RedHill Biopharma Announces National Cancer Institute Grant Supporting YELIVA(TM) Phase II Hepatocellular Carcinoma Study - Seite 3

RedHill previously announced positive top-line results from a Phase I study with YELIVA(TM) in patients with advanced solid tumors, the majority of which were gastrointestinal cancer patients, including pancreatic, colorectal and cholangiocarcinoma cancers. Top-line results demonstrated that YELIVA(TM) can be safely administered to cancer patients at doses that provide circulating drug levels that are predicted to have therapeutic activity, based on levels required in preclinical models. Final results are expected in the coming weeks. The Phase I study included the first-ever longitudinal analysis of plasma sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels as a potential pharmacodynamic biomarker for activity of a sphingolipid-targeted drug. The administration of YELIVA(TM) resulted in a rapid and pronounced decrease in S1P levels over the first 12 hours, with return to baseline at 24 hours, consistent with clearance of the drug, with several patients having prolonged stabilization of disease.

A Phase I/II clinical study was initiated in June 2015 in the U.S. evaluating YELIVA(TM) in patients with refractory/relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), including in patients with HIV-related DLBCL. The study is being conducted at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) in New Orleans and is supported by a grant awarded to Apogee from the NCI Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, as well as additional support from RedHill.

A Phase I/II study with YELIVA(TM) for the treatment of refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma is planned to be initiated in the second quarter of 2016. The study will be conducted at Duke University Medical Center. The study is supported by a $2 million grant from the NCI Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) awarded to Apogee in conjunction with Duke University, with additional support from RedHill.

A Phase II clinical study to evaluate YELIVA(TM) as a radioprotectant to prevent mucositis in cancer patients undergoing therapeutic radiotherapy is planned to be initiated in the U.S. during the second half of 2016, subject to regulatory and other conditions.

The Phase I/II clinical studies in patients with DLBCL and multiple myeloma, as well as the Phase I clinical study in cancer patients with advanced solid tumors are registered on www.ClinicalTrials.gov, a web-based service by the U.S. National Institute of Health which provides public access to information on publicly and privately supported clinical studies.