Advanced gastric carcinoma

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leap Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:LPTX), a biotechnology company focused on developing targeted and immuno-oncology therapeutics, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023. Leap Highlights: Presented new clinical data from Part A of the Phase 2 DeFianCe study evaluating DKN-01 in combination with standard of care bevacizumab and chemotherapy in second-line patients with advanced colorectal cancer, at the 2024 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium Completed enrollment in the randomized controlled Part C of the Phase 2 DisTinGuish study evaluating DKN-01 in combination with tislelizumab and chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastroesophageal junction and gastric cancer "As we reflect on the fourth quarter and the achievements of the past year, we are proud of the strides we've made in advancing DKN-01 and integrating our pipeline of earlier stage biomarker-targeted antibody therapies. The data from Part A of the DeFianCe study, demonstrating a 30% overall response rate and a 93% disease control rate in second-line colorectal cancer patients, showcases a strong foundation as we move into the randomized controlled Part B of the study," said Douglas E. Onsi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Leap. "Additionally, the completion of enrollment in Part C of the DisTinGuish study in first-line gastroesophageal junction and gastric cancer patients positions us to deliver the first randomized controlled data for DKN-01 starting in the middle of the year. As we look ahead to a data rich 2024, we remain focused on our mission to deliver new personalized medicines to patients fighting against cancer." DKN-01 Development Update Presented initial clinical data from Part A of the DeFianCe Study of DKN-01 plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The Company presented initial data from Part A of the DeFianCe study (NCT05480306), a Phase 2 study evaluating DKN-01 in combination with standard of care (SOC) bevacizumab and chemotherapy in second-line (2L) patients with advanced microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC patients at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, held in San Francisco on January 18-20, 2024 and during the Company's conference call on January 23, 2024. Key Findings: As of the December 6, 2023 data cutoff, across all patients enrolled (n=33): Overall response rate (ORR) among response-evaluable patients (n=27) was 30% and disease control rate (DCR) was 93%, including 8 partial responses (PR) and 17 patients with a best response of stable disease (SD) Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.3 months 9 patients remained on therapy and were beyond 8.5 months Enhanced activity in patients with left-sided tumors (n=25), a group that has more frequent activation of the Wnt pathway modulated by DKK1 33% ORR and 100% DCR in response-evaluable population (7 PRs, 14 SDs) Preliminary median PFS of 8.6 months (9 patients continuing therapy within subgroup) Compelling ORR, DCR and PFS in patients with rectal/rectosigmoid carcinomas (n=15), a population with increasing incidence among young people and shown to have the highest DKK1 levels: 46% ORR and 100% DCR in response-evaluable population (6 PRs, 7 SDs) Preliminary median PFS of 9.4 months (6 patients continuing therapy within subgroup) Higher baseline plasma DKK1 levels correlated with improved responses DKN-01 plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy was well-tolerated, with a majority of DKN-01 related events being low grade (Grade 1/2) The Company expects the 130 patient randomized controlled Part B to complete enrollment in mid-2024. As of March 15, 2024, 80 patients have enrolled in Part B. Announced completion of enrollment in the randomized controlled Part C of the DisTinGuish study evaluating DKN-01 in combination with tislelizumab, BeiGene's anti-PD-1 antibody, and chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastroesophageal junction and gastric cancer. Part C of the DisTinGuish study (NCT0436380) is a Phase 2, randomized, open-label, multicenter study of DKN-01 in combination with tislelizumab and chemotherapy in first-line patients with advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Part C enrolled 170 first-line, HER2-negative patients randomized 1:1 to evaluate DKN-01 in combination with tislelizumab and SOC chemotherapy, compared to tislelizumab and SOC chemotherapy alone. The primary objective is progression-free survival (PFS) in DKK1-high and in all patients. Secondary objectives of Part C include overall survival and objective response rate as measured by RECIST v1.1 in DKK1-high and in all patients. The Company expects to report initial data from Part C of the DisTinGuish study in mid-2024. Selected Year-End and Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results Net Loss was $81.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $54.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was due to in-process research and development acquired in the Flame merger which was expensed during the year ended December 31, 2023, costs incurred in connection with our research and development programs, and from general and administrative costs associated with our operations. Research and development expenses were $73.2 million for the full year 2023, compared to $45.0 million for the same period in 2022. Research and development expenses were $11.7 million for the fourth quarter ended 2023, compared to $11.0 million for the same period in 2022. The increases for the full year 2023 were primarily due to in-process research and development acquired in the Flame merger, an increase in clinical trial costs, and an increase in payroll and other related expenses due to an increase in headcount of research and development full-time employees. General and administrative expenses were $13.8 million for the full year 2023, compared to $11.8 million for the same period in 2022. General and administrative expenses were $3.1 million for the fourth quarter ended 2023, compared to $2.9 million for the same period in 2022. The increases for the full year 2023 were primarily due to costs associated with our business development activities and an increase in payroll and other related expenses due to an increase in headcount of general and administrative full-time employees. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $70.6 million at December 31, 2023. Research and development incentive receivables totaled $0.8 million at December 31, 2023. About Leap Therapeutics Leap Therapeutics (Nasdaq: LPTX) is focused on developing targeted and immuno-oncology therapeutics. Leap's most advanced clinical candidate, DKN-01, is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) protein. DKN-01 is being developed in patients with esophagogastric, gynecologic, and colorectal cancers. FL-301, is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting Claudin18.2, being developed in patients with gastric and pancreatic cancer. Leap also has preclinical antibody programs targeting Claudin18.2/CD137 and GDF15. For more information about Leap Therapeutics, visit or view our public filings with the SEC that are available via EDGAR at or via . FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Such statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations of the management of Leap that are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates and expectations will be achieved. Words such as "anticipate," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "may," "will," "should," "plan," "could," "continue," "target," "contemplate," "estimate," "forecast," "guidance," "predict," "possible," "potential," "pursue," "likely," and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future plans, actions or events identify forward-looking statements. All statements, other than historical facts, including statements regarding the potential safety, efficacy, and regulatory and clinical progress of Leap's product candidates; the anticipated timing for completion of clinical trials and release of clinical trial data and the expectations surrounding the outcomes thereof; Leap's future clinical or preclinical product development plans for any of Leap's product candidates; Leap's estimations of projected cash runway; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Leap's plans, estimates or expectations could include, but are not limited to: (i) Leap's ability to successfully execute its clinical trials and the timing of enrollment in and cost of such clinical trials; (ii) the results of Leap's clinical trials and pre-clinical studies; (iii) Leap's ability to successfully enter into new strategic partnerships for DKN-01 or any of its other programs and to maintain its ongoing collaborations with BeiGene, NovaRock and Adimab; (iv) whether any Leap clinical trials and products will receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or equivalent foreign regulatory agencies; (v) exposure to inflation, currency rate and interest rate fluctuations, as well as fluctuations in the market price of Leap's traded securities; and (vi) that the initiation, conduct, and completion of clinical trials, laboratory operations, manufacturing campaigns, and other studies may be delayed, adversely affected, or impacted by global conflict, or supply chain related issues. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. No representations or warranties (expressed or Implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. Leap may not actually achieve the forecasts disclosed in such forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties including but not limited to those set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in Leap's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made. Neither Leap, nor any of its affiliates, advisors or representatives, undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Leap's views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof. CONTACT: Douglas E. Onsi President & Chief Executive Officer Leap Therapeutics, Inc. 617-714-0360 [email protected] Matthew DeYoung Investor Relations Argot Partners 212-600-1902 [email protected] SOURCE Leap Therapeutics, Inc.

HONG KONG, March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Akeso Inc. ("Akeso", 9926. HK) announced the enrollment of the first patient in the registrational Phase III clinical study comparing Cadonilimab (PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody) combined with chemotherapy versus Tislelizumab (PD-1 antibody) combined with chemotherapy in the first-line treatment for patients with PD-L1 negative (PD-L1 TPS＜1%) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (NCT05990127). Lung cancer is a prevalent malignancy with significant global incidence and mortality rates. Retrospective studies conducted both worldwide and in China have revealed that PD-L1 negative expression is observed in up to 48% of patients with driver gene-negative NSCLC. Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy stands as the first-line standard treatment for these patients. However, current treatment approaches provide limited survival benefits for PD-L1 negative patients. Hence, there exists a pressing clinical imperative for novel treatment modalities to enhance patients' clinical outcomes. Compared to PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies, PD-1 monoclonal antibody plus CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody combined with chemotherapy provides greater benefits for the PD-L1 negative population. Previous studies have demonstrated that Cadonilimab possesses a "high efficacy, low toxicity" pro shows clinical efficacy in NSCLC patients with PD-L1 negative expression. The previous clinical studies have demonstrated that the combination therapy of cadonilimab as a first-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer and advanced cervical cancer provides significant survival benefits for the all-comer patients, irrespective of their PD-L1 expression levels. Furthermore, it exhibits robust anti-tumor effects even in patients with low PD-L1 expression or negative status. This therapeutic approach effectively addresses the limitations of current PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibody immunotherapy and has the potential to reshape the landscape of cancer treatment. Akeso anticipates that Cadonilimab, in the treatment of PD-L1 negative NSCLC population, will continue its unique advantages observed in gastric and cervical cancers, becoming a new generation of efficient immunotherapy regimen for first-line treatment of advanced PD-L1 negative NSCLC patients. View original content: SOURCE Akeso, Inc. Company Codes: HongKong:9926

Application based on results from global Phase 3 RATIONALE-305 trial demonstrating TEVIMBRA plus chemotherapy significantly improved overall survival in advanced gastric/GEJ cancer Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date set for December 2024 BASEL, Switzerland & BEIJING & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160; SSE: 688235), a global oncology company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted a Biologics License Application (BLA) for TEVIMBRA® (tislelizumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma. The FDA’s action date on the BLA is expected in December 2024. “There is an urgent need for new treatment options for gastric cancer, which is often diagnosed at the advanced or metastatic stage,” said Mark Lanasa, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, Solid Tumors at BeiGene. “In clinical trials, TEVIMBRA has demonstrated its potential to improve survival for patients with gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer. This FDA acceptance brings us one step closer to delivering on a new treatment option for patients who often face poor prognoses.” The filing is based on results from the global RATIONALE-305 trial. The study met its primary endpoint of overall survival of 15.0 months for patients treated with TEVIMBRA in combination with investigator’s choice of chemotherapy compared to 12.9 months for patients treated with placebo plus chemotherapy (n=997; HR: 0.80 [95% CI: 0.70, 0.92]; P=0.0011), demonstrating a 20% reduction in the risk of death. Additionally, TEVIMBRA plus chemotherapy was associated with a higher objective response rate (47.3% vs. 40.5%) and median duration of response (8.6 months vs. 7.2 months) compared to placebo plus chemotherapy. Median progression-free survival for TEVIMBRA plus chemotherapy was 6.9 months vs. 6.2 months respectively; (HR: 0.78 [95% CI: 0.67, 0.90]). The safety pro TEVIMBRA in combination with chemotherapy was manageable and in line with the known safety pro anti-PD-1 antibodies. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 53.8% of patients in the TEVIMBRA plus chemotherapy arm and 49.8% of patients in the placebo plus chemotherapy arm. The most common TRAEs of any grade with an incidence ≥30% were nausea, decreased appetite, platelet count decreased, neutrophil count decreased, vomiting, and anaemia. TEVIMBRA was recently approved by the European Commission for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after prior chemotherapy. The FDA is also reviewing a BLA for TEVIMBRA as a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable, recurrent, locally advanced, or metastatic ESCC with a target action date in July 2024. A BLA for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic ESCC after prior chemotherapy is also under review by the FDA. BeiGene has launched more than 17 potentially registration-enabling trials with TEVIMBRA, of which 11 Phase 3 randomized trials and 4 Phase 2 trials have already had positive readouts. Through these trials, TEVIMBRA has demonstrated its ability to safely deliver clinically meaningful improvements in survival benefits and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of cancer patients across a range of tumor types – in many cases, regardless of PD-(L)1 status – both as monotherapy and in combination with other regimens. More than 900,000 patients have been prescribed TEVIMBRA globally to date. About RATIONALE-305 RATIONALE-305 (NCT03777657) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, global Phase 3 that enrolled 997 patients with advanced unresectable or metastatic G/GEJ adenocarcinoma. The primary endpoint was OS, with prespecified hierarchy testing for the PD-L1 high population followed by the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. Results of the final analysis of the ITT population were presented as a late-breaking oral presentation during the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2023. About Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction (G/GEJ) Adenocarcinoma Gastric (stomach) cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fifth highest leading cause of cancer mortality.1 Nearly 1 million new patients were diagnosed with gastric cancer in 2022, and 660,000 deaths were reported globally. In the U.S., it is estimated there were approximately 27,000 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer and 11,000 deaths from the disease in 2024.2 The five-year survival rate for gastric cancer in the U.S. is 36%.3 Gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma occurs at the area where the esophagus joins the stomach, which is just beneath the diaphragm (the thin sheet of breathing muscle under the lungs).4 About TEVIMBRA® (tislelizumab) Tislelizumab is a uniquely designed humanized immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody with high affinity and binding specificity against PD-1. It is designed to minimize binding to Fc-gamma (Fcγ) receptors on macrophages, helping to aid the body’s immune cells to detect and fight tumors. About BeiGene BeiGene is a global oncology company that is discovering and developing innovative treatments that are more affordable and accessible to cancer patients worldwide. With a broad portfolio, we are expediting development of our diverse pipeline of novel therapeutics through our internal capabilities and collaborations. We are committed to radically improving access to medicines for far more patients who need them. Our growing global team of more than 10,000 colleagues spans five continents, with administrative offices in Basel, Beijing, and Cambridge, U.S. To learn more about BeiGene, please visit and follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly known as Twitter). Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws, including statements regarding TEVIMBRA’s potential to improve survival for patients with gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer; the ability of TEVIMBRA to be a treatment option for patients with poor prognoses; future regulatory approval of TEVIMBRA; TEVIMBRA’s ability to safely delivery clinically meaningful improvements in survival benefits and quality of life to cancer patients; BeiGene’s advancement, anticipated clinical development, regulatory submissions and commercialization of TEVIMBRA; and BeiGene’s plans, commitments, aspirations, and goals under the heading “About BeiGene.” Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including BeiGene's ability to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of its drug candidates; the clinical results for its drug candidates, which may not support further development or marketing approval; actions of regulatory agencies, which may affect the initiation, timing, and progress of clinical trials and marketing approval; BeiGene's ability to achieve commercial success for its marketed medicines and drug candidates, if approved; BeiGene's ability to obtain and maintain protection of intellectual property for its medicines and technology; BeiGene's reliance on third parties to conduct drug development, manufacturing, commercialization, and other services; BeiGene’s limited experience in obtaining regulatory approvals and commercializing pharmaceutical products and its ability to obtain additional funding for operations and to complete the development of its drug candidates and achieve and maintain profitability; and those risks more fully discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in BeiGene’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in BeiGene's subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and BeiGene undertakes no duty to update such information unless required by law. To access BeiGene media resources, please visit our News & Media site. 1 Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: . Accessed February 9, 2024. 2 American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2024. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2024. 3 National Cancer Institute. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Cancer stat facts: stomach cancer. Available at . Accessed January 22, 2024. 4 American Cancer Society. What Is Stomach Cancer? . View source version on businesswire.com: Contacts Investor: Liza Heapes +1 857-302-5663 ir@beigene.com Media: Kyle Blankenship +1 667-351-5176 media@beigene.com Source: BeiGene, Ltd. 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