Moorestown, New Jersey, United States
biotecHOPE™ 2023
Sotatercept
Sotatercept
Sotatercept
Sotatercept
Sotatercept
Merck Receives Priority Review from FDA for New Biologics License Application for Sotatercept, an Activin Signaling Inhibitor to Treat Adults with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
September 28, 2023 6:45 am ET
Application based on clinically meaningful results from the Phase 3 STELLAR trial
If approved, sotatercept would be the first in its class, bringing a novel approach to address a rare and progressive disease of the pulmonary arteries
RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for priority review a new Biologics License Application (BLA) for sotatercept, Merck’s novel investigational activin signaling inhibitor, for the treatment of adult patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1). The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), or target action, date of March 26, 2024.
PAH is a rare, progressive and ultimately life-threatening disease characterized by the narrowing of blood vessels in the lungs, causing significant strain on the heart. The application for sotatercept is based on data from the Phase 3 STELLAR trial, in which sotatercept on top of background therapy demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and eight of nine secondary outcome measures. These results were presented at ACC.23/WCC and published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
“Despite advances in the treatment of PAH over the last two decades, there is still a significant need to improve outcomes for patients,” said Dr. Joerg Koglin, senior vice president, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. “The FDA’s acceptance of this application is an exciting milestone in our journey to bring this novel activin signaling inhibitor to patients. Based on the profound improvements across primary and secondary outcome measures in the Phase 3 STELLAR trial, we believe sotatercept has the potential to transform the treatment of patients with PAH. We look forward to working closely with the FDA to bring sotatercept to patients in need.”
About STELLAR
STELLAR (NCT04576988) was a pivotal Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, parallel-group study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sotatercept in adult patients with PAH (WHO Group 1) being treated with background therapy with WHO Functional Class (FC) II or III. The primary endpoint of the study was exercise capacity, as measured by change from baseline in week 24 6MWD. Nine secondary endpoints, tested hierarchically in the following order, were multicomponent improvement, change in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level, improvement in WHO FC, time to clinical worsening or death, French risk score, and the PAH-SYMPACT® Physical Impacts, Cardiopulmonary Symptoms and Cognitive/Emotional Impacts domain scores; all assessed at week 24 except clinical worsening, which was assessed when the last patient completed the week 24 visit.
About pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, progressive and life-threatening blood vessel disorder characterized by the constriction of small pulmonary arteries and elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation. Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. are living with PAH. The disease progresses rapidly for many patients. PAH results in significant strain on the heart, leading to limited physical activity, heart failure and reduced life expectancy. The five-year mortality rate for patients with PAH is approximately 43%.
About sotatercept
Sotatercept is a potential first-in-class activin signaling inhibitor biologic being studied for the treatment of PAH (WHO Group 1). PAH is a rare disease caused by hyperproliferation of cells in the arterial walls in the lung, leading to narrowing and abnormal constriction. In pre-clinical models, sotatercept has been shown to modulate vascular cell proliferation, reversing vascular and right ventricle remodeling.
In addition to STELLAR, the sotatercept clinical development program includes multiple Phase 2 and 3 trials across a broad range of patients. Studies are underway in adult patients with PAH (WHO Group 1) at intermediate or high risk of disease progression or mortality, as well as with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (WHO Group 2).
Sotatercept has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Orphan Drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as Priority Medicines designation and Orphan Drug designation by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of PAH. Merck acquired exclusive rights to sotatercept in the pulmonary hypertension field through the acquisition of Acceleron Pharma Inc. Sotatercept is the subject of a licensing agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb.
About Merck
At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter,Facebook,Instagram,YouTube and LinkedIn.
Source: Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck wins FDA priority review for lung disease therapy
Sep. 28, 2023 7:06 AM ET
By: Dulan Lokuwithana, SA News Editor
- Merck (NYSE:MRK) announced Thursday that the U.S. FDA accepted its Biologics License Application (BLA) for sotatercept to review the drug on a priority basis as a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a blood vessel disorder.
- PAH is a rare condition characterized by the narrowing of tiny lung arteries and high blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation.
- The FDA has issued March 26, 2024, as the target action date to complete its review.
- The BLA is backed by data from a Phase 3 study called STELLAR in which those who received sotatercept in addition to background therapy indicated an improvement in exercise capacity, the trial's main goal as measured by 6-minute walk distance (6MWD).
- Merck (MRK) added sotatercept to its pipeline with its 2021 acquisition of Acceleron Pharma.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/4016141-merck-wins-fda-priority-review-for-lung-disease-therapy
- Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)
- https://www.merck.com/
- https://www.merck.com/research/product-pipeline/
MRK Dividend History
https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/mrk/dividend-history
biotecHOPE™ 2023
DUPIXENT® (DUPILUMAB)
Enrylaze® (JZP458) also known as JZP458 & approved as Rylaze® in the United States & Canada
Enrylaze® (JZP458) also known as JZP458 & approved as Rylaze® in the United States & Canada
September 26, 2023 at 1:29 AM EDT
DUPIXENT® (DUPILUMAB)
SBLA FOR TREATMENT OF EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS (EOE) IN CHILDREN AGED 1 TO 11 ACCEPTED FOR FDA PRIORITY REVIEW
If approved, Dupixent would be the first and only treatment in the U.S. indicated for children aged 1 to 11 with EoE, a disease driven by type 2 inflammation that impacts the ability to eat
Of the approximately 21,000 children under the age of 12 in the U.S. currently being treated for EoE, about 9,000 do not satisfactorily respond to the unapproved therapies they have been treated with and potentially require advanced alternative therapy options
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. and PARIS, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) and Sanofi today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for Priority Review the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Dupixent® (dupilumab) to treat children aged 1 to 11 years with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The target action date for the FDA decision is January 31, 2024. Dupixent is the first and only treatment in the U.S. approved for children and adults aged 12 years and older with EoE, weighing at least 40kg.
The sBLA is supported by data from the Phase 3 EoE KIDS trial (Parts A and B) evaluating the efficacy and safety of Dupixent in children aged 1 to 11 with EoE. In Part A, the primary endpoint was met for the proportion of patients achieving histological disease remission (defined as peak esophageal intraepithelial eosinophil count of ≤6 eosinophils [eos]/high power field [hpf]) at 16 weeks for tiered dosing regimens based on body weight, compared to placebo. Part B was an active treatment extension period evaluating Dupixent for an additional 36 weeks and showed Dupixent maintained histologic remission for 52 weeks, a secondary endpoint. Dupixent also led to increases in body weight for age percentile, which was evaluated as an exploratory endpoint in Part A and a secondary endpoint in Part B.
Safety results in Parts A and B of the trial were generally consistent with the known safety profile of Dupixent in its FDA-approved EoE indication for children and adults aged 12 years and older who weigh at least 40kg. Adverse events more commonly observed (≥5%) with Dupixent compared to placebo were COVID-19, rash, headache, viral gastroenteritis, diarrhea and nausea.
Priority review is granted to therapies that have the potential to provide significant improvements in the treatment, diagnosis or prevention of serious conditions. The potential use of Dupixent in children with EoE aged 1 to 11 years is currently under clinical development, and its safety and efficacy have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority in this setting.
About Eosinophilic Esophagitis
EoE is a chronic, progressive disease driven by type 2 inflammation that damages the esophagus and prevents it from working properly. In children, common symptoms of EoE include heartburn, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, trouble swallowing, food refusal and failure to thrive. These symptoms can impact growth and development and can cause food-related fear and anxiety, which can persist through adulthood. Dietary adjustments, including the elimination of many foods, are the standard treatment for EoE, as well as the use of treatments not approved for the disease. These include proton pump inhibitors, swallowed topical corticosteroids, or in severe cases, a feeding tube, which may be used to ensure proper caloric intake and weight gain. Continuous treatment of EoE may be needed to reduce the risk of complications and disease recurrence.
About Dupixent
Dupixent, which was invented using Regeneron's proprietary VelocImmune® technology, is a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the signaling of the interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) pathways and is not an immunosuppressant. The Dupixent development program has shown significant clinical benefit and a decrease in type 2 inflammation in Phase 3 trials, establishing that IL-4 and IL-13 are key and central drivers of the type 2 inflammation that plays a major role in multiple related and often co-morbid diseases. These diseases include approved indications for Dupixent, such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), prurigo nodularis and EoE.
Dupixent has received regulatory approvals in one or more countries around the world for use in certain patients with atopic dermatitis, asthma, CRSwNP, EoE and prurigo nodularis in different age populations. Dupixent is currently approved for one or more of these indications in more than 60 countries, including in Europe, the U.S. and Japan. More than 600,000 patients are being treated with Dupixent globally.
About Regeneron’s VelocImmune Technology
Regeneron's VelocImmune technology utilizes a proprietary genetically engineered mouse platform endowed with a genetically humanized immune system to produce optimized fully human antibodies. When Regeneron's co-Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer George D. Yancopoulos was a graduate student with his mentor Frederick W. Alt in 1985, they were the first to envision making such a genetically humanized mouse, and Regeneron has spent decades inventing and developing VelocImmune and related VelociSuite® technologies. Dr. Yancopoulos and his team have used VelocImmune technology to create a substantial proportion of all original, FDA-approved or authorized fully human monoclonal antibodies. This includes REGEN-COV® (casirivimab and imdevimab), Dupixent, Libtayo® (cemiplimab-rwlc), Praluent® (alirocumab), Kevzara® (sarilumab), Evkeeza® (evinacumab-dgnb) and Inmazeb® (atoltivimab, maftivimab and odesivimab-ebgn).
Dupilumab Development Program
Dupilumab is being jointly developed by Regeneron and Sanofi under a global collaboration agreement. To date, dupilumab has been studied across more than 60 clinical trials involving more than 10,000 patients with various chronic diseases driven in part by type 2 inflammation.
In addition to the currently approved indications, Regeneron and Sanofi are studying dupilumab in a broad range of diseases driven by type 2 inflammation or other allergic processes in Phase 3 trials, including pediatric EoE, chronic spontaneous urticaria, chronic pruritus of unknown origin, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with evidence of type 2 inflammation and bullous pemphigoid. These potential uses of dupilumab are currently under clinical investigation, and the safety and efficacy in these conditions have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority.
U.S. INDICATIONS
DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used:
- to treat adults and children 6 months of age and older with moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis or AD) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis under 6 months of age.
- with other asthma medicines for the maintenance treatment of moderate-to-severe eosinophilic or oral steroid dependent asthma in adults and children 6 years of age and older whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. DUPIXENT helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and can improve your breathing. DUPIXENT may also help reduce the amount of oral corticosteroids you need while preventing severe asthma attacks and improving your breathing. DUPIXENT is not used to treat sudden breathing problems. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with asthma under 6 years of age.
- with other medicines for the maintenance treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) in adults whose disease is not controlled. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis under 18 years of age.
- to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older, who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg), with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with eosinophilic esophagitis under 12 years of age and who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg).
- to treat adults with prurigo nodularis (PN). It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with prurigo nodularis under 18 years of age.
- https://www.dupixent.com/
- Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information including Patient Information.
About Regeneron
Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) is a leading biotechnology company that invents, develops and commercializes life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases. Founded and led for 35 years by physician-scientists, our unique ability to repeatedly and consistently translate science into medicine has led to nine FDA-approved treatments and numerous product candidates in development, almost all of which were homegrown in our laboratories. Our medicines and pipeline are designed to help patients with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases and rare diseases.
Regeneron is accelerating and improving the traditional drug development process through our proprietary VelociSuite® technologies, such as VelocImmune®, which uses unique genetically humanized mice to produce optimized fully human antibodies and bispecific antibodies, and through ambitious research initiatives such as the Regeneron Genetics Center, which is conducting one of the largest genetics sequencing efforts in the world.
For more information, please visit www.Regeneron.com or follow @Regeneron on LinkedIn.
About Sanofi
We are an innovative global healthcare company, driven by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives. Our team, across some 100 countries, is dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine by working to turn the impossible into the possible. We provide potentially life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people globally, while putting sustainability and social responsibility at the center of our ambitions.
Sanofi is listed on EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY.
Source: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Regeneron, Sanofi label expansion for Dupixent under FDA priority review
Sep. 26, 2023 7:49 AM ET
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN), SNY, GCVRZ, SNYNF
By: Dulan Lokuwithana, SA News Editor
- Regeneron (NASDAQ:REGN) and Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY) announced Tuesday that the U.S. FDA granted priority review for a supplemental Biologics License Application ((sBLA)) targeted at expanding the label for asthma therapy Dupixent.
- The sBLA is aimed at winning FDA authorization to market Dupixent for children aged 1 to 11 years with eosinophilic esophagitis ((EoE)), an inflammatory disease that impacts the ability to eat. The monoclonal antibody is already approved in the U.S. for older children and adults with EoE.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/4015301-regeneron-label-expansion-dupixent-under-fda-review
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN), SNY
- https://www.dupixent.com/
- https://www.regeneron.com/
Enrylaze® (JZP458) also known as JZP458 & approved as Rylaze® in the United States & Canada
Enrylaze® (JZP458) also known as JZP458 & approved as Rylaze® in the United States & Canada
Enrylaze® (JZP458) also known as JZP458 & approved as Rylaze® in the United States & Canada
Jazz Pharmaceuticals Receives European Commission Approval for Enrylaze® (a recombinant Erwinia asparaginase or crisantaspase) for the Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
September 21, 2023
DUBLIN, Sept. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) today announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for Enrylaze® (JZP458; a recombinant Erwinia asparaginase or crisantaspase) for use as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) in adult and pediatric patients (1 month and older) who developed hypersensitivity or silent inactivation to E. coli-derived asparaginase.[1] Enrylaze, approved as Rylaze® in the United States and Canada, is a new Erwinia-derived asparaginase developed using a next-generation recombinant technology with a safety profile consistent with that of other asparaginase preparations.1,2,3,4,5
"Asparaginase is a core component of multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of ALL, however, up to 30% of patients develop hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase, resulting in a delay or disruption in treatment," said Professor Carmelo Rizzari, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Head of the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Foundation IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy. "The ability to complete a full course of asparaginase treatment is of critical importance when treating ALL and LBL, as it is strongly linked to improved outcomes for patients. The approval of Enrylaze now provides an important option to support patients in completing their planned asparaginase treatment regimen."
Enrylaze may be given by both intravenous infusion (IV) and intramuscular injection (IM) and is dosed on either alternate days (every 48 hours) or via a Monday/Wednesday/Friday (MWF) dosing schedule.1 The use of recombinant technology to manufacture Enrylaze delivers a scalable supply – able to meet global demand, and a ready-to-use solution that avoids the need for reconstitution in the clinic.2
"This approval is a testament to Jazz's commitment to developing an Erwinia-derived asparaginase using innovative recombinant technology to deliver a scalable supply, and we look forward to making Enrylaze available to those who need it," said Robert Iannone, MD., M.S.C.E., executive vice president, global head of research and development of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "Healthcare professionals in the European Union will now have access to a new, recombinant Erwinia-derived asparaginase with multiple dosing and administration options to address their patients' individual needs, which allows them to complete their treatment program as prescribed."
The EC approval is based on data from a Phase 2/3 trial conducted in collaboration with the Children's Oncology Group (COG) in a cohort of 228 pediatric and adult patients with ALL and LBL who have developed hypersensitivity or silent inactivation to E. coli-derived asparaginase. The study was conducted in two parts to assess the IV and IM routes of administration.1,3 The determination of efficacy was based on demonstration of the achievement and maintenance of nadir serum asparaginase activity (NSAA) levels ≥ 0.1 U/mL.1
The study showed that for the IV administration of JZP458 (a recombinant Erwinia asparaginase or crisantaspase) (25/25/50 mg/m2 MWF), the proportion of patients maintaining NSAA ≥ 0.1 U/mL at 48 hours after a dose was 89.8% (95% CI: 82.1%, 97.5%) and 40% at 72 hours post-dose (95% CI: 26.4%, 53.6%). The IM administration of JZP458 (25/25/50 mg/m2 MWF) achieved sustained asparagine activity in 95.9% of patients at 48 hours after a dose (95% CI: 90.4%, 100.0%) and 89.8% of patients at 72 hours post-dose (95% CI: 81.3%, 98.3%). The other dosing schedules were based on interpolation from pharmacokinetic (PK) and response rates observed with the very similar investigated regimens.1
Overall, the safety profile of JZP458 was consistent with the reported safety information for patients with ALL/LBL receiving asparaginase with combination chemotherapy.1,3 The most common adverse reactions were anemia, vomiting, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, nausea, febrile neutropenia, fatigue, pyrexia, decreased appetite, transaminase increased, abdominal pain, white blood cell count decreased, headache, diarrhea, and lymphocyte count decreased. The most frequent serious adverse reactions were febrile neutropenia, pyrexia, vomiting, sepsis, medicinal product hypersensitivity, nausea, and pancreatitis.1
The European Commission approval extends to all European Union Member States, as well as Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.
For a full list of side effects and information on dosage and administration, contraindications, and other precautions when using Enrylaze, please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics for further information.
About Enrylaze® (JZP458) Enrylaze, also known as JZP458 and approved as Rylaze® in the United States and Canada, is the only recombinant Erwinia asparaginase or crisantaspase that is derived from a Pseudomonas fluorescens expression platform.2,4,5 It is approved for use as a component of a multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) in adult and pediatric patients (1 month and older) who developed hypersensitivity or silent inactivation to E. coli-derived asparaginase products. JZP458 was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2021 for the treatment of this patient population and became commercially available in July of the same year in the U.S.4
https://www.rylazepro.com/index
About Study JZP458-201
The EC approval of Enrylaze is based on clinical data from the pivotal Phase 2/3 single-arm, open-label, multicenter, dose confirmation study evaluating 228 pediatric and adult patients with ALL or LBL who have developed hypersensitivity or silent inactivation to E. coli-derived asparaginases and have not previously received Erwinia-derived asparaginase. The study was designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of JZP458. The determination of efficacy was measured by serum asparaginase activity (SAA) levels. The Phase 2/3 study was conducted in two parts. The first part investigated the intramuscular (IM) route of administration, including a Monday-Wednesday-Friday dosing schedule. The second investigated the dose and schedule for the intravenous (IV) route of administration.1,3
About Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that can progress quickly if not treated.6,7 ALL is the most common childhood malignancy, accounting for 80% of leukemia diagnoses in children, compared to 20% of adults.8 Long-term survival rates for pediatric patients have improved significantly over the last few decades, which is in part a result of crafting effective combinations of multi-agent chemotherapeutics with an asparaginase backbone.9 The estimated overall incidence of ALL and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) in Europe is 1.28 per 100,000.10 The number of ALL global cases in children was 59,100 in 2017.11
Asparaginase is a core component of multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimens in ALL,12 however, up to 30% of patients develop hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase,13 necessitating treatment discontinuation or a switch to a non-E. coli-derived asparaginase preparation.14 Patients not receiving asparaginase due to hypersensitivities and those not receiving all prescribed doses have been shown to have poor outcomes.2,15
About Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (LBL)
Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (LBL) is a rare, fast-growing, aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), which is very rare in adults and is most often seen in teenagers and young adults under the age of 35.16,17 LBL is a type of high-grade lymphoma – which means the lymphoma grows quickly with early spread to different parts of the body.17 LBL is the second most common type of NHL in childhood and adolescence, accounting for 25-35% of cases.18
About Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: JAZZ) is a global biopharmaceutical company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases – often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines and novel product candidates, from early- to late-stage development, in neuroscience and oncology. Within these therapeutic areas, we are identifying new options for patients by actively exploring small molecules and biologics, and through innovative delivery technologies and cannabinoid science. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and has employees around the globe, serving patients in nearly 75 countries. Please visit
for more information.
Jazz Pharma wins EU approval for blood cancer therapy
Sep. 22, 2023 9:29 AM ET
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (JAZZ)LGND
By: Dulan Lokuwithana, SA News Editor
- The European Commission has issued marketing authorization for the blood cancer therapy JZP458 developed by Jazz Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:JAZZ) and Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND).
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/4014580-jazz-pharma-wins-eu-approval-for-blood-cancer-therapy
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (JAZZ)
- https://www.rylazepro.com/index
- https://www.jazzpharma.com/
TEPKINLY® (epcoritamab)
Enrylaze® (JZP458) also known as JZP458 & approved as Rylaze® in the United States & Canada
TEPKINLY® (epcoritamab)
September 25, 2023
AbbVie Announces European Commission Approval of TEPKINLY® (epcoritamab) for Adults with Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
- TEPKINLY® (epcoritamab) is the first and only subcutaneous bispecific antibody approved as a monotherapy for adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy
- Conditional marketing authorization approval from the European Commission is supported by data from the pivotal Phase 1/2 EPCORE™ NHL-1 clinical trial
- TEPKINLY represents AbbVie's second approved hematological cancer treatment in the European Union
NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) today announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted conditional marketing authorization for TEPKINLY® (epcoritamab) as a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy. TEPKINLY is the first and only subcutaneous T-cell engaging bispecific antibody approved for the treatment of this patient population in the European Union (EU), as well as Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.
DLBCL is the most common type of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma worldwide.1 While patients may have access to chemoimmunotherapy regimens to treat their disease, they face limited treatment options, with few readily available, off-the-shelf medicines, especially for those whose disease has relapsed or become refractory to prior treatments.1
"The European Commission approval of epcoritamab represents a significant milestone in our aspiration with Genmab to develop a potential core therapy for patients with B-cell malignancies, like DLBCL," said Roopal Thakkar, senior vice president, development and regulatory affairs, chief medical officer, AbbVie. "With this milestone achievement, TEPKINLY is now the second approved cancer treatment in the EU from our oncology portfolio, and AbbVie's third blood cancer medicine across the world. We remain committed to developing new innovative medicines that help improve the lives of people with hematological cancers."
This conditional approval is supported by data from the pivotal EPCORE™ NHL-1 Phase 1/2 open-label, multi-cohort, multi-center, single-arm trial evaluating the preliminary efficacy and safety of TEPKINLY in patients with R/R large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including its subtype DLBCL. In this study, DLBCL patients treated with TEPKINLY (N=139) achieved an overall response rate of 62 percent and a complete response rate of 39 percent. The median duration of response was 15.5 months (range: 9.7, not reached).
Results from the trial showed that TEPKINLY demonstrated a manageable safety profile across the LBCL patient cohort (N=167), which included the DLBCL patient population. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20 percent) were cytokine release syndrome, fatigue, neutropenia, injection site reaction, musculoskeletal pain, abdominal pain, pyrexia, nausea and diarrhea.
"Relapsed or refractory DLBCL is an aggressive cancer and patients can face a difficult and emotional treatment journey. At this point in the journey, a patient may have had multiple lines of therapy and will already have experienced relapse," said Anna Sureda, M.D., Ph.D., head of clinical hematology department, Institut Català d'Oncologia – L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain. "This European Commission approval represents an important moment for the DLBCL patient community and brings with it a potential opportunity for effective disease management for a condition with limited available treatment options."
Conditional marketing authorization is granted to medicines that address an unmet medical need, where the benefit of its immediate availability to patients outweighs the risk of limited data availability, and where comprehensive data will be provided.2
TEPKINLY is being co-developed by AbbVie and Genmab as part of the companies' oncology collaboration. The companies will share commercial responsibilities in the U.S. and Japan, with AbbVie responsible for further global commercialization. AbbVie will continue to pursue regulatory submissions for epcoritamab across international markets throughout the year.
About the EPCORE™ NHL-1 Trial
EPCORE™ NHL-1 evaluated epcoritamab as a monotherapy in patients with CD20+ relapsed or refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), after two or more lines of systemic therapy.3 The study included a dose escalation part and an expansion part.3 The primary efficacy endpoint was overall response rate determined by Lugano criteria (2014) as assessed by an independent review committee.3 More information can be found on www.clinicaltrials.gov.
About TEPKINLY® (epcoritamab)
TEPKINLY is an investigational IgG1-bispecific antibody created using Genmab's proprietary DuoBody® technology. Genmab's DuoBody®-CD3 technology is designed to direct cytotoxic T-cells selectively to elicit an immune response toward target cell types. TEPKINLY is designed to simultaneously bind to CD3 on T-cells and CD20 on B-cells and induces T-cell mediated killing of CD20+ cells.4 CD20 is expressed on B-cells and is a clinically validated therapeutic target in many B-cell malignancies, including DLBCL, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.5,6
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved epcoritamab under the brand name EPKINLY™ (epcoritamab-bysp) in May 2023 for the treatment of adult patients with R/R DLBCL, not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from indolent lymphoma, and high-grade B-cell lymphoma, after two or more lines of systemic therapy. EPKINLY is approved under the FDA's Accelerated Approval program based on response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
EU Indications and Important Safety Information about Tepkinly® ▼ (epcoritamab)
Indications
Tepkinly (epcoritamab) as monotherapy is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy.
Important Safety Information
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
This is not a complete summary of all safety information.
See Tepkinly® full Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) at www.ema.europa.eu
Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.
Please see the Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Important Warnings.
About AbbVie in Oncology
At AbbVie, we are committed to transforming standards of care for multiple blood cancers while advancing a dynamic pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of cancer types. Our dedicated and experienced team joins forces with innovative partners to accelerate the delivery of potential breakthrough medicines. We are evaluating more than 20 investigational medicines in over 300 clinical trials across some of the world's most widespread and debilitating cancers. As we work to have a remarkable impact on people's lives, we are committed to exploring solutions to help patients obtain access to our cancer medicines. For more information, please visit http://www.abbvie.com/oncology.
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
SOURCE AbbVie
AbbVie's Tepkinly wins EC approval as large B-cell lymphoma therapy
Sep. 25, 2023 10:18 AM ET
By: Jonathan Block, SA News Editor
- The European Commission has approved AbbVie's Tepkinly (epcoritamab) as a third-line treatment on its own for relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
- The bispecific antibody is the only subcutaneous T-cell therapy approved for this population in the European Union.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/4015084-abbvie-tepkinly-wins-ec-approval-large-b-cell-lymphoma-therapy
- AbbVie Inc. (ABBV)
- Epkinly, which was developed with Genmab (GMAB), was approved by the US FDA in January.
- https://www.us.genmab.com/
- https://www.abbvie.com/
Datopotamab deruxtecan
Datopotamab deruxtecan
TEPKINLY® (epcoritamab)
Datopotamab deruxtecan demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful progression-free survival benefit in patients with HR-positive, HER2-low or negative breast cancer in TROPION-Breast01 Phase III trial
PUBLISHED22 September 2023
This announcement contains inside information
First Phase III results in breast cancer for AstraZeneca
and Daiichi Sankyo’s datopotamab deruxtecan
Plans for global regulatory submissions underway
Positive high-level results from the TROPION-Breast01 Phase III trial showed datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement for the primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) compared to investigator’s choice of chemotherapy in patients with inoperable or metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-low or negative (IHC 0, IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer previously treated with endocrine-based therapy and at least one systemic therapy.
A trend in improvement for the dual primary endpoint of overall survival (OS) was observed for datopotamab deruxtecan versus chemotherapy. Data for OS were not mature at this interim analysis and the trial will continue as planned to assess OS.
The safety profile of datopotamab deruxtecan was consistent with previous clinical trials in breast cancer with no new safety signals identified. All grade interstitial lung disease rates were low.
Datopotamab deruxtecan is a specifically engineered TROP2-directed DXd antibody drug conjugate (ADC) being jointly developed by AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo.
Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: “Today’s TROPION-Breast01 news is a significant development for patients with HR-positive, HER2-low or negative metastatic breast cancer whose tumours have become insensitive to endocrine therapy and who currently face poor outcomes. We are encouraged by these positive results.”
Ken Takeshita, MD, Global Head, Oncology R&D, Daiichi Sankyo, said: “The positive topline results from TROPION-Breast01 demonstrate the potential for datopotamab deruxtecan to become an important treatment option for patients with HR-positive, HER2-low or HER2-negative breast cancer in the second-line metastatic setting. We look forward to realising the full potential of this TROP2-directed antibody drug conjugate across breast cancer subtypes through our ongoing Phase III programme, including two trials in patients with triple-negative breast cancer.”
