Kazia Therapeutics Limited | | |
In June 2023, the Consolidated entity announced that it is supporting the University of Sydney on a molecularly-guided phase II clinical study to examine paxalisib in adult patients with recurrent/progressive isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant grade 2 and 3 glioma (G2/3 gliomas). The first patient was enrolled and dosed on the paxalisib arm in 4Q23.
In the context of a previously declared strategy to explore the use of paxalisib in cancers outside the central nervous system, the Consolidated entity has entered into a number of research collaborations with leading cancer centers. In October 2022, such a collaboration at the Huntsman Cancer Center at the University of Utah presented preclinical data for paxalisib in melanoma at a conference for melanoma research in Edinburgh, Scotland. The data, summarized in a poster presentation, demonstrated potent single agent activity for paxalisib, as well as synergy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors, which are standard of care therapies in this disease. In November 2023, this data was published in the high impact journal, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics.
In December 2022, the Consolidated entity announced the existence of a research collaboration with the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, to explore the use of paxalisib as an immodulator in the treatment of solid tumours. This work potentially identifies a novel mechanism of action for the drug, and consequently has been patented to secure novel intellectual property. Potentially, the project may support use of the drug in combination with immuno-oncology therapies.
The Consolidated entity’s second R&D program is EVT801, a small-molecule selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3), which was licensed from Evotec SE in April 2021. The development candidate exhibits a very high degree of selectivity for VEGFR3 over other protein kinases, and this is expected to be associated with a favourable toxicity profile in the clinic and, potentially, a lesser propensity for secondary resistance.
A phase I multiple-ascending dose study of EVT801 in patients with advanced cancer (NCT05114668) is ongoing. This study is designed to provide information on the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of EVT801 in humans, and to establish the maximum tolerated dose for future studies. The study also includes a rich suite of translational biomarkers which will provide detailed information about the pharmacological activity of the drug. The study is ongoing at two sites in France, with clinical data anticipated in CY2024.
In December 2022, scientists working for and with Evotec SE, the Consolidated entity’s licensing partner for EVT801, published a summary of their preclinical research on the drug in the cancer journal, Cancer Research Communications. The paper outlines the substantial body of evidence supporting the activity of EVT801 as an anti-cancer therapy, and includes comparative data against several approved therapies with similar mechanisms of action. The paper also presents combination data with several immuno-oncology agents showing evidence of synergy.
Significant changes in the state of affairs
There were no significant changes in the state of affairs of the Consolidated entity during the financial half-year.
Matters subsequent to the end of the financial half-year
On 8 January, 2024, Kazia Therapeutics Limited received notice from Karen Krumeich of her intention to resign as the Consolidated entity’s Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. On 11 January, 2024, the Consolidated entity’s Board of Directors appointed Gabrielle Heaton as its Principal Accounting Officer and Principal Financial Officer, effective 15 January, 2024.
On 18 January 2024, Kazia Therapeutics Limited announced the appointment of pharma industry executive, Mr. Robert Apple to Kazia’s Board of the Directors as a
Non-Executive
Director.
During the month of February 2024, the Consolidated entity raised total proceeds for the period of US$447,788 (A$685,280) using the ATM facility and continues to seek additional funding sources both in Australia and overseas.
On 21 February 2024, Armistice Capital exercised 1,824,445 prefunded warrants for a cash price of US$18,244 and 18,244,450 ordinary shares were issued.
No other matter or circumstance has arisen since 31 December 2023 that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect the Consolidated entity’s operations, the results of those operations, or the Consolidated entity’s state of affairs in future financial years. .
Auditors independence declaration
A copy of the auditors independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out immediately after this directors report.