Venetoclax

Peer-reviewed publication details unique TUS mechanism of action TUS+VEN combination synthetic lethality overcomes resistance to VEN Tuspetinib prolongs survival in multiple AML models resistant to other drugs Findings suggest TUS will demonstrate broad antileukemic activity across AML patients TUS+VEN+AZA Triplet Frontline Therapy in Newly Diagnosed AML Patients Now Enrolling SAN DIEGO and TORONTO, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aptose Biosciences Inc. (“Aptose” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: APTO, TSX: APS), a clinical-stage precision oncology company developing highly differentiated targeted agents to treat hematologic malignancies, today announced the publication of preclinical data for Aptose’s lead hematology compound tuspetinib (TUS) in Cancer Research Communications, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), available online now (link). The publication, entitled “Preclinical development of tuspetinib for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia,” is the first preclinical profiling of tuspetinib, a well-tolerated, once daily, oral kinase inhibitor currently in clinical development for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The publication defines TUS activities on select oncogenic signaling targets, demonstrates enhanced activity and safety of TUS when combined with other agents, and illustrates synthetic lethality when combined with venetoclax (VEN). Pharmacokinetic and toxicology studies revealed that TUS is readily absorbed and achieves plasma concentrations sufficient to inhibit the target kinases, it has a plasma half-life that supports once daily dosing, and it demonstrates a favorable safety profile. Aptose is now enrolling newly diagnosed AML patients in a Phase 1/2 clinical study to receive the tuspetinib + venetoclax + azacitidine (TUS+VEN+AZA) triplet combination (NCT03850574). Clinical studies in patients with relapsed or refractory AML receiving TUS single agent or the TUS+VEN combination have been completed. “The non-clinical findings presented in the publication suggest that TUS will demonstrate favorable safety and a breadth of antileukemic activity across AML patient populations with a diversity of adverse mutations, and the initial clinical data is bearing that out,” said William G. Rice, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are eager for the next set of data in our triplet combination trial of TUS+VEN+AZA.” Key findings: Tuspetinib inhibits a defined cluster of oncogenic signaling kinases operative in AML TUS inhibits SYK, JAK1/2, RSK2, mutant KIT, and wild type and mutant forms of FLT3TUS potently killed AML lines (GI50 = 1.3 to 5.2 nM) and Ba/F3 cells expressing wildtype (GI50 = 9.1 nM) or various mutant forms of FLT3 (GI50 = 2.5 – 56 nM)TUS dampens stroma-induced activation of FLT3-ITD signaling in AML cells TUS prolongs survival in multiple AML models Oral TUS markedly extended survival in subcutaneously and orthotopically inoculated xenograft models of FLT3 mutant human AML, was well tolerated, and delivered enhanced activity when combined with venetoclax or 5-azacytidine TUS combines effectively with other classes of agents to kill AML cells with mutations in RAS and other difficult-to-treat adverse mutationsTUS was 2.1-15-fold and a 4.5-13-fold more potent than gilteritinib at blocking fibrinogen and immunoglobulin-mediated activation of SYK in KG-1a cellsThe most notable observation was the marked and unexpected synthetic lethal vulnerability to venetoclax and two MCL1 inhibitors in the TUS-resistant cells About Aptose Aptose Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to developing precision medicines addressing unmet medical needs in oncology, with an initial focus on hematology. The Company's small molecule cancer therapeutics pipeline includes products designed to provide single agent efficacy and to enhance the efficacy of other anti-cancer therapies and regimens without overlapping toxicities. The Company’s lead clinical-stage, oral kinase inhibitor tuspetinib (TUS) has demonstrated activity as a monotherapy and in combination therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is being developed as a frontline triplet therapy in newly diagnosed AML. For more information, please visit www.aptose.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian and U.S. securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the therapeutic potential of tuspetinib, its clinical development and safety profile, including that it combines effectively with other classes of agents and will demonstrate a favorable safety profile and a breadth of antileukemic activity across an AML patient population with a diversity of adverse mutations, as well as statements relating to the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements including words such as “continue”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “may”, and other similar expressions. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements described in this press release. Such factors could include, among others: our ability to obtain the capital required for research and operations and to continue as a going concern; the inherent risks in early stage drug development including demonstrating efficacy; development time/cost and the regulatory approval process; the progress of our clinical trials; our ability to find and enter into agreements with potential partners; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; changing market conditions; inability of new manufacturers to produce acceptable batches of GMP in sufficient quantities; unexpected manufacturing defects; and other risks detailed from time-to-time in our ongoing quarterly filings, annual information forms, annual reports and annual filings with Canadian securities regulators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions set out in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our filings with Canadian securities regulators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission underlying those forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and we do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. We cannot assure you that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. For further information, please contact: Aptose Biosciences Inc.Susan PietropaoloCorporate Communications & Investor Relations201-923-2049spietropaolo@aptose.com

KRAKOW, Poland, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryvu Therapeutics (WSE: RVU), a clinical-stage drug discovery and development company focusing on novel therapies that address emerging targets in oncology, provided an update on clinical progress and data in the Phase II program RVU120, its fully-owned first-in-class dual CDK8/19 inhibitor, currently being developed to treat hematologic malignancies. Paweł Przewięźlikowski, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ryvu Therapeutics said: - 2024 has been transformative for RVU120 development plan in hematologic malignancies, marked by activating over 100 clinical sites across Europe and North America. By the year-end, we expect to enroll almost 100 patients across all four Phase II studies launched this year, demonstrating the scale and efficiency of our global clinical efforts. This progress aligns with the budget we planned back in 2023. As we enter 2025, we are poised to carry strong enrollment momentum and the ambition to generate informative efficacy readouts in the coming months. KEY OVERALL UPDATES Ryvu successfully launched all four RVU120 Phase II clinical studies planned for 2024: RIVER-52, RIVER-81, POTAMI-61 and REMARK - with all studies progressing on track toward key efficacy analyses in H1 2025. Study sites: As of December 11, 2024, Ryvu activated 106 clinical sites in Poland, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Canada. The Company estimates that across all four RVU120 Phase II studies, 113 sites will have been activated by the end of 2024. Study enrollment: Enrollment is accelerating, with 78 patients enrolled as of December 11, 2024. Ryvu anticipates dosing ~100 patients by year-end. The pace of recruitment has picked up significantly since September 2024, with nearly three times as many patients expected to be treated in Q4 2024 alone compared to the combined total from Q1 to Q3. Safety: RVU120 demonstrates a favorable safety profile compared to other drugs used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Efficacy: o In the RIVER-81 study (RVU120 in combination with venetoclax in patients with relapsed/refractory AML, r/r AML, who have failed a previous venetoclax/HMA-based regimen), within eight patients treated with RVU120 at 250 mg (RP2D) that had at least one evaluable post-baseline assessment, one patient achieved a complete remission (CR), and another patient achieved a significant blast reduction. Part 1 of the study (combination dose escalation) was completed, and Part 2 is currently enrolling at the full doses of RVU120 (250 mg) and venetoclax (400 mg). o In the RIVER-52 study (RVU120 as a monotherapy in patients with r/r AML and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes; HR-MDS), one of two evaluable patients in cohort 2 (NPM1 mutation) achieved a 50% blast reduction, while disease stabilizations and reduction of peripheral blasts were observed in patients in cohort 3 (DNMT3A mutation). o Key efficacy readouts in both RIVER-52 and RIVER-81 studies and the first efficacy data in the POTAMI-61 and REMARK trials are expected in H1 2025. All studies align with the originally planned budgets, while Ryvu's cash runway guidance to Q1 2026 remains unchanged. Hendrik Nogai, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Ryvu Therapeutics said: - The growing body of evidence confirms that RVU120 appears to have a favorable safety profile compared to other drugs used for treating similar hematologic malignancies, both in monotherapy and in combination with venetoclax. The RIVER-81 study has progressed to Part 2 with positive signals, including a complete remission in one patient treated with RVU120 at a dose of 250 mg. Similarly, the RIVER-52 study provides early signs of efficacy, but more data are needed to evaluate RVU120 in the targeted population. With increased enrollment, we expect to obtain a representative number of patients in H1 2025. In this timeframe, we also plan to obtain the first efficacy data in the POTAMI-61 and REMARK studies. ABOUT RVU120 AND UPDATES BY PHASE II STUDY RVU120 is a selective, first-in-class dual CDK8/19 kinase inhibitor developed by Ryvu Therapeutics. RVU120 as monotherapy has demonstrated clinical activity in a Phase Ib (RIVER-51) study, where 50% of evaluable patients with r/r AML or HR-MDS achieved clinical benefit, including a complete remission, a morphologic leukemia-free state, transition to a bone-marrow transplant, two-year disease stabilization, multiple clinically significant blast reductions, hematologic improvements, and reduction of bone marrow fibrosis. In particular, early signs of efficacy were observed in patients with NPM1 and DNMT3A mutations, as well as