ASLAN Announces New Positive Data Identifying ASLAN003 As A Novel Therapeutic Agent In Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Singapore, 7 June 2017 - ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (ASLAN, 6497.TT), a biotech company focused on the development of immunotherapies and targeted agents for Asia prevalent tumour types, today announced results from a preclinical study, conducted under its collaboration with the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore) and National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), that identifies the potential of ASLAN003 as a novel therapeutic agent for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).
The new data demonstrate ASLAN003 induces differentiation of AML blast cell lines. The induction of differentiation of AML blast cells has been linked with apoptosis, which leads to normalisation of AML bone marrow.
ASLAN003 is a highly potent, best-in-class, small molecule inhibitor of DiHydroOrotate DeHydrogenase (DHODH) enzyme. A completed phase 1 trial showed that ASLAN003 has an excellent pharmacokinetic profile, and was safe and well tolerated in healthy volunteers compared to the side effect profiles of existing AML induction and maintenance chemotherapies.
Dr Mark McHale, Chief Operating Officer, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals said: “This exciting new preclinical data on ASLAN003 builds on our existing body of data, including our phase 1 clinical findings, which supports our goal to rapidly progress this novel drug into a phase 2 trial in AML patients. We look forward to extending our collaboration with CSI Singapore and NCIS to further progress ASLAN003 in the clinic as a best-in-class therapeutic for a poorly treated disease.”
AML is a rapidly progressing blood cancer, which is characterised by the uncontrolled proliferation of immature blast cells in the bone marrow. The five-year cancer survival rate for AML patients is 26.9%[1]. A majority of AML patients relapse or present with refractory disease and have overall poor prognosis[2]. According to published findings from Harvard University, DHODH is identified as a therapeutic target for AML[3]. In March 2017, ASLAN announced a research and development collaboration with CSI and NCIS to investigate the potential of ASLAN003 as a monotherapy and in combination with other targeted agents for haematologic cancers. Under the collaboration, ASLAN and CSI will also develop a rapid biomarker assay, which will identify patients that will respond to ASLAN003.
Professor Chng Wee Joo, Director, NCIS and Deputy Director, CSI, commented: “DHODH inhibition is an exciting novel differentiation mechanism in the field of AML, and we are keen to test the efficacy of ASLAN003 as soon as possible to help patients with AML urgently in need of new therapies.”
Media contacts
Chris Fang
ASLAN Pharmaceuticals
Tel: +886 2 2758 3333
E-mail: media@aslanpharma.com
Emma Thompson / Stephanie Tan
Spurwing Communications
Tel: +65 6340 7287
Email: ASLAN@spurwingcomms.com
Joanna Han
Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore)
National University of Singapore
Tel: +65 6516 1288
Email: csihhm@nus.edu.sg
Amanda Ang
National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS)
Tel: +65 6772 4594
Email: amanda_ht_ang@nuhs.edu.sg
About ASLAN003
ASLAN003 is highly potent, oral once daily, best in class, small molecule inhibitor of DiHydroOrotate DeHydrogenase (DHODH), with excellent tolerability and pharmacokinetic properties in human subjects. ASLAN003 is structurally distinct from first generation DHODH inhibitors such as Leflunomide or Teriflunomide, and was exclusively licensed by ASLAN from Almirall. ASLAN has global rights for all non-topical and non-dermatological indications.
About Cancer Science Institute of Singapore
CSI Singapore is a state-of-the-art university research institute affiliated with, and hosted at the National University of Singapore. It was established in 2008, with a “Research Center of Excellence” grant, one of only five in Singapore, by the National Research Foundation and the Ministry of Education. Professor Daniel G. Tenen, MD, a leader in the field of transcriptional regulation, hematopoiesis and cancer, was named its founding director.
The CSI is an anchor for research expertise in three broad programs; Cancer Biology & Stem Cells, Experimental Therapeutics, and the RNA Biology Center. These programmes form expansive platforms for CSI Singapore’s focus on key cancer disease cancers in gastric, liver, lung and leukemia which are endemic in Asian populations. CSI Singapore aims to position Singapore as a global-leader in the field of Biomedical Sciences. Its mission: to conduct a multifaceted and coordinated approach to cancer research, extending from basic cancer studies all the way to experimental therapeutics and in so doing improve cancer treatment.
About National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
The National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), a national specialty centre located at the National University Hospital (NUH), offers a broad spectrum of cancer care and management covering both paediatric and adult cancers, with expertise in prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. The Institute adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to develop a comprehensive and personalised plan for each cancer patient and his or her family. NCIS draws on the expertise of its specialists in the fields of haematology-oncology, radiation oncology, gynaecologic oncology, paediatric oncology, surgical oncology, oncology nursing, oncology pharmacy, palliative care, pathology, radiology, medical specialties including gastroenterology and hepatology, infectious diseases, pulmonary and critical care, psychiatry, epidemiology and public health as well as other allied health sciences. NCIS is a member of the National University Health System (NUHS).
NCIS is also home to the Cancer Therapeutics Research Group, one of the few academic early phase cancer clinical trial groups spanning leading academic centres in Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Australia, and Taiwan. Its strength in research allows patients to access drugs and devices before they are commercially available. NCIS is closely affiliated with the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore. For more information about NCIS, visit www.ncis.com.sg
About ASLAN Pharmaceuticals
ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (6497.TT) is an oncology focused biotechnology company developing a portfolio of immunotherapies and targeted drugs, focusing on Asia prevalent tumour types. Led by a highly experienced management team with global pharmaceutical expertise, ASLAN is headquartered in Singapore with a platform that reaches across the region via its offices in Taiwan, China and Australia. The Company is developing 5 drugs addressing multiple indications including biliary tract cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, and has two global pivotal studies in biliary tract cancer and gastric cancer underway. ASLAN’s partners include Array Biopharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Almirall and CSL. www.aslanpharma.com
The new data demonstrate ASLAN003 induces differentiation of AML blast cell lines. The induction of differentiation of AML blast cells has been linked with apoptosis, which leads to normalisation of AML bone marrow.
ASLAN003 is a highly potent, best-in-class, small molecule inhibitor of DiHydroOrotate DeHydrogenase (DHODH) enzyme. A completed phase 1 trial showed that ASLAN003 has an excellent pharmacokinetic profile, and was safe and well tolerated in healthy volunteers compared to the side effect profiles of existing AML induction and maintenance chemotherapies.
Dr Mark McHale, Chief Operating Officer, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals said: “This exciting new preclinical data on ASLAN003 builds on our existing body of data, including our phase 1 clinical findings, which supports our goal to rapidly progress this novel drug into a phase 2 trial in AML patients. We look forward to extending our collaboration with CSI Singapore and NCIS to further progress ASLAN003 in the clinic as a best-in-class therapeutic for a poorly treated disease.”
AML is a rapidly progressing blood cancer, which is characterised by the uncontrolled proliferation of immature blast cells in the bone marrow. The five-year cancer survival rate for AML patients is 26.9%[1]. A majority of AML patients relapse or present with refractory disease and have overall poor prognosis[2]. According to published findings from Harvard University, DHODH is identified as a therapeutic target for AML[3]. In March 2017, ASLAN announced a research and development collaboration with CSI and NCIS to investigate the potential of ASLAN003 as a monotherapy and in combination with other targeted agents for haematologic cancers. Under the collaboration, ASLAN and CSI will also develop a rapid biomarker assay, which will identify patients that will respond to ASLAN003.
Professor Chng Wee Joo, Director, NCIS and Deputy Director, CSI, commented: “DHODH inhibition is an exciting novel differentiation mechanism in the field of AML, and we are keen to test the efficacy of ASLAN003 as soon as possible to help patients with AML urgently in need of new therapies.”
Media contacts
Chris Fang
ASLAN Pharmaceuticals
Tel: +886 2 2758 3333
E-mail: media@aslanpharma.com
Emma Thompson / Stephanie Tan
Spurwing Communications
Tel: +65 6340 7287
Email: ASLAN@spurwingcomms.com
Joanna Han
Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore)
National University of Singapore
Tel: +65 6516 1288
Email: csihhm@nus.edu.sg
Amanda Ang
National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS)
Tel: +65 6772 4594
Email: amanda_ht_ang@nuhs.edu.sg
About ASLAN003
ASLAN003 is highly potent, oral once daily, best in class, small molecule inhibitor of DiHydroOrotate DeHydrogenase (DHODH), with excellent tolerability and pharmacokinetic properties in human subjects. ASLAN003 is structurally distinct from first generation DHODH inhibitors such as Leflunomide or Teriflunomide, and was exclusively licensed by ASLAN from Almirall. ASLAN has global rights for all non-topical and non-dermatological indications.
About Cancer Science Institute of Singapore
CSI Singapore is a state-of-the-art university research institute affiliated with, and hosted at the National University of Singapore. It was established in 2008, with a “Research Center of Excellence” grant, one of only five in Singapore, by the National Research Foundation and the Ministry of Education. Professor Daniel G. Tenen, MD, a leader in the field of transcriptional regulation, hematopoiesis and cancer, was named its founding director.
The CSI is an anchor for research expertise in three broad programs; Cancer Biology & Stem Cells, Experimental Therapeutics, and the RNA Biology Center. These programmes form expansive platforms for CSI Singapore’s focus on key cancer disease cancers in gastric, liver, lung and leukemia which are endemic in Asian populations. CSI Singapore aims to position Singapore as a global-leader in the field of Biomedical Sciences. Its mission: to conduct a multifaceted and coordinated approach to cancer research, extending from basic cancer studies all the way to experimental therapeutics and in so doing improve cancer treatment.
About National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
The National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), a national specialty centre located at the National University Hospital (NUH), offers a broad spectrum of cancer care and management covering both paediatric and adult cancers, with expertise in prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. The Institute adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to develop a comprehensive and personalised plan for each cancer patient and his or her family. NCIS draws on the expertise of its specialists in the fields of haematology-oncology, radiation oncology, gynaecologic oncology, paediatric oncology, surgical oncology, oncology nursing, oncology pharmacy, palliative care, pathology, radiology, medical specialties including gastroenterology and hepatology, infectious diseases, pulmonary and critical care, psychiatry, epidemiology and public health as well as other allied health sciences. NCIS is a member of the National University Health System (NUHS).
NCIS is also home to the Cancer Therapeutics Research Group, one of the few academic early phase cancer clinical trial groups spanning leading academic centres in Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Australia, and Taiwan. Its strength in research allows patients to access drugs and devices before they are commercially available. NCIS is closely affiliated with the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore. For more information about NCIS, visit www.ncis.com.sg
About ASLAN Pharmaceuticals
ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (6497.TT) is an oncology focused biotechnology company developing a portfolio of immunotherapies and targeted drugs, focusing on Asia prevalent tumour types. Led by a highly experienced management team with global pharmaceutical expertise, ASLAN is headquartered in Singapore with a platform that reaches across the region via its offices in Taiwan, China and Australia. The Company is developing 5 drugs addressing multiple indications including biliary tract cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, and has two global pivotal studies in biliary tract cancer and gastric cancer underway. ASLAN’s partners include Array Biopharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Almirall and CSL. www.aslanpharma.com