Citations

Abstract Abstract 630 Introduction: Medical treatment options for myelofibrosis (MF) are palliative in nature. Short of allogeneic stem cell transplantation, no therapies are available that are curative or confer a survival benefit. Panobinostat (PAN; LBH589) is a potent pan-deacetylase inhibitor that belongs to a structurally novel cinnamic hydroxamic acid class of compounds. Preclinical studies demonstrated that treatment with PAN alone depletes the levels of JAK2V617F (JAK2) and signaling downstream through STAT3 and 5, AKT, and c-RAF/MAPK in human MPN progenitor cells, including those from patients (pts) with MF (Blood 2009; 114:5024). In a prior phase IA/II study of PAN in pts with advanced hematologic malignancies, among 12 pts with MF evaluable for response, 4 pts demonstrated durable clinical improvement. Methods: In this phase II trial, approximately 50 adult pts with primary MF, post essential thrombocythemia, or post polycythemia vera MF who have an International Prognostic Scoring System -MF score of 2 or 3 along with either symptomatic splenomegaly (>10 cm below the costal margin [BCM]) or anemia, enrolled. Initial PAN dose is 40 mg three times a week until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity with dose adjustments as required. Response is assessed using the International Working Group criteria. Peripheral blood samples are collected for correlative science studies at 7 time points during treatment; pre-dose on the first day of the study, 6 and 24 hours after the first dose, pre-dose on the first day of cycles 2, 4 and 6, and at the end of the study. The correlative studies include the determination of JAK2V617F allelic burden, immunoblot analyses of the protein expression of p-STAT3, p-STAT5, p-AKT, p-ERK1/2, p-PIM, as well as of their un-phosphorylated counterparts. Also, protein levels of HSP70 and acetylated (Ac)-α-tubulin, as well as the mRNA expression of JAK2 and PRV-1 genes were determined. Results: As of August 12, 2010, 31 pts (24 JAK2 mutated, 7 JAK2 wild type) have been enrolled in the trial. The majority of pts required dose reduction. Adverse events observed are consistent with the known safety profile of PAN. Correlative studies have been performed on MPN cells from19 patients. As compared to the pre-treatment levels, treatment with PAN (for 6 and/or 24 hours) resulted in varying levels of depletion of p-STAT3, p-STAT5, p-AKT, p-ERK1/2 and p-PIM protein. A decline in JAK2 and PRV1 mRNA levels (20 to 80%) was also observed. Conversely, PAN treatment induced Ac-α-tubulin and HSP70 levels, consistent with HDAC6 and HSP90 inhibition. This was associated with decline in the protein levels of AKT, PIM1 and STAT3. PAN treatment also reduced MCL-1 and Bcl-xL, while inducing BIML levels. Notably, of the 10 patients in whom it has been determined, PAN treatment depleted the allelic burden of JAK2V617F by an amount ranging between 10 to 90%. Conclusions: Consistent with its role as a pan-deacetylase inhibitor, PAN exerts in vivo anti-MPN cell activity, as was highlighted by the decrease in the allelic burden of JAK2V617F. Further patient enrollment is ensuing, and more mature clinical toxicity and efficacy data will be presented. Disclosures: DeAngelo: Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Off Label Use: Panobinostat is an investigational agent currently being evaluated for the treatment of hematologic and solid malignancies. Paley:Novartis: Employment. Snyder:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Ondovik:Novartis: Employment. Rine:Novartis: Employment.

Abstract Introduction: Aberrant fusion proteins involving the MLL histone methyltransferase (HMT) result in recruitment of another HMT, DOT1L, to a multi-protein complex. This leads to abnormal methylation of Histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79) at MLL target genes and enhanced expression of leukemogenic genes such as HOXA9 and MEIS1 ( Krivstov, 2007). Pinometostat is a small molecule inhibitor of DOT1L with sub-nanomolar affinity and >37,000 fold selectivity against non-MLL HMTs. Pinometostat treatment of MLL-rearranged cells and xenografts reduced histone H3K79 methylation, decreased MLL target gene expression, and induced selective leukemia cell kill (Daigle, 2013). We report the safety, activity, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) in the phase 1 trial of pinometostat in adult patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory (R/R) leukemia. Methods: This open label dose escalation/expansion study of pinometostat enrolled pts >18 years (yrs) with R/R leukemia (NCT01684150). In the dose-escalation phase, pts with AML, ALL, mixed lineage leukemia (MLL), myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative neoplasm or chronic myeloid leukemia were eligible. Eligibility in the two expansion cohorts: 90 mg/m2 (n = 17) and 54 mg/m2 (n = 6), was restricted to pts with MLL-r or MLL-partial tandem duplication (MLL-PTD). Pinometostat was given via continuous intravenous infusion (CIV) for 21 of 28 day cycles in the dose escalation phase and CIV for 28 of 28 day cycles in the expansion phases, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. All pts underwent serial collection of PK and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for PD. Leukemic blasts were isolated from PBMCs using flow cytometry and quantified for dimethylation of H3K79 (H3K79-me2) by ChIP-Seq. Results: As of 28-June-2015, 49 pts have enrolled in the dose escalation and expansion phases. Pts receiving 21/28 day infusions: 12 (n=1), 24 (n=5), 36 (n=4), 54 (n=6) and 80 mg/m2/day (n=3). Pts receiving 28/28 day infusions: 54 (n=6) and 90 mg/m2/day (n=24). Table 1. Patient Characteristics n (%) Median age, yrs (range) 51 (19 - 81) Sex (M / F) 27/22 Diagnosis MLL-r* 29 (59) AML MLL-PTD** 5 (9) MLL-wt 7 (14) ALL MLL-r* 5 (10) MLL-wt 1 (2) MLL MLL-r 1 (2) CMML MLL-r 1 (2) # of prior therapeutic regimens 1 - 2 29 (59) 3 - 4 18 (36) >4 2 (4) Prior allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant 20 (41) * centrally confirmed by karyotype/FISH ** centrally confirmed by NGS (next generation sequencing) Adverse events (AEs) reported in >15% of pts regardless of attribution were: nausea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, fatigue, fever, peripheral edema, mucositis, febrile neutropenia, leukocytosis, anemia, cough, dyspnea, and pneumonia. Grade ≥3 non-hematologic related toxicities include: hypophosphatemia (n=1), decreased ejection fraction (n=3), or elevated transaminases (n=1). Nine patients had leukocytosis (absolute monocyte and neutrophil 50% above baseline and above upper limit of normal) or differentiation. The median days of pinometostat treatment was 35 days (range 3-189 days). To date, objective responses observed are morphologic CR (1 pt), cytogenetic CR (MLL negative by FISH) (1 pt), PR (1 pt) and resolution of leukemia cutis (3 pts). Dose proportional PK was observed with rapid attainment of steady-state plasma concentrations (Css) on Day 1 of treatment. Plasma Css correlated with inhibition of global H3K79-me2 in PBMCs. H3K79-me2 ChIP-Seq demonstrated pinometostat induced reductions in methylation at MLL -r target genes HOXA9 and MEIS1 (median inhibition = 61%: range = 13-91%) in all 9 pts analyzed to date from the 90 mg/m2 expansion cohort. Inhibition of H3K79-me2 in leukemic blasts is consistent with DOT1L suppression. PK-PD relationships in both expansion cohorts using both free and total plasma Css are being explored. Conclusions: Pinometostat administered as a CIV to adults with R/R leukemia has an acceptable safety profile. Clinical activity as demonstrated by both marrow responses and resolution of leukemia cutis were observed. In addition, analysis of H3K79-me2 by ChIP-Seq demonstrated PD reductions in the methylation of MLL-r target genes following pinometostat exposure, as expected from DOT1L inhibition. Relationships between PK exposure, reductions in pinometostat induced H3K79-me2 levels and clinical response are being interrogated. Disclosures Stein: Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Agios Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Rizzieri:Teva: Other: ad board, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Other: ad board, Speakers Bureau. Berdeja:Novartis: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Curis: Research Funding; MEI: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; Array: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Acetylon: Research Funding. Altman:Novartis: Other: Advisory board; Spectrum: Other: Advisory board; Ariad: Other: Advisory board; Seattle Genetics: Other: Advisory board; BMS: Other: Advisory board; Astellas: Other: Participation in an advisory board December 2013. Thomson:Epizyme, Inc: Employment. Blakemore:Epizyme: Employment. Daigle:Epizyme, Inc: Employment. Fine:Epizyme: Employment. Waters:Epizyme, Inc: Employment. Armstrong:Epizyme, Inc: Consultancy. Ho:Epizyme, Inc: Employment.

Abstract Abstract 4078 Background: Cytokine stimulated signaling pathways contribute to multiple myeloma (MM) disease progression and in acquired resistance to current treatment options making MM an incurable malignancy. It is very well documented that HGF is a cytokine that is secreted by bone marrow stromal cells which has an autocrine and paracrine role in the disease progression in a myeloma setting. HGF binds to its receptor tyrosine kinase on MM cells, MET and this binding at the extracellular domain results in activation of MET which interacts with several of its target proteins resulting in increased survival, increased proliferation, cell cycle progression, motility, migration and invasion. In normal bone marrows, co-expression of MET and its ligand HGF is a rarity whereas co-expression is a common feature of MM. Elevated levels of HGF have been observed in serum and bone marrows of MM patients with a negative correlation to disease progression. In addition, increased HGF levels cause abnormal and reduced bone formation in patients. HGF gene levels in MM samples have been observed to be significantly up regulated in myeloma cells when compared to normal cells. Recently, studies have identified that HGF facilitates the MM cells to adhere to fibronectin, a bone marrow matrix protein, thereby positively impacting MM cell invasion and proliferation. Overall, HGF and its receptor mediated pathway influences tumor progression in myeloma by targeting several different aspects of the disease biology and hence is a very attractive and potentially very important target for improving treatment regimens in a myeloma setting. Methods: MK2461 was synthesized by Merck Inc. (Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA). Stock solutions were made using DMSO and working stock solutions were made using RPMI 1640 media containing 10% fetal bovine serum (20% serum for primary patient cells) supplemented with L-Glutamine, penicillin, and streptomycin. MTT assay was performed to study drug induced cytotoxicity and thymidine uptake was used as a measure to study differences in proliferation. Flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) was used to measure drug induced apoptosis in cell lines and patient cells. In order to study the mechanism of action of the drug, immunoblotting studies were performed on lysates made from cell lines incubated with the drug for various durations. Results: MK2461 treatment led to dose and time dependent cytotoxicity in a few myeloma cell lines (OPM2, DOX40, RPMI8226 and LR5) but not in others (MM1S, MM1R, H929 and U266). The IC50 values for the sensitive lines varied from 1μ M (OPM2) to 10μ M (DOX40, RPMI8226 and LR5). However, MK2461 significantly inhibited the proliferation of MM cells at sub IC50 concentrations in all cell lines tested except MM1S. This inhibition of proliferation was observed when cells were co-cultured with stromal cells or cytokines, namely VEGF, IL6 or HGF. Culturing MM cells with increasing doses of HGF was still unable to protect them from drug induced inhibition of proliferation. MK2461 was able to induce time dependent increase in apoptosis (as measured by annexin/PI), decrease in proliferation (as measured by BrdU assay) and induction of cell cycle arrest in the drug sensitive cell lines. This effect was not observed in MM1S cells. Exploring the mechanism of action of the drug indicated that MK2461 treatment led to down regulation of pc-Met, pGab1, pAkt and pErk in both the drug sensitive (OPM2) and drug resistant (MM1S) cell lines. However, proteins down stream of Akt in the PI3K/Akt pathway, namely pGSK3β, p70S6K, Bcl2, cyclin E and cyclin D3 were down regulated only in OPM2 cells. On the contrary, we observed up-regulation of these proteins in the drug resistant cell line offering a possible explanation for the drug resistant phenotype. We have also examined combinations of MK2461 with inhibitors of PI3K/Akt pathway. Conclusion: These studies demonstrate significant in-vitro activity of MK2461 in MM. Our results suggest the presence of two populations one very sensitive to MK2461 and one insensitive. Differential effects on the signaling pathways provide important clues to the mechanisms of action of c-met inhibitors in myeloma. The results form the basis for clinical evaluation of MK2461 in MM. Disclosures: Kumar: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding.

Abstract Background: Persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD) after induction, consolidation and salvage therapies is an independent poor prognostic marker in AML. The bone marrow (BM) microenvironment is a protective niche that promotes chemotherapy resistance of leukemia cells. This residual subset of chemotherapy-resistant cells present during remission eventually contributes to the leukemia relapse/persistence. Adhesion of AML cells to BM stroma is dependent on the CXCR4 receptor binding to its ligand CXCL12. High levels of CXCR4 expression correlate with poor survival in AML. It is postulated that blocking the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis will dislodge AML cells from the protective microenvironment and, when combined with chemotherapy, may improve the response to therapy. BL-8040 (BKT140) is a short peptide which inhibits the binding of CXCR4 to CXCL12, resulting in mobilization of leukemic blasts from the BM to the peripheral blood (PB). BL-8040 has strong affinity for the CXCR4 receptor with long receptor occupancy and as a single agent induces differentiation and apoptosis of leukemia cells in preclinical models. A clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of BL-8040 in combination with cytarabine (Ara-C) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML patients was recently completed (NCT01838395). Here we report results from correlative studies done on samples from patients who participated in this trial. Objective: To assess BL-8040 single agent anti leukemia effects in relapsed/refractory AML. Method: Patients received a once daily SC dose of BL-8040 monotherapy on days 1-2 followed by the same dose of BL-8040 plus Ara-C (1.5g/m2 for patients ≥60; 3g/m2 for patients <60) per day on days 3-7. Six dose levels of BL-8040 (0.5 - 2.0 mg/kg) were tested. PD parameters such as mobilization of leukemic blasts and induction of differentiation and apoptosis were assessed after monotherapy with BL-8040 using frequent PB sampling and BM aspirates at baseline and on day 3 prior to Ara-C administration. Results: 45 patients (including 3 receiving compassionate use BL-8040) with a median age of 61 yrs were treated. The majority of patients had poor risk disease with 24% secondary AML and 17% with prior allogeneic stem-cell transplantation. Most patients were heavily pretreated with 19% relapsing after a short first remission (CR1 ≤12 months), 17% had ≥2 relapses and 45% refractory to 1-2 inductions. The CR+CRi rate was 38% in subjects receiving BL-8040 dose ≥1.0 mg/kg (n=39). Ongoing follow-up (FU) of responding patients (expansion phase; N=19) shows median EFS of 9.3 months (range 4.3-12.8 months). At the time of this analysis 10/19 patients are alive with a FU range of 0.96 - 12.8 months. FACS analysis revealed that BL-8040 monotherapy triggered an average 4.3-fold increase of immature AML blasts (CD45+Low/CD34+/CD117+/HLA-DR+) in PB (i.e., mobilization). Response to treatment was associated with more robust mobilization of AML blasts following BL-8040 monotherapy (responders 9.5 vs non-responders 1.7 fold median). Preferential mobilization of AML blasts over normal cells (4.7 fold vs. 1.4 fold, respectively) was confirmed by FISH analysis in a subset of patients with informative cytogenetic abnormalities. Induction of granulocytic differentiation of immature leukemia progenitors (2.5 fold) in the BM following BL-8040 monotherapy was noted. Finally, induction of AML blasts apoptosis (40% increase) by BL-8040 alone was evident by FACS in day 3 (pre-araC) bone marrow biopsies. Conclusions: The data demonstrate that sustained blockade of the CXCR4-CXCL12 axis with BL-8040 is safe and well tolerated and when given in combination with Ara-C improves the response rate achieved historically with Ara-C alone. In addition, treatment with BL-8040 as a single agent rapidly and efficiently induces mobilization, differentiation and cell death of AML blasts. This selective effect on chemotherapy-resistant cells may be translated into reduction of residual disease arguing for incorporation into front-line trials and such studies are ongoing. Disclosures Foran: Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; medscape: Honoraria; karyopharm: Honoraria; pfizer: Honoraria; novartis: Honoraria; boehringer ingelheim: Research Funding; agios: Research Funding; Cellerant: Research Funding. DiPersio:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding. Peled:Biokine Therapeutics: Employment. Abraham:Biokine Therapeutics Ltd: Employment. Pereg:BioLineRx Ltd: Employment. Vainstein:BioLineRx Ltd.: Employment. Oberkovitz:BioLineRx Ltd.: Employment. Aharon:BioLineRx Ltd.: Employment. Cortes:ARIAD: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding.

Abstract Introduction: Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CART19) and bi-specific anti-CD19/CD3 antibodies (blinatumomab) generate unprecedented complete response rates of 45-90% in relapsing/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL). However, a subset of patients treated with these targeted approaches will relapse and a significant portion of these relapses are characterized by the loss of detectable CD19 (about 30% of relapses after blinatumomab and up to 50% after CART19), a clear manifestation of immunoediting. Hence, novel effective strategies are needed in order to be able to treat those patients and ideally prevent antigen-loss. CD123, the interleukin-3 receptor alpha, is involved in hematopoiesis and has been shown to be expressed in several hematologic neoplasms, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and more recently also B-ALL. Targeting CD123 with chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CART123) was shown to lead to deep and long-term responses in human primary AML xenografts. The goal of this study was to pre-clinically evaluate the impact of targeting CD123 and CD19 with chimeric antigen receptor T cells for the treatment and prevention of CD19-negative leukemia relapses occurring after CD19-directed therapies. Results: We analyzed the expression of CD123 in 42 r/r B-ALL samples and found that CD123 is highly and homogeneously expressed on the surface of most B-ALL blasts (81.75%, range: 5.1-99.6), making it a promising candidate for targeted therapy in B-ALL. Moreover, CD123 was also found to be expressed in the putative leukemia stem cells (LSC), identified as CD34-pos CD38-neg. Notably, in some Ph+ B-ALL samples we found CD19-ve CD123+ve cells with a BCR-ABL translocation by FISH, suggesting that these cells too are malignant. The expression of CD123 was detected in all (n=6) CD19-negative B-ALL blasts analyzed after relapse from CART19 treatment (Figure 1). These findings indicate that CD123 represents an ideal marker to target CD19-neg ALL blasts occurring after CART19 or blinatumomab. Therefore, we generated anti-CD123 chimeric antigen receptor T cells costimulated with 4-1-BB using a lentiviral vector (CART123). We then evaluated the CART123 anti-B-ALL efficacy both in vitro and in vivo against primary B-ALL and cell line (NALM-6). CART123 showed intense anti-B-ALL ex vivo activity, as defined by specific CD107a degranulation, cytokine production, cytotoxicity and proliferation, not statistically different from that of CART19. In order to test the role of CART123 to target CD19-negative relapses we developed a novel in vivo model, engrafting immunodeficient NSG mice with blasts obtained from a patient relapsing with CD19-ve disease after CART19 treatment. At day 14 mice were randomized to receive CART19, CART123 or control T cells (untransduced, UTD). CART19 and control T cell treated mice had no anti-tumor activity, while CART123 led to complete eradication of the disease and long-term survival. We next developed a murine model to test the hypothesis that a combined approach simultaneously targeting CD123 and CD19 could treat and prevent CD19-negative relapses. NSG mice were injected with a mixture of primary CD19-neg and CD19-pos blasts from the same patient that were labeled with different click beetle luciferases (red or green) in order to be able to track the respective clones in vivo. Mice were then randomized to receive UTD, CART19 or the combination of CART19 and CART123 (same total dose of T cells). As shown in Figure 2, mice treated with UTD had progression of both leukemic clones (CD19-pos and CD19-neg) while CART19 showed rapid progression mostly of the CD19-neg disease (red luciferase); on the contrary only mice treated with the combination of CART123 and CART19 showed rapid clearance of the disease, with improved overall survival (64 days for CART19, not reached for CART19+CART123). As a final strategy, we expressed both CAR19 and CAR123 in the same T cells and showed potent anti-leukemia activity (CD107a degranulation 81.7%). Conclusions: Here we demonstrate that CD123 is expressed in CD19-negative B-ALL relapses occurring after CD19-directed therapies, and that combining CART123 cells with CART19 cells is an effective therapy for the treatment and prevention of antigen-loss relapses in B-ALL murine xenografts. Disclosures Ruella: Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Kenderian:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Scholler:Novartis: Patents & Royalties. Lacey:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Melenhorst:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Hunter:Surface Oncology - SAB: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Porter:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. June:University of Pennsylvania: Patents & Royalties: financial interests due to intellectual property and patents in the field of cell and gene therapy. Conflicts of interest are managed in accordance with University of Pennsylvania policy and oversight; Novartis: Research Funding. Grupp:Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding. Gill:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding.

Abstract Background: The bone marrow (BM) niche protects acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells from chemotherapy. BM homing of AML cells is dependent on CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12; high levels of CXCR4 expression correlate with poor survival in AML. It is postulated that blocking the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis with a potent CXCR4 antagonist will disrupt the interaction of the leukemic blasts with the BM and augment the anti-leukemic effect of chemotherapy. BL-8040 (BKT140) is a short synthetic peptide which inhibits the binding of CXCR4 to CXCL12, resulting in the mobilization of leukemic blasts from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood. BL-8040 also inhibits CXCR4/CXCL12 mediated pro-survival ERK/Akt signaling and alters balance of pro/anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. BL-8040 has strong affinity for the CXCR4 receptor with long receptor occupancy, and, in contrast to other CXCR4 inhibitors, as a single agent induces apoptosis of leukemia cells ex-vivo in clinical samples. A clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of BL-8040 in combination with cytarabine (Ara-C) for the treatment of adult relapsed/refractory AML patients is currently ongoing (NCT01838395). Objective: To assess the safety, efficacy and pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetic parameters of BL-8040 in combination with Ara-C in first or second relapse and refractory AML patients. Method: The study includes a dose escalation phase (3+3 design) followed by an expansion phase. Each patient receives a once daily SC dose of BL-8040 monotherapy on days 1-2 followed by the same dose of BL-8040 plus Ara-C (1.5 g/m2 for patients ≥60; 3 g/m2 for patients <60) on days 3-7. Five dose levels of BL-8040 (0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25 and 1.5 mg/kg) have been tested. Extensive pharmacodynamic parameters such as CXCR4 expression on the leukemic cells, receptor occupancy, mobilization of leukemic cells and induction of apoptosis are being assessed after monotherapy with BL-8040 using peripheral blood sampling (PB) and BM aspirates at baseline and on day 3 prior to Ara-C administration. Clinical response to treatment is evaluated by BM biopsy on day 30 (-/+ 2). Results: Twenty two patients (median age, 61 y; range, 43-74 y) with relapsed/refractory AML were treated during the escalation phase. BL-8040 was escalated up