Oh, Ju‐Hee

Abstract Background Disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in high-grade brain tumors is characterized by contrast accumulation on diagnostic imaging. This window of opportunity study correlates contrast imaging features with the tumor distribution of BBB-permeable (levetiracetam) and -impermeable (cefazolin) drugs. Methods Patients with a clinical diagnosis of a high-grade brain tumor underwent MRI for surgical planning. Cefazolin and levetiracetam were administered prior to skin incision, and serial plasma and image-registered tumor samples were collected during the operation. Drug levels were measured by LC-MS/MS, tissue drug levels were corrected for residual blood, and tumor-to-plasma concentration ratios were calculated. Intraoperative microdialysis was performed in a subset of patients to measure the same two drugs. Results Tumor (n = 125) and plasma (n = 261) samples were available for analysis from 42 operative cases. Across all samples, the tumor-to-plasma ratio was significantly lower for cefazolin (marginal mean [MM]: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.11–0.19) as compared to levetiracetam (MM: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.64–0.75; P < .001). When compared between contrast-enhancing and non-enhancing regions, tumor-to-plasma ratios for cefazolin varied by 4.4-fold (0.27, 95% CI: 0.20–0.35 vs. 0.06, 95% CI: 0.04–0.08, respectively; P < .001), and varied for levetiracetam by 1.4-fold (0.88, 95% CI: 0.78–0.97 vs. 0.61, 95% CI: 0.55–0.66, respectively; P < .001). These results were confirmed with the intra-operative microdialysis and a population pharmacokinetic analysis. Conclusions This study demonstrates significant inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity in drug delivery for both levetiracetam and cefazolin within high-grade brain tumors that is not necessarily predicted by clinical MR imaging and may reflect tumor-induced changes in both perfusion and BBB integrity.

Abstract Background Most oncology therapeutics have limited distribution into the brain, and developing strategies to overcome this limitation would be clinically impactful. While therapeutic radiation is often cited as a strategy to accomplish this, there are no published studies demonstrating the effect of radiation on drug distribution into the brain or brain tumors. Methods Mice were treated with brain radiation (6 Gy × 5, 4 Gy × 10; 40 Gy × 1) and dosed with drugs (levetiracetam, cefazolin, nedisertib, brigimadlin, apitolisib, or GNE-317) at times ranging from just prior to months after radiation. Plasma and tissue drug concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS. Results Radiation did not significantly enhance drug delivery into brain tissue for levetiracetam, cefazolin, GNE-317, apitolisib, or nedisertib at any time post-radiation. Even a single, supra-therapeutic dose of radiation (40 Gy) did not significantly affect brain distribution of GNE-317 or apitolisib (P ≥ .07) from 16 to 160 hours post-radiation. For brigimadlin, radiation (6 Gy × 5) was associated with a modest but significant increase in drug accumulation only at 72 hours post-radiation (brain-to-plasma ratio 0.014 ± 0.006 vs. 0.025 ± 0.010, respectively; P = .04), but not at any other timepoint (24 hours, 15, 28, 94, 133, 183 days; P > .05). Similarly, radiation (6 Gy × 5) of orthotopic tumors did not increase levels of brigimadlin in GBM10 or GBM108 or nedisertib in GBM108 (P > .05). Conclusions Radiation had no meaningful impact on drug delivery into brain or brain tumors for the drugs tested.

