Moderna Covid Drug Production Deal, And Other News: The Good, Bad And Ugly Of Biopharma – Seeking Alpha

Moderna Boosts Production with Lonza Deal

Moderna Therapeutics (MRNA) announced its new collaboration with Lonza for boosting its production capacity for mRNA 1273. The company had recently struck a deal with the federal government to focus on developing COVID 19 vaccine candidate. The company stands to receive $483 million from BARDA for accelerating the development of the vaccine. Moderna dosed the first patient under its Phase I clinical trial in March.

Under the latest deal with the Swiss firm, Moderna will be able to use Lonza manufacturing facilities in the United States and Switzerland. It is expected that the technology transfer may be started in June while the batch production in the United States may begin in July. Moderna CEO Stphane Bancel said, This long-term strategic collaboration agreement will enable Moderna to accelerate, by 10 times, our manufacturing capacity for mRNA-1273 and additional products in Modernas large clinical portfolio. Lonzas global presence and expertise are critical as we scale at unprecedented speed." The agreed longevity of the deal is 10 years and will involve creations of manufacturing suites at various Lonza manufacturing sites.

Moderna also recently announced that it has submitted with the FDA its plan to start Phase 2 and later stage trials of the vaccine candidate. The company has received early feedback for its Phase 2 study design. It is anticipated that the dosing for Phase 2 may start during the second quarter. The company is looking to enroll 600 healthy subjects for assessing the safety and efficacy of the shot with doses administered 28 days apart. Currently, there are a number of pharma companies in the race to produce vaccine for fight against COVID 19.

In response to the latest deal, Lonza chairman and CEO ad interim Albert Baehny said, The current pandemic illustrates the need to combine the best science with resilient supply chains that can scale. We are fully committed to leveraging our global network and experience in manufacturing technologies to support Modernas manufacture of mRNA-1273 as well as collaborating on future Moderna products.

Modernas collaboration with US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) involves development of mRNA 1273, which is an mRNA vaccine that encodes for a prefusion stabilized form of the Spike (NYSE:S) protein. BARDA is a division of the Department of Health and Human Services and its funding will support late stage clinical development programs for the vaccine. In order to scale up, Moderna anticipates to hire up to 150 new employees, including engineers, clinical staff and manufacturing staff.

The companys new tie up with Lonza is expected to allow the manufacturing of up to a billion doses per year. Lonza is based out of Basel in Switzerland.

Marker Therapeutics (MRKR) announced that the FDA has granted Orphan Drug designation to its acute myeloid leukemia drug candidate MT 401. The orphan drug candidate offers several benefits such as tax credits for qualified clinical trials and 7 years of market exclusivity if the drug candidate is approved. The FDA generally grants this tag to novel biologics and drugs aiming to provide safe and effective treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare diseases or disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States.

MT 401 is a multi-tumor associated antigen-specific T cell based product developed for treating AML following allogeneic stem cell transplant. The company CEO and President Peter Hoang said, In investigator-sponsored trials, our MultiTAA-specific T cell product candidate was well-tolerated and we have observed clinical benefit across various liquid and solid tumors, suggesting the product candidate's ability to induce a patient's own T cells to expand for a more durable anti-tumor effect. The drug candidate has been given the tag for treating hematological malignancies and solid tumor indications.

Marker Therapeutics reported that it is planning to start its Phase 2 study in subjects with post allegeneic stem cell transplant AML. T cells are obtained from healthy donors and are made to undergo a two-step cell culture process. The process leads to creation of CD4 and CD8 cell mixture which is able to identify multiple tumor specific antigens.

Marker Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company focused on developing next-generation T cell-based immunotherapies for treating hematological malignancies and solid tumor indications. The companys technology relies upon selective expansion of non-engineered, tumor-specific T cells that recognize tumor associated antigens and kill tumor cells expressing those targets. However, Marker does not genetically engineer its T Cell therapies and therefore its drug candidates are expected to be less expensive to manufacture.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc (JAZZ) reported that it has halted the enrolment in its Phase 3 clinical study of defibrotide. The company stated that the decision was taken on the recommendation of an Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) which opined that the study is highly unlikely to produce statistical significance for the primary endpoint of VOD-free survival at Day +30 post-HSCT in the final analysis.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals further stated that the IDMC reached the said recommendation after completing pre-planned interim analysis of the initial 280 patients and where the protocol-specified futility criteria were met. Robert Iannone, M.D., M.S.C.E., executive vice president, research and development of Jazz Pharmaceuticals said, "While enrollment has been discontinued, the trial will run to completion through the follow-up of the more than 370 patients enrolled. VOD is a rapidly progressive and devastating condition that can develop following stem-cell transplantation. As the only approved treatment with demonstrated efficacy based on survival at 100 days after HSCT, defibrotide is an important medicine for this patient population." The company has notified relevant authorities about the decision of discontinuance.

The company stated that the patients already enrolled in the study may be allowed to continue participation if deemed appropriate after further investigation. The relevant Phase 3 was not intended to further assess defibrotide for the treatment of VOD and does not impact the approved indication or other ongoing clinical studies. The Phase 3 study was a randomized, open-label, multi-center trial with an adaptive design. The main aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of defibrotide versus best supportive care in the prevention of hepatic VOD.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals mainly aims to develop medicines for critical diseases with limited treatment options. The main focus of the company is on neuroscience and oncology including movement disorders, sleep medicine and hematologic tumors.

Thanks for reading. At the Total Pharma Tracker, we do more than follow biotech news. Using our IOMachine, our team of analysts work to be ahead of the curve.

That means that when the catalyst comes that will make or break a stock, weve positioned ourselves for success. And we share that positioning and all the analysis behind it with our members.

Disclosure: I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

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Moderna Covid Drug Production Deal, And Other News: The Good, Bad And Ugly Of Biopharma - Seeking Alpha

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves DARZALEX FASPRO(TM) (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj), a New Subcutaneous Formulation of Daratumumab in…

HORSHAM, Pa., May 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved DARZALEX FASPRO (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj), a new subcutaneous formulation of daratumumab. DARZALEX FASPRO is approved in four regimens across five indications in multiple myeloma patients, including newly diagnosed, transplant-ineligible patients as well as relapsed or refractory patients.As a fixed-dose formulation, DARZALEX FASPRO can be administered over approximately three to five minutes, significantly less time than DARZALEX,which is given intravenously over hours. In the Phase 3 COLUMBA study supporting the approval, DARZALEX FASPRO demonstrated a consistent overall response rate (ORR) and pharmacokinetics and a similar safety profile compared with intravenous DARZALEX in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In addition, there was a nearly two-thirds reduction in systemic administration-related reactions (ARRs) for DARZALEX FASPRO compared to intravenous DARZALEX (13 percent vs. 34 percent, respectively).

"This approval exemplifies Janssen's mission and commitment to bringing together passion, science and ingenuity to advance novel solutions for patients," said Mathai Mammen, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "We are excited about the potential of this meaningful innovation in transforming the treatment experience for patients with multiple myeloma where DARZALEX FASPRO can be administered in approximately three to five minutes, significantly less time than intravenous DARZALEX, which is given over hours. Based on its favorable profile, we are accelerating the development of DARZALEX FASPRO and evaluating its potential in multiple ongoing studies."

