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Intratumoral Nidlegy™ followed by surgery significantly improved the Recurrence-Free Survival compared to surgery alone PIVOTAL (NCT02938299) is the first and so far only Phase III trial demonstrating statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefit of a neoadjuvant therapy in fully resectable locally advanced melanoma patients Nidlegy™ is the first immunocytokine product to show positive data in a Phase III randomized clinical trial The results will be presented at an upcoming international medical meeting and submitted to peer-reviewed journal, as well as to regulatory authorities Nidlegy™ is also currently developed for the treatment of high-risk locally advanced basal cell carcinoma and other types of non-melanoma skin cancers SIENA, Italy and MUMBAI, India, Oct. 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Philogen S.p.A. (BIT:PHIL) and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (Reuters: SUN.BO, Bloomberg: SUNP IN, NSE: SUNPHARMA, BSE: 524715 (together with its subsidiaries and/or associated companies, “Sun Pharma”)) are pleased to announce positive results from the Phase III PIVOTAL trial in patients with locally advanced fully resectable melanoma (NCT02938299). The study compared neoadjuvant intratumoral Nidlegy™ (Daromun) followed by surgery (treatment arm) vs. surgery alone (control arm). Patients were allowed to receive approved adjuvant systemic therapies after surgery in both arms. According to the protocol, the primary endpoint of the study was the Recurrence-Free Survival (RFS) assessed per Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) for patients treated with Nidlegy™, compared to the control arm. At median follow-up of 27.6 months in both groups, the study met its primary endpoint with a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in RFS of the treatment arm compared to the control arm. This positive outcome was consistently in line with the Investigators’ Assessment: a significant reduction of the hazard risk ratio of 33% (HR = 0.67) and 37% (HR = 0.63), respectively, favoring the treatment arm, was observed both in the BICR and in the Investigators’ Assessment analysis. Treatment-related adverse events observed with Nidlegy™ were benign and manageable, consistent with the proposed mechanism of action and with the favorable safety profile previously reported in the Phase II study [Danielli et al. (2015) Cancer Immunol. Immunother., 64, 999]. Grade 3 adverse events occurred in 24.8% of the treated patients. Neither grade 4 toxicity nor treatment-related deaths were observed in the study. Nidlegy™ treatment was not associated with the induction of autoimmune conditions. PIVOTAL enrolled 257 patients in Europe across 22 clinical centers in Germany, Italy, France and Poland. The results, including sub-group analyses, will be presented at a forthcoming medical meeting. Nidlegy™ is also being developed in dedicated Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of aggressive forms of non-melanoma skin cancer, including high-risk locally advanced basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Prof. Dario Neri, co-founder, CEO and CSO of Philogen, commented: "We are extremely pleased to announce positive topline data emerging from our PIVOTAL program in locally advanced resectable melanoma. The clinical data in melanoma and high-risk non melanoma skin cancers bode well for the possible adoption of intralesional Nidlegy™ in a series of Dermato-Oncology indications. Philogen is currently executing six additional advanced clinical trials with registration potential featuring either Nidlegy™ or Fibromun, the company’s most advanced product candidates, as active ingredients.” Alfredo Covelli, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Philogen, commented: "Neoadjuvant cytokine therapy for the treatment of locally advanced skin cancers enables a robust expansion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. By anchoring interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor within the tumor mass through the L19 antibody moiety, we minimize systemic side effects while mounting a systemic robust anti-cancer immune response. This Phase 3 study merged the intralesional approach with IL2, pioneered by Prof. Claus Garbe more than 20 years ago, with the concepts of antibody-based tumor targeting, and with neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced melanoma. The approach may find a broad applicability in different types of cancer.” Hellen De Kloet, Business Head - Western Europe and ANZ, Sun Pharma, said: "We are looking forward to commercializing Nidlegy™ in Europe, Australia and New Zealand as the first neoadjuvant immunotherapy for patients with resectable advanced melanoma. Nidlegy™, as an intralesional therapeutic option, addresses the existing significant unmet need for effective and well-tolerated treatments in patients, before undergoing surgery.” Philogen and Sun Pharma announced on May 30th, 2023, to have entered into distribution, license and supply agreement for commercializing Nidlegy™ in Europe, Australia and New Zealand for the treatment of skin cancers. About Nidlegy™ (Daromun) Nidlegy™ is a biopharmaceutical product, proprietary to Philogen, designed for the treatment of skin cancer. It consists of two active ingredients, L19IL2 and L19TNF which are manufactured independently, and which are mixed prior to intralesional administration. The L19 antibody is specific to the Extra Domain B of Fibronectin, a protein expressed in tumors (and other diseases) but absent in most healthy tissues. Interleukin 2 (IL2) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) are pro-inflammatory cytokines with anti-tumor activity. Nidlegy™ is currently being investigated in two Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of locally advanced melanoma, and in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of High-Risk Basal Cell Carcinoma and other non-melanoma skin cancers. About PIVOTAL Phase III study PIVOTAL is a phase III, international, multi-center, randomized, comparator-controlled, parallel-group study evaluating the efficacy and safety of intratumoral injections of Nidlegy™ as a neoadjuvant treatment, followed by standard-of-care treatment (surgery), as opposed to standard-of-care treatment (i.e., surgery alone), in melanoma patients with locally advanced, fully resectable cutaneous, sub-cutaneous (including satellite/in transit metastases), or nodal metastases, accessible to intratumoral injection. For both arms, adjuvant treatment with approved drugs was allowed. Nidlegy™ was injected intralesionally up to four times, once a week before surgery. About locally advanced fully resectable melanoma Melanoma is skin tumor which begins when melanocytes start growing without control. Melanocytes are found in the basal layer of the epidermis at the boundary with the next layer (the dermis). Locally advanced melanoma is a metastatic cancer in which neoplastic lesions have spread to drainage area of regional lymph nodes and can appear as micrometastases, satellite/in transit metastases, and/or lymph node metastases. To date, these patients with resectable disease receive surgery, possibly followed by approved adjuvant systemic therapies. There is no approved drug for the treatment of locally advanced fully resectable melanoma in the neoadjuvant setting. About Philogen Philogen (https://www.philogen.com) is an Italian-Swiss biotechnology company specialized in the research and development of innovative pharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer. The Group's main therapeutic strategy is based on the use of ligands capable to selectively deliver potent payloads (such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, drugs or radionuclides) to the tumor mass, sparing healthy tissues. Over the years, Philogen has discovered and developed monoclonal antibody- and small molecule-based ligands with high affinity to tumor-associated antigens. The Group is headquartered in Siena, Italy, with a subsidiary and research center in Zurich, Switzerland. In addition to its main oncology focus, Philogen is also active in the development of novel pharmaceuticals for the treatment of chronic and debilitating conditions. About Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (CIN - L24230GJ1993PLC019050): Sun Pharma is the world’s fourth largest specialty generics company with presence in Specialty, Generics and Consumer Healthcare products. It is the largest pharmaceutical company in India and is a leading generic company in the US as well as Global Emerging Markets. Sun’s high growth Global Specialty portfolio spans innovative products in dermatology, ophthalmology, and onco-dermatology and accounts for over 16% of company sales. The company’s vertically integrated operations deliver high-quality medicines, trusted by physicians and consumers in over 100 countries. Its manufacturing facilities are spread across six continents. Sun Pharma is proud of its multi-cultural workforce drawn from over 50 nations. For further information, please visit www.sunpharma.com and follow us on “X” @SunPharma_Live FOR MORE INFORMATION: Philogen - Investor Relations IR@philogen.com - Emanuele Puca | Investor Relations Sun Pharma InvestorsMedia Dr. Abhishek SharmaGaurav Chugh Tel+ 91 22 4324 4324, Ext 2929 Tel+ 91 22 4324 4324, Ext 5373Tel Direct+ 91 22 43242929 Tel Direct+ 91 22 43245373Mobile+ 91 98196 86016 Mobile+ 91 98104 71414E mailabhi.sharma@sunpharma.com E mailgaurav.chugh@sunpharma.com Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by words such as “aims,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “goal,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “possible,” “potential,” “seeks,” “will” and variations of these words or similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding anticipated advancement of preclinical development efforts and initiation and progression of clinical trials; anticipated enrollment in and progression of Philogen’s clinical trials; the availability of data from clinical trials and preclinical studies; anticipated regulatory filings; the therapeutic potential of Philogen’s product candidates; Philogen’s ability to achieve planned milestones. Philogen may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including: risks to site initiation, clinical trial commencement, patient enrollment and follow-up, as well as to Philogen’s and its partners’ abilities to meet other anticipated deadlines and milestones; uncertainties inherent in the initiation and completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials and clinical development of Philogen’s product candidates by Philogen or its partners; the risk that Philogen may not realize the intended benefits of its technology; availability and timing of results from preclinical studies and clinical trials; whether the outcomes of preclinical studies will be predictive of clinical trial results; whether initial or interim results from a clinical trial will be predictive of the final results of the trial or the results of future trials; the risk that trials and studies may be delayed and may not have satisfactory outcomes; potential adverse effects arising from the testing or use of Philogen’s product candidates; risks related to Philogen’s ability to maintain existing collaborations and realize the benefits thereof; expectations for regulatory approvals to conduct trials or to market products; other factors which could cause our actual result to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, as also described in greater detail in the Risk Factors section in the prospectus drafted by Philogen and approved by Consob on February 17, 2021. 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The Phase II clinical trial investigates Philogen's immunocytokines (i) L19IL2 (ii) L19TNF, and (iii) Nidlegy™ in combination with MSD’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in stage III and IV unresectable melanoma patients who previously failed treatment with checkpoint inhibitors Siena, Italy, June 1st, 2023 - Philogen S.p.A., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative medicines based on tumor-targeting antibodies and small molecule ligands, announces that it has entered into a Clinical Trial Collaboration and Supply Agreement with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA). Under the terms of the supply agreement, MSD provides their anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), to be evaluated in combination with Philogen's immunocytokines L19IL2, L19TNF, and Nidlegy™ in a randomized Phase II clinical trial. The study provides an opportunity to explore the combination of immunocytokines and PD-1 blockade in stage III and IV unresectable melanoma patients who failed prior checkpoint inhibitor therapies. Nidlegy™ is also investigated in two Phase III randomized clinical trials for the treatment of stage III B/C melanoma in Europe and in the United States, as well as in two Phase II clinical trials in High-Risk Basal Cell Carcinoma and other non-melanoma skin cancers. Dario Neri, CEO and CSO of Philogen, commented: "KEYTRUDA® has shown impressive response rates and long-term benefits for a substantial number of patients with advanced melanoma. However, only a minor proportion of patients who fail checkpoint inhibitors typically benefit from a subsequent re-challenge with single-agent PD-1 blockade. Clinical experience with intralesional recombinant IL2 has shown encouraging response rates when combined with systemic anti-PD-1 antibodies in advanced melanoma patients who progressed on or are resistant to checkpoint inhibitors. This provides a strong rationale to combine Nidlegy™ (L19IL2 + L19TNF) with KEYTRUDA® in this setting, and we are pleased to partner with MSD, a global leader in immuno-oncology, to explore this opportunity." KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA. Nidlegy™ is a registered trademark of Philogen S.p.A. of La Lizza 7, 53100 Siena, ITALY. * * * Philogen Group Description Philogen is an Italian-Swiss company active in the biotechnology sector, specialized in the research and development of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of highly lethal diseases. The Group mainly discovers and develops targeted anticancer drugs, exploiting high-affinity ligands for tumor markers (also called tumor antigens). These ligands - human monoclonal antibodies or small organic molecules - are identified using Antibody Phage Display Libraries and DNA-EncodedChemical Library technologies. The Group's main therapeutic strategy for the treatment of these diseases is represented by the so-called tumor targeting. This approach is based on the use of ligands capable of selectively delivering very potent therapeutic active ingredients (such as pro-inflammatory cytokines) to the tumor mass, sparing healthy tissues. Over the years, Philogen has mainly developed monoclonal antibody-based ligands that are specific for antigens expressed in tumor-associated blood vessels, but not expressed in blood vessels associated with healthy tissues. These antigens are usually more abundant and more stable than those expressed directly on the surface of tumor cells. This approach, so called vascular targeting, is used for most of the projects pursued by the Group. The Group's objective is to generate, develop and market innovative products for the treatment of diseases for which medical science has not yet identified satisfactory therapies. This is achieved by exploiting (i) proprietary technologies for the isolation of ligands that react with antigens present in certain diseases, (ii) experience in the development of products targeted at the tissues affected by the disease, (iii) experience in drug manufacturing and development, and (iv) an extensive portfolio of patents and intellectual property rights. Although the Group's drugs are primarily oncology applications, the targeting approach is also potentially applicable to other diseases, such as certain chronic inflammatory diseases. * * * FOR MORE INFORMATION: Philogen - Investor Relations IR@philogen.com - Emanuele Puca | Investor Relations Consilium Strategic Communications contacts Mary-Jane Elliott, Davide Salvi Philogen@consilium-comms.com