2071 Background: Brigimadlin (BI 907828) is a potent small molecule inhibitor of the p53-MDM2 pathway currently in a phase 0/1 clinical trial in combination with radiotherapy in newly diagnosed MGMTunmethylated glioblastoma (GBM). To inform development of brigimadlin for GBM, we developed a pharmacokinetic (PK)/ pharmacodynamic (PD)/ efficacy model using GBM patient derived xenografts (PDXs). Methods: Brigimadlin PK parameters were evaluated in FVB wild-type and knockout (Mdr1a/b-/-Bcrp1-/-) mice and in athymic nude mice. Drug binding was measured by rapid equilibrium dialysis, and drug levels quantified by LC/MS-MS. Dose-response relationships were evaluated in subcutaneous and orthotopic PDXs across a range of doses. Response to brigimadlin (2 mg/kg weekly) +/- RT (2 Gy x 10 fractions) was evaluated in orthotopic PDXs. Results: Brigimadlin significantly delayed median time to regrowth of GBM108 ( MDM2amplified) subcutaneous tumors (vs. placebo; p<0.05) at dose levels of 0.25 mg/kg (1.3-fold), 0.5 mg/kg (1.5-fold), 1 mg/kg (2.6-fold), and 2 mg/kg (5.3-fold). A single dose of brigimadlin resulted in corresponding intra-tumoral drug levels 24 hours post-dose: 84 nM (0.25 mg/kg), 175 nM (0.5 mg/kg), 398 nM (1 mg/kg) and 924 nM (2 mg/kg) and dose-dependent upregulation of p53 target genes (p21 and PUMA). In contrast, GBM14 ( MDM2non-amplified) showed regrowth delay (1.6-fold) only at 2 mg/kg (p=0.008). Brigimadlin was highly bound (fraction unbound = 0.0006 in brain; 0.0017 in GBM tumor tissue), and CNS distribution was limited by efflux; in wild-type mice Kp,uu_brain = 0.002 ± 0.003; in Mdr1a/b-/-Bcrp1-/- mice Kp,uu = 0.043 ± 0.025. Efficacy of brigimadlin was compared in orthotopic GBM108 PDXs grown in athymic nude mice vs. immuno/efflux-deficient (Rag2-/-Mdr1a-/-Bcrp1-/-) mice. In nude mice, median survival was extended at 2 mg/kg brigimadlin (1.4-fold, p=0.009), with corresponding intra-tumoral drug levels of 29 nM. In efflux deficient mice, median survival was extended (p<0.05) at 0.25 mg/kg (1.5-fold), 0.5 mg/kg (1.5-fold), 1 mg/kg (1.8-fold), and 2 mg/kg (>4-fold). Measurement of intra-tumoral drug levels is in progress. In combination with RT in GBM108, brigimadlin (2 mg/kg x 2 weeks) extended median survival vs. vehicle (66 vs. 50 days; p=0.012) and enhanced median survival following RT (128.5 vs. 82 days; p=0.009). In GBM14, 2 mg/kg brigimadlin (2 mg/kg x 12 weeks) extended median survival (39.5 vs. 32.5 days; p=0.0004) and enhanced survival following RT (97 vs. 81 days; p<0.0001). Conclusions: Efficacy of brigimadlin is dependent on adequate CNS delivery. Studies in subcutaneous PDX demonstrated intra-tumoral total drug levels in the mid-nanomolar range provide meaningful tumor effects in a highly sensitive, MDM2 amplified PDX. In orthotopic PDXs with and without MDM2 amplification, brigimadlin provided further benefit in combination with RT. These data support ongoing clinical evaluation of brigimadlin in GBM.

2012 Background: Navtemadlin (nvtm) is a potent, selective, orally available small molecule inhibitor of murine double minute 2 homologue (MDM2), which has completed a Ph 0 surgical window of opportunity study in glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype (GBM; Lee SNO 2022). To optimally interpret the clinical data, an extensive evaluation of nvtm PK, PD, and efficacy was performed in GBM patient derived xenografts (PDXs). Methods: Response to nvtm +/- radiotherapy (RT) was characterized in vitro and in vivo across a panel of GBM PDXs with various TP53 and MDM2 alterations. Efficacy, PK, and PD were evaluated in flank or orthotopic PDX models. p53 pathway activation was evaluated by qPCR, Western blot, and IHC. Nvtm brain penetration was evaluated in immunodeficient abcb1a/b-/- (P-glycoprotein; P-gp), abcg2-/- (BCRP), or double-knockout mice. Binding was assessed by rapid equilibrium dialysis, and nvtm concentrations by LC/MS-MS and MALDI-MSI. Results: Nvtm decreased in vitro viability of TP53WT GBM PDX explant cultures with IC50s <100 nM, but was ineffective in TP53-mutant GBM. In flank PDX models, nvtm (100 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks) delayed tumor regrowth by 1.9 to 4.8-fold in TP53 WT PDXs without MDM2amplification (n=9 models), and more markedly by 20.1 to 29.4-fold in MDM2amplified models (n=4; 2 PDXs did not recur). In a flank PDX dose-response study, nvtm delayed the growth of MDM2amplified GBM108 at 25 mg/kg vs. placebo (61 vs. 11 days; p=0.014; mean intra-tumoral nvtm = 590 nM). In contrast, growth of MDM2 non-amplified GBM14 was delayed only at 100 mg/kg (37 vs. 15 days; p=0.082; mean intra-tumoral nvtm = 2990 nM). In both flank models, p53 target gene upregulation was similar between 25 and 100 mg/kg and did not correlate with regrowth. Nvtm was highly bound (fraction unbound = 0.090 in culture media and 0.014 in GBM tissue homogenate). In mice after oral dosing, distribution to CNS was limited by P-gp, with a brain to plasma ratio of 0.009 and unbound ratio of 0.005, whereas BCRP deficiency did not affect CNS distribution. With orthotopic GBM108, nvtm efficacy was evaluated in nude vs. efflux-deficient mice. In nude mice, nvtm was ineffective at doses up to 100 mg/kg; however, in efflux deficient mice, the mean intra-tumoral nvtm level at 25 mg/kg was similar to flank tumors (690 nM) and survival was significantly extended (134 vs. 62 days, p=0.0002) with additional benefit at 100 mg/kg (>300 vs. 62 days, p=0.002). Conclusions: Nvtm showed significant efficacy in TP53 WT GBM flank PDX models but efficacy in orthotopic PDX was highly dependent on CNS penetration. Targeting nvtm levels based on the in vitroIC50 may significantly underestimate the in vivo effective concentration . In vivo studies showed lower intra-tumoral nvtm levels are required to significantly inhibit growth of MDM2amplified compared with non-amplified tumors.

