RE: Guys3 Jun 2019 17:58
There is a clear rationale for combining a targeted DDR agent with PARPi & IO therapy, both of which provide compelling additional opportunities, with illustrative clinical trial designs given that:
o Acquired PARPi resistance is a significant and growing clinical problem that Chk1 inhibition could address, with promising data already observed in preclinical studies in this setting - a Phase 1b/2 trial of SRA737+PARPi (niraparib) is expected to begin with the timing of its initiation still to be decided
o Sierra has presented evidence for synergistic interplay between the DDR network and tumour immune response, with SRA737+LDG activating innate immunity resulting in a highly favourable immune anti-tumour microenvironment and profound tumor regressions in preclinical models - Sierra has noted that it has received management support from a major IO company to potentially supply its leading immunotherapeutic agent to run a combination study with SRA737
· Sierra stated that its next steps are
o To evaluate further the clinical data in the context of its emerging pipeline, noting that a Phase 2 registration trial for SRA737+LDG in anogenital cancer would cost an estimated $10 million
o Explore options to enable continued advancement of SRA737
Dr Tim Mitchell, CEO of Sareum Holdings, said: "The enthusiasm for the clinical data and the potential of SRA737 was evident among the attendees in Chicago at Sierra's webcast today. It seems clear that, with proof-of-concept established, there are multiple opportunities for the ongoing development of this exciting prospect, particularly in combination with other therapeutic approaches. The success of the trials and the exciting future development opportunities discussed increases the likelihood of further milestone payments being received and we look forward to further development updates in due course."
SRA737 was discovered and initially developed by scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK in collaboration with Sareum, and with funding from Cancer Research UK. SRA737 was licensed to Sierra Oncology for up to $328.5 million plus royalties by co-investment partner, CRT Pioneer Fund. Sareum is eligible to receive up to $88 million in milestone payments, plus sales royalties as SRA737 advances.
Professor Johann de Bono is Regius Professor of Cancer Research, Head of the Division of Clinical Studies and Professor in Experimental Cancer Medicine at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust;
Dr Rebecca Kristeleit is Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Medical Oncologist at University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute & UCLH Dept. of Oncology, a leading expert in gynaecological malignancies.
For further information, please contact:
Sareum Holdings plc
Tim Mitchell
01223 497 700
WH Ireland Limited (Nominated Adviser)
Chris Fielding / James Sinclair-Ford
020 7220 1
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