disclosures: Yen: Agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Lemieux:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Popovici-Muller:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Chen:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Yang:Agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Straley:Agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Choe:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Dorsch:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Agresta:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Schenkein:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Biller:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Su:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Wang:Agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 240-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine Yen ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Jeremy Travins ◽  
Yue Chen ◽  
Hua Yang ◽  
...  

Abstract Somatic point mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 (IDH1/2) confer a gain-of-function in cancer cells resulting in the accumulation and secretion of an onco-metabolite, R (-)-2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). High levels of 2HG have been shown to inhibit aKG dependent dioxygenases including histone and DNA demethylases, which play a key role in regulating the epigenetic state of cells. Recently, ex vivo treatment with AGI-6780, a potent IDH2 R140Q inhibitor induced cellular differentiation of leukemic blast cells isolated from primary human AML patient samples harboring an IDH2 R140Q mutation. These data provided the first evidence that inhibition of mutant IDH2 can reverse the block in cellular differentiation conferred by high levels of 2HG and could provide a therapeutic benefit to patients. AG-221 is a potent and selective inhibitor of the IDH2 mutant enzyme and is currently being evaluated in a first-in-human study entitled: A Phase 1, Multicenter, Open-Label, Dose-Escalation, Safety, Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacodynamic, and Clinical Activity Study of Orally Administered AG-221 in Subjects with Advanced Hematologic Malignancies with an IDH2 Mutation. The compound has been demonstrated to reduce 2-HG levels by >90% and reverse histone and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hypermethylation in vitro, and to induce differentiation in leukemia cell models. We evaluated the efficacy of AG-221 in a primary human AML xenograft model carrying the IDH2 R140Q mutation. This is an aggressive model with mortality from AML consistently occurring by day 80, following tail vein engraftment. Results show that AG-221 is able to potently reduce 2HG found in the bone marrow, plasma and urine of engrafted mice. Treatment also induced a dose dependent, statistically significant, survival benefit where all mice in the high dose treatment group survived to the end of study. We also saw a dose dependent proliferative burst of the human specific CD45+ blast cells followed by cellular differentiation as measured by the expression of CD11b, CD14 and CD15 and cell morphology. Furthermore, the onset of differentiation correlated with survival, whereas mice that died in the low dose groups failed to show signs of cellular differentiation. These data provide strong preclinical in vivo evidence that AG-221 may have clinical benefit for IDH2 mutant patients through the reduction of 2HG and the induction of blast differentiation. Disclosures: Yen: Agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Wang:Agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Travins:Agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Chen:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Yang:Agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Straley:Agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Choe:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Dorsch:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Schenkein:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Agresta:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Biller:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Su:agios Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership.


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1848-1848
Author(s):  
Maria Karvouni ◽  
Heyue Zhou ◽  
Arnika Kathleen Wagner ◽  
Qiangzhong Ma ◽  
Alamdar H. Baloch ◽  
...  

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that remains incurable. The identification of CD38, a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed on MM cells, led to the development of target-specific therapeutics such as the FDA approved monoclonal antibody (mAb) Daratumumab (DARA). Although a valuable treatment option for refractory/relapsed (R/R) MM patients, DARA has a limited response rate of below 50%, which highlights the clinical need for novel therapeutics. Aims: Aiming to further exploit the therapeutic potential of CD38 in the MM setting, immunotherapies based on the novel anti-CD38 mAb CD38A2 were tested. Methods: For the first approach, the CD38A2 mAb -that binds to a unique, distinct from DARA's, CD38 epitope- was conjugated with either the alkylating agent Duomycin (ADC-136) or the microtubulin binder Duostatin (ADC-129). The ADCs were compared to DARA, in cultures of primary MM cells from patients refractory to DARA treatment. In a second approach, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) consisting of the CD38A2 