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Tuesday, October 19
by
Barry Sugarman
on Tue 19 Oct 2004 08:50 PM PDT
HUMAN GENOME SCIENCES BEGINS DOSING OF PATIENTS IN A PHASE 2 CLINICAL
TRIAL OF HGS-ETR1 IN NON-HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA - Clinical trial of novel genomics-derived anticancer drug is the third Phase 2 study of the drug to be initiated in 2004 - ROCKVILLE, Maryland – October 13, 2004 – Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI) announced today that it has begun dosing patients in a Phase 2 clinical trial of HGS-ETR1 (agonistic human monoclonal antibody to TRAIL Receptor 1) in patients with advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Phase 2 clinical trial is a multi-center, open-label study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of HGS-ETR1 in patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Phase 2 study will enroll a maximum of thirty patients. Each patient will receive up to six cycles of treatment in the absence of disease progression, with HGS-ETR1 administered as an intravenous infusion once every twenty-one days. The objectives of the study are to evaluate disease activity and tumor response to HGS-ETR1 in patients with advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, to evaluate the safety and tolerability of HGS-ETR1, and to determine plasma concentrations of HGS-ETR1 for use in a population pharmacokinetic analysis. Disease response will be assessed using the International Working Group Recommendations for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which were established in 1999 to provide an objective means for evaluating changing disease status and the efficacy of drugs in the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.1 In a separate press release distributed earlier today, Human Genome Sciences announced that it has begin dosing patients in a Phase 2 clinical trial of HGS-ETR1 in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.2 On September 8, 2004, the company announced the initiation of a Phase 2 study of HGS-ETR1 in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.3 The three Phase 2 studies of HGS-ETR1 initiated to date fit into a global clinical development program through which Human Genome Sciences plans to evaluate the novel, genomics-derived anticancer drug’s potential for use in the treatment of specific cancers. Anas Younes, M.D., Professor, Lymphoma/Myeloma, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, said, “Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the seventh most common cancer in the United States, with approximately 56,000 new cases diagnosed each year. 4 The current standard of care calls for treating most patients with a combination of chemotherapy and, in recent years, monoclonal antibodies. This therapeutic approach produces cures in approximately fifty percent of patients with aggressive lymphoma. Those who relapse or do not respond are treated with additional chemotherapeutic and other therapeutic modalities, but cures are difficult to achieve. New therapies that can improve response rates, extend the duration of response, extend survival, minimize toxicity, and provide patients with improved quality of life represent a significant need. We look forward to evaluating HGS-ETR1 to determine whether it may play a role in the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.” 5-13 David C. Stump, M.D., Executive Vice President, Drug Development, said, “The interim results from our ongoing Phase 1 clinical trials of HGS-ETR1 demonstrate that it is well tolerated and can be safely and repetitively administered to patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or advanced solid tumors.14-19 Based on the clinical evidence to date, along with strong preclinical support, we are pleased to initiate a Phase 2 study of HGS-ETR1 in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We look forward to continuing to elucidate the potential of HGS-ETR1 as a treatment for solid tumor and other malignancies.” Craig A. Rosen, Ph.D., President and Chief Operating Officer, said, “The advancement of HGS-ETR1 to Phase 2 clinical trials is one of the key milestones that we set for Human Genome Sciences at the beginning of 2004. We are now moving forward with a broad Phase 2 program of clinical study to investigate the use of HGS-ETR1 in the treatment of specific cancers, including colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The results of our own in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, as well as studies conducted by others, demonstrate that agonistic antibodies to TRAIL Receptors 1 and 2 have significant potential to provide novel therapeutic options to patients with a variety of cancer types, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 20-45 Our preclinical studies also show that the activity of HGS-ETR1 may be increased by co-treatment with chemotherapeutic agents.”46-52 Interim results of two ongoing Phase 1 multi-center, open-label, dose-escalation clinical trials of HGS-ETR1 were presented in September 2004 at the 16th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Geneva, Switzerland. 14-16 The data presented demonstrate the safety and tolerability of HGS-ETR1 in patients with advanced solid tumors or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and support further evaluation of HGS-ETR1 in Phase 2 clinical trials, both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy. Data were presented on thirty-nine patients treated to date in a Phase 1 study conducted in patients with advanced solid tumors.14, 16 Interim results of the ongoing study demonstrate that HGS-ETR1 can be administered safely and repetitively to patients with advanced solid malignancies at doses up to and including 10 mg/kg intravenously every 28 days. No evidence of drug-related hematologic or hepatic toxicity has been observed at the doses administered to date. The Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) has not been reached, and accrual in the trial continues at a dose of 10 mg/kg every 14 days. Some preliminary evidence of biological activity has been observed. Durable stable disease for greater than eight months was observed in one patient with metastatic sarcoma. Durable stable disease was observed for four months in one patient with head-and-neck cancer and in one patient with Ewing’s sarcoma; both patients continue on treatment. Data also were presented on twenty-four patients treated to date in an additional Phase 1 study conducted in patients with advanced solid tumors or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Results presented from the ongoing clinical trial demonstrate that HGS-ETR1 is well tolerated with no clearly attributable toxicities to date and that the MTD has not been reached. Stable disease has been observed in eight patients for greater than two cycles. The trial continues to enroll patients.15-16 Human Genome Sciences, using genomic techniques, originally identified the TRAIL Receptor-1 protein as a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor super-family. The company’s own studies, as well as those conducted by others, show that TRAIL Receptor 1 plays a key role in triggering apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in tumors. Human Genome Sciences took the approach of developing human monoclonal antibodies that would bind the receptor and stimulate the TRAIL Receptor-1 protein to trigger apoptosis in cancer cells, in much the same way that the native TRAIL ligand (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) triggers it, but with the advantage of a longer half-life and an exclusive specificity for TRAIL Receptor 1. The TRAIL Receptor 1 agonistic human monoclonal antibody, HGS-ETR1, was made in a collaboration between Human Genome Sciences and Cambridge Antibody Technology.53 The drug will be produced in the Human Genome Sciences clinical manufacturing facilities located in Rockville, Maryland. Human Genome Sciences holds the commercial rights to the drug. For more information about HGS-ETR1, see www.hgsi.com/products/ETR1.html. Health professionals interested in more information about trials involving HGSI products are encouraged to inquire via the Contact Us section of the Human Genome Sciences web site, www.hgsi.com/products/request.html, or by calling (301) 610-5790, extension 3550. Human Genome Sciences is a company with the mission to treat and cure disease by bringing new gene-based protein and antibody drugs to patients. HGS and Human Genome Sciences are trademarks of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements are based on Human Genome Sciences’ current intent, belief and expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements because of the Company’s unproven business model, its dependence on new technologies, the uncertainty and timing of clinical trials, the Company’s ability to develop and commercialize products, its dependence on collaborators for services and revenue, its substantial indebtedness and lease obligations, its changing requirements and costs associated with planned facilities, intense competition, the uncertainty of patent and intellectual property protection, the Company’s dependence on key management and key suppliers, the uncertainty of regulation of products, the impact of future alliances or transactions and other risks described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of today’s date. Human Genome Sciences undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. ### Footnotes: 1. Cheson BD, Horning SJ, Coiffier B, et al. Report of an international workshop to standardize response criteria for non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. J Clin Oncol 1999;4:1244-1253. 2. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Initiates a Phase 2 Clinical Trial of HGS-ETR1 in Patients with Colorectal Cancer. October 13, 2004. 3. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Advances Anti-Cancer Drug to Phase 2 Clinical Development. September 8, 2004. 4. Jemal A, Murray T, Samuels A, et al. Cancer statistics, 2003. CA Cancer J Clin. 2003;53:5-26. 5. Coiffier B. Immunotherapy: The new standard in aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in elderly. Semin Oncol 2003;30:21-27. 6. Coiffier B, Pfreundschuh M, Stahel R, et al. Aggressive lymphoma: Improving treatment outcome with rituximab. Anticancer Drugs 2002;13 (Suppl2):43-50. 7. Vose JM, Link BK, Grossbard ML, et al. Phase II study of rituximab in combination with CHOP chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. J Clin Oncol 2001;19:389-397. 8. Horning SJ, Cascoyne RD, Fischer RI. Large cell lymphoma; let’s chop down barriers to progress. ASCO Educational Book, Spring 1999;319-331. 9. McLaughlin P, Grillo-Lopez AJ, Link BK, et al. Rituximab chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy for relapsed indolent lymphoma; half of patients respond to a four-dose treatment program. J Clin Oncol 1998;16:2825-2833. 10. Johnson PWM, Roahtimer AZS, Whelan JS, et al. Patterns of survival in patients with recurrent follicular lymphoma: A 20-year study from a single center. J Clin Oncol 1995;13:140-147. 11. Kimby E, Bjorkholm M, Gahrton G, et al. Clorambucil/prednisone vs. CHOP in symptomatic low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas; a randomized trial from Lymphoma Group of Central Sweden. Ann Oncol 1994;5(suppl):67-71. 12. Armitage JO. Treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. N Engl J Med 1993;328:1023-1030. 13. Dana BW, Dahlberg S, Nathwanmi BN, et al. Long-term follow-up of patients with low-grade malignant lymphomas treated with doxorubicin-based chemotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy. J Clin Oncol 1993;11:644-651. 14. Cohen RB, et al. A Phase 1 clinical trial of HGS-ETR1, an agonistic monoclonal antibody to TRAIL-R1, in patients with advanced solid tumors.” 16th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, 2004: Oral Presentation. 15. Hotte SJ, et al. Phase 1 study of a fully human monoclonal antibody to the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 1 (TRAIL-R1) in subjects with advanced solid malignancies or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). 16th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, 2004: Abstract #208. 16. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Reports Results of Ongoing Phase 1 Clinical Trials of HGS-ETR1 in Patients with Advanced Cancers. September 29, 2004. 17. Tolcher AW, et al. A Phase 1 and pharmacokinetic study of HGS-ETR1, a fully human monoclonal antibody to TRAIL-R1 (TRM-1), in patients with advanced solid tumors. American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, 2004: Abstract #3060. 18. Le LH, et al. Phase 1 study of a fully human monoclonal antibody to the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducting ligand Death Receptor 4 (TRAIL-R1) in subjects with advanced solid malignancies or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, 2004: Abstract #2533. 19. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Reports Results of Phase 1 Clinical Trials of HGS-ETR1 (TRAIL-R1 mAb) in Patients with Advanced Cancers. June 7, 2004. 20. Halpern W, et al. Variable distribution of TRAIL Receptor 1 in primary human tumor and normal tissues. 16th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, 2004: Abstract #225. 21. Humphreys R, et al. HGS-TR2J, a human, agonistic, TRAIL Receptor-2 monoclonal antibody, induces apoptosis, tumor regression and growth inhibition as a single agent in diverse human solid tumor cell lines. 16th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, 2004: Abstract #204. 22. (HGSI Press Release) Human Genome Sciences Reports Results of Preclinical Studies of TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 Agonistic Human Monoclonal Antibodies at EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium. October 1, 2004. 23. Younes A, Kadin ME. Emerging applications for the tumor necrosis factor family of ligands and receptors in cancer therapy. J Clin Oncol 2003;21:3526-3534. 24. Georgakis GV, Li Y, Humphreys R, et al. Activity of selective agonistic antibodies to TRAIL death receptors R1 and R2 in primary and cultured tumor cells of hematologic origin. Blood 2003;102:228a (abstract #799). 25. Johnson RL, Huang X, Fiscella M. Human agonistic anti-TRAIL antibodies, HGS-ETR1 and HGS-ETR2, induce apoptosis in diverse hematological tumor lines. Blood 2003;102:981a (abstract #3316). 26. Pukac L, Kanakaraj P, Alderson R, et al. TRAIL-R1 mAb, a human agonistic monoclonal antibody to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 1, induces apoptosis in human tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. American Association for Cancer Research 94th Annual Meeting. July 2003, Abstract 6429. 27. Salcedo, Alderson R, Basu, et al. TRM-1, a fully human TRAIL-R1 agonistic monoclonal antibody, displays in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity. American Association for Cancer Research 93rd Annual Meeting. April 2002, Abstract #4240. 28. Humphreys R, et al. TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 human agonistic monoclonal antibodies display in vitro and in vivo activity on human cancer cells. Society for Biological Therapy 2002; oral presentation. 29. Ashkenazi A. Targeting death and decoy receptors of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily. Nat Revs Cancer 2002; 2:420-430. 30. Choi C, Kutsch O, Park J, et al. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand induces caspase-dependent interleukin-8 expression and apoptosis in human astroglioma cells. Mol Cell Biol 2002;22(3):724-736. 31. Chuntharapai A, Dodge K, Grimmer K, et al. Isotype-dependent inhibition of tumor growth in vivo by monoclonal antibodies to death receptor 4. J Immunol 2001; 166:4891-4898. 32. Ichikawa K, Liu W, Zhao L, et al. Tumoricidal activity of a novel anti-human DR5 monoclonal antibody without hepatocyte cytotoxicity. Nat Med 2001;7:954-960. 33. Gores GJ, Kaufmann SH. Is TRAIL hepatoxic? Hepatology 2001;34:3-6. 34. Jo M, Kim TH, Seol DW, et al. Apoptosis induced in normal human hepatocytes by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. Nat Med 2000;6:564-567. 35. Kelley SK, Harris LA, Xie D, et al. Preclinical studies to predict the disposition of Apo2L/tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand in humans: Characterization of in vivo efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2001;299:31-38. 36. Lawrence D, Shahrokh Z, Marsters S, et al. Differential hepatocyte toxicity of recombinant ApoL/TRAIL versions. Nat Med 2001;7:383-385. 37. Mitsiades CS, Treon SP, Mitsiades N, et al. TRAIL/Apo2L ligand selectively induces apoptosis and overcomes drug resistance in multiple myeloma: Therapeutic applications. Blood 2001; 98:795-804. 38. Ashkenazi A. Apo-2L/TRAIL in cytokine reference. Academic Press 2000. 39. Tanaka S, Sugimachi K, Shirabe K, et al. Expression and antitumor effects of TRAIL in human cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology 2000;32:523-527. 40. Ashkenazi A, Pai RC, Fong S, et al. Safety and anti-tumor activity of recombinant soluble Apo2 ligand. J Clin Invest 1999;104:155-162. 41. Walczak H, Miller RE, Ariail K, et al. Tumoricidal activity of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand in vivo. Nat. Med. 1999; 5:157-163. 42. Snell V, Clodi K, Zhao S, et al. Activity of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in haematological malignancies. Br J Haematol 1997;99:618-624. 43. Pitti RM, Marsters SA, Ruppert S, et al. Induction of apoptosis by Apo-2 ligand, a new member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family. J Biol Chem. 1996; 271:12690-12697. 44. Wiley SR, Schooley K, Smolak PJ, et al. Identification and characterization of a new member of the TNF family that induces apoptosis. Immunity 1995;3:673-682. 45. Anderson KC, Bates MP, Slaughenhhoupt BL, et al. Expression of human B-cell associated antigens on leukemias and lymphomas: a model of human B-cell differentiation. Blood 1984;63:1424-1433. 46. Krishnan B, Ormerod MG, Kaye SB, Jackman AL. Effective combinations of carboplatin with low doses of TRAIL, HGS-ETR1 and HGS-ETR2 in the TRAIL-sensitive HX62 human ovarian tumour cell line. 16th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, 2004: Abstract #637. 47. Georgakis GV, et al. Selective agonistic monoclonal antibodies to the TRAIL Receptors R1 and R2 induce cell death and potentiate the effect of chemotherapy and bortezomib in primary and cultured lymphoma cells. American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, 2004: Abstract #6595. 48. Gillotte D, Zhang Y, Poortman C, et al. Human agonistic anti-TRAIL receptor antibodies, HGS-ETR1 and HGS-ETR2, induce apoptosis in ovarian tumor lines and their activity is enhanced by taxol and carboplatin. Proceedings from the AACR 2004; 73:3579. 49. Humphreys R, Shepard L, Zhang Y, et al. Novel, agonistic, human anti-TRAIL receptor monoclonal antibodies, HGS-ETR1 and HGS-ETR2, are capable of potently inducing tumor regression and growth inhibition as single agents and in combination with chemotherapeutic agents in models of human NSCLC. Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, Boston, November 2003. 50. Buchsbaum DJ, Zhou T, Grizzle WE, et al. Antitumor efficacy of TRA-8 anti-DR5 monoclonal antibody alone or in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy in a human breast cancer model. Clin Cancer Research 2003; 9:3731-3741. 51. Nagane M, Pan G, Weddle JJ, et al. Increased death receptor 5 expression by chemotherapeutic agents in human gliomas causes synergistic cytotoxicity with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Research. 2000; 60:847-853. 52. Gliniak B, Le T. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand’s antitumor activity in vivo is enhanced by the chemotherapeutic agent CPT-11. Cancer Research 1999; 59:6153-6158. 53. (HGSI Press Release) Cambridge Antibody Technology and Human Genome Sciences Announce Second Drug Partnership. January 8, 2002. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS: David C. Stump, M.D. Executive Vice President, Drug Development 240/314-4400 Jerry Parrott Vice President, Corporate Communications 301/315-2777 Kate de Santis Director, Investor Relations 301/251-6003 Sunday, October 3
by
Barry Sugarman
on Sun 03 Oct 2004 11:06 PM PDT
ARIAD INITIATES PHASE 2 CLINICAL TRIAL OF AP23573 IN PATIENTS WITH RELAPSED AND/OR REFRACTORY SARCOMAS
First global multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial of AP23573 in solid tumors Cambridge, MA, September 30, 2004 - ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARIA) today announced initiation of enrollment of patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas in the first multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial of its novel mTOR inhibitor, AP23573, as a single agent in solid tumors. This non-randomized study will evaluate the clinical benefit of AP23573 in four well-defined groups of sarcoma patients, characterized by tumor type. Up to approximately 175 patients will be enrolled in the trial at approximately 15 centers in the United States and Europe.AP23573 will be administered using a daily dosing regimen of drug. "In our nearly completed Phase 1 clinical trials reported today at the EORTC international cancer symposium, all evaluable patients with relapsed and/or refractory sarcoma had evidence of anti-tumor activity - a promising result that supports our decision to further evaluate AP23573 in this patient population in Phase 2,"� said Harvey J. Berger, M.D., chairman and chief executive officer of ARIAD. "Despite advancements in anti-cancer therapy, currently available treatment options for such patients are extremely limited due the highly resistant nature of this cancer. Sarcoma remains a disease with high unmet medical need." The study will also include use of pharmacodynamic and pharmacogenomic biomarkers,including functional imaging, to assess the effects of AP23573 on the mTOR pathway and to help identify patients who are likely to benefit most from treatment with AP23573. About Sarcoma Sarcomas are cancers of the connective tissue, including bones, muscles, fat, cartilage, and joints. Sarcomas can arise anywhere in the body and are divided into two main groups - bone tumors and soft tissue sarcomas. They are further sub-classified based on the type of cell found in the tumor. All sarcomas share certain pathologic characteristics. There are approximately 10,000 new cases of sarcoma diagnosed each year in the United States and close to 40,000 sarcoma patients being treated in the United States and Europe. More information about sarcomas is available on the web at http://www.sarcoma.net/facts.htm and at http://www.sarcomafoundation.com/master.html?Articleld=90. About AP23573 The small-molecule drug, AP23573, starves cancer cells and shrinks tumors by inhibiting the critical cell-signaling protein, mTOR, which regulates the response of tumor cells to nutrients and growth factors, and controls tumor blood supply and angiogenesis through effects on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). About ARIAD ARIAD is engaged in the discovery and development of breakthrough medicines to treat cancer by regulating cell signaling with small molecules. The Company is developing a comprehensive approach to patients with cancer that addresses the greatest medical need - aggressive and advanced-stage cancers for which current treatments are inadequate. ARIAD also has an exclusive license to pioneering technology and patents related to certain NF-kB treatment methods, and the discovery and development of drugs to regulate NF-kB cell-signaling activity, which may be useful in treating certain diseases. Additional information about ARIAD can be found on the web at http://www.ariad.com. Some of the matters discussed herein are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "estimate,"� "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe, " and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcome of events, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the Company's ability to accurately estimate the actual research and development expenses and other costs associated with the preclinical and clinical development of our product candidates, the adequacy of our capital resources and the availability of additional funding, risks and uncertainties regarding the Company's ability to successfully conduct preclinical and clinical studies of its product candidates, including those clinical trials noted in this press release, risks and uncertainties that clinical trial results at any phase of development may be adverse or may not be predictive of future result or lead to regulatory approval of any of the Company's product candidates, and risks and uncertainties relating to regulatory oversight, intellectual property claims, the timing, scope, cost and outcome of legal proceedings, future capital needs, key employees, dependence on the Company's collaborators and manufacturers, markets, economic conditions, products, services, prices, reimbursement rates, competition and other risks detailed in the Company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including ARIAD's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. The information contained in this document is believed to be current as of the date of original issue. The Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this document to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in the Company's expectations, except as required by law. ### CONTACT: Tom Pearson (610) 407-9260 Kelly Lindenboom (617) 621-2345 Saturday, October 2
by
Barry Sugarman
on Sat 02 Oct 2004 10:59 AM PDT
HUMAN GENOME SCIENCES REPORTS RESULTS OF ONGOING PHASE 1
CLINICAL TRIALS OF HGS-ETR1 IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED CANCERS
- Results of Phase 1 clinical studies support further evaluation of HGS-ETR1 in Phase 2 clinical trials both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy - - Data presented at 16 th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics - ROCKVILLE, Maryland – September 29, 2004 – Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI) announced today that the results of ongoing Phase 1 clinical trials demonstrate the safety and tolerability of HGS-ETR1 (agonistic human monoclonal antibody to TRAIL Receptor 1) in patients with advanced solid tumors or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and support further evaluation of HGS-ETR1 in Phase 2 clinical trials, both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy. Safety, pharmacokinetic and biological activity data from two Phase 1 studies of HGS-ETR1 were presented today at the 16th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference is jointly organized by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), National Cancer Institute (NCI) and American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). In an oral presentation at the EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium’s plenary session, entitled “A Phase 1 Clinical Trial of HGS-ETR1, an Agonistic Monoclonal Antibody to TRAIL-R1, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors,” data were presented on thirty-nine patients treated to date in an ongoing open-label, dose-escalation clinical trial.1 The median number of chemotherapeutic treatment regimens previously received was two, and ranged as high as nine. The patients were enrolled into seven cohorts (0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, or 10.0 mg/kg) and received HGS-ETR1 administered intravenously on a 28-day or 14-day schedule. The primary purpose of the study is to determine the safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicities, and pharmacokinetics of HGS-ETR1 in patients with relapsed or refractory advanced tumors. Disease response also is being evaluated. Available tumor tissue samples from patients participating in the trial will be evaluated for expression of the TRAIL Receptor-1 protein using immunohistochemical (IHC) techniques. Results to date of the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial demonstrate that HGS-ETR1 can be administered safely and repetitively to patients with advanced solid malignancies at doses up to and including 10 mg/kg intravenously every 28 days. No evidence of drug-related hematologic or hepatic toxicity has been observed at doses up to and including 10 mg/kg. The MTD has not been reached, and accrual in the trial continues at a dose of 10 mg/kg every 14 days. Dose-proportional pharmacokinetics were observed up to a dose of 1.0 mg/kg, with a terminal elimination half-life of 15 days. In seven patients treated at the 10 mg/kg dose level, the terminal elimination half-life of HGS-ETR1 was longer, averaging about 18 days. Some preliminary evidence of biological activity has been observed. Durable stable disease for greater than eight months was observed in one patient with metastatic sarcoma. Durable stable disease was observed for four months in one patient with head-and-neck cancer and in one patient with Ewing’s sarcoma; both patients continue on treatment. A poster entitled “Phase 1 Study of a Fully Human Monoclonal Antibody to the Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Receptor 1 (TRAIL-R1) in Subjects with Advanced Solid Malignancies or Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma” (Abstract #208) presented data on twenty-four patients treated to date in an open-label, dose-escalation clinical trial currently ongoing at two centers in Canada.2 All patients admitted to the trial have relapsed or refractory disease and had received prior anti-cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy). To date, twenty-four patients have been enrolled into five cohorts (0.01, 0.03, 0.3, 3.0, or 10.0 mg/kg) and received HGS-ETR1 administered intravenously every 28 days. Patients continue to be enrolled into the 10 mg/kg dose cohort. The study design calls for enrollment of an additional cohort at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Patients are treated every 28 days in the absence of disease progression or dose-limiting toxicities. The primary objective of the trial is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of repeated doses of HGS-ETR1 administered intravenously in patients with advanced solid tumors or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The secondary objectives are to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of repeated doses of HGS-ETR1 and to assess tumor response. Results to date of the ongoing clinical trial demonstrate that HGS-ETR1 is well tolerated with no clearly attributable toxicities to date and that the MTD has not been reached. The median number of treatment cycles delivered is two (1-12). Stable disease has been observed in eight patients for greater than two cycles. Preliminary data indicate that the pharmacokinetics of HGS-ETR1 are dose-proportional up to 0.3 mg/kg. The trial continues to enroll patients. An additional poster presented at the EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium, “Variable Distribution of TRAIL Receptor 1 in Primary Human Tumor and Normal Tissues” (Abstract #225), described the results of a preclinical study designed to identify specific malignancies that are most likely to express TRAIL Receptor 1.3 Such malignancies could be strong candidate indications for HGS-ETR1. The study, conducted by scientists at Human Genome Sciences in collaboration with scientists from DakoCytomation 4 and Fox Chase Cancer Center, used a highly specific immunohistochemical assay to evaluate TRAIL-R1 in human tumor and normal tissue. Of the first 134 malignancies evaluated, a total of 87 tumors (65 percent) showed some degree of TRAIL-R1 specific staining. TRAIL-R1 specific staining was consistently weak or absent in all 17 normal tissues assayed. Tumors of the pancreas, colon and lung were the most likely to have substantial staining for TRAIL-R1. Prostatic carcinomas were least likely to demonstrate TRAIL-R1 staining. The level of TRAIL-R1 protein in the colon was explored further in 26 additional samples representative of typical neoplastic progression. TRAIL-R1 staining distribution and intensity were increased in malignancies of the colon as compared to benign lesions or focal carcinomas in situ. Roger B. Cohen, M.D., Director, Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, said, “The Phase 1 clinical results we presented today demonstrate that HGS-ETR1 is well tolerated and can be safely and repetitively administered to patients with advanced malignancies. We have seen no evidence of drug-related hematological or hepatic toxicity at the dose levels administered to date. We have not reached a maximum tolerated dose, and we have seen preliminary evidence of biological activity. Patient accrual continues in the ongoing Phase 1 trials. Further evaluation of HGS-ETR1 is appropriate in Phase 2 clinical trials, both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy.” David C. Stump, M.D., Executive Vice President, Drug Development, said, “We continue to be encouraged by the results emerging from our ongoing Phase 1 clinical trials of HGS-ETR1. The data show that HGS-ETR1 is well tolerated in patients with advanced solid tumors or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Stable disease has been observed in a number of patients in these studies as well. Based on the encouraging interim clinical results from our Phase 1 studies, along with the strongly supportive preclinical evidence1-3, 6-11, we announced at the beginning of September that we have advanced HGS-ETR1 to a Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with relapsed or refractory non-small cell lung cancer.5 We plan to initiate additional Phase 2 clinical trials of HGS-ETR1 in the weeks and months to come.” Human Genome Sciences, using genomic techniques, originally identified the TRAIL Receptor-1 protein as a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor super-family. The company’s own studies, as well as those conducted by others, show that TRAIL Receptor 1 plays a key role in triggering apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in tumors. Human Genome Sciences took the approach of developing human monoclonal antibodies that would bind the receptor and stimulate the TRAIL Receptor-1 protein to trigger apoptosis in cancer cells, in much the same way that the native TRAIL ligand (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) triggers it, but with the advantage of a longer half-life and an exclusive specificity for TRAIL Receptor 1. The TRAIL Receptor-1 agonistic human monoclonal antibody, HGS-ETR1, was made in a collaboration between Human Genome Sciences and Cambridge Antibody Technology.12 The drug will be produced in the Human Genome Sciences clinical manufacturing facilities located in Rockville, Maryland. Human Genome Sciences holds the commercial rights to the drug. For more information about HGS-ETR1, see www.hgsi.com/products/ETR1.html. Health professionals interested in more information about trials involving HGSI products are encouraged to inquire via the Contact Us section of the Human Genome Sciences web site, www.hgsi.com/products/request.html, or by calling (240) 314-4400, extension 3550. Human Genome Sciences is a company with the mission to treat and cure disease by bringing new gene-based protein and antibody drugs to patients. HGS and Human Genome Sciences are trademarks of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements are based on Human Genome Sciences’ current intent, belief and expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements because of the Company’s unproven business model, its dependence on new technologies, the uncertainty and timing of clinical trials, the Company’s ability to develop and commercialize products, its dependence on collaborators for services and revenue, its substantial indebtedness and lease obligations, its changing requirements and costs associated with planned facilities, intense competition, the uncertainty of patent and intellectual property protection, the Company’s dependence on key management and key suppliers, the uncertainty of regulation of products, the impact of future alliances or transactions and other risks described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of today’s date. Human Genome Sciences undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. ### Footnotes: CONTACTS: David C. Stump, M.D. Executive Vice President, Drug Development 240/314-4400 Jerry Parrott Vice President, Corporate Communications 301/315-2777 Kate de Santis Director, Investor Relations 301/251-6003
by
Barry Sugarman
on Sat 02 Oct 2004 10:46 AM PDT
ARIAD REPORTS TUMOR REGRESSION WITH AP23573 AS A SINGLE AGENT
IN PATIENTS WITH RELAPSED AND/OR REFRACTORY CANCER Updated Phase 1 Clinical Results on Novel mTOR Inhibitor Presented at International Cancer Symposium Cambridge, MA, September 30, 2004 – ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARIA) today announced, for the first time, updated results of two Phase 1 clinical trials of its novel mTOR inhibitor, AP23573 as a single agent, showing documented tumor regression in patients with advanced cancers – most of whom had progressive disease upon entering the trial and virtually all of whom had failed alternative treatments. These clinical results are being presented today at the 2004 EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Geneva, Switzerland. Combined Trial Results: Anti-tumor Responses Of 49 evaluable patients in the two trials, tumor regression was demonstrated in 9 patients (4 “partial responses” by RECIST with at least 30% reduction in tumor size and 5 “minor responses” with 15% to 29% reduction). In an additional 15 patients, disease stabilization was achieved. Overall, 49% (24 of 49) of the patients in the two trials had documented antitumor responses (including partial and minor responses and stable disease), with a median response of 5 months in those demonstrating anti-tumor responses, extending to greater than 18 months – the longest treatment to date. Anti-tumor responses were demonstrated in 9 different refractory and/or relapsed cancers, including all evaluable patients with sarcoma (5 of 5), kidney cancer (7 of 7) and lymphoma (1 of 1), as well as 2 of 3 patients with non-small cell lung (NSCL) cancer. “We are extremely encouraged by the number of patients with relapsed and/or refractory cancer who demonstrated tumor regression with AP23573 in Phase 1 clinical trials, as well as the breadth of tumors that are responding to our novel mTOR inhibitor,” said Harvey J. Berger, M.D., chairman and chief executive officer of ARIAD. “As a clinician, I was particularly struck by the results in one patient with a Ewing’s sarcoma who had received nine prior anticancer regimens. After four cycles of AP23573, CT scans showed a 62% reduction in the size of the mass; this patient continues on study. Phase 2 studies of AP23573 are ongoing in patients with hematologic cancers and solid tumors.” Daily Dosing Trial Results In the 27 evaluable patients in the daily dosing trial – the dosing regimen being used in current Phase 2 clinical trials – AP23573 produced tumor regression in 7 patients: • Partial response – Sarcoma, lymphoma, and NSCL cancer (1 each) • Minor response – Sarcoma, NSCL, kidney, and thyroid cancers (1 each). An additional 9 patients in this trial had stabilization of their disease (overall 59% with anti-tumor response). Weekly Dosing Trial Results In the 22 evaluable patients in the weekly dosing trial, AP23573 also produced tumor regression in 2 patients, both with particularly difficult-to-treat cancers, even when the drug was administered only once each week: • Partial response – Bladder cancer (1) (unconfirmed, repeat scans pending) • Minor response – Mesothelioma, a form of chest-cavity cancer (1). An additional 6 patients in this trial had stabilization of their disease (overall 36% with antitumor response). Additional Combined Trial Results The daily dosing trial is ongoing at the Institute for Drug Development, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, San Antonio (M. Mita, M.D. and A. Tolcher, M.D.), and the weekly dosing trial is ongoing at the University of Chicago Cancer Center (A. Desai, M.D. and M. Ratain, M.D.). AP23573 has been well tolerated by patients in both trials, with generally mild or moderate, readily reversible adverse events. The dose-limiting toxicity was severe oral mucositis, an inflammatory irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and a common finding in cancer patients on various types of treatments. Pharmacodynamic assays on patient samples demonstrated a good correlation of blood levels of AP23573 with inhibition of AP23573’s molecular target, the protein mTOR. Greater than 90% inhibition was observed within 1 hour after dosing in all patients in both trials. With daily dosing of AP23573, there was sustained inhibition of mTOR activity for up to 10 days in the majority of patients studied. The pharmacokinetic (blood-clearance) profile of AP23573 was found to be highly predictable and reproducible, with a median half-life of 49 hours for all patients with complete data in the two trials. In contrast to other mTOR inhibitors in clinical trials, AP23573 was stable in vivo and is not a pro-drug. About AP23573 The small-molecule drug, AP23573, starves cancer cells and shrinks tumors by inhibiting the critical cell-signaling protein, mTOR, which regulates the response of tumor cells to nutrients and growth factors, and controls tumor blood supply and angiogenesis through effects on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). About the Company ARIAD is engaged in the discovery and development of breakthrough medicines to treat cancer by regulating cell signaling with small molecules. The Company is developing a comprehensive approach to patients with cancer that addresses the greatest medical need – aggressive and advanced-stage cancers for which current treatments are inadequate. ARIAD also has an exclusive license to pioneering technology and patents related to certain NF-κB treatment methods, and the discovery and development of drugs to regulate NF-κB cell-signaling activity, which may be useful in treating certain diseases. Additional information about ARIAD can be found on the web at http://www.ariad.com. Some of the matters discussed herein are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcome of events, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the Company’s ability to accurately estimate the actual research and development expenses and other costs associated with the preclinical and clinical development of our product candidates, the adequacy of our capital resources and the availability of additional funding, risks and uncertainties regarding the Company’s ability to successfully conduct preclinical and clinical studies of its product candidates, risks and uncertainties that clinical trial results, such as those noted in this press release, at any phase of development may be adverse or may not be predictive of future result or lead to regulatory approval of any of the Company’s product candidates, and risks and uncertainties relating to regulatory oversight, intellectual property claims, the timing, scope, cost and outcome of legal proceedings, future capital needs, key employees, dependence on the Company’s collaborators and manufacturers, markets, economic conditions, products, services, prices, reimbursement rates, competition and other risks detailed in the Company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including ARIAD’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. The information contained in this document is believed to be current as of the date of original issue. The Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this document to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in the Company’s expectations, except as required by law. ### CONTACT: Tom Pearson (610) 407-9260 Kelly Lindenboom (617) 621-2345 |
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