SELLAS Life Sciences Announces First Pediatric AML Patient Dosed in the Ongoing Phase 2 Trial of SLS009 r/r AML

Core Insights - SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. has initiated dosing of the first pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient in a Phase 2 trial for SLS009, a selective CDK9 inhibitor, supported by Rare Pediatric Disease Designation [1][2] Group 1: Clinical Development - The Phase 2 trial is an open-label, single-arm, multi-center study aimed at evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SLS009 in combination with venetoclax and azacitidine at two dose levels: 45 mg and 60 mg [3] - The target response rate for the optimal dose level is set at 20%, with a target median survival of at least 3 months [3] - The trial includes cohorts for ASXL1-mutated AML patients and those with myelodysplasia-related molecular abnormalities, aiming to identify biomarkers for the target patient population [3] Group 2: Regulatory and Market Implications - SELLAS received FDA Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for SLS009 in July 2024, which may provide regulatory advantages and eligibility for a Priority Review Voucher (PRV) upon future NDA approval [2] - PRVs have recently been valued at approximately $100 million, indicating significant market potential for the company if successful [2] Group 3: Company Overview - SELLAS is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for various cancer indications, with its lead product candidate GPS targeting the WT1 protein [4] - SLS009 is positioned as a potentially first-in-class CDK9 inhibitor, demonstrating a high response rate in AML patients with unfavorable prognostic factors, including ASXL1 mutation [4]