Click to Tweet: #NEWS: #FDA approves subcutaneous CD38-directed antibody for the treatment of multiple #myeloma. See here for more details: https://bit.ly/2VozhzY

The approval is based on data from the Phase 3 COLUMBA (MMY3012)and Phase 2 PLEIADES (MMY2040) studies.1,2 In the COLUMBA study, the ORR was non-inferior for patients taking DARZALEX FASPROas monotherapycompared to those taking intravenous DARZALEXas monotherapy (41 percent vs. 37 percent, respectively). In addition, there were fewer systemic ARRs with DARZALEX FASPRO versus intravenous DARZALEX (13 percent vs. 34 percent, respectively). In a pooled safety population of 490 patients who received DARZALEXFASPRO as monotherapy or in combination, the ARR rate wFas 11 percent. The safety profiles of intravenous DARZALEX and DARZALEX FASPRO were otherwise similar.1 Additionally, in the Phase 2 PLEIADES study evaluating the efficacy and safety of DARZALEX FASPRO in combination therapies, objective responses were demonstrated in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone (D-VMP) in newly diagnosed transplant ineligible patients. In addition, objective responses were demonstrated in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd) in relapsed or refractory patients who received one prior line of therapy.2

"The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation shares a common goal with Janssen in advancing treatments for multiple myeloma and addressing the unmet needs of this patient community," said Paul Giusti, President and CEO of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). "The approval of DARZALEXFASPRO marks an important milestone which will help make a positive difference in the lives of patients who depend on this effective therapy."

Click to Tweet: .@theMMRF talks about advancing treatments for multiple #myeloma and addressing patient needs with latest #FDA approval. Read more here: https://bit.ly/2VozhzY

"Since the approval of daratumumab, a robust body of evidence has established its use as a treatment for multiple myeloma in both the frontline and relapsed and refractory settings," said Saad Z. Usmani, M.D., Division Chief of Plasma Cell Disorders, Levine Cancer Institute. "With DARZALEX FASPRO there may be fewer administration-related reactions compared to intravenous DARZALEX, providing an additional treatment option that may help patients, oncologists and nursing staff."

DARZALEX FASPROis co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20) [Halozyme'sENHANZEdrug delivery technology].DARZALEX FASPRO will be available to patients and physicians as soon as the week of May 11, 2020. The intravenous DARZALEX formulation will also remain available as an option for patients and their physicians.

DARZALEX FASPROis approved in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant and in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy, in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients who have received at least one prior therapy, as monotherapy, in patients who have received at least three prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.

The U.S. FDA approval of DARZALEX FASPRO marks the first approval for this innovative subcutaneous formulation globally, and Janssen continues to work with health authorities around the world in an effort to bring this new treatment option to patients living with multiple myeloma.

Access to DARZALEX FASPRO (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj)Janssen offers comprehensive access and support information, resources and services to assist U.S. patients in gaining access to DARZALEX FASPROthrough the Janssen CarePath Program. Through the program, eligible commercial patients pay no more than $5 per injection, regardless of individual income level. Information on the enrollment process is available online atwww.CarePathSavingsProgram.com/DARZALEX.

For more information, healthcare providers or patients can contact: 1-844-55DARZA (1-844-553-2792). Information will also be available atwww.DARZALEX.com. Dedicated case coordinators are available to work with both healthcare providers and patients.

About the COLUMBA Study 1The randomized, open-label, multicenter Phase 3 COLUMBA study (MMY3012) included 522 patients (median age of 67 years) with multiple myeloma who had received at least three prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), or whose disease was refractory to both a PI and an IMiD. In the arm that received DARZALEX FASPRO(n=263), patients received a fixed dose of DARZALEX FASPRO1,800 milligrams (mg), co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20) 2,000 Units per milliliter (U/mL), subcutaneously weekly for Cycles 1 2, every two weeks for Cycles 3 6 and every four weeks for Cycle 7 and thereafter. In the intravenous DARZALEXarm (n=259), patients received DARZALEXfor intravenous infusion 16 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) weekly for Cycles 1 2, every two weeks for Cycles 3 6 and every four weeks for Cycle 7 and thereafter. Each cycle was 28 days. In the arm that received DARZALEX FASPRO, itwas given in a fixed volume of 15 mL over three to five minutes; the median injection time was five minutes. In the arm that received theintravenous administration, the median durations of the first, second and subsequent intravenous DARZALEXinfusions were 7.0, 4.3 and 3.4 hours, respectively.Patients in both arms continued treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

About the PLEIADES Study 2The non-randomized, open-label, parallel assignment Phase 2 PLEIADES study (MMY2040) included more than 240 adults with multiple myeloma, including 67 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who were treated with 1,800 mg of DARZALEX FASPROin combination with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone (D-VMP) and 65 patients with relapsed or refractory disease who were treated with 1,800 mg of DARZALEX FASPROplus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd). The primary endpoint for the D-VMP and D-Rd cohorts was overall response rate.

About DARZALEXand DARZALEX FASPROJanssen is committed to exploring the potential of DARZALEX (daratumumab) for patients with multiple myeloma across the spectrum of the disease. DARZALEX has been approved in seven indications, three of which are in the frontline setting, including newly diagnosed patients who are transplant eligible and ineligible.

DARZALEX has become a backbone therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma, having been used in the treatment of more than 58,000 patients in the U.S. alone since its U.S. FDA approval in 2015. DARZALEX is the first CD38-directed antibody approved globally to treat multiple myeloma and in 2020, DARZALEX FASPRO(daratumumab and hyaluronidase human-fihj) follows as the only subcutaneous CD38-directed antibody approved to treat patients with multiple myeloma.2

CD38 is a surface protein that is present in high numbers on multiple myeloma cells, regardless of the stage of disease.4 DARZALEX binds to CD38 and inhibits tumor cell growth causing myeloma cell death.5 DARZALEX may also have an effect on normal cells.3 Data across seven Phase 3 clinical trials, in both the frontline and relapsed settings, have shown that DARZALEX-based regimens resulted in significant improvement in progression-free survival and/or overall survival. 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 Additional studies are underway to assess the efficacy and safety of DARZALEXFASPRO in the treatment of other malignant and pre-malignant hematologic diseases in which CD38 is expressed, including smoldering myeloma and in amyloidosis.12,13

Key DARZALEX Milestones:

Please see full Prescribing Information at http://www.DARZALEX.com.

About Multiple MyelomaMultiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.21,22When damaged, these plasma cells rapidly spread and replace normal cells with tumors in the bone marrow. In 2020, it is estimated that 32,270 people will be diagnosed and 12,830 will die from the disease in the U.S.24 While some patients with multiple myeloma have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms, which can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels, kidney problems or infections.23

DARZALEX FASPROIMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION CONTRAINDICATIONSDARZALEX FASPRO is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity to daratumumab, hyaluronidase or any of the components of the formulation.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity And Other Administration Reactions

Both systemic administration-related reactions, including severe or life-threatening reactions, and local injection-site reactions can occur with DARZALEX FASPRO.

Systemic Reactions

In a pooled safety population of 490patients who received DARZALEX FASPROas monotherapy or in combination, 11% of patients experienced a systemic administration-related reaction (Grade 2: 3.9%, Grade 3: 1.4%). Systemic administration-related reactions occurred in 10% of patients with the first injection, 0.2% with the second injection, and cumulatively 0.8% with subsequent injections. The median time to onset was 3.7hours (range: 9minutes to 3.5days). Of the 84systemic administration-related reactions that occurred in 52patients, 73(87%) occurred on the day of DARZALEX FASPRO administration. Delayed systemic administration-related reactions have occurred in less than 1% of the patients.

Severe reactions included hypoxia, dyspnea, hypertension and tachycardia. Other signs and symptoms of systemic administration-related reactions may include respiratory symptoms, such as bronchospasm, nasal congestion, cough, throat irritation, allergic rhinitis, and wheezing, as well as anaphylactic reaction, pyrexia, chest pain, pruritis, chills, vomiting, nausea, and hypotension.

Pre-medicate patients with histamine-1 receptor antagonist, acetaminophen and corticosteroids. Monitor patients for systemic administration-related reactions, especially following the first and second injections. For anaphylactic reaction or life-threatening (Grade 4) administration-related reactions, immediately and permanently discontinue DARZALEX FASPRO. Consider administering corticosteroids and other medications after the administration of DARZALEX FASPRO depending on dosing regimen and medical history to minimize the risk of delayed (defined as occurring the day after administration) systemic administration-related reactions.

Local Reactions

In this pooled safety population, injection-site reactions occurred in 8% of patients, including Grade2 reactions in 0.6%. The most frequent (>1%) injection-site reaction was injection site erythema. These local reactions occurred a median of 7minutes (range: 0minutes to 4.7days) after starting administration of DARZALEX FASPRO. Monitor for local reactions and consider symptomatic management.

Neutropenia

Daratumumab may increase neutropenia induced by background therapy. Monitor complete blood cell counts periodically during treatment according to manufacturer's prescribing information for background therapies. Monitor patients with neutropenia for signs of infection. Consider withholding DARZALEX FASPRO until recovery of neutrophils. In lower body weight patients receiving DARZALEX FASPRO, higher rates of Grade 3-4 neutropenia were observed.

Thrombocytopenia

Daratumumab may increase thrombocytopenia induced by background therapy. Monitor complete blood cell counts periodically during treatment according to manufacturer's prescribing information for background therapies. Consider withholding DARZALEX FASPRO until recovery of platelets.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on the mechanism of action, DARZALEX FASPRO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. DARZALEX FASPRO may cause depletion of fetal immune cells and decreased bone density. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females with reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with DARZALEX FASPRO and for 3months after the last dose.

The combination of DARZALEX FASPRO with lenalidomide is contraindicated in pregnant women, because lenalidomide may cause birth defects and death of the unborn child. Refer to the lenalidomide prescribing information on use during pregnancy.

Interference with Serological Testing

Daratumumab binds to CD38 on red blood cells (RBCs) and results in a positive Indirect Antiglobulin Test (Indirect Coombs test). Daratumumab-mediated positive indirect antiglobulin test may persist for up to 6months after the last daratumumab administration. Daratumumab bound to RBCs masks detection of antibodies to minor antigens in the patient's serum. The determination of a patient's ABO and Rh blood type are not impacted.

Notify blood transfusion centers of this interference with serological testing and inform blood banks that a patient has received DARZALEX FASPRO. Type and screen patients prior to starting DARZALEX FASPRO.

Interference with Determination of Complete Response

Daratumumab is a human IgG kappa monoclonal antibody that can be detected on both the serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation (IFE) assays used for the clinical monitoring of endogenous M-protein. This interference can impact the determination of complete response and of disease progression in some DARZALEX FASPRO -treated patients with IgG kappa myeloma protein.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reaction (20%) with DARZALEX FASPRO monotherapy is: upper respiratory tracts infection.

The most common adverse reactions (20%) with D-VMP are upper respiratory tract infection, constipation, nausea, fatigue, pyrexia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, diarrhea, cough, insomnia, vomiting, and back pain. The most common adverse reactions (20%) with D-Rd are fatigue, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, muscle spasms, constipation, pyrexia, pneumonia and dyspnea.

The most common hematology laboratory abnormalities (40%) with DARZALEX FASPRO are decreased leukocytes, decreased lymphocytes, decreased neutrophils, decreased platelets, and decreased hemoglobin.

Please see full Prescribing Information at http://www.DARZALEX.com.

DARZALEX IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONCONTRAINDICATIONSDARZALEX (daratumumab) is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reactions) to daratumumab or any of the components of the formulation.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONSInfusion Reactions DARZALEX can cause severe and/or serious infusion reactions, including anaphylactic reactions. In clinical trials, approximately half of all patients experienced an infusion reaction. Most infusion reactions occurred during the first infusion and were Grade 1-2. Infusion reactions can also occur with subsequent infusions. Nearly all reactions occurred during infusion or within 4 hours of completing DARZALEX.Prior to the introduction of post-infusion medication in clinical trials, infusion reactions occurred up to 48 hours after infusion. Severe reactions have occurred, including bronchospasm, hypoxia, dyspnea, hypertension, laryngeal edema, and pulmonary edema. Signs and symptoms may include respiratory symptoms, such as nasal congestion, cough, throat irritation, as well as chills, vomiting, and nausea. Less common symptoms were wheezing, allergic rhinitis, pyrexia, chest discomfort, pruritus, and hypotension.

Pre-medicate patients with antihistamines, antipyretics, and corticosteroids. Frequently monitor patients during the entire infusion. Interrupt infusion for reactions of any severity and institute medical management as needed. Permanently discontinue therapy if an anaphylactic reaction or life-threatening (Grade 4) reaction occurs and institute appropriate emergency care.For patients with Grade 1, 2, or 3reactions, reduce the infusion rate when re-starting the infusion.

To reduce the risk of delayed infusion reactions, administer oral corticosteroids to all patients following DARZALEX infusions. Patients with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may require additional post-infusion medications to manage respiratory complications. Consider prescribing short- and long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Interference with Serological Testing Daratumumab binds to CD38 on red blood cells (RBCs) and results in a positive Indirect Antiglobulin Test (Indirect Coombs test). Daratumumab-mediated positive indirect antiglobulin test may persist for up to 6 months after the last daratumumab infusion. Daratumumab bound to RBCs masks detection of antibodies to minor antigens in the patient's serum. The determination of a patient's ABO and Rh blood type are not impacted. Notify blood transfusion centers of this interference with serological testing and inform blood banks that a patient has received DARZALEX. Type and screen patients prior to starting DARZALEX.

Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia DARZALEX may increase neutropenia and/or thrombocytopenia induced by background therapy. Monitor complete blood cell counts periodically during treatment according to the manufacturer's prescribing information for background therapies. Monitor patients with neutropenia for signs of infection.DARZALEX dose delay may be required to allow recovery of neutrophils and/or platelets. No dose reduction of DARZALEX is recommended. Consider supportive care with growth factors for neutropenia or transfusions for thrombocytopenia.

Interference with Determination of Complete Response Daratumumab is a human IgG kappa monoclonal antibody that can be detected on both the serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation (IFE) assays used for the clinical monitoring of endogenous M-protein. This interference can impact the determination of complete response and of disease progression in some patients with IgG kappa myeloma protein.

Adverse Reactions The most frequently reported adverse reactions (incidence 20%) were: infusion reactions, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, asthenia, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, vomiting, muscle spasms, arthralgia, back pain, pyrexia, chills, dizziness, insomnia, cough, dyspnea, peripheral edema, peripheral sensory neuropathy, bronchitis, pneumonia, and upper respiratory tract infection.

DARZALEX in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (DRd): The most frequent (20%) adverse reactions for newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory patients were, respectively, infusion reactions (41%, 48%), diarrhea (57%, 43%), nausea (32%, 24%), fatigue (40%, 35%), pyrexia (23%, 20%), upper respiratory tract infection (52%, 65%), muscle spasms (29%, 26%), dyspnea (32%, 21%), and cough (30%, 30%). In newly diagnosed patients, constipation (41%), peripheral edema (41%), back pain (34%), asthenia (32%), bronchitis (29%), pneumonia (26%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (24%), and decreased appetite (22%) were also reported. In newly diagnosed patients, serious adverse reactions (2% compared to Rd)were pneumonia (15%), bronchitis (4%), and dehydration (2%), and treatment-emergent Grade 3-4 hematology laboratory abnormalities (20%) were neutropenia (56%), lymphopenia (52%), and leukopenia (35%). In relapsed/refractory patients, serious adverse reactions (2% compared to Rd)were pneumonia (12%), upper respiratory tract infection (7%), influenza (3%), and pyrexia (3%), and treatment-emergent Grade 3-4 hematology laboratory abnormalities (20%) were neutropenia (53%) and lymphopenia (52%).

DARZALEXin combination with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone (DVMP): The most frequently reported adverse reactions (20%) were upper respiratory tract infection (48%), infusion reactions (28%), and peripheral edema (21%). Serious adverse reactions (2% compared to the VMP arm) were pneumonia (11%), upper respiratory tract infection (5%), and pulmonary edema (2%). Treatment-emergent Grade 3-4 hematology laboratory abnormalities (20%) were lymphopenia (58%), neutropenia (44%), and thrombocytopenia (38%).

DARZALEX in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (DVd): Themost frequently reported adverse reactions (20%) were peripheral sensory neuropathy (47%), infusion reactions (45%), upper respiratory tract infection (44%), diarrhea (32%), cough (27%), peripheral edema (22%), and dyspnea (21%). The overall incidence of serious adverse reactions was 42%. Serious adverse reactions (2% compared to Vd) were upper respiratory tract infection (5%), diarrhea (2%), and atrial fibrillation (2%). Treatment-emergent Grade 3-4 hematology laboratory abnormalities (20%) were lymphopenia (48%) and thrombocytopenia (47%).

DARZALEX in combination with bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (DVTd): The most frequent adverse reactions (20%) were infusion reactions (35%), nausea (30%), upper respiratory tract infection (27%), pyrexia (26%), and bronchitis (20%). Serious adverse reactions (2% compared to the VTd arm) were bronchitis (DVTd 2% vs. VTd <1%)and pneumonia (DVTd 6% vs. VTd 4%). Treatment-emergent Grade 3-4 hematology laboratory abnormalities (20%) were lymphopenia (59%), neutropenia (33%), and leukopenia (24%).

DARZALEX in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (DPd): Themost frequent adverse reactions (>20%) were fatigue (50%), infusion reactions (50%), upper respiratory tract infection (50%), cough (43%), diarrhea (38%), constipation (33%), dyspnea (33%), nausea (30%), muscle spasms (26%), back pain (25%), pyrexia (25%), insomnia (23%), arthralgia (22%), dizziness (21%), and vomiting (21%). The overall incidence of serious adverse reactions was 49%. Serious adverse reactions reported in 5% of patients included pneumonia (7%).Treatment-emergent Grade 3-4 hematologylaboratory abnormalities (20%) were neutropenia (82%), lymphopenia (71%), and anemia (30%).

DARZALEX as monotherapy: Themost frequently reported adverse reactions (20%) were infusion reactions (48%), fatigue (39%), nausea (27%), back pain (23%), pyrexia (21%), cough (21%), and upper respiratory tract infection (20%). The overall incidence of serious adverse reactions was 33%. The most frequent serious adverse reactions were pneumonia (6%), general physical health deterioration (3%), and pyrexia (3%). Treatment-emergent Grade 3-4 hematology laboratory abnormalities (20%) were lymphopenia (40%) and neutropenia (20%).

Please see full Prescribing Information at http://www.DARZALEX.com.

About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson At Janssen, we're creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We're the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary Hypertension.

Learn more at http://www.janssen.com. Follow us at http://www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal. Janssen Research & Development, LLC and Janssen Biotech, Inc. are part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding DARZALEX FASPRO. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Biotech, Inc. and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2019, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in the company's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at http://www.sec.gov, http://www.jnj.comor on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

ENHANZEis a registered trademark of Halozyme.

1Mateos M-V et al. Efficacy and Safety of the Randomized, Open-Label, Non-inferiority, Phase 3 Study of Subcutaneous (SC) Versus Intravenous (IV) Daratumumab (DARA) Administration in Patients (pts) With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): COLUMBA. 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. June 2019.

2Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study to Evaluate Subcutaneous Daratumumab in Combination With Standard Multiple Myeloma Treatment Regimens. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000 [cited July 5, 2019]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03412565. Identifier: NCT03412565.

32020Fedele G et al. CD38 Ligation in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Myeloma Patients Induces Release of Protumorigenic IL-6 and Impaired Secretion of IFN Cytokines and Proliferation. Mediators Inflamm. 2013;564687.

4Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study Comparing Daratumumab, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone With Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02076009?term=mmy3003&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02136134 .

5Janssen Research & Development, LLC. Addition of Daratumumab to Combination of Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02136134?term=mmy3004&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02076009.

6Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study to Evaluate Daratumumab in Transplant Eligible Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma (Cassiopeia). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02541383?term=mmy3006 Identifier: NCT02541383.

7Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study of Combination of Daratumumab and Velcade (Bortezomib) Melphalan-Prednisone (DVMP) Compared to Velcade Melphalan-Prednisone (VMP) in Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02195479?term=mmy3007&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02195479.

8Janssen Research & Development, LLC. Study Comparing Daratumumab, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone With Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02252172?term=mmy3008&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02252172.

9Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study of VELCADE (Bortezomib) Melphalan-Prednisone (VMP) Compared to Daratumumab in Combination With VMP (D-VMP), in Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma Who Are Ineligible for High-Dose Therapy (Asia Pacific Region). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03217812?term=MMY3011&rank=1 Identifier: NCT03217812.

10European Myeloma Network. Compare Progression Free Survival Btw Daratumumab/Pomalidomide/Dexamethasone vs Pomalidomide/Dexamethasone (EMN14). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03180736?term=MMY3013&rank=2 Identifier: NCT03180736

11Amgen. Study of Carfilzomib, Daratumumab and Dexamethasone for Patients With Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. (CANDOR). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03158688?term=NCT03158688&rank=1 Identifier: NCT03158688.

12Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study to Evaluate 3 Dose Schedules of Daratumumab in Participants With Smoldering Multiple Myeloma In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 March 19]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02316106?term=smm2001&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02316106.

13Janssen Research & Development, LLC. An Efficacy and Safety Proof of Concept Study of Daratumumab in Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, and Follicular Lymphoma In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 March 19]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02413489?term=lym2001&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02413489

14Janssen Biotech, Inc. "Janssen Biotech Announces Global License and Development Agreement for Investigational Anti-Cancer Agent Daratumumab." Issued August 30, 2012.

15Janssen Biotech, Inc. "DARZALEX (daratumumab) Approved by U.S. FDA: First Human Anti-CD38 Monoclonal Antibody Available for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma." Issued November 16, 2015.

16Janssen Biotech, Inc. "DARZALEX (daratumumab) Approved by U.S. FDA in Combination with Two Standard of Care Regimens for the Treatment of Patients with Multiple Myeloma Who Have Received At Least One Prior Therapy." Issued November 21, 2016.

17Janssen Biotech, Inc. "DARZALEX (daratumumab) Approved by the U.S. FDA in Combination with Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone for Patients with Multiple Myeloma Who Have Received At Least Two Prior Therapies." Issued June 16, 2017.

18Janssen Biotech, Inc. "Janssen Announces DARZALEX (daratumumab) U.S. FDA Approval for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Multiple Myeloma who are Transplant Ineligible." Issued May 7, 2018.

19Janssen Biotech, Inc. "Janssen Announces U.S. FDA Approval of DARZALEX (daratumumab) in Combination with Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Multiple Myeloma Who Are Transplant Ineligible." Issued June 27, 2019.

20Janssen Biotech, Inc. "Janssen Announces U.S. FDA Approval of DARZALEX (daratumumab) Combination Regimen for Newly Diagnosed, Transplant-Eligible Patients with Multiple Myeloma." Issued September 26, 2019.

21Kumar, SK et al. Risk of progression and survival in multiple myeloma relapsing after therapy with IMiDs and bortezomib: a multicenter international myeloma working group study. Leukemia. 2012 Jan; 26(1):149-57.

22American Cancer Society. "What Is Multiple Myeloma?" Available at: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiplemyeloma/detailedguide/multiple-myeloma-what-is-multiple-myeloma. Accessed June 2019.

23American Cancer Society. "Key Statistics About Multiple Myeloma." Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed January 2020.

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U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves DARZALEX FASPRO(TM) (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj), a New Subcutaneous Formulation of Daratumumab in...

Stem Cell Therapy: Stay Young With A Marvel Of Medical Research – Latinos Health

May 02, 2020 11:50 AM EDT

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Human beings, within the span of their lives, go through shifting phases. Once when they are infants, and cannot sustain themselves without external help, then the reckless days of youth, and finally old age. But within these periods, the time of youth is the most vibrant- one that decades of medical research have tried to preserve.

The question about delaying aging, and staying youthful for a major part of our lives has plagued genetics experts and medical professionals alike. Not until recently, this field remained filled with invasive surgeries, and extensive treatments, that were both painful and inefficacious, but with the breakthrough brought about by Stem Cell Therapy, the dream of finding the fountain of youth is closer than ever.

Before delving into the specifics of Stem Cell Therapy, and how it can help people resist the effects of aging, let us establish the basic science behind this seemingly complex phenomenon.

As the name suggests, Stem Cells become the raw material of the human body. These cells form the foundation of other more specialized cells such as nerve, blood, and muscle cells when they grow, repairing any dysfunction that might be caused because of a lack of specific tissue.

The most important aspect that enables them to fight the effects of aging is their ability to boost the restorative functions of our body. The tissues and cells in our system constantly undergo wear and tear, due to which they get damaged. With the help of Stem Cells, the body reacts by restoring these cells at a much faster pace.

Under the right conditions such as those of the body, and a laboratory, these cells multiply into daughter-cells as a preliminary phase to eventually generate more stem cells through a process of self-renewal, giving the body highly functional and specialized tissue for maintenance.

Aging is a process in which the rate at which are cells wear out is far greater than that at which they are replenished and restored. This leads to a frailing body condition, that is weak and feeble.

The biologists and medical professionals at Purtier have come with a trailblazing remedy to the dilemma of aging. Their treatment, known as the Riway Purtier Placenta Stem Cell Therapy utilizes the nutrition of a deer placenta, lycopene, essential minerals, and vitamins, and packages it in a capsule with living cells that are compatible with the human bio-system.

The formula of this capsule is packed with all necessary material required by the body to boost its restorative and regenerative function, boosting the pace of maintenance of specialized cells and tissues. This leads to the delaying of aging.

The exclusive property of stem cells to provide the body with extra raw material for repair and maintenance is making it an excellent medical find to treat a wide range of chronic conditions that stem from the natural process of old-age. Stem Cell Therapy might just be the fountain of youth every person can explore.

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Stem Cell Therapy: Stay Young With A Marvel Of Medical Research - Latinos Health

United States Animal Stem Cell Therapy Market Size, Growth Trends, Top Players, Application Potential and Forecast to 2025 – Latest Herald

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Market Analysis by PlayersBDAbbott LaboratoriesSmiths MedicalB. BraunHospiraBaxterMoogCareFusionMindrayZollIradimedTeleflexMedlineZyno MedicalMaxim

Market Analysis by Regions:The NortheastThe MidwestThe SouthwestThe SoutheastThe West

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United States Animal Stem Cell Therapy Market Size, Growth Trends, Top Players, Application Potential and Forecast to 2025 - Latest Herald

Stem Cell Drugs Market Size by Top Key Players, Growth Opportunities, Incremental Revenue , Outlook and Forecasts to 2026 – Latest Herald

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This section of the report lists various major manufacturers in the market. The competitive analysis helps the reader understand the strategies and collaborations that players focus on in order to survive in the market. The reader can identify the players fingerprints by knowing the companys total sales, the companys total price, and its production by company over the 2020-2026 forecast period.

Global Stem Cell Drugs Market: Regional Analysis

The report provides a thorough assessment of the growth and other aspects of the Stem Cell Drugs market in key regions, including the United States, Canada, Italy, Russia, China, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom United Kingdom, South Korea, France, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Mexico, India and Brazil, etc. The main regions covered by the report are North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America.

The Stem Cell Drugs market report was prepared after various factors determining regional growth, such as the economic, environmental, technological, social and political status of the region concerned, were observed and examined. The analysts examined sales, production, and manufacturer data for each region. This section analyzes sales and volume by region for the forecast period from 2020 to 2026. These analyzes help the reader understand the potential value of investments in a particular country / region.

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Stem Cell Drugs Market Size by Top Key Players, Growth Opportunities, Incremental Revenue , Outlook and Forecasts to 2026 - Latest Herald

Biopharma Develops Antibody and Stem Cell Therapies in the Fight Against COVID-19 – JD Supra

Updated: May 25, 2018:

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FDA grants orphan drug designation to multi-antigen T-cell therapy for AML – Healio

FDA News

April 30, 2020

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The FDA granted orphan drug designation to MT-401, an allogeneic T-cell therapy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, according to the agents manufacturer.

MT-401 (Marker Therapeutics) an investigational, multi-tumor-associated antigen (MultiTAA)-specific T-cell therapy will be tested in a phase 2 clinical trial of patients with AML after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

T cells are taken from healthy doors and put through a two-step cell culture process. The result is a CD4/CD8 cell mixture that can recognize multiple tumor-specific antigens.

We are pleased that the FDA has granted orphan designation to MT-401 and believe it is supportive of its potential to treat post-allogeneic stem cell transplant patients with AML a devastating and pervasive blood disease with a high medical need for a treatment, Peter L. Hoang, president and CEO of Marker Therapeutics, said in a company-issued press release.

In investigator-sponsored trials, our MultiTAA-specific T-cell product candidate was well-tolerated, and we have observed clinical benefit across various liquid and solid tumors, suggesting the product candidates ability to induce a patients own T cells to expand for a more durable antitumor effect. We look forward to initiating our company-sponsored phase 2 study, he added.

The FDA Office of Orphan Products Development grants orphan drug designation to novel drugs and biologics that are intended for the safe and effective treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare diseases or disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. The designation allows manufacturers to qualify for various incentives, including tax credits for qualified clinical trials and upon regulatory approval 7 years of market exclusivity.

The FDA granted orphan drug designation to MT-401, an allogeneic T-cell therapy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, according to the agents manufacturer.

MT-401 (Marker Therapeutics) an investigational, multi-tumor-associated antigen (MultiTAA)-specific T-cell therapy will be tested in a phase 2 clinical trial of patients with AML after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

T cells are taken from healthy doors and put through a two-step cell culture process. The result is a CD4/CD8 cell mixture that can recognize multiple tumor-specific antigens.

We are pleased that the FDA has granted orphan designation to MT-401 and believe it is supportive of its potential to treat post-allogeneic stem cell transplant patients with AML a devastating and pervasive blood disease with a high medical need for a treatment, Peter L. Hoang, president and CEO of Marker Therapeutics, said in a company-issued press release.

In investigator-sponsored trials, our MultiTAA-specific T-cell product candidate was well-tolerated, and we have observed clinical benefit across various liquid and solid tumors, suggesting the product candidates ability to induce a patients own T cells to expand for a more durable antitumor effect. We look forward to initiating our company-sponsored phase 2 study, he added.

The FDA Office of Orphan Products Development grants orphan drug designation to novel drugs and biologics that are intended for the safe and effective treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare diseases or disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. The designation allows manufacturers to qualify for various incentives, including tax credits for qualified clinical trials and upon regulatory approval 7 years of market exclusivity.

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FDA grants orphan drug designation to multi-antigen T-cell therapy for AML - Healio

CHMP Issues Positive Opinion Recommending Subcutaneous Formulation of Daratumumab for the Treatment of Patients with Multiple Myeloma – Yahoo Finance

Company Announcement

Copenhagen, Denmark; April 30, 2020 Genmab A/S (GMAB) announced today that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a Positive Opinion recommending the use of the subcutaneous formulation of daratumumab for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma in frontline and relapsed / refractory settings. The CHMPs Positive Opinion for the subcutaneous formulation of daratumumab applies to all currently approved daratumumab indications in frontline and relapsed / refractory multiple myeloma settings. In August 2012, Genmab granted Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Janssen) an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab.

We are very pleased with this Positive Opinion from the CHMP as it potentially brings the convenient dosing of subcutaneous daratumumab closer to becoming available for multiple myeloma patients in Europe, said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.

The Marketing Authorization Application for this formulation was submitted to the EMA by Janssen Pharmaceutica NV in July 2019 based on data from two studies: the Phase III non-inferiority COLUMBA (MMY3012) study, which compared the subcutaneous formulation of daratumumab to the intravenous formulation in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, and data from the Phase II PLEIADES (MMY2040) study, which is evaluating subcutaneous daratumumab in combination with certain standard multiple myeloma regimens. The topline results from the COLUMBA data were announced in February 2019 and subsequently presented in oral sessions at the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and the 24th European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Congress. Updated data of the COLUMBA and the PLEIADES studies were presented during poster sessions at the 61st American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting in December 2019.

About the COLUMBA (MMY3012) studyThe Phase III trial (NCT03277105) is a randomized, open-label, parallel assignment study that included 522 adults diagnosed with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Patients were randomized to receive either: subcutaneous (SC) daratumumab, as 1800 mg daratumumab with rHuPH20 2000 U/mL once weekly in Cycle 1 and 2, every two weeks in Cycles 3 to 6, every 4 weeks in Cycle 7 and thereafter until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or the end of study; or 16 mg/kg IV daratumumab once weekly in Cycle 1 and 2, every two weeks in Cycles 3 to 6, every 4 weeks in Cycle 7 and thereafter until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or the end of study. The co-primary endpoints of the study are overall response rate and Maximum trough concentration of daratumumab (Ctrough; defined as the serum pre-dose concentration of daratumumab on Cycle 3 Day 1).

About the PLEIADES (MMY2040) studyThe Phase II trial (NCT03412565) is a non-randomized, open-label, parallel assignment study that includes 265 adults either newly diagnosed or with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma are being treated with 1,800 mg SC daratumumab in combination with either bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-VRd) or bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone (D-VMP). Patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma are being treated with 1,800 mg SC daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd). An additional cohort of patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma treated with daratumumab plus carfilzomib and dexamethasone (D-Kd) was subsequently added to the study. The primary endpoint for the D-VMP, D-Kd and D-Rd cohorts is overall response rate. The primary endpoint for the D-VRd cohort is very good partial response or better rate.

About DARZALEX (daratumumab)DARZALEX (daratumumab) intravenous infusion is indicated for the treatment of adult patients in the United States: in combination with bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone as treatment for patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy; in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor (PI); and as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy, including a PI and an immunomodulatory agent, or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.1 DARZALEX is the first monoclonal antibody (mAb) to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) approval to treat multiple myeloma. DARZALEX intravenous infusion is indicated for the treatment of adult patients in Europe: in combination with bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone as treatment for patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant; for use in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy; and as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, whose prior therapy included a PI and an immunomodulatory agent and who have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy2. The option to split the first infusion of DARZALEX over two consecutive days has been approved in both Europe and the U.S. In Japan, DARZALEX intravenous infusion is approved for the treatment of adult patients: in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma; in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant; in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant. DARZALEX is the first human CD38 monoclonal antibody to reach the market in the United States, Europe and Japan. For more information, visit http://www.DARZALEX.com.

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Daratumumab is a human IgG1k monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds with high affinity to the CD38 molecule, which is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. Daratumumab triggers a persons own immune system to attack the cancer cells, resulting in rapid tumor cell death through multiple immune-mediated mechanisms of action and through immunomodulatory effects, in addition to direct tumor cell death, via apoptosis (programmed cell death).1,2,3,4,5,6

Daratumumab is being developed by Janssen Biotech, Inc. under an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab from Genmab. A comprehensive clinical development program for daratumumab is ongoing, including multiple Phase III studies in smoldering, relapsed and refractory and frontline multiple myeloma settings. Additional studies are ongoing or planned to assess the potential of daratumumab in other malignant and pre-malignant diseases in which CD38 is expressed, such as amyloidosis, NKT-cell lymphoma and T-cell ALL. Daratumumab has received two Breakthrough Therapy Designations from the U.S. FDA for certain indications of multiple myeloma, including as a monotherapy for heavily pretreated multiple myeloma and in combination with certain other therapies for second-line treatment of multiple myeloma.

About Genmab Genmab is a publicly traded, international biotechnology company specializing in the creation and development of differentiated antibody therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Founded in 1999, the company is the creator of three approved antibodies: DARZALEX (daratumumab, under agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc.) for the treatment of certain multiple myeloma indications in territories including the U.S., Europe and Japan, Arzerra (ofatumumab, under agreement with Novartis AG), for the treatment of certain chronic lymphocytic leukemia indications in the U.S., Japan and certain other territories and TEPEZZA (teprotumumab, under agreement with Roche granting sublicense to Horizon Therapeutics plc) for the treatment of thyroid eye disease in the U.S. Daratumumab is in clinical development by Janssen for the treatment of additional multiple myeloma indications, other blood cancers and amyloidosis. A subcutaneous formulation of ofatumumab is in development by Novartis for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. Genmab also has a broad clinical and pre-clinical product pipeline. Genmab's technology base consists of validated and proprietary next generation antibody technologies - the DuoBody platform for generation of bispecific antibodies, the HexaBody platform, which creates effector function enhanced antibodies, the HexElect platform, which combines two co-dependently acting HexaBody molecules to introduce selectivity while maximizing therapeutic potency and the DuoHexaBody platform, which enhances the potential potency of bispecific antibodies through hexamerization. The company intends to leverage these technologies to create opportunities for full or co-ownership of future products. Genmab has alliances with top tier pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Genmab is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark with sites in Utrecht, the Netherlands, Princeton, New Jersey, U.S. and Tokyo, Japan.

Contact: Marisol Peron, Corporate Vice President, Communications & Investor Relations T: +1 609 524 0065; E: mmp@genmab.com

For Investor Relations: Andrew Carlsen, Senior Director, Investor RelationsT: +45 3377 9558; E: acn@genmab.com

This Company Announcement contains forward looking statements. The words believe, expect, anticipate, intend and plan and similar expressions identify forward looking statements. Actual results or performance may differ materially from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such statements. The important factors that could cause our actual results or performance to differ materially include, among others, risks associated with pre-clinical and clinical development of products, uncertainties related to the outcome and conduct of clinical trials including unforeseen safety issues, uncertainties related to product manufacturing, the lack of market acceptance of our products, our inability to manage growth, the competitive environment in relation to our business area and markets, our inability to attract and retain suitably qualified personnel, the unenforceability or lack of protection of our patents and proprietary rights, our relationships with affiliated entities, changes and developments in technology which may render our products or technologies obsolete, and other factors. For a further discussion of these risks, please refer to the risk management sections in Genmabs most recent financial reports, which are available on http://www.genmab.com and the risk factors included in Genmabs most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available at http://www.sec.gov. Genmab does not undertake any obligation to update or revise forward looking statements in this Company Announcement nor to confirm such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances after the date made or in relation to actual results, unless required by law.

Genmab A/S and/or its subsidiaries own the following trademarks: Genmab; the Y-shaped Genmab logo; Genmab in combination with the Y-shaped Genmab logo; HuMax; DuoBody; DuoBody in combination with the DuoBody logo; HexaBody; HexaBody in combination with the HexaBody logo; DuoHexaBody; HexElect; and UniBody. Arzerra is a trademark of Novartis AG or its affiliates. DARZALEX is a trademark of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV. TEPEZZA is a trademark of Horizon Therapeutics plc.

1 DARZALEX Prescribing information, September 2019. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/761036s024lbl.pdf Last accessed September 20192 DARZALEX Summary of Product Characteristics, available at https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/darzalex Last accessed October 20193 De Weers, M et al. Daratumumab, a Novel Therapeutic Human CD38 Monoclonal Antibody, Induces Killing of Multiple Myeloma and Other Hematological Tumors. The Journal of Immunology. 2011; 186: 1840-1848.4 Overdijk, MB, et al. Antibody-mediated phagocytosis contributes to the anti-tumor activity of the therapeutic antibody daratumumab in lymphoma and multiple myeloma. MAbs. 2015; 7: 311-21.5 Krejcik, MD et al. Daratumumab Depletes CD38+ Immune-regulatory Cells, Promotes T-cell Expansion, and Skews T-cell Repertoire in Multiple Myeloma. Blood. 2016; 128: 384-94.6 Jansen, JH et al. Daratumumab, a human CD38 antibody induces apoptosis of myeloma tumor cells via Fc receptor-mediated crosslinking.Blood. 2012; 120(21): abstract 2974

Company Announcement no. 18CVR no. 2102 3884LEI Code 529900MTJPDPE4MHJ122

Genmab A/SKalvebod Brygge 431560 Copenhagen VDenmark

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CHMP Issues Positive Opinion Recommending Subcutaneous Formulation of Daratumumab for the Treatment of Patients with Multiple Myeloma - Yahoo Finance

Freezing Life: The Current Trends in Cryopreservation – Technology Networks

Cryopreservation has become an indispensable step in the daily routine of scientific research as well as in a number of medical applications, ranging from assisted reproduction and transplantations to cell-based therapies and biomarker identification. It is hardly possible to picture todays scientific and medical advancements without this technique.The successful development and implementation of all the therapeutic and scientific discoveries involving cryopreservation relies on the correct and safe translation of the method from the laboratory to the clinical and manufacturing scale.

With the need to correctly use this technique, more research is focusing on optimizing cryopreservation methods and investigating what the long-term effects and consequences are on the physiology of the cryopreserved material.

An important part of cell therapy research is focused on adult stem cells (ASCs). ASCs can be derived from different sources such as peripheral blood, bone marrow or adipose tissue and display strong promises because of their capacity to differentiate into any cell type of the human body.In recent work3, the team of Michael Pepper at the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine in Pretoria, South Africa, explored the effects of cryopreservation on the differentiation ability of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs). After analyzing gene expression of key adipogenic genes and the degree of differentiating cells, characterized with high levels of CD36 and intracellular lipid droplets, the scientists reported that slow freeze cryopreservation of cells shortly after their isolation causes no alterations on their ability to differentiate. Pepper is convinced of the necessity to perform such analysis when cryopreserving important cell pools: It is critical to do a post-thaw analysis of cell function to determine how the cryopreservation may have affected the cells.His team is analyzing the effects of cryopreservation on other cell types largely used in cell-based therapies such as hematological stem cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Although they didnt observe major alterations in terms of immunophenotyping or the post-thaw proliferation of the cells, Pepper expresses his concern that more subtle characteristics might be affected.

Correct cryopreservation of cells intended for therapeutic use is crucial. This is very important particularly as cells may persist for a long time in the recipient. This area of cell therapy research definitely requires more attention, Pepper says. Moreover, his words reflect on the need to evaluate not only the direct post-thaw recovery, but to look deeper into the late-onset effects cryopreservation might have and ensure that transplanted cells have preserved their therapeutic properties.

In contrast to slow freezing, vitrification relies on the fast freezing of the material by putting it in high concentration of cryoprotectant and in contact with liquid nitrogen. This method allows the direct transition of water from liquid to solid state without crystal formation. The highly concentrated cryoprotectant prevents ice formation and therefore there is no need for slow cooling.

Although vitrification has a great potential, there are a couple of parameters that are a point of concern. The quick and drastic freeze is possible thanks to the high concentration of cryoprotectant, but the latter is also associated with higher toxicity. In some cases, an additional limitation is the direct contact of the sample with liquid nitrogen which is a predisposition for viral or bacterial contamination.The team of Christiani Amorim at the Institute for Experimental and Clinical Research in Louvain, Belgium, is approaching the challenges of vitrification in the context of ovarian auto-transplantation. Ovarian auto-transplantation consists of preserving a piece of ovarian tissue with active follicles from the pre-therapeutic ovary of a cancer patient, as chemotherapy often has damaging effects on the reproductive organs. This tissue sample will be conserved and auto-transplanted onto the patients ovary when she has recovered and wishes to become pregnant.In their recent research4, the authors used stepped vitrification, in which the concentration of the cryoprotectant is gradually increased while simultaneously temperature decreases. This avoids ice crystal formation and also prevents cryoprotectant toxicity.Although stepped vitrification has previously given good results in bovine ovarian tissue5, this was not the case for human ovarian tissue. The scientists didnt detect normal follicles following thawing and linked this to high cryoprotectant toxicity. Indeed, they observed all signs of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-related cell membrane damage: significant organelle damage, cell membrane disintegration and apoptosis. These observations imply on the variability of outcomes that the method could give when applied to the same type of tissue but from a different organism.Amorim is positive about the future of their method and recognizes the need for further research on the topic: I can see a great potential in the stepped vitrification approach, but I also believe that there is a lot we still need to learn before thinking about using it as method of choice for human ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The high cryoprotectant concentration that should be applied in this approach is my first concern. () Our study clearly showed that 50% DMSO is too high, so we need to try lower concentrations or combine it with other cryoprotectants.

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Freezing Life: The Current Trends in Cryopreservation - Technology Networks

Ramona resident seeks speedy FDA approval for COVID-19 stem cell treatment – The San Diego Union-Tribune

Ramona resident Bob Harman is applying his expertise in the veterinary and biotech fields toward developing a stem cell treatment for COVID-19.

As CEO of Personalized Stem Cells, Inc. in Poway, Dr. Harman is involved in the companys quest to have the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) fast-track its Investigational New Drug application for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with stem cells.

Personalized Stem Cells parent, VetStem Biopharma, has provided stem cells for treatment of more than 15,000 dogs and horses and for treatment of animals at the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park and at SeaWorld.

Personalized Stem Cells has provided stem cells for an FDA approved human clinical trial for treatment of knee arthritis. Future stem cell clinical trials are planned for back pain, Traumatic Brain Injury, and opioid addiction.

Harmans own work with stem cells dates back to the 2007 Witch Creek fire when two of his horses were caught in a burning horse trailer in Ramona. The horses suffered severe smoke inhalation, but Harman said after he treated them with stem cells there were no signs of lung damage.

Personalized Stem Cells is developing a stem cell treatment for COVID-19 patients.

(Richard Deomampo - The Right Light)

Fast-forward 13 years and Harman sees the same possibilities to repair damaged lungs in COVID-19 patients using stem cells. Harman said the FDA is currently reviewing the Investigational New Drug application for its stem cell therapy in COVID-19 patients.

At the encouragement of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Personalized Stem Cells has applied to the FDAs Coronavirus Therapeutic Accelerator Program which could expedite clinical trials.

If the FDA approves the application, which Harman foresees as imminent, Personalized Stem Cells would initiate a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of stem cells in COVID-19 patients.

Harman anticipates the first 20 patients in the CoronaStem 1 trial could be treated late this week or early next week at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, pending approvals.

Personalized Stem Cells also plans to ask the FDA to allow compassionate use of the stem cell treatment, which Harman said would provide early and widespread access to the treatment without clinical trials.

Here at Poway, we can make doses to treat 10,000 patients each month if approved by the FDA, Harman said.

Personalized Stem Cells has filed for expedited FDA approval to treat COVID-19 patients.

(Richard Deomampo - The Right Light)

The CEO said other companies developing similar but different stem cell treatments in Australia, China and Israel have demonstrated striking results in COVID-19 patients in intensive care units. He said stem cells have been injected intravenously to allow the stem cells to enter the lungs where they help reduce inflammation and damage to the patients lungs. Harman cites a 50 percent to 90 percent reduction rate in patient deaths related to COVID-19 in these countries.

Ventilators are not the solution to treating patients, he said, because as many as 90 percent of COVID-19 patients die while connected to ventilators.

Everybody talks about the need to manufacture ventilators, he said. Thats a last-ditch effort. Once youre on a mechanical ventilator its bad news. Ive never seen anything as dramatic as the possibilities for using stem cells to treat COVID-19.

The treatment Personalized Stem Cells is developing could also potentially be used to treat influenza patients and those affected by other virus outbreaks in the future, he said.

Personalized Stem Cells method of growing stem cells starts by collecting cells from adult fat tissue. Harman explained that donors supply the cells through liposuction procedures. The cells are tested to ensure they are disease-free and are then grown in sterile clean rooms. He said the cells will multiply, creating a large volume of stem cells that are packaged and frozen so they can be stored up to 20 years.

If and when the CoronaStem 1 trial is completed, which Harman estimates at the earliest could be within 90 days, the company would apply to the FDA to conduct a larger CoronaStem 2 trial possibly involving other hospitals in California. Depending on how well the stem cells perform in the first phase of study, the FDA could also approve widespread distribution of Personalized Stem Cells treatment.

Harman predicts that there may be a downward trend in COVID-19s spread by early summer, but he expects it will continue to linger.

The prediction that by summer this will be on a downturn is very real as long as we keep up appropriate safety measures, he said. I think we will see that by early summer it will slow down, but it wont be gone. Its not just going to disappear. It doesnt go away easily.

Personalized Stem Cells and VetStem Biopharma, which have 31 employees combined, are actively pursuing grants and donations to prepare for ramped up production of stem cells. Calidi Biotherapeutics is collaborating with Personalized Stem Cells to provide needed cell lines and supplies to speed stem cell manufacturing. But money is also needed to pay the doctors, nurses, imaging technicians, laboratories and others involved in performing the medical procedures for the clinical trial. In addition to seeking government grants, Personalized Stem Cells is reaching out to philanthropic groups such as the Gates Foundation and is partnering with the nonprofit The San Diego Foundation to accept donations.

Everyone wants to help, and this is something very tangible that you can do, Harman said. We are raising additional capital to be able to provide stem cell therapy to a wider population and potentially to underserved groups.

More information is available online at https://personalizedstemcells.com/covid-19/.

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Ramona resident seeks speedy FDA approval for COVID-19 stem cell treatment - The San Diego Union-Tribune