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and highly infiltrative brain tumor with poor prognosis. Radiation therapy induces DNA damage, and DNA damage response (DDR) pathways modulate resistance to radiation therapy. Inhibiting DDR pathways by targeting ATM, a key enzyme involved in the repair of DNA double strand breaks, leads to radiosensitization and enhances cytotoxicity. Clinical translation of radiosensitizers for GBM may be influenced by a lack of effective drug delivery across the blood brain barrier (BBB). The purpose of this study is to determine the key preclinical pharmacokinetic parameters and mechanisms that influence the CNS delivery of WSD0628, a novel ATM inhibitor. In vitro clonogenic survival assays using U251 GBM cells indicate that WSD0628 shows significant radiosensitization, with a &gt;70% decrease in surviving colonies in the presence of 10nM or higher drug concentrations in combination with 2.5 to 10 Gy radiation as compared to radiation alone. We evaluated the systemic pharmacokinetics and CNS distribution of WSD0628 in FVB wild-type mice and FVB mice lacking Pgp and Bcrp (Mdr1a/b−/−Bcrp1−/−, triple knockout) after a 1, 5, 10 mg/kg intravenous (IV) or oral (PO) dose. Clearance decreased with increase in dose and a greater than dose proportional increase in exposure was observed. WSD0628 is rapidly absorbed and is bioavailable after oral administration. Tissue distribution coefficients were determined as the ratio of exposure in tissue to plasma (Kp = AUCtissue/AUCplasma). Kp,brain was 0.22 ± 0.05, and Kp, spinal cord was 0.30 ± 0.09 in the wild-type mice. For wild-type mice, Kp,uu,brain was 0.20 ± 0.05 and Kp,uu,spinal cord was 0.26 ± 0.08, determined by correcting for binding to CNS tissues and plasma. The brain distribution of WSD0628 was only modestly increased (1.4 times) in the triple knockout mice with Kp,brain of 0.32 ± 0.06 and Kp,spinal cord of 0.41 ± 0.08. Organ distribution of WSD0628 at steady-state was studied after intraperitoneal implantation of Alzet osmotic pumps primed to release WSD0628 at 7.5 ug/hr for 25 hours. Tissue distribution coefficients, determined by organ-to-plasma steady-state concentration ratios, were highest for liver and kidneys, followed by heart, lungs and CNS. Survival studies conducted in mice bearing orthotopic GBM patient derived xenografts show a significant improvement in survival in mice receiving a combination of WSD0628 and radiation as compared to radiation alone. In conclusion, WSD0628 is a robust radiosensitizer and has moderate brain penetration that is not limited by the efflux transporters Pgp and Bcrp. Based on preliminary efficacy studies in mice, WSD0628 shows potential for treatment of GBM tumors. Evaluations are underway to determine tumor free concentrations and quantification of corresponding biomarkers. Combining this knowledge of PK of WSD0628 with the dynamics of the targeted biological pathway will inform a PK-PD-efficacy model and predict effective dosage regimens for future preclinical and clinical trials. Citation Format: Sneha Rathi, Ann Mladek, Zhiyi Xue, Ju-Hee Oh, Wenjuan Zhang, Wenqiu Zhang, Jiayan Le, Jann S. Sarkaria, William F. Elmquist. Systemic and CNS distributional pharmacokinetics of WSD0628, a novel radiosensitizer: Implications for the treatment of brain tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Brain Cancer; 2023 Oct 19-22; Minneapolis, Minnesota. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(5 Suppl_1):Abstract nr B028.

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive and infiltrative primary malignant brain tumor. Current standard-of-care for newly diagnosed GBM patients includes maximal safe surgical resection, followed by concurrent radiation with temozolomide (TMZ), and adjuvant TMZ chemotherapy. However, despite aggressive treatments, GBM patients have a poor prognosis, with a median survival of 14.6 months and a 5-year survival rate of 6.8%. The p53 protein is a critical tumor suppressor in the cell cycle. The expression level of p53 is tightly controlled by its negative regulator, murine double minute 2 (MDM2). Amplification of the MDM2 gene, found in 14 % of GBMs, can inactivate p53, leading to loss of tumor suppressor functions. Therefore, we are investigating a potent MDM2 antagonist – BI-907828 in GBM to restore the p53 tumor suppressor function by inhibiting the p53/MDM2 interactions. We aim to evaluate the PK/PD of BI-907828 and demonstrate a new translational paradigm to rethink the “Delivery – Potency – Efficacy” relationship in drug discovery and development for central nervous system (CNS) tumors. BI-907828 was evaluated for cytotoxicity and the inhibition effect to MDM2-p53 pathway. Systemic PK and transport mechanisms controlling CNS distribution were evaluated in wild-type and transgenic mice that lack of efflux transporters P-gp and BCRP. BI-907828 unbound fractions in cell media, mouse and human specimens were determined by using rapid equilibrium dialysis to evaluate “active” concentrations. Efficacy measures, including survival and free drug distribution in tumor were assessed in mouse orthotopic GBM xenografts. BI-907828 exhibited potent inhibition of MDM2-p53 pathway and promoted cell death in GBM TP53 wild-type cells. MDM2-amplified cells are highly sensitive to BI-907828, with an effective unbound concentration of 0.1 nM. The CNS distribution of BI-907828 is limited by BBB efflux mediated by P-gp, resulting in a brain free partition coefficient Kp,uu of 0.002. Despite this seemingly “poor” BBB penetration, weekly administration of 10 mg/kg BI-907828 significantly extended median survival of orthotopic GBM108 xenografts to 218 days compared to 28 days with vehicle treatment (P &lt; 0.0001). These studies show that efficacy of BI-907828 in orthotopic models is related to high potency even though its CNS distribution is severely limited by BBB efflux. In another words, in this case, this little drug distribution to brain is “enough” for extending survival of orthotopic GBM108 xenografts. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of drug “Delivery – Potency – Efficacy” relationship is warranted in drug discovery development, especially for treatment of CNS tumors. Citation Format: Wenjuan Zhang, Rachael Vaubel, Juhee Oh, Ann Mlade, Surabhi Talele, Wenqiu Zhang, Katie Waller, Danielle Burgenske, Jann Sarkaria, William Elmquist. How much is enough? BI-907828: a MDM2-p53 antagonist with limited BBB penetration but potent efficacy in glioblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Brain Cancer; 2023 Oct 19-22; Minneapolis, Minnesota. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(5 Suppl_1):Abstract nr B025.

Abstract Important challenges in developing drugs that target central nervous system (CNS) tumors include overcoming barriers for CNS delivery and reducing systemic side effects. Alisertib, an aurora A kinase inhibitor, has been examined for treatment of several CNS tumors in preclinical and clinical studies. In this study, we investigated the distribution of alisertib into the CNS, the site of efficacy for brain tumors, and into the bone marrow, the site of dose-limiting toxicity leading to myelosuppression. Mechanisms influencing site-specific distribution, such as active transport mediated by the efflux proteins, p-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp), were examined. Alisertib exposure to the brain in wild-type mice was less than 1% of that in the plasma and was evenly distributed throughout various brain regions and the spinal cord. Studies using transporter knockout mice and pharmacological inhibition show that alisertib CNS distribution is influenced by P-gp, but not Bcrp. Conversely, upon systemic administration, alisertib distribution to the bone marrow occurred rapidly, was not significantly limited by efflux transporters, and reached higher concentrations than in the CNS. This study demonstrates that, given an equivalent distributional driving force exposure in plasma, the exposure of alisertib in the brain is significantly less than that in the bone marrow, suggesting that targeted delivery may be necessary to guarantee therapeutic efficacy with minimal risk for adverse events. Therefore, these data suggest that, to improve the therapeutic index when using alisertib for brain tumors, a localized regional delivery, such as convection-enhanced delivery, may be warranted. Citation Format: Juhee Oh, Erica A. Power, Wenjuan Zhang, David J. Daniels, William F. Elmquist. Murine CNS and bone marrow distribution of the aurora A kinase inhibitor alisertib: Pharmacokinetics and exposure at the sites of efficacy and toxicity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Brain Cancer; 2023 Oct 19-22; Minneapolis, Minnesota. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(5 Suppl_1):Abstract nr A033.