to 1.5 mg/kg (recommended phase 2 dose) without reaching the MTD. Combination of BL-8040 with Ara-C was safe and well tolerated at all doses tested. Only one SAE (Sweet Syndrome) was reported as possibly related to study drug. The primary treatment related AEs were transient injection site and systemic reactions. The composite complete remission including complete remission (CR) and complete remission with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi) rate was 38% in subjects receiving BL-8040 doses of 1 mg/kg and higher (n=16). Two days of BL-8040 monotherapy triggered an average 40.2-fold (range 1.0-350.9) mobilization of immature AML progenitors (CD45+Low/CD34+/CD117+/HLA-DR+) from the BM to the PB. Moreover, a significant apoptotic effect on the immature leukemia progenitors in the BM following 2 days of BL-8040 monotherapy was noted. Flow cytometric evidence of apoptosis by BL-8040 was corroborated by an increase in cleaved caspase 3 positive blasts in day 3 bone marrow biopsies. In addition, BL-8040 treatment resulted in a median decrease of 57.7% (range, -10.4% to -96.2%) in the number of BM Leukemia progenitor cells (CD45+Low/CD34+/CD117+/HLA-DR+ out of total CD45+/CD34+ normal/progenitor cells) compared with the baseline biopsy. This decrease was accompanied with a 3.1 fold increase in granulocytes in the day 3 BM biopsy supporting differentiation effect. Finally, long receptor occupancy (up to 24 hours post dosing) was confirmed by FACS analysis measuring surface CXCR4 staining. Pharmacokinetics analysis confirmed dose incremental BL-8040 exposure with a short plasma half-life. Conclusions: The current data demonstrate that sustained blockade of the CXCR4-CXCL12 axis with BL-8040 has potent anti leukemic activity and in combination with Ara-C may improve the response typically achieved in this advanced AML population. Mechanistically, BL-8040 was able to induce apoptosis of leukemic progenitor cells, overcoming the stroma protection, inducing mobilization and differentiation. Disclosures Rowe: BioLineRx Ltd.: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; BioSight Ltd.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Uy:Novartis: Research Funding. Altman:Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy; Astellas: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy. Peled:Biokine Ltd.: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; BiolineRX: Consultancy, Research Funding. Pereg:BioLineRx: Employment. Vainstein:BioLineRx: Employment. Aharon:BioLineRx: Employment. Pemmaraju:Stemline: Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; LFB: Consultancy, Honoraria. Cortes:Teva: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; BerGenBio AS: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astellas: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ambit: Consultancy, Research Funding; Arog: Research Funding; Celator: Research Funding; Jenssen: Consultancy.

Abstract Abstract 1926 Background: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the second most common non Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States, comprising up to 30% of all non Hodgkin lymphomas. Typically an indolent disease, relapses are common. High dose therapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant is an option that has shown to produce prolonged progression-free and relapse-free survival in patients who relapse. Adequate bone marrow reserve for peripheral stem cell mobilization has been shown to be adversely effected by prior regimens such as fludarabine and radioimmunotherapy. Concerns regarding stem cell mobilization at the point of relapse have led some to collect stem cells early in the course of disease to allow for potential subsequent transplant after relapse. Recent advances in stem cell mobilization have resulted in a 3% collection failure rate for lymphoma patients at the point of planned transplant at our institution versus a historical rate of up to 30%. We studied the utilization of stem cells collected for potential future use in FL patients in remission or prior to therapy at the point of relapse or progression in order to determine the utility of this approach. Methods: Record review of patients diagnosed with FL through the Mayo Clinic Tumor Registry and the Mayo Clinic Lymphoma Data Base who had cryopreserved stem cells for potential future transplant at relapse. Cost of stem cell storage at our institution was reviewed as was the subsequent use of the collected cells. Results: 73 patients with FL had stem cells collected and stored. 37 (51%) were collected prior to a double dose yttrium-90 (90Y) ibritumomab tiuxetan trial for relapsed lymphoma as required by the study. The median age at collection of this group was 56 years (range 28–70). Stem cells remain in storage for a median of 44 months (range 8–119). The median cost of cryopreservation and storage is $4,094 based on the median storage time of 44 months (range $3,628 to 5,065) with a collection cost of $3,524.20 and an annual storage fee of $155.39. This does not include the cost of filgrastim for mobilization, nor line placement. At 5 years, 60% of the cells were not utilized, and at 10 years, 56% of the cells were not utilized. 36 (49%) of the total number of patients were not part of the double dose 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan trial, but were collected in remission for possible future use or in the setting of relapsed, progressed or transformed disease for potential future transplant. Five of these patients required the use of plerixafor for adequate mobilization. The median age at collection of this group was 47 years (range 24–76). Stem cells remain in storage for a median of 39 months (range 2–128). The median cost of cryopreservation and storage is $4,029 based on the median storage time of 39 months (range $3,550 to 5,182) with a collection cost of $3,524.20 and an annual storage fee of $155.39. This does not include the cost of filgrastim or plerixafor for mobilization, nor line placement. At 5 years, 89% of these cells were not used, and at 10 years, 71% of cells were not used. Conclusion: The utilization of stem cells collected early in the course of FL patients is low, with the majority of cells not being utilized at 10 years. Given improved mobilization techniques resulting in 97% efficacy of stem cell collection at relapse, routine collection and storage of stem cells early in the course FL is not recommended. Disclosures: Micallef: Genzyme: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

Abstract Abstract 2998 Background: Multiple myeloma remains incurable with current therapies and novel approaches based on disease biology are needed. Inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) proteins represent a conserved group of proteins that are important regulators of apoptosis. X-linked IAP (XIAP) is the best studied IAP and inhibits pro-apoptotic caspases 3, 7 and 9. Multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines express high levels of XIAP and levels are further increased when stimulated by cytokines IL6 and IGF-1, both secreted in copious amounts in the myeloma microenvironment. IL6 and IGF1 up-regulate XIAP by activating the NF-κB, MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways that are commonly aberrant in MM and other tumors. XIAP mRNA contains an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) sequence in the 5` untranslated region. IRES sequences enable direct ribosome recruitment and aid in translation that is independent of cap-mediated translation. Thus, molecules like mTOR inhibitors might not lead to XIAP downregulation. This was observed when rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, was used on MM cell lines. XIAP protein levels were not reduced due to the IRES sequence which leads to translation that is independent of the 5` cap and 4EBP1. Thus XIAP inhibitors might be able to overcome resistance associated with rapamycin treatment. Methods: LC161 was synthesized by Novartis Inc. (Basel, Switzerland). Stock solutions were made in DMSO, and subsequently diluted in RPMI-1640 medium for use. MM cell lines were cultured in RPMI 1640 containing 10% fetal bovine serum (20% serum for primary patient cells) supplemented with L-Glutamine, penicillin, and streptomycin. Cytotoxicity was measured using the MTT viability assay and proliferation using thymidine uptake. Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry upon cell staining with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI). Immunoblotting was done on cell extracts at various time points following incubation with the drug in order to study the cell signaling pathways. Results: LC161 treatment resulted in a dose and time dependent inhibition of cell growth in the MM cell lines tested. Most of the cytotoxicity was evident by 72 hours, with minimal increase seen up to 96 hours of incubation. At 72 hours of incubation, the median inhibitory concentration varied considerably between various cell lines with an IC50 range of 2.5–25μ M. The IC50s were maintained when the cells were treated in co-culture with stromal cells or in the presence of IL6, IGF or VEGF. Dose-dependent decrease in proliferation of the cell lines was evidenced by decreased thymidine incorporation. Apoptotic changes in cells following drug treatment was confirmed by flow cytometry for Annexin and PI. Cleavage of caspases 3, 8 and 9 were confirmed on flow cytometry. Primary myeloma cells from patients were treated with increasing doses of the drug and dose dependent increase in apoptosis was observed. Immunoblotting studies demonstrated dose dependent significant down regulation of Xiap, cIAP1, cIAP2 and surviving and up-regulation of activated caspases 3, 8 and 9 and PARP. Furthermore, LC161 resulted in down regulation of pAkt, canonical and non-canonical NF-κB, pJNK, p-p38MAPK, c-Myc, Bcl-xL and Mcl1 and up-regulation of pErk and Bcl-2. We are currently examining basal levels of expression of the IAP proteins (Xiap, cIAP1 and cIAP2), pAkt and pErk in various MM cell lines to identify marker proteins that might predict response to this class of drug. In addition, our initial studies of LC161 in combination with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib demonstrated synergy in killing MM cells in vitro. Additional combinations including inhibitors of the Akt/mTOR pathway and MEK/Erk pathway are currently been done. Conclusion: These studies demonstrate significant in vitro activity of LC161 in MM. Our results suggest the presence of two populations one very sensitive to IAP inhibition and one relatively less sensitive. Our current studies will help identify marker proteins that might predict response to LC161 treatment. We are currently testing LC261 in combination with known inhibitors of the other important signaling pathways implicated in MM disease biology as well as in-vivo experiments in mouse models. Performing these experiments will further validate the efficacy of LC161 as an anti-MM agent and form the basis for it to be taken up for clinical evaluation either as a single agent or in combination with other agent(s). Disclosures: Kumar: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding.

Abstract Background Crohn’s rectovaginal fistulizing disease remains notoriously difficult to treat. A phase I clinical trial to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a novel protocol using a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)–coated Gore Bio-A fistula plug for the treatment of medically and surgically refractory Crohn’s rectovaginal fistulas was conducted. Methods Five patients underwent an autologous subcutaneous adipose tissue harvest via a 2-cm abdominal wall incision at time of exam under anesthesia (EUA) with seton placement. MSCs were isolated, expanded, and impregnated on the plug. After 6 weeks, patients returned to the operating room for placement of the MSC-coated plug. The primary end points were safety and feasibility; the secondary end point was clinical and radiographic healing at 6 months. Results Five female patients (median age [range], 49 [38–53] years) with a median disease duration (range) of 23 (7–34) years who were on biologic (n = 5) or combination therapy (n = 3) had successful harvest and expansion of MSCs and delivery of the Gore Bio-A plug. There were no serious adverse events or adverse events related to the MSCs or plug during the 6-month follow-up. At 6 months, 3 patients had complete cessation of drainage, and 2 had &gt;50% reduction in drainage; all had a persistent fistula tract identified on magnetic resonance imaging and EUA at 6 months. Conclusions Surgical placement of an autologous adipose-derived MSC-coated fistula plug in diverted patients with Crohn’s rectovaginal fistulas was safe and feasible. All patients had a reduction in the size of their fistula tract, and 3 of 5 had cessation of drainage, but none achieved complete healing. This was a phase I clinical trial of autologous mesenchymal stem cells on a plug for rectovaginal Crohn’s fistulas.

Abstract Abstract 3014 Background: Proteasome inhibitors have proven particularly effective in treatment of multiple myeloma, the second most frequent hematologic malignancy in the western world. Bortezomib, the first in class proteasome inhibitor in clinical use, was first approved in 2003 via fast FDA track, given the remarkable activity shown during phase II clinical trials. Nevertheless, more than 50% of multiple myeloma patients did not respond to single agent bortezomib when administered as second line agent. Moreover, bortezomib is only available for intravenous administration, representing a cumbersome therapy for patients, and its use is limited by significant toxicities (especially peripheral neuropathy). MLN9708 (Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), an investigational orally available, small molecule, is a potent, specific and reversible inhibitor of the 20S proteasome. It is currently under clinical investigation for the treatment of hematologic and non-hematologic malignancies. Upon exposure to aqueous solutions or plasma, MLN9708 rapidly hydrolyzes to MLN2238, the biologically active form, and MLN2238 was used for all of the preclinical studies reported here. In vitro biochemistry studies have shown that MLN2238 has a faster dissociation rate from the proteasome compared to bortezomib, and in vivo studies of MLN2238 have shown antitumor activity in a broader range of tumor xenografts when compared to bortezomib. Given these encouraging preclinical results, we set to investigate the anti-myeloma activity of MLN2238 in vitro. Results: MLN2238 proved to have anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity against a broad range of MM cell lines with EC50 at 24 hours ranging between 10 and 50 nM, even in relatively resistant MM cell lines (OPM2, DOX6, RPMI, etc.). In MM.1S cells, induction of apoptosis was time and dose dependent and related to activation of both caspase 8 and 9. When compared to MM.1S treated for 24 hours with EC50 dose of bortezomib, treatment with EC50 dose of MLN2238 resulted in the same extent of caspases cleavage occurring at an earlier time point (8-12 hours), possibly suggesting more rapid onset and/or irreversibility of apoptosis in cells treated with MLN2238. Treatment with MLN2238 was associated with early, but persistent induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress with BiP being induced 2–4 hours after treatment with EC50 dose and gradually increasing over time. While bortezomib has been associated with early induction and late decrease in proteins involved in ER stress, MLN2238 appears to induce a persistent rise in these factors, suggesting either more sustained proteasome blockade with stabilization of proteasome substrates or de-novo induction of unfolded protein response (UPR) genes. MLN2238 also proved effective in reducing phosphorylation of ERK1-2 with no overall alteration in the total ERK level, thus accounting for the observed reduction in proliferation upon treatment. Preliminary data indicate potential for additive and synergistic combination with widely used drugs, including doxorubicin and dexamethasone. Conclusion: While further clinical data are needed to establish the effectiveness of MLN2238 in the treatment of multiple myeloma, these preliminary nonclinical data, together with the favorable biochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, including oral bioavailability, make the investigational agent MLN9708 an appealing candidate for treatment of multiple myeloma. Further in vitro data could help establish whether a difference in the apoptotic mechanisms exist between MLN2238 and other proteasome inhibitors, primarily bortezomib, and could also help inform combination treatment approaches aimed at increasing effectiveness, overcoming bortezomib resistance and decreasing toxicity. Disclosures: Kumar: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding.