- Presentations feature innovative antibody drug conjugate (ADC) technology of HER2-targeting DS-8201 and HER3-targeting U3-1402 

- Preclinical data on dual EZH1/2 inhibition as a novel epigenetic treatment approach for hematologic malignancies will also be presented

- Newly created Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise is committed to translating high quality science into value for patients with cancer

PARSIPPANY, N.J. and MUNICH, March 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) today announced that six poster presentations characterizing multiple compounds from the Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise pipeline will be presented during the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2017 Annual Meeting taking place from April 1-5 in Washington, D.C.

Scientific research on DS-8201 and U3-1402, the two lead assets from the company's innovative Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) Franchise will be presented, as well as preclinical data supporting the potential role of dual EZH1/2 inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy.

"By translating our world class medicinal chemistry and monoclonal antibody engineering science into innovative new therapies, Daiichi Sankyo's Cancer Enterprise aims to swiftly change the standard of care for many cancers," said Antoine Yver, MD, MSc, Executive Vice President and Global Head, Oncology Research and Development, Daiichi Sankyo. "We are excited to showcase the science behind our proprietary ADC technology, which we believe will more fully realize the potential of ADCs as cancer treatments."

ADC Franchise Poster Presentations
Posters on two ADCs showcase the broad application of the company's proprietary payload and linker-payload technology. Preclinical research for DS-8201, a HER2-targeted ADC, will address antitumor activity in T-DM1 (ado-trastuzumab-emtansine) resistance. Additionally, the first presentations of preclinical data for U3-1402, a HER3-targeted ADC, demonstrating regression in tumors with high HER3 expression and growth inhibition in non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer cell lines will be shared. DS-8201 and U3-1402 are both currently in phase 1 clinical development. 

• Abstract 1193/8: DS-8201, a novel HER2-targeting ADC with a novel DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor, abrogates the resistance to T-DM1 in HER2-positive gastric cancer: a preclinical study (Poster Presentation, Session: PO.ET04.05, Monday, April 3, 2017; 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT; Location: Section 6)
                    
• Abstract 5049/24: Application of population pharmacokinetic and exposure-response modeling for DS-8201, a HER2-targeting ADC, predicts 50% ORR in patients with heavily pretreated breast cancer (Poster Presentation, Session: PO.ET05.02, Wednesday, April 5, 2017; 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT; Location: Section 1) 
                     
• Abstract 44/25: U3-1402, a novel HER3-targeting ADC, and a novel DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor inhibit the growth of non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutation (Poster Presentation, Session: PO.ET07.01, Sunday, April 2, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT; Location: Section 2)
                           
• Abstract 3092/3: U3-1402, a novel HER3-targeting ADC with a novel DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor, demonstrates a potent antitumor efficacy (Poster Presentation, Session: PO.ET01.02, Tuesday, April 4, 2017; 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT; Location: Section 4)

EZH1/2 Inhibition Poster Presentations
Two posters will discuss preclinical evidence for the role of dual inhibition of the histone methyltransferases (histone-modifying enzymes) EZH1 (enhancer of zeste homolog 1) and EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2) as a novel, epigenetic treatment approach for hematologic malignancies. 

• Abstract 4670/1: Identification of a possible therapeutic candidate for multiple myeloma based on dual inhibition of EZH1/EZH2 (Poster Presentation, Session: PO.CL01.05, Tuesday, April 4, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT; Location: Section 29)
                                  
• Abstract 4672/3: Novel epigenetic approach to relapsed mantle cell lymphoma based on dual inhibition of EZH1/EZH2 (Poster Presentation, Session: PO.CL01.05, Tuesday, April 4, 2017; 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT; Location: Section 29)

About DS-8201 and U3-1402
DS-8201 and U3-1402 are antibody drug conjugates (ADC) using Daiichi Sankyo's proprietary payload and linker-payload technology designed to deliver enhanced cancer cell destruction with less systemic exposure to chemotherapy. DS-8201 is an investigational HER2-targeting ADC currently in phase 1 clinical development for HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer or gastric cancer, HER2-low-expressing breast cancer and other HER2-expressing solid cancers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Fast Track designation to DS-8201 for the treatment of HER2-positive unresectable and/or metastatic breast cancer in patients who have progressed after prior treatment with HER2-targeted therapies including ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). U3-1402 is an investigational and potential first-in-class HER3-targeting ADC currently in phase 1 clinical development for HER3-positive metastatic or unresectable breast cancer. It is also being evaluated in other HER3-expressing tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer. DS-8201 and U3-1402 have not been approved for any indication in any country. 

About Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise
The vision of Daiichi Sankyo Cancer Enterprise is to leverage our world-class, innovative science and push beyond traditional thinking in order to create meaningful treatments for patients with cancer. We are dedicated to transforming science into value for patients, and this sense of obligation informs everything we do. Anchored by our Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Franchises, our cancer pipeline includes more than 20 small molecules, monoclonal antibodies and ADCs stemming from our powerful research engines: our two laboratories for biologic/immuno-oncology and small molecules in Japan, and Plexxikon Inc., our small molecule structure-guided R&D center in Berkeley, CA. Compounds in development include: quizartinib, an oral FLT3 inhibitor, for FLT3-ITD+ AML; DS-8201, a HER2-targeting ADC, for HER2-expressing breast or gastric cancer or other HER2-expressing solid tumors; and pexidartinib, an oral CSF-1R inhibitor, for tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT), which is also being explored in a range of solid tumors in combination with the anti-PD1 immunotherapy pembrolizumab.

About Daiichi Sankyo
Daiichi Sankyo Group is dedicated to the creation and supply of innovative pharmaceutical products to address diversified, unmet medical needs of patients in both mature and emerging markets. With over 100 years of scientific expertise and a presence in more than 20 countries, Daiichi Sankyo and its 16,000 employees around the world draw upon a rich legacy of innovation and a robust pipeline of promising new medicines to help people. In addition to a strong portfolio of medicines for hypertension and thrombotic disorders, under the Group's 2025 Vision to become a "Global Pharma Innovator with a Competitive Advantage in Oncology," Daiichi Sankyo research and development is primarily focused on bringing forth novel therapies in oncology, including immuno-oncology, with additional focus on new horizon areas, such as pain management, neurodegenerative diseases, heart and kidney diseases, and other rare diseases. For more information, please visit: www.daiichisankyo.com. Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, is a member of the Daiichi Sankyo Group. For more information on Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., please visit: www.dsi.com.

Contact
Jennifer Brennan
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
jbrennan2@dsi.com  
+1 973 944 2393 (office)
+1 201 709 9309 (mobile)

SOURCE Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited