NF1

March 04, 2024 -- SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWTX), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on severe rare diseases and cancer, announced today that the Company has initiated a rolling submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for mirdametinib, an investigational MEK inhibitor, in pediatric and adult patients with neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas (NF1-PN). “There is tremendous potential for mirdametinib to address the substantial needs that exist for children and adults with NF1-PN, and the initiation of our rolling NDA submission brings us one step closer toward our goal of providing these patients with a best-in-class therapy that could make a significant impact on their lives,” said Saqib Islam, Chief Executive Officer of SpringWorks. “We are excited to advance the regulatory filing for our second product and look forward to working closely with the FDA on their review of our application.” The NDA submission includes data from the Phase 2b ReNeu trial, a multi-center, open-label study that opened across 50 sites in the U.S. and enrolled 114 patients across two cohorts (pediatric and adult). The primary endpoint was confirmed objective response rate (ORR), defined as ≥ 20% reduction in target tumor volume as measured by MRI and assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR). As of the data cutoff date of September 20, 2023, the BICR-confirmed objective response rate was 52% in pediatric patients and 41% in adult patients. Mirdametinib treatment showed deep and durable responses and demonstrated significant improvements in key secondary patient-reported outcome measures. Pediatric and adult patients in the ReNeu trial experienced statistically significant improvements from baseline in pain, quality of life, and physical function, as assessed across multiple patient-reported outcome tools. Mirdametinib was generally well tolerated in the trial, with the majority of adverse events (AEs) being Grade 1 or Grade 2. The most frequently reported AEs were rash, diarrhea, and vomiting in the pediatric cohort and rash, diarrhea, and nausea in the adult cohort. The FDA and the European Commission have granted Orphan Drug designation for mirdametinib for the treatment of NF1. The FDA has also granted Fast Track designation for the treatment of patients ≥ 2 years of age with NF1-PN that are progressing or causing significant morbidity. In July 2023, the FDA granted mirdametinib Rare Pediatric Disease designation for the treatment of NF1, which provides eligibility for a priority review voucher upon FDA approval. SpringWorks expects to complete the NDA submission in the second quarter of 2024. About the ReNeu Trial ReNeu (NCT03962543) is an ongoing, multi-center, open-label Phase 2b trial evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of mirdametinib in patients two years of age and older with an inoperable NF1-associated PN causing significant morbidity. The study enrolled 114 patients to receive mirdametinib at a dose of 2 mg/m2 twice daily (maximum dose of 4 mg twice daily) without regard to food. Mirdametinib is administered orally in a 3-week on, 1-week off dosing schedule and has a pediatric formulation (dispersible tablet) for patients who cannot swallow a pill. The primary endpoint of the ReNeu trial is confirmed objective response rate defined as ≥ 20% reduction in target tumor volume as measured by MRI and assessed by BICR. Secondary endpoints include safety and tolerability, duration of response, and changes from baseline in patient reported outcomes. About NF1-PN Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare genetic disorder that arises from mutations in the NF1 gene, which encodes for neurofibromin, a key suppressor of the MAPK pathway.1,2 NF1 is the most common form of neurofibromatosis, with an estimated global birth incidence of approximately 1 in 2,500 individuals, and approximately 100,000 patients living with NF1 in the United States.3,4 The clinical course of NF1 is heterogeneous and manifests in a variety of symptoms across numerous organ systems, including abnormal pigmentation, skeletal deformities, tumor growth and neurological complications, such as cognitive impairment.5 Patients with NF1 have an eight to 15-year mean reduction in their life expectancy compared to the general population.2 NF1 patients have approximately a 30-50% lifetime risk of developing plexiform neurofibromas, or PN, which are tumors that grow in an infiltrative pattern along the peripheral nerve sheath and that can cause severe disfigurement, pain and functional impairment; in rare cases, NF1-PN may be fatal.6,7 Patients with NF1-PN can also experience additional manifestations, including neurocognitive deficits and developmental delays. NF1-PNs are most often diagnosed in the first two decades of life.9 These tumors can be aggressive and are associated with clinically significant morbidities; typically, they grow more rapidly during childhood.10,11 Surgical removal of these tumors is challenging due to the infiltrative tumor growth pattern along nerves and can lead to permanent nerve damage and disfigurement.12 MEK inhibitors have emerged as a validated class of treatment for NF1-PN.13 Mirdametinib is a potent, oral, allosteric small molecule MEK inhibitor in development as a monotherapy treatment for neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas (NF1-PN) and low-grade glioma (LGG), and as a combination therapy for the treatment of several subsets of biomarker-defined metastatic solid tumors. Mirdametinib is an investigational drug for which safety and efficacy have not been established. Mirdametinib is designed to inhibit MEK1 and MEK2, which occupy pivotal positions in the MAPK pathway. The MAPK pathway is a key signaling network that regulates cell growth and survival and that plays a central role in multiple oncology and rare disease indications when genetically altered. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission granted Orphan Drug designation for mirdametinib for the treatment of NF1, and the FDA granted Fast Track designation for the treatment of patients ≥ 2 years of age with NF1-PN that are progressing or causing significant morbidity. SpringWorks is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company applying a precision medicine approach to developing and delivering life-changing medicines for people with severe rare diseases and cancer. OGSIVEO™ (nirogacestat), approved in the United States for the treatment of adult patients with progressing desmoid tumors who require systemic treatment, is the Company’s first FDA-approved therapy. SpringWorks also has a diversified targeted therapy pipeline spanning solid tumors and hematological cancers, with programs ranging from preclinical development through advanced clinical trials. In addition to its wholly owned programs, SpringWorks has also entered into multiple collaborations with innovators in industry and academia to unlock the full potential for its portfolio and create more solutions for patients in need. References Yap YS, McPherson JR, Ong CK, et al. The NF1 gene revisited - from bench to bedside. Oncotarget. 2014;5(15):5873-5892. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.2194. Rasmussen S, Friedman J. NF1 Gene and Neurofibromatosis 1. Am J Epidemiol. 2000;151(1):33-40. doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a010118. CTF: Children’s Tumor Foundation. New and Improved: The way to talk about NF. Press release. May 9, 2023. Accessed February 2, 2024. Lee: Lee TJ, et al. Incidence and prevalence of neurofibromatosis type 1 and 2: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2023;18(1):292. Published 2023 Sep 14. doi:10.1186/s13023-023-02911-2) Weiss BD, Wolters PL, Plotkin SR, et al. NF106: A Neurofibromatosis Clinical Trials Consortium Phase II Trial of the MEK Inhibitor Mirdametinib (PD-0325901) in Adolescents and Adults With NF1-Related Plexiform Neurofibromas. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2021;JCO.20.02220.doi.org/10. 1200/JCO.20.02220. Prada: Prada CE, Rangwala FA, Martin LJ, et al. Pediatric plexiform neurofibromas: impact on morbidity and mortality in neurofibromatosis type 1. J Pediatr. 2012;160(3):461-467. Miller: Miller DT, et al. Health Supervision for Children With Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Pediatrics. 2019;143(5):e20190660. Ferner R. Neurofibromatosis 1 and neurofibromatosis 2: a twenty first century perspective. The Lancet Neurology. 2007;6(4):340-351. doi:10.1016/s1474-4422(07)70075-3. Prada C, Rangwala F, Martin L, et al. Pediatric Plexiform Neurofibromas: Impact on Morbidity and Mortality in Neurofibromatosis Type 1. J Pediatr. 2012;160(3):461-467. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.08.051. Gross A, Singh G, Akshintala S, et al. Association of plexiform neurofibroma volume changes and development of clinical morbidities in neurofibromatosis 1. Neuro Oncol. 2018;20(12):1643-1651. doi:10.1093/neuonc/noy067. Nguyen R, Dombi E, Widemann B, et al. Growth dynamics of plexiform neurofibromas: a retrospective cohort study of 201 patients with neurofibromatosis 1. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2012;7(1):75. doi:10.1186/1750-1172-7-75. Needle M, Cnaan A, Dattilo J, et al. Prognostic signs in the surgical management of plexiform neurofibroma: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia experience, 1974-1994. J Pediatr. 1997;131(5):678-682. doi:10.1016/s0022-3476(97)70092-1. Ferner R. Neurofibromatosis 1 and neurofibromatosis 2: a twenty first century perspective. The Lancet Neurology. 2007;6(4):340-351. doi:10.1016/s1474-4422(07)70075-3. The content above comes from the network. if any infringement, please contact us to modify.

ZEN-3694 Expands Development to Include Multiple Rare Oncology Indications Calgary, Alberta--(News - February 29, 2024) - Zenith Epigenetics Ltd. ("Zenith" or the "Company") announces its support of Rare Disease Day by highlighting our expanded development efforts of BET inhibitor ZEN-3694 for rare oncology diseases. Rare Disease Day takes place every year on the last day of February, with this leap year day being the rarest of all Rare Disease Days. This event is a global movement to promote equity in healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for individuals living with rare diseases. We are developing ZEN-3694 for the treatment of two aggressive rare cancers with very poor prognosis and no effective approved therapies, NUT carcinoma (NC) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). In addition to clinical trials, we have also provided ZEN-3694 for compassionate use to multiple patients with these diseases and are excited to soon announce results from these important studies. "We are proud to be developing ZEN-3694 to help patients with aggressive, rare forms of cancer, who currently have no access to effective therapies. We are very pleased that NUT carcinoma patients receiving ZEN-3694 in clinical trial and compassionate use settings have benefitted from our drug," said Donald McCaffrey, CEO of Zenith Epigenetics. "Our goal is to improve outcomes and quality of life for NUT carcinoma patients, and we are committed to developing ZEN-3694 through registration for the treatment of this disease. We are also excited about exploring the activity of ZEN-3694 in MPNST, a rare cancer with devastating impact on patients' lives." NC is a highly aggressive type of squamous cell cancer with very poor prognosis that often forms in the head, neck, or lungs. There are currently no effective treatments for this devastating disease that primarily affects adolescents and young adults with a median survival of only 6 months. New diagnostic technologies have allowed for much better diagnosis of NC. The diagnosis rate is increasing rapidly with growing awareness and analytical testing for this disease. ZEN-3694 is being developed in two separate NC clinical trials. The first NC trial, NCT05019716, which combines ZEN-3694 with chemotherapy (etoposide/platinum), is active and recruiting patients. The second trial NCT05372640, combines ZEN-3694 with the CDK4/6 Inhibitor Abemaciclib and is also accruing patients. Both of these trials have shown promising activity. MPNST is a cancer of the cells that form the sheath that covers and protects peripheral nerves. The prevalence of MPNST in the general population is one in 100,000 and comprises 5-10% of all soft-tissue sarcomas. MPNST is most common in young adults, and the prognosis of patients with metastatic disease is extremely poor, with a median survival of less than one year. A clinical trial with ZEN-3694 is in the late planning stage and initiation is expected in the second half of 2024. About NUT Carcinoma and BET inhibition NUT carcinoma is driven by NUTM1 genetic alterations, most commonly fusion to BRD4 (bromodomain-containing protein 4) resulting in a fusion oncoprotein. ZEN-3694 is a BET bromodomain inhibitor that directly binds to NUT fusion proteins, disrupts their activity, and inhibits cancer growth. NUT carcinoma is diagnosed by testing tumor tissue for the fusion protein using immunohistochemistry (IHC) or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or by DNA sequencing to identify the NUT fusion oncogene. About MPNST and BET inhibition MPNST is driven by NF1 gene mutation in 40% of cases. Researchers have identified a BET protein dependency in these NF1-mutant MPNST tumors, and thus ZEN-3694 may disrupt this dependency and inhibit cancer cell growth. About Zenith and ZEN-3694 Zenith Epigenetics Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Zenith Capital Corp., is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and other disorders with significant unmet medical need. Zenith Epigenetics is developing various novel combinations of BET inhibitors with other targeted agents. Our lead compound, ZEN-3694, is in clinical development for various oncologic indications such as metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, NUT carcinoma, ovarian cancer and RAS activated tumors. Several of these studies are sponsored by NCI under the NCI-Zenith Cooperative Research & Development Agreements (CRADA) and CRADAs between NCI and other NCI collaborators. For further information, please contact: Investor Relations Phone: 587-390-7865 Email: info@zenithepigenetics.com Website: Forward-Looking Statement This news release may contain certain forward-looking information as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, that are not based on historical fact, including without limitation statements containing the words "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "intends", "will", "should", "expects", "continue", "estimate", "forecasts" and other similar expressions. In particular, this news release includes forward looking information relating to the Company's development activities involving ZEN-3694 in NUT carcinoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, RAS activated tumors, and other tumor types, as a single agent, or in combination with chemotherapies, including etoposide/platinum, CDK4/6 inhibitors, and other chemotherapy agents, as well as our partnerships, agreements, and collaborations in furtherance of these development activities. Our actual results, events or developments could be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that any of the events or expectations will occur or be realized. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions and risk factors including those discussed in our most recent MD&A which are incorporated herein by reference and are available through SEDAR+ at . The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and are made as of the date hereof. Zenith disclaims any intention and has no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit

-- Activation of four U.S. sites for Phase 1 clinical trial of PAS-004 to evaluate safety, dose, key biomarker data and preliminary efficacy -- -- Plans to open three additional sites in Eastern Europe in the coming months -- -- Preliminary interim data expected in 2H 2024 -- SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. and MIAMI, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pasithea Therapeutics Corp. (NASDAQ: KTTA) (“Pasithea” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing PAS-004, a next-generation macrocyclic MEK inhibitor, for the treatment of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and other cancer indications, today announced the activation of four clinical trial sites in the United States. These U.S. clinical trial sites in Texas and Virginia are now open and actively enrolling patients. This announcement follows the approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for PAS-004, and FDA review of the protocol for the Company’s Phase 1 multicenter, open-label trial of PAS-004 in patients with MAPK pathway-driven advanced solid tumors with a documented RAS, NF1 or RAF mutation or patients who have failed BRAF/MEK inhibition. The objective of the Phase 1 study is to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of PAS-004 as well as to evaluate the preliminary anticancer activity (efficacy) of PAS-004 and to define the preliminary recommended Phase 2 dose. The Company's clinical development plan for PAS-004 following the Phase 1 study is to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial in NF1 pediatric and adult patients as soon as safety and PK are established. Pasithea has selected Novotech as the clinical research organization (CRO) for the Phase 1 trial and will be collaborating in the U.S. with NEXT Oncology, led by Dr. Anthony Tolcher M.D., along with Dr. Ildefonso Rodriguez M.D., acting as principal investigator for the San Antonio, TX site. There are also three other clinical trial sites in Eastern Europe that are expected to open in the coming months. “Activating our four clinical trial sites in the U.S. is a significant milestone in Pasithea’s mission towards developing PAS-004 as a potential best-in-class next-generation MEK inhibitor. We recognize the significant unmet needs and limited treatment options for patients with MAPK pathway-driven advanced solid tumors as well as NF1. We are ready to screen and enroll subjects in the coming month and look forward to gaining insight into the safety, tolerability and initial efficacy of PAS-004.” said Dr. Tiago Reis Marques, Chief Executive Officer of Pasithea. PAS-004 is the first macrocyclic MEK inhibitor to enter human clinical trials, with an expected extended half-life in humans which may provide better compliance rates as well as improved efficacy in NF1. Macrocycles are known to exhibit stronger binding, better solubility and longer half-life with more selectivity and less off target effect as compared to acyclic small molecules. About PAS-004 PAS-004 is a small molecule allosteric inhibitor of MEK 1/2, which are dual-specificity protein kinases, in the MAPK signaling pathway. The MAPK pathway has been implicated in a variety of diseases, as it functions to drive cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and a variety of other cellular functions that, when abnormally activated, are critical for the formation and progression of tumors, fibrosis and other diseases. MEK inhibitors block phosphorylation (activation) of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), which can lead to cell death and inhibition of tumor growth. Existing FDA approved MEK inhibitors are marketed for a range of diseases, including certain cancers and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). We believe these MEK inhibitors suffer from certain limitations, including known toxicities. Unlike current FDA approved MEK inhibitors, PAS-004 is macrocyclic, which we believe may lead to improved pharmacokinetic and safety (tolerability) profiles. Cyclization offers rigidity for stronger binding with drug target receptors. PAS-004 was designed to provide a longer half-life with what we believe is a better therapeutic window. Further, we believe the potency and safety profile that PAS-004 has demonstrated in preclinical studies may also lead to stronger and more durable response rates and efficacy, as well as better dosing schedules. PAS-004 has been tested in a range of mouse models of various diseases and has completed preclinical testing and animal toxicology studies. Additionally, PAS-004 has received orphan-drug designation from the FDA for the treatment of NF1, which may provide seven years of marketing exclusivity upon approval of an NDA. About Pasithea Therapeutics Corp. Pasithea is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery, research and development of innovative treatments for central nervous system (CNS) disorders and other diseases. With an experienced team of experts in the fields of neuroscience, translational medicine, and drug development, Pasithea is developing new molecular entities for the treatment of neurological disorders, including Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Solid Tumors, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Forward Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include all statements, other than statements of historical fact, regarding the Company’s current views and assumptions with respect to future events regarding its business, as well as other statements with respect to the Company’s plans, assumptions, expectations, beliefs and objectives, the success of the Company’s current and future business strategies, product development, preclinical and clinical studies, clinical and regulatory timelines, market opportunity, competitive position, business strategies, potential growth opportunities and other statements that are predictive in nature. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to the Company on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including factors set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this release, except as required by law. Pasithea Therapeutics Contact Patrick GaynesCorporate Communicationspgaynes@pasithea.com