Infinity Reports Phase 1 Data Showing Encouraging Clinical Activity of IPI-145 Across a Broad Range of Blood Cancers at the 12th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma
Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: INFI) today announced Phase 1
data from an ongoing study of IPI-145, its potent, oral inhibitor of
phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)-delta and PI3K-gamma in patients with
advanced hematologic malignancies, or potentially fatal blood cancers.
Data from the study showed that IPI-145 was well tolerated and
clinically active across a broad range of blood cancers, including
indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia
(CLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and T-cell
lymphomas. These findings were reported in three presentations during
the 12th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma
(ICML) held from June 19 – 22, 2013, in Lugano, Switzerland.
“These early data show that IPI-145 is well tolerated and clinically
active in patients with B-cell or T-cell malignancies, with a median
time to response of less than two months,” commented Ian Flinn, M.D.,
Ph.D., director, hematologic malignancies program, Sarah Cannon Research
Institute, and an investigator for the trial. “Many of these hematologic
malignancies are difficult to treat, and new treatment options for
patients are clearly needed. Investigational medicines in development,
such as IPI-145, are exciting because they offer a targeted approach and
have the potential to reduce or delay the need for chemotherapy.”
“We hope the rapid onset of activity observed with IPI-145 across a
broad range of hematologic malignancies will translate into a meaningful
clinical benefit for patients,” stated Pedro Santabarbara, M.D., chief
medical officer at Infinity. “Infinity is committed to rapidly advancing
IPI-145 in the clinic with a goal of developing the best-in-class PI3K
inhibitor for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Earlier this
month, we announced the initiation of a Phase 2 trial of IPI-145 in
patients with refractory iNHL, and we expect to begin our next trial in
patients with blood cancers later this year.”
On June 3, 2013, Infinity announced the initiation of a Phase 2,
open-label, single-arm study designed to evaluate the safety and
efficacy of IPI-145 dosed at 25 mg twice daily (BID) in approximately
120 patients with iNHL (follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma or
small lymphocytic lymphoma) whose disease is refractory to both
rituximab and chemotherapy or radioimmunotherapy. The primary endpoint
of the study is response rate according to the International Working
Group Criteria.1 In June, Infinity reported data from its
ongoing Phase 1 study showing a 68 percent response rate in patients
with iNHL, which included three complete responses (CRs) and 10 partial
responses (PRs) among the 19 patients evaluable for response.
“The early Phase 1 data of IPI-145 in patients with iNHL are exciting,
and we believe IPI-145 has the potential to become the best-in-class
PI3K inhibitor in this indication,” stated Julian Adams, Ph.D.,
president of research and development at Infinity. “Infinity has
therefore moved quickly into Phase 2 development to evaluate IPI-145
dosed at 25 mg twice daily in patients with refractory iNHL. In the
Phase 1 study, this dose showed rapid, robust clinical activity and
demonstrated complete inhibition of PI3K-delta and at least 50 percent
inhibition of PI3K-gamma.”
Summary of IPI-145 Data in Advanced Hematologic Malignancies
Presented at ICML
In total, the Phase 1 data of IPI-145 reported in three separate
presentations at ICML included patients with B-cell lymphoma (51
patients evaluable for safety and 38 for response), CLL (34 patients
evaluable for safety and 22 for response) and T-cell lymphoma (17
patients evaluable for safety and nine for response).2,3,4
These patients had advanced disease and had progressed during or were
refractory to, intolerant of, or ineligible for established therapy.
Patients had a median of four prior systemic therapies (range: 1 to 13),
and 69 percent of patients had at least three prior systemic therapies.
Safety data presented in all three presentations showed that IPI-145 was
well tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with co-morbidities
seen in patients with advanced hematologic malignancies. There have been
no dose-related trends in adverse events at the doses evaluated.
Data also showed that IPI-145 is rapidly absorbed and demonstrates a
linear pharmacokinetic (PK) profile through 75 mg BID, with complete
inhibition of PI3K-delta and at least 50 percent inhibition of
PI3K-gamma at doses ≥ 25 mg BID. IPI-145 rapidly decreased the levels of
several cytokines and chemokines known to be important in lymphocyte
trafficking and function. Additionally, rapid, sustained inhibition of
AKT phosphorylation (a marker of PI3K inhibition) was observed in CLL
cells from patients treated with IPI-145, with no difference observed
between the 25 mg and 75 mg doses.
Data reported showed that IPI-145 is clinically active across a broad
range of patients with advanced hematologic malignancies, with responses
observed in patients with iNHL, CLL, T-cell lymphoma, MCL and HL. The
onset of activity was rapid, with a median time to response of less than
two months (range: 1.6 – 5.6 months).
Additional Phase 1 data reported included the following:
B-Cell Lymphoma
-
Among the 51 patients with B-cell lymphoma evaluable for safety, the
most common Grade ≥ 3 adverse events were neutropenia (22 percent
Grade 3; eight percent Grade 4), which was transient and rarely
required dose modification, and Grade ≥ 3 ALT/AST elevations (16
percent Grade 3; two percent Grade 4), the majority of which were
managed by dose interruptions and reductions. IPI-145 did not cause a
clinically significant effect on hematologic parameters. Six (12
percent of) patients discontinued treatment due to an adverse event.
-
The adverse events observed in patients with iNHL were consistent with
those reported in patients with B-cell lymphoma.
-
There was a 68 percent response rate in patients with iNHL, which
included three CRs and 10 PRs among 19 patients evaluable for
response. Stable disease was reported in three patients. Additionally,
there was a minor response in a patient with Waldenström’s
macroglobulinemia.
-
Responses were also observed in patients with MCL (one CR and three
PRs among six evaluable patients) and HL (one CR among three evaluable
patients).
-
Responses occurred early, with a median time to response of 1.8 months
(range: 1.6 – 4.1 months).
CLL
-
Among the 34 patients with CLL evaluable for safety, the most common
Grade ≥ 3 adverse events were neutropenia (15 percent Grade 3; 12
percent Grade 4), the majority of which did not require dose
reduction, and ALT/AST elevations (six percent Grade 3; no Grade 4).
The majority of all ALT/AST elevations were managed by dose
interruptions and reductions. IPI-145 did not cause a clinically
significant effect on hematologic parameters. Seven (21 percent of)
patients discontinued treatment due to an adverse event.
-
There was a 55 percent response rate in patients with CLL, which
included 12 PRs among 22 patients evaluable for response. PRs were
defined by the International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
(IWCLL) criteria.5 Stable disease was reported in nine
patients, of which seven had nodal responses.
-
The median time to response was 1.9 months (range: 1.8 - 5.6 months).
T-Cell Lymphoma
-
Among the 17 patients with T-cell lymphoma, the most common Grade ≥ 3
adverse event was ALT/AST elevation (24 percent), the majority of
which were managed by dose interruptions and dose reductions.
Clinically significant neutropenia was not observed. Two (12 percent
of) patients discontinued treatment due to an adverse event.
-
There was a 33 percent response rate in patients with T-cell lymphoma,
which included one CR and one PR in patients with peripheral T-cell
lymphoma (PTCL) and a PR in a patient with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
(CTCL). Stable disease was reported in two patients with CTCL. The
median time to response was 1.9 months (range: 1.7 – 2.7 months).
The data reported at ICML may also be found in the Publications Archive
on Infinity’s website http://www.infi.com/product-candidates-publications.asp.
About the Phase 1 Trial of IPI-145 in Advanced Hematologic
Malignancies
The Phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation trial of IPI-145 is designed to
evaluate the safety, PK and clinical activity of IPI-145 administered
orally BID in patients with advanced hematologic malignancies. The
dose-escalation portion of the study is complete, with the maximum
tolerated dose defined at 75 mg BID. Infinity is continuing to evaluate
IPI-145 in the following seven expansion cohorts:
25 mg BID expansion cohorts
-
Relapsed/refractory CLL, iNHL and MCL
-
Treatment-naïve CLL in high-risk patients (over age 65 or having a 17p
deletion or a p53 mutation)
75 mg BID expansion cohorts
-
Relapsed/refractory CLL, iNHL and MCL
-
T-cell lymphomas
-
Aggressive B-cell lymphomas
-
Myeloid neoplasms
-
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
About Infinity’s PI3K Program in Blood Cancers
Infinity is developing IPI-145, a potent, oral inhibitor of Class I
phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)-delta and PI3K-gamma. The PI3Ks are a
family of enzymes involved in multiple cellular functions, including
cell proliferation and survival, cell differentiation, cell migration
and immunity.6 The PI3K-delta and PI3K-gamma isoforms are
preferentially expressed in leukocytes (white blood cells), where they
have distinct and mostly non-overlapping roles in immune cell
development and function. Targeting PI3K-delta and PI3K-gamma may
provide multiple opportunities to develop differentiated therapies for
the treatment of hematologic malignancies and inflammatory diseases.
