26 July 2017
BerGenBio to Present its First-In-Class, Selective AXL Inhibitor BGB324 at Precision: Lung Cancer – World R&D Summit in Boston
Bergen, Norway, July 26 2017 – BerGenBio ASA (OSE: BGBIO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focussed on developing novel, selective AXL kinase inhibitors for multiple cancer indications, is pleased to announce that Murray Yule, MD, PhD, Clinical Development Officer at BerGenBio, will present an outline of the phase II clinical development programme of BerGenBio’s lead product, BGB324, in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at the Precision: Lung Cancer conference in Boston, July 25-26, 2017.
The presentation will take place on Wednesday 26, 3pm EST and will cover recent evidence of the benefits of selective AXL inhibition in order to overcome therapy resistance and immune escape as well as boost anti-tumour immunity. Dr Yule will discuss in detail the scientific and clinical rationale underpinning BerGenBio’s phase II clinical trial portfolio with BGB324 in NSCLC in combination with chemo-, targeted and immunotherapy. The aim of these clinical studies is to deliver proof-of-concept of BGB324’s potential to counteract AXL driven immune evasion and acquired resistance to therapy thereby uniquely synergising with and enhancing current and emerging therapies.
About NSCLC
It is estimated that more than 220,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the US in 2017 and it is the leading cause of cancer death. 65% of NSCLCs are of adenocarcinoma pathology. Although various treatments exist for NSCLC, they are often curtailed by acquired resistance to therapy and immune evasion. Novel treatments overcoming these mechanisms in NSCLC are urgently required.
About BerGenBio ASA
BerGenBio ASA is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a pipeline of first-in-class AXL kinase inhibitors to treat multiple cancer indications. The Company is a world leader in understanding the essential role of AXL kinase in mediating cancer spread, immune evasion and drug resistance in multiple aggressive haematological and solid cancers.
BerGenBio’s lead product, BGB324, is a selective, potent and orally bio-available small molecule AXL inhibitor in six Phase II clinical trials in major cancer indications with read-outs expected in the second half of 2018. It is the only selective AXL inhibitor in clinical development.
The clinical trials are:
- BGB324 as a single agent therapy in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)/myeloid dysplastic syndrome (MDS)
- BGB324 with TARCEVA® (erlotinib) in advanced EGFR mutation driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- BGB324 with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in advanced NSCLC (adenocarcinoma of the lung), and
- BGB324 with KEYTRUDA® in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).
The clinical trials combining BGB324 with KEYTRUDA® in NSCLC and TBNC are conducted in collaboration with Merck & Co. Inc. (MSD).
In addition, a number of investigator-led trials are underway, including a trial to investigate BGB324 with either MEKINIST® (trametinib) and TAFINLAR® (dabrafenib) or KEYTRUDA® in advanced melanoma as well as a trial exploring TAXOTERE® (docetaxel) in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
BerGenBio is simultaneously developing a companion diagnostic test that will be able to identify patient subpopulations most likely to benefit from the treatment. This will facilitate more efficient registration trials and support a precision medicine approach in reimbursement and commercialisation strategy.
The Company is also developing a diversified pre-clinical pipeline of drug candidates, including BGB149, an anti-AXL monoclonal antibody.
For further information, please visit: www.bergenbio.com
KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. TARCEVA® is a registered trademark of OSI Pharmaceuticals, LLC., marketed by Roche-Genentech.
-Ends-
Contacts
Richard Godfrey
CEO, BerGenBio ASA
+47 917 86 304
Media Relations
David Dible, Mark Swallow, Marine Perrier
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
bergenbio@citigatedr.co.uk
+44 207 638 9571
This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
About Oncoinvent
Oncoinvent is developing Radspherin®, a receptor-independent alpha radiation therapy that leverages the unique anatomy of the abdominal cavity to destroy residual micrometastases using a single, highly localized dose of alpha radiation. The initial clinical focus is treatment of ovarian and colorectal cancer patients after surgical removal of the primary tumor and visible metastases in the peritoneum, the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs.
This radiopharmaceutical is designed to prevent or delay recurrence in the peritoneal cavity, keeping patients disease-free for longer than the current standard of care and thereby also impacting overall survival. It is broadly applicable to any cancer that spreads to the peritoneum, e.g. ovarian, colorectal, and gastric cancers. Radspherin® stands out for its simplicity, excellent safety profile, and seamless integration into existing surgical workflows. Oncoinvent’s product is easy to use, avoids systemic delivery and significant toxicity. It is also differentiated in being simple to manufacture, scalable, and supply de-risked.
Data from two trials in ovarian (phase 1) and colorectal (phase 1/2a) cancers, are highly promising, showing an excellent safety profile and meaningful signals of efficacy. Interim data from an ongoing, randomized, controlled phase 2 ovarian cancer trial is expected in 2026. With cost-effective manufacturing, blockbuster potential, active pharma partnership momentum, plus strong endorsements from leading experts, Oncoinvent is built for scale and commercial success, and is set to become the new standard for post-surgical cancer care. The Company was founded by the originators of Algeta and Xofigo (acquired by Bayer).
