Casi Pharma-Partnered BioInvent's Lead Cancer Program Gets FDA Orphan Drug Tag

The FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation to BioInvent International AB's BOVNF BI-1206, an anti-FcyRllB antibody, for follicular lymphoma (FL) the most common form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

• BioInvent is a collaborating partner of CASI Pharmaceuticals Inc CASI.
• BI-1206 is BioInvent's lead drug candidate and is currently being investigated in two Phase 1/2 trials. 
• One trial is evaluating the BI-1206 combination with rituximab for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in patients who have relapsed or are refractory to rituximab. 
• A second Phase 1/2 trial is investigating BI-1206 in combination with Merck & Co Inc MRK anti-PD1 therapy Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in solid tumors.
• Price Action: CASI shares are up 4.21% at $0.72 during the premarket session on the last check Thursday.