More than two million people worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.1 HR-positive, HER2-low or negative breast cancer is the most common subtype, accounting for more than 65% of diagnosed cases.1,2 Standard initial treatment for these patients is endocrine therapy but most patients with advanced disease will develop resistance, underscoring the need for additional options.3,4 TROP2 is a protein broadly expressed in HR-positive, HER2-low or negative breast cancer.5,6
The data will be presented at a forthcoming medical meeting and shared with health authorities.
AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo have two additional Phase III trials evaluating datopotamab deruxtecan in breast cancer. TROPION-Breast02 is comparing datopotamab deruxtecan to chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated locally recurrent inoperable or metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) who are not candidates for anti-PDL1 therapy. TROPION-Breast03 is evaluating datopotamab deruxtecan with and without Imfinzi (durvalumab) versus investigator’s choice of therapy in patients with Stage I-III TNBC with residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy.
Notes
HR-positive breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world and a leading cause of cancer-related death.1 More than two million breast cancer cases were diagnosed in 2020 with nearly 685,000 deaths globally.1
Breast cancer is considered HR-positive, HER2-low or negative when tumours test positive for oestrogen and/or progesterone hormone receptors and negative or low for HER2 (measured as HER2 score of IHC 0, IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-).2,7 HR-positive, HER2-low or negative breast cancer is the most common subtype, accounting for more than 65% of diagnosed cases.2 Approximately 30% of patients diagnosed with HR-positive, HER2-low or negative metastatic breast cancer are expected to live five years after their diagnosis.2
TROP2 is a protein broadly expressed in several solid tumours, including HR positive, HER2-low or negative breast cancer.5 TROP2 expression is associated with increased tumour progression and poor survival in patients with breast cancer.5,6
TROPION-Breast01
TROPION-Breast01 is global, randomised, multicentre, open-label Phase III trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of datopotamab deruxtecan versus investigator’s choice of single-agent chemotherapy (eribulin, capecitabine, vinorelbine or gemcitabine) in patients with inoperable or metastatic HR- positive, HER2-low or negative (IHC 0, IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer who have previously progressed on or are not suitable for endocrine therapy per investigator assessment.
The dual primary endpoints of TROPION-Breast01 are PFS as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) and OS. Key secondary endpoints include objective response rate, duration of response, investigator-assessed PFS, disease control rate and time to first subsequent therapy.
TROPION-Breast01 enrolled more than 700 patients at sites in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa. For more information visit ClinicalTrials.gov.
Datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd)
Datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) is an investigational TROP2-directed ADC. Designed using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC technology, datopotamab deruxtecan is one of five lead ADCs in the oncology pipeline of Daiichi Sankyo, and one of the most advanced programmes in AstraZeneca’s ADC scientific platform. Datopotamab deruxtecan is comprised of a humanized anti-TROP2 IgG1 monoclonal antibody, developed in collaboration with Sapporo Medical University, attached to a number of topoisomerase I inhibitor payloads (an exatecan derivative, DXd) via tetrapeptide-based cleavable linkers.
A comprehensive development programme is underway globally with more than 12 trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of datopotamab deruxtecan across multiple tumours, including non-small cell lung cancer, triple-negative breast cancer and hormone receptor-positive, HER2-low or negative breast cancer. Beyond the TROPION programme, datopotamab deruxtecan is also being evaluated in novel combinations in several ongoing trials. AstraZeneca is also researching a potential diagnostic test to help identify patients most likely to benefit from treatment with datopotamab deruxtecan.
Daiichi Sankyo collaboration
AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo entered into a global collaboration to jointly develop and commercialise Enhertu in March 2019 and datopotamab deruxtecan in July 2020, except in Japan where Daiichi Sankyo maintains exclusive rights for each ADC. Daiichi Sankyo is responsible for the manufacturing and supply of Enhertu and datopotamab deruxtecan.
AstraZeneca in breast cancer
Driven by a growing understanding of breast cancer biology, AstraZeneca is starting to challenge, and redefine, the current clinical paradigm for how breast cancer is classified and treated to deliver even more effective treatments to patients in need – with the bold ambition to one day eliminate breast cancer as a cause of death.
AstraZeneca has a comprehensive portfolio of approved and promising compounds in development that leverage different mechanisms of action to address the biologically diverse breast cancer tumour environment.
With Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan), a HER2-directed ADC, AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo are aiming to improve outcomes in previously treated HER2-positive and HER2-low metastatic breast cancer and are exploring its potential in earlier lines of treatment and in new breast cancer settings.
In HR-positive breast cancer, AstraZeneca continues to improve outcomes with foundational medicines Faslodex (fulvestrant) and Zoladex (goserelin) and aims to reshape the HR-positive space with next-generation SERD and potential new medicine camizestrant as well as a potential first-in-class AKT kinase inhibitor, capivasertib. AstraZeneca is also collaborating with Daiichi Sankyo to explore the potential of TROP2-directed ADC, datopotamab deruxtecan, in this setting.
PARP inhibitor Lynparza (olaparib) is a targeted treatment option that has been studied in early and metastatic breast cancer patients with an inherited BRCA mutation. AstraZeneca with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc. in the US and Canada) continues to research Lynparza in these settings and to explore its potential in earlier disease.
To bring much-needed treatment options to patients with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of breast cancer, AstraZeneca is evaluating the potential of datopotamab deruxtecan alone and in combination with immunotherapy Imfinzi, capivasertib in combination with chemotherapy, and Imfinzi in combination with other oncology medicines, including Lynparza and Enhertu.
AstraZeneca in oncology
AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients.
The Company's focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyse changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience.
AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death.
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on social media @AstraZeneca.
AstraZeneca PLC
AstraZeneca, Daiichi post early win in Phase 3 trial for breast cancer therapy
Sep. 22, 2023 7:25 AM ET
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), DSKYF, DSNKY
By: Dulan Lokuwithana, SA News Editor
- AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) and Daiichi Sankyo (OTCPK:DSKYF) announced Friday that their antibody-drug conjugate datopotamab deruxtecan reached the primary endpoint in a Phase 3 trial for the commonest type of breast cancer.
- The globally run TROPION-Breast01 trial enrolled more than 700 patients with hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2 low, or negative breast cancer, the most common cancer subtype that makes up over 65% of cases.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/4014493-astrazeneca-posts-early-phase-3-win-breast-cancer-drug
- AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), DSKYF, DSNKY
- https://www.daiichisankyo.com/rd/pipeline/
- https://www.daiichisankyo.com/
- https://www.astrazeneca.com/
VOXZOGO® (vosoritide)
Datopotamab deruxtecan
VOXZOGO® (vosoritide)
BioMarin to Present Data Showing Long-Term Benefit of VOXZOGO® (vosoritide) on Growth in Children with Achondroplasia at 2023 European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) Meeting
Sep 21, 2023
Label Expansion Decisions Expected from U.S. and European Regulatory Authorities in Q4
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Sept. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (Nasdaq: BMRN), a global biotechnology company dedicated to transforming lives through genetic discovery, today announced that new data on VOXZOGO® (vosoritide) in children with achondroplasia will be presented at the 61st Annual European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) Meeting in The Hague, Netherlands.
In an open-label, long-term Phase 2 extension study, VOXZOGO demonstrated consistent and durable growth benefits in young children with achondroplasia when initiated before the age of 5. Over a four-year period, children aged 2 years and above who received VOXZOGO exhibited a mean (average) height Z-score improvement exceeding 1 standard deviation compared to control groups and a height gain of more than 6 centimeters (cm) during this time period. Additionally, children under the age of 2 years, treated with VOXZOGO for three years, demonstrated substantial height gains, reflected in a mean height Z-score improvement of 0.79 standard deviations compared to controls and a height gain of more than 3 cm during this time period. Both groups of treated children demonstrated substantial restoration of height when compared to untreated children with achondroplasia.
VOXZOGO is currently approved in Europe in children with achondroplasia who are 2 years of age and older with open growth plates. Last week, the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion recommending marketing authorization to expand the indication for VOXZOGO for injection to treat children with achondroplasia aged 4 months and older whose epiphyses (growth plates) are not closed. VOXZOGO is also currently approved in the United States in children with achondroplasia who are 5 years of age and older with open growth plates. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set a PDUFA Target Action Date of Oct. 21, 2023, for the company's Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for VOXZOGO to expand treatment in the U.S. to include children with achondroplasia under 5 years of age.
"The data presented add to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the positive effect on growth in younger children with achondroplasia who receive VOXZOGO," said Hank Fuchs, M.D., president of Worldwide Research and Development at BioMarin. "The results showed that, over the course of four years, young children treated earlier with VOXZOGO exhibited substantial gains in height, suggesting that VOXZOGO had a significant and positive impact on their growth."
New data also highlighted real-world safety and effectiveness of VOXZOGO. Results from an early access program in France found that VOXZOGO treated under real-world conditions had a safety and effectiveness profile consistent with clinical trials. After 12 months of treatment with VOXZOGO, boys demonstrated a mean (average) increase in height with a Z-score improvement of 0.3 standard deviations, and girls showed a mean increase in height with a Z-score improvement of 0.4 standard deviations.
Key VOXZOGO presentations at ESPE include:
Oral Presentations:
Real-world Safety and Effectiveness of Vosoritide: Results from an Early Access Program in France
RFC4.5
Thursday, September 21, 2023, 2:45 – 2:50 p.m., Central European Summer Time
Persistence of Growth Promoting Effects in Infants and Toddlers with Achondroplasia: Results in Children Aged Over 2 Years Old from a Phase II Extension Study with Vosoritide
FC4.6
Thursday, September 21, 2023, 3:45 – 3:55 p.m., Central European Summer Time
Poster:
Design and Objectives of the Acorn Study: A Non-Interventional Study Evaluating Long-Term Safety in Achondroplasia Patients Treated with Vosoritide
T8
Thursday, September 21, 2023, 12:55 – 2:25 p.m., Central European Summer Time
About VOXZOGO (vosoritide) for Injection
In children with achondroplasia, endochondral bone growth, an essential process by which bone tissue is created, is negatively regulated due to a gain of function mutation in fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3). VOXZOGO, a C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) analog, represents a new class of therapy, which acts as a positive regulator of the signaling pathway downstream of FGFR3 to promote endochondral bone growth.
Through BioMarin's broad clinical development program, the company has enrolled 250 children with achondroplasia from eight countries in seven clinical studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of VOXZOGO.
VOXZOGO is approved in the U.S. and indicated to increase linear growth in pediatric patients with achondroplasia who are 5 years of age and older with open epiphyses. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on an improvement in annualized growth velocity. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s). To fulfill this post-marketing requirement, BioMarin intends to use the ongoing open-label extension studies compared to available natural history.
About Achondroplasia
Achondroplasia, the most common form of skeletal dysplasia leading to disproportionate short stature in humans, is characterized by slowing of endochondral ossification, which results in disproportionate short stature and disordered architecture in the long bones, spine, face, and base of the skull. This condition is caused by a change in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3), a negative regulator of bone growth.
More than 80% of children with achondroplasia have parents of average stature and have the condition as the result of a spontaneous gene mutation. The worldwide incidence rate of achondroplasia is about one in 25,000 live births. VOXZOGO is being tested in children whose growth plates are still "open," typically those under 18 years of age. Approximately 25% of people with achondroplasia fall into this category.
VOXZOGO U.S. Important Safety Information
What is VOXZOGO used for?
- VOXZOGO is a prescription medicine used to increase linear growth in children with achondroplasia who are 5 years of age and older with open growth plates (epiphyses).
- It is not known if VOXZOGO is safe and effective in children with achondroplasia under 5 years of age.
- VOXZOGO is approved under accelerated approval based on an improvement in annualized growth velocity. Continued approval may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
What is the most important safety information about VOXZOGO?
- VOXZOGO may cause serious side effects including a temporary decrease in blood pressure in some patients. To reduce the risk of a decrease in blood pressure and associated symptoms (dizziness, feeling tired, or nausea), patients should eat a meal and drink 8 to 10 ounces of fluid within 1 hour before receiving VOXZOGO.
- https://www.voxzogo.com/hcp/
- Please see additional safety information in the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.
About BioMarin
Founded in 1997, BioMarin is a global biotechnology company dedicated to transforming lives through genetic discovery. The company develops and commercializes targeted therapies that address the root cause of genetic conditions. BioMarin's unparalleled research and development capabilities have resulted in eight transformational commercial therapies for patients with rare genetic disorders. The company's distinctive approach to drug discovery has produced a diverse pipeline of commercial, clinical, and pre-clinical candidates that address a significant unmet medical need, have well-understood biology, and provide an opportunity to be first-to-market or offer a substantial benefit over existing treatment options. For additional information, please visit www.biomarin.com.
BioMarin® and VOXZOGO® are registered trademarks of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
SOURCE BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
Pegozafermin
Datopotamab deruxtecan
VOXZOGO® (vosoritide)
89bio Announces U.S. FDA has Granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Pegozafermin in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
09/21/2023
–Supported by positive data in F2/F3 and F4 NASH patients from the ENLIVEN Phase 2b trial of pegozafermin–
–Discussions with regulatory agencies regarding the NASH Phase 3 program planned for the fourth quarter of 2023–
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 89bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: ETNB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of liver and cardiometabolic diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) to pegozafermin in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
“We are thrilled with this validation from the FDA awarding pegozafermin with Breakthrough Therapy Designation, which we expect will be advantageous for finalizing our Phase 3 development strategy in NASH following planned discussions with regulatory agencies in the fourth quarter of 2023,” said Rohan Palekar, Chief Executive Officer of 89bio. “We believe pegozafermin is well positioned as a leading FGF21 analog treatment option with demonstrated strong histology data, best-in-class tolerability, and dosing convenience to date. It has the potential to meet the treatment needs for F2/3 patients as well as compensated cirrhotic (F4) patients. The benefits of this designation include more comprehensive guidance from the FDA on the development program, ability to discuss innovative development plan options, access to a scientific liaison, and potential eligibility for Priority Review.”
BTD was supported by data from the ENLIVEN Phase 2b trial of pegozafermin in patients with NASH. In the study, both the 44mg every-two-week (Q2W) and 30mg weekly (QW) doses met — with high statistical significance — the primary histology endpoints per the FDA guidance regarding endpoints and statistical analysis. The 44mg Q2W and 30mg QW dose groups also demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in liver fat, non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis and inflammation, and meaningful improvements in other metabolic and lipid markers. The ENLIVEN trial also included biopsy-confirmed F4 patients who were not part of the primary analysis but continued in the study. In a descriptive analysis of these data, 45% of pegozafermin-treated patients experienced at least one-stage improvement in liver fibrosis with no worsening of NASH by week 24 compared with zero out of one patient on placebo. Overall, pegozafermin was generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile consistent with prior studies.
BTD is an FDA program designed to expedite the development and review of product candidates intended for serious or life-threatening conditions. To qualify for this designation, preliminary clinical evidence must indicate that the product candidate may demonstrate substantial improvement over currently available options on at least one clinically significant endpoint.
About pegozafermin
Pegozafermin is a specifically engineered glycoPEGylated analog of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) being developed for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG). FGF21 is an endogenous hormone that modulates important drivers of lipid metabolism and NASH including triglyceride reduction, glycemic control, steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Pegozafermin was specifically engineered using a unique glycoPEGylated technology to extend the half-life while maintaining potency.
https://www.89bio.com/pipeline/#bio89-100
About 89bio
89bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of best-in-class therapies for patients with liver and cardiometabolic diseases who lack optimal treatment options. The company is focused on rapidly advancing its lead therapeutic candidate, pegozafermin, through clinical development for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG). The company is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.89bio.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.
89bio gains FDA breakthrough status for NASH candidate
Sep. 21, 2023 8:53 AM ET
By: Dulan Lokuwithana, SA News Editor
- 89bio, Inc. (NASDAQ:ETNB) announced Thursday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for its lead asset pegozafermin in patients with the liver disease nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
- The decision is backed by data from the company's ENLIVEN Phase 2b trial for NASH, in which pegozafermin at two dose levels reached the primary histology endpoints with statistical significance in line with FDA guidance.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/4014191-89bio-gains-fda-breakthrough-status-nash-candidate
- 89bio, Inc. (ETNB)
- https://www.89bio.com/
- https://www.89bio.com/pipeline/#bio89-100
WELIREG® (belzutifan)
IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution)
IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution)
FDA Accepts for Priority Review Merck’s Supplemental New Drug Application for WELIREG® (belzutifan) in Certain Previously Treated Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
September 19, 2023 6:45 am ET
Acceptance based on results from the Phase 3 LITESPARK-005 trial, which showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival compared to everolimus in patients with advanced RCC that progressed following PD-1/L1 and VEGF-TKI therapies
If approved, WELIREG would provide a new, novel mechanism of action for patients with advanced RCC in need of new options
RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted and granted priority review for a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) seeking approval for WELIREG, Merck’s oral hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following immune checkpoint and anti-angiogenic therapies. The sNDA is based on data from the LITESPARK-005 trial, in which WELIREG demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to everolimus based on a pre-specified interim analysis conducted by an independent Data Monitoring Committee. A statistically significant improvement in the trial’s key secondary endpoint of objective response rate (ORR) was also demonstrated. The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), or target action, date of January 17, 2024.
“Patients with advanced RCC whose cancer progresses following immune checkpoint and anti-angiogenic therapies face a poorer prognosis, and for those patients, there is a crucial unmet need for new options with an alternative mechanism of action,” said Dr. Marjorie Green, senior vice president and head of late-stage oncology, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. “The FDA’s priority review designation of this application reinforces the urgency to provide new options to previously treated patients with advanced RCC, and we are committed to working closely with the FDA to bring WELIREG to these patients as quickly as possible.”
WELIREG was the first HIF-2α inhibitor therapy approved in the U.S. and is currently approved for the treatment of adult patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease who require therapy for associated RCC, central nervous system hemangioblastomas, or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, not requiring immediate surgery.
LITESPARK-005 is part of a comprehensive development program for WELIREG, comprised of four Phase 3 trials in RCC, including LITESPARK-011 and LITESPARK-012, evaluating WELIREG in the second-line and treatment-naïve advanced disease settings, and LITESPARK-022, evaluating WELIREG in the adjuvant setting.
About LITESPARK-005
LITESPARK-005 is a randomized, open-label Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04195750) evaluating WELIREG compared to everolimus for the treatment of patients with advanced RCC that has progressed after prior treatment with PD-1/L1 and VEGF-TKI therapies, in sequence or in combination. The dual primary endpoints are PFS and overall survival. Secondary endpoints include ORR, duration of response and safety. The trial enrolled 746 patients who were randomized to receive WELIREG (120 mg orally once daily) or everolimus (10 mg orally once daily).
About renal cell carcinoma
Renal cell carcinoma is by far the most common type of kidney cancer; about nine out of 10 kidney cancer diagnoses are RCCs. Renal cell carcinoma is about twice as common in men than in women. Most cases of RCC are discovered incidentally during imaging tests for other abdominal diseases. In the U.S., approximately 15% of patients with kidney cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage.
About WELIREG® (belzutifan) 40 mg tablets, for oral use
Indication in the U.S.
WELIREG (belzutifan) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease who require therapy for associated renal cell carcinoma (RCC), central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas, or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET), not requiring immediate surgery.
Merck’s focus on cancer
Our goal is to translate breakthrough science into innovative oncology medicines to help people with cancer worldwide. At Merck, the potential to bring new hope to people with cancer drives our purpose and supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines is our commitment. As part of our focus on cancer, Merck is committed to exploring the potential of immuno-oncology with one of the largest development programs in the industry across more than 30 tumor types. We also continue to strengthen our portfolio through strategic acquisitions and are prioritizing the development of several promising oncology candidates with the potential to improve the treatment of advanced cancers. For more information about our oncology clinical trials, visit www.merck.com/clinicaltrials.
About Merck
At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Please see Prescribing Information, including information for the Boxed Warning about embryo-fetal toxicity, for WELIREG (belzutifan) at https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/w/welireg/welireg_pi.pdf and Medication Guide for WELIREG at https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/w/welireg/welireg_mg.pdf .
Source: Merck & Co., Inc.
MRK Dividend History
https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/mrk/dividend-history
IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution)
IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution)
IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution)
Iveric Bio Announces Positive 24-Month Topline Results from Phase 3 Study of IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) for Geographic Atrophy
GATHER2 24-month results met the primary objective of reducing the rate of GA growth in patients treated with IZERVAY compared to sham
IZERVAY 24-month safety data were consistent with 12-month results, with no new safety signals identified
TOKYO, Sept. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "Astellas") today announced positive 24-month topline results from the Phase 3 GATHER2 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution), a complement C5 inhibitor for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Topline results demonstrated that the IZERVAY monthly dosing regimen met the primary objective to significantly slow GA growth compared to sham at 24 months. Additionally, the treatment effect with the every other month dosing regimen for IZERVAY showed a similar reduction in the rate of GA growth versus sham.
Overall, safety after 24 months of treatment was consistent with previously reported 12-month data, with no new safety signals identified. There was one case of culture-positive endophthalmitis and one case of non-serious intraocular inflammation. There were no cases of occlusive or non-occlusive retinal vasculitis or ischemic neuropathy. The rate of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was 12% in patients treated with IZERVAY and 9% in those treated with sham.
Dhaval Desai, PharmD, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Iveric Bio, An Astellas Company
"We are excited about these results, which show that IZERVAY continued to slow the rate of GA growth with a consistent safety profile after two years of treatment. We look forward to sharing results at a future scientific congress and with regulatory agencies."
IZERVAY was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on August 4, 2023, for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency.
Astellas is reviewing potential financial impacts of these results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.
About the GATHER2 Clinical Trial
GATHER2 (NCT04435366) was a randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled, multicenter Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal administration of avacincaptad pegol (ACP) in 448 enrolled patients with GA secondary to AMD. ACP met its primary objective at 12 months, for which patients were randomized to receive either ACP or sham procedure monthly. In year 2 of the study, patients treated with ACP in year 1 were re-randomized to receive either ACP dosed monthly (EM, n=96) or every other month (EOM, n=93); patients who received sham in year 1 continued to receive sham in year 2 (n=203). The primary objective at 24 months was to demonstrate whether, after re-randomization at 12 months, ACP slowed the GA growth rate (slope) in the EM treatment arm compared to sham.
About IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution)
U.S. INDICATION
IZERVAY (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is indicated for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
IMPORTANT U.S. SAFETY INFORMATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- IZERVAY is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections and in patients with active intraocular inflammation.
Please see full Prescribing Information for more information.
About Geographic Atrophy
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the major cause of moderate and severe loss of central vision in aging adults, affecting both eyes in the majority of patients. The macula is a small area in the central portion of the retina responsible for central vision. As AMD progresses, the loss of retinal cells and the underlying blood vessels in the macula results in marked thinning and/or atrophy of retinal tissue. Geographic atrophy, associated with AMD, leads to further irreversible loss of vision in these patients.
About Astellas
Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality. Furthermore, we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+® healthcare solutions that combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners. Through these efforts, Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com/en.
About Iveric Bio
Iveric Bio, An Astellas Company, is a science-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel treatments for retinal diseases with significant unmet medical needs. The Company is committed to having a positive impact on patients' lives by delivering high-quality, safe, and effective treatments designed to address debilitating retinal diseases including earlier stages of age-related macular degeneration. For more information on the Company, please visit www.ivericbio.com.
Apellis spikes as Astellas posts long-term data for rival product
Sep. 19, 2023 9:29 AM ET
Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (APLS), ALPMF, ALPMY
By: Dulan Lokuwithana, SA News Editor1 Comment
Apellis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:APLS) added ~9% pre-market Tuesday after its rival in the eye care market, Astellas Pharma (OTCPK:ALPMF) (OTCPK:ALPMY), announced long-term data for its FDA-approved therapy, Izervay.
Astellas (OTCPK:ALPMF) added Izervay as part of its recent acquisition of U.S. biotech Iveric Bio.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4013173-apellis-stock-spikes-astellas-posts-data-rival-drug
Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (APLS), ALPMF, ALPMY
Iveric Bio Announces Positive 24-Month Topline Results from Phase 3 Study of IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) for Geographic Atrophy
September 18, 2023
– GATHER2 24-month results met the primary objective of reducing the rate of GA growth in patients treated with IZERVAY compared to sham –
– IZERVAY 24-month safety data were consistent with 12-month results, with no new safety signals identified –
TOKYO, Sept. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, “Astellas”) today announced positive 24-month topline results from the Phase 3 GATHER2 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution), a complement C5 inhibitor for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Ojjaara (momelotinib)
IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution)
TransCon™ PTH (palopegteriparatide)
September 15 2023
Issued: London, UK
For media and investors only
Ojjaara (momelotinib) approved in the US as the first and only treatment indicated for myelofibrosis patients with anemia
- Approval is for use in myelofibrosis patients with anemia regardless of prior myelofibrosis therapy
- Nearly all myelofibrosis patients are estimated to develop anemia over the course of the disease, and over 30% will discontinue treatment due to anemia [1],[2],[3]
- Ojjaara addresses key manifestations of myelofibrosis, namely anemia, constitutional symptoms and splenomegaly
GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ojjaara (momelotinib) for the treatment of intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis, including primary myelofibrosis or secondary myelofibrosis (post-polycythemia vera and post-essential thrombocythemia), in adults with anemia. Ojjaara is a once-a-day, oral JAK1/JAK2 and activin A receptor type 1 (ACVR1) inhibitor. To date, it is the only approved medicine for both newly diagnosed and previously treated myelofibrosis patients with anemia that addresses the key manifestations of the disease, namely anemia, constitutional symptoms, and splenomegaly (enlarged spleen).[4]
Nina Mojas, Senior Vice President, Oncology Global Product Strategy, GSK, said: “The vast majority of myelofibrosis patients eventually develop anemia, causing them to discontinue treatments and require transfusions. Given this high unmet need, we are proud to add Ojjaara to our oncology portfolio and address a significant medical need in the community. We look forward to helping improve outcomes in this difficult-to-treat blood cancer.”
Myelofibrosis is a blood cancer affecting approximately 25,000 patients in the US.[4],[5],[6] Myelofibrosis can lead to severely low blood counts, including anemia and thrombocytopenia; constitutional symptoms such as fatigue, night sweats, and bone pain; and splenomegaly. About 40% of patients have moderate to severe anemia at the time of diagnosis, and nearly all patients are estimated to develop anemia over the course of the disease.[7],[8],[9],[10] Physicians have had limited treatment options to treat myelofibrosis patients with anemia. These patients often require transfusions and more than 30% will discontinue treatment due to anemia.[3] Patients who are transfusion dependent have a poor prognosis and shortened survival.[1],11],[12],[13],[14],[15],[16],[17],[18]
Ruben A. Mesa, MD, FACP, President and Executive Director, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Center and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, said: “With momelotinib we have the potential to establish a new standard of care for myelofibrosis patients with anemia. Addressing key manifestations of myelofibrosis, including anemia, constitutional symptoms and splenomegaly, makes a significant difference in the treatment regimen for these patients who have limited options to address these aspects of the disease.”
In these clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions were thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage, bacterial infection, fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, and nausea.[19]
Kapila Viges, Chief Executive Officer, MPN (Myeloproliferative Neoplasms) Research Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to see momelotinib reach the clinic, giving patients and their physicians another option to help manage myelofibrosis. Any new treatment that takes steps toward unlocking the mysteries of this complex and chronic blood cancer represents great progress for the field.”
Momelotinib is currently not approved in any other market.
About myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis is a rare blood cancer that results from dysregulated JAK-signal transducer and activator of transcription protein signalling and is characterized by constitutional symptoms, splenomegaly, and progressive anemia. Myelofibrosis affects approximately 25,000 patients in the US.[1],[5],[6]
About the pivotal MOMENTUM clinical trial
MOMENTUM was a phase III, global, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study investigating momelotinib versus danazol in patients with myelofibrosis who were symptomatic and anemic and had been previously treated with an approved JAK inhibitor. The trial was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of momelotinib for treating and reducing key hallmarks of the disease: symptoms, blood transfusions (due to anemia) and splenomegaly.[2] Results from the 24-week treatment period were presented at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and subsequently published in The Lancet.[20],[21]
About the SIMPLIFY-1 clinical trial
SIMPLIFY-1 was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, phase III study that compared the safety and efficacy of momelotinib to ruxolitinib in patients with myelofibrosis who had not received prior treatment with a JAK inhibitor. Safety and efficacy results for SIMPLIFY-1 were based upon a subset of patients with anemia (hemoglobin <10 g/dL) at baseline. The efficacy of momelotinib in the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis in SIMPLIFY-1 was based on spleen volume response (reduction by 35% or greater).
About Ojjaara (momelotinib)
Ojjaara has a differentiated mechanism of action, with inhibitory ability along three key signalling pathways: Janus kinase (JAK) 1, JAK2, and activin A receptor, type I (ACVR1).[2],[6],[22],[23] Inhibition of JAK1 and JAK2 may improve constitutional symptoms and splenomegaly.[2],[6],[23] Additionally, inhibition of ACVR1 leads to a decrease in circulating hepcidin, which is elevated in myelofibrosis and contributes to anemia.[2],[6],[22],[23]
INDICATION
OJJAARA is indicated for the treatment of intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis (MF), including primary MF or secondary MF [post-polycythemia vera (PV) and post-essential thrombocythemia (ET)], in adults with anemia.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for OJJAARA.
GSK in oncology
GSK is committed to maximizing patient survival through transformational medicines, with a current focus on breakthroughs in immuno-oncology and tumor-cell targeting therapies, and development in hematologic malignancies, gynecologic cancers and other solid tumors.
About GSK
GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at gsk.com.
FDA approves GSK drug Ojjaara for myelofibrosis with anemia (update)
Sep. 18, 2023 2:09 PM ET
By: Val Brickates Kennedy, SA News Editor
GSK (NYSE:GSK) has received FDA approval for its drug Ojjaara, also known as momelotinib, for the treatment of the blood cancer myelofibrosis in patients with anemia.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4012873-fda-approves-gsk-drug-ojjaara-for-myelofibrosis-with-anemia
TransCon™ PTH (palopegteriparatide)
TransCon™ PTH (palopegteriparatide)
TransCon™ PTH (palopegteriparatide)
Ascendis Pharma Receives Positive CHMP Opinion for TransCon™ PTH (palopegteriparatide) for Adults with Chronic Hypoparathyroidism
September 14, 2023 at 12:22 PM EDT PDF Version
- Final European Commission decision expected within 67 days after positive opinion;
if approved, first European Union launch planned in Germany in early 2024
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Sept. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ascendis Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ASND) today announced that the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has adopted a positive opinion and recommended the approval of TransCon PTH (palopegteriparatide) as a parathyroid hormone (PTH) replacement therapy indicated for the treatment of adults with chronic hypoparathyroidism. The European Commission’s final decision on the Company’s Marketing Authorisation Application is expected within 67 days after the positive opinion. TransCon PTH is a prodrug of parathyroid hormone (PTH [1-34]) administered once daily.
“We are pleased to have received this positive CHMP opinion for TransCon PTH and look forward to the final European Commission decision,” said Birgitte Volck, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Head of Clinical Development & Medical Affairs, Endocrinology Rare Diseases at Ascendis Pharma. “Hypoparathyroidism is the last endocrine deficiency for which replacement of the missing hormone is not widely available. Based on our clinical and patient-reported data and a robust supply chain, we are confident in our ability to address the hypoparathyroidism community’s urgent need for new treatment options to safely and effectively address the burden of their disease.”
CHMP adopted its positive opinion following its review of the totality of the Company’s clinical package for TransCon PTH (palopegteriparatide), which included data from the global Phase 3 PaTHway and Phase 2 PaTH Forward trials in adult patients with hypoparathyroidism, both of which used the same drug/device combination product that Ascendis plans to make available as its commercial product, if approved. Ascendis plans its first European Union launch of TransCon PTH (palopegteriparatide), if approved, in Germany in early 2024.
About Ascendis Pharma A/S
Ascendis Pharma is applying its innovative TransCon technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Guided by its core values of patients, science and passion, the company uses its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies. Ascendis is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has additional facilities in Germany (Heidelberg, Berlin and Munich) and the United States (Palo Alto and Redwood City, California, and Princeton, New Jersey). Please visit ascendispharma.com to learn more.
Source: Ascendis Pharma
Ascendis wins EU backing for hormone replacement therapy
Sep. 14, 2023 1:51 PM ET
By: Dulan Lokuwithana, SA News Editor
- Danish biotech Ascendis Pharma (ASND) announced Thursday that an expert panel of the EU drug regulator, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), recommended marketing authorization for its parathyroid hormone (PTH) replacement therapy, TransCon PTH.
- Adopting a so-called positive opinion, the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products (CHMP) has endorsed TransCon PTH as a PTH replacement therapy for adults with chronic hypoparathyroidism.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/4011986-ascendis-stock-gains-eu-nod-hormone-therapy
- Ascendis Pharma A/S (ASND)
- https://ascendispharma.com/
- https://ascendispharma.com/pipeline/
- https://ascendispharma.us/
Blarcamesine (ANAVEX®2-73)
TransCon™ PTH (palopegteriparatide)
Blarcamesine (ANAVEX®2-73)
Anavex’s Phase 2b/3 Trial of Blarcamesine (ANAVEX®2-73) in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Shows Robust Clinical Efficacy and Slows Neurodegeneration
Significant Reduction of Amyloid Beta Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Pathology
NEW YORK – September 14, 2023
Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (“Anavex” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: AVXL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing differentiated therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders announced today that a follow-on analysis of the landmark Phase 2b/3 study to treat early Alzheimer’s disease with the investigational drug blarcamesine (ANAVEX®2-73) did demonstrate a statistically significant slowing in cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
The clinical effect was complemented by two independent biomarkers: A significant reduction in pathological amyloid beta levels in plasma [1], as well as a significant slowing in the rate of pathological brain atrophy [2] on MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) [3] scans.
The trial was a Multicenter (52 medical research centers/hospitals in 5 countries), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 48-week phase 2b/3 trial that enrolled 508 participants with early symptomatic Alzheimer disease (mild cognitive impairment/mild dementia). Participants were randomized to receive blarcamesine (n = 338) or placebo (n = 170) oral capsules once daily for 48 weeks.
All prespecified clinical endpoints were analyzed using a mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM). The MMRM analysis method is the convention used for regulatory filings and discussions with regulatory authorities are in preparation.
The trial is successful in meeting the co-primary endpoints if the significance of each endpoint is P < 0.05, or if the significance of only one co-primary endpoint is P < 0.025. If only one primary endpoint is significant at an α level of 0.025, then the secondary endpoint will be evaluated at the same level of 0.025. The trial was successful, since the differences in the least-squares mean (LSM) change from baseline to 48 weeks between the blarcamesine and placebo groups were −1.783 [95% CI, −3.314 to −0.251]; (P = 0.0226) for ADAS-Cog13, and −0.456 [95% CI, −0.831 to −0.080]; (P = 0.0175) for CDR-SB in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition, validated biomarkers of amyloid beta pathology, plasma Aβ42/40 ratio increased significantly (P = 0.048), demonstrating strong anti-amyloid effects of blarcamesine in Alzheimer’s disease patients, while MRI revealed significant reduction in brain volume loss, including whole brain (P = 0.0005), comparing treatment to placebo. In the respective safety population, common treatment-emergent adverse events included dizziness, which was transient and mostly mild to moderate in severity, and occurred in 120 participants (35.8%) during titration and in 76 participants (25.2%) during maintenance with blarcamesine and 10 (6.0%) during titration and 9 (5.6%) during maintenance with placebo.
“There is hope that new therapies for Alzheimer’s that target the disease beyond amyloid that may slow progression of the disease for many people with the earliest forms of the disease,” said Marwan Noel Sabbagh, MD, Professor of Neurology and Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board. “The advantage of blarcamesine (ANAVEX®2-73) is that it is a small oral molecule that exerts clinical benefits on cognition and neurodegeneration and could be appealing because of its route of administration and excellent safety profile.”
This is among the first drugs to prospectively demonstrate efficacy on biomarkers of neurodegeneration.
“These data are very exciting, particularly in a study that can demonstrate objective slowing of markers of neurodegeneration,” says Michael Weiner MD, Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Medicine, Psychiatry, and Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Principal Investigator of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).
“Alzheimer’s disease is such a devastating disease that affects tens of millions worldwide, and Anavex’s clinical development is a testament to our determination to follow the science,” said Christopher U Missling, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Anavex. “We like to thank all the people involved in the study for their invaluable contributions and we look forward to advancing blarcamesine as a potential new convenient orally available treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease.”
About Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (Nasdaq: AVXL) is a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Rett syndrome, and other central nervous system (CNS) diseases, pain, and various types of cancer. Anavex's lead drug candidate, ANAVEX®2-73 (blarcamesine), has successfully completed a Phase 2a and a Phase 2b/3 clinical trial for Alzheimer's disease, a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study in Parkinson's disease dementia, and both a Phase 2 and a Phase 3 study in adult patients with Rett syndrome. ANAVEX®2-73 is an orally available drug candidate that restores cellular homeostasis by targeting sigma-1 and muscarinic receptors. Preclinical studies demonstrated its potential to halt and/or reverse the course of Alzheimer's disease. ANAVEX®2-73 also exhibited anticonvulsant, anti-amnesic, neuroprotective, and anti-depressant properties in animal models, indicating its potential to treat additional CNS disorders, including epilepsy. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research previously awarded Anavex a research grant, which fully funded a preclinical study to develop ANAVEX®2-73 for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. ANAVEX®3-71, which targets sigma-1 and M1 muscarinic receptors, is a promising clinical stage drug candidate demonstrating disease-modifying activity against the major hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease in transgenic (3xTg-AD) mice, including cognitive deficits, amyloid, and tau pathologies. In preclinical trials, ANAVEX®3-71 has shown beneficial effects on mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Further information is available at www.anavex.com. You can also connect with the Company on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
[1] Amyloid beta levels strongly correlate with abeta plaque deposition in the brain and Alzheimer’s disease progression. [2] Brain atrophy, which is loss of brain volume is accelerated in Alzheimer’s disease. [3] Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technology that produces three dimensional detailed anatomical images.
Anavex Alzheimer's candidate slows cognitive decline in key study
Sep. 14, 2023 7:59 AM ET
Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (AVXL)
By: Jonathan Block, SA News Editor5 Comments
- Anavex Life Sciences' (NASDAQ:AVXL) oral drug candidate blarcamesine (ANAVEX2-73) slowed cognitive decline in a phase 2b/3 study.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/4011760-anavex-alzheimers-candidate-blarcamesine-slows-cognitive-decline-study
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (AVXL)
- https://www.anavex.com/
- https://www.anavex.com/therapeutic-candidates
Resmetirom
TransCon™ PTH (palopegteriparatide)
Blarcamesine (ANAVEX®2-73)
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Announces NDA Acceptance and Priority Review of the New Drug Application for Resmetirom for the Treatment of NASH with Liver Fibrosis
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., Sept. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDGL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pursuing novel therapeutics for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review its New Drug Application (NDA) for resmetirom for the treatment of adult patients with NASH with liver fibrosis. The FDA has granted Priority Review and assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act date for resmetirom of March 14, 2024, the target date by which the FDA intends to complete its review and take action on the NDA. The Agency noted that it is not currently planning to hold an advisory committee meeting to discuss the application.
Resmetirom is a once daily, oral, thyroid hormone receptor (THR)-β selective agonist designed to target key underlying causes of NASH in the liver. The clinical development program for resmetirom is comprised of 18 clinical studies supporting the NDA: twelve Phase 1 studies, two Phase 2 studies, and four Phase 3 studies. Madrigal is seeking approval of resmetirom for the treatment of patients with NASH and liver fibrosis under the FDA’s accelerated approval pathway.
Bill Sibold, Chief Executive Officer of Madrigal, stated, “NASH with liver fibrosis represents a significant unmet need in healthcare today: the disease has a serious impact on patients and, without treatment, it can lead to increased risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, and premature mortality. Resmetirom is a liver-directed therapy that has demonstrated the potential to treat the liver fibrosis that is associated with these negative outcomes, while resolving the underlying steatohepatitis that drives the disease. The FDA’s acceptance of our NDA with priority review is an important step forward as we pursue our goal of delivering the first approved treatment to patients with NASH with liver fibrosis.”
The FDA grants Priority Review to applications for medicines that, if approved, would be significant improvements in the safety or effectiveness of the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of serious conditions. A Priority Review designation means FDA’s goal is to take action on an application within 6 months (compared to 10 months under standard review).
Becky Taub, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and President of Research & Development of Madrigal, stated, “We believe that we have delivered a compelling data package to support the FDA’s benefit-risk evaluation of resmetirom for the treatment of NASH with liver fibrosis. The NDA is supported by the positive efficacy results observed in our pivotal Phase 3 trial, the large safety database we have established through the MAESTRO program, and two ongoing outcomes studies that are designed to verify clinical benefit following a potential accelerated approval. We look forward to beginning this critical next phase of the review process.”
About the Resmetirom Phase 3 Registration Program for the Treatment of NASH
Resmetirom is a once daily, oral, thyroid hormone receptor (THR)-β selective agonist designed to target key underlying causes of NASH in the liver.
Madrigal is currently conducting four Phase 3 clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of resmetirom for the treatment of NASH: MAESTRO-NASH, MAESTRO-NAFLD-1, MAESTRO-NAFLD-OLE, and MAESTRO-NASH-OUTCOMES.
MAESTRO-NASH is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study of resmetirom in patients with liver biopsy-confirmed NASH. The portion of the study designed to support a subpart H approval enrolled more than 1,000 patients with biopsy-proven NASH with fibrosis, randomized 1:1:1 to receive once-daily resmetirom 80 mg, resmetirom 100 mg, or placebo. The dual primary surrogate endpoints on biopsy were NASH resolution with ≥2-point reduction in NAS (NAFLD Activity Score), and with no worsening of fibrosis OR a 1-point decrease in fibrosis with no worsening of NAS after 52 weeks of treatment. Achievement of either primary endpoint was considered a successful trial outcome.
In December 2022, Madrigal announced that both daily oral doses of resmetirom achieved both MAESTRO-NASH primary liver biopsy endpoints. Multiple secondary endpoints were also achieved, including statistically significant reductions by resmetirom as compared with placebo in atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins, liver enzymes, fibrosis biomarkers, and imaging tests.
Resmetirom was generally safe and well-tolerated at both the 80 mg and 100 mg doses. Consistent with previous Phase 2 and Phase 3 data, the most common adverse event reported with greater frequency in the resmetirom groups versus placebo was an excess of generally mild and transient diarrhea and nausea at the beginning of therapy.
Patients enrolled in MAESTRO-NASH (approximately 1,750 total enrollment) continue on therapy after the initial 52-week treatment period for up to 54 months to accrue and measure hepatic clinical outcome events including progression to cirrhosis on biopsy (52 weeks and 54 months) and hepatic decompensation events, as well as all-cause mortality. This portion of the study is designed to generate confirmatory data that, if positive, will help verify resmetirom’s clinical benefit and support full approval.
MAESTRO-NAFLD-1 was a 52-week multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase 3 study of resmetirom in ~1,200 patients with NAFLD, presumed NASH. MAESTRO-NAFLD-1 might be considered a “real-world” NASH study in that diagnosis was based on noninvasive measures rather than liver biopsy. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of resmetirom.
Patients in the MAESTRO-NAFLD-1 study were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive once-daily resmetirom 80 mg, resmetirom 100 mg, or placebo in double-blind arms or resmetirom 100 mg in an open-label arm. Using noninvasive measures, MAESTRO-NAFLD-1 was designed to provide incremental safety information to support the NASH indication as well as provide additional data regarding clinically relevant key secondary efficacy endpoints to better characterize the potential clinical benefits of resmetirom on cardiovascular- and liver-related endpoints.
The primary safety endpoint of MAESTRO-NAFLD-1 and key secondary endpoints were achieved: resmetirom was safe, well-tolerated and provided statistically significant improvements in LDL-C, apolipoprotein B, triglycerides, and liver fat as measured by MRI-PDFF.
An additional open-label active treatment arm in 180 patients with early (well-compensated) NASH cirrhosis was conducted. Resmetirom was safe and well tolerated in the MAESTRO-NAFLD-1 open-label cohort of patients with well-compensated NASH cirrhosis. As observed in patients with noncirrhotic NASH, mild GI adverse events were seen at the beginning of therapy. Resmetirom reduced LDL-C, other atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins, and MRI-PDFF in patients with NASH cirrhosis and also reduced liver and spleen volume.
A separate 52 week Phase 3 clinical trial, an open-label active treatment extension study of MAESTRO-NAFLD-1 (MAESTRO-NAFLD-OLE), in about 700 patients is ongoing.
Data from the 52-week first 1,000 patient portion of MAESTRO-NASH, together with data from MAESTRO-NAFLD-1, MAESTRO-NAFLD-OLE, Phase 2 and Phase 1 data, including safety parameters, form the basis for Madrigal’s subpart H submission to FDA for accelerated approval of resmetirom for treatment of NASH with liver fibrosis.
In August 2022, Madrigal initiated MAESTRO-NASH-OUTCOMES, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study in approximately 700 patients with early NASH cirrhosis to allow for noninvasive monitoring of progression to liver decompensation events. A positive outcome is expected to support the full approval of resmetirom for noncirrhotic NASH, potentially accelerating the timeline to full approval. In addition, this study has the potential to support an additional indication for resmetirom in patients with well-compensated NASH cirrhosis.
About NASH
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a more advanced form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is estimated to afflict more than 20% of adults globally, about 30% in the United States. Of that population, 20% may have NASH.
NASH is a leading cause of liver related mortality and an increasing burden on healthcare systems globally. Additionally, patients with NASH, especially those with more advanced metabolic risk factors (hypertension, concomitant type 2 diabetes), are at increased risk for adverse cardiovascular events and increased morbidity and mortality.
In NASH, thyroid hormone beta activity in the liver is impaired, leading to a reduction in mitochondrial function and beta-oxidation of fatty acids, which in turn drive inflammation and liver fibrosis.
Once NASH progresses to significant liver fibrosis (stages F2 and F3) the risk of adverse liver outcomes increases dramatically. NASH is rapidly becoming the leading cause of liver transplantation in the U.S. There are currently no FDA-approved therapies available for the treatment of NASH.
About Madrigal Pharmaceuticals
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDGL) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pursuing novel therapeutics for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a liver disease with high unmet medical need. Madrigal’s lead candidate, resmetirom, is a once daily, oral, thyroid hormone receptor (THR)-β selective agonist designed to target key underlying causes of NASH in the liver. For more information, visit www.madrigalpharma.com.
Source: Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Madrigal nabs FDA priority review for NASH drug
Sep. 13, 2023 9:58 AM ET
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MDGL)
By: Dulan Lokuwithana, SA News Editor
- Madrigal Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:MDGL) announced Wednesday that the U.S. FDA accepted its New Drug Application (NDA) for its lead candidate resmetirom granting it the agency’s priority review for liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/4011356-madrigal-stock-gains-fda-priority-review-nash-drug
- Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MDGL)
- https://www.madrigalpharma.com/
- https://www.madrigalpharma.com/our-programs/resmetirom/