Gastrointestinal cancer

RenovoRx Closes $6.1 Million Private Placement

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 29, 2024
Biotechnology, FDA, Professional Services, Health, Pharmaceutical, Oncology, Medical Devices, Research, Science, Clinical Trials, Finance, Death, Pancreatic cancer, Patient, Cancer, TAMP, Sarcoma, Glioblastoma, DMC, Standard of care, Cougar, Data monitoring committee, Cholangiocarcinoma, Sale, Lung cancer, LAPC, Investment, Phase, Clinical trial, Gastrointestinal cancer, Pharmaceutical industry

RenovoRx, Inc. (“RenovoRx” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: RNXT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel precision oncology therapies based on a local drug-delivery platform, today announced that it has closed a private placement (the “private placement” or the “financing”) resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $6.1 million, before deducting offering expenses.

Key Points: 
  • RenovoRx, Inc. (“RenovoRx” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: RNXT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel precision oncology therapies based on a local drug-delivery platform, today announced that it has closed a private placement (the “private placement” or the “financing”) resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $6.1 million, before deducting offering expenses.
  • RenovoRx insiders, including members of the management team and Board of Directors, participated in the private placement.
  • The warrants are exercisable at a price equal to the per share price paid by the applicable investor and are exercisable for a period of five years following the closing of the private placement.
  • “I have now chosen to join as an investor in this private placement financing.

Gilead and Arcus Announce Amended Collaboration and Equity Investment

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 29, 2024
Oncology, Health, Hospitals, Clinical Trials, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Pancreatic cancer, Patient, Research, MD, Science, Multimedia, Partnership, Cancer, Lung cancer, NSCLC, CD73, Gilead Sciences, Safety, Gastrointestinal cancer, Doctor of Philosophy, TIGIT, Lung, Kidney cancer, Growth, Pharmaceutical industry

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) and Arcus Biosciences, Inc. (NYSE: RCUS) today announced an amendment to their collaboration agreement and a separate equity investment by Gilead of $320 million in Arcus common stock at $21.00 per share.

Key Points: 
  • Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) and Arcus Biosciences, Inc. (NYSE: RCUS) today announced an amendment to their collaboration agreement and a separate equity investment by Gilead of $320 million in Arcus common stock at $21.00 per share.
  • The equity investment and collaboration amendment enable accelerated growth of the companies’ joint development programs that span multiple indications.
  • Additionally, Johanna Mercier, Chief Commercial Officer at Gilead Sciences, will join the Arcus Board, bringing Gilead’s total director designees to three.
  • The amendment also includes governance enhancements enabling streamlined decision-making and reflecting the continued growth of the collaboration.

Eisai Furthers Oncology Research in Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment with New Data at ASCO GI 2024

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Senior, Patient, HCC, Research, Neoplasm, ASCO, Society, Liver cancer, FGFR2, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Apoptosis, CBP, Safety, Abstract, FDA, Gastrointestinal cancer, CREB-binding protein, Biomarker, Merck, LEAP, TKI, Pharmaceutical industry

NUTLEY, N.J., Jan. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eisai announced today the presentation of gastrointestinal cancer research during the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium (#GI24), which is taking place in-person in San Francisco, California and virtually from January 18-20.

Key Points: 
  • "We look forward to convening in San Francisco to share longer-term efficacy and safety results from the Phase 3 LEAP-002 trial with the scientific community at ASCO GI 2024.
  • Tasurgratinib, for which a marketing authorization application was submitted in Japan in December 2023, is an orally available selective TKI of FGFR1-3.
  • There is no guarantee that any investigational compounds or investigational uses of FDA-approved products will successfully complete clinical development or gain FDA approval.
  • These abstracts will be made available via the ASCO website on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST (2:00 PM PST).

Enterome Appoints Industry Veteran Dr. Peter Hirth to its Board of Directors

Retrieved on: 
Monday, December 18, 2023
Biotechnology, Drug development, Molecular genetics, Research, FDA, Inflammation, Roche, Doctor of Philosophy, Heidelberg University, Therapy, Gastrointestinal cancer, Plexxikon, University, Max Planck Society, Wellington Partners, Growth, Patient

"We are delighted to welcome Peter to Enterome's Board of Directors," said Dr. Pierre Bélichard, Chief Executive Officer of Enterome.

Key Points: 
  • "We are delighted to welcome Peter to Enterome's Board of Directors," said Dr. Pierre Bélichard, Chief Executive Officer of Enterome.
  • "Peter is a recognized leader in the biotech industry and his extensive experience in corporate strategy and drug development will be invaluable to Enterome’s future growth and success.
  • I’d also like to thank Roger for his invaluable contributions to Enterome during his time on the Board."
  • Dr. Hirth possesses a wealth of experience and an exceptional track record in the biopharmaceutical industry.

CV6 Therapeutics Receives MHRA Approval for Novel Cancer Therapy Phase 1a Clinical Trial

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, December 14, 2023
CV6, Immune system, Drug development, Lung, Cancer, Inflammation, Melanoma, DNA, Mouth, Apyrase, Therapy, MHRA, Royal Marsden Hospital, Thymidylate synthase, Gastrointestinal cancer, University, ECMC, Toxicity, Patient, Safety

Cancer cell DNA uracilation by CV6-168 is aided by combination with standard cancer therapies including thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibitors such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

Key Points: 
  • Cancer cell DNA uracilation by CV6-168 is aided by combination with standard cancer therapies including thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibitors such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
  • The UK multi-centre Phase 1a clinical trial will combine CV6-168 with infusional 5-FU to treat gastrointestinal cancer patients, such as colon, gastric, and pancreatic cancers as well as other tumor types such as melanoma, lung, and ovarian cancers.
  • The trial is expected to have dosed its first patient in Q1 2024, with trial read-outs expected in H1 2025.
  • CV6 CEO and Founder Dr Robert Ladner said, “This regulatory approval is a key milestone as we progress CV6-168 into a first-in-human Phase 1a clinical trial.

European Commission Approves Merck’s KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy for New First-Line Indications in Advanced HER2-Negative Gastric or GEJ Adenocarcinoma in Tumors Expressing PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) and Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer

Retrieved on: 
Monday, December 18, 2023
Biotechnology, Health, Pharmaceutical, Clinical Trials, Oncology, MSD, Cisplatin, PD-L1, NYSE, European Commission, Risk, Civil service commission, Gastrointestinal cancer, Neoplasm, Committee, Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product, HER2, Adenocarcinoma, Death, BTC, OS, CPS, GEJ, MRK, Pharmaceutical industry, Merck

In patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 (CPS ≥1), KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy reduced the risk of death by 26% (HR=0.74 [95% CI, 0.65-0.84]; p

Key Points: 
  • In patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 (CPS ≥1), KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy reduced the risk of death by 26% (HR=0.74 [95% CI, 0.65-0.84]; p
  • Median OS was 13.0 months (95% CI, 11.6-14.2) for patients treated with KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy vs 11.4 months (95% CI, 10.5-12.0) for chemotherapy alone.
  • Median OS was 12.7 months (95% CI, 11.5-13.6) for KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy versus 10.9 months (95% CI, 9.9-11.6) for chemotherapy alone.
  • In KEYNOTE-859, the incidence of Grade 3-5 adverse reactions in patients with gastric cancer was 75% for KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy and 70% for chemotherapy.

Northwell Opens $52M Cancer Center, Multispecialty Practice in Queens

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
General Health, Hospitals, Health, Practice Management, Oncology, Queens Boulevard, Hindi, Oncology nursing, North Shore University Hospital, Gynaecology, Cancer Institute, LIJ, New Yorker, Head, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Genetic counseling, Surgical oncology, Hematology, Elective surgery, DEXA, Internal medicine, Urology, Breast cancer, Google Images, Patient, Multimedia, Gastrointestinal cancer, Colorectal surgery, Kimelman Cancer Institute, Neurology, Heart, Obstetrics, Rheumatology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Rehabilitation, Bariatrics, Lung cancer screening, Gastroenterology, HIV, Neurosurgery, Cancer, QMA, MRI, Social work, Hospital, PET, General surgery, STARS, Estate (law), Nursing, Management, MD, Northwell Health

As part of the new cancer center, Queens Medical Associates (QMA), a member of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, will move its highly regarded hematology and oncology practice, located in Fresh Meadows for over 30 years, to Rego Park.

Key Points: 
  • As part of the new cancer center, Queens Medical Associates (QMA), a member of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, will move its highly regarded hematology and oncology practice, located in Fresh Meadows for over 30 years, to Rego Park.
  • Northwell treats about 19,000 New Yorkers with cancer each year, more than any other cancer provider in the state.
  • “We’re excited to open a new outpatient cancer center in the heart of Queens to deliver the best cancer care close to where people live,” said Richard Barakat, MD , physician-in-chief and executive director of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute.
  • “Northwell is uniquely positioned to care for patients in Queens – one of the most diverse places in the country.

RenovoRx Expands Scientific Advisory Board with Appointment of Michel Ducreux, M.D., Ph.D.

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Oncology, Health, Medical Devices, General Health, Clinical Trials, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medicine, European Journal of Cancer, Gustave Roussy, European Journal, EORTC, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Treatment, Ducreux, ESMO, Gastrointestinal cancer, Research, Medical Affairs Bureau, SAB, LAPC, Gastroenterology, University, Paris-Saclay University, Doctor of Philosophy, Neoplasm, Glomus tumor, Medical imaging, Medical device, Cancer

(“RenovoRx” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: RNXT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing targeted combination therapies, today announced the appointment of Michel Ducreux, M.D., Ph.D. to the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).

Key Points: 
  • (“RenovoRx” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: RNXT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing targeted combination therapies, today announced the appointment of Michel Ducreux, M.D., Ph.D. to the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).
  • Dr. Ducreux was trained in medicine, gastroenterology, and gastrointestinal tract oncology at the University of Paris Sud.
  • Dr. Ducreux earned his master’s degree in biological sciences and PhD in health sciences.
  • “I am excited to be working with my distinguished colleagues on RenovoRx’s Scientific Advisory Board,” stated Dr. Ducreux.

Merck Receives Positive EU CHMP Opinion for KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Gemcitabine and Cisplatin as First-Line Treatment for Locally Advanced Unresectable or Metastatic Biliary Tract Cancer

Retrieved on: 
Friday, November 10, 2023
Oncology, Health, Clinical Trials, Research, Science, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, MSD, Cisplatin, NYSE, Food, European Commission, Head, European Medicines Agency, Merck & Co., Disease, Civil service commission, Patient, Gastrointestinal cancer, European, MRK, FDA, CHMP, Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product, Survival, Immunotherapy, Pharmaceutical industry, Merck

Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion recommending approval of KEYTRUDA, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic biliary tract carcinoma.

Key Points: 
  • Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion recommending approval of KEYTRUDA, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic biliary tract carcinoma.
  • “Patients diagnosed with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer face a challenging disease with poor survival outcomes, underscoring the need for new treatment options that may help extend their lives,” said Dr. Marjorie Green, senior vice president and head of late-stage oncology, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories.
  • In October 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of KEYTRUDA in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer.
  • Merck has an extensive clinical development program evaluating KEYTRUDA in gastrointestinal cancers and is continuing to study KEYTRUDA for multiple uses in gastric, hepatobiliary, esophageal and colorectal cancers.

Oncolytics Announces the Anal Cancer Cohort of the GOBLET Phase 1/2 Study of Pelareorep and Atezolizumab Has Met the Success Criteria for Efficacy

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Patient, SCCA, International, Hope, Gastrointestinal cancer, Conference, Interim, ORR, Anal canal, Anal cancer, ONC, TSX, SAN, Medical imaging, Pharmaceutical industry, Vaccine, Nursing, Oncolytics Biotech, Pelareorep

SAN DIEGO and CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncolytics Biotech® Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), a clinical-stage immunotherapeutics company focused on oncology, today announced the presentation of positive, interim results from the Phase 1/2 GOBLET study evaluating the combination of pelareorep and atezolizumab in second-line patients with unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) by Dirk Arnold, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Asklepios Tumorzentrum Hamburg, and primary investigator of the GOBLET trial, in an oral presentation at the 2nd International Multidisciplinary Anal Cancer Conference (IMACC) 2023, taking place in Rome, Italy.

Key Points: 
  • "The positive interim data from the anal cancer cohort of the Phase 2 GOBLET study presented today at the IMACC meeting is very exciting for our company and the potential of pelareorep in gastrointestinal cancers.
  • These results met the pre-specified success criteria for the cohort and exceeded the results from historical controls in similar patient populations1-7," said Dr. Matt Coffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics.
  • GOBLET Study SCCA Patient Overview:
    Patients in the SCCA cohort, presented at IMACC 2023, are undergoing second-line (2L) or later treatment with a combination of pelareorep and atezolizumab.
  • Two or more responses out of the first ten enrolled patients are required to satisfy the Simon two-stage success criteria.