In addition, the company expects to file 2 Investigational New Drug (IND) applications in 2018 for 2 bispecific antibody candidates
Anticipates 2 IND Filings in 2018 for Novel Bispecific Antibody Candidates
SEATTLE, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aptevo Therapeutics (Nasdaq:APVO), a biotechnology company focused on developing novel oncology and hematology therapeutics, today announced recent developments related to the Company’s novel ADAPTIR™ bispecific antibody platform, including the planned commencement of a Phase 2 clinical evaluation of its monospecific antibody candidate, otlertuzumab, in a new indication – peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2017.
In addition, Aptevo announced that the Company expects to file 2 Investigational New Drug (IND) applications in 2018 for 2 bispecific antibody candidates, APVO436, being developed for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and APVO210, being developed for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
“We continue to make solid progress advancing our ADAPTIR portfolio with the expansion of our otlertuzumab clinical development program to include a new indication in PTCL, as well as planned IND filings for two new ADAPTIR candidates in 2018,” said Scott Stromatt, Chief Medical Officer. “Recently, intriguing evidence has been reported on the overexpression of CD37 on T-cell malignancies, suggesting a potential role for otlertuzumab in an attractive, orphan drug-eligible indication with high unmet medical need. Based on these developments, Aptevo has decided to expand its existing Phase 2 clinical protocol to evaluate otlertuzumab in PTCL and discontinue enrollment in the ongoing cohorts evaluating otlertuzumab in CLL with the intention of continuing to explore partnership opportunities for Phase 3 development of otlertuzumab in CLL. With clinical proof-of-concept data demonstrating the efficacy and tolerability of otlertuzumab in previous combination studies, we believe that evidence of a clinical effect in PTCL could open up a promising new market opportunity for otlertuzumab in the treatment of T-cell malignancies where there is a significant need for safe and effective new treatments.”
“Aptevo is quickly establishing an impressive portfolio of novel immunotherapeutics with a number of candidates advancing, or poised to advance, into the clinic over the next 12 to18 months,” continued Dr. Stromatt. “We believe that bispecifics represent the next frontier in antibody therapeutics and are encouraged by Aptevo’s rapid progress in this field. Importantly, the enhancements we have made to our next generation ADAPTIR platform are differentiated from other bispecific platforms, allowing us to assemble bispecific molecules that possess desired antibody-like features, including: efficient manufacturing properties, extended half-life, improved potency, increased stability and the potential for reduced toxicity. We look forward to data read-outs next year from our current clinical candidates, APVO414 and otlertuzumab, and to further expanding our portfolio of clinical candidates.”
About the Phase 2 Otlertuzumab Study
The Phase 2 study is an open-label, proof-of-concept evaluation of the safety and efficacy of otlertuzumab in combination with bendamustine in patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL). Up to 24 patients will be enrolled in the study. The primary endpoint is response rate, evaluable by the 2017 International Working Group consensus response evaluation criteria in lymphoma (RECIL 2017).
About Otlertuzumab
Otlertuzumab is a monospecific antibody targeting CD37 that was built on Aptevo’s ADAPTIR modular protein therapeutic platform. CD37 is a member of the tetraspanin superfamily of molecules and is expressed on the surface of normal and transformed B cells, and also recently discovered to be present on the surface of T-cell lymphomas.
About PTCL
According to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) consists of a group of rare and typically aggressive Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) that develop from mature T-cells. Most T-cell lymphomas (a type of blood cancer) are classified as PTCLs. Treatment options for relapsed and refractory PTCL are limited, with only two approved drugs on the market, FOLOTYN and ISTODAX, with worldwide sales of approximately $50 million and $80 million, respectively.
ADAPTIR Clinical and Preclinical Portfolio:
- APVO414 – a bispecific ADAPTIR candidate, currently in Phase 1 development, targeting prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), an enzyme that is expressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells, and, CD3, a component of the T cell receptor complex expressed on all T cells. APVO414 redirects T cells to specifically kill PSMA expressing tumors and is being developed for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, which is advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other organs and no longer responds to hormone blocking therapies.
- Otlertuzumab – a monospecific ADAPTIR candidate currently in Phase 2 development for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). A previous Phase 2 clinical study evaluating otlertuzumab for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have shown that otlertuzumab in combination with bendamustine, compared to bendamustine alone, demonstrated a significant increase in median progression free survival for the combination, from approximately 10 to 16 months.
- APVO436 – a bispecific ADAPTIR candidate currently in preclinical development targeting CD123, a cell surface receptor highly expressed on several hematological malignancies and CD3, a component of the T cell receptor. APVO436 engages T cells to initiate killing of tumor cells.
- ALG.APV-527 – a bispecific antibody candidate, partnered with Alligator Bioscience, featuring a novel mechanism of action designed to simultaneously target 4-1BB (CD137) and 5T4, a tumor antigen widely overexpressed in a number of different types of cancer. 4-1BB, a costimulatory receptor on T cells, is known to enhance the immune response to cancer through activation of tumor-specific T cells and is believed to be a promising target for new immunotherapeutic approaches. ALG.APV-527 could potentially have utility in the treatment of a broad spectrum of cancers over-expressing the tumor antigen, including breast, cervical, non-small-cell-lung, prostate, renal, gastric, colorectal and bladder cancers.
- APVO210 – a bispecific ADAPTIR preclinical candidate with a novel mechanism of action based on targeted cytokine delivery. APVO210 is composed of a humanized anti-CD86 antibody fused with a modified form of IL-10 that specifically induces IL-10 signaling on antigen presenting cells, but not on lymphoid populations. APVO210 functions by suppressing immune responses and inducing certain tolerogenic responses and therefore may have potential benefit for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
- ROR1 Bispecific – a proof-of-concept bispecific candidate targeting ROR1, an antigen found on several solid tumors and hematologic, or blood-related malignancies. Initial preclinical data demonstrate redirected T cell killing of tumors expressing ROR1 in vitro and in vivo in animal models.
About Aptevo Therapeutics Inc.
Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on novel oncology and hematology therapeutics to meaningfully improve patients’ lives. Aptevo has a commercial product, IXINITY® coagulation factor IX (recombinant), approved and marketed in the United States for the treatment of Hemophilia B, and a versatile core technology – the ADAPTIR™ modular protein technology platform capable of generating highly-differentiated bispecific antibodies with unique mechanisms of action to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. Aptevo has two ADAPTIR antibody candidates currently in clinical development and a broad pipeline of novel investigational-stage bispecific antibody candidates focused in immuno-oncology and autoimmune disease and inflammation. For more information, please visit www.aptevotherapeutics.com
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential milestone payments, Aptevo’s outlook, financial performance or financial condition, Aptevo’s technology and related pipeline, collaboration and partnership opportunities, commercial portfolio, and any other statements containing the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “forecasts,” “estimates,” “will” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Aptevo’s current intentions, beliefs and expectations regarding future events. Aptevo cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be accurate. Investors should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from Aptevo’s expectations. Investors are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, Aptevo does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events or circumstances.
There are a number of important factors that could cause Aptevo’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including a deterioration in Aptevo’s business or prospects; adverse developments in research and development; adverse developments in the U.S. or global capital markets, credit markets or economies generally; and changes in regulatory, social and political conditions. Additional risks and factors that may affect results are set forth in Aptevo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed on March 31, 2017, and its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. The foregoing sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from Aptevo’s expectations in any forward-looking statement.
Source:
Aptevo Therapeutics
Stacey Jurchison
Senior Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
206-859-6628
JurchisonS@apvo.com