in patients with HR-MDS. RVU120 achieved target engagement of 50-70% at a dose of 250 mg, which was selected as a recommended Phase II dose (RP2D). These levels are expected to produce robust antileukemic efficacy in Phase II studies. Following the announcement of the updated development plan for the RVU120 program in October 2023, Ryvu successfully launched all four planned Phase II studies in hematologic malignancies in 2024 (RIVER-52, RIVER-81, POTAMI-61 and REMARK). Ryvu initiated a global clinical program with the activation as of December 11, 2024, of 106 sites in Poland, Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Canada. RIVER-81: Phase II study of RVU120 in combination with venetoclax administered to patients with AML who are relapsed or refractory to prior therapy with venetoclax and a hypomethylating agent (NCT06191263). The RIVER-81 study is a multicenter, open-label clinical trial that aims to assess the safety, tolerability, efficacy, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD). The study is divided into three parts. Part 1 aims to identify safe and tolerated doses of RVU120 and venetoclax when used in combination through dose escalation of both study drugs. In Part 2, the selected doses will be evaluated for safety and efficacy in a larger group of patients. Part 3 is confirmatory. The planned overall enrollment for the study is approximately 35 to 98 patients, depending on the decision on the final scope of the study, driven by the data. The first patient in the study was dosed on January 31, 2024. Since then, the study has completed Part 1 by progressing through the following dose levels: dose level 1 (125 mg of RVU120 and 200 mg of venetoclax), dose level 2 (200 mg and 200 mg respectively) and dose level 3 (250 mg and 400 mg respectively). RVU120 has demonstrated a consistent safety profile, with no new signals observed when combined with venetoclax at any dose level. The Company has successfully completed Part 1 of the study and, based on the results, decided to advance it to Part 2, which is currently enrolling. Completion of Stage 1 enrollment for Part 2 (18 patients) is expected in Q1 2025. The RIVER-81 study was initially launched at the clinical sites in Poland and Italy, followed by the activation of additional sites in Spain and France. As of December 11, 2024, all 33 sites planned for this year had been activated in these countries. As of December 11, 2024, 28 patients were enrolled, with one patient (within eight patients treated with RVU120 at 250 mg (RP2D) that had at least one evaluable post-baseline assessment) achieving a CR and another achieving a blast reduction to a level below 5%. RIVER-52: Phase II study of RVU120 as a single agent for the treatment of patients with genetically defined subtypes of AML (including NPM1 and DNMT3A mutations) and HR-MDS who have no alternative treatment options (NCT06268574). The RIVER-52 study is a multicenter, open-label clinical trial designed to assess the safety, tolerability, anti-tumor activity (efficacy), pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD). The study is divided into two parts. Part 1 aims to assess the level of anti-tumor activity in patients with genetically defined subtypes of AML, including NPM1 and DNMT3A mutations, as well as in patients with HR-MDS. Based on the outcomes of Part 1, Part 2 will further evaluate the safety, tolerability, and anti-tumor activity in a larger group of patients within the subtypes that exhibit the highest sensitivity to RVU120. The planned overall enrollment is approximately 40 to 140 patients, depending on the decision on the final scope of the study, driven by the data. The first patient in the study was dosed on February 14, 2024. The RIVER-52 study was initially launched at clinical sites in Poland and Italy. Starting in September 2024, the study expanded to Spain, France and Canada. As of December 11, 2024, 42 out of 44 sites planned for this year had been activated. As of December 11, 2024, 31 patients were enrolled, including 24 patients in cohorts 2-4 (NPM1-mutated, DNMT3A-mutated, and HR-MDS, respectively). One of two evaluable patients in cohort 2 achieved 50% blast reduction, while disease stabilizations and reductions of peripheral blasts were observed in patients in cohort 3. Enrollment in the study significantly accelerated in Q4 2024 and is expected to lead to key efficacy readouts in the coming months. Data from at least 10 patients in each cohorts 2-4 are expected in H1 2025. POTAMI-61: Phase II study of RVU120 as a single agent and in combination with ruxolitinib (RUX) for the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis (MF) (NCT06397313). The POTAMI-61 study is a multicenter, open-label Phase II study of RVU120, being explored as a single agent for the treatment of patients with primary or secondary MF previously treated with or ineligible for a JAK inhibitor, e.g., ruxolitinib, and in combination with ruxolitinib for patients with suboptimal response to JAK inhibitors. Key endpoints will include spleen volume reduction (SVR), total symptom score (TSS) improvement, and reduction of bone marrow fibrosis. The study has been initiated based on RVU120's clinical safety and efficacy data observed in the RIVER-51 (Phase Ib in AML/HR-MDS) study, as well as translational data in MF generated in cooperation with Prof. Raajit Rampal from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. In vivo data demonstrate the beneficial effects of CDK8 inhibition in improving symptoms of MF, i.e., splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, anemia, and