Enliven Therapeutics Announces Positive Proof of Concept Data from Phase 1 Clinical Trial of ELVN-001 in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Rhea-AI Summary

Enliven Therapeutics, Inc. (ELVN) announces positive proof of concept data from Phase 1 trial of ELVN-001 for chronic myeloid leukemia. ELVN-001 achieved a 44% MMR rate at 12 weeks in response-evaluable patients, showing promise in heavily pre-treated patients. The drug was well-tolerated with no Grade 3 toxicities reported. The company will host a virtual event with Key Opinion Leaders to discuss the data.

Positive

• Positive proof of concept data from Phase 1 trial of ELVN-001 for chronic myeloid leukemia.
• ELVN-001 achieved a 44% MMR rate at 12 weeks in response-evaluable patients.
• The drug was well-tolerated with no Grade 3 toxicities reported.
• Company to host virtual event with Key Opinion Leaders to discuss the data.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Oncology Doctor

The reported major molecular response (MMR) rate of 44% by 12 weeks in a Phase 1 clinical trial for ELVN-001 is a notable finding in the context of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment. When considering the patient population in this study, which includes individuals who are heavily pre-treated and those who have shown resistance or intolerance to prior tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), these results suggest a potentially significant advancement.

From a medical perspective, the ability of ELVN-001 to achieve similar target coverage compared to asciminib, while also being well tolerated, indicates a promising safety and efficacy profile. It's important to note that the absence of Grade 3 non-hematologic toxicities is particularly encouraging, as it suggests a lower side effect burden, which can be a critical factor in patient adherence and quality of life.

Furthermore, the fact that 89% of patients remain on study is an early indicator of the drug's potential acceptability and effectiveness in real-world settings. As an oncologist, the prospect of adding another tool to our arsenal, especially one that demonstrates activity in patients with prior asciminib treatment, is heartening. However, it is essential to await further data from subsequent trial phases to fully understand the long-term benefits and any potential risks associated with ELVN-001.

Medical Research Analyst

The preliminary data for ELVN-001, with its potent and highly selective inhibition of the BCR-ABL gene fusion, is suggestive of a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of CML. The pharmacokinetics of ELVN-001 support once-daily dosing, a convenience that may improve patient compliance. Additionally, the minimal risk of drug-drug interactions is a favorable characteristic that could simplify treatment regimens for patients who are often on multiple medications.

It is also worth mentioning that achieving superior target coverage at doses equal to or greater than 40mg QD compared to 1st and 2nd Generation TKIs could imply a more efficient blockade of the oncogenic driver, potentially leading to better clinical outcomes. This is especially relevant given the correlation between target coverage and efficacy in the first-line setting for approved BCR-ABL1 TKIs.

From a research analysis standpoint, the comparison of ELVN-001's cumulative MMR rates to precedent Phase 1 trials of approved TKIs provides a benchmark for its performance. However, it's important to consider that Phase 1 trials are primarily designed to assess safety and efficacy results should be interpreted cautiously until confirmed by larger, more definitive Phase 2 and 3 trials.

Financial Analyst

The announcement of positive Phase 1 trial results for Enliven Therapeutics' ELVN-001 could have a favorable impact on the company's valuation and investor sentiment. The stock market typically reacts positively to such news, especially when it concerns a potentially best-in-class treatment for a serious condition like CML. The absence of serious treatment-related adverse events and the drug's potential to fill a niche for patients who have failed other therapies could position Enliven favorably in the oncology market.

Investors should note the company's strategic positioning of ELVN-001 as a potential treatment for patients earlier in the CML treatment paradigm, which, if successful, could significantly expand the drug's market potential. However, it is important to remain cautious, as the drug is still in early-stage clinical development and further trials will be necessary to confirm these preliminary findings. The long-term potential of ELVN-001 will depend on the outcomes of these trials, regulatory approval processes and subsequent market acceptance.

Furthermore, the company's engagement with key opinion leaders and the investment in a virtual event indicates a commitment to building a strong scientific and commercial foundation for ELVN-001. This approach can often lead to increased interest and credibility within the medical community, potentially accelerating adoption if the drug is approved.

Achieved initial cumulative MMR rate of 44% (7/16) by 12 weeks in response-evaluable patients, which compares favorably to precedent Phase 1 trials of approved BCR::ABL1 TKIs

Achieved initial cumulative MMR rate of 44% (4/9) by 12 weeks in response-evaluable patients who were previously treated with asciminib

ELVN-001 was well tolerated with no ≥ Grade 3 treatment-related non-hematologic toxicities reported 

Company to host virtual event with Key Opinion Leaders at 8:00 AM ET Today

BOULDER, Colo., April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enliven Therapeutics, Inc. (Enliven or the Company) (Nasdaq: ELVN), a clinical-stage precision oncology company focused on the discovery and development of next-generation small molecule kinase inhibitors, today announced positive proof of concept data from the Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating ELVN-001 in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who are relapsed, refractory, or intolerant to available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (NCT05304377).

ELVN-001 is a potent, highly selective, potentially best-in-class small molecule kinase inhibitor designed to specifically target the BCR-ABL gene fusion, the oncogenic driver for patients with CML.

"Significant advancements have been made over the past few decades for patients with CML, and the approved TKIs provide important treatment options for patients with CML. However, there are limitations with the available therapies, including intolerance or resistance, that result in inadequate target coverage, the loss of molecular response and disease progression in many patients," said presenting investigator Fabian Lang, M.D., from Goethe University Hospital. "Similar to our experience with previous successful Phase 1 trials in CML, ELVN-001 looks promising. The preliminary data support that ELVN-001 is a potent and highly selective BCR::ABL1 inhibitor that has activity in heavily pre-treated patients, including post-asciminib patients."

“We are excited to present the first look at the safety and clinical activity of ELVN-001, which we believe supports the potential for ELVN-001 to address the limitations of the available active-site TKIs,” said Helen Collins, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Enliven. “Across a wide dose range, ELVN-001 demonstrated activity in a heavily pre-treated patient population that includes post-asciminib patients, with a preliminary safety profile consistent with its highly selective design. Not only did all evaluable patients have improved or stable BCR::ABL1 transcript levels, but, importantly, 89% of all patients enrolled remain on study. We believe the initial data demonstrate the potential clinical utility of ELVN-001 for all types of patients, including those that are earlier in the treatment paradigm.”

Patient Demographics

• As of the cutoff date, March 18, 2024, 27 patients had enrolled in the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial across five dose levels of ELVN-001, ranging from 10mg once daily (QD) to 120mg QD. Of the enrolled patients, 16 were evaluable for molecular response by 12 weeks.
• Patients enrolled were heavily pretreated:
  • 70% of patients had ≥ 3 prior TKIs.
  • 70% of patients had received prior ponatinib and/or prior asciminib.
  • 67% of patients had discontinued their last prior TKI due to lack of efficacy.
    

Preliminary Efficacy

• ELVN-001 achieved a cumulative major molecular response (MMR) rate of 44% (7/16) by 12 weeks and demonstrated responses in patients with prior exposure to asciminib and/or who were TKI-resistant:
  • Among post-asciminib patients, ELVN-001 achieved a cumulative MMR rate of 44% (4/9) by 12 weeks.
  • Among TKI-resistant patients, ELVN-001 achieved a cumulative MMR rate of 40% (4/10) by 12 weeks.
• Among response-evaluable patients, all had improved or stable BCR::ABL1 transcript levels by 12 weeks.
• These data compare favorably to precedent Phase 1 cumulative MMR rates for approved BCR::ABL1 TKIs, particularly given the shorter time frame for response assessment and a more heavily pre-treated patient population.
  

Preliminary Safety

• ELVN-001 has been well tolerated, consistent with its selective kinase profile.
• A maximum tolerated dose has not been identified, and there have been no dose reductions.
• No ≥ Grade 3 non-hematologic treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) and no specific non-hematologic TRAE of any grade occurred in >11% of patients.
• Hematologic adverse events observed are consistent with the approved BCR::ABL1 TKIs.

Pharmacokinetics (PK) & Target Coverage

• ELVN-001’s PK profile supports once daily dosing with flexible administration requirements (no significant food effect and minimal risk of drug-drug interactions).
• Importantly, given the strong correlation between target coverage and 1L efficacy for the approved BCR::ABL1 TKIs,
  • ELVN-001, at doses equal to or greater than 40mg QD, achieved superior target coverage compared to 2^nd Generation, active-site TKIs.
  • ELVN-001, at 80mg QD, achieved similar target coverage compared to asciminib.

“We are thrilled with ELVN-001’s initial Phase 1 data in heavily pre-treated patients with CML,” said Sam Kintz, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Enliven. “We believe that with the data presented today, ELVN-001 has initially addressed each key area of our target product profile. Given our expectation that asciminib [Scemblix] will soon become an important standard of care in the early-line CML setting, we hope to initially position ELVN-001 as the best-in-class active-site BCR::ABL1 TKI. We believe that ELVN-001’s initial cumulative MMR rate, including in post-asciminib patients, and its tolerability profile are supportive of this positioning. These data are supported by ELVN-001’s pharmacokinetic data, which showed superior target coverage at doses equal to or greater than 40mg QD compared to 1^st and 2^nd Generation TKIs. Finally, and most importantly, we recognize that this achievement is made possible by the patients, caregivers, and investigators who are participating in the ELVN-001 trial, and we offer them our sincere gratitude.”

Company Event with Investigators and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs)

Enliven is hosting a company event with KOLs today at 8:00 AM ET. The event will feature leading CML investigators and hematology care experts, Michael Mauro, M.D., from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Fabian Lang, M.D., from Goethe University Hospital, along with the management of Enliven Therapeutics. The discussion will cover details of ELVN-001’s Phase 1 initial proof of concept data, the evolving treatment paradigm in CML, and how ELVN-001 could fit into the CML landscape.

The event will be webcast live and can be accessed by visiting the investor relations section of the Company’s website at https://ir.enliventherapeutics.com. To participate in the live event, please register using this link. An archived webcast will be available following the event.

About the Phase 1 ELVN-001 Trial

The Phase 1 clinical trial of ELVN-001 is a dose escalation trial designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability, and determine the recommended dose for further clinical evaluation of, ELVN-001 in patients with CML with and without T315I mutations who are relapsed, refractory or intolerant to TKIs. The primary endpoint of the study is safety. Secondary endpoints include pharmacokinetics, MMR by central qPCR, duration of MMR, BCR::ABL1 transcript levels and complete hematologic response.

About ELVN-001

ELVN-001 is a potent, highly selective, small molecule kinase inhibitor designed to specifically target the BCR-ABL gene fusion, the oncogenic driver for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. As a highly selective active site inhibitor, ELVN-001 has a mechanism of action that is complementary to allosteric BCR::ABL1 inhibitors, which may play an increasingly important role in the standard of care. ELVN-001 was also designed to have activity against the T315I mutation, the most common BCR::ABL1 mutation, which confers resistance to nearly all approved TKIs as well as activity against mutations known to confer resistance to allosteric BCR::ABL1 inhibitors.

About Enliven Therapeutics

Enliven Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule inhibitors to help people with cancer not only live longer, but live better. Enliven aims to address existing and emerging unmet needs with a precision oncology approach that improves survival and enhances overall well-being. Enliven’s discovery process combines deep insights in clinically validated biological targets and differentiated chemistry to design potentially first-in-class or best-in-class therapies. Enliven is based in Boulder, Colorado.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) concerning Enliven and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of Enliven, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management of Enliven. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” and other similar expressions or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the potential of, and plans and expectations regarding ELVN-001; statements by Enliven’s Chief Medical Officer, Enliven’s Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Lang. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation: the limited operating history of Enliven; the ability to advance product candidates through preclinical and clinical development; the ability to obtain regulatory approval for, and ultimately commercialize, product candidates; the potential for clinical trials of ELVN-001 to differ from preclinical, initial, interim, preliminary or expected results; the outcome of preclinical testing and early clinical trials for product candidates and the potential that the outcome of preclinical testing and early clinical trials may not be predictive of the success of later clinical trials; Enliven’s limited resources; the risk of failing to demonstrate safety and efficacy of product candidates; Enliven’s limited experience as a company in designing and conducting clinical trials; potential delays or difficulties in the enrollment or maintenance of patients in clinical trials; developments relating to Enliven’s competitors and its industry, including competing product candidates and therapies; the decision to develop or seek strategic collaborations to develop Enliven’s current or future product candidates in combination with other therapies and the cost of combination therapies; the ability to attract, hire, and retain highly skilled executive officers and employees; the ability of Enliven to protect its intellectual property and proprietary technologies; the scope of any patent protection Enliven obtains or the loss of any of Enliven’s patent protection; reliance on third parties, including contract manufacturing organizations, contract research organizations and strategic partners; general market or macroeconomic conditions; Enliven’s ability to obtain additional capital to fund Enliven’s general corporate activities and to fund Enliven’s research and development; and other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in Enliven’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which may be found in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Enliven’s Annual and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q filed with the SEC and in Enliven’s future reports to be filed with the SEC. Except as required by applicable law, Enliven undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

The Company has not performed any head-to-head trials for ELVN-001. As a result, the data referenced in this press release is derived from different clinical trials at different points in time, with differences in trial design and patient populations. As a result, conclusions from cross-trial comparisons cannot be made.

Contact:
Investors
ir@enliventherapeutics.com

Media
media@enliventherapeutics.com

FAQ

What is the major molecular response (MMR) rate achieved by ELVN-001 in response-evaluable patients at 12 weeks?

ELVN-001 achieved a 44% MMR rate in response-evaluable patients at 12 weeks.

What was the patient enrollment like in the Phase 1 clinical trial of ELVN-001?

As of March 18, 2024, 27 patients had enrolled in the Phase 1 clinical trial across five dose levels of ELVN-001.

What is the purpose of the virtual event hosted by Enliven Therapeutics, Inc.?

The virtual event aims to discuss ELVN-001's Phase 1 proof of concept data and its potential in the CML landscape.

Who will be participating in the company event with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) hosted by Enliven Therapeutics, Inc.?

Leading CML investigators and hematology care experts, Michael Mauro, M.D., and Fabian Lang, M.D., along with Enliven Therapeutics' management will participate.