Pasithea Therapeutics Corp. (NASDAQ: KTTA) (“Pasithea” or the
“Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing
PAS-004, a next-generation macrocyclic MEK inhibitor, for the
treatment of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and other cancer
indications, today announced safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic
(PK) and preliminary efficacy data from the first 2 cohorts of
patients (n=6) in its Phase 1 clinical trial of PAS-004, being
conducted at four clinical sites in the United States.
The Phase 1 clinical trial is a multi-center,
open-label, dose escalation 3+3 study design to evaluate the
safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD),
and preliminary efficacy of PAS-004 in patients with MAPK pathway
driven advanced solid tumors with a documented RAS, NF1 or RAF
mutation or patients who have failed BRAF/MEK inhibition
(NCT06299839).
“We are very pleased to share the PK, safety,
and preliminary efficacy data from the 2 mg and 4 mg cohorts in our
first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial of PAS-004. We believe these
data demonstrate a PK and safety profile that differentiates
PAS-004 as a next-generation MEK inhibitor. We have already
achieved significant PAS-004 exposures with a favorable safety
profile and have not seen adverse side effects such as rash or GI
toxicity, which are typical for MEK inhibitors even at low doses.
The long half-life at approximately 70 hours, and the ability to
achieve a flat PK curve at steady-state, aim to provide a constant
target inhibition while avoiding peak plasma toxicities, which is a
unique PK profile among MEK inhibitors used for the treatment of
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1),” stated Dr. Tiago Reis Marques,
Chief Executive Officer of Pasithea.
“In addition, we are encouraged to see early
potential signs of efficacy, with a heavily pre-treated patient
with colorectal cancer showing prolonged stable disease. Colorectal
cancer is known to not provide a RECIST response when treated with
single-agent MEK inhibitors. This patient has a BRAF K601E
mutation, a mutational status with no approved therapies. We are
encouraged that this patient has been treated continuously into the
6th 28-day dosing cycle with no toxicities or AEs observed. While
still early in clinical development, we believe PAS-004 is showing
early signs of differentiation, indicating PAS-004 has the
potential to outperform current MEK inhibitors in terms of safety,
reduced administration frequency, and potentially efficacy. Our
goal is to provide a once-daily or less frequent dosing treatment
with broader application, not only for NF1 but also for other
indications.”
Interim Phase 1 Results
Pharmacokinetics (PK)
- Plasma exposure increased with an
increase in dose and linear PK is observed
- Long half-life of approximately 70
hours will allow for once daily dosing or longer intervals
- Prolonged systemic exposure with
minimal fluctuation in PAS-004 plasma concentration at steady state
(Cmax/Cmin ratio of 1.2) indicates a potential to achieve constant
target inhibition
At steady-state, drug levels peaked at about 5
hours with a geometric mean maximum concentration (Cmax) of 16.2
and 61.3 ng/mL for the 2 mg and 4 mg dose groups, respectively. The
mean elimination half-life was 67.9 hours supporting once-daily or
less frequent oral dosing.
“PAS-004 has demonstrated distinct properties
that we believe are significant advantages for an oral MEK
inhibitor. PAS-004 has a significantly longer half-life compared to
early-generation MEK inhibitors, particularly those used for the
treatment of NF1, which have half-lives of less than 8 hours. The
ability to achieve prolonged plasma exposures, as reflected in
stable plasma concentrations at steady state, may potentially allow
PAS-004 to achieve efficacious doses with a favorable safety
profile,” stated Dr. Tiago Reis Marques, Chief Executive Officer of
Pasithea.
Safety & Tolerability
- No treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) or dose limiting
toxicities (DLTs) observed to date
In the first 2 dosing cohorts (n=6), PAS-004 was
shown to be well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile with no
drug-related dose interruptions, reductions or discontinuations.
There were no drug-related serious AEs (SAE) in any dose arm and no
protocol-defined stopping criteria were met. Importantly, at the 2
and 4 mg dose levels no rash or skin toxicity, gastro-intestinal
(GI) toxicity, or ocular toxicity have been observed to date.
The study independent Safety Review Committee
has completed its safety review of data from the second dose cohort
of 4 mg and the Company has initiated cohort 3 dosing at an
increased dose of 8 mg in capsules and has filed a protocol
amendment to increase dosing schedule.
PAS-004 Demonstrates a Differentiated
MEK Inhibitor Profile
Unlike first-generation MEK inhibitors for the
treatment of NF1 that require twice-daily dosing (BID) and exhibit
short half-lives (<8 hours), PAS-004 has the potential to
achieve prolonged target inhibition due to its long half-life of
approximately 70 hours with once-daily dosing (QD). The PK profile
shows consistent plasma levels at steady-state, as reflected by a
low Cmax to Cmin ratio, potentially reducing the risks for
Cmax-related toxicity. These findings provide a compelling
rationale for the advancement of PAS-004 into clinical trials for
both the treatment of cutaneous and plexiform neurofibromas in NF1,
cancer and other MAPK-driven opportunities. The company expects to
provide additional trial updates on a periodic basis as the trial
progresses.
About Pasithea Therapeutics
Corp.
Pasithea is a biotechnology company focused on
the discovery, research and development of innovative treatments
for central nervous system (CNS) disorders and RASopathies. With an
experienced team of experts in the fields of neuroscience,
translational medicine, and drug development, Pasithea is
developing new molecular entities for the treatment of neurological
disorders, including Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Solid Tumors,
and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that
constitute “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe
harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements
regarding the Company’s ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial and the
safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic (PK) and preliminary efficacy
of PAS-004, as well as all other statements, other than statements
of historical fact, regarding the Company’s current views and
assumptions with respect to future events regarding its business,
as well as other statements with respect to the Company’s plans,
assumptions, expectations, beliefs and objectives, the success of
the Company’s current and future business strategies, product
development, preclinical studies clinical studies, clinical and
regulatory timelines, market opportunity, competitive position,
business strategies, potential growth opportunities and other
statements that are predictive in nature. Forward-looking
statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are
beyond the control of the Company. While the Company believes these
forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should
not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are
based on information available to the Company on the date of this
release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current
estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and
uncertainties, including risks that future clinical trial results
may not match results observed to date, may be negative or
ambiguous, or may not reach the level of statistical significance
required for regulatory approval, as well as other factors set
forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K,
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other filings made with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Thus, actual results
could be materially different. The Company undertakes no obligation
to update these statements whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, after the date of this release, except
as required by law.
Pasithea Therapeutics
Contact
Patrick GaynesCorporate Communicationspgaynes@pasithea.com
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