thrombopenia. Importantly, disease modification properties of RVU120 were shown by the reduction of mutated allele burden. RVU120 can potentially become a novel therapeutic strategy in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including MF. The POTAMI-61 study consists of two parts. Part A of the study, with a planned enrollment of approximately 20 patients, will comprise two cohorts: 1) single-agent therapy with RVU120 in patients resistant or refractory to prior JAK inhibitor treatment or ineligible for JAK inhibitor treatment and 2) RVU120 in combination with RUX in patients who experience a suboptimal response to prior JAK inhibitor treatment. Depending on results from Part A, cohorts 1 and/or 2 could be expanded in Part B, which will further assess safety, tolerability, and antitumor activity in a larger cohort, totaling up to approximately 230 patients for both Part A and Part B combined. RVU120 could also be investigated in a frontline setting in cohort 3. Ryvu will initially proceed with the execution of Part A of the study, while the decision on the potential initiation of Part B will be based on the outcomes of Part A. The first patient in the study was dosed on December 4, 2024, and five more patients were undergoing screening as of December 11, 2024. Part A of the study will initially enroll patients across clinical sites in Poland and Italy. If Ryvu decides to initiate Part B, the study will expand to include additional sites in the EU and non-EU countries, totaling approximately 50 clinical sites worldwide. As of December 11, 2024, 12 out of 17 sites planned for this year had been activated. Initial efficacy data is expected in Q2 2025, based on a 12-week patient observation period. REMARK: Phase II study of RVU120 as a single agent for the treatment of patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS) (NCT06243458) The REMARK study is a multicenter, open-label Phase II study of RVU120, conducted as an investigator-initiated trial with the European Myelodysplastic Neoplasms Cooperative Group (EMSCO), with Prof. Uwe Platzbecker serving as the Coordinating Principal Investigator (CPI). REMARK has been initiated based on the clinical safety and efficacy data gathered so far, and strong preclinical and mechanistic rationale. MDS pathogenesis is influenced by gene expression alterations that hinder the maturation of hematopoietic cells. RVU120 triggers erythroid gene expression programs orchestrated by STAT5 and GATA1 in aberrant stem cells from MDS patients. Importantly, RVU120's activity does not lead to significant hematopoietic toxicity. As a result, RVU120 is a promising drug candidate for treating transfusion-dependent MDS patients. In the REMARK study, the planned overall enrollment is approximately 40 patients who receive RVU120 for at least 8 complete cycles (24 weeks). The primary goal is to achieve hematologic improvement in the form of an erythroid response (HI-E), with secondary goals including independence from RBC transfusions, improvement in hemoglobin levels, quality of life, disease progression, and analysis of specific gene mutations. The first patient in the study was dosed on September 19, 2024, and as of December 11, 2024, 18 patients were treated. Patient enrollment commenced across five countries: Poland, Germany, France, Spain and Italy. As of December 11, 2024, 19 out of a planned total of 24 sites were activated. Initial efficacy data is expected in Q2 2025, based on a 16-week observation period. NEXT STEPS AND UPCOMING NEWSFLOW RVU120 Phase II data update in Q2 2025. Following the key efficacy data expected in H1 2025, Ryvu plans to update stakeholders on the clinical progress of RVU120 in Q2 2025. About Ryvu Therapeutics Ryvu Therapeutics is a clinical-stage drug discovery and development company focused on novel therapies that address emerging targets in oncology. Internally discovered pipeline candidates at Ryvu use diverse therapeutic mechanisms driven by emerging knowledge of cancer biology, including small molecules directed at kinases, synthetic lethality, and immuno-oncology targets. Ryvu's most advanced program is RVU120, a selective CDK8/CDK19 kinase inhibitor with the potential to treat hematological malignancies and solid tumors. RVU120 is currently in Phase II development (i) as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML) and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) – the RIVER-52 study, (ii) in combination with venetoclax for the treatment of patients with r/r AML – the RIVER-81 study, (iii) as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS) – the REMARK study, (iv) as a monotherapy and in combination with ruxolitinib for the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis (MF) – the POTAMI-61 study. MEN1703 (SEL24) is a dual PIM/FLT3 kinase inhibitor licensed to the Menarini Group that is expected to start a Phase II study in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), JASPIS-01, in Q4 2024. RVU305, a potentially best-in-class MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor aiming to treat multiple solid tumors, is currently undergoing IND/CTA-enabling studies. Ryvu Therapeutics is also engaged in oncology collaborations with BioNTech and Exelixis. The Company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Kraków, Poland. Ryvu is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and is a component of the mWIG40 index. For more information, please visit , , . SOURCE Ryvu Therapeutics WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED