ALK2

iStock, Polinmr Incyte is abandoning its ALK2 blocker zilurgisertib, which it was trialing for myelofibrosis-associated anemia, while iTeos will deprioritize the development of inupadenant after it failed to meet the biotech’s clinical bar in a Phase II study of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The oncology space on Thursday lost two pipeline treatments after Incyte and iTeos Therapeutics announced that they were discontinuing the development of respective drug candidates following underwhelming readouts. Incyte revealed in an investor conference call on Thursday that it would no longer advance zilurgisertib, an investigational ALK2 inhibitor, in myelofibrosis-associated anemia, according to investor notes from William Blair and BMO Capital Markets. The company said it will continue to develop zilurgisertib in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. The drug candidate was in very early stages of development for both indications, with the company still working on clinical proof-of-concept studies for the candidate before deciding to discontinue it. By blocking ALK2, zilurgisertib is designed to boost the production of the liver hormone hepcidin, in turn increasing plasma iron levels, promoting the production of red blood cells and suppressing ossification. The decision to discontinue zilurgisertib for myelofibrosis-associated anemia comes after the candidate’s “limited efficacy” in a Phase I trial, according to William Blair. Meanwhile, BMO Capital Markets noted that the move “adds to growing list of pipeline misses,” though the firm ultimately did not find this development surprising. In its third-quarter report in October, Incyte leadership had indicated that “zilurgisertib needed to be dosed higher than initially expected to see signs of more promising efficacy,” which could indicate weak overall activity, BMO analysts wrote. The discontinuation follows Incyte’s recently scrapping of MRGPRX4 antagonist INCB000547. The biotech announced last month that Phase II data for the candidate fell short of expectations and thus do not support further investment into its development. Incyte was developing INCB000547 for chronic pruritus. Joining Incyte’s cancer cut is iTeos, which on Thursday announced that it has “deprioritized” the development of its small molecule A2AR blocker inupadenant in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) because the candidate “does not meet sufficient level of clinical activity to warrant further investment,” CEO Michel Detheux said in a statement. The decision was based on Phase II data showing that a combination regimen of inupadenant with carboplatin and pemetrexed yielded a 63.9% overall response rate in post-immunotherapy patients. Median progression-free survival (PFS) across all doses was 7.7 months. An exploratory analysis of the mid-stage trial also showed that inupadenant treatment restored normal levels of the CXCL3 chemokine, a biomarker known to be associated with clinical activity. Still, iTeos is funneling resources away from inupadenant and instead prioritizing the development of its other “differentiated, first- or best-in-class therapies,” Detheux said. It is not yet clear which candidates the biotech plans to focus on, though Detheux noted that the company will provide more details regarding its pipeline in 2025. Correction (Dec. 16): The original version of this article erroneously stated that Incyte is completely discontinuing development of zilurgisertib. In fact, the candidate is still in development for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. BioSpace regrets the error.

- First clinical program focuses on fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a rare genetic disorder causing extra-skeletal bone formation - - Experienced leadership team poised to accelerate pipeline development with lead asset based on novel research - BRISBANE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- āshibio, a privately held biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of bone and connective tissue disorders, exited stealth mode today with $40 million in seed and Series A financing. The company was founded in 2022 by Chief Executive Officer Pankaj Bhargava, M.D., and the team at MPM BioImpact, where Dr. Bhargava is also an entrepreneur partner. MPM BioImpact led the Series A round, with contributing funds from Agent Capital, YK Bioventures, and Mirae Asset Venture Investment. In conjunction with the financing, Agent Capital Partner and Co-Founder Preston Noon has joined the Board of Directors. The funding will allow āshibio to continue to advance development of several investigative therapies including a potential treatment for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a rare genetic disease characterized by severe and progressive heterotopic ossification (HO), a pathological condition that causes abnormal bone formation in muscles, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues. FOP typically starts in early childhood, is characterized by episodic and painful flare-ups, and leads to severe debilitation and shortened life span. “We are building a pipeline of innovative therapeutics that leverage emerging biology and novel mechanisms to impact bone and connective tissue disorders that have no approved treatments or where current treatment options are inadequate,” said Dr. Bhargava. “We are grateful to our investors for recognizing the promise of our approach and for supporting our development programs.” The company’s lead program is based on the discovery that the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) enzyme