FORMA Therapeutics, Inc.

iStock/ YuLi4ka In the wake of Pfizer’s voluntary market withdrawal of the popular sickle cell disease therapy, BioSpace looks at five investigational drugs currently making their way through the pipeline. A recent fumble has left the sickle cell disease community reeling . Last month, Pfizer abruptly pulled Oxbryta from all global markets after new data showed a higher risk of deaths and complications in treated patients. “[Oxbryta] was one of four medications which we would describe as disease-modifying,” Clifford Takemoto, director of clinical hematology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, told BioSpace . Since the approval of Bristol Myers Squibb’s hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease (SCD) in 1998, only three disease-modifying medications have entered the market, he said. Oxbryta, which won FDA accelerated approval in November 2019, was one of these. Another, Novartis’ Adakveo, has also been called into question after failing to reduce vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) in people with SCD in a Phase III trial last year. EU regulators formally revoked Adakveo’s approval in August 2023, but it remains available in the U.S. “We were optimistic that things were changing,” Takemoto said. “People had hoped that these medications would make a difference.” SCD affects more than 100,000 people in the U.S. and 8 million worldwide. With so few treatment options, it remains a seriously underserved population . Takemoto said the Oxbryta withdrawal has left some patients a “bit angry” and distrustful of new medications, and the question for the community remains: “What’s next?” For Takemoto, the ultimate hope for SCD treatment lies in next-gen transplantation and gene therapy. With the approval of bluebird bio’s Lyfgenia and Vertex and CRISPR Therapeutics’ Casgevy, the potential for gene therapies in SCD is there, even if the rollout is slow and for most, not very accessible, he said. St. Jude is developing its own gene therapy, which the research hospital hopes to move into clinical trials sometime next year. Takemoto also pointed to work being done in bone marrow transplantation intended to reduce toxicity and improve success rates. St. Jude is working on a process that will utilize a “half match,” where a parent’s bone marrow can be used instead of a sibling. These treatments could be transformative, Takemoto said. Here, BioSpace looks at five investigational therapies making their way through the SCD pipeline. Pfizer’s Inclacumab and Osivelotor Oxbryta is not the only SCD asset Pfizer brought onboard with its 2022 acquisition of Global Blood Therapeutics . Two other investigational therapies, inclacumab and osivelotor, were also part of the deal. Inclacumab, a P-selectin inhibitor, is currently being assessed in a Phase III trial to determine its safety and efficacy in reducing VOC. The drug works by binding to P-selectin, a cell adhesion molecule found on platelets. According to Pfizer, this prevents platelets from aggregating, which in turn, is expected to help maintain normal blood flow. Like Oxbryta, osivelotor is a sickle hemoglobin polymerization inhibitor, but with a next-generation design. The asset is currently being studied in a Phase II/III study slated for completion in 2028. While Pfizer has not stated whether the recent findings related to Oxbryta will impact the development of osivelotor, Leerink Partners noted that a Phase II study raised safety concerns, with treatment-emergent adverse events seen in 8 out of 35 patients. Agios Pharmaceuticals’ Mitapivat Agios Pharmaceuticals is developing mitapivat, a pyruvate kinase (PK) activator that is already approved for the treatment of hemolytic anemia in adults with PK deficiency, for SCD. Red blood cells require the PK enzyme for energy, Takemoto explained. In December 2023, the company presented positive data from the Phase II portion of its pivotal RISE UP study. The annualized rate of sickle cell pain crises for patients in the higher dose treatment arm was 0.51 compared to 1.71 for participants in the placebo arm. Takemoto said the oral medication seems to benefit red blood cell health in general and noted that the data look favorable for patients with SCD and other hemolytic anemias. But not everyone is as convinced. Leerink Partners analysts wrote last month of concerns that similar physiological effects could be seen with both Oxbryta and mitapivat. A Phase III readout is expected next year, and the company is targeting a label expansion in 2026. Novo Nordisk’s Etavopivat In 2022, Novo Nordisk paid $1.1 billion to acquire Forma Therapeutics, gaining a lead SCD asset, etavopivat, in the deal. Like mitapivat, etavopivat is also a PK activator, but Novo’s candidate comes with a potential advantage —once daily dosing, versus mitapivat’s twice daily regimen. Etavopivat is currently being studied in a Phase III trial slated for completion in 2026. Phase I data presented by Forma at the American Society of Hematology’s annual meeting in 2021 showed a “sustained increase in hemoglobin and improvement in biomarkers of hemolysis and red blood cell health.” The results, from 15 patients dosed for up to 12 weeks, also showed a trend toward decreasing VOC compared to the 12 months prior to their entering the trial. Takemoto said the candidate “looks very promising” so far but acknowledged that “there are things we don’t know about it. We may learn new side effects as it’s used.” St. Jude will serve as a site for the Phase III trial. Fulcrum Therapeutics’ Pociredir Fulcrum Therapeutics ’ pociredir, a polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) inhibitor, is designed to induce expression of fetal hemoglobin to compensate for the mutated hemoglobin that occurs in SCD. The development path for pociredir has not been without bumps. In February 2023, the FDA slapped Fulcrum with a clinical hold based on previously submitted preclinical data and non-clinical and clinical evidence of hematological malignancies observed with other PRC2 inhibitors. The hold was released six months later. The small molecule, which is currently being studied in a Phase Ib trial, has been well-tolerated in people with SCD with no treatment-related adverse events reported after up to three months exposure, according to a press release announcing the lifted clinical hold.

Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) refers to prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body and continues to progress despite treatments that lower testosterone levels (androgen deprivation therapy or ADT) major pharmaceutical companies are heavily investing in research and development of new treatments, including immunotherapy (e.g., sipuleucel-T) and targeted therapies, which are seen as the next frontier in treating mCRPC. The use of precision medicine to identify genetic profiles in patients has further expanded the potential for targeted treatment. LAS VEGAS , Oct. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's ' Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Pipeline Insight 2024 ' report provides comprehensive global coverage of pipeline mCRPC therapies in various stages of clinical development, major pharmaceutical companies are working to advance the pipeline space and future growth potential of the mCRPC pipeline domain. Key Takeaways from the Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Pipeline Report DelveInsight's mCRPC pipeline report depicts a robust space with 90+ active players working to develop 100+ pipeline therapies for mCRPC treatment. Key mCRPC companies such as Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Hinova Pharmaceuticals, Zenith Epigenetic, Eli Lilly and Company, Astellas Pharma, Seagen, Pfizer, Progenics Pharmaceutical, Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, Accutar Biotechnology Inc, Hinova Pharmaceuticals, Forma Therapeutics, Inc., HALDA THERAPEUTICS INC., Tavanta Therapeutics, Lantheus, Pfizer, AB Science, Syntrix Pharmaceuticals, Exelixis, Laekna Therapeutics Shanghai Co. Ltd., Cardiff Oncology, Ipsen, Norroy Bioscience, Astellas Pharma, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, Tempest Therapeutics, and others are evaluating new mCRPC drugs to improve the treatment landscape. Promising mCRPC pipeline therapies such as REGN 4336, Capivasertib, Deutenzalutamide, ZEN003694, Abemaciclib, Enfortumab vedotin, Talazoparib, I-131-1095, Pelgifatamab corixetan, AC176, HP518, FT-7051, HLD-0915, TAVT-45, PNT2002, Mevrometostat, Masitinib, SX-682, XL092, LAE001, Onvansertib, Tazemetostat, 177Lu-NYM032, PRL-02, 225 Actinium PSMA 617, ARX51, TPST-1120, and others are under different phases of mCRPC clinical trials. In October 2024, Curium announced that it had entered into a strategic partnership with PDRadiopharma Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PeptiDream, for the clinical development, regulatory filing, and commercialization in Japan of 177Lu-PSMA-I&T and 64Cu-PSMA-I&T. The two agents 177Lu-PSMA-I&T and 64Cu-PSMA-I&T target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expressed on prostate cancer cells and are being investigated for prostate cancer treatment and diagnostics. In July 2024, the US FDA granted fast-track designation to the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)–targeted radiopharmaceutical 225Ac-FL-020 for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). In July 2024, Merck and Orion Corporation announced the mutual exercise of option providing Merck global exclusive rights to Opevesostat, an investigational CYP11A1 inhibitor, for the treatment of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. In July 2024, the US FDA granted fast-track designation to the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) BNT324/DB-1311 to potentially treat patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) whose disease had progressed on or after standard systemic regimens. In July 2024, FutureChem announced that the FC-705 has received orphan drug designation from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) for the treatment of prostate cancer. In June 2024, CAR T-Cell Therapy demonstrated promising results for mCRPC according to Phase I trial results. In January 2024, Lava Therapeutics announced that it has signed a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with Merck to evaluate its prostate cancer therapy LAVA-1207 as a combination treatment with MSD's Keytruda (pembrolizumab). In July 2024, Blue Earth Therapeutics announced the signing of a clinical research collaboration with University College London (UCL). The collaboration is centered on a Phase I/II trial designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, radiation dosimetry, and antitumor activity of the 225Ac-rhPSMA-10.1 in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer who have previously responded to lutetium 177 (177Lu)-PSMA therapy. Request a sample and discover the recent advances in mCRPC treatment drugs @ Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Pipeline Report The mCRPC pipeline report provides detailed profiles of pipeline assets, a comparative analysis of clinical and non-clinical stage mCRPC drugs, inactive and dormant assets, a comprehensive assessment of driving and restraining factors, and an assessment of opportunities and risks in the mCRPC clinical trial landscape. Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Overview Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is an advanced stage of prostate cancer that continues to grow and spread despite hormone therapy aimed at lowering testosterone levels. The term "metastatic" refers to cancer spreading to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lymph nodes, or distant organs, while "castration-resistant" indicates that the cancer no longer responds to treatments that reduce testosterone, a key driver of prostate cancer growth. mCRPC is typically more aggressive and challenging to treat than earlier stages of prostate cancer. The causes of mCRPC stem from genetic and environmental factors. Genetic mutations in the androgen receptor pathway can make cancer cells less dependent on testosterone, allowing them to thrive even under hormone-suppressing treatments. Environmental factors like diet, lifestyle, and exposure to certain chemicals may also contribute to the development and progression of prostate cancer. Symptoms of mCRPC often include pain in bones, fatigue, difficulty urinating, weight loss, and general weakness. As the cancer spreads, it can impair the function of other organs, depending on the site of metastasis. Diagnosis of mCRPC usually involves a combination of tests, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, imaging studies like CT scans, MRIs, or bone scans, and sometimes biopsies to confirm the spread and resistance to treatment. Treatment options for mCRPC are more complex and may include newer hormonal therapies (e.g., abiraterone, enzalutamide), chemotherapy (docetaxel or cabazitaxel), immunotherapy (e.g., sipuleucel-T), or targeted therapies such as PARP inhibitors. Bone-targeting therapies, radiation, and palliative care can also be used to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. Treatment is typically tailored to the individual based on the extent of the disease and the patient health. Find out more about mCRPC treatment drugs @ Drugs for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Treatment A snapshot of the mCRPC Pipeline Drugs mentioned in the report: Learn more about the emerging mCRPC pipeline therapies @ Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Assessment The mCRPC pipeline report proffers an integral view of the mCRPC emerging novel therapies segmented by stage, product type, molecule type, mechanism of action, and route of administration. Scope of the Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Pipeline Report Coverage: Global Therapeutic Assessment By Product Type: Mono, Combination, Mono/Combination Therapeutic Assessment By Clinical Stages: Discovery, Pre-clinical, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III Therapeutics Assessment By Route of Administration: Oral, Intravenous, Subcutaneous Therapeutics Assessment By Molecule Type: Small molecule, Cell therapy, Peptides, Polymer, Small molecule, Gene therapy Therapeutics Assessment By Mechanism of Action: Androgen receptor degradation enhancers, Antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, Proto-oncogene protein c-akt inhibitors, Androgen receptor antagonists, Bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein inhibitors, Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 inhibitors, Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 inhibitors, Ionizing radiation emitters, PPAR alpha antagonists. Key Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Companies: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Hinova Pharmaceuticals, Zenith Epigenetic, Eli Lilly and Company, Astellas Pharma, Seagen, Pfizer, Progenics Pharmaceutical, Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, Accutar Biotechnology Inc, Hinova Pharmaceuticals, Forma Therapeutics, Inc., HALDA THERAPEUTICS INC., Tavanta Therapeutics, Lantheus, Pfizer, AB Science, Syntrix Pharmaceuticals, Exelixis, Laekna Therapeutics Shanghai Co. Ltd., Cardiff Oncology, Ipsen, Norroy Bioscience, Astellas Pharma, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, Tempest Therapeutics, and others. Key Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Pipeline Therapies: REGN 4336, Capivasertib, Deutenzalutamide, ZEN003694, Abemaciclib, Enfortumab vedotin, Talazoparib, I-131-1095, Pelgifatamab corixetan, AC176, HP518, FT-7051, HLD-0915, TAVT-45, PNT2002, Mevrometostat, Masitinib, SX-682, XL092, LAE001, Onvansertib, Tazemetostat, 177Lu-NYM032, PRL-02, 225 Actinium PSMA 617, ARX51, TPST-1120, and others. Dive deep into rich insights for new drugs for mCRPC treatment, visit @ Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Drugs Table of Contents For further information on the mCRPC Cancer pipeline therapeutics, reach out @ Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Treatment Drugs Related Reports Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Market Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, market share of the individual therapies, and key mCRPC companies including AstraZeneca, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Hinova Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Astellas Pharma, Modra Pharmaceuticals, AB Science, Eli Lilly and Company, Zr Pharma & GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ipsen, Exelixis, Takeda, Janssen Research & Development, Tesaro, Lantheus Holdings, Kintor Pharmaceutical, MacroGenics, Daiichi Sankyo, Madison Vaccines, Novartis, Point Biopharma, Xencor, Essa Pharma, Telix International, Bayer, Arvinas, among others. Metastatic Prostate Cancer Market Metastatic Prostate Cancer Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, market share of the individual therapies, and key metastatic prostate cancer companies including AstraZeneca, Arvinas, Madison Vaccines, Phosplatin Therapeutics, Hinova Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, MacroGenics, Daiichi Sankyo, Seagen, Taiho Pharmaceutical, Modra Pharmaceuticals, Xencor, Point Biopharma, Lantheus Holdings, Zenith Epigenetics, Essa Pharma, Telix Pharmaceuticals, Kintor Pharmaceutical, AB Science, Eli Lilly and Company, Exelixis among others. Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer Market Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, market share of the individual therapies, and key mCSPC companies including Myovant Sciences, Pfizer, Bayer, Orion, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Janssen, Merck, Eli Lilly, among others. Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer Pipeline Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer Pipeline Insight – 2024 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key mCSPC companies, including Myovant Sciences, Pfizer, Bayer, Orion, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Janssen, Merck, Eli Lilly, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. 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Novo Nordisk has ended one of the multiple trials testing the lead oral drug from its $1.1 billion Forma Therapeutics buyout , according to an update to the US federal trials database this week. The Danish drug giant terminated a Phase 2 trial of etavopivat for anemia in adults with various forms of myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, according to an update to the US clinical trials site on Thursday. In patients with MDS, red blood cells don’t mature or become healthy ones, and the cancer can progress into leukemia. The drug is still being tested in mid – and late-stage trials for patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Novo made the decision after a “futility assessment concluded low likelihood of the trial showing meaningful patient benefit,” according to an update to the Fortitude trial registry. “This decision was not taken lightly and reflects a judgement of low likelihood that the Fortitude trial would generate benefit for patients with MDS,” a Novo spokesperson said in an emailed statement to Endpoints News . MDS wasn’t highlighted in Novo’s deal announcement in fall 2022, but it was nonetheless another patient population that the pharmaceutical company had hoped to treat with the selective pyruvate kinase-R activator. Patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemia are the main populations for which Novo is developing the once-daily medicine. “We remain confident in etavopivat’s promise and are committed to its continued development in sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia,” the spokesperson said. “The termination of the Fortitude trial does not diminish our belief in etavopivat’s potential to make a significant impact on patients’ lives.” Novo highlighted the asset’s potential in MDS in its annual report in January. Agios Pharmaceuticals is also testing a PK activator, dubbed tebapivat, for MDS-associated anemia. Agios’ more advanced PK activator, mitapivat, is approved for adult PK deficiency and marketed as Pyrukynd. Bristol Myers Squibb’s Reblozyl is indicated for MDS-related anemia. Since the acquisition, Novo has offloaded some of the pipeline at Forma, a drug developer that had touted “ the science of giving a damn. ” It sold a preclinical cancer candidate to Debiopharm and a Phase 1 prostate cancer drug to Pathos AI .