NEW YORK, May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BeyondSpring Pharmaceuticals, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative cancer therapies, including its Phase III immuno-oncology compound and strong pipeline in collaboration with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, today announced that Chief Medical Officer Ramon Mohanlal, M.D., Ph.D., served on a prominent panel at NewYorkBIO to address the challenges of immuno-oncology, alongside Douglas Blayney, M.D., Professor of Medicine (Oncology) at Stanford University, and Patrick Huddie, Ph.D., Partner at Westbury Group LLC. The panel took place on Thursday, May 12, 2016, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. ET.
"Our lead compound, Plinabulin, has immune-enhancing effects, which, in combination checkpoint inhibitors, result in superior anti-tumor efficacy when compared to checkpoint inhibitors alone in preclinical models," said Dr. Mohanlal. "In BeyondSpring's Phase II clinical trial, we observed that Plinabulin mitigated Docetaxel-induced grade 4 Neutropenia and its clinical sequelae (severe infections, sepsis and hospitalizations), improving Docetaxel dose intensity. Therefore, Plinabulin's product profile is attractive, as it can serve as an effective, safe, convenient and cost-effective alternative to G-CSF, including its biosimilars. This session examined the limitations and opportunity with G-CSF for the Neutropenia indication and with the current checkpoint inhibitor therapeutics."
Dr. Mohanlal has more than 20 years of global experience in strategic drug development at big pharma, biotechs and start-ups. His expertise includes clinical development of drugs in all Phases (preclinical and I, II, III, IV clinical), regulatory filings and maintaining drugs on the market. He was the Clinical Head of Established Products, Oncology, for Novartis, where he developed immuno-oncology development programs based on checkpoint inhibitors in combination with mature oncology programs.
Neutropenia is the reduction of white blood cells that are key components of the immune system and frequently results from treatment with chemotherapy. Patients with Neutropenia are more susceptible to bacterial infections, and this condition (Febrile Neutropenia) carries a high risk for mortality and often requires hospitalization.
About BeyondSpring Pharmaceuticals
BeyondSpring is a global clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative cancer therapies targeting immuno-oncology and tumor vascularization. BeyondSpring has advanced its lead asset, Plinabulin, into a Phase III clinical trial as a direct anticancer agent in non-small cell lung cancer. The Company is also planning a Phase III clinical trial for Plinabulin in the prevention of Docetaxel-induced Neutropenia. BeyondSpring's management team brought a combined 30+ drugs to market. The Company's immuno-oncology pipeline is robust, including a collaboration agreement with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
About Plinabulin
Plinabulin is a small molecule agent that is administered by IV infusion (30-minute infusion) and is administered 60 minutes after completion of Docetaxel infusion, on the same day of Docetaxel infusion.
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SOURCE BeyondSpring Pharmaceuticals