PCI Biotech announces preliminary outcome of meetings with EMA and FDA for development of fimaporfin in inoperable cholangiocarcinoma

Oslo, 20 December 2017 – PCI Biotech (OSE: PCIB), a cancer focused biopharmaceutical company, today announced preliminary outcome of regulatory interactions with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the development of fimaporfin in combination with gemcitabine for treatment of inoperable cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). The purpose of the interactions is to discuss the development programme for fimaporfin, including the design of a pivotal study to support future marketing authorisation applications in EU and the USA.

A common understanding has been reached on several important factors for a pivotal study with fimaporfin in inoperable cholangiocarcinoma, including the sufficiency of a single randomised two-arm study and importantly, the potential for accelerated/conditional approval based on interim results. The required randomised study will provide the opportunity to generate robust comparative data of importance for market acceptance of fimaporfin as a first line treatment of inoperable cholangiocarcinoma. The implications of an interim analysis for the final pivotal study design will require further discussions with regulators.

Dr Per Walday, CEO of PCI Biotech, said: “With promising efficacy results generated so far, orphan drug designations granted and guidance from regulators and key opinion leaders, we are focused on finalising the preparations for the pivotal randomised adaptive study. Patients with inoperable cholangiocarcinoma have no approved treatment alternatives today and fimaporfin has the potential to play a role in this area of high unmet medical need. We are therefore pleased that the regulators are open to a potential approval based on interim results“.

Further information on the study, which is planned for initiation during the first half of 2018, will be announced following completion of discussions with regulators and clinical advisors.

About PCI Biotech

PCI Biotech is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on development and commercialisation of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer through its innovative photochemical internalisation (PCI) technology platform. PCI is applied to three distinct anticancer paradigms: fimaCHEM (enhancement of chemotherapeutics for localised treatment of cancer), fimaVACC (T-cell induction technology for therapeutic vaccination), and fimaNAc (nucleic acid therapeutics delivery).Photochemical internalisation induces triggered endosomal release that is used to unlock the true potential of a wide array of therapeutic modalities. The company’s lead fimaCHEM programme consists of a Phase I/II clinical study in bile duct cancer, an orphan indication with a high unmet need and without approved products. fimaVACC applies a unique mode of action to enhance the essential cytotoxic effect of therapeutic cancer vaccines, which works in synergy with several other state-of-the-art vaccination technologies. fimaNAc utilises the endosomal release to provide intracellular delivery of nucleic acids, such as mRNA and siRNA therapeutics, thereby addressing one of the major bottlenecks facing this emerging and promising field.

Contact information: 
PCI Biotech Holding ASA, Ullernchausséen 64, N-0379 Oslo              
Per Walday, CEO, pw@pcibiotech.no, Mobile: +47 917 93 429

Forward-looking statements

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, which as such are not historical facts, but are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. These assumptions are inherently subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in this announcement by such forward-looking statements. PCI Biotech disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.