“By collaborating with Atara Biotherapeutics, we will develop the next-generation CAR-T cell therapy for mesothelin-expressing solid cancers such as malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and lung cancer that have high unmet medical needs. Ultimately, we aim to introduce an allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy as an off-the-shelf product.”

Dominik Ruettinger, head of research and early development for oncology at the pharmaceuticals division of Bayer, said this and other remarks at the virtual Bayer Pharma Media Day 2022 on Monday, introducing anticancer pipelines.

Ruettinger said Bayer had expanded its presence in oncology by launching three new drugs over the past five years.

Dominik Ruettinger, head of research and early development for oncology at the pharmaceuticals division of Bayer, speaks at the virtual Bayer Pharma Media Day 2022 on Monday, introducing anticancer pipelines.
Dominik Ruettinger, head of research and early development for oncology at the pharmaceuticals division of Bayer, speaks at the virtual Bayer Pharma Media Day 2022 on Monday, introducing anticancer pipelines.

Bayer introduced Nubeqa (ingredient: darolutamide), a treatment for non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC), and Xofigo (radium-223 chloride), a treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Bayer is either conducting or planning to conduct three large-scale clinical trials of Nubeqa to assess the drug’s potential in the various spectrum of prostate cancer.

Based on positive data from the new phase 3 ARASENS study, the company expected that Nubeqa would post up to 3 billion euros in revenue.

Ruettinger also introduced investigational anticancer medicines the company is working on.

He picked targeted alpha therapy (TAT), immune-oncology and oncology cell treatment, and precision molecular oncology as promising areas that can satisfy the unmet needs of patients.

“TAT is a new type of targeted radionuclide therapy, and it can be a powerful weapon for oncologists in the fight against various intractable cancers,” Ruettinger said.

He cited Xofigo as an example of TAT development.

Bayer developed Xofigo to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases through joint clinical trials with Algeta, accumulating experience throughout the development cycle of radiopharmaceuticals from initial research to supply.

Taking another step forward, Bayer is also researching a new targeted therapy that combines multiple target sites such as antibodies and small molecules with various alpha radionuclides, he went on to say.

Bayer is conducting two phase 1 trials to study Thorium-277. One targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a verified target in prostate cancer, and the other targets HER2, the well-known breast and gastric cancer target.

Ruettinger said Bayer acquired Noria and PSMA Therapeutics last year to expand investment in TAT and strengthen capabilities with the Actinium-225-based next-generation approach.

“Bayer also secured access to a promising small molecule-based PSMA targeting technology that can reduce off-target toxicity, and the program is expected to enter clinical trials in the second half of this year,” he said.

He also introduced immune-oncology and oncology cell therapy pipelines.

Bayer’s representative immune-oncology program is to develop a small molecule inhibitor that blocks aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is known to play a key role in tumor cells evading immune responses.

“This program is in progress with a long-standing strategic research partnership with the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ),” Ruettinger said.

He said that the company expects its two research assets to enter additional trials by the end of this year.

Bayer said it would develop next-generation CAR-T cell therapy targeting solid cancer in tumor cell therapy. The first step will be a collaboration with Atara Biotherapeutics, he said.

With Atara Biotherapeutics, the company plans to work on the next-generation allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy for mesothelin-expressing solid cancers such as MPM and lung cancer with high unmet medical needs.

Ruettinger said allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy could be produced off the shelf, making it possible to provide the therapy rapidly and extensively.

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