Canine Oncology Data Supports Progression to Registration
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
Data from Canine Oncology Study Supports
Progression to Registration Studies
Highlights:
• Determination of a clinically safe and efficacious dosing regimen of monepantel (MPL)
for the treatment of dogs with B-Cell Lymphoma
• Treatment with MPL was safe, well-tolerated and there were no treatment-related
deaths or severe adverse reactions to MPL
• Overall Clinical Benefit of 35% (14 of 40 dogs) and a median Time to Progression (TTP)
of 28 days compares favourably to the most recent United States (US) Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) product approved for B-Cell and T-Cell Lymphoma, LAVERDIATM
• MPL has a significant competitive advantage in Quality of Life (QoL) and Level of
Function (LoF) as assessed by the owner
• PharmAust plans to use this data to open an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD)
application with the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for
Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and proceed with pivotal studies in 2024 to support product
registration
• Accompanying video presentation
9 October 2023 – Perth, Australia: PharmAust Limited (ASX: PAA & PAAO) (Company), a clinicalstage biotechnology company, is pleased to announce positive top-line data from its Phase 2
veterinary clinical study of monepantel (MPL) for the treatment Canine B-Cell Lymphoma. The
Company plans to use this data to open an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) application with
the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and
proceed with pivotal studies in 2024 to support product registration. A presentation and a video
presentation providing further information about the Phase 2 veterinary clinical study and future
directions is attached to this release.
PharmAust Chief Executive Officer Dr Michael Thurn commented: “The potential for PharmAust
to achieve a major value inflexion point by advancing MPL through to product registration with the
Center of Veterinary Medicine makes good business sense.
The minor investment to conduct the pivotal registration studies could release significant shareholder
value through receiving conditional approval for MPL from the CVM. LAVERDIATM, the most recently
approved treatment for B-Cell and T-Cell Lymphoma, was acquired by Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC
(LSE:DPH) for US$64.5 million in 2022.
As our MPL tablet has a comparable efficacy profile to LAVERDIATM and offers significant advantages
in quality of life and safety for both the dog and the owner, we are confident in the commercialisation
of MPL for canine cancer.”
Study Design and Endpoints:
This was a Phase 2, open-label, single-arm, dose-finding study conducted at 9 sites in Australia, New
Zealand, and the US. The study’s objective was to determine a clinically safe and efficacious dose of
monepantel for the treatment of dogs with B-Cell Lymphoma whilst maintaining quality of life (QoL).
Dogs received a once-daily treatment of MPL at home for 28 days. Five separate cohorts (See Table
1 below) of dogs received different dosing regimens of MPL before a loading dose of 100 mg/kg body
weight (BW) followed by a maintenance dose of 25 mg/kg was selected as the optimal dose based on
efficacy and safety data.
PharmAust Limited ABN 35 094 006 023. Suite 116, 1 Kyle Way, Claremont, Western Australia
Tel: 08 9202 6814 Fax: 08 9467 6111
www.pharmaust.com
Table 1: Dosing Regimens
Dose Regimen
1
2
3
4
5
Monepantel Dose, mg/kg BW per day
Loading (Day 1)
Maintenance (Day 2–28)
180
180
10
10
50
25
100
50
100
25
Dogs Treated
7
6
5
18
18
Response to MPL therapy was assessed over 28 days following initiation of dosing of MPL. The
Overall Response Rate (ORR) was defined as those dogs with Complete Response (CR; the
disappearance of all evidence of disease, and all lymph nodes) or Partial Response (PR; a 30% or
greater decrease in the mean sum of the longest diameter of all target lesions from baseline). The
Overall Clinical Benefit (OCB) was defined as those dogs with CR, PR or Stable Disease (SD; neither
sufficient decrease to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to qualify for Progressive Disease [PD; a
20% or greater increase in the mean sum of the longest diameter of all target lesions with reference to
the smallest mean sum longest diameter recorded] of all target lesions). Time to Progression (TTP)
was defined as the time from the first date of treatment to the date that the dog developed clinical or
radiographic signs of PD or died from any cause, including euthanasia, and QoL was assessed by dog
owners using a number ranging from 1 (very poor) to 10 (normal) on initiation of treatment (Day 0) and
every day until study completion (Day 28). Overall QoL and the following specific aspects were
captured: energy level, appetite, signs of nausea or vomiting, water intake, and general Level of
Function (LoF). Dog owners assessed the LoF daily using a visual analogue scale ranking between 1
(normal pet) to 4 (very weak/completely disabled)
Safety was assessed by monitoring haematological, serum chemistry and urine parameters pre-dose
at baseline (Day 0), Day 14 and Day 28. Dog owners were required to document all adverse events
(AEs) in the study diary. AEs were graded according to the VCOG-CTCAE v1.1.
Study Results
Study Population: A total of 54 dogs of mixed breeds with a median age of 8 years (range 3-13 years)
and a median weight of 29.6 kg (range 6.5-87) participated in the study. The majority were neutered
males (50%) and spayed females (40.4%) with late-stage disease at diagnosis (61.5% Stage IV;
28.8% Stage V) with prescapular (92.3%), popliteal (90.4%), and submandibular (78.8%) lymphomas.
Safety: Overall, treatment was regarded as safe and well-tolerated. There were no treatment-related
deaths and most of the AEs (haematological and serum chemistry) reported were mild to moderate in
severity that were self-limiting and responded to supportive care. Weight loss (-0.63% to -3.37%) was
minimal during the 28-day treatment period with MPL for 95% of all study dogs.
Efficacy: Of the 40 (14 dogs were excluded from the efficacy evaluation due to protocol violations)
dogs evaluable for efficacy, PR to treatment was observed in 2 (5%) dogs, SD in 12 (30%) dogs, PD
in 26 (65%) dogs confirming MPL has significant anticancer activity offering disease stabilisation.
None of the dogs in this study achieved a CR. The ORR was achieved in 2 (5%) dogs. The OCB was
achieved in 14 (35%) dogs, while the median TTP was 28 days. 10 (25%) dogs had a TTP >50 days
and 5 (12.5%) dogs had a TTP >80 days.
Comparison to LAVERDIATM: In a field effectiveness studya required for product registration, 50
evaluable dogs with B-Cell and T-Cell Lymphoma were treated with LAVERDIATM, the median TTP
was 29.5 days. 17 (34%) dogs had a TTP >55 days and 3 (6%) dogs had a TTP >180 days.
Quality of Life (QoL): Owners rated their dogs daily and recorded a score between 1 (very poor) and
10 (normal) on the owner’s diary. The median QoL score for the 43 evaluable dogs across the entire
study was high at 8. In the study 74.4% of dogs were rated >8 out of 10.
PharmAust Limited ABN 35 094 006 023. Suite 116, 1 Kyle Way, Claremont, Western Australia
Tel: 08 9202 6814 Fax: 08 9467 6111
www.pharmaust.com
Level of Function (LoF): Owners rated their dogs daily by recording a score between 1 (normal pet)
and 4 (very weak/dying). The median LoF score was just below normal at 1.5. No dogs were rated >
2.0.
Post Study: After the Day 28 assessment, Oncologists and owners determined the next phase of
therapy for dogs ending the study in sound health. In 19 of the 54 cases, a combination therapy of
MPL and Prednisone was selected as the ongoing therapy.
Principal Investigator Dr Kim Agnew commented: “The use of Monepantel for canine lymphoma
offers disease stabilisation combined with a canine and owner safety profile which doesn’t exist
currently in the therapeutic options. I believe as we learn more about how best to manage Canine
lymphoma with Monepantel with ongoing studies, dogs and owners have an option to safely medicate
their dogs at home. Most importantly, the family will see their pet manage their cancer with an
excellent quality of life.”
Future Directions:
The encouraging results allow PharmAust to proceed straight to registration studies for MPL as a new
treatment for B-Cell Lymphoma in dogs. The Company plans to use this data to open an INAD
application with the US FDA’s CVM and proceed with pivotal studies in 2024 to support product
registration. The planned pivotal field studies to support product registration have been designed to
incorporate feedback from potential partners and continue to proceed in parallel with business
development efforts.
PharmAust Non-Executive Chairman Dr Roger Aston commented: “Monepantel represents a new
treatment approach for the management of B-Cell Lymphomas in dogs by eliminating the need for
chemotherapy and allowing dogs to maintain an excellent quality of life for an extended period of time.
Approximately 80% of dog owners decline treatment for various reasons including, limited access to
specialised veterinary oncologists and veterinary practices that can carry out chemotherapy; concerns
over the dog’s quality of life due to the often severe side effects that are a cornerstone of
chemotherapy treatments; complying with the rigours of the chemotherapy regime once initiated;
major safety concerns for owners who handle and/or are exposed to the chemotherapy while caring
for their dog; and, the high treatment costs.
MPL is available in tablet form allowing dogs to be treated at home, without the side effects or safety
concerns for owners.”
This announcement is authorised by the Board.
Enquiries:
Dr Michael Thurn
Chief Executive Officer
investorenquiries@pharmaust.com
P +61 (8) 9202 6814
F +61 (8) 9467 6111
www.pharmaust.com
About Canine Lymphoma
An estimated 6 million dogs are diagnosed with cancer in each year in the US. Lymphoma is the most
common haematological neoplasm of dogs, with B-Cell Lymphoma being the most common histologic
subtype. B-Cell Lymphoma has a poor prognosis, and without treatment, death can occur within weeks
PharmAust Limited ABN 35 094 006 023. Suite 116, 1 Kyle Way, Claremont, Western Australia
Tel: 08 9202 6814 Fax: 08 9467 6111
www.pharmaust.com
of diagnosis. Currently, the mainstay of treatment is multiagent chemotherapy, with the most frequently
adopted protocol being CHOP (cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine and prednisone)
CHOP has a high response rate, with control of disease in 80% - 95% of cases, resulting in prolonged
survival and alleviation of symptoms. However, not all dogs derive meaningful benefits from CHOP, and
it can have significant side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances, bone marrow suppression,
and immunosuppression, which vary in severity and may require supportive care or dose adjustments.
The overall market for veterinary medical products is more than $22 billion. Key drivers include
increasing dog numbers (90 million dogs now in the US) and an increasing willingness for owners to
spend more on their pets as they are considered part of the family. According to American Pet Products
(2015), almost 80 percent of all dog owners have their dogs treated with drugs, compared to about 50
percent in 1998.
About PharmAust Limited:
PharmAust Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (code: PAA) and the Frankfurt Stock
Exchange (code: ECQ). PAA is a clinical-stage company developing therapeutics for both humans and
animals. The company specialises in repurposing marketed drugs lowering the risks and costs of
development.
PAA’s lead drug candidate is monepantel (MPL), a novel, potent and safe inhibitor of the mTOR
pathway – a pathway having key influences in cancer growth and neurodegenerative diseases. MPL has
been evaluated in Phase 1 clinical studies in humans and Phase 2 clinical studies in dogs. MPL
treatment was well-tolerated in humans, demonstrating preliminary evidence of anticancer activity. MPL
demonstrated objective anticancer activity in dogs. PAA is uniquely positioned to commercialise MPL
for treatment of human and veterinary cancers as well as neurodegenerative disease as it advances a
reformulated version of this drug through Phase 1 and 2 clinical studies.
References:
a
Center for Veterinary Medicine (2021). Corrected Freedom of Information Summary. Application for Conditional Approval.
Application Number 141-526. LAVERDIA™-CA1 verdinexor tablets. Coated Tablet Dogs. Sponsored by: Anivive
Lifesciences, Inc. Date of Approval: January 11, 2021. Rockville, MD, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary
Medicine. https://animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadFoi/10270
PharmAust Limited ABN 35 094 006 023. Suite 116, 1 Kyle Way, Claremont, Western Australia
Tel: 08 9202 6814 Fax: 08 9467 6111
www.pharmaust.com
PharmAust (ASX: PAA)
Canine Veterinary Product Update
9 October 2023
Dr Kim Agnew
Dr Michael Thurn
Phase 2 Canine Study Overview
Study
Design
Safety and
Efficacy
Outcomes
Conclusions
Future
Directions
•
Dogs with B-Cell Lymphomas were treated with different dosing regimens of
monepantel for 28 days
•
Safety was assessed by monitoring haematological, serum chemistry and urine
parameters
•
Efficacy was assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours
(RECIST) after 28 days
•
Treatment with MPL was safe, well-tolerated and there were no treatment-related deaths
or severe adverse reactions to MPL
•
Overall Clinical Benefit of 35% (14 of 40 dogs) and a median Time to Progression (TTP) of 28
days compares favourably to the most recent US FDA product approved for B-Cell and TCell Lymphoma, LAVERDIATM
•
MPL has a significant competitive advantage in Quality of Life (QoL) and Level of Function
(LoF) as assessed by the owner
•
Loading dose of 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) followed by a maintenance dose of 25
mg/kg was selected as the optimal dose based on efficacy and safety data
PharmAust plans to use this data to open an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD)
application with the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary
Medicine (CVM) and proceed with pivotal studies in 2024 to support product registration
•
2
Phase 2 Study Design
Population
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
23 Females/ 31 Males
Treatment naïve B-Cell
Lymphoma
Karnovsky Score <1
WHO Stage 1-5 Substage a
Mean age: 8.3 years
Median weight 29.6kg
Mixed breeds
Study Design
•
•
•
•
•
Dose Regimen
1
2
3
4
5
Sites
•
•
•
Australia (7 sites)
New Zealand (1 site)
US (1 site)
Phase 2, open-label, single-arm, dose-finding study
Oral Monepantel (448 mg) tablet
Treatment duration 28 days
RECIST – Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours
5 dose regimens tested
Monepantel Dose, mg/kg BW per day
Loading (Day 1)
Maintenance (Day 2–28)
180
180
10
10
50
25
100
50
100
25
Dogs Treated
7
6
5
18
18
Endpoints
•
•
•
Overall Response Rate (ORR)
Overall Clinical Benefit (OCB)
Time to Progression (TTP)
•
•
•
Safety
Quality of Life (QoL)
Quality of Function (QoF)
ORR - defined as those dogs with Complete Response (CR; the disappearance of all evidence of disease, and all lymph nodes) or Partial Response (PR; a 30% or greater decrease in the mean sum of the longest diameter of all target lesions from baseline).
OCB - defined as those dogs with CR, PR or Stable Disease (SD; neither sufficient decrease to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to qualify for Progressive Disease [PD; a 20% or greater increase in the mean sum of the longest diameter of all target lesions
with reference to the smallest mean sum longest diameter recorded] of all target lesions).
TTP - defined as the time from the first date of treatment to the date that the dog developed clinical or radiographic signs of PD or died from any cause, including euthanasia.
QoL - was assessed by dog owners using a number ranging from 1 (very poor) to 10 (normal).
QoF – was assessed by dog owners using a visual analogue scale ranking between 1 (normal pet) to 4 (very weak/dying).
3
Results
35
35
Normal 10
9
% Dogs
7
25
3
6
20
Poor
15
5
4
2
3
5
OCB
1
MPL
40
MPL vs LAVERDIATM
Less than
Fully Active
30
28
29.5
25
20
15
10
5
Very Poor 1
ORR
Severely
Compromised
95% CI
Median LoF
2
0
Completely
Disabled
35
95% CI
Median QoL
8
30
5
4
Time to Progressiona
Days
40
10
Level of Function
Quality of Life
Efficacy
Fully Active
MPL
0
MPL
LV
Discussion
•
•
PharmAust Overall Clinical Benefit of 35% (14 of 40 dogs) and a median Time to Progression of 28 days compares favourably
to the most recent US FDA product approved for B-Cell and T-Cell Lymphoma, LAVERDIATM
MPL has a significant competitive advantage in QoL and LoF as assessed by the owner
ORR - defined as those dogs with Complete Response (CR; the disappearance of all evidence of disease, and all lymph nodes) or Partial Response (PR; a 30% or greater decrease in the mean sum of the longest diameter of all target lesions from baseline).
OCB - defined as those dogs with CR, PR or Stable Disease (SD; neither sufficient decrease to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to qualify for Progressive Disease [PD; a 20% or greater increase in the mean sum of the longest diameter of all target lesions
with reference to the smallest mean sum longest diameter recorded] of all target lesions).
TTP - defined as the time from the first date of treatment to the date that the dog developed clinical or radiographic signs of PD or died from any cause, including euthanasia.
QoL - was assessed by dog owners using a number ranging from 1 (very poor) to 10 (normal).
QoF – was assessed by dog owners using a visual analogue scale ranking between 1 (normal pet) to 4 (very weak/dying)
a Center for Veterinary Medicine (2021). Corrected Freedom of Information Summary. Application for Conditional Approval. Application Number 141-526. LAVERDIA™-CA1 verdinexor tablets. Coated Tablet Dogs. Sponsored by: Anivive Lifesciences, Inc. Date of
Approval: January 11, 2021. Rockville, MD, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine. https://animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadFoi/10270
LV - LAVERDIA™
4
Future Directions
Regulatory Strategy
Phase 2
Complete
•File INAD
Field
Trial/
TASS
3-4 Months
• File NADA
• FDA/CVM
Review
~1 year
NADA
• Conditional
Approval
• Commercial
Partner
Approval
2026
~1 year
Discussion
•
The potential for PharmAust to achieve a major value inflexion point by advancing MPL through to product registration with
the Center of Veterinary Medicine
•
The minor investment required over a short period of time to conduct the pivotal registration studies
•
LAVERDIATM, the most recently approved treatment for B-Cell and T-Cell Lymphoma, was acquired1 by Dechra
Pharmaceuticals PLC (LSE:DPH) for US$64.5 million in 2022.
•
Business development to be conducted in parallel
1 Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC acquired Worldwide Rights to Verdinexor from Anivive Lifesciences, Inc. for $64.5 million. Marketscreener January 10, 2022INAD – Investigational New Animal Drug
TASS – Target Animal Safety Trial
NADA – New Animal Drug Application
CVM – Center for Veterinary Medicine
5
New Treatment Paradigm
Monepantel
Chemotherapy
~80%
~80%
Decline
Decline
•
•
•
•
•
Limited access to specialised veterinary oncologists
and veterinary practices that can carry out
chemotherapy
Concerns over the dog’s quality of life due to the often
severe side effects associated with chemotherapy
Complying with the rigours of the chemotherapy
regime once initiated
Major safety concerns for owners who handle and/or
are exposed to the chemotherapy while caring for
their dog
High treatment costs
1
2
•
Available in tablet form allowing dogs to be treated
safely at home
•
Offers disease stabilisation eliminating the need for
chemotherapy
•
Limited side effects for the dog and no safety
concerns for owners
•
Family sees their pet manage their cancer with an
excellent quality of life and quality of function for an
extended period of time
Investor Enquires
Thank you!
Registered Address
1 Kyle Way, Suite 116
Claremont WA 6010
Australia
Phone
+61 (8) 9202 6814
Email
investorenquiries@pharmaust.com
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