Abstract: The rho-associated coiled-coil–containing protein kinase-2 (ROCK2) signaling pathway regulates the Th17/regulatory T cells balance and controls profibrotic pathways. Selective ROCK2 inhibition with belumosudil (KD025) may offer a novel approach to the management of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). PATIENTS AND METHODS A phase IIa, open-label, dose-finding study of belumosudil enrolled 54 patients with cGVHD who had received one to three prior lines of therapy (LOTs). The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR). RESULTS The median time from cGVHD diagnosis to enrollment was 20 months. Seventy-eight percent of patients had severe cGVHD, 50% had ≥ 4 organs involved, 73% had cGVHD refractory to their last LOT, and 50% had received ≥ 3 prior LOTs. With an overall median follow-up of 29 months, the ORR (95% CI) with belumosudil 200 mg once daily, 200 mg twice daily, and 400 mg once daily was 65% (38% to 86%), 69% (41% to 89%), and 62% (38% to 82%), respectively. Responses were clinically meaningful, with a median duration of response of 35 weeks, and were associated with quality-of-life improvements and corticosteroid (CS) dose reductions. CS treatment was discontinued in 19% of patients. The failure-free survival rate was 76% (62% to 85%) and 47% (33% to 60%) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The 2-year overall survival rate was 82% (69% to 90%). Belumosudil was well-tolerated, with low rates of cytopenia. There were no unexpected adverse events and no apparent increased risk of infection, including cytomegalovirus infection and reactivation. CONCLUSION Belumosudil treatment resulted in a high ORR and overall survival rate and demonstrated quality-of-life improvements, CS dose reductions, and limited toxicity. Data from the study indicated that belumosudil may prove to be an effective therapy for patients with treatment-refractory cGVHD.

Abstract: Belumosudil, an investigational oral selective inhibitor of Rho-associated coiled-coil–containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2), reduces type 17 and follicular T helper cells via downregulation of STAT3 and enhances regulatory T cells via upregulation of STAT5. Belumosudil may effectively treat patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), a major cause of morbidity and late nonrelapse mortality after an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. This phase 2 randomized multicenter registration study evaluated belumosudil 200 mg daily (n = 66) and 200 mg twice daily (n = 66) in subjects with cGVHD who had received 2 to 5 prior lines of therapy. The primary end point was best overall response rate (ORR). Duration of response (DOR), changes in Lee Symptom Scale score, failure-free survival, corticosteroid dose reductions, and overall survival were also evaluated. Overall median follow-up was 14 months. The best ORR for belumosudil 200 mg daily and 200 mg twice daily was 74% (95% confidence interval [CI], 62-84) and 77% (95% CI, 65-87), respectively, with high response rates observed in all subgroups. All affected organs demonstrated complete responses. The median DOR was 54 weeks; 44% of subjects have remained on therapy for ≥1 year. Symptom reduction with belumosudil 200 mg daily and 200 mg twice daily was reported in 59% and 62% of subjects, respectively. Adverse events (AEs) were consistent with those expected in patients with cGVHD receiving corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants. Sixteen subjects (12%) discontinued belumosudil because of possible drug-related AEs. Belumosudil, a promising therapy for cGVHD, was well tolerated with clinically meaningful responses. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03640481.

Abstract: Introduction: cGVHD remains a leading cause of post-transplant morbidity / mortality, exhibiting features of both autoimmune and fibrotic diseases across multiple organ systems. cGVHD is characterized by an imbalance between effector and regulatory arms of the immune system that results in over production of inflammatory cytokines including IL-17 and IL-21. Moreover, a persistent reduction in the number of regulatory T (Treg) cells limits the ability of the immune system to re-calibrate this pro-inflammatory environment. KD025 is an orally available Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 (ROCK2) selective inhibitor. In vitro data have demonstrated that KD025 (1) attenuates IL-21 and IL-17 secretion in human CD4+ T cells via STAT3, IRF4 and RORγt regulation, and (2) leads to increased percentages of Foxp3+ CD4+ T cells via a STAT5-dependent mechanism and upregulates the suppressive function of human Tregs. These MOA suggest that KD025 modulates immune homeostasis by shifting the Th17/Treg balance towards a Treg phenotype. No studies have examined KD025 effects in patients with dysregulation associated with high Th17 and low Tregs. Methods: KD025-208 enrolled 3 cohorts (C1: 200 mg QD, C2: 200 mg BID, and C3: 400 mg QD) of patients (pts) with cGVHD after 1-3 prior lines of systemic therapy. Treatment is in 28-Day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint is the overall response rate (ORR) (% pts achieving partial response (PR) or complete response (CR)) as per 2014 NIH response criteria. Secondary endpoints include duration of response (DOR) and corticosteroid (CS) dose reductions. Exploratory endpoints include Lee Symptom Scale (LSS) score and pharmacodynamics (PD). Peripheral blood samples were collected from all pts at Cycle 1 Day 1 (C1D1), C2D1, C4D1 and C6D25, and shipped at ambient temperature. PBMC were isolated and kept frozen until analysis. The intracellular expression of IL-17A and FOXP3 on viable CD3+ CD4+ cells was determined by using multicolor flow cytometry. Results: Data as of 6-June-2018 for C1 and C2 are included; C3 data will be available 4Q18. 17 and 16 pts were enrolled in C1 and C2 with median age 52 years, median time from cGVHD diagnosis to KD025 treatment of 19 months, and a median of 3 prior treatment regimens. Median duration of treatment was 37 (C1) and 33 (C2) weeks (wks). KD025 demonstrated an ORR of 65% in C1 and 63% in C2. ORR in key subgroups is shown below. Responses were rapid (76% achieved at first assessment at 8 wks) and durable with 82% (C1) and 50% (C2) of responders sustaining response for ≥20 wks. Responses including CRs were observed across all affected organ systems except lung (mouth, eyes, joints/ fascia, skin, upper GI, lower GI, esophagus, liver). A previously reported lung PR was deemed on review to be IPF with no cGVHD involvement. During treatment with KD025, median CS dose was reduced by 44% (C1) and 26% (C2). 76% and 56% of pts achieved CS dose reductions. 5/33 (15%) pts discontinued CS. 65% (C1) and 50% (C2) achieved a meaningful improvement (≥7 point reduction) in the LSS score, including both responders (67%) and non-responders (42%). KD025 has been well tolerated. AEs reported were generally consistent with those expected in pts with advanced cGVHD treated with CS. Common AEs were increased LFTs (42%), URI (33%), anemia (27%), nausea (24%), diarrhea (24%) and fatigue (21%). Increased LFTs did not lead to treatment discontinuation, commonly occurred prior to KD025 dosing and were often considered attributable to cGVHD. Grade 3+ LFT increases were reported for 6 (18%) pts. 2 pts discontinued treatment due to AEs possibly related to KD025 (headache, diarrhea). SAEs were reported for 11/33 (33%) pts, none considered related to KD025 treatment. There was no apparent increased risk of infection. Exploratory PD analyses of PBMCs across C1 and C2 revealed an early increase in the percentage of CD4+ Treg cells by C2D1 of KD025 treatment with a simultaneous decrease in Th17 cells. The percentage of CD4+ Tregs continued to increase, and the Th17 cells continued to decrease through C4D1 and C6D25. Conclusion: Treatment with KD025 has demonstrated encouraging clinical responses in cGVHD pts with little toxicity. Responses have been clinically meaningful as evidenced by durability, reductions in CS doses and improvement in LSS score. Exploratory PD data indicate treatment with KD025 may modulate immune homeostasis by restoring the Th17/Treg balance. Figure. Figure. Disclosures Jagasia: Incyte Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Salhotra:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Consultancy. Bachier:Sanofi: Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Speakers Bureau. Weisdorf:Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Equillium: Consultancy; SL Behring: Consultancy; FATE: Consultancy. Green:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Employment. Schueller:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Employment. Zanin-Zhorov:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Employment. Weiss:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Employment. Eiznhamer:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Employment. Aggarwal:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Employment. Blazar:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Consultancy, Research Funding. Lee:Takeda: Research Funding; Kadmon: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Mallinckrodt: Honoraria; Incyte: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Onyx: Research Funding.

