menin

Preclinical data from ex vivo human islet experiments showed that icovamenib (BMF-219) was able to enhance the activity of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based therapies, potentially leading to increased insulin secretion and improved glycemic control in patients with diabetesPhase II study (COVALENT-211), combining icovamenib with a GLP-1-based therapy, planned to begin in 2025BMF-650, an investigational next-generation, oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), demonstrated positive early preclinical activity, including improved glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, reduction in blood glucose concentration, and appetite suppression in cynomolgus monkeys REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biomea Fusion, Inc. (“Biomea” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: BMEA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing oral covalent small molecules to improve the lives of patients with diabetes, obesity, and genetically defined cancers, today presented preclinical data showing icovamenib enhanced the activity of GLP-1-based therapies, along with early preclinical efficacy and pharmacokinetic data for BMF-650, a next-generation, oral small-molecule GLP-1 RA candidate. “Menin plays a central role in the pancreas, not only impacting the proliferation of beta cells but also the expression of GLP-1 receptors. We observed that icovamenib, when combined with either of the two most commonly used GLP-1-based therapies, tirzepatide or semaglutide, enhanced the responsiveness of human islets to the GLP-1-based therapy, leading to substantial insulin secretion under hyperglycemic conditions. The dose-dependent improvements, where glucose-stimulated insulin secretion more than doubled, are highly promising,” stated Juan Pablo Frias, MD, Biomea Fusion’s Chief Medical Officer. “Additionally, we believe the results we’ve seen with our own GLP-1 RA product candidate, BMF-650, highlight a strong potential as a next-generation, oral GLP-1 RA for both diabetes and obesity. We believe these findings open exciting new avenues for treatment.” Icovamenib (BMF-219) in Combination with a GLP-1-Based TherapyKey Highlights: Preclinical studies evaluated insulin secretion by GLP-1-based therapies (tirzepatide and semaglutide) using human islets cultured ex vivo under hyperglycemic conditions, with and without icovamenib treatment.We hypothesized that menin inhibition would enhance the effectiveness of GLP-1-based therapies and showcased functional data, indicating stronger insulin responses with both tirzepatide and semaglutide when combined with icovamenib treatment.Further studies with orforglipron also indicated that icovamenib pretreatment improved insulin secretion, approximately doubling the effect-size depending on the dose.Additionally, BMF-650, Biomea’s next-generation, oral small molecule GLP-1 RA product candidate, used alone or in combination with icovamenib, yielded even further improved results supporting the potential for therapeutic benefits.The initiation of a Phase II study, COVALENT-211, to evaluate the combination of icovamenib with a GLP-1-based therapy, is planned for 2025. In addition, the Company announced additional details about its investigational, next-generation, oral small-molecule GLP-1 RA candidate, BMF-650. BMF-650 - an Investigational, Next-Generation, Oral Small Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist - Key Highlights: We conducted preclinical studies to evaluate the properties of BMF-650 in comparison to a leading oral GLP-1 RA. BMF-650 exhibited higher bioavailability and a less variable pharmacokinetic profile, which may translate to improved tolerability and support successful dose escalation in patients. The estimated human dose will be approximately 100 mg once daily.In human donor islet studies, BMF-650 significantly enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.In cynomolgus monkey studies, BMF-650 showed significant improvements in glucose stimulated insulin secretion, in line with findings from the human donor islet experiments. BMF-650 also demonstrated superior glucose control.Appetite suppression studies revealed that daily oral BMF-650 dosing significantly reduced food intake during peak drug concentration, with sustained effects throughout the day for a six-day study period.These findings highlight BMF-650’s potential as an oral treatment for diabetes and obesity. “Our preclinical findings about the inhibition of menin in the GLP-1 pathway, announced today, may support the profile of icovamenib as a potential combination agent for GLP-1-based therapies. With the combination of icovamenib, less GLP-1 RA dosing may be required, which may support the overall benefits of these therapeutics. We believe, icovamenib may contribute to improved efficacy, tolerability and adherence, which ultimately will lead to more patients having longer benefits from these agents. We plan to clinically evaluate icovamenib as an adjunct to GLP-1-based therapies,” stated Thomas Butler, Biomea Fusion’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. “We are equally excited with the early results of our newest asset, BMF-650, which demonstrated clear advantages, including when compared to a leading GLP-1 RA in our preclinical studies. BMF-650 has shown superior insulin secretion, better glucose control, a smoother pharmacokinetic profile and higher bioavailability; all of which point to the potential for a greater therapeutic window and support our plans to evaluate BMF-650 as a next-generation oral treatment for diabetes. The appetite suppression results were particularly exciting, as they signal a new and impactful profile which we believe may support an impact on obesity.” Conference Call and Webcast DetailsWebcast, and related presentation, of Biomea’s investor update on Wednesday, October 30 at 4:30 pm ET will be available to registered attendees under the Investors and Media section of the company’s website at https://investors.biomeafusion.com/news-events/events. A replay of the presentation will be available on Biomea’s site following the event. About ObesityObesity is a chronic disease necessitating long-term management, associated with diminished life expectancy and a spectrum of severe health complications. These include metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, stroke, and hypertension; and increased risks of chronic kidney disease, certain cancers, and chronic inflammation. The CDC estimates that over 40% of adults in the U.S. are considered obese, contributing to a significant burden on public health and healthcare systems. Globally, over 650 million adults are living with obesity, and these numbers are steadily rising. About GLP-1 Receptor AgonistsGlucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring incretin hormone that plays a vital role in glucose homeostasis and appetite regulation. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a class of medications that bind to and activate GLP-1 receptors, mimicking the effects of native GLP-1. These agents have demonstrated robust clinical efficacy in improving glycemic control, promoting weight loss, and enhancing insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity. About Biomea FusionBiomea Fusion is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of oral covalent small molecules to improve the lives of patients with diabetes, obesity, and genetically defined cancers. A covalent small molecule is a synthetic compound that forms a permanent bond to its target protein and offers a number of potential advantages over conventional non-covalent drugs, including greater target selectivity, lower drug exposure, and the ability to drive a deeper, more durable response. We are utilizing our proprietary FUSION™ System to discover, design and develop a pipeline of next-generation covalent-binding small-molecule medicines designed to maximize clinical benefit for patients. We aim to have an outsized impact on the treatment of disease for the patients we serve. We aim to cure. Visit us at biomeafusion.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook. Forward-Looking Statements Statements we make in this press release may include statements which are not historical facts and are considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These statements 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. Any such statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the clinical and therapeutic potential of our product candidates and development programs, programs and their potential relative to approved products marketed by third parties; our research, development and regulatory plans, the progress of our ongoing and upcoming clinical trials, the progress and timing of pre-clinical development in our programs; the anticipated enrollment of patients and availability of data from our clinical trials, anticipated milestones, and the timing of such events may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and are making this statement for purposes of complying with those safe harbor provisions. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections only as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements, including the risk that preliminary or interim results of preclinical studies or clinical trials may not be predictive of future or final results in connection with future clinical trials and the risk that we may encounter delays in preclinical or clinical development, patient enrollment and in the initiation, conduct and completion of our ongoing and planned clinical trials and other research and development activities. These risks concerning Biomea Fusion’s business and operations are described in additional detail in its periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its most recent periodic report filed with the SEC and subsequent filings thereafter. Biomea Fusion explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law. Contact: Investor & Media RelationsRamses Erdtmannre@biomeafusion.com

– Combination of ziftomenib and imatinib shows robust and durable antitumor activity in imatinib-sensitive (1L) and imatinib-resistant (2L/3L) GIST models – – Proof-of-concept study of ziftomenib plus imatinib in patients with advanced GIST after imatinib failure to begin in 1H 2025 – SAN DIEGO, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kura Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: KURA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to realizing the promise of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer, today reported preclinical data supporting the development of the Company’s menin inhibitor, ziftomenib, for the treatment of advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The new findings are being presented at the 36th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Barcelona. A copy of the poster, entitled “Menin Inhibitor Ziftomenib Synergizes with Imatinib in Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI)-Resistant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Models,” is available in the Posters and Presentations section on Kura’s website. “Kura has generated a substantial body of preclinical data that support potential for ziftomenib in combination with KIT inhibitors for the treatment of patients with advanced GIST,” said Francis Burrows, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Translational Research. “Our results indicate that the combination of ziftomenib and imatinib acts via a synthetic lethal mechanism through which ziftomenib targets an epigenetic vulnerability of GIST tumors, creating potent synergy even with KIT inhibitors that are otherwise inactive as monotherapy. Indeed, the activity of ziftomenib appears to be agnostic to the mutational status of KIT in GIST, suggesting an opportunity to explore the combination for all patients, even in the frontline setting.” The combination of ziftomenib and imatinib unexpectedly showed robust and durable antitumor activity in both imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant GIST patient-derived xenograft models, and in all cases was significantly superior to imatinib monotherapy. Mechanistically, the data reveal a KIT-dependent mechanism, with ziftomenib and imatinib combining to sharply reduce KIT expression and/or activity, effectively silencing both the ERK and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways and driving robust cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Given that imatinib is well established as the frontline standard of care in patients with GIST, and that generic versions are available, imatinib represents a promising combination partner for ziftomenib. In August 2024, Kura announced clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for ziftomenib for the treatment of advanced GIST. The Company is now preparing to initiate a proof-of-concept study evaluating ziftomenib and imatinib in patients with advanced GIST after imatinib failure in the first half of 2025. For more information regarding the study, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT06026410). About GIST Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common form of sarcoma, characterized as KIT-dependent solid tumors. Despite the successful disease control achieved with imatinib in advanced GIST patients, most patients eventually progress due to acquired secondary KIT mutations. TKIs such as sunitinib can target imatinib-resistant genotypes and are approved in later lines, but response rates and long-term outcomes are modest, so new therapeutic options are needed. Previously published data show that the menin-MLL complex regulates KIT expression in GIST cells, and menin inhibitors display additive therapeutic activity in combination with imatinib in imatinib-sensitive GIST models1. About Ziftomenib Ziftomenib is a potent, selective and oral menin inhibitor currently in development for the treatment of genetically defined AML patients with high unmet need. In April 2024, ziftomenib received Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the FDA for the treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) NPM1-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) based on data from Kura’s ongoing KOMET-001 clinical trial. Additional information about clinical trials for ziftomenib can be found at kuraoncology.com/clinical-trials/#ziftomenib. About Kura Oncology Kura Oncology is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to realizing the promise of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer. The Company’s pipeline consists of small molecule drug candidates that target cancer signaling pathways. Ziftomenib, a once-daily, oral drug candidate targeting the menin-KMT2A protein-protein interaction, has received BTD for the treatment of R/R NPM1-mutant AML. Kura has completed enrollment in a Phase 2 registration-directed trial of ziftomenib in R/R NPM1-mutant AML (KOMET-001). The Company is also conducting a series of clinical trials to evaluate ziftomenib in combination with current standards of care in newly diagnosed and R/R NPM1-mutant and KMT2A-rearranged AML. Kura is evaluating KO-2806, a next-generation farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI), in a Phase 1 dose-escalation trial as a monotherapy and in combination with targeted therapies (FIT-001). Tipifarnib, a potent and selective FTI, is currently in a Phase 1/2 trial in combination with alpelisib for patients with PIK3CA-dependent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (KURRENT-HN). For additional information, please visit Kura’s website at www.kuraoncology.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, the efficacy, safety and therapeutic potential of ziftomenib, potential benefits of combining ziftomenib with appropriate standards of care, and progress and expected timing of the ziftomenib program and clinical trials. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include the risk that compounds that appeared promising in early research or clinical trials do not demonstrate safety and/or efficacy in later preclinical studies or clinical trials, the risk that Kura may not obtain approval to market its product candidates, uncertainties associated with performing clinical trials, regulatory filings, applications and other interactions with regulatory bodies, risks associated with reliance on third parties to successfully conduct clinical trials, the risks associated with reliance on outside financing to meet capital requirements, and other risks associated with the process of discovering, developing and commercializing drugs that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the endeavor of building a business around such drugs. You are urged to consider statements that include the words “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “promise,” “potential,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “continues,” “designed,” “goal,” or the negative of those words or other comparable words to be uncertain and forward-looking. For a further list and description of the risks and uncertainties the Company faces, please refer to the Company’s periodic and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 filed with the SEC on August 8, 2024, which are available at www.sec.gov. Such forward-looking statements are current only as of the date they are made, and Kura assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts Investors:Pete De SpainExecutive Vice President, Investor Relations &Corporate Communications(858) 500-8833pete@kuraoncology.com Media:Cassidy McClainVice PresidentInizio Evoke Comms(619) 849-6009cassidy.mcclain@inizioevoke.com 1 Hemming ML et al., Cancer Discov. 2022;12:1804-1823.

Icovamenib is an oral covalent menin inhibitor in clinical development to investigate its impact on the function of insulin-producing beta cellsREDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biomea Fusion, Inc. (“Biomea”) (Nasdaq: BMEA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing oral covalent small molecules to treat and improve the lives of patients with diabetes, obesity, and genetically defined cancers, today announced that the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved “icovamenib” as the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for its lead product candidate BMF-219, and that the United States Adopted Name Council has adopted “icovamenib” as the United States Adopted Name (USAN) for BMF-219. The suffix ‘-menib’ stands for menin inhibitor. An International Nonproprietary Name (INN) is a unique, globally recognized name for a pharmaceutical drug or active ingredient. A United States Adopted Name (USAN) is a nonproprietary name selected by the USAN Council to ensure safety, consistency and logic in the choice of names of US medications; the USAN Council, is co-sponsored by the American Medical Association, the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, and the American Pharmacists Association. WHO’s INN Expert Group and the USAN Council approve simple, informative and unique nonproprietary names, also known as generic names. Biomea will use “icovamenib” in upcoming presentations, publications and public statements as the company advances the clinical development of the product candidate. To learn more about icovamenib and its potential impact in diabetes please visit our website at https://biomeafusion.com/diabetes-obesity. About Biomea FusionBiomea Fusion is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of oral covalent small molecules to improve the lives of patients with diabetes, obesity, and genetically defined cancers. A covalent small molecule is a synthetic compound that forms a permanent bond to its target protein and offers a number of potential advantages over conventional non-covalent drugs, including greater target selectivity, lower drug exposure, and the ability to drive a deeper, more durable response. We are utilizing our proprietary FUSION™ System to discover, design and develop a pipeline of next-generation covalent-binding small molecule medicines designed to maximize clinical benefit for patients. We aim to have an outsized impact on the treatment of disease for the patients we serve. We aim to cure. Visit us at biomeafusion.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. Forward-Looking Statements Statements we make in this press release may include statements which are not historical facts and are considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These statements 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. Any such statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the clinical and therapeutic potential of our product candidates and development programs, including icovamenib (formerly known as BMF-219), the potential of icovamenib as a treatment for type 2 and type 1 diabetes, our research, development and regulatory plans, the progress of our ongoing and planned clinical trials, including COVALENT-111 and COVALENT 112, the availability of data from our clinical trials and the timing of such events, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and are making this statement for purposes of complying with those safe harbor provisions. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections only as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements, including the risk that we may encounter delays in preclinical or clinical development, patient enrollment and in the initiation, conduct and completion of our ongoing and planned clinical trials and other research and development activities. These risks concerning Biomea Fusion’s business and operations are described in additional detail in its periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including its most recent periodic report filed with the SEC and subsequent filings thereafter. Biomea Fusion explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law.