220 likes | 1.49k Views
3. . . Strategies to Improve Clotting Factors. Higher productionIncrease secretionFVIII: A1 mutation (F309S)FVIII: B domain variants (226aa/N6). Higher potencyHigher specific activityFVIIa: Novo NN1731 (V158D - E296V - M298Q)FVIIa: FVIIaVEAY, FVIIaDVQFVIII: E113AFIX: R338A, Y1A, other
E N D
1. Fusion Protein Technology –Potential Treatment for Hemophilia1. Recombinant Factor VIII-Fc Development Program 2. Recombinant Factor IX-Fc Development Program26 September 2009, WFH Global Forum, MontrealGlenn Pierce MD, PhD
2. 3
3. 4 From Insight to Exploration to Application Syntonix founded in 1998 based on Harvard and Brandeis research
Neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, found in human epithelial and endothelial cells
Use rFc fusions for transport of proteins
Explored alternative delivery routes, e.g. pulmonary, oral
In 2003 focused on injectable, long lasting versions of drugs for the treatment of hemophilia Drug delivery focus initially; explored a number of molecules – IFNa, IFNb, EPO, FSH
Culminated in Ph I EPOFc trial for pulmonary delivery
Worked, with bioavailability and no tox issues
However, discontinued as result of ambiguity about regulatory path (inhalable insulin was stuck at that point) and safety concerns emerging around EPO
Developed monomeric Fc to improve pK, shifted focus to improved pK via IV delivery and settled on FIXFc as priority
Partnered with BVT to enable next step in development
Biogen originally considered investment, but liked technology and potential so much we decided to acquire and then run as a subsidiary
Goal is maintain focus on unique attributes of hemophilia, but make expertise and resources available to facilitate clinical progressDrug delivery focus initially; explored a number of molecules – IFNa, IFNb, EPO, FSH
Culminated in Ph I EPOFc trial for pulmonary delivery
Worked, with bioavailability and no tox issues
However, discontinued as result of ambiguity about regulatory path (inhalable insulin was stuck at that point) and safety concerns emerging around EPO
Developed monomeric Fc to improve pK, shifted focus to improved pK via IV delivery and settled on FIXFc as priority
Partnered with BVT to enable next step in development
Biogen originally considered investment, but liked technology and potential so much we decided to acquire and then run as a subsidiary
Goal is maintain focus on unique attributes of hemophilia, but make expertise and resources available to facilitate clinical progress
4. 5 Biogen Idec’s Pipeline and Therapeutic Areas BIIB employs more than 4K people, w/ annual revenues greater than 4bb USD.
Biogen
Core in MS treatment, with emphasis on building long term relationships
Make a long-term commitment to advance standard of care w/ ongoing investment
IDEC
Developed Rituximab, launched with Genentech – ongoing expansion in
Immunology
Tackle challenge of hemophilia patients with inhibitors
Therapeutic area focus – areas of high unmet needBIIB employs more than 4K people, w/ annual revenues greater than 4bb USD.
Biogen
Core in MS treatment, with emphasis on building long term relationships
Make a long-term commitment to advance standard of care w/ ongoing investment
IDEC
Developed Rituximab, launched with Genentech – ongoing expansion in
Immunology
Tackle challenge of hemophilia patients with inhibitors
Therapeutic area focus – areas of high unmet need
5. 6 Rationale for Longer Acting Fusions: rFactor IX and rFactor VIII Immunoglobulin G antibodies exhibit long half-lives, on the order of weeks
Protection from catabolism through interactions with FcRn
Interaction site localized to the constant domain of IgG (Fc)
Fusion of proteins with Fc domain confers extended half-life via FcRn interaction
A Factor IX (FIX) or Factor VIII (FVIII) product with a longer half life could reduce the dosing frequency required to maintain prophylaxis
Improved management of hemophilia
Biogen Idec has developed an improved configuration for Fc fusion proteins, and applied this technology to FIX and FVIII
6. 7 The Neonatal Fc Receptor: FcRn Crystal Structure: Martin WL, West AP, Gan L and Bjorkman PJ Molecular Cell, 2001, 7, 867.
Simister NE, Rees AR. Isolation and characterization of an Fc receptor from neonatal rat small intestine. Eur J Immunol 1985; 15: 733-8
Brambell FWR, Hemmings WA, Morris IG. A theoretical model of ?-globulin catabolism. Nature 1964 Sep; 203: 1352-5
Ghetie V, Hubbard JG, Kim JK, Tsen M-F, Lee Y and Ward ES Abnormally short serum half-lives of IgG in 2-microglobulin-deficient mice. Eur J Immunol 1996 Mar; 26 (3): 690-6
Junghans RP, Anderson CL. The protection receptor for IgG catabolism is the beta2-microglobulin-containing neonatal intestinal transport receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1996 May; 93: 5512-6
Israel EJ, Wilsker DF, Hayes KC, Schoenfeld D. Simister NE. Increased clearance of IgG in mice that lack beta 2-microglobulin; possible protective role of FcRn. Immunology 1996; 89: 573-8
Crystal Structure: Martin WL, West AP, Gan L and Bjorkman PJ Molecular Cell, 2001, 7, 867.
Simister NE, Rees AR. Isolation and characterization of an Fc receptor from neonatal rat small intestine. Eur J Immunol 1985; 15: 733-8
Brambell FWR, Hemmings WA, Morris IG. A theoretical model of ?-globulin catabolism. Nature 1964 Sep; 203: 1352-5
Ghetie V, Hubbard JG, Kim JK, Tsen M-F, Lee Y and Ward ES Abnormally short serum half-lives of IgG in 2-microglobulin-deficient mice. Eur J Immunol 1996 Mar; 26 (3): 690-6
Junghans RP, Anderson CL. The protection receptor for IgG catabolism is the beta2-microglobulin-containing neonatal intestinal transport receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1996 May; 93: 5512-6
Israel EJ, Wilsker DF, Hayes KC, Schoenfeld D. Simister NE. Increased clearance of IgG in mice that lack beta 2-microglobulin; possible protective role of FcRn. Immunology 1996; 89: 573-8
7. 8 Therapeutic Utility of Fc Fusion Proteins Numerous recombinant Fc fusion proteins approved for clinical use
Traditional Fc fusion proteins are dimeric
Enbrel (Etanercept, TNFaR, 1998)
Amevive (Alefacept, LFA-3, 2003)
Orencia (Abatacept, CTLA-4, 2005)
Arcalyst (Rilonacept, IL-1R, 2008)
Nplate (Romiplostim, TPO peptide, 2008)
Well established safety profile for chronic therapy
Several more in clinical trials
Biogen Idec has previous experience in developing Fc fusion proteins for clinical use Well established approach to improving half-life for a range of effector molecules
Enbrel – Immunex/Amgen
Amevive – Biogen (divested to Astellas)
Orencia – BMS (w/ next generation molecule in devt)
Arcalyst – Regeneron
Nplate – Amgen
Multiple other fusion molecules in development
If questions about theoretical tox concerns
No our knowledge, any tox issues seen have been attributed to effector function, not Fc mediated
Possible line of questioning: other than Nplate, all are immunosuppressants
ADCC – antibody mediated cell-dependent cytotoxicity
FCgRIII receptor stimulate release of cytotoxic molecules from Natural Killer (NK) cells to kill antibody covered target cells
Concentration of fusion-factors much lower than circulating IgG levels (10-20 ug/ml vs. 10-12 mg/ml)
Did competitive binding studies – demonstrated blocking of Fc binding at IgG levels 10X lower than circulating levels
Created a-gly EPOFc and IFNaFc molecules that bound FcRn but not FcgR
No increase in activity, which would have been expected if target cells were being killed by ADCCWell established approach to improving half-life for a range of effector molecules
Enbrel – Immunex/Amgen
Amevive – Biogen (divested to Astellas)
Orencia – BMS (w/ next generation molecule in devt)
Arcalyst – Regeneron
Nplate – Amgen
Multiple other fusion molecules in development
If questions about theoretical tox concerns
No our knowledge, any tox issues seen have been attributed to effector function, not Fc mediated
Possible line of questioning: other than Nplate, all are immunosuppressants
ADCC – antibody mediated cell-dependent cytotoxicity
FCgRIII receptor stimulate release of cytotoxic molecules from Natural Killer (NK) cells to kill antibody covered target cells
Concentration of fusion-factors much lower than circulating IgG levels (10-20 ug/ml vs. 10-12 mg/ml)
Did competitive binding studies – demonstrated blocking of Fc binding at IgG levels 10X lower than circulating levels
Created a-gly EPOFc and IFNaFc molecules that bound FcRn but not FcgR
No increase in activity, which would have been expected if target cells were being killed by ADCC
8. 9 rFVIIIFc, a Monomeric Fc Fusion Syntonix created a novel configuration: “monomeric” Fc fusions have a single effector molecule attached to Fc
Monomer technology has been applied to FVIII for the treatment of Hemophilia A
Regulatory filings underway
First in Human Study will initiate shortly
9. 10 rFVIIIFc Structure and Characterization Final BDD-FVIIIFc fusion is a 220 kDa protein
90 kDa HC, 105 kDa LC-Fc, 25 kDa Fc alone
Produced in HEK 293 cells
Posttranslational modifications generally comparable to existing FVIII products
Specific activity comparable to other FVIII products
rFVIIIFc: 8000 to 10,000 IU/mg = 1760 to 2200 IU/nmol
Advate: 4000 to 10,000 IU/mg = 1120 to 2800 IU/nmol
Xyntha: 5500 to 9000 IU/mg = 935 to 1530 IU/nmol
Refacto: 9110 to 13,700 IU/mg = 1549 to 2329 IU/nmol For Refacto it said 1370- I added a 0For Refacto it said 1370- I added a 0
10. 11 rFVIIIFc in FVIII-deficient Mice
11. 12 rFVIIIFc in Hemophilia A Dogs – Single IV Dose Y axes messed upY axes messed up
12. 13 ReFacto®/rFVIIIFc Crossover Study in FVIII-Deficient (Hemophilia A) Dogs Whole blood clotting times were corrected to normal range after 125 IU/kg dose
Correction for ~65-72 hr with ReFacto and ~90-120 hr for rFVIIIFc
Half-life of FVIIIFc is twice that for ReFacto in chromogenic assay
1% clotting activity at ~60 hr for ReFacto and ~110 hr for rFVIIIFc
Correlates with ELISA data for FVIIIFc protein concentrations
Inhibitors (anti-FVIII Ab’s) measurable in both dogs by 168 hr
13. 14 rFIXFc, a monomeric Fc fusion
14. 15 rFIXFc Domain Structure and Postranslational Modifications
PRO: Propeptide cleaved by processing enzyme
Cotransfected with additional for full processing
GLA: contains 12 g-carboxylated glutamic acid (Gla) residues
Produced in HEK293 cells due to greater capacity for g-carboxylation
ACT PEP: activation peptide cleaved to yield active protease
Other modifications: N- and O- glycosylation, Asp b-hydroxylation, Tyr sulfation, Ser phosphorylation
15. 16 Intravenous Pharmacokinetics of rFIXFc in FIX-Deficient Mice Can we get an r in front of FIXFc?Can we get an r in front of FIXFc?
16. 17 rFIXFc in FIX-Deficient Dogs Y legends messed upY legends messed up
17. 18 Six Month rFIXFc Toxicology Study in Monkeys
18. 19 Summary of Pharmacokinetics of rFIXFc and rFIX in Various Species
19. 20 FcRn Mediates Protection from Catabolism
20. 21 rFIXFc and rFVIIIFc Clinical Goals Demonstrate of prolonged protection from bleeding
Maintenance of FVIII/FIX trough levels with similar or reduced number of breakthrough bleeds with less frequent administration
Establishment of similar FVIII/FIX protective levels for surgery
Fulfillment with the regulatory requirements globally for licensure
21. 22 Path Forward Complete ongoing rFIXFc Ph I/IIa trial and transition to global pivotal licensure studies
Initiate First In Human study for rFVIIIFc – Phase I/IIa Study
Initiate rFVIIIFc Integrated Ph II/III trial – licensure study
Evaluate the potential of this technology to impact treatment of hemophilia worldwide