Abstract Background Although the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a frequent oncogenic driver in glioblastoma (GBM), efforts to therapeutically target this protein have been largely unsuccessful. The present preclinical study evaluated the novel EGFR inhibitor WSD-0922. Methods We employed flank and orthotopic patient-derived xenograft models to characterize WSD-0922 and compare its efficacy to erlotinib, a potent EGFR inhibitor that failed to provide benefit for GBM patients. We performed long-term survival studies and collected short-term tumor, plasma, and whole-brain samples from mice treated with each drug. We utilized mass spectrometry to measure drug concentrations and spatial distribution and to assess the impact of each drug on receptor activity and cellular signaling networks. Results WSD-0922 inhibited EGFR signaling as effectively as erlotinib in in vitro and in vivo models. While WSD-0922 was more CNS penetrant than erlotinib in terms of total concentration, comparable concentrations of both drugs were measured at the tumor site in orthotopic models, and the concentration of free WSD-0922 in the brain was significantly less than the concentration of free erlotinib. WSD-0922 treatment provided a clear survival advantage compared to erlotinib in the GBM39 model, with marked suppression of tumor growth and most mice surviving until the end of the study. WSD-0922 treatment preferentially inhibited phosphorylation of several proteins, including those associated with EGFR inhibitor resistance and cell metabolism. Conclusions WSD-0922 is a highly potent inhibitor of EGFR in GBM, and warrants further evaluation in clinical studies.

Abstract Background H3K27-altered diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is the deadliest pediatric brain tumor; despite intensive research efforts, every clinical trial to date has failed. Is this because we are choosing the wrong drugs? Or are drug delivery and other pharmacokinetic variables at play? We hypothesize that the answer is likely a combination, where optimization may result in a much needed novel therapeutic approach. Methods We used in vitro drug screening, patient samples, and shRNA knockdown models to identify an upregulated target in DMG. A single small molecule protein kinase inhibitor with translational potential was selected for systemic and direct, loco-regional delivery to patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM). Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in non-tumor bearing rats. Results Aurora kinase (AK) inhibitors demonstrated strong antitumor effects in DMG drug screens. Additional in vitro studies corroborated the importance of AK to DMG survival. Systemic delivery of alisertib showed promise in subcutaneous PDX but not intracranial GEMM and PDX models. Repeated loco-regional drug administration into the tumor through convection-enhanced delivery (CED) was equally inefficacious, and pharmacokinetic studies revealed rapid clearance of alisertib from the brain. In an effort to increase the drug to tumor residence time, continuous CED over 7 days improved drug retention in the rodent brainstem and significantly extended survival in both orthotopic PDXs and GEMMs. Conclusions These studies provide evidence for increasing drug-tumor residence time of promising targeted therapies via extended CED as a valuable treatment strategy for DMG.

Abstract The treatment of brain tumors using chemo- and radio-sensitizers may be limited by a lack of effective drug delivery. Radiation and some cytotoxic therapies induce DNA damage, and DNA damage response (DDR) pathways modulate resistance to effective chemo-radiation therapy. Inhibiting DDR pathways by targeting ATM leads to sensitization and enhances cytotoxicity. The purpose of this study is to determine the key pre-clinical pharmacokinetic parameters and mechanisms that influence the CNS delivery of WSD0628, a novel ATM inhibitor. Pharmacokinetics and CNS distribution studies were conducted in FVB wild-type mice following intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) dosing (5 mg/kg). Plasma, brain, and spinal cord samples were harvested after dosing and drug concentrations were measured using LC-MS/MS. The free fraction of WSD0628 was measured in plasma, brain, and spinal cord using rapid equilibrium dialysis. Our results indicate that WSD0628 has a half-life of 4.11 hrs and a high oral bioavailability (0.95). The brain partition coefficient (AUCbrain/AUCplasma, i.e., Kp, brain) is 0.05 and 0.11 after IV and PO dosing, respectively. The free fraction in plasma is 2.01 ± 0.02 % and in brain it is 1.22 ± 0.40 %. The unbound brain partition coefficient (Kpuu brain) is 0.03 and 0.06 after IV and PO dosing, respectively. The differential binding to plasma and brain tissues results in a relatively low Kpuu, a key parameter describing brain penetrability. These data show that WSD0628, a highly potent inhibitor of ATM, reached sufficient concentrations in brain after a single dose of 5 mg/kg to engage ATM over the desired time frame and elicit a response after DNA damage by chemo-radiotherapy. WSD0628 shows promising potential and further evaluations are underway to determine if efflux transporters at the BBB limit its brain distribution.