Pacritinib

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Vanda) (Nasdaq: VNDA) today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation for VGT-1849A, a selective antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based JAK2 inhibitor for the treatment of polycythemia vera (PV), a form of a rare hematologic malignancy that is estimated to affect 1 in 2000 Americans.1 PV is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder characterized by aberrant hematopoiesis of myeloid lineage with exuberant red cell production and increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. More than 95% of PV patients harbor the JAK2 V617F gain-of-function mutation leading to aberrant JAK2 production.2 Inhibiting JAK2 acts to suppress hematopoiesis, consequently reducing red blood cell, neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte production. JAK2 inhibitors have been shown to be efficacious in treating various JAK-dependent hematologic malignancies, including the treatment of PV. By selective reduction of JAK2 levels, the ASO VGT-1849A has the potential to reduce JAK2V617F-driven pathogenic signaling, ultimately suppressing the malignant proliferation and survival of hematopoietic cells. Currently available small molecule inhibitors targeting the JAK2 protein kinase, such as Jakafi®, Inrebic®, Ojjaara®, and Vonjo®, lack sole selectivity for the target protein, which can result in off target effects. The adverse side effects that may occur from JAK inhibition emphasize the importance of selectively targeting JAK2 while avoiding inhibition of other JAK family members. By specifically targeting JAK2, Vanda seeks to reduce the risk of infection and toxic effects that are seen with inhibitors also blocking JAK1, JAK3, TYK2, or other kinases outside of the JAK family. If approved, VGT-1849A could offer targeted efficacy with an improved safety profile and convenient dosing. "This orphan designation for VGT-1849A is an important milestone in precision medicine-based therapeutics in the space of hematological malignancies. This milestone marks the second precision medicine therapeutic for Vanda following the development of VCA-894A for Charcot-Marie-Tooth3 that is expected to begin clinical testing in the coming months," said Mihael H. Polymeropoulos, M.D., Vanda's President, CEO and Chairman of the Board. VGT-1849A is a novel ASO treatment candidate for PV and other JAK2-driven hematologic malignancies. By selectively targeting JAK2, VGT-1849A reduces downstream signaling and JAK2V617F-driven autonomous cell proliferation, without any off-target kinase effects. The ability of VGT-1849A to reduce JAK2 activity may alleviate the disease burden that patients with PV face with a favorable safety profile, resulting in a higher quality of life for patients. Orphan Drug Designation is granted by the FDA to investigational therapies addressing rare medical conditions and provides benefits to drug developers. References: Grunwald, M. R.; Stein, B. L.; Boccia, R. V.; Oh, S. T.; Paranagama, D.; Parasuraman, S.; Colucci, P.; Mesa, R. Clinical and Disease Characteristics From REVEAL at Time of Enrollment (Baseline): Prospective Observational Study of Patients With Polycythemia Vera in the United States. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk 2018, 18 (12), 788-795.e2. . P. Gou, W. Zhang, and S. Giraudier, "Insights into the Potential Mechanisms of JAK2V617F Somatic Mutation Contributing Distinct Phenotypes in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms," Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Int. J. Mol. Sci, vol. 2022, p. 1013, 2022, S. Smieszek, C. Tyner, A. Kaden, C. Johnson, C. Polymeropoulos, G. Birznieks, M. Polymeropoulos. Potential treatment for CMT2S caused by IGHMBP2 cryptic splice variant, with ASO based therapeutic [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2023; 38 (suppl 1). . About Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. Vanda is a leading global biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies to address high unmet medical needs and improve the lives of patients. For more on Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc., please visit and follow us on X @vandapharma. About VGT-1849A VGT-1849A is an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that selectively targets JAK2, reducing increased activity of JAK2 that may cause hematologic malignancies. ASOs have broad applicability in addressing a number of disorders caused by genetic variants. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Various statements in this press release, including, but not limited to statements regarding the estimated prevalence of PV, the potential therapeutic effects of VGT-1849A, the timing of the initiation of clinical testing of VCA-894A and the potential benefits of VGT-1849A, are "forward-looking statements" under the securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations that involve risks, changes in circumstances, assumptions and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in Vanda's forward-looking statements include, among others, the accuracy of the reporting and diagnosis of PV cases, the ability of VGT-1849A to safely and effectively treat PV, Vanda's ability to begin clinical testing of VCA-894A during the specified timeframe and Vanda's ability to successfully complete the clinical development of, and obtain regulatory approval for, VGT-1849A in the treatment of PV. There can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by Vanda will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Vanda. Therefore, no assurance can be given that the outcomes stated in such forward-looking statements and estimates will be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the various risks and uncertainties that affect Vanda's business and market, particularly those identified in the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements", "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of Vanda's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as updated by Vanda's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at . All written and verbal forward-looking statements attributable to Vanda or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to herein. Vanda cautions investors not to rely too heavily on the forward-looking statements Vanda makes or that are made on its behalf. The information in this press release is provided only as of the date of this press release, and Vanda undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines any obligation, to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Corporate Contact: Kevin Moran Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. 202-734-3400 [email protected] Jim Golden / Jack Kelleher / Dan Moore Collected Strategies [email protected] SOURCE Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- New data from Sobi® and partners will be presented at the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in San Diego, CA (USA) from the 7th - 10th of December 2024. During the meeting several analyses will be presented on haemophilia A, haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), myelofibrosis, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). "Haemophilia A has a lasting impact on joint health and quality of life. At ASH 2024, three oral presentations will reveal important new data about long-term outcomes with ALTUVOCT® prophylaxis," said Lydia Abad-Franch, MD, MBA, Head of Research, Development, and Medical Affairs (RDMA), and Chief Medical Officer at Sobi. "We will also present new data spanning different severe and debilitating rare diseases, including an oral presentation on the real-world effectiveness of Doptelet® in treating people with ITP, demonstrating our broader commitment to advancing innovative treatments for people with rare haematological diseases. We look forward to sharing these findings in San Diego." Key data to be presented at ASH 2024 About ALTUVOCT® ALTUVOCT® (efanesoctocog alfa) [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN Fusion Protein] (formerly BIVV001) is the first high-sustained FVIII replacement therapy with the potential to deliver near-normal factor activity levels for a significant part of the week, improving bleed protection in a once-weekly dose for people with haemophilia A. ALTUVOCT builds on the established Fc fusion technology by innovatively adding a region of von Willebrand factor and XTEN® polypeptides to extend its time in circulation. It is the only therapy that has been shown to break through the von Willebrand factor ceiling, which imposes a half-life limitation on current factor VIII therapies. The European Commission granted Orphan Drug designation in June 2019. It is approved and marketed as ALTUVOCT by Sobi in Europe. It is approved and marketed as ALTUVIIIO™ [Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN Fusion Protein-ehtl] by Sanofi in the United States, Japan, and Taiwan. About the Sanofi and Sobi collaboration Sobi and Sanofi collaborate on the development and commercialisation of Alprolix® and Elocta®/Eloctate®. The companies also collaborate on the development and commercialisation of ALTUVOCT® (efanesoctocog alfa), or ALTUVIIIO™ in the US. Sobi has final development and commercialisation rights in the Sobi territory (essentially Europe, North Africa, Russia, and most Middle Eastern markets). Sanofi has final development and commercialisation rights in North America and all other regions in the world excluding the Sobi territory. About Gamifant® Gamifant (emapalumab) is an anti-interferon gamma (IFNγ) monoclonal antibody that binds to and neutralises IFNγ. In the USA, Gamifant is indicated for the treatment of adult and paediatric (newborn and older) patients with primary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) with refractory, recurrent or progressive disease or intolerance with conventional HLH therapy. Primary HLH is a rare syndrome of hyperinflammation that usually occurs within the first year of life and can rapidly become fatal unless diagnosed and treated. The FDA approval is based on data from the phase 2/3 studies (NCT01818492 and NCT02069899). Gamifant is indicated for administration through intravenous infusion over one hour twice per week until haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). About Vonjo® Vonjo (pacritinib), a JAK-1 sparing JAK2/IRAK1/ACVR1 inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of adults with intermediate- or high-risk primary or secondary (post-polycythemia vera or post-essential thrombocythemia) myelofibrosis with a platelet count below 50 × 109/L in the United States. This indication is approved under FDA accelerated approval based on spleen volume reduction. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s). Currently, a Phase 3 study (PACIFICA) is being conducted to assess pacritinib in patients with myelofibrosis and severe thrombocytopenia as a post-marketing requirement. About Aspaveli®/ Empaveli® Aspaveli/Empaveli (pegcetacoplan) is a targeted C3 and C3b inhibitor designed to regulate excessive activation of the complement cascade, part of the body's immune system, which can lead to the onset and progression of many serious diseases. Pegcetacoplan is approved for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) as Aspaveli/Empaveli in the United States, European Union, and other countries globally. Currently, a Phase 3 trial (VALIANT) is being conduted to assess the efficacy and safety of pegcetacoplan in patients with C3G and primary IC-MPGN. Aspaveli/Empaveli is also under investigation for several other rare diseases across haematology and nephrology. About the Sobi and Apellis collaboration Sobi and Apellis have global co-development rights for systemic pegcetacoplan. Sobi has exclusive ex-U.S. commercialisation rights for systemic pegcetacoplan, and Apellis has exclusive U.S. commercialisation rights for systemic pegcetacoplan and worldwide commercial rights for ophthalmological pegcetacoplan, including for geographic atrophy. About Doptelet® Doptelet (avatrombopag) is an orally administered thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA) that mimics the biologic effects of TPO in stimulating the development and maturation of megakaryocytes, resulting in increased platelet count. It is approved in over 30 countries worldwide, including the EU and the US, for the treatment of severe thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic liver disease who are scheduled to undergo an invasive procedure, and for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with primary chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment. Chronic ITP is a rare autoimmune bleeding disorder characterised by low number of platelets. The incidence of primary ITP in adults is 3.3/100,000 adults per year with a prevalence of 9.5 per 100,000 adults. About Sobi® Sobi® is a specialised international biopharmaceutical company transforming the lives of people with rare and debilitating diseases. Providing reliable access to innovative medicines in the areas of haematology, immunology, and specialty care, Sobi has approximately 1,800 employees across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. In 2023, revenue amounted to SEK 22.1 billion. Sobi's share (STO:SOBI) is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More about Sobi at sobi.com and LinkedIn. Contacts For details on how to contact the Sobi Investor Relations Team, please click here. For Sobi Media contacts, click here. This information was brought to you by Cision The following files are available for download: WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED