Category Archives: Stem Cell Medical Center


MD Anderson and Takeda Announce Collaboration to Accelerate the Development of Clinical-Stage, Off-The-Shelf CAR NK-Cell Therapy Platform – Newswise

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Newswise HOUSTON and OSAKA, JAPAN --The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited today announced an exclusive license agreement and research agreement to develop cord blood-derived chimeric antigen receptor-directed natural killer (CAR NK)-cell therapies, armored with IL-15, for the treatment of B-cell malignancies and other cancers.

Under the agreement, Takeda will receive access to MD Andersons CAR NK platform and the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize up to four programs, including a CD19-targeted CAR NK-cell therapy and a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted CAR NK-cell therapy. Takeda and MD Anderson also will conduct a research collaboration to further develop these CAR NK programs.

Our vision is to improve upon existing treatments by developing armored CAR NKs that could be administered off-the-shelf in an outpatient settingenabling more patients to be treated effectively, quickly and with minimal toxicities, said Katy Rezvani, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at MD Anderson. With their expertise in hematologic malignancies and commitment to developing next-generation cell therapies, Takeda is the ideal collaborator to help our team advance CAR NK-cell therapies to patients in need of treatments.

A Novel Approach to Delivering Off-the-Shelf CARs in an Outpatient Setting

MD Andersons allogeneic CAR NK platform isolates NK cells from umbilical cord blood and engineers them to express CARs against specified cancer targets. CAR NK cells are modified with a retroviral vector to deliver genes and enhance their effectiveness to attack specific tumors. A CD19 CAR increases the cells specificity for B-cell malignancies while the immunocytokine IL-15 enhances the proliferation and survival of the CAR NK cells in the body.

In contrast to current CAR T-cell therapies that utilize a patients own genetically modified T-cells and require a multi-week manufacturing process, CAR NK cells are intended to be manufactured from a non-related donor source and stored for off-the-shelf use, allowing treatment to be delivered more rapidly.

It is anticipated that the CD19 CAR NK-cell therapy could be administered in an outpatient setting. In an ongoing phase 1/2a clinical study treating patients with relapsed and refractory B-cell malignances, the CD19 CAR NK-cell therapy has not been associated with the severe cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurotoxicity observed with existing CAR-T therapies.

The development of MD Andersons CAR NK platform is led by Dr. Rezvani and is further supported by the adoptive cell therapy platform, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Moon Shot and B-Cell Lymphoma Moon Shot, all part of the institutions Moon Shots Program, a collaborative effort to rapidly develop scientific discoveries into meaningful clinical advances that save patients lives.

Takeda: Accelerating the Development of Multiple Next-Generation CAR Platforms

MD Andersons CAR NK platform represents the curative potential of cell therapies, which is why we are establishing the CD19 CAR NK as our lead cell therapy candidate in oncology, said Andy Plump, M.D., Ph.D., President of Research and Development at Takeda. We need to work swiftly and with purpose, and as such, we intend to initiate a pivotal study of the CD19 CAR NK in 2021.

In addition to CAR NK-cell therapies, Takeda and its partners are investigating multiple approaches to improving the safety, efficacy and accessibility of first-generation CAR T-cell therapies including gamma delta CAR Ts, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CAR Ts, CAR Ts targeting solid tumors, and other next-generation approaches. Takeda plans to advance five oncology cell therapies to the clinic by the end of FY20. These platforms are being developed both with partners and by applying the expertise of Takedas translational cell therapy engine which provides bioengineering, chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC), clinical and translational capabilities in a single footprint to overcome many of the manufacturing challenges experienced in cell therapy development.

Takeda is responsible for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of CAR NK products resulting under the agreement. MD Anderson will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive development and commercial milestones for each target as well as tiered royalties on net sales of any such CAR NK product.

MD Anderson and Takeda will continue research for the additional targets and CAR-NK platform under the direction of a joint research committee. MD Anderson will implement an Institutional Conflict of Interest Management and Monitoring Plan for this research.

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MD Anderson and Takeda Announce Collaboration to Accelerate the Development of Clinical-Stage, Off-The-Shelf CAR NK-Cell Therapy Platform - Newswise

Orchard Therapeutics Reports Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results and Achievement of Key 2019 Milestones for Neurometabolic and Primary Immune…

ASH Abstracts Published Today Confirm Achievement of All Key Endpoints in Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Registrational Trial and Demonstrate Consistency of Data Between the Fresh and Cryopreserved Formulations of Investigational Gene Therapies

Marketing Authorization Application in EU for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy on Track for Near-Term Submission Following Recent Presentation of Cryopreservation Data

Ended the Third Quarter of 2019 with Approximately $366.2M in Total Cash and Investments

Conference Call Scheduled for Today at 4:30 p.m. ET

BOSTON and LONDON, Nov. 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orchard Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ORTX), a leading commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming the lives of patients with serious and life-threatening rare diseases through innovative gene therapies, today announced financial results and business highlights for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, as well as the achievement of certain corporate milestones for the primary immune deficiencies franchise.

We made important clinical and operational progress at Orchard over the past quarter, advancing our three lead programs toward regulatory submissions while moving additional programs through earlier stages of clinical development, said Mark Rothera, president and chief executive officer of Orchard Therapeutics. The data presented at several major medical conferences throughout the quarter showcase the profound impact that our hematopoietic stem cell-based gene therapies may have across multiple life-threatening diseases. We are working with care and urgency to make these therapies broadly available to patients who need them.

Recent Achievements for the Neurometabolic Franchise

Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD):

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS-I):

Sanfilippo Syndrome type A (MPS-IIIA):

Upcoming Data Presentations for Primary Immune Deficiencies Franchise

Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents and investments as of September 30, 2019, were $366.2 million compared to $335.9 million as of December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily driven by proceeds from the companys public equity offering in June 2019 and a credit facility entered in May 2019, partially offset by the net cash used to fund operations in the nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the three months ended September 30, 2019, the companys cash used to fund operations included the paydown of accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2019, for the upfront payment and a milestone payment related to the license of a clinical-stage MPS-I program, or OTL-203.

During the three months ended September 30, 2019, the company recognized $1.9 million in revenue related to European sales of Strimvelis, the first gene therapy approved by the European Medicines Agency for ADA-SCID.

Research and development expenses were $28.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $27.7 million in the same period in 2018. R&D expenses include the costs of clinical trials and preclinical work on the companys portfolio of investigational gene therapies, as well as costs related to regulatory, manufacturing, license fees and milestone payments under the companys agreements with third parties, and personnel costs to support these activities. The company expects R&D expenses to continue to increase as its programs advance through development.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $14.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $7.5 million in the same period in 2018. The increase was primarily due to increased investment to prepare for the potential commercialization of multiple late-stage programs, as well as higher costs to support public company operations.

Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was $36.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $33.9 million in the same period in 2018. The increase in net loss as compared to the prior year was primarily due to higher costs related to pre-launch activities on the companys later-stage programs in development and expenses associated with being a public company, partially offset by higher interest income. The company had 97.8 million weighted average ordinary shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

The company expects that its existing cash, cash equivalents and investments will enable funding of its anticipated operating and capital expenditure requirements into the second half of 2021.

Orchard is well positioned to enter its next phase of growth as a company with potentially multiple commercial-stage gene therapies, building on a proven track record in identifying and treating patients with Strimvelis, the first ex vivo HSC gene therapy on the market, said Frank Thomas, Orchards chief financial officer and chief business officer. Having treated multiple patients with Strimvelis this quarter at a single center in Milan, Italy, we have deepened our understanding of the support required for patients and families along their treatment journey, successfully secured reimbursement for cross-border healthcare delivery within Europe and completed the manufacturing and release process scheduled and tailored for each individual patient. We look forward to expanding these capabilities and applying key learnings to future commercial gene therapies at multiple centers around the world using cryopreserved formulations of our future products, if approved.

Conference Call & Webcast Information

Orchard will host a conference call and live webcast with slides today at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the third quarter results and recent and upcoming business activities. To participate in the conference call, please dial 1-866-987-6504 (domestic) or +1-602-563-8620 (international) and refer to conference ID 8413109. A live webcast of the presentation will be available under "News & Events" in the Investors & Media section of the company's website at orchard-tx.com and a replay will be archived on the Orchard website following the presentation.

About Orchard

Orchard Therapeutics is a fully integrated commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming the lives of patients with serious and life-threatening rare diseases through innovative gene therapies.

Orchards portfolio of ex vivo, autologous, hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) based gene therapies includes Strimvelis, a gammaretroviral vector-based gene therapy and the first such treatment approved by the European Medicines Agency for severe combined immune deficiency due to adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA-SCID). Additional programs for neurometabolic disorders, primary immune deficiencies and hemoglobinopathies are all based on lentiviral vector-based gene modification of autologous HSCs and include three advanced registrational studies for metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), ADA-SCID and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS), clinical programs for X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD), transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT) and mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS-I), as well as an extensive preclinical pipeline. Strimvelis, as well as the programs in MLD, WAS and TDT were acquired by Orchard from GSK in April 2018 and originated from a pioneering collaboration between GSK and the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy in Milan, Italy, initiated in 2010.

Orchard currently has offices in the U.K. and the U.S., including London, San Francisco and Boston.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements about Orchards strategy, future plans and prospects, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as anticipates, believes, expects, intends, projects, and future or similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include express or implied statements relating to, among other things, the therapeutic potential of Orchards product candidates, including the product candidate or candidates referred to in this release, Orchards expectations regarding the timing of regulatory submissions for approval of its product candidates, including the product candidate or candidates referred to in this release, the timing of interactions with regulators and regulatory submissions related to ongoing and new clinical trials for its product candidates, the timing of announcement of clinical data for its product candidates and the likelihood that such data will be positive and support further clinical development and regulatory approval of these product candidates, the likelihood of approval of such product candidates by the applicable regulatory authorities, and the companys financial condition and cash runway into the second half of 2021. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Orchards control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. In particular, the risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the risk that any one or more of Orchards product candidates, including the product candidate or candidates referred to in this release, will not be successfully developed or commercialized, the risk of cessation or delay of any of Orchards ongoing or planned clinical trials, the risk that prior results, such as signals of safety, activity or durability of effect, observed from preclinical studies or clinical trials will not be replicated or will not continue in ongoing or future studies or trials involving Orchards product candidates,the delay of any of Orchards regulatory submissions, the failure to obtain marketing approval from the applicable regulatory authorities for any of Orchards product candidates, the receipt of restricted marketing approvals, and the risk of delays in Orchards ability to commercialize its product candidates, if approved. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Other risks and uncertainties faced by Orchard include those identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in Orchards annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 22, 2019, as well as subsequent filings and reports filed with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect Orchards views as of the date hereof, and Orchard does not assume and specifically disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations(In thousands, except share and per share amounts) (unaudited)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets(In thousands) (unaudited)

Contact:Renee Leck, Director of Investor Relations Orchard Therapeutics+1 862-242-0764Renee.Leck@orchard-tx.com

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Orchard Therapeutics Reports Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results and Achievement of Key 2019 Milestones for Neurometabolic and Primary Immune...

Celgene to Present New and Updated Data on Key Hematology Pipeline Therapies at American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2019 Annual Meeting – Business…

SUMMIT, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) today announced data from nearly 70 Company-sponsored, global alliance and investigator-initiated clinical studies evaluating Celgenes investigational and approved therapies will be presented at the 61st American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, December 7-10, in Orlando, Fla.

Celgene has a deep and ongoing commitment to innovative research and development in treatments for serious blood disorders, with the potential to transform patient outcomes, said Alise Reicin, M.D., President, Global Clinical Development for Celgene. We look forward to ASH as an opportunity to highlight our commitment and leadership in the research and development of novel therapies for the treatment of blood cancers through new insights in both CD19 and BCMA targeted cell therapies and important progress in our myeloid pipeline.

In leukemia and lymphoma, highlighted studies this year include safety and efficacy results from the pivotal TRANSCEND NHL-001 study of an investigational CD-19 targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) in relapsed/refractory large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Additional liso-cel data from three ongoing studies will evaluate the use of the therapy in an outpatient setting, as well as in transplant noneligible patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (PILOT) and in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (TRANSCEND CLL-004).

In multiple myeloma, other notable investigational cell therapy abstracts include the first phase 1 clinical data from the bi-specific T-Cell Engager (TCE) CC-93269 and updated phase 1 clinical data from CAR T program, bb21217, both targeting the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in relapsed/refractory disease.

Several abstracts focusing on data in myeloid diseases including longer-term response data from the phase 3 MEDALIST study of luspatercept to treat anemia in patients with IPSS-R very low-, low-, or intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes with ring sideroblasts who require red-blood-cell (RBC) transfusions will be presented. Additionally, the first data from a phase 2 study of luspatercept in myelofibrosis-associated anemia, results from a study of fedratinib in myelofibrosis patients with low platelet counts, and the first data from CELMoD agent CC-90009, a GSPT1 degrader in relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) will be presented.

Selected abstracts include*:

Lymphoma & Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Multiple Myeloma

Myeloid Diseases

Beta thalassemia

A complete listing of abstracts can be found at https://www.hematology.org/Annual-Meeting/abstracts/

The safety and efficacy of investigational agents and/or investigational uses of approved marketed products have not been established. There is no guarantee that the agents will receive health authority approval or become commercially available in any country for the uses being investigated.

*All times Eastern Time

About REVLIMID

REVLIMID (lenalidomide) in combination with dexamethasone (dex) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM)

REVLIMID is indicated as maintenance therapy in adult patients with MM following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT)

REVLIMID is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with transfusion-dependent anemia due to low-or intermediate-1risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities

REVLIMID is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) whose disease has relapsed or progressed after two prior therapies, one of which included bortezomib

REVLIMID in combination with a rituximab product is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with previously treated follicular lymphoma (FL)

REVLIMID in combination with a rituximab product is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with previously treated marginal zone lymphoma (MZL)

REVLIMID is not indicated and is not recommended for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) outside of controlled clinical trials

REVLIMID is only available through a restricted distribution program, REVLIMID REMS.

Important Safety Information

WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY, HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, and VENOUS and ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Do not use REVLIMID during pregnancy. Lenalidomide, a thalidomide analogue, caused limb abnormalities in a developmental monkey study. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe life-threatening human birth defects. If lenalidomide is used during pregnancy, it may cause birth defects or embryo-fetal death. In females of reproductive potential, obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting REVLIMID treatment. Females of reproductive potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after REVLIMID treatment. To avoid embryo-fetal exposure to lenalidomide, REVLIMID is only available through a restricted distribution program, the REVLIMID REMS program.

Information about the REVLIMID REMS program is available at http://www.celgeneriskmanagement.com or by calling the manufacturers toll-free number 1-888-423-5436.

Hematologic Toxicity (Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia)

REVLIMID can cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Eighty percent of patients with del 5q MDS had to have a dose delay/reduction during the major study. Thirty-four percent of patients had to have a second dose delay/reduction. Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity was seen in 80% of patients enrolled in the study. Patients on therapy for del 5q MDS should have their complete blood counts monitored weekly for the first 8 weeks of therapy and at least monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or reduction. Patients may require use of blood product support and/or growth factors.

Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism

REVLIMID has demonstrated a significantly increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), as well as risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with MM who were treated with REVLIMID and dexamethasone therapy. Monitor for and advise patients about signs and symptoms of thromboembolism. Advise patients to seek immediate medical care if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or arm or leg swelling. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended and the choice of regimen should be based on an assessment of the patients underlying risks.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Pregnancy: REVLIMID can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to the fetus

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions: REVLIMID is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated severe hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) to lenalidomide

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: See Boxed WARNINGS

REVLIMID REMS Program: See Boxed WARNINGS: Prescribers and pharmacies must be certified with the REVLIMID REMS program by enrolling and complying with the REMS requirements; pharmacies must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive REVLIMID. Patients must sign a Patient-Physician Agreement Form and comply with REMS requirements; female patients of reproductive potential who are not pregnant must comply with the pregnancy testing and contraception requirements and males must comply with contraception requirements

Hematologic Toxicity: REVLIMID can cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Monitor patients with neutropenia for signs of infection. Advise patients to observe for bleeding or bruising, especially with use of concomitant medications that may increase risk of bleeding. Patients may require dose interruption and/or dose reduction. MM: Monitor complete blood counts (CBC) in patients taking REVLIMID + dexamethasone or REVLIMID as maintenance therapy, every 7 days for the first 2 cycles, on days 1 and 15 of cycle 3, and every 28 days thereafter. MDS: Monitor CBC in patients on therapy for del 5q MDS, weekly for the first 8 weeks of therapy and at least monthly thereafter. See Boxed WARNINGS for further information. MCL: Monitor CBC in patients taking REVLIMID for MCL weekly for the first cycle (28 days), every 2 weeks during cycles 2-4, and then monthly thereafter. FL/MZL: Monitor CBC in patients taking REVLIMID for FL or MZL weekly for the first 3 weeks of Cycle 1 (28 days), every 2 weeks during Cycles 2-4, and then monthly thereafter

Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism: See Boxed WARNINGS: Venous thromboembolic events (DVT and PE) and arterial thromboses (MI and CVA) are increased in patients treated with REVLIMID. Patients with known risk factors, including prior thrombosis, may be at greater risk and actions should be taken to try to minimize all modifiable factors (e.g., hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking). Thromboprophylaxis is recommended and the regimen should be based on the patients underlying risks. ESAs and estrogens may further increase the risk of thrombosis and their use should be based on a benefit-risk decision

Increased Mortality in Patients With CLL: In a clinical trial in the first-line treatment of patients with CLL, single-agent REVLIMID therapy increased the risk of death as compared to single-agent chlorambucil. Serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, including atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and cardiac failure, occurred more frequently in the REVLIMID arm. REVLIMID is not indicated and not recommended for use in CLL outside of controlled clinical trials

Second Primary Malignancies (SPM): In clinical trials in patients with MM receiving REVLIMID and in patients with FL or MZL receiving REVLIMID + rituximab therapy, an increase of hematologic plus solid tumor SPM, notably AML, have been observed. In MM patients, MDS was also observed. Monitor patients for the development of SPM. Take into account both the potential benefit of REVLIMID and risk of SPM when considering treatment

Increased Mortality with Pembrolizumab: In clinical trials in patients with MM, the addition of pembrolizumab to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of patients with MM with a PD-1-or PD-L1- blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials

Hepatotoxicity: Hepatic failure, including fatal cases, has occurred in patients treated with REVLIMID + dexamethasone. Pre-existing viral liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes, and concomitant medications may be risk factors. Monitor liver enzymes periodically. Stop REVLIMID upon elevation of liver enzymes. After return to baseline values, treatment at a lower dose may be considered

Severe Cutaneous Reactions Including Hypersensitivity Reactions: Angioedema and severe cutaneous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported. These events can be fatal. Patients with a prior history of Grade 4 rash associated with thalidomide treatment should not receive REVLIMID. REVLIMID interruption or discontinuation should be considered for Grade 2-3 skin rash. REVLIMID must be discontinued for angioedema, Grade 4 rash, exfoliative or bullous rash, or if SJS, TEN, or DRESS is suspected and should not be resumed following discontinuation for these reactions

Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): Fatal instances of TLS have been reported during treatment with REVLIMID. The patients at risk of TLS are those with high tumor burden prior to treatment. Closely monitor patients at risk and take appropriate preventive approaches

Tumor Flare Reaction (TFR): TFR has occurred during investigational use of REVLIMID for CLL and lymphoma. Monitoring and evaluation for TFR is recommended in patients with MCL, FL, or MZL. Tumor flare may mimic the progression of disease (PD). In patients with Grade 3 or 4 TFR, it is recommended to withhold treatment with REVLIMID until TFR resolves to Grade 1. REVLIMID may be continued in patients with Grade 1 and 2 TFR without interruption or modification, at the physicians discretion

Impaired Stem Cell Mobilization: A decrease in the number of CD34+ cells collected after treatment (>4 cycles) with REVLIMID has been reported. Consider early referral to transplant center to optimize timing of the stem cell collection

Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been reported. Measure thyroid function before starting REVLIMID treatment and during therapy

Early Mortality in Patients With MCL: In another MCL study, there was an increase in early deaths (within 20 weeks); 12.9% in the REVLIMID arm versus 7.1% in the control arm. Risk factors for early deaths include high tumor burden, MIPI score at diagnosis, and high WBC at baseline (10 x 109/L)

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Multiple Myeloma

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Follicular Lymphoma/Marginal Zone Lymphoma

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Periodically monitor digoxin plasma levels due to increased Cmax and AUC with concomitant REVLIMID therapy. Patients taking concomitant therapies such as erythropoietin-stimulating agents or estrogen-containing therapies may have an increased risk of thrombosis. It is not known whether there is an interaction between dexamethasone and warfarin. Close monitoring of PT and INR is recommended in patients with MM taking concomitant warfarin

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, for REVLIMID.

About INREBIC

INREBIC (fedratinib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk primary or secondary (post-polycythemia vera or post-essential thrombocythemia) myelofibrosis (MF).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: ENCEPHALOPATHY INCLUDING WERNICKES

Serious and fatal encephalopathy, including Wernickes, has occurred in patients treated with INREBIC. Wernickes encephalopathy is a neurologic emergency. Assess thiamine levels in all patients prior to starting INREBIC, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Do not start INREBIC in patients with thiamine deficiency; replete thiamine prior to treatment initiation. If encephalopathy is suspected, immediately discontinue INREBIC and initiate parenteral thiamine. Monitor until symptoms resolve or improve and thiamine levels normalize.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Encephalopathy, including Wernickes: Serious and fatal encephalopathy, including Wernickes encephalopathy, has occurred in INREBIC-treated patients. Serious cases were reported in 1.3% (8/608) of patients treated with INREBIC in clinical trials and 0.16% (1/608) of cases were fatal.

Wernickes encephalopathy is a neurologic emergency resulting from thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency. Signs and symptoms of Wernickes encephalopathy may include ataxia, mental status changes, and ophthalmoplegia (e.g., nystagmus, diplopia). Any change in mental status, confusion, or memory impairment should raise concern for potential encephalopathy, including Wernickes, and prompt a full evaluation including a neurologic examination, assessment of thiamine levels, and imaging. Assess thiamine levels in all patients prior to starting INREBIC, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Do not start INREBIC in patients with thiamine deficiency; replete thiamine prior to treatment initiation. If encephalopathy is suspected, immediately discontinue INREBIC and initiate parenteral thiamine. Monitor until symptoms resolve or improve and thiamine levels normalize.

Anemia: New or worsening Grade 3 anemia occurred in 34% of INREBIC-treated patients. The median time to onset of the first Grade 3 anemia was approximately 2 months, with 75% of cases occurring within 3 months. Mean hemoglobin levels reached nadir after 12 to 16 weeks with partial recovery and stabilization after 16 weeks. Red blood cell transfusions were received by 51% of INREBIC-treated patients and permanent discontinuation of INREBIC occurred due to anemia in 1% of patients. Consider dose reduction for patients who become red blood cell transfusion dependent

Thrombocytopenia: New or worsening Grade 3 thrombocytopenia during the randomized treatment period occurred in 12% of INREBIC-treated patients. The median time to onset of the first Grade 3 thrombocytopenia was approximately 1 month; with 75% of cases occurring within 4 months. Platelet transfusions were received by 3.1% INREBIC-treated patients. Permanent discontinuation of treatment due to thrombocytopenia and bleeding that required clinical intervention both occurred in 2.1% of INREBIC-treated patients. Obtain a complete blood count (CBC) at baseline, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 thrombocytopenia with active bleeding or Grade 4 thrombocytopenia, interrupt INREBIC until resolved to less than or equal to Grade 2 or baseline. Restart dose at 100 mg daily below the last given dose and monitor platelets as clinically indicated.

Gastrointestinal Toxicity: Gastrointestinal toxicities are the most frequent adverse reactions in INREBIC-treated patients. During the randomized treatment period, diarrhea occurred in 66% of patients, nausea in 62% of patient and vomiting in 39% of patients. Grade 3 diarrhea 5% and vomiting 3.1% occurred. The median time to onset of any grade nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea was 1 day, with 75% of cases occurring within 2 weeks of treatment. Consider providing appropriate prophylactic anti-emetic therapy (e.g., 5-HT3 receptor antagonists) during INREBIC treatment. Treat diarrhea with anti-diarrheal medications promptly at the first onset of symptoms. Grade 3 or higher nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea not responsive to supportive measures within 48 hours, interrupt INREBIC until resolved to Grade 1 or less or baseline. Restart dose at 100 mg daily below the last given dose. Monitor thiamine levels and replete as needed.

Hepatic Toxicity: Elevations of ALT and AST (all grades) during the randomized treatment period occurred in 43% and 40%, respectively, with Grade 3 or 4 in 1% and 0%, respectively, of INREBIC-treated patients. The median time to onset of any grade transaminase elevation was approximately 1 month, with 75% of cases occurring within 3 months. Monitor hepatic function at baseline, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 or higher ALT and/or AST elevations (greater than 5 ULN), interrupt INREBIC dose until resolved to Grade 1 or less or to baseline. Restart dose at 100 mg daily below the last given dose. If re-occurrence of a Grade 3 or higher elevation of ALT/AST, discontinue treatment with INREBIC.

Amylase and Lipase Elevation: Grade 3 or higher amylase 2% and/or lipase 10% elevations developed in INREBIC-treated patients. The median time to onset of any grade amylase or lipase elevation was 15 days, with 75% of cases occurring within 1 month of starting treatment. One patient developed pancreatitis in the fedratinib clinical development program (n=608) and pancreatitis resolved with treatment discontinuation. Monitor amylase and lipase at baseline, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 or higher amylase and/or lipase elevations, interrupt INREBIC until resolved to Grade 1 or less or to baseline. Restart dose at 100 mg daily below the last given dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions for INREBIC treated vs. placebo were diarrhea (66% vs. 16%), nausea (62% vs. 15%), anemia (40% vs. 14%), and vomiting (39% vs. 5%). Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction during the randomized treatment period occurred in 21% of patients who received INREBIC. Adverse reactions requiring dosage interruption in >3% of patients who received INREBIC included diarrhea and nausea. Dosage reductions due to an adverse reaction during the randomized treatment period occurred in 19% of patients who received INREBIC. Adverse reactions requiring dosage reduction in >2% of patients who received INREBIC included anemia (6%), diarrhea (3%), vomiting (3%), and thrombocytopenia (2%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Coadministration of INREBIC with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor increases fedratinib exposure. Increased exposure may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Consider alternative therapies that do not strongly inhibit CYP3A4 activity. Alternatively, reduce the dose of INREBIC when administering with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Avoid INREBIC with strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers. Avoid INREBIC with dual CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 inhibitor. Coadministration of INREBIC with drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates, CYP2C19 substrates, or CYP2D6 substrates increases the concentrations of these drugs, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions of these drugs. Monitor for adverse reactions and adjust the dose of drugs that are CYP3A4, CYP2C19, or CYP2D6 substrates as necessary when coadministered with INREBIC.

PREGNANCY/LACTATION: Consider the benefits and risks of INREBIC for the mother and possible risks to the fetus when prescribing INREBIC to a pregnant woman. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise patients not to breastfeed during treatment with INREBIC, and for at least 1 month after the last dose.

RENAL IMPAIRMENT: Reduce INREBIC dose when administered to patients with severe renal impairment. No modification of the starting dose is recommended for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Due to potential increase of exposure, patients with preexisting moderate renal impairment require more intensive safety monitoring, and if necessary, dose modifications based on adverse reactions.

HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT: Avoid use of INREBIC in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING.

About Celgene

Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, is an integrated global biopharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through next-generation solutions in protein homeostasis, immuno-oncology, epigenetics, immunology and neuro-inflammation. For more information, please visit http://www.celgene.com. Follow Celgene on Social Media: Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are generally statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans," "will," "outlook" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current plans, estimates, assumptions and projections, and speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in light of new information or future events, except as otherwise required by law. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of the impact of a number of factors, many of which are discussed in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including factors related to the proposed transaction between Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene, such as, but not limited to, the risks that: management's time and attention is diverted on transaction related issues, including the planned divestiture of OTEZLA; disruption from the proposed transaction makes it more difficult to maintain business, contractual and operational relationships; legal proceedings are instituted against Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene or the combined company; and Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene or the combined company is unable to retain key personnel.

Hyperlinks are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. Celgene bears no responsibility for the security or content of external websites.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Celgene to Present New and Updated Data on Key Hematology Pipeline Therapies at American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2019 Annual Meeting - Business...

New NCCN Guidelines Debut to Manage Complications and Improve Readiness for Stem Cell Transplant Recipients – Bradford Era

National Comprehensive Cancer Network expands resources to meet growing utilization of cell-based cancer treatments

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Oct. 30, 2019 /CNW/ --Today, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) published new NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT), also known as stem cell transplant or historically as bone marrow transplant. This new resource provides step-by-step information on best practices in evaluating patients for hematopoietic cell transplantation and managing complications afterwards. This type of specialized treatment is increasingly common, occurring approximately 22,000 times a year in the United States in people with various malignancies, most commonly for blood-related cancers.1

"Establishing NCCN Guidelines for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation is a key accomplishment in the management of blood cancers," said Ayman A. Saad, MD, Professor of Clinical Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Chair of the NCCN Guidelines Panel for HCT. "The current version of the guidelines addresses both pre-transplant evaluation and the management of a common complication: graft versus host disease (GVHD). Given the diversity of practice and expertise, we believe these guidelines will provide a pivotal tool for learning about the continuously updated therapy landscape in HCT. We hope this will help streamline clinical practices and educate new generations of physicians-in-training."

The guidelines provide recommendations on how to evaluate a potential transplant recipient to determine if the patient is an appropriate candidate for the procedure, and how to best manage different manifestations of post-transplant GVHD. They reflect the latest evidence and consensus from foremost experts across the 28 leading academic cancer centers that comprise NCCN, including hematologists/oncologists, transplant-specific practitioners, and infectious disease specialists.

"These guidelines provide an algorithmic pathway for a systematic approach to allogeneic (donor) transplantation across several different cancer types including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma," explained Marcos de Lima, MD, Professor of Medicine, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and University Hospitals of Cleveland, Vice-Chair of the NCCN Guidelines Panel for HCT. "Thankfully, the number of blood and bone marrow donors has increased substantially in just the past decade. When you combine the National Marrow Donor Program registry adult donors with cord blood donors and relatives (matched and mismatched), we are now able to perform this potentially cancer-curing procedure on significantly more patients than we could in the past. That's why it's so important to set standards for preventing and treating common adverse events and infections."

"Early referral for consideration of HCT can be life-saving, so we strongly encourage all oncologists to take a look at these guidelines and refer any possible candidates to transplant centers for evaluation," said Alison W. Loren, MD, MSCE, Director, Blood & Marrow Transplant, Cell Therapy & Transplant Program, Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, Member of the NCCN Guidelines Panel for HCT. "We also urge oncologists who may be caring for patients after HCT to familiarize themselves with the varied manifestations of GVHDa very common and significant post-transplant complicationand to consult with transplant providers to optimize their ongoing care. The guidelines explain how to diagnose and treat this condition in order to achieve the best possible outcomes."

The NCCN Guidelines for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation are available free-of-charge for non-commercial use at NCCN.org and via the recently improved Virtual Library of NCCN Guidelines App for smartphone and tablet. NCCN will continue expanding blood cancer resources through continuous updates to the HCT guidelines, along with upcoming new NCCN Guidelines for Histiocytosis, Myeloid/Lymphoid Neoplasms, Pediatric B-Cell Lymphomas, and Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer NetworkThe National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a not-for-profit alliance of 28 leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, efficient, and accessible cancer care so patients can live better lives. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system. By defining and advancing high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers around the world.

The NCCN Member Institutions are: Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center/University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH; City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA; Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center | Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA; Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC; Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ, Jacksonville, FL, and Rochester, MN; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, Birmingham, AL; Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY; Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital/The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA; UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA; UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA; University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO; University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN; and Yale Cancer Center/Smilow Cancer Hospital, New Haven, CT.

Clinicians, visit NCCN.org. Patients and caregivers, visit NCCN.org/patients. Media, visit NCCN.org/news. Follow NCCN on Twitter @NCCN, Facebook @NCCNorg, and Instagram @NCCNorg.

1 D'Souza A, Fretham C. Current Uses and Outcomes of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT): CIBMTR Summary Slides. 2018. Available at: https://www.cibmtr.org/ReferenceCenter/SlidesReports/SummarySlides/pages/index.aspx.

Media Contact: Rachel Darwin267-622-6624darwin@nccn.org

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New NCCN Guidelines Debut to Manage Complications and Improve Readiness for Stem Cell Transplant Recipients - Bradford Era

VetStem Biopharma Shares the Success Story of Ole who was Treated with VetStem Cell Therapy by Dr. Holly Mullen – PR Web

His quality of life was significantly improved and Oles owner noted that VetStem Cell Therapy exceeded her expectations.

POWAY, Calif. (PRWEB) November 05, 2019

Ole, a German Shepherd, was demonstrating signs of osteoarthritis in April 2019. He was lame and stiff and had difficulty with stairs and jumping. Though his energy level and his willingness to play were normal, it was clear that he was in pain.

Oles owner took him to veterinary surgeon Dr. Holly Mullen of VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center in San Diego, California. Dr. Mullen is an experienced VetStem user and has provided VetStem Cell Therapy services for over sixty patients. Upon examination, Dr. Mullen diagnosed Ole with severe osteoarthritis in his hips as a result of hip dysplasia. In patients with joint dysplasia, the affected joint is malformed causing the bone to rub irregularly, which can eventually lead to osteoarthritis. Ole was also diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his lower, or lumbar, spine. It was apparent that these issues were causing Ole discomfort.

In an effort to provide relief, Dr. Mullen recommended Ole receive VetStem Cell Therapy. Adipose-, or fat-derived, stem cell therapy is used by veterinarians to treat osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries. VetStem Cell Therapy utilizes a patients natural healing cells which may reduce inflammation, block pain, and regenerate damaged joint tissues.

To begin the process, Dr. Mullen extracted fat from Oles abdomen in a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was delivered to the VetStem laboratory in Poway, California where it was received and aseptically processed by trained VetStem laboratory technicians. Oles stem cells were extracted and concentrated from his fat tissue and dosed out into an injection that was delivered back to Dr. Mullen. Within 48 hours of the initial fat collection, Ole received one intravenous injection of his own stem cells.

As a follow up to his first injection, Ole received additional stem cell injections approximately two months later. This time he received one injection into each hip, injections along the muscles in his back, as well as an intravenous injection.

In a 90-day post stem cell therapy evaluation (approximately 90 days after the first treatment), Oles owner reported that he was no longer stiff or painful. She also noticed an improvement in his ability to go up and down the stairs, walk, and jump. His quality of life was significantly improved and Oles owner noted that VetStem Cell Therapy exceeded her expectations.

Dr. Mullens findings were similar at the 90-day examination. She stated, He is doing great! He runs around [the owners] acreage every day with no overt lameness and no signs of painhes strongly ambulatory with a bouncy gait.

Like Ole, many dogs suffer from osteoarthritis and unfortunately, treatment options are somewhat limited. For these patients, VetStem Cell Therapy may be an option. According to owners and veterinarians, greater than 80% of dogs showed an improved quality of life after receiving VetStem Cell Therapy for orthopedic conditions. Stem cells are regenerative cells that can differentiate into many tissue types, reduce pain and inflammation, help to restore range of motion, and stimulate regeneration of tendon, ligament and joint tissues. In a peer-reviewed study of dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the hip, it was found that stem cells reduced lameness and pain.

About Holly Mullen, DVM, DACVSDr. Mullen received her DVM from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. She completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship as well as a residency in small animal surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. In 1990, she became a board-certified veterinary surgeon. Dr. Mullen has been providing VetStem Cell Therapy for over a decade.

About VetStem Biopharma, Inc.VetStem Biopharma is a veterinarian-led Company that was formed in 2002 to bring regenerative medicine to the profession. This privately held biopharmaceutical enterprise, based near San Diego, California, currently offers veterinarians an autologous stem cell processing service (from patients own fat tissue) among other regenerative modalities. With a unique expertise acquired over the past 15 years and 17,000 treatments by veterinarians for joint, tendon or ligament issues, VetStem has made regenerative medicine applications a therapeutic reality. The VetStem team is focused on developing new clinically practical and affordable veterinary solutions that leverage the natural restorative abilities present in all living creatures. In addition to its own portfolio of patents, VetStem holds exclusive global veterinary licenses to a large portfolio of issued patents in the field of regenerative medicine.

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Create a fetus without an egg or sperm? Researchers have done it with mice – Genetic Literacy Project

Reproduction used to be a simple thing: two parents, one egg, one sperm, one embryo, one baby. But on [October 25], a study published in Cell complicated or simplified, depending on who you ask the arithmetic. Researchers report that they have successfully created mouse fetuses without using sperm and eggs a scientific first.

In place of the usual starting materials, the team, led by researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, used specialized stem cells that can theoretically turn into any adult cell or cell needed to make an embryo. In a dish, these cells grew and self-assembled into embryo-like structures that were transferred into mouse wombs and started to grow like fetuses.

Some of those extended pluripotent stem cells, or EPS cells, were derived from ear cells, suggesting that sexual reproduction may no longer be necessary. But senior author Jun Wu, PhD, says thats not what this research is about.

The goal of this research at this stage is certainly not end of sex for reproduction, Wu, an assistant professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, tells OneZero in an email. The primary goal is to understand early development.

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Create a fetus without an egg or sperm? Researchers have done it with mice - Genetic Literacy Project

Cellular Biomedicine Group to Report Third Quarter 2019 Results on November 6, 2019 – Olean Times Herald

NEW YORK and SHANGHAI, Oct. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --Cellular Biomedicine Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CBMG) ("CBMG" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical firm engaged in the drug development of immunotherapies for cancer and stem cell therapies for degenerative diseases, today announced that it will release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019 after the market closes on Wednesday, November 6, 2019.

The Company will host a conference call and webcast with the investment community on Wednesday, November 6th at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time featuring remarks by Tony Liu, Executive Director, CEO and CFO of CBMG.

What:

Cellular Biomedicine Third Quarter 2019 Results Conference Call

Date:

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Time:

4:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Live Call:

Toll-Free: 1-855-327-6837

International: 1-631-891-4304

Webcast:

http://public.viavid.com/index.php?id=136796

Replay:

Toll-Free: 1-844-512-2921

International: 1-412-317-6671

Conference ID: 10007976

(Available approximately two hours after the completion of the live call until 11:59 p.m. ET on November 20, 2019)

About Cellular Biomedicine Group, Inc.Cellular Biomedicine Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBMG) develops proprietary cell therapies for the treatment of cancer and degenerative diseases. It conducts immuno-oncology and stem cell clinical trials in China using products from its integrated GMP laboratory. The Company's GMP facilities in China, consisting of twelve independent cell production lines, are designed and managed according to both China and U.S. GMP standards. Its Shanghai facility includes a "Joint Laboratory of Cell Therapy" with GE Healthcare and a "Joint Cell Therapy Technology Innovation and Application Center" with Thermo Fisher Scientific, which partnerships focus on improving manufacturing processes for cell therapies. CBMG currently has ongoing CAR-T Phase I clinical trials in China. The China NMPA (formerly CFDA) accepted the Company's IND application for a Phase II trial for AlloJoin, CBMG's "Off-the-Shelf" allogenic haMPC therapy for the treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA), and the Company's IND application for a Phase II trial for ReJoin autologous haMPC therapy for the treatment of KOA. CBMG is included in the broad-market Russell 3000 Index and the small-cap Russell 2000 Index, and the Loncar China BioPharma index. To learn more about CBMG, please visit http://www.cellbiomedgroup.com.

For more information, please contact:

Company Contact:Derrick C. LiHead of Strategy and Investor Relations, CBMGPhone: 917-717-0994Email: derrick.li@cellbiomedgroup.com

Investor Contact:Valter Pinto / Allison SossKCSA Strategic CommunicationsPhone: 212-896-1254 / 212-896-1267Email: cellbiomed@kcsa.com

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Cellular Biomedicine Group to Report Third Quarter 2019 Results on November 6, 2019 - Olean Times Herald

Three UCLA scientists receive grants totaling more than $18 million – Newswise

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Newswise Three researchers at theEli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLAhave received awards totaling more than $18 million from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the states stem cell agency.

The recipients are Dr. Sophie Deng, professor of ophthalmology at the UCLA Stein Eye Institute;Yvonne Chen, a UCLA associate professor of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics; and Dr. Caroline Kuo, a UCLA assistant clinical professor of pediatrics. The awards were announced at a CIRM meeting today.

Dengs four-year, $10.3 million award will fund a clinical trial for a blinding eye condition called limbal stem cell deficiency. Limbal stem cells are specialized stem cells in eye tissue that help maintain the health of the cornea. Because of genetic defects or injuries caused by infections, burns, surgeries or other factors, some people do not have enough limbal stem cells, which results in pain, corneal scarring and blindness.

The approach she is testing involves extracting a small number of limbal stem cells from a persons eye, multiplying them in a lab, and then transplanting them back into the eye, where they could regenerate the cornea and restore vision. The research will be conducted in collaboration with theUCLAUCI Alpha Stem Cell Clinic, a partnership between UCLA and UC Irvine.

The grants awarded to Chen and Kuo are for projects that are heading toward the FDAs investigational new drug application process, which is required by the agency before a phase 1 clinical trial the stage of testing that focuses on a treatments safety.

Chens two-year, $3.2 million award will fund efforts to create a more effectiveCAR T cell therapyfor multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that affects white blood cells. The research will evaluate a specialized form of CAR T therapy that simultaneously targets two markers, BCMA and CS1, commonly found on multiple myeloma cells. CAR T therapies that target BCMA alone have been effective in clinical trials, but the presence of BCMA on multiple myeloma cells is not uniform.

Previous research has shown that the marker CS1 is present in around 90% of multiple myeloma cells. A CAR T therapy that targets both markers could potentially help more patients and reduce the likelihood of a cancer relapse.

Kuos 2 1/2-year, $4.9 million award, will support the development of a stem cell gene therapy for a deadly immunodeficiency called X-linked hyper IgM syndrome, or XHIM.

The syndrome, which is caused by a mutation in the CD40LG gene, results in invasive infections of the liver, gastrointestinal tract and lungs. Currently, the only potential cure is a bone marrow transplant from a matched donor, which carries life-threatening risks and is often less effective for XHIM patients than patients with other forms of immune deficiency. Even with current treatments, only 30% of people with the syndrome live to age 30.

Kuo will evaluate a stem cell gene therapy that corrects the genetic mutation that causes XHIM. After removing blood-forming stem cells from a person with the syndrome, the therapy would use a genetic engineering technique called CRISPR to insert a correct copy of the affected gene into the DNA of the stem cells. The corrected blood-forming stem cells would be infused back into the patient, where they could regenerate a healthy immune system.

She will collaborate with Dr. Donald Kohn, a UCLA distinguished professor of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics who has successfully treated two other immune deficiencies bubble baby disease and X-linked chronic granulomatous disease with a similar therapy.

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Three UCLA scientists receive grants totaling more than $18 million - Newswise

Doheny and UCLA Stein Eye Institutes Welcome Kaustabh Ghosh, PhD, to the Scientific and Clinical Research Faculty – PRNewswire

"I am tremendously proud and honored to begin this position at Doheny-UCLA," says Dr. Ghosh. "I entered the field of biomedical research from an engineering background, which perhaps gave me a new perspective to see things differently. As a biomedical engineer, it allowed me to think about diseases in a way that a typical biomedical researcher and clinician may not."

Dr. Ghosh states that also as a vascular biologist, one such perspective he was able to successfully introduce was the importance of "stiffness" of blood vessels in disease pathogenesis.

"Doheny will be the ideal place for me to realize the true translational potential for my work as it offers strength and resources in ophthalmic imaging," shares Dr. Ghosh. "Doheny also provides the perfect balance between basic science and clinical research."

He adds, "I look forward to developing strong, collaborative relationships with members of Doheny-UCLA engineering, biomedical sciences and clinical infrastructure. Our goal will be to discover effective treatment strategies from a multidisciplinary approach especially in the area of investigating the role of chronic vascular inflammation, a major determinant of various debilitating conditions including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy."

Dr. Ghosh was most recently Associate Professor of Bioengineering at University of California, Riverside (UCR) as well as Participating Faculty in the Division of Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell Center and the Program in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology. The Ghosh Research Group at UCR focused on leveraging the principles of mechanobiology to examine and treat inflammationmediated vascular degeneration associated with diabetic retinopathy and agerelated macular degeneration, the leading causes of vision loss in the diabetic and aging population. In 2016, these studies were supported by two R01 grants from the National Eye Institute (NEI), and a macular degeneration grant from the BrightFocus Foundation. Dr. Ghosh has received numerous awards during his research career, including the Hellman Fellowship and the NIH Postdoctoral Training Grant, and has published 24 peer-reviewed papers in highly-regarded journals that include PNAS, The FASEB Journal, Science, and Nano Letters, among others.

In 2011, prior to joining UCR, Dr. Ghosh was a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Donald Ingber, MD, PhD, part of the Vascular Biology Program at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. In 2006, Dr. Ghosh received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Stony Brook University, New York. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from National Institute of Technology, Warangal, India in 2001.

Dr. Ghosh's dedication to collaborative research and team building is evident in his numerous and illustrious achievements. His distinguished scientific leadership demonstrates an excellence that will contribute greatly to Doheny Eye Institute's research programs.

About Doheny Eye InstituteFor over 70 years, Doheny Eye Institute has been at the forefront of vision science. From seeking new ways to free blockages that prevent fluid drainage in glaucoma, to replacing retinal cells in age-related macular degeneration, to providing colleagues worldwide with standardized analyses of anatomical changes in the eyes of patients, Doheny clinicianscientists and researchers are changing how people see and also how they think about the future of vision. Please visit doheny.org for more information.

Doheny Eye Institute and UCLA Stein Eye Institute have joined forces to offer the best inpatient care, vision research and education. This affiliation combines the strength, reputation and distinction of two of the nation's top eye institutions to advance vision research, education and patient care in Southern California.

CONTACT INFORMATIONMedia Contact:Matthew RabinDirect: (323) 342-7101Email: mrabin@doheny.org

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Doheny and UCLA Stein Eye Institutes Welcome Kaustabh Ghosh, PhD, to the Scientific and Clinical Research Faculty - PRNewswire

bluebird bio Reports Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results and Highlights Operational Progress – Yahoo Finance

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

- Continued progress towards 2022 vision of four marketed gene and cell therapy products with robust development pipeline -

- ZYNTEGLO commercial launch advancing with European Medicines Agency approval of refined commercial manufacturing process -

- Ended quarter with $1.41 billion in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities

bluebird bio, Inc. (BLUE) today reported financial results and business highlights for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019.

During the third quarter we advanced our country-by-country launch plans in Europe and, with the recent approval of the commercial drug product manufacturing specifications for ZYNTEGLO, we moved one step closer to our goal of treating patients suffering from TDT in early 2020, said Nick Leschly, chief bluebird. Also this quarter, we presented updated data from the Phase 2/3 Starbeam study in patients with CALD. To report that patients continued to be free of MFDs at up to five years of follow-up is something were tremendously proud to do for these families, and we look forward to advancing that program in the regulatory process next year. Looking ahead, we plan to provide clinical updates for ZYNTEGLO and across the rest of our portfolio, including LentiGlobin in sickle cell disease, bb21217 in multiple myeloma, and from our registration-enabling KarMMa study of ide-cel in patients with multiple myeloma by the end of this year. Id like to thank all the bluebirds around the globe for their tireless focus on doing the right thing for our patients weve seen amazing progress thus far in 2019 and I look forward to ending the year on a strong note.

Recent Highlights:

TDT

ZYNTEGLO COMMERCIAL READINESS In October, bluebird bio announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the refined commercial drug product manufacturing specifications for ZYNTEGLO (autologous CD34+ cells encoding A-T87Q-globin gene), a one-time gene therapy for patients 12 years and older with transfusion-dependent -thalassemia (TDT) who do not have a 0/0 genotype, for whom hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is appropriate but a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched related HSC donor is not available. With this update, apceth is in the final stages of preparing to manufacture ZYNTEGLO for commercial use. The company continues to proceed with discussions on value-based payment agreements and Qualified Treatment Center contracts and expects to treat the first commercial patient in early 2020.