scFv and the intracellular domains of CD28 and CD3ζ was used to transduce primary T and NK cells from R/R MM patients. The functionality of the CAR-T and CAR-NK cells was assessed in cytotoxicity assays against autologous myeloma cells. Results: ADC-136 demonstrated the most potent cytotoxicity against the MM cells with an IC50 of 6pM at day 6 following a single dose treatment. ADC-129 showed cell killing with an IC50 of 30pM, while DARA did not exhibit appreciable cytotoxicity. Regarding the cell therapy approach, patients' T and NK cells were effectively transduced, showing a CD38A2-CAR expression ranging between 11-68%. In functional assays, CAR-T and CAR-NK cells were assayed against autologous myeloma cells, where they exhibited an increase in target cell cytotoxicity, compared to the untransduced cells. Summary/Conclusion: Altogether, our preliminary findings demonstrate that CD38 targeting using CD38A2-based immunotherapies could be a viable therapeutic approach in R/R MM patients previously exposed to DARA. Currently, an anti-CD38 CAR-T therapy based on CD38A2 is being evaluated in Phase 1 studies in R/R MM patients by Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. Disclosures Zhou: Sorrento Therapeutics Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ma:Sorrento Therapeutics Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zhu:Sorrento Therapeutics Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zhang:Sorrento Therapeutics Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kaufmann:Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 1834-1834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edmund Lee ◽  
Bret Bannerman ◽  
Michael Fitzgerald ◽  
Jennifer Terkelsen ◽  
Daniel Bradley ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1834 Poster Board I-860 Introduction The clinical success of VELCADE® (bortezomib) for Injection has validated the proteasome as a therapeutic target for the treatment of human cancer. The novel proteasome inhibitor MLN9708 is a potent, reversible, and specific inhibitor of the b5 site of the 20S proteasome identified in preclinical studies. MLN9708 is currently in human clinical development for both hematological and non-hematological malignancies. Here we describe the pharmacodynamic (PD) response of MLN9708 in the murine bone marrow compartment and its strong antitumor activity in an intraosseous xenograft model of plasma cell malignancy. Materials MLN9708 immediately hydrolyzes to MLN2238, the biologically active form, upon exposure to aqueous solutions or plasma. MLN2238 was used for all preclinical studies described below. Methods It has been previously shown that double transgenic iMycCa/Bcl-XL mice develop de novo plasma cell malignancies (J. Clin. Invest. 113:1763-1773, 2004) in which neoplastic plasma cell development is driven by the targeted expression of the transgene Myc (c-myc; myelocytomatosis oncogene) and Bcl-x (Bcl2l1; encodes the oncoprotein Bcl-XL). DP54 is a plasma cell tumor cell line derived from the bone marrow of a syngeneic mouse previously inoculated with an iMycCa/Bcl-XL tumor (Cancer Res. 67:4069-4078, 2007). In vitro, DP54 cells express both the Myc and Bcl-XL transgenes, various plasma cell and B-cell markers including CD38, CD138 and B220, and has gene expression profile very similar to human multiple myeloma. To establish a preclinical intraosseous model of plasma cell malignancy for efficacy studies, freshly dissociated DP54-Luc cells (constitutively expressing firefly luciferase under a mouse Ig-k promoter) were aseptically injected into the bone marrow space of the upper shaft of the right tibia of NOD-SCID mice. Once tumor growth has been established, mice were randomized into treatment groups and then treated intravenously (IV) with vehicle, bortezomib (at 0.8 mg/kg twice weekly [BIW]) or MLN2238 (at 11 mg/kg BIW) for 3 consecutive weeks. Tumor burden was measured by bioluminescent imaging. Results MLN2238 strongly inhibited proteasome activity in the blood and bone marrow compartments of mice (maximum b5 inhibition of 84% and 83%, respectively). In vivo, when DP54 cells were aseptically injected into the bone marrow space of the mouse tibia, signs of bone erosion in the tibia, femur and cranial sagittal sultures (as determined by ex-vivo mCT imaging) were observed which resembled osteolytic lesions frequently seen in human multiple myeloma. Dissemination of DP54-Luc cells after intratibia inoculations were detected by in vivo bioluminescent and confirmed by ex vivo imaging where luminescent tumor nodules were detected in the spleen, kidneys, intestine, lymph nodes and bones including right tibia, spine and cranium. To assess the antitumor activity of MLN2238 in the bone marrow compartment, an efficacy study was performed using the DP54-Luc intraosseous xenograft model of plasma cell malignancy. Tumor burden (bioluminescence), osteolytic lesions (mCT) and overall survival after treatment with bortezomib and MLN2238 will be presented. Conclusion The novel proteasome inhibitor MLN9708 demonstrates strong activity in the bone marrow compartment in vivo. MLN9708 is currently in human clinical development for both hematological and solid tumor indications. Disclosures Lee: Milllennium: Employment, Equity Ownership. Bannerman:Milllennium: Employment. Terkelsen:Milllennium: Employment. Bradley:Milllennium: Employment, Equity Ownership, Research Funding. Li:Milllennium: Employment. Li:Milllennium: Employment. Janz:Milllennium: Research Funding. Van Ness:Milllennium: Research Funding. Manfredi:Milllennium: Employment. Kupperman:Milllennium: Employment.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 3021-3021 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Michael Holers ◽  
Istvan Mazsaroff ◽  
Hillary Akana ◽  
Christopher G. Smith ◽  
J. Woodruff Emlen ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3021 Poster Board II-997 The complement system is activated through three pathways: classical, lectin/mannose and alternative. Polymorphisms and mutations that promote Complement Alternative Pathway (CAP) activity are associated with human diseases including atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The complement system is also centrally involved in many hemolytic disorders, including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) where the CAP initiates complement activation resulting in intravascular hemolysis (IVH) after engagement of C5 and formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC). Systemic neutralization of C5 with the anti-C5 monoclonal antibody, eculizumab, abrogates IVH when plasma concentrations are maintained above the minimal efficacious concentration (Cmin = 35 μg/mL). However, because eculizumab does not inhibit CAP activity prior to C5, C3 fragments (C3frag) continue to covalently bind to and accumulate on PNH red blood cells (RBCs). Clearance by the reticuloendothelial system of PNH RBCs that are C3frag-coated is a putative cause of extravascular hemolysis (EVH) in eculizumab-treated patients. In order to selectively modulate CAP activity, we developed TT30, a novel therapeutic 65kD fusion protein linking the first four short consensus repeat (SCR) domains of human complement receptor type 2 (CR2/CD21) with the first five SCR of human factor H (fH). CR2 SCR1-4 encompasses the antigen-fixed C3frag (iC3b, C3dg and C3d) binding domain. Factor H is the primary soluble phase, negative regulator of CAP activity functioning via the SCR1-5 domains. The unique mechanism of TT30 utilizes CR2 SCR1-4 to recognize and bind to C3frag on cells in which complement activation is occurring, thus delivering cell surface-targeted inhibition of CAP activity via fH SCR 1-5. TT30 both prevents CAP-dependent hemolysis of rabbit RBCs in human serum and blocks accumulation of C3frag on the RBC surface. By design, TT30 should also be a potent inhibitor of the CAP, but with minimal inhibition of the complement classical (CCP) and mannose (lectin; CMP) pathways. To test this hypothesis, we utilized sensitive pharmacodynamic assays that allow in vitro or ex vivo assessment in an ELISA format of individual complement pathway activity present in human serum. In this format, TT30 is a potent and selective inhibitor of CAP activity in normal human complement-preserved serum, with EC50 and EC100 values of ∼0.1 and 1 μg/mL serum. As predicted by the use of fH in its construction, TT30 is a much less potent inhibitor of the CCP and CMP, with EC100 values of ∼65 μg/mL. By contrast, in these assays a monoclonal and polyclonal anti-C5 antibody each demonstrate non-selective inhibition of CAP and CCP activity at all effective concentrations. TT30 activity is dependent upon CR2 binding to C3frag, as an anti-CR2 monoclonal antibody reverses the surface inhibition of CAP activity. This surface-targeting approach to delivering fH SCR1-5 results in a molecule with a 10-fold potency gain in CAP inhibition relative to added purified fH and an ∼30-fold potency gain relative to the total fH present in the serum used in the assay. TT30 administered as a single IV injection at 20 mg/kg to rats, rabbits and monkeys results in Cmax values of ∼400, 500 and 300 μg/mL and concentration-dependent inhibition of CAP activity. At serum concentrations of TT30 that induced maximal (100%) inhibition of systemic CAP activity for up to 12 hours, CCP activity is modestly (∼35-60%) inhibited for only 2 hours. CAP activity returns to baseline levels in a predictable fashion. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicates no gender-related differences and the expected scaling of parameters across species. TT30 is pharmacologically active in monkeys, rabbits and mice. TT30 administered as a single subcutaneous injection at 20 mg/kg to monkeys results in Cmax values of ∼25 μg/mL, and EC100 values identical to those observed with IV administration, but with a 3-fold prolongation of the maximal pharmacodynamic effect. The novel therapeutic TT30 has been shown in vitro and ex vivo to deliver cell surface-targeted control of CAP activation with minimal CCP and CMP inhibition and effective blockade of C3frag accumulation and MAC formation. As a result, TT30 has potential utility for the treatment of complement-mediated diseases such as PNH, AMD and aHUS, in which cell surface-targeted control of CAP activation may be clinically beneficial. Disclosures Holers: Taligen Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Mazsaroff:Taligen Therapeutics: Employment. Akana:Taligen Therapeutics: Employment. Smith:Taligen Therapeutics: Employment. Emlen:Taligen Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Marians:Taligen Therapeutics: Employment. Horvath:Taligen Therapeutics: Employment.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 1451-1451
Author(s):  
Caroline Desponts ◽  
David Robbins ◽  
Thuy Le ◽  
Annie Chi ◽  
Scott Thies ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1451 A systematic investigation was performed to optimize the treatment protocol for ex vivo incubation of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (FT1050) prior to transplantation. This protocol is part of an ongoing Phase Ib clinical trial of FT1050-enhanced double cord blood (CB) transplantation after reduced intensity conditioning. FT1050 has been previously shown in vertebrate models to improve the engraftment potential of HSCs from bone marrow (BM) and CB after a brief ex vivo treatment. In these models, treatment of BM or CB with FT1050 was performed for 1 to 2 hours at 4 °C, followed by a wash and subsequent cell infusion into the recipient (North et al. Nature 2007, Hoggatt et al. Blood 2009). Several groups have demonstrated that under these conditions, FT1050-treated cells have an engraftment advantage over vehicle treated cells. The objective of the current investigation was to identify a set of conditions that maximizes the biologic activity of FT1050. Genome-wide expression analysis and cAMP assays were used to optimize the ex vivo FT1050 treatment protocol with respect to concentration, time and temperature. Using this approach, hundreds of up- and down-regulated genes were identified in FT1050-treated CD34+ cells. These signature genes include upregulation of CXCR4, a known mediator of HSC homing via SDF-1a, and CREB, a key gene involved in cAMP signaling. Results from these experiments demonstrated that FT1050 concentrations above 10 μM did not result in increased levels of biologic activity. In terms of duration of incubation, cAMP activity reached maximal levels within 30 minutes of exposure while a 2 hour treatment period was necessary to maximize the changes in gene expression. Finally, the biologic activity of FT1050 was highly sensitive to temperature, with treatment of cells at 37 °C yielding larger changes in cAMP production and gene expression as compared to incubation of cells at 25 °C and 4 °C. The biological effects of FT1050 on subsets of CD34+ cells isolated from CB were also determined. Interestingly, the stem/progenitor subsets of CD34+ cells (Lin-CD34+CD38-CD90+CD45RA-, Lin-CD34+CD38-CD90-CD45RA- and Lin-CD34+) had a greater response to FT1050 relative to the lineage positive cells. The different conditions were also evaluated using CFU-C and 7-AAD assays. No evidence of adverse effects were observed. Based upon these findings, the ongoing clinical trial incorporates the optimized FT1050 ex vivo treatment protocol (10 μM for 120 minutes at 37 °C). Disclosures: Desponts: Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Robbins:Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Le:Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Thies:Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Mendlein:Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Grayson:Fate Therapeutics Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Multani:Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Shoemaker:Fate Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 3712-3712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heike Keilhack ◽  
Akira Yokoi ◽  
Sarah K Knutson ◽  
Tim Wigle ◽  
Natalie Warholic ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3712 The coupled enzymatic activity of wild-type and mutant EZH2 results in hyper-trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27), which drives lymphomagenesis in heterozygous patients bearing the EZH2 mutations. Our group has previously reported that selective inhibition of EZH2 in cell culture results in selective killing of lymphoma cells bearing EZH2 mutations, with minimal effect on non-mutant lymphoma cells, suggesting that EZH2 enzymatic activity is a required driver of proliferation in the mutant-bearing cells [Knutson et al. (2012) Nature Chemical Biology, in press]. Through iterative medicinal chemistry we have developed a selective inhibitor of EZH2 with good pharmacological properties, E7438. E7438 binds to the enzyme in a manner competitive with S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) and a Ki for wild-type EZH2 of 2.5 ± 0.5 nM. The compound potently inhibits all known mutants of EZH2 that have been identified in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patient samples. E7438 displays about 35-fold less activity against the closely related enzyme EZH1, and is >4500-fold selective with respect to all other protein methyltransferases tested. Lymphoma cells treated with E7438 display concentration- and time-dependent loss of H3K27 methylation with no effect on the methylation status of any other histone sites. The loss of H3K27 methylation results in selective killing of EZH2 mutant-bearing lymphoma cell lines. E7438 displays good oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties. Various EZH2 mutant-bearing human lymphoma tumors were subcutaneously implanted in nude, SCID or NSG mice. Oral administration of E7438 to tumor bearing mice resulted in significant anti-tumor activity. The responses ranged from dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition to complete and sustained regressions. For example, KARPAS422 tumors in nude mice showed complete tumor elimination after 28 days of dosing, with mice remaining tumor free for up to 90 days after treatment cessation. Figure 1. E7438 causes complete and sustained tumor regression in a KARPAS422 nude mouse xenograft model of EZH2-mutated NHL. Dosing was on a BID schedule. * P< 0.05, Repeated measures ANOVA, Dunnett's post test vs. vehicle. Figure 1. E7438 causes complete and sustained tumor regression in a KARPAS422 nude mouse xenograft model of EZH2-mutated NHL. Dosing was on a BID schedule. * P< 0.05, Repeated measures ANOVA, Dunnett's post test vs. vehicle. Mice and rats tolerated E7438 administration well at doses representing high multiples of doses that show antitumor activity in mice. Activity against the EZH2 target in both species was demonstrated by dose-dependent diminution of H3K27me3 levels, assessed by ELISA, in samples of tumor, bone marrow, skin and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Highly sensitive detection of existing H3K27me3 signal could also be observed with this ELISA assay in drug-naïve samples of human PBMCs. The ability to measure dose-dependent changes in H3K27me3 levels in skin and PBMCs portends the use of signal from these surrogate tissues as a non-invasive pharmacodynamics biomarker in human clinical trials. Disclosures: Keilhack: Epizyme Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Yokoi:Eisai Co., Ltd.: Employment. Knutson:Epizyme Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Wigle:Epizyme Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Warholic:Epizyme Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kawano:Eisai Co., Ltd.: Employment. Minoshima:Eisai Co., Ltd.: Employment. Huang:Eisai Inc.: Employment. Kuznetsov:Eisai Inc.: Employment. Kumar:Eisai Inc.: Employment. Klaus:Epizyme, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Allain:Epizyme Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Raimondi:Epizyme Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Porter Scott:Epizyme: Employment, Equity Ownership. Chesworth:Epizyme: Employment, Equity Ownership. Moyer:Epizyme: Employment, Equity Ownership. Uenaka:Eisai Co., Ltd.: Employment. Copeland:Epizyme Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Richon:Epizyme, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Pollock:Epizyme Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kuntz:Epizyme Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 4070-4070 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravi Vij ◽  
Craig C. Hofmeister ◽  
Paul G. Richardson ◽  
Sundar Jagannath ◽  
David S. Siegel ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 4070 Background: There are currently limited effective treatment options for patients (pts) with RRMM with prior exposure to lenalidomide (LEN), bortezomib (BORT) and chemotherapy. In a multicenter, randomized phase 2 study, POM with or without LoDEX (n=221) was active in RRMM pts who had received ≥2 prior therapies, including LEN and BORT (Richardson PG, et al. Blood 2011;118:abs 634); activity was also observed in those with disease refractory to LEN, BORT, or both (Vij R, et al. J Clin Oncol 2012;30:abs 8016). Here we characterize outcomes in the POM+LoDEX group (n=113) according to the prior treatment exposure. Methods: Pts with RRMM who had received ≥2 prior therapies, including LEN and BORT, and had progressive disease (PD) within 60 days of their last treatment were randomized (1:1 ratio) to POM+LoDEX (POM, 4 mg/day for days 1–21 of a 28-day cycle; LoDex, 40 mg/week) or POM alone. At randomization, pts were stratified by age, prior number of treatments, and prior thalidomide exposure. At progression, pts receiving POM alone could receive POM+LoDEX at investigator's discretion. All pts received thromboprophylaxis (daily low-dose aspirin). The endpoints in this study were progression-free survival (PFS), response rates (using European Bone Marrow Transplantation [EBMT] criteria), duration of response, time to response, overall survival (OS), and safety. Response data according to prior therapy were assessed by investigator assessment. Results: All 113 pts assigned to POM+LoDEX had prior exposure to LEN (100%), BORT (100%), and steroids (100%). Most pts had also received prior alkylator therapy (93%), stem cell transplant (SCT) (73%), and thalidomide (THAL) (68%); 49% had received prior anthracyclines. Regimens immediately prior to study entry included BORT (50%), LEN (39%), cyclophosphamide (13%), THAL (8%), vorinostat (8%), carfilzomib (5%), and melphalan (5%). The median number of exposures to LEN and BORT in prior lines was once (range 1–4) and twice (range 1–6), respectively. The majority of pts (80%) had received >3 prior therapies. The overall response rate (ORR) was 48% and 30% in pts who had received ≤3 and >3 prior therapies, respectively. Of the pts who had ≤3 vs > 3 prior therapies, 9% vs 1% pts achieved complete response (CR), 39% vs 29% pts achieved partial response (PR), 9% vs 12% pts achieved minimal response (MR) and 44% vs 36 % pts achieved stable disease (SD), respectively. ORR was 34% and appeared similar regardless of prior exposure to alkylators (33%), anthracyclines (35%), SCT (35%), or THAL (35%). Median duration of response was also similar in pts who had received prior alkylators (8.4 mos), anthracyclines (10.1 mos), SCT (7.7 mos), and THAL (7.7 mos). Of the 69 pts who had a best response of SD or PD to their last prior antimyeloma therapy, 21 pts (12 SD and 9 PD) achieved a PR and 3 pts (1 SD and 2 PD) achieved a CR with POM+LoDEX treatment. Responding pts had longer time to progression (TTP; 11.1 mos) with POM+LoDex compared with the TTP (4.4 mos) observed with their last antimyeloma regimen prior to study. The most common grade 3–4 adverse events in the POM+LoDEX group were neutropenia (41%), anemia (22%), pneumonia (22%), thrombocytopenia (19%), and fatigue (14%). The incidence of at least 1 grade 3–4 adverse event was 100% in pts with ≤ 3 prior therapies, and 88% in pts with >3 therapies. Conclusions: The combination of POM+LoDEX has demonstrated an ORR of 34% in heavily pretreated pts with RRMM who have been previously exposed to LEN, BORT, steroids, and other treatments. Early treatment of POM+LoDEX (≤3 prior therapies) achieved better ORR (48%) compared with pts who received POM+LoDex later (>3 prior therapies; ORR, 30%). Disclosures: Vij: Onyx: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium Pharma: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Off Label Use: Pomalidomide is an investigational drug and is not approved for the treatment of patients with any condition. Hofmeister:Celgene: Advisory Board Other, Honoraria. Richardson:Celgene, Millennium, Johnson & Johnson: Advisory Board Other. Jagannath:Onyx Pharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck Sharp & Dohme: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium Pharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Siegel:Onyx: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Millennium Pharma: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Advisory Board Other, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Merck: Advisory Board, Advisory Board Other, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Baz:Celgene, Millennium, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis: Research Funding. Chen:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zaki:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Larkins:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Anderson:Acetylon, Oncopep: Scientific Founder, Scientific Founder Other; Celgene, Millennium, BMS, Onyx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 580-580
Author(s):  
Mark Wunderlich ◽  
Mahesh Shrestha ◽  
Lin Kang ◽  
Eric Law ◽  
Vladimir Jankovic ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 580 Generating a large number of pure, functional immune cells that can be used in human patients has been a major challenge for NK cell-based immunotherapy. We have successfully established a cultivation method to generate human NK cells from CD34+ cells isolated from donor-matched cord blood and human placental derived stem cells, which were obtained from full-term human placenta. This cultivation method is feeder-free, based on progenitor expansion followed by NK differentiation supported by cytokines including thrombopoietin, stem cell factor, Flt3 ligand, IL-7, IL-15 and IL-2. A graded progression from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HSC) to committed NK progenitor cells ultimately results in ∼90% CD3-CD56+ phenotype and is associated with an average 10,000-fold expansion achieved over 35 days. The resulting cells are CD16- and express low level of KIRs, indicating an immature NK cell phenotype, but show active in vitro cytotoxicity against a broad range of tumor cell line targets. The in vivo persistence, maturation and functional activity of HSC-derived NK cells was assessed in NSG mice engineered to express the human cytokines SCF, GM-CSF and IL-3 (NSGS mice). Human IL-2 or IL-15 was injected intraperitoneally three times per week to test the effect of cytokine supplementation on the in vivo transferred NK cells. The presence and detailed immunophenotype of NK cells was assessed in peripheral blood (PB), bone marrow (BM), spleen and liver samples at 7-day intervals up to 28 days post-transfer. Without cytokine supplementation, very few NK cells were detectable at any time-point. Administration of IL-2 resulted in a detectable but modest enhancement of human NK cell persistence. The effect of IL-15 supplementation was significantly greater, leading to the robust persistence of transferred NK cells in circulation, and likely specific homing and expansion in the liver of recipient mice. The discrete response to IL-15 versus IL-2, as well as the preferential accumulation in the liver have not been previously described following adoptive transfer of mature NK cells, and may be unique for the HSC-derived immature NK cell product. Following the in vivo transfer, a significant fraction of human CD56+ cells expressed CD16 and KIRs indicating full physiologic NK differentiation, which appears to be a unique potential of HSC-derived cells. Consistent with this, human CD56+ cells isolated ex vivo efficiently killed K562 targets in in vitro cytotoxicity assays. In contrast to PB, spleen and liver, BM contained a substantial portion of human cells that were CD56/CD16 double negative (DN) but positive for CD244 and CD117, indicating a residual progenitor function in the CD56- fraction of the CD34+ derived cell product. The BM engrafting population was higher in NK cultures at earlier stages of expansion, but was preserved in the day 35- cultured product. The frequency of these cells in the BM increased over time, and showed continued cycling based on in vivo BrdU labeling 28 days post-transfer, suggesting a significant progenitor potential in vivo. Interestingly, DN cells isolated from BM could be efficiently differentiated ex vivo to mature CD56+CD16+ NK cells with in vitro cytotoxic activity against K562. We speculate that under the optimal in vivo conditions these BM engrafting cells may provide a progenitor population to produce a mature NK cell pool in humans, and therefore could contribute to the therapeutic potential of the HSC-derived NK cell product. The in vivo activity of HSC-derived NK cells was further explored using a genetically engineered human AML xenograft model of minimal residual disease (MRD) and initial data indicates significant suppression of AML relapse in animals receiving NK cells following chemotherapy. Collectively, our data demonstrate the utility of humanized mice and in vivo xenograft models in characterizing the biodistribution, persistence, differentiation and functional assessment of human HSC-derived cell therapy products, and characterize the potential of HSC-derived NK cells to be developed as an effective off-the-shelf product for use in adoptive cell therapy approaches in AML. Disclosures: Wunderlich: Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Research Funding. Shrestha:C: Research Funding. Kang:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Law:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Jankovic:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Zhang:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Herzberg:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Abbot:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Hariri:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Mulloy:Celgene Cellular Therapeutics: Research Funding.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 1984-1984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Howard A. Burris ◽  
Manish R. Patel ◽  
Danielle M. Brander ◽  
Owen A. O'Connor ◽  
Changchun Deng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: TGR-1202 is a novel oral, next generation PI3Kδ inhibitor which notably lacks the hepatotoxicity associated with other PI3Kδ inhibitors. Preliminary data from an ongoing Ph I study of TGR-1202 demonstrated clinical activity in patients with advanced hematologic malignancies (ASCO 2014). Herein we present updated results from this Phase I, first in human study of TGR-1202 in patients with relapsed and/or refractory CLL and B-cell lymphoma. Methods: TGR-1202 is administered orally once daily following a 3+3 dose escalation design. Previously treated patients with an ECOG PS ≤ 2 and confirmed diagnosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), or other lymphoproliferative disorders are eligible. Endpoints include safety, PK/PD, and efficacy. Results: 49 patients have been enrolled to date of various lymphoma subtypes including CLL, follicular lymphoma (FL), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL), DLBCL, mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). Demographics: 76% male, ECOG 0/1/2: 17/31/1, median age of 59 yrs (range: 22-85), median prior treatment regimens: 3 (range: 1-14), and 43% were refractory to prior treatment. 35 patients have been treated at doses ≥ 800 mg of a previous formulation where a threshold effect in activity was observed, and 6 have been treated with an improved micronized formulation (≥ 200 mg). TGR-1202 was well tolerated and no MTD has been reached to date. The only Gr≥3 AE occurring in >5% of patients was neutropenia (8%). AE’s of all grades occurring in >20% of patients were limited to diarrhea (24%), cough (22%), fatigue (20%), and nausea (20%). Notably, in comparison to other PI3Kδ inhibitors, no hepatotoxicity and no cases of colitis have been observed to date. Rates of infection and pneumonia have also been low (12% and 6%, respectively), and no cases of febrile neutropenia have been reported. Of the 41 patients treated at ≥ 800 mg of the previous formulation or with the micronized formulation, 32 are evaluable for efficacy (6 too early to evaluate, 2 non-compliant, 1 did not meet I/E criteria). Responses have been limited in patients with aggressive lymphoma and HL. Of the 9 evaluable CLL patients, 8 (89%) achieved a nodal PR (median nodal reduction of 71%), of which 5 achieved a PR per Hallek 2008 criteria with the remaining 4 having persistent lymphocytosis. The 1 CLL patient with SD had a >40% nodal reduction and remains on study. Of the 7 evaluable FL patients, all have shown clinical benefit with a reduction in tumor burden with 2 having achieved a PR, and the remaining 5 patients in SD. Additionally 2 MZL patients each achieved SD with >25% nodal reductions and remain on study. Notably, no patient with CLL or indolent lymphoma (FL & MZL) treated at ≥800 mg has progressed to date (median time on study of 20 weeks, range 6 – 73+), and no patient who achieved >50% reduction in tumor burden (including patients with CLL, FL, and HL) has progressed, with median time on study of 34 weeks (range 7 – 68+). Pharmacodynamic analysis in CLL patients indicates rapid suppression of pAKT at doses of 400 mg QD of the previous formulation. Conclusions: TGR-1202 is well tolerated in patients with relapsed and/or refractory hematologic malignancies with no reported hepatotoxicity or events of colitis and promising clinical activity. Enrollment continues in expansion cohorts and with the micronized formulation. Disclosures Brander: Celgene: Mentor received research funding Other. O'Connor:Celgene: Consultancy; Millennium Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Miskin:TG Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sportelli:TG Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Vakkalanka:Rhizen: Employment, Equity Ownership. Flinn:Infinity Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 3807-3807
Author(s):  
Corey S Cutler ◽  
Daniel Shoemaker ◽  
Peter Westervelt ◽  
Daniel R. Couriel ◽  
Sumithra Vasu ◽  
...  

Abstract Umbilical cord blood (UCB) offers many potential advantages as a source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for allogeneic transplantation, including ease of collection, rapid availability, flexibility of HLA-matching, lower rates of GvHD and potentially lower relapse rates. However, the low HSC content of UCB compared to other graft sources results in a prolonged time to engraftment, and higher rates of graft failure and early mortality. Pulse ex vivo exposure of HSCs to 16,16-dimethyl PGE2 (FT1050) has been demonstrated to enhance HSC engraftment potential, which could benefit clinical UCB transplant. FT1050 modulation promotes multiple mechanisms, including increased proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and improved migration and homing [North 2007&2009; Hoggatt 2009]. Improved HSC homing is mediated by induction of CXCR4 gene expression leading to increased cell surface CXCR4. Further optimization of the UCB modulation process demonstrated that incubation with 10µM FT1050 for 2 hrs at 37C resulted in a maximal biological response of the FT1050-UCB (ProHema®). A Phase 1 trial was performed to evaluate the safety of FT1050-UCB paired with an unmanipulated UCB unit in reduced-intensity double UCBT (dUCBT) [Cutler 2013]. We observed durable, multi-lineage engraftment of FT1050-UCB with acceptable safety. Earlier neutrophil engraftment was observed relative to historical controls (median 17.5 vs. 21 days (historical control), p=0.045), coupled with preferential engraftment of the FT1050-UCB unit in 10 of 12 subjects. A Phase 2 multi-center clinical trial of FT1050-UCB in adult patients undergoing dUCBT for hematologic malignancies was then initiated. Subjects are randomized 2:1 to FT1050-UCB-containing vs. standard dUCBT after high-dose conditioning. The primary endpoint is a categorical analysis of neutrophil engraftment using a pre-specified control median. Data on the initial 11 subjects, of which 8 were randomized to receive FT1050-UCB, continue to demonstrate acceptable safety with adverse events attributed to FT1050-UCB limited primarily to common infusion-related side effects. Of the 8 FT1050-UCB subjects, 1 died prior to neutrophil engraftment, with the remaining 7 subjects engrafting at a median of 28 days vs. 31 days for the 3 control subjects. With median overall follow-up of 16.1 months, 4 of 8 subjects on the FT1050-UCB arm are alive with a median survival not reached (> 11.0 months). 1 of 3 control subjects is alive with median survival of 6.0 months. During the clinical translation process, the media used during FT1050 modulation of UCB was identified as a key variable. Standard UCB washing media, consisting of a nutrient-free saline solution of low molecular weight dextran and human serum albumin (LMD/HSA), is used clinically to stabilize fragile cells post-thaw by reducing lysis. This media was used in the Phase 1 trial and to initiate Phase 2. Early during the Phase 2 trial, we identified a novel cell-stabilizing nutrient-rich formulation (NRM), containing glucose, amino acids and other HSC-supporting nutrients that promoted full FT1050 modulation of UCB and increased cell viability. The expression of key FT1050-pathway genes was significantly higher with NRM compared to intermediate levels observed with LMD/HSA. Modulation of human CD34+ (hCD34+) cells with FT1050 in NRM led to an 8-fold increase over LMD/HSA in induced CXCR4 gene expression (20-fold total), which translated to significantly increased surface CXCR4 protein. In vivo homing models demonstrated that UCB CD34+ cells modulated with FT1050 in NRM resulted in a 2.2-fold homing increase relative to vehicle (p < 0.001) compared to a 1.6-fold increase with LMD/HSA (p = 0.002), with a significant difference between the two media conditions (p = 0.04). A xenotransplantation study in NSG mice with hCD34+ cells modulated with FT1050 in either NRM or LMD/HSA demonstrated a 2-fold increase in circulating hCD45+ cells 12-weeks post-transplant with NRM (p = 0.007; unpaired t-test). These findings supported the incorporation of NRM into the FT1050-UCB manufacturing process in order to further improve its clinical engraftment potential. Enrollment of a 60-patient Phase 2 trial has been initiated that incorporates this manufacturing change. Disclosures Shoemaker: Fate Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Rezner:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Guerrettaz:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Robbins:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Medcalf:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Wolchko:Fate Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ferraro:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Multani:Fate Therapeutics: Employment.


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