could serve as a novel target for FOP, as published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research in February 2024. The research described the case of a unique 35-year-old patient who carries the classic genetic mutation of FOP (ACVR1 R206H, present in over 95% of patients), yet has extreme lack of heterotopic ossification (HO) and near normal mobility. The authors found that the patient has an MMP-9 mutation in addition to the FOP mutation that appears to protect him from flare-ups and the abnormal bone formation typically seen in individuals with FOP. Further studies with MMP-9 gene knockout and pharmacological experiments confirmed that MMP-9 may serve as a novel target in FOP and other more common forms of HO. āshibio licensed andecaliximab, a humanized antibody that specifically inhibits MMP-9, from Gilead Sciences, Inc. Andecaliximab has been administered to approximately 1,000 patients in previous clinical trials. āshibio plans to initiate a Phase 2/3 trial of andecaliximab in the second half of 2024 in patients with FOP. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated andecaliximab an Orphan Drug for the treatment of FOP in March 2024, one month after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued its own Orphan Drug Designation for the therapy. The FDA also cleared āshibio's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for andecaliximab in March 2024. Experienced senior leadership team announced Prior to joining MPM BioImpact, Dr. Bhargava was the Oncology Therapeutic Area Head at Gilead Sciences. He has also held executive positions at multiple biotech companies during his career, including Sanofi and Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, where he led development programs for oncology and rare genetic diseases. In addition to completion of the Series A funding, āshibio also announced the following appointments to its senior leadership team: Victoria Smith, Ph.D., joins āshibio as Chief Scientific Officer. She has worked across several therapeutic areas including oncology, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. She has previously held executive or senior positions at Amphivena Therapeutics, Gilead Sciences, and Arresto Biosciences, where she was a co-inventor of andecaliximab. Deborah Wenkert, M.D., joins āshibio as Chief Medical Officer. She is an experienced pediatric rheumatologist, specializing in rare bone and connective tissue disorders, with extensive experience in both academic and industry settings. She has previously held executive or clinical development positions at Inozyme Pharma, PreciThera, and Amgen. “At āshibio, we are rapidly advancing novel therapeutics for severe and debilitating bone and connective tissue disorders, an area of great clinical need,” commented Dr. Smith. “It is extremely gratifying to be a part of such an impressive team of seasoned industry executives, clinicians, and researchers who are devoted to improving the lives of patients who have not been adequately served by currently available treatment options.” “āshibio is clearly at the forefront of drug development in heterotopic ossification and other bone and connective tissue pathologies,” added Todd Foley, managing partner at MPM BioImpact and Chair of the āshibio Board of Directors. “The company is now on a clinical path for its lead asset and is poised to advance a pipeline of programs that address unmet needs.” āshibio researchers will present an update on the andecaliximab FOP program in an oral and poster presentation at the FOP Drug Development Forum in Stockholm, Sweden on June 27-28, 2024. Company leadership will also present a poster at the International Conference on Children’s Bone Health in Salzburg, Austria from June 22-25, 2024. About āshibio āshibio is a privately held biotechnology company developing a pipeline of novel therapeutics for the treatment of bone and connective tissue disorders. Founded in 2022 by company CEO Pankaj Bhargava, M.D., and the team at MPM BioImpact, āshibio exited stealth mode in June 2024 with $40 million in Seed and Series A financing. The company plans to initiate a Phase 2/3 trial of its lead asset, andecaliximab, in the second half of 2024 in patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive heterotopic ossification (HO), a pathological condition characterized by abnormal bone formation in muscle and soft tissues. For more information, visit . About MPM BioImpact MPM BioImpact is a world-leading biotechnology investment firm with over 30 years of expertise creating and investing in innovative companies to deliver transformative therapies to patients. Its experienced and dedicated team of investment professionals, entrepreneurs, advisors and leading scientists translate scientific discoveries into breakthrough medicines and potential cures. For more information, visit . About Agent Capital Agent Capital is an international life sciences investment firm that supports disruptive healthcare companies focusing on novel, differentiated therapeutics and treatments that address unmet patient needs. Agent Capital aligns with scientists, entrepreneurs, and other investors to develop the next generation of healthcare innovations, leverages their industry expertise and successful track record to source premier deals, accelerate value, and drive successful exits. Since 2017, Agent Capital has invested in over 25 companies, the majority of which have executed collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies or successfully raised additional capital in the private or public markets. For more information, visit .

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Incyte Corporation (Nasdaq: INCY) today announced that several abstracts featuring data from its oncology portfolio will be presented at the upcoming 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting held May 31 – June 4 in Chicago, and at the European Hematology Association 2024 (EHA2024) Congress held on June 13-16 in Madrid, Spain, and virtually. "The data being presented at ASCO and EHA demonstrates Incyte’s dedication to our comprehensive research approach to identifying new first and best in class treatments for cancer patients," stated Steven Stein, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Incyte. "The research we're presenting emphasizes promise within our oncology pipeline in areas where there is a continued need for therapeutic development across a breadth of cancers." Key abstracts accepted for presentation at ASCO and EHA include: ASCO Abstracts Abstracts will be available to registered attendees on the ASCO Congress platform beginning on May 23, 2024. Posters and slides will be available to registered attendees at the scheduled session start time. Poster Presentations INCB099280 A Phase 1 study of the Small-Molecule PD-L1 inhibitor INCB099280 in Select Advanced Solid Tumors: Updated Safety, Efficacy, and Pharmacokinetics (PK) Results (Abstract #2608. Session: Developmental Therapeutics—Immunotherapy. Saturday, June 1, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. ET) INCB057643 Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) Inhibitor INCB057643 in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Myelofibrosis (MF) and Other Advanced Myeloid Neoplasms: A Phase 1 Study (Abstract #6576. Session: Hematologic Malignancies—Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, and Allotransplant. Monday, June 3, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET) EHA Abstracts Abstracts are available on the EHA2024 Congress platform and accessible for on-demand viewing until August 15, 2024. Oral Presentations Ruxolitinib Analysis of Molecular Mechanisms and Predictive Biomarkers of Disease Transformation in Polycythemia Vera (Abstract #S217. Topic: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms – Biology & Translational Research. Friday, June 14, 8:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. ET) Poster Presentations Ruxolitinib A Real-World Evaluation of Risk Factors for Disease Progression in Patients With Polycythemia Vera (PV) Enrolled in REVEAL (Abstract #P1047. Topic: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms - Clinical. Friday, June 14) Ruxolitinib Treatment in Patients With Polycythemia Vera Reduces JAK2 Allele Burden and Improves Hematocrit Control and Symptom Burden (Abstract #P1049. Topic: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms - Clinical. Friday, June 14) The Impact of New or Worsening Anemia on Clinical Outcomes in 2233 Patients With Myelofibrosis Treated With Ruxolitinib: Results From the Expanded-Access JUMP Study (Abstract #P1044. Topic: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms - Clinical. Friday, June 14) High Rate of Disease Progression in Patients With Low-Risk Myelofibrosis (MF) Enrolled in the Prospective MOST Study (Abstract #P1053. Topic: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms - Clinical. Friday, June 14) Progression to Myelofibrosis in Patients With Essential Thrombocythemia: An Analysis From the Prospective MOST Study (Abstract #P1030. Topic: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms - Clinical. Friday, June 14) Zilurgisertib ALK2 and JAK2 Inhibition for Improved Treatment of Anemia in Myelofibrosis Patients: Preclinical Pro an ALK2 Inhibitor Zilurgisertib in Combination With Ruxolitinib (Abstract #P1019. Topic: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms - Biology & Transitional Research. Friday, June 14) The Activin Receptor-Like Kinase-2 Inhibitor Zilurgisertib (INCB000928) as Monotherapy or With Ruxolitinib in Patients with Anemia Due to Myelofibrosis: Phase 1/2 Study Results (Abstract #P1060. Topic: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms – Clinical. Friday, June 14) INCB057643 Bromodomain and Extra-terminal (BET) Inhibitor INCB057643 in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Myelofibrosis (MF) and Other Advanced Myeloid Neoplasms: A Phase 1 Study (Abstract #P1065. Topic: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms – Clinical. Friday, June 14) INCA033989 Efficacy of INCA033989 in Chronic and Advanced Forms of CALRdel52 and CALRins5 MPN models (Abstract #P1002. Topic: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms - Biology & Translational Research. Friday, June 14) INCB160058 Preclinical Evaluation of INCB160058 – A Novel and Potentially Disease-Modifying Therapy for JAK2V617F Mutant Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (Abstract #P1028. Topic: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms - Biology & Translational Research. Friday, June 14) Axatilimab Axatilimab for Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Responses in Fibrosis-Dominant Organs in AGAVE-201 (Abstract #P1321. Topic: Stem Cell Transplantation – Clinical. Friday, June 14) Pemigatinib A Phase 2 Study of Pemigatinib (FIGHT-203; INCB054828) in Patients With Myeloid/Lymphoid Neoplasms With Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 Gene Rearrangement (Abstract #P1042. Topic: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms - Clinical. June 14) Tafasitamab CD19 Expression Persists in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patient Biopsies After Treatment With Tafasitamab (Abstract #P1234. Topic: Lymphoma Biology & Translational Research. Friday, June 14 EARLYMIND, a Retrospective, Multicentric Study in Real World Settings to Characterize the Efficacy of Tafasitamab-Lenalidomide in Transplant Ineligible Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma (Abstract #P1214. Topic: Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – Clinical. Friday, June 14) For full session details and data presentation listings, please see the ASCO ( ) and EHA2024 ( ) online programs. About Jakafi® (ruxolitinib) Jakafi® (ruxolitinib) is a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor approved by the U.S. FDA for treatment of polycythemia vera (PV) in adults who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant of hydroxyurea; intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis (MF), including primary MF, post-polycythemia vera MF and post-essential thrombocythemia MF in adults; steroid-refractory acute GVHD in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older; and chronic GVHD after failure of one or two lines of systemic therapy in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older. Jakafi is marketed by Incyte in the United States and by Novartis as Jakavi® (ruxolitinib) outside the United States. Jakafi is a registered trademark of Incyte Corporation. Jakavi is a registered trademark of Novartis AG in countries outside the United States. About Monjuvi® (tafasitamab-cxix) [or Minjuvi® (tafasitamab)] Monjuvi® (tafasitamab-cxix) [or Minjuvi® (tafasitamab)] is a humanized Fc-modified cytolytic CD19 targeting monoclonal antibody. In 2010, MorphoSys licensed exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize tafasitamab from Xencor, Inc. Tafasitamab incorporates an XmAb® engineered Fc domain, which mediates B-cell lysis through apoptosis and immune effector mechanism including Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC) and Antibody-Dependent Cellular Phagocytosis (ADCP). MorphoSys and Incyte entered into: (a) in January 2020, a collaboration and licensing agreement to develop and commercialize tafasitamab globally; and (b) in February 2024, an agreement whereby Incyte obtained exclusive rights to develop and commercialize tafasitamab globally. In the United States, Monjuvi® (tafasitamab-cxix) received accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in combination with lenalidomide for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from low grade lymphoma, and who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). In Europe, Minjuvi® (tafasitamab) received conditional Marketing Authorization from the European Medicines Agency in combination with lenalidomide, followed by Minjuvi monotherapy, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). XmAb® is a registered trademark of Xencor, Inc. Monjuvi, Minjuvi, the Minjuvi and Monjuvi logos and the “triangle” design are registered trademarks of Incyte. About Pemazyre® (pemigatinib) Pemazyre® (pemigatinib) is a kinase inhibitor indicated in the United States for the treatment of adults with previously treated, unresectable locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion or other rearrangement as detected by an FDA-approved test*. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s). Pemazyre is also the first targeted treatment approved for use in the United States for treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms (MLNs) with FGFR1 rearrangement. In Japan, Pemazyre is approved for the treatment of patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer (BTC) with a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion gene, worsening after cancer chemotherapy. In Europe, Pemazyre is approved for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion or rearrangement that have progressed after at least one prior line of systemic therapy. Pemazyre is a potent, selective, oral inhibitor of FGFR isoforms 1, 2 and 3 which, in preclinical studies, has demonstrated selective pharmacologic activity against cancer cells with FGFR alterations. Pemazyre is marketed by Incyte in the United States, Europe and Japan. Pemazyre is a trademark of Incyte Corporation. About Incyte A global biopharmaceutical company on a mission to Solve On., Incyte follows the science to find solutions for patients with unmet medical needs. Through the discovery, development and commercialization of proprietary therapeutics, Incyte has established a portfolio of first-in-class medicines for patients and a strong pipeline of products in Oncology and Inflammation & Autoimmunity. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Incyte has operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For additional information on Incyte, please visit Incyte.com or follow us on social media: LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube. Incyte Forward-Looking Statements Except for the historical information set forth herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding the presentation of data from Incyte’s clinical development pipeline, the promise presented by that pipeline, whether or when any development compounds or combinations will be approved or commercially available for use in humans anywhere in the world outside of the already approved indications in specific regions and Incyte’s goal of improving the lives of patients, contain predictions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including unanticipated developments in and risks related to: unanticipated delays; further research and development and the results of clinical trials possibly being unsuccessful or insufficient to meet applicable regulatory standards or warrant continued development; the ability to enroll sufficient numbers of subjects in clinical trials and the ability to enroll subjects in accordance with planned schedules; determinations made by the FDA and regulatory agencies outside of the United States; the efficacy or safety of our products; the acceptance of our products in the marketplace; market competition; unexpected variations in the demand for our products and the products of our collaboration partners; the effects of announced or unexpected price regulation or limitations on reimbursement or coverage for our products; sales, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution requirements, including our ability to successfully commercialize and build commercial infrastructure for newly approved products and any additional new products that become approved; and other risks detailed from time to time in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual report on Form 10-K and our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.