IPI-145, Infinity’s lead product candidate, is currently progressing in
a Phase 2 study in patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL)
and in a Phase 1 study in patients with advanced hematologic
malignancies. An investigator-sponsored Phase 1b, open-label,
dose-escalation study of IPI-145 in patients with B-cell NHL, CLL and
T-cell lymphoma in combination with rituximab (a monoclonal antibody
therapy), bendamustine (a chemotherapy) or both rituximab and
bendamustine is also open for enrollment.
Additionally, Infinity is conducting preclinical studies of IPI-443, its
second oral PI3K-delta and PI3K-gamma inhibitor. IPI-443 has a distinct
biochemical profile from IPI-145 and also has the potential to treat
hematologic malignancies and inflammatory diseases.
About Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Infinity is an innovative biopharmaceutical company dedicated to
discovering, developing and delivering best-in-class medicines to people
with difficult-to-treat diseases. Infinity combines proven scientific
expertise with a passion for developing novel small molecule drugs that
target emerging disease pathways. Infinity’s programs focused on the
inhibition of phosphoinositide-3-kinase and heat shock protein 90 are
evidence of its innovative approach to drug discovery and development.
For more information on Infinity, please refer to the company’s website
at www.infi.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
forward-looking statements include those regarding the Company’s
expectations about: the therapeutic potential of PI3K inhibition,
IPI-145 and IPI-443; progress in and plans for the development of
IPI-145; plans to initiate additional clinical trials of IPI-145; and
the Company’s ability to execute on its strategic plans. Such statements
are subject to numerous important factors, risks and uncertainties that
may cause actual events or results to differ materially from the
Company’s current expectations. For example, there can be no guarantee
that Infinity will report data in the time frames it has estimated, that
any product candidate Infinity is developing will successfully complete
necessary preclinical and clinical development phases, or that
development of any of Infinity’s product candidates will continue.
Further, there can be no guarantee that any positive developments in
Infinity’s product portfolio will result in stock price appreciation.
Management’s expectations and, therefore, any forward-looking statements
in this press release could also be affected by risks and uncertainties
relating to a number of other factors, including the following:
Infinity’s results of clinical trials and preclinical studies, including
subsequent analysis of existing data and new data received from ongoing
and future studies; the content and timing of decisions made by the U.S.
FDA and other regulatory authorities, investigational review boards at
clinical trial sites and publication review bodies; Infinity’s ability
to obtain and maintain requisite regulatory approvals and to enroll
patients in its clinical trials; unplanned cash requirements and
expenditures; development of agents by Infinity’s competitors for
diseases in which Infinity is currently developing or intends to develop
its product candidates; and Infinity’s ability to obtain, maintain and
enforce patent and other intellectual property protection for any
product candidates it is developing. These and other risks which may
impact management’s expectations are described in greater detail under
the caption “Risk Factors” included in Infinity’s quarterly report on
Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May
7, 2013, and other filings filed by Infinity with the SEC. Any
forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as
of the date hereof, and Infinity expressly disclaims any obligation to
update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
1 Cheson BD et al. (2007) Revised response criteria for
malignant lymphoma. J. Clin Oncol 25:579-586.
2
Kahl, B. et al. (2013) Preliminary Safety and efficacy of IPI-145, a
potent inhibitor of phosphoinositide-3-kinase-δ,γ in patients with
relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma. Presented at the 12th
International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma, Lugano, Switzerland.
3
Flinn, I et al. (2013) Preliminary Safety and efficacy of IPI-145, a
potent inhibitor of phosphoinositide-3-kinase-δ,γ in patients with
relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL. Presented at the 12th
International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma, Lugano, Switzerland.
4
Horwitz, S et al. (2013) Preliminary Safety and efficacy of IPI-145,
a potent inhibitor of phosphoinositide-3-kinase-δ,γ in patients with
relapsed/refractory. Presented at the 12th International
Conference on Malignant Lymphoma, Lugano, Switzerland.
5
Hallek M et al. (2008) Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of
chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A report from the International Workshop
on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia updating the National Cancer Institute –
Working Group 1996 Guidelines. Blood 111: 5446-5456.
6
Weinberg RA (2007) Cytoplasmic signaling circuitry programs many of the
traits of cancer. In Jeffcock E, Zayatz E, and Mickey RK (Eds.) The
biology of cancer (pp. 179-183). New York, NY: Garland Science, Taylor &
Francis Group.
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