CALD

Story continues

DATA FROM STARBEAM STUDY (ALD-102) AND ALD-103 PRESENTED At the 13th European Pediatric Neurology Society (EPNS) Congress in September 2019, bluebird bio presented new data from the clinical development program for its investigational studies of Lenti-D gene therapy in patients with cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy: updated data from the Phase 2/3 Starbeam study (ALD-102) in boys 17 years of age and under with CALD and updated data from the ongoing observational study (ALD-103) of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) in boys 17 years of age and under with CALD. Long-term follow-up data as of April 2019 showed that the 88% of patients treated in the Starbeam study (ALD-102) were free of major functional disabilities (MFDs) at two years, and continued to remain MFD-free at up to five years of follow-up.

COMPANY

FIRST PATIENT TREATED IN PHASE 1/2 TRIAL FOR MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA (MCC) In August 2019, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center infused the first patient in their proof-of-concept phase 1/2 single-arm study evaluating Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) TCR-engineered autologous T cells in combination with avelumab (anti-PDL1) for the treatment of MCC. Results from the academic phase 1/2 single-arm study are expected to inform next-generation T cell approaches including TCR engineering and checkpoint inhibition. The study will enroll approximately 16 patients. Development of this program is led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. bluebird bio retains the exclusive option to license this program.

NOVO NORDISK COLLABORATION In October 2019, bluebird bio and Novo Nordisk announced a research collaboration to jointly develop next-generation in vivo genome editing treatments for genetic diseases, including hemophilia. During the three-year research collaboration, bluebird and Novo Nordisk will focus on identifying a development gene therapy candidate with the ambition of offering people with hemophilia A a lifetime free of factor replacement therapy.

MANAGEMENT UPDATE In October 2019, bluebird bio announced that Jeffrey T. Walsh, chief strategy officer, has decided to transition from his current role effective January 6, 2020. Jeff has not only built a strong foundation for bluebirds overall growth strategy but also leaves an experienced and passionate team. Both Chip Baird, chief financial officer, and Joanne Smith-Farrell, chief business officer, will assume broader corporate development and strategic responsibilities as bluebird continues to deliver on its mission for patients.

NEW BOARD APPOINTMENT In September 2019, bluebird bio announced the appointment of William R. Sellers, M.D. to its Board of Directors.

Upcoming Anticipated Milestones:

TDT

Initiation of a rolling Biologics Licensing Application submission to the U.S. FDA for ZYNTEGLO in patients with TDT and non-0/0 genotypes by the end of 2019

Presentation of ZYNTEGLO clinical data from the Northstar-2 (HGB-207) clinical study in patients with TDT and non-0/0 genotypes by the end of 2019

Presentation of ZYNTEGLO clinical data from the Northstar-3 (HGB-212) clinical study in patients with TDT and a 0/0 genotype or an IVS-I-110 mutation by the end of 2019

SCD

Phase 3 HGB-210 study of LentiGlobin in patients with SCD open and enrolling by the end of 2019

Presentation of LentiGlobin clinical data from the HGB-206 clinical study in patients with SCD by the end of 2019

Multiple Myeloma

Ide-cel clinical data update from the registration-enabling KarMMa study in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma by the end of 2019

Presentation of bb21217 clinical data from the CRB-402 clinical study in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma by the end of 2019

Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $1.41 billion and $1.89 billion, respectively. The decrease in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities is primarily related to cash used in support of ordinary course operating activities and cash used to purchase property, plant and equipment, including those purchases related to the companys buildout of its manufacturing facility in Durham, North Carolina.

Revenues: Collaboration and license and royalty revenues were $8.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $11.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Collaboration and license and royalty revenues were $34.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $35.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease in both periods was primarily attributable to a decrease in collaboration revenue under our arrangement with Celgene, partially offset by an increase in license and royalty revenue and collaboration revenue under our arrangement with Regeneron.

R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $151.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $116.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Research and development expenses were $420.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $328.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase in both periods was primarily driven by costs incurred to advance and expand the companys pipeline.

G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $66.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $44.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. General and administrative expenses were $195.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $120.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase in both periods was largely attributable to costs incurred to support the companys ongoing operations and growth of its pipeline as well as commercial-readiness activities.

Net Loss: Net loss was $206.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $145.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Net loss was $566.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $406.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

About bluebird bio, Inc. bluebird bio is pioneering gene therapy with purpose. From our Cambridge, Mass., headquarters, were developing gene therapies for severe genetic diseases and cancer, with the goal that people facing potentially fatal conditions with limited treatment options can live their lives fully. Beyond our labs, were working to positively disrupt the healthcare system to create access, transparency and education so that gene therapy can become available to all those who can benefit.

bluebird bio is a human company powered by human stories. Were putting our care and expertise to work across a spectrum of disorders by researching cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent -thalassemia and multiple myeloma using three gene therapy technologies: gene addition, cell therapy and (megaTAL-enabled) gene editing.

bluebird bio has additional nests in Seattle, Wash.; Durham, N.C.; and Zug, Switzerland. For more information, visit bluebirdbio.com.

Follow bluebird bio on social media: @bluebirdbio, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

ZYNTEGLO, LentiGlobin and Lenti-D are trademarks of bluebird bio, Inc.

The full common name for ZYNTEGLO: A genetically modified autologous CD34+ cell enriched population that contains hematopoietic stem cells transduced with lentiviral vector encoding the A-T87Q-globin gene.

Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the companys financial condition, results of operations, as well as statements regarding the plans for regulatory submissions and commercialization for ZYNTEGLO and the companys product candidates, including anticipated regulatory milestones, planned commercial launches, planned clinical studies, as well as the companys intentions regarding the timing for providing further updates on the development and commercialization of ZYNTEGLO and the companys product candidates. Any forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks that the preliminary positive efficacy and safety results from our prior and ongoing clinical trials will not continue or be repeated in our ongoing or future clinical trials, the risk of cessation or delay of any of the ongoing or planned clinical studies and/or our development of our product candidates, risks that the current or planned clinical trials of our product candidates will be insufficient to support regulatory submissions or marketing approval in the United States and European Union, the risk that we will encounter challenges in the commercial launch of ZYNTEGLO in the European Union, including in managing our complex supply chain for the delivery of drug product or in the adoption of value-based payment models or in obtaining sufficient coverage or reimbursement for our products if approved, the risk that our collaborations, including the collaboration with Celgene, will not continue or will not be successful, and the risk that any one or more of our product candidates, will not be successfully developed, approved or commercialized. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause our actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the section entitled Risk Factors in our most recent Form 10-Q, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and bluebird bio undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

bluebird bio, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)

For the three months ended September 30,

For the nine months ended September 30,

2019

2018

2019

2018

Revenue:

Collaboration revenue

$

6,575

$

10,926

$

29,310

$

33,971

License and royalty revenue

2,335

602

Excerpt from:
bluebird bio Reports Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results and Highlights Operational Progress - Yahoo Finance