Abstract: Introduction: Belumosudil (KD025) is a novel oral selective rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 (ROCK2) inhibitor specifically designed for the treatment of cGVHD, an immune-mediated inflammatory and fibrotic disorder. In a previous dose-finding study (KD025-208, N=54), two-thirds of patients, including those with fibrotic and inflammatory manifestations, achieved a partial or complete response with belumosudil. Herein, we report on the top-line results (6 months after the last patient in) from the pivotal phase 2 trial (ROCKstar [KD025-213] , N=132). Methods: This phase 2, open-label, randomized, multicenter study evaluated belumosudil 200 mg QD (n=66) and BID (n=66) in patients with cGVHD who received 2 to 5 prior lines of therapy (LOT). Treatment continued until clinically significant progression of cGVHD. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR), defined per the 2014 National Institutes of Health Consensus Criteria. Additional end points included duration of response (DOR), Lee Symptom Scale (LSS) score, failure-free survival (FFS), corticosteroid (CS) dose reductions and overall survival. The study was powered such that the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval (CI) excludes 30%, with appropriate multiplicity adjustment. Results: At enrollment, the median age was 56 years, the median time from cGVHD diagnosis to enrollment was 29 months, 67% of patients had severe cGVHD, 52% had ≥4 organs involved, 72% had received ≥3 prior LOT (including ibrutinib [n=46] or ruxolitinib [n=38] ) and 73% were refractory to their last LOT. The baseline characteristics of both arms were well balanced. With a median follow-up of 8 months, the ORR (95% CI) with belumosudil 200 mg QD and BID was 73% (60%-83%) and 74% (62%-84%), respectively (Table 1). In patients who previously received ruxolitinib (29%), the ORR with belumosudil 200 mg QD and BID was 65% (41%-85%) and 72% (47%-90%), respectively. In patients who previously received ibrutinib (35%), the ORR with belumosudil 200 mg QD and BID was 73% (50%-89%) and 71% (49%-87%), respectively. High ORRs were seen in all patient subgroups, regardless of length of time from diagnosis to treatment, including those with severe cGVHD, involvement of ≥4 organs and a refractory response to prior LOT (Figure 1). The response rate was similar across all affected organs. The median time to response was 4 weeks. Of responders, 49% have maintained response for ≥20 weeks. The median DOR has not yet been reached. Clinically meaningful improvement (≥7-point reduction) in LSS score on consecutive assessments was observed in 39% and 33% of patients in the QD and BID groups, respectively. Both responders (43%) and nonresponders (17%) experienced a clinically meaningful improvement in LSS score. FFS was 77% (69%-84%) at 6 months. CS and calcineurin inhibitor discontinuations were seen in 18% and 13% of patients, respectively. Belumosudil was well tolerated, with & gt;95% relative dose intensity in 83% of patients. Drug discontinuation occurred in 10% of patients due to possible drug-related adverse events (AEs), 3% due to progression of underlying disease and 12% due to progression of cGVHD. AEs were consistent with those expected in patients with cGVHD receiving CS and other immunosuppressants (Table 2). Common AEs included fatigue (32%), diarrhea (29%), nausea (26%), cough (24%), dyspnea (24%), upper respiratory tract infection (23%), peripheral edema (21%) and headache (20%). At least 1 serious AE occurred in 34% of patients. Twenty-three percent of patients had at least 1 liver-related investigation; the most common was increased gamma-glutamyltransferase (11%), and only 1 patient showed an increase in bilirubin. Eight patients died during the study; 5 due to AEs (1 possibly related to belumosudil) and 3 during long-term follow-up ( & gt;28 days after last dose). There were no reports of cytomegalovirus reactivation or infection. Conclusion: Treatment with belumosudil at both doses resulted in high ORRs across key subgroups, meeting the primary end point of this pivotal randomized trial in cGVHD. Responses were durable and clinically meaningful, irrespective of patient and cGVHD characteristics, and were seen in patients who previously received ruxolitinib and ibrutinib. Belumosudil was well tolerated, with limited and manageable AEs. Further studies will evaluate its use earlier in disease management. The 12-month data analysis will be presented at ASH 2020. Disclosures Cutler: Incyte: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kadmon: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Medsenic: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Generon: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Mesoblast: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lee:Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Kadmon: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Syndax: Research Funding. Rotta:Merck: Speakers Bureau; Jazz Pharma: Speakers Bureau. Ramakrishnan:Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Cigna: Honoraria. Eiznhamer:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Schueller:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Yang:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Green:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Aggarwal:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Consultancy; Angiocrine Bioscience, Inc: Current Employment, Other: stock options. Blazar:BlueRock Therapeutics: Research Funding; BlueRock Therapeuetic: Consultancy; Fate Therapeutics Inc.: Research Funding; Magenta Therapeutics: Consultancy; Childrens' Cancer Research Fund: Research Funding; KidsFirst Fund: Research Funding; Tmunity: Other: Co-founder. Jagasia:Ocugen: Other; Mallinckrodt: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding.

Abstract: Introduction: cGVHD exhibits both autoimmune and fibrotic features across multiple organ systems. KD025 is an orally available Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 (ROCK2) selective inhibitor that (1) decreases human T cell IL-21 and IL-17 secretion via STAT3, IRF4 and RORγt regulation; (2) increases percentages and function of Foxp3+ T regulatory cells via a STAT5-dependent mechanism; and (3) reverses established cGVHD in 2 distinct preclinical models. KD025 modulates the immune system by shifting the Th17/Treg balance towards homeostasis. Methods: KD025-208 enrolled 3 sequential cohorts (C) (C1: 200 mg QD, C2: 200 mg BID and C3: 400 mg QD) of patients (pts) with cGVHD after 1-3 prior lines of systemic therapy. Treatment is in 28-Day continuous cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint is the overall response rate (ORR) as per 2014 NIH response criteria in the mITT population. Additional endpoints include duration of response (DOR), corticosteroid (CS) dose reductions, failure free survival (FFS) and Lee Symptom Scale (LSS) score. Results: 17, 16 and 21 pts were enrolled in C1, C2, and C3 between Sep-2016 and Mar-2018. Data as of 8-Mar-2019 are included, reflecting a median duration of follow up of 112, 97 and 64 weeks (wks), respectively. At enrollment, median age was 52 yrs, median time from cGVHD diagnosis to treatment was 20 mos, and patients had received a median of 2 prior lines of therapy. 71% of patients were refractory to the last line of therapy prior to enrollment. 50% of pts had cGVHD in ≥4 organs. The median duration of treatment was 37, 33 and 39 wks, respectively. As of 30-Jun-2019, 24% of pts had received & gt;18 months of KD025 therapy. 14 pts remain on KD025 treatment. Reasons for discontinuation included cGVHD progression (18), pt voluntary withdrawal (7), relapse of underlying disease (5), investigator decision (5), AE (3) and death (2). ORR (95% CI) was 65% (38%, 85%) in C1, 69% (41%, 89%) in C2, and 62% (38%, 82%) in C3, i.e. 65% (51%, 77%) across all 3 cohorts. Responses were achieved across key subgroups with ORRs of 62% (24/39) in pts with ≥2 prior lines of systemic therapy, 70% (19/27) in pts with ≥4 organs involved and 60% (25/42) in pts with severe cGVHD. CRs were observed in all affected organs except lung; PRs were observed in lung. Responses were rapid, and often achieved within 8 wks, although 4/35 responses occurred after 24 wks. Of note, organs with fibrotic manifestations such as lungs, joints and eyes responded after 24 weeks in some pts. Responses were durable, with a Kaplan-Meier (K-M) median DOR of 34 weeks across all cohorts. 57% of responders sustained a response for ≥20 wks. The K-M median DOR was 34 wks in pts with ≥2 prior lines of systemic therapy. FFS at 6, 12, 18 and 24 mos was 76%, 47%, 40% and 33%, respectively. Baseline median CS dose was 0.21 mg/kg/day of prednisone equivalent. During treatment with KD025, the median CS dose was reduced by 50%. 67% of pts reduced CS dose and 20% discontinued CS completely. The median CS dose reduction was 66% in responders and 25% in non-responders. 52% of pts reported a clinically meaningful improvement (≥7-point reduction) in LSS score during treatment with KD025 with a median time to improvement of 9 wks and a duration for responders of 21 wks. 63% of responders and 32% of non-responders reported a meaningful improvement in LSS score. KD025 was well tolerated with a median Relative Dose Intensity of 98%. Dose reductions/interruptions occurred in 21/54 pts; median duration of interruption was 8.5 days (range 3-20). AEs were consistent with those expected in cGVHD pts receiving CS. Common AEs were URI (35%), diarrhea (31%), nausea (31%), fatigue (30%), dyspnea (28%), increased LFTs (24%), and peripheral edema (22%). 63% had a Grade ≥3 AE; the most common was dyspnea (13%). & lt;10% of pts experienced Grade 3 anemia, neutropenia or thrombocytopenia. SAEs were reported in 43%; none were considered related to KD025. Three pts discontinued KD025 due to possibly related AEs (C1: diarrhea, headache; C3: fatigue). No apparent increased risk of infection was observed. Three pts died on study (C3: relapse of leukemia; lung infection; cardiac arrest); none were considered related to KD025. Conclusions: Durable and clinically meaningful responses have been observed across all 3 cohorts. KD025 was well tolerated, allowing pts to remain on treatment and realize potential benefits of sustained therapy. Disclosures Jagasia: Kadmon: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding. Salhotra:Celgene: Other: Research Support; Kadmon Corporation: Other: Non paid consultant. Bachier:Viracyte: Consultancy; Sanofi: Speakers Bureau; Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Consultancy. Lazaryan:Kadmon: Consultancy. Weisdorf:Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Fate Therapeutics: Consultancy; Incyte: Research Funding. Green:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Employment. Schueller:Kadmon Corporation LLC: Employment. Huang:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Employment. Yang:Kadmon Corporation: Employment. Eiznhamer:Kadmon Corporation: Employment. Aggarwal:Kadmon Corporation, LLC: Employment, Equity Ownership. Blazar:Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding; Magenta Therapeutics and BlueRock Therapeuetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kamon Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Five Prime Therapeutics Inc: Co-Founder, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; RXi Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc.: Research Funding; Abbvie Inc: Research Funding; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: Research Funding; Childrens' Cancer Research Fund: Research Funding; KidsFirst Fund: Research Funding; Tmunity: Other: Co-Founder; BlueRock Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Lee:Incyte: Research Funding; Syndax: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Kadmon: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding.