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BIOTECNOVA™
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Opdivo (nivolumab) with Chemotherapy
Opdivo (nivolumab) with Chemotherapy
Opdivo (nivolumab) with Chemotherapy
Opdivo (nivolumab) with Chemotherapy
Opdivo (nivolumab) with Chemotherapy
Bristol Myers Squibb Receives Positive CHMP Opinion Recommending Approval for Opdivo (nivolumab) with Chemotherapy as Neoadjuvant Treatment of Resectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer at High Risk of Recurrence in Patients with Tumor Cell PD-L1 Expre...
05/26/2023CATEGORY:
Recommendation based on results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -816 trial, in which Opdivo with chemotherapy demonstrated improved event-free survival and pathologic complete response compared to chemotherapy alone when administered before surgery
If approved, Opdivo with chemotherapy would be the first and only neoadjuvant immunotherapy-based option authorized to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer in the European Union
PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Bristol Myers Squibb Receives Positive CHMP Opinion Recommending Approval for Opdivo (nivolumab) with Chemotherapy as Neoadjuvant Treatment of Resectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer at High Risk of Recurrence in Patients with Tumor Cell PD-L1 Expression ≥1%
Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended approval of Opdivo (nivolumab) in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for the neoadjuvant treatment of resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at a high risk of recurrence in adult patients with tumor cell PD-L1 expression ≥1%. The European Commission (EC), which has the authority to approve medicines for the European Union (EU), will now review the CHMP recommendation.
“The devastating reality is that despite progress in lung cancer treatment, many patients still ultimately end up relapsing and potentially dying of their disease,” said Abderrahim Oukessou, M.D., vice president, thoracic cancers development lead, Bristol Myers Squibb. “Based on the results of the CheckMate -816 trial, Opdivo with chemotherapy is the first immunotherapy-based regimen to reduce the risk of disease recurrence, progression and death in resectable NSCLC when given before surgery. The CHMP’s recommendation moves us another step closer to addressing the pressing need to offer certain patients in the European Union a chance to change the course of their disease with an effective and tolerable pre-surgical option that may help reduce the risk of relapse.”
The positive opinion is based on results from the CheckMate -816 trial, which demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in event-free survival (EFS) and pathologic complete response (pCR) with three cycles of Opdivo in combination with chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone when given before surgery. The safety profile of Opdivo with chemotherapy was consistent with previously reported studies in NSCLC. Primary analyses of pCR, EFS and preliminary overall survival (OS) data from CheckMate -816 were previously presented at medical congresses and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Three-year data demonstrating durable clinical benefits with the combination were presented at the European Lung Cancer Congress 2023. CheckMate -816 is ongoing to assess key secondary endpoints and subgroup analyses, including OS, which continue to mature.
To date, Opdivo with chemotherapy has been approved for the neoadjuvant treatment of patients with resectable NSCLC regardless of PD-L1 expression levels in 21 countries, including the United States, Japan and China, and additional regulatory applications are under review by global health authorities. Opdivo-based treatments have shown improved efficacy in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment of four tumor types: lung cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal/gastroesophageal junction cancer and melanoma.
Bristol Myers Squibb thanks the patients and investigators involved in the CheckMate -816 clinical trial.
About CheckMate -816
CheckMate -816 is a Phase 3 randomized, open label, multi-center trial evaluating Opdivo with chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with resectable stage IB to IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (per the 7th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for International Cancer Control staging criteria). For the primary analysis, 358 patients were randomized to receive either Opdivo 360 mg plus histology-based platinum doublet chemotherapy every three weeks for three cycles, or platinum doublet chemotherapy every three weeks for three cycles, followed by surgery. The primary endpoints of the trial are event-free survival and pathologic complete response, regardless of PD-L1 expression. Secondary endpoints include overall survival, major pathologic response, and time to death or distant metastases.
About Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths globally. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common types of lung cancer, representing up to 84% of diagnoses. Non-metastatic cases account for the majority of NSCLC diagnoses (approximately 60%, with up to half of these being resectable), and the proportion is expected to grow over time with enhanced screening programs. While many non-metastatic NSCLC patients are cured by surgery, 30% to 55% develop recurrence and die of their disease despite resection, contributing to a need for treatment options administered before surgery (neoadjuvant) and/or after surgery (adjuvant) to improve long-term outcomes.
Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer
Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision — transforming patients’ lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine, and through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep scientific expertise, cutting-edge capabilities and discovery platforms enable the company to look at cancer from every angle. Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient’s life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. Because as a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future.
About Opdivo
Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body’s own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers.
Opdivo’s leading global development program is based on Bristol Myers Squibb’s scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology, and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has treated more than 35,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression.
In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 65 countries, including the United States, the European Union, Japan and China. In October 2015, the Company’s Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union.
INDICATIONS
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated as neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab) and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with cabozantinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) who are at high risk of recurrence after undergoing radical resection of UC.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after prior fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based chemotherapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer with residual pathologic disease in adult patients who have received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum- containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer, and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Please see US Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY.
About the Bristol Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Collaboration
In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Bristol Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally, except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Ono and Bristol Myers Squibb further expanded the companies’ strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies – as single agents and combination regimens – for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
About Bristol Myers Squibb
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
Source: Bristol Myers Squibb
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Veklury® (Remdesivir)
Opdivo (nivolumab) with Chemotherapy
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
May 26, 2023
CHMP Adopts Positive Opinion to Extend the Use of Veklury® (Remdesivir) to Treat COVID-19 in People With Severe Renal Impairment, Including Those on Dialysis
– If Granted by the European Commission, Veklury will become the First and Only Authorized Antiviral Treatment Across All Stages of Renal Disease –
FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted a positive opinion for the use of Veklury® (remdesivir) in COVID-19 patients with severe renal impairment, including those on dialysis. The European Commission (EC) will review the CHMP recommendation and, if adopted, Veklury will become the first and only authorized antiviral COVID-19 treatment that can be used across all stages of renal disease.
In Europe, approximately 75 million people suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with advanced CKD or end stage kidney disease (ESKD) represent a population that is highly vulnerable to COVID-19. They are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19, with mortality rates as high as 21-25%, and currently have limited treatment options that are safe and effective.
“COVID-19 continues to pose a threat to the lives of vulnerable individuals, including those with renal impairment,” said Anu Osinusi, Vice President, Clinical Research for Hepatitis, Respiratory and Emerging Viruses, Gilead Sciences. “Gilead’s commitment to address the unmet needs of the most susceptible populations remains a top priority. We are encouraged by today’s CHMP opinion and will continue to invest in developing suitable treatment options for populations at risk of severe disease.”
The clinical benefit of Veklury in hospitalized populations with COVID-19 is supported by randomized controlled trials, real-world evidence and meta-analyses, but its use has previously been restricted among patients with severe renal impairment (<30mL/min) due to insufficient data. This positive opinion for use in people with severe renal impairment was based on results from a Phase 1 Pharmacokinetic study (GS-US-540-9015), as well as results from the Phase 3 REDPINE trial that evaluated the safety of Veklury in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with severe renal impairment. No new safety signals were observed in either of the studies.
“The positive opinion from the Committee helps validate the safety profile of Veklury in people with severe renal impairment,” said Prof. Dr. Tobias Welte, Professor of Pulmonary Medicine and Director of the Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases at Hannover University School of Medicine. “Expanding the use of Veklury in this population, which still has limited treatment options, will help more people gain access to treatment for COVID-19.”
In the European Economic Area (EEA), Veklury is the only antiviral indicated for both the treatment of COVID-19 in adult and adolescent patients who do not require supplemental oxygen and are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19, as well as adults, adolescent and pediatric patients with pneumonia requiring supplemental oxygen (low- or high-flow oxygen or other non-invasive ventilation).
About GS-US-540-5912 (REDPINE)
Gilead conducted a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group, multicenter study (REDPINE) evaluating the efficacy and safety of Veklury in patients with severely reduced kidney function who are hospitalized with COVID-19. The trial enrolled 243 hospitalized adult participants with confirmed COVID-19 and renal impairment who were randomized in a 2:1 manner to receive Veklury (n=163) or placebo (n=80), in addition to standard of care, and were stratified by ESKD, high-flow oxygen requirement, and region (US vs. ex-US). The study closed prematurely due to feasibility issues and was underpowered to assess for efficacy because of lower-than-expected enrollment. No new safety signals were observed in the study and no additional adverse reactions to Veklury were identified in 163 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 and acute kidney injury (AKI) (n=60), CKD (eGFR <30 mL/minute) (n=44) or ESKD (eGFR <15 mL/minute) requiring hemodialysis (n=59) receiving Veklury for up to 5 days.
Pharmacokinetic data were obtained from the REDPINE study, as well as a Phase 1 open-label, parallel-group, single-dose study (GS-US-540-9015). Given the observed PK and the absence of any new safety signals associated with increased metabolite levels in patients with severely reduced kidney function, no dose adjustment of Veklury is recommended in patients with renal impairment, including those on dialysis.
About Gilead’s COVID-19 Development Program
Veklury (remdesivir) is a nucleotide analog invented by Gilead, building on more than a decade of the company’s antiviral research. Veklury is the antiviral standard of care for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and is a recommended treatment for reducing disease progression in non-hospitalized patients at high risk of disease progression. Veklury has an established safety profile and minimal known drug interactions in diverse populations. It plays an important role in reducing disease progression and mortality across a spectrum of disease severity and enabling patients to recover faster. Veklury directly inhibits viral replication inside of the cell by targeting the SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA polymerase. Based on in vitro analyses, Veklury retains antiviral activity against recent Omicron subvariants of concern, including BQ.1.1 and XBB.
Veklury is approved in more than 50 countries worldwide. To date, Veklury and generic remdesivir have been made available to nearly 13 million patients around the world, including more than 8 million people in middle- and low-income countries through Gilead’s voluntary licensing program.
There remains a significant need to develop new and effective oral treatment options for people with COVID-19. Gilead is also working to advance an investigational oral antiviral, obeldesivir, for the treatment of COVID-19. Obeldesivir is a direct-acting nucleoside inhibitor of the of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), a critical component that the virus uses to replicate. Once metabolized, obeldesivir works in the same way as Veklury to halt SARS-CoV-2 virus replication.
U.S. Indication for Veklury
Veklury® (remdesivir 100 mg for injection) is indicated for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (≥28 days old and weighing ≥3 kg) who are:
- Hospitalized, or
- Not hospitalized and have mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
For more information, please see the U.S. full Prescribing Information available at www.gilead.com.
About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.
U.S. full Prescribing Information for Veklury is available at www.gilead.com .
Veklury, Gilead and the Gilead logo are registered trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.
For more information about Gilead, please visit the company’s website at www.gilead.com , follow Gilead on Twitter (@Gilead Sciences) or call Gilead
Source: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Gilead's COVID drug Veklury gets EMA greenlight for expanded use
May 26, 2023 7:06 AM ET
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor
- A committee of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended the expanded approval of Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) Veklury (remdesivir) in patients with COVID-19 with severe kidney impairment, including those on dialysis.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3975353-gileads-covid-drug-veklury-gets-ema-greenlight-for-expanded-use
- Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD)
- https://www.gilead.com/
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
FDA Accepts Application for Merck’s KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy as First-Line Treatment for Locally Advanced Unresectable or Metastatic Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma
April 13, 2023 6:45 am ET
Acceptance based on results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-859 trial, which showed significant overall survival benefit in these patients with HER2-negative disease, regardless of PD-L1 expression
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 for review a new supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) seeking approval for KEYTRUDA, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. The sBLA is based on data from the KEYNOTE-859 trial, in which KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival (OS) versus chemotherapy alone, regardless of PD-L1 expression, in patients who were human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative. The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), or target action, date of December 16, 2023.
“The five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer is estimated to be only six percent, and eighty percent of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma have HER2-negative disease,” said Dr. Scot Ebbinghaus, vice president, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. “We are committed to working closely with the FDA to bring KEYTRUDA to more patients with gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer who are in need of additional treatment options that may help them live longer.”
KEYTRUDA is currently approved in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma in the U.S. This indication was approved by the FDA under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response data from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-811 study. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Merck has an extensive clinical development program evaluating KEYTRUDA in gastrointestinal cancers, which includes KEYNOTE-811 in first-line advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer, KEYNOTE-585 in early-stage gastric cancer, and further exploration in advanced/metastatic gastric cancer in LEAP-015. Merck is continuing to study KEYTRUDA for multiple uses in hepatobiliary, esophageal, pancreatic, colorectal and biliary tract cancers.
About KEYNOTE-859
KEYNOTE-859 is a randomized, double-blind Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03675737) evaluating KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy compared to placebo in combination with chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of patients with HER2-negative locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma. The primary endpoint is OS, and secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, ORR, duration of response and safety. The trial enrolled 1,579 patients who were randomized to receive KEYTRUDA (200 mg every three weeks for up to approximately two years) in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy (n=785), or placebo in combination with chemotherapy (n=787). All patients received investigator’s choice of chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil plus cisplatin or capecitabine plus oxaliplatin).
About gastric cancer
Gastric (stomach) cancer tends to develop slowly over many years and rarely causes early symptoms, resulting in most cases going undetected until an advanced stage.More than 70% of patients with gastric cancer develop advanced-stage disease. Most gastric cancers are adenocarcinomas (about 90-95%), which develop from cells in the innermost lining of the stomach (known as the mucosa). The majority of gastric cancers are HER2-negative, affecting approximately four out of every five patients. Gastric cancer is the fifth most diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with approximately 1.1 million patients diagnosed and 768,000 deaths from the disease globally in 2020.In the U.S., it is estimated there will be approximately 26,500 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer and 11,000 deaths from the disease in 2023. The five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with gastric cancer at an advanced stage is only 6%.
About KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) injection, 100 mg
KEYTRUDA is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD- L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells.
Merck has the industry’s largest immuno-oncology clinical research program. There are currently more than 1,600 trials studying KEYTRUDA across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. The KEYTRUDA clinical program seeks to understand the role of KEYTRUDA across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient's likelihood of benefitting from treatment with KEYTRUDA, including exploring several different biomarkers.
Selected KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Indications in the U.S.
Gastric Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
See additional selected KEYTRUDA indications in the U.S. after the Selected Important Safety Information.
Selected Important Safety Information for KEYTRUDA
Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
KEYTRUDA is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to a class of drugs that bind to either the PD-1 or the PD-L1, blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response, potentially breaking peripheral tolerance and inducing immune-mediated adverse reactions. Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue, can affect more than one body system simultaneously, and can occur at any time after starting treatment or after discontinuation of treatment. Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed here may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions.
Monitor patients closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Early identification and management are essential to ensure safe use of anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatments. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. For patients with TNBC treated with KEYTRUDA in the neoadjuvant setting, monitor blood cortisol at baseline, prior to surgery, and as clinically indicated. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.
Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity of the immune-mediated adverse reaction. In general, if KEYTRUDA requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy.
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis
KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. The incidence is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.4% (94/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including fatal (0.1%), Grade 4 (0.3%), Grade 3 (0.9%), and Grade 2 (1.3%) reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 67% (63/94) of patients. Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 1.3% (36) and withholding in 0.9% (26) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, 23% had recurrence. Pneumonitis resolved in 59% of the 94 patients.
Pneumonitis occurred in 8% (31/389) of adult patients with cHL receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent, including Grades 3-4 in 2.3% of patients. Patients received high-dose corticosteroids for a median duration of 10 days (range: 2 days to 53 months). Pneumonitis rates were similar in patients with and without prior thoracic radiation. Pneumonitis led to discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 5.4% (21) of patients. Of the patients who developed pneumonitis, 42% interrupted KEYTRUDA, 68% discontinued KEYTRUDA, and 77% had resolution.
Pneumonitis occurred in 7% (41/580) of adult patients with resected NSCLC who received KEYTRUDA as a single agent for adjuvant treatment of NSCLC, including fatal (0.2%), Grade 4 (0.3%), and Grade 3 (1%) adverse reactions. Patients received high-dose corticosteroids for a median duration of 10 days (range: 1 day to 2.3 months). Pneumonitis led to discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 26 (4.5%) of patients. Of the patients who developed pneumonitis, 54% interrupted KEYTRUDA, 63% discontinued KEYTRUDA, and 71% had resolution.
Immune-Mediated Colitis
KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may present with diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 1.7% (48/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (1.1%), and Grade 2 (0.4%) reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 69% (33/48); additional immunosuppressant therapy was required in 4.2% of patients. Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.5% (15) and withholding in 0.5% (13) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, 23% had recurrence. Colitis resolved in 85% of the 48 patients.
Hepatotoxicity and Immune-Mediated Hepatitis
KEYTRUDA as a Single Agent
KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 0.7% (19/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.4%), and Grade 2 (0.1%) reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 68% (13/19) of patients; additional immunosuppressant therapy was required in 11% of patients. Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.2% (6) and withholding in 0.3% (9) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, none had recurrence. Hepatitis resolved in 79% of the 19 patients.
KEYTRUDA With Axitinib
KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib can cause hepatic toxicity. Monitor liver enzymes before initiation of and periodically throughout treatment. Consider monitoring more frequently as compared to when the drugs are administered as single agents. For elevated liver enzymes, interrupt KEYTRUDA and axitinib, and consider administering corticosteroids as needed. With the combination of KEYTRUDA and axitinib, Grades 3 and 4 increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (20%) and increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (13%) were seen at a higher frequency compared to KEYTRUDA alone. Fifty-nine percent of the patients with increased ALT received systemic corticosteroids. In patients with ALT ≥3 times upper limit of normal (ULN) (Grades 2-4, n=116), ALT resolved to Grades 0-1 in 94%. Among the 92 patients who were rechallenged with either KEYTRUDA (n=3) or axitinib (n=34) administered as a single agent or with both (n=55), recurrence of ALT ≥3 times ULN was observed in 1 patient receiving KEYTRUDA, 16 patients receiving axitinib, and 24 patients receiving both. All patients with a recurrence of ALT ≥3 ULN subsequently recovered from the event.
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies
Adrenal Insufficiency
KEYTRUDA can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA depending on severity. Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.8% (22/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.3%), and Grade 2 (0.3%) reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 77% (17/22) of patients; of these, the majority remained on systemic corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (1) and withholding in 0.3% (8) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement.
Hypophysitis
KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field defects. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate hormone replacement as indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity. Hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (17/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.3%), and Grade 2 (0.2%) reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 94% (16/17) of patients; of these, the majority remained on systemic corticosteroids. Hypophysitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.1% (4) and withholding in 0.3% (7) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement.
Thyroid Disorders
KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement for hypothyroidism or institute medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity. Thyroiditis occurred in 0.6% (16/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.3%). None discontinued, but KEYTRUDA was withheld in <0.1% (1) of patients.
Hyperthyroidism occurred in 3.4% (96/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 3 (0.1%) and Grade 2 (0.8%). It led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (2) and withholding in 0.3% (7) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement. Hypothyroidism occurred in 8% (237/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 3 (0.1%) and Grade 2 (6.2%). It led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (1) and withholding in 0.5% (14) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement. The majority of patients with hypothyroidism required long-term thyroid hormone replacement. The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in 1185 patients with HNSCC, occurring in 16% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent or in combination with platinum and FU, including Grade 3 (0.3%) hypothyroidism. The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in 389 adult patients with cHL (17%) receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent, including Grade 1 (6.2%) and Grade 2 (10.8%) hypothyroidism. The incidence of new or worsening hyperthyroidism was higher in 580 patients with resected NSCLC, occurring in 11% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent as adjuvant treatment, including Grade 3 (0.2%) hyperthyroidism. The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in 580 patients with resected NSCLC, occurring in 22% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent as adjuvant treatment (KEYNOTE-091), including Grade 3 (0.3%) hypothyroidism.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Which Can Present With Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA depending on severity. Type 1 DM occurred in 0.2% (6/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA. It led to permanent discontinuation in <0.1% (1) and withholding of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (1) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement.
Immune-Mediated Nephritis With Renal Dysfunction
KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 0.3% (9/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.1%), and Grade 2 (0.1%) reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 89% (8/9) of patients. Nephritis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.1% (3) and withholding in 0.1% (3) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, none had recurrence. Nephritis resolved in 56% of the 9 patients.
Additional Selected KEYTRUDA Indications in the U.S.
Melanoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is:
- stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or
- metastatic.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated as adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC.
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with platinum and fluorouracil (FU), is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy.
Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy.
KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy.
Urothelial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, in combination with enfortumab vedotin, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) who are not eligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC):
- who are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
- who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Esophageal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either: in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, or
- as a single agent after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy for patients with tumors of squamous cell histology that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Cervical Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Renal Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, in combination with axitinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions.
Endometrial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
Tumor Mutational Burden-High Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
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 for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf and Medication Guide for KEYTRUDA at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_mg.pdf .
Source: Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck's Keytruda combo gets FDA review for initial therapy in gastric, esophagus cancer
Apr. 13, 2023 7:19 AM ET
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted for review Merck's (NYSE:MRK) application seeking approval for a Keytruda combo as initial therapy for a type of gastric cancer.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3956215-merck-keytruda-combo-gets-fda-review-for-gastric-esophagus-cancer
- Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)
- https://www.keytruda.com/
- https://www.merck.com/
IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib)
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
Lynparza (olaparib) & Imfinzi (durvalumab)
Update on IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib) U.S. Accelerated Approvals for Mantle Cell Lymphoma and Marginal Zone Lymphoma Indications
HORSHAM, Pa., April 6, 2023 – The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, in collaboration with its alliance partner, Pharmacyclics, an AbbVie Company, announced today the intent to voluntarily withdraw the U.S. indications for IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib) for the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy, and for the treatment of patients with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) who require systemic therapy and have received at least one prior anti-CD20-based therapy. This decision was made in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consistent with FDA procedural guidance on accelerated approvals. This decision does not affect any other approved indications for IMBRUVICA® in the U.S. Janssen will be communicating directly with healthcare professionals to help support patients currently receiving treatment with IMBRUVICA® in the U.S. for MCL or MZL.
The FDA previously granted approval for IMBRUVICA® in MCL and MZL based on overall response rates in two Phase 2 clinical studies under the accelerated approval pathway. Continued approval was contingent upon demonstration of clinical benefit in the confirmatory Phase 3 SHINE study (NCT01776840) in previously untreated patients with MCL, and the confirmatory Phase 3 SELENE study (NCT01974440) in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma (FL) or MZL. The companies fully enrolled the Phase 3 studies within approximately one year of the accelerated approvals. After discussing the study results with the companies, the FDA advised that the primary outcomes from the Phase 3 confirmatory studies for the indications were considered insufficient to support conversion to full approval.
“We fully support the FDA accelerated approval pathway, which patients rely on for timely access to promising treatments that may improve or extend their lives. While withdrawing these indications was a difficult decision, we remain confident in the benefit/risk profile of IMBRUVICA in its approved indications and are committed to its continued development,” said Craig Tendler, M.D., Vice President, Late Development and Global Medical Affairs, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. “IMBRUVICA has transformed how patients with B-cell malignancies are treated and is the most comprehensively studied and prescribed therapy in its class.”
The Phase 3 SHINE study met its primary endpoint and demonstrated a significant progression-free survival advantage in patients with previously untreated MCL but did not show an overall survival advantage. The addition of IMBRUVICA® to chemoimmunotherapy was associated with increased adverse reactions compared to the placebo-controlled arm. The SHINE study results were presented during the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting and were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The Phase 3 SELENE study did not meet its primary endpoint of progression-free survival in patients with R/R FL or MZL. The SELENE study results will be presented at a future scientific forum.
About IMBRUVICA® in MCL and MZL Outside the United States
IMBRUVICA® has been used to treat more than 270,000 patients worldwide. This Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor is approved for R/R MCL in more than 100 countries outside the U.S. based on positive clinical data from the Phase 2 PCYC-1104 study (NCT01236391) and the randomized Phase 3 RAY study (NCT01646021). In addition, IMBRUVICA® is approved for R/R MZL in more than 30 countries outside the U.S. based on the Phase 2 PCYC-1121 study (NCT01980628). IMBRUVICA® remains an important therapy for patients and healthcare professionals around the world.
About MCL and MZL
MCL and MZL, both subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL), are rare and serious blood cancers.1,2 MCL accounts for approximately five percent and MZL accounts for approximately seven percent of all cases of NHL in adults and approximately 80,000 people will be diagnosed with NHL in 2023.1,2,3 MCL occurs in the white blood cells and is marked by small- to medium-size cancer cells in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood, or gastrointestinal system.4 MZL occurs in white blood cells (lymphocytes) at the edges of lymph nodes and various tissues, including the stomach, salivary glands, thyroid gland, eyes, lungs and spleen.5,6 MCL and MZL are difficult to treat, and therefore treatment options are limited.7,8
About IMBRUVICA®
IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib) is a once-daily oral medication that is jointly developed and commercialized by Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie company. IMBRUVICA® blocks the BTK protein, which is needed by normal and abnormal B cells, including specific cancer cells, to multiply and spread. By blocking BTK, IMBRUVICA® may help move abnormal B cells out of their nourishing environments and inhibits their proliferation.9,10,11
IMBRUVICA® is approved in more than 100 countries and has been used to treat more than 270,000 patients worldwide. There are more than 50 company-sponsored clinical trials, including 18 Phase 3 studies, and more than 11 years evaluating the efficacy and safety of IMBRUVICA®.
IMBRUVICA® was first approved by the U.S. FDA in November 2013, and today is indicated for adult patients in four disease areas, including three hematologic cancers. These include indications to treat adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/ small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) with or without 17p deletion (del17p); adults with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM); and adult and pediatric patients aged one year and older with previously treated chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after failure of one or more lines of systemic therapy.12
For more information, visit www.IMBRUVICA.com.
Please click here to see the full Prescribing Information
About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
At Janssen, we’re creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We’re the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular, Metabolism & Retina; Immunology; Infectious Diseases & Vaccines; Neuroscience; Oncology; and Pulmonary Hypertension.
Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us at @JanssenUS and @JanssenGlobal. Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Janssen Research & Development, LLC are part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.
https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/JNJ
JNJ Dividend History
https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/jnj/dividend-history
Lynparza (olaparib) & Imfinzi (durvalumab)
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
Lynparza (olaparib) & Imfinzi (durvalumab)
Lynparza and Imfinzi combination improved progression-free survival in newly diagnosed patients with advanced ovarian cancer without tumour BRCA mutations in DUO-O Phase III trial
PUBLISHED5 April 2023 5 April 2023 07:00 BST
Positive high-level results from a planned interim analysis of the DUO-O Phase III trial showed treatment with a combination of Lynparza (olaparib), Imfinzi (durvalumab), chemotherapy and bevacizumab demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) versus chemotherapy plus bevacizumab (control arm) in newly diagnosed patients with advanced high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer without tumour BRCA mutations. Patients were treated with Imfinzi in combination with chemotherapy and bevacizumab followed by Imfinzi, Lynparza and bevacizumab as maintenance therapy.
In an additional arm, Imfinzi, chemotherapy plus bevacizumab showed a numerical improvement in PFS versus the control arm but did not reach statistical significance at this interim analysis.
At the time of this planned interim analysis, the overall survival (OS) and other secondary endpoints are immature and will be formally assessed at a subsequent analysis.
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynaecologic cancers.1 Over two thirds of patients are diagnosed with advanced disease which can progress quickly, often within two years, diminishing their quality of life despite treatment. Unfortunately, 50-70% of patients with advanced disease die within five years.2-5
Philipp Harter, Director, Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Oncology, Evangelische Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Germany and principal investigator for the trial, said: "DUO-O showcases the power of academia and industry collaboration in advancing new treatment combinations for patients with ovarian cancer. I’m grateful for the academic cooperative study groups and patients around the world that made this trial possible and look forward to sharing the results with the clinical community."
Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: "While there has been significant progress for patients with advanced ovarian cancer, an unmet need still remains. These data from the DUO-O trial provide encouraging evidence for this Lynparza and Imfinzi combination in patients without tumour BRCA mutations and reinforce our continued commitment to finding new treatment approaches for these patients. It will be important to understand the key secondary endpoints as well as data for relevant subgroups.”
The safety and tolerability of these combinations are broadly consistent with that observed in prior clinical trials and the known profiles of the individual medicines.
The data will be presented at forthcoming medical meetings and shared with health authorities.
Notes
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women worldwide with more than 314,000 new patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2020 and over 207,000 deaths. This number is expected to rise by almost 42% by 2040 to over 445,000 newly diagnosed patients and 314,000 deaths.6
DUO-O
DUO-O is a Phase III randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Imfinzi in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy and bevacizumab followed by maintenance treatment with Imfinzi and bevacizumab with or without Lynparza in newly diagnosed patients with advanced ovarian cancer without tumour BRCA mutations.
Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to: Arm 1 (control), induction therapy with platinum-based chemotherapy in combination with bevacizumab and placebo followed by maintenance treatment with bevacizumab plus placebo; Arm 2, induction therapy with platinum-based chemotherapy in combination with bevacizumab and Imfinzi followed by maintenance Imfinzi and bevacizumab plus placebo; or Arm 3, induction therapy with platinum-based chemotherapy in combination with bevacizumab and Imfinzi followed by maintenance Imfinzi and bevacizumab plus Lynparza. In all arms, platinum-based chemotherapy was administered every 3 weeks (q3w) for up to 6 cycles, bevacizumab was administered q3w for up to 15 months, Imfinzi or placebo was administered q3w for up to 24 months, and Lynparza or placebo was administered twice daily for up to 24 months.
The primary endpoint of the trial is PFS as assessed by investigator for Arm 3 compared to Arm 1 (control) in the overall trial population which included patients without tumour BRCA mutations and in the subset of these patients with HRD positive disease. Key secondary endpoints include PFS as assessed by investigator in Arm 2 compared to control, as well as comparisons for OS. DUO-O enrolled over 1200 patients across all treatment arms at 179 study locations. For more information about the trial, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.
Imfinzi
Imfinzi (durvalumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-L1 protein and blocks the interaction of PD-L1 with the PD-1 and CD80 proteins, countering the tumour's immune-evading tactics and releasing the inhibition of immune responses.
Imfinzi is the only approved immunotherapy and the global standard of care in the curative-intent setting of unresectable, Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients whose disease has not progressed after chemoradiation therapy based on the PACIFIC Phase III trial. Imfinzi is also approved in the US, EU, Japan, China and many other countries around the world for the treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) based on the CASPIAN Phase III trial. Additionally, Imfinzi is approved in combination with a short course of Imjudo (tremelimumab) and chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC in the US, EU and Japan based on the POSEIDON Phase III trial.
In addition to its indications in lung cancer, Imfinzi is also approved in combination with chemotherapy in locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer in the US, EU, Japan and several other countries; in combination with Imjudo in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in the US, EU and Japan; and in previously treated patients with advanced bladder cancer in a small number of countries.
Since the first approval in May 2017, more than 150,000 patients have been treated with Imfinzi. As part of a broad development programme, Imfinzi is being tested as a single treatment and in combinations with other anti-cancer treatments for patients with SCLC, NSCLC, bladder cancer, several gastrointestinal cancers, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and other solid tumours.
Lynparza
Lynparza (olaparib) is a first-in-class PARP inhibitor and the first targeted treatment to block DNA damage response (DDR) in cells/tumours harbouring a deficiency in homologous recombination repair (HRR), such as those with mutations in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2, or those where deficiency is induced by other agents (such as new hormonal agents [NHAs]).
Inhibition of PARP with Lynparza leads to the trapping of PARP bound to DNA single-strand breaks, stalling of replication forks, their collapse and the generation of DNA double-strand breaks and cancer cell death.
Lynparza is currently approved in a number of countries across multiple tumour types including maintenance treatment of platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer and as both monotherapy and in combination with bevacizumab for the 1st-line maintenance treatment of BRCA-mutated (BRCAm) and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)-positive advanced ovarian cancer, respectively; for germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm), HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (in the EU and Japan this includes locally advanced breast cancer); for gBRCAm, HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer (in Japan this includes all BRCAm HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer); for gBRCAm metastatic pancreatic cancer; in combination with abiraterone for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in whom chemotherapy is not clinically indicated (in the EU) and as monotherapy in HRR gene-mutated mCRPC in patients who have progressed on prior NHA treatment (BRCAm only in the EU and Japan). In China, Lynparza is approved for the treatment of BRCA-mutated mCRPC, as a 1st-line maintenance therapy in BRCA-mutated advanced ovarian cancer as well as 1st-line maintenance treatment with bevacizumab for HRD-positive advanced ovarian cancer.
Lynparza, which is being jointly developed and commercialised by AstraZeneca and MSD, has been used to treat over 75,000 patients worldwide. The companies develop Lynparza in combination with their respective PD-L1 and PD-1 medicines independently. Lynparza is the foundation of AstraZeneca's industry-leading portfolio of potential new medicines targeting DDR mechanisms in cancer cells.
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.
By harnessing the power of six scientific platforms – Immuno-Oncology, Tumour Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response, Antibody Drug Conjugates, Epigenetics and Cell Therapies – and by championing the development of personalised combinations, AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer treatment 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, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three therapy areas – Oncology, 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 Twitter @AstraZeneca.
AstraZeneca Imfinzi, Lynparza combo improves progression-free survival in ovarian cancer trial
Apr. 05, 2023 4:52 AM ET
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), MRKRHHBY, RHHBF
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor
AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) said a combination of Lynparza and Imfinzi improved progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with type of ovarian cancer in a phase 3 trial.
BIOTECNOVA™
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in Combination With Padcev® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv)
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in Combination With Padcev® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv)
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in Combination With Padcev® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv)
FDA Approves Merck’s KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in Combination With Padcev® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) for First-Line Treatment of Certain Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Cancer
April 3, 2023 5:00 pm ET
First approved therapeutic regimen that combines an anti-PD-1 and an antibody-drug conjugate in the US in these patients
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 approved KEYTRUDA, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with Padcev (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC) who are not eligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. This marks the first time an anti-PD-1 therapy has been approved in combination with anantibody-drug conjugate in the U.S. in these patients.
The approval is based on data from the KEYNOTE-869 trial (also known as EV-103) dose escalation cohort, Cohort A and Cohort K, which was conducted in collaboration with Seagen and Astellas. The median follow-up time for the dose escalation cohort + Cohort A was 44.7 months (range, 0.7 to 52.4 months) and for Cohort K was 14.8 months (range, 0.6 to 26.2 months). In the combined efficacy analysis of the dose escalation cohort, Cohort A and Cohort K (n=121), KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR) of 68% (95% CI: 58.7, 76.0), with complete and partial response rates of 12% and 55%, respectively. The median duration of response (DOR) for the dose escalation cohort + Cohort A was 22.1 months (range, 1.0+ to 46.3+ months) and for Cohort K was not reached (range, 1.2 to 24.1+ months).
Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue and can affect more than one body system simultaneously. Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur at any time during or after treatment with KEYTRUDA, including pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, nephritis, dermatologic reactions, solid organ transplant rejection, and complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed here may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. Early identification and management of immune-mediated adverse reactions are essential to ensure safe use of KEYTRUDA. Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, KEYTRUDA should be withheld or permanently discontinued and corticosteroids administered if appropriate. KEYTRUDA can also cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions. Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. For more information, see “Selected Important Safety Information” below.
“This approval is a major milestone in the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma because it is the first approved combination of an immunotherapy and an antibody-drug conjugate for these patients,” said Dr. Eliav Barr, senior vice president, head of global clinical development and chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories. “This expands the use of KEYTRUDA-based regimens to more patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma and demonstrates the value of collaboration in creating new combination approaches for patients in need of more options.”
Results from Cohort K were presented in a late-breaking session at the 2022 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress, and earlier results from dose escalation and Cohort A were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The combination therapy was granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA in February 2020. The accelerated approval designation granted today is part of the FDA's Accelerated Approval Program, which allows earlier approval of a medicine based on a surrogate endpoint if the medicine fills an unmet medical need for a serious condition. The ongoing Phase 3 EV-302/KEYNOTE-A39 trial evaluating the clinical benefit of KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin in patients with previously untreated advanced urothelial cancer is intended to serve as the U.S. confirmatory trial for the accelerated approval. It will also serve as the basis for global registration.
Study design and additional data supporting the approval
The approval is based on data from KEYNOTE-869 (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03288545), an open-label, multi-cohort (dose escalation cohort, Cohort A, Cohort K) study in patients with la/mUC who were ineligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and received no prior systemic therapy for locally advanced or metastatic disease. Patients with active central nervous system metastases, ongoing sensory or motor neuropathy Grade ≥2 or uncontrolled diabetes defined as hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) ≥8% or HbA1c ≥7% with associated diabetes symptoms were excluded from participating in this study.
Patients in the dose escalation cohort (n=5), Cohort A (n=40), and Cohort K (n=76) received enfortumab vedotin 1.25 mg/kg as an intravenous (IV) infusion over 30 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle followed by KEYTRUDA 200 mg as an IV infusion on Day 1 of a 21-day cycle approximately 30 minutes after enfortumab vedotin. Patients were treated until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
A total of 121 patients received KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin. The median age was 71 years (range, 51 to 91); 74% were male; 85% were White, 5% were Black, 4% were Asian, and 6% were other, unknown or not reported. Ten percent of patients were Hispanic or Latino. Forty-five percent of patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 1 and 15% had an ECOG performance status of 2. Forty-seven percent of patients had a documented baseline HbA1c of <5.7%. Reasons for cisplatin-ineligibility included: 60% with baseline creatinine clearance of 30-59 mL/min, 10% with ECOG PS of 2, 13% with Grade 2 or greater hearing loss and 16% with more than one cisplatin-ineligibility criteria.
At baseline, 97.5% of patients had metastatic urothelial cancer and 2.5% of patients had locally advanced urothelial cancer. Thirty-seven percent of patients had upper tract disease. Eighty-four percent of patients had visceral metastasis at baseline, including 22% with liver metastases. Thirty-nine percent of patients had transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) histology, 13% had TCC with squamous differentiation and 48% had TCC with other histologic variants.
The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DOR as assessed by blinded independent central review according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1.
In KEYNOTE-869, the safety of KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin was investigated in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma and who are not eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy. A total of 121 patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg on Day 1, and enfortumab vedotin 1.25 mg/kg on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. The median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 6.9 months (range, 1 day to 29.6 months). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 5% of patients treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin, including sepsis (1.6%), bullous dermatitis (0.8%), myasthenia gravis (0.8%), and pneumonitis (0.8%). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 50% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin; the serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients were acute kidney injury (7%), urinary tract infection (7%), urosepsis (5%), hematuria (3.3%), pneumonia (3.3%), pneumonitis (3.3%), sepsis (3.3%), anemia (2.5%), diarrhea (2.5%), hypotension (2.5%), myasthenia gravis (2.5%), myositis (2.5%), and urinary retention (2.5%). Permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA occurred in 32% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA were pneumonitis (5%), peripheral neuropathy (5%), rash (3.3%), and myasthenia gravis (2.5%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) occurring in patients treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin were rash (71%), peripheral neuropathy (65%), fatigue (60%), alopecia (52%), weight loss (48%), diarrhea (45%), pruritus (40%), decreased appetite (38%), nausea (36%), dysgeusia (35%), urinary tract infection (30%), constipation (27%), peripheral edema (26%), dry eye (25%), dizziness (23%), arthralgia (23%), and dry skin (21%). Clinically relevant adverse reactions (<20%) include vomiting (19.8%), fever (18%), hypothyroidism (11%), pneumonitis (9%), myositis (3.3%), myasthenia gravis (2.5%), and infusion site extravasation (0.8%).
About bladder and urothelial cancer
It is estimated that approximately 82,290 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2023. Urothelial cancer accounts for about 90% of all bladder cancers and can also be found in the renal pelvis, ureters and urethra. Approximately 12% of cases are la/mUC at diagnosis, and some patients with metastatic disease may be ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy due to certain factors such as medical comorbidities and performance status.
About KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) injection, 100 mg
KEYTRUDA is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells.
Merck has the industry’s largest immuno-oncology clinical research program. There are currently more than 1,600 trials studying KEYTRUDA across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. The KEYTRUDA clinical program seeks to understand the role of KEYTRUDA across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient's likelihood of benefitting from treatment with KEYTRUDA, including exploring several different biomarkers.
Selected KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Indications in the U.S.
Urothelial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, in combination with enfortumab vedotin, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) who are not eligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC):
- who are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
- who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy.
See additional selected indications for KEYTRUDA in the U.S. after the Selected Important Safety Information.
Additional Indications for KEYTRUDA in the U.S .
Melanoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is:
- stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or
- metastatic.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated as adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC.
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with platinum and fluorouracil (FU), is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy.
Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy.
KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Gastric Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Esophageal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either:
- in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, or
- as a single agent after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy for patients with tumors of squamous cell histology that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Cervical Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Renal Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, in combination with axitinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions.
Endometrial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
Tumor Mutational Burden-High Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
About the Astellas, Seagen and Merck collaboration
Astellas and Seagen entered a clinical collaboration agreement with Merck to evaluate the combination of Astellas’ and Seagen’s Padcev (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) and Merck’s KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in patients with previously untreated metastatic urothelial cancer. KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.
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 for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf and Medication Guide for KEYTRUDA at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_mg.pdf .
Source: Merck & Co., Inc.
FDA approves Merck and Astellas-Seagen's combination treatment for bladder cancer
Apr. 03, 2023 6:16 PM ET
By: Anuron Mitra, SA News Editor
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday approved a combination treatment of Merck's (NYSE:MRK) Keytruda with Astellas Pharma (OTCPK:ALPMF) (OTCPK:ALPMY) and Seagen's (SGEN) Padcev for the treatment of certain patients with bladder cancer.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3953995-fda-approves-merck-and-astellas-seagens-combination-treatment-for-bladder-cancer
- Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)
- Astellas Pharma (OTCPK:ALPMF) (OTCPK:ALPMY) and Seagen's (SGEN)
- https://www.padcev.com/hcp
- https://www.keytruda.com/
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab)
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in Combination With Padcev® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv)
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in Combination With Padcev® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv)
FDA Converts to Full Approval Indication for KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) for Certain Adult and Pediatric Patients With Advanced Microsatellite Instability-High (MSI-H) or Mismatch Repair Deficient (dMMR) Solid Tumors
March 29, 2023 4:15 pm ET
KEYTRUDA is approved for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options
RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted full approval to KEYTRUDA, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. The conversion from an accelerated to a full (regular) approval is based on results from the Phase 2 KEYNOTE-158, KEYNOTE-164 and KEYNOTE-051 trials and includes data in 504 adult and pediatric patients across more than 30 types of cancer. This marks the first full approval for an immunotherapy based on a predictive biomarker, regardless of solid tumor type.
“This approval reinforces the important role of KEYTRUDA in certain patients with MSI-Hor dMMR solid tumors facing a variety of cancers,” said Dr. Luis A. Diaz, Jr., head of the Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “These data also further underscore the need for biomarker testing to identify patients who may be eligible for this therapy.”
Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue and can affect more than one body system simultaneously. Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur at any time during or after treatment with KEYTRUDA, including pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, nephritis, dermatologic reactions, solid organ transplant rejection, and complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed here may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. Early identification and management of immune- mediated adverse reactions are essential to ensure safe use of KEYTRUDA. Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, KEYTRUDA should be withheld or permanently discontinued and corticosteroids administered if appropriate. KEYTRUDA can also cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions. Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. For more information, see “Selected Important Safety Information” below.
"Today’s approval builds on the 2017 accelerated approval of KEYTRUDA as the first immunotherapy with a tumor agnostic indication and supports the role of KEYTRUDA as an effective immunotherapy option based on a pan-tumor predictive biomarker," said Dr. Scot Ebbinghaus, vice president, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. “This milestone reflects Merck’s longstanding commitment to biomarker research and personalizing treatment strategies for patients.”
Data supporting the approval
The full approval was based on data from three multicenter, non-randomized, open-label multi-cohort trials. KEYNOTE-164 (NCT02460198) enrolled 124 patients with advanced MSI-H/dMMR colorectal cancer that progressed following treatment with fluoropyrimidine and either oxaliplatin or irinotecan with or without anti-VEGF/EGFR mAb-based therapy. KEYNOTE-158 (NCT02628067) enrolled 373 patients with advanced MSI-H/dMMR non-colorectal cancers who had disease progression following prior therapy. Patients were either prospectively enrolled with MSI-H/dMMR tumors (Cohort K) or retrospectively identified in one of 10 solid tumor cohorts (Cohorts A-J). KEYNOTE-051 (NCT02332668) enrolled seven pediatric patients with MSI-H/dMMR cancers. All trials excluded patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression. Regardless of histology, MSI or MMR tumor status was determined using polymerase chain reaction (local or central) or immunohistochemistry (local or central), respectively.
Adult patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg administered intravenously every three weeks (pediatric patients received 2 mg/kg every three weeks) until unacceptable toxicity, disease progression or a maximum of 24 months. In KEYNOTE‑164 and KEYNOTE‑158, assessment of tumor status was performed every nine weeks through the first year, then every 12 weeks thereafter. In KEYNOTE‑051, assessment of tumor status was performed every eight weeks for 24 weeks, and then every 12 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measures were objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR) as assessed by blinded independent central review according to RECIST v1.1 (modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of five target lesions per organ in KEYNOTE-158) and as assessed by the investigator according to RECIST v1.1 in KEYNOTE-051.
In a pooled analysis of the three trials, KEYTRUDA demonstrated an ORR of 33.3% (95% CI, 29.2-37.6), including a complete response rate of 10.3% and partial response rate of 23.0% at a median follow-up time of 20.1 months (range, 0.1 to 71.4 months). Of the responding patients (n=168), 77% had responses lasting 12 months or longer, and 39% had responses lasting 36 months or longer. Median DOR was 63.2 months (range, 1.9+ to 63.9+ months).
In patients with MSI-H/dMMR colorectal cancer (n=124), KEYTRUDA demonstrated an ORR of 34% (95% CI, 26%-43%) with a DOR ranging from 4.4 to 58.5+ months. In patients with other MSI-H/dMMR non-colorectal solid tumors (n=380), which included endometrial cancer, gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer, small intestinal cancer, brain cancer, ovarian cancer, biliary cancer, pancreatic cancer, sarcoma, breast cancer, cervical cancer, neuroendocrine cancer, prostate cancer, adrenocortical cancer, mesothelioma, thyroid cancer, small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer, salivary cancer, renal cell cancer and other cancers (including anal cancer, head and neck squamous cell cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, retroperitoneal cancer, testicular cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, appendiceal adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, carcinoma not-otherwise-specified and carcinoma of unknown origin), KEYTRUDA demonstrated an overall ORR of 33% (95% CI: 28%-38%) with a duration of response ranging from 1.9+ to 63.9+ months.
In KEYNOTE-158 and KEYNOTE-164, the median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 6.2 months (range, 1 day to 53.5 months). In KEYNOTE-051, the median duration of exposure was 2.1 months (range: 1 day to 25 months).
About Microsatellite Instability-High (MSI-H) and Deficient Mismatch Repair (dMMR)
Microsatellite instability (MSI) and dMMR are biomarkers that have been identified in many different types of cancer and that can be hereditary or random. MSI is a change that occurs in the DNA of certain cells, such as cancer cells, in which the number of repeated DNA bases in a microsatellite (which is a short, repeated sequence of DNA) is different from what it was when the microsatellite was inherited. dMMR describes cells that have mutations in certain genes involved in correcting mistakes made when DNA is copied into a cell when dividing. MSI-H and dMMR can occur when a cell is unable to repair mistakes during that division process.
About KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) injection, 100 mg
KEYTRUDA is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD- L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells.
Merck has the industry’s largest immuno-oncology clinical research program. There are currently more than 1,600 trials studying KEYTRUDA across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. The KEYTRUDA clinical program seeks to understand the role of KEYTRUDA across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient's likelihood of benefitting from treatment with KEYTRUDA, including exploring several different biomarkers.
Selected KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Indications in the U.S.
Melanoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is:
- stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or
- metastatic.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated as adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC.
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with platinum and fluorouracil (FU), is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy.
Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy.
KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy.
Urothelial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC):
- who are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
- who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Gastric Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Esophageal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either:
- in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, or
- as a single agent after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy for patients with tumors of squamous cell histology that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Cervical Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Renal Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, in combination with axitinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions.
Endometrial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
Tumor Mutational Burden-High Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
About the Merck Access Program for KEYTRUDA
At Merck, we are committed to supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines. Merck provides multiple programs to help appropriate patients who are prescribed KEYTRUDA have access to our anti-PD-1 therapy. The Merck Access Program provides reimbursement support for patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including information to help with out-of-pocket costs and co-pay assistance for eligible patients. More information is available by calling 855-257-3932 or visiting https://www.merckaccessprogram-keytruda.com/.
About Merck’s Patient Support Program for KEYTRUDA
Merck is committed to helping provide patients and their caregivers support throughout their treatment with KEYTRUDA. The KEY+YOU Patient Support Program provides a range of resources and support. For further information and to sign up, eligible patients may call 85-KEYTRUDA (855- 398-7832) or visit www.keytruda.com.
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 for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf and Medication Guide for KEYTRUDA at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_mg.pdf .
Source: Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck's Keytruda granted full approval for certain tumor types
Mar. 29, 2023 5:11 PM ET
By: Jonathan Block, SA News Editor1 Comment
- The US FDA has converted to full approval to Merck's (NYSE:MRK) Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for adults and children with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3952495-merck-keytruda-granted-full-approval-for-certain-tumor-types
- Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)
- https://www.keytruda.com/
- https://www.merck.com/
LIBTAYO® (CEMIPLIMAB) IN COMBINATION WITH CHEMOTHERAPY
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in Combination With Padcev® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv)
LIBTAYO® (CEMIPLIMAB) IN COMBINATION WITH CHEMOTHERAPY
March 29, 2023 at 7:00 AM EDT Back
LIBTAYO® (CEMIPLIMAB) IN COMBINATION WITH CHEMOTHERAPY APPROVED BY EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR THE FIRST-LINE TREATMENT OF ADVANCED PD-L1 POSITIVE NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (NSCLC)
Libtayo-based combination demonstrated superior survival outcomes compared to chemotherapy alone in Phase 3 trial designed to include patients with varied disease presentations seen in everyday clinical practice
Approval marks second first-line indication in NSCLC and fifth indication for Libtayo in the European Union (EU)
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., March 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) today announced that the European Commission (EC) approved Libtayo® (cemiplimab) in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with ≥1% PD-L1 expression. This includes patients that have no EGFR, ALK or ROS1 aberrations and whose tumors are metastatic or locally advanced and not candidates for definitive chemoradiation.
“Today’s approval considerably expands the number of people in Europe with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who are eligible for Libtayo-based first-line treatment, including those with PD-L1 expression ranges most commonly seen in real-world practice,” said Israel Lowy, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Translational and Clinical Sciences, Oncology at Regeneron. “We are proud that Libtayo continues to distinguish itself among PD-1 pathway blockers, as just one of two PD-1 inhibitors to be approved for use across squamous and non-squamous forms of advanced NSCLC in both combination and monotherapy settings. This marks the fifth approval for Libtayo in Europe.”
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In recent years, more than 2.2 million annual new cases have been diagnosed globally. Approximately 80-85% of all lung cancers are NSCLC, with 75% of these cases diagnosed in advanced stages.
“The Phase 3 EMPOWER-Lung 3 trial showed significant improvements across primary and key secondary endpoints, including overall survival in the cemiplimab plus chemotherapy arm,” said Prof. Martin Reck, Head of Department of Thoracic Oncology, Lung Clinic Grosshansdorf, Germany. “As a treating physician of this patient population, I welcome a new treatment option for patients in Europe, as we continue to strive for better outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.”
“With lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer mortality globally, ongoing research is imperative to find more treatment options for people impacted by this disease,” said Anne-Marie Baird, Ph.D., President, Lung Cancer Europe. “This approval highlights continued progress in first-line treatment options for people impacted by advanced lung cancer in Europe.”
Libtayo is currently approved in the EU and other countries for the treatment of certain patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC), advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), advanced NSCLC and advanced cervical cancer. The Libtayo combination was also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for advanced NSCLC regardless of PD-L1 expression in November 2022.
About the Phase 3 Trial
The EC approval is based on data from the global Phase 3 EMPOWER-Lung 3 trial, a randomized, multicenter trial investigating a first-line combination treatment of Libtayo and platinum-doublet chemotherapy (Libtayo combination), compared to platinum-doublet chemotherapy alone. The trial enrolled 466 patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC, as well as squamous or non-squamous histologies across all PD-L1 expression levels and with no EGFR, ALK or ROS1 aberrations. Notably, the trial was designed to closely resemble a patient population with varied disease presentations seen in everyday clinical practice. Among those enrolled, 43% had tumors with squamous histology, 15% had locally advanced disease and 7% had a history of brain metastases.
Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive either Libtayo 350 mg (n=312) or placebo (n=154) administered intravenously every 3 weeks for 108 weeks, plus platinum-doublet chemotherapy administered every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. The trial was stopped early based on a recommendation by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee after the Libtayo combination demonstrated a significant improvement in overall survival (OS). Results of the trial at the primary analysis were published in Nature Medicine in August 2022.
At the primary analysis (median follow-up: 16 months), the trial showed a statistically significant improvement in the primary endpoint of OS for patients treated with the Libtayo combination compared to chemotherapy alone in the overall population (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53 to 0.93). Among the 70% of patients in the trial expressing PD-L1 ≥1% (n=327), efficacy results for the Libtayo combination arm (n=217) compared to chemotherapy alone (n=110) showed a:
- 22-month median OS versus 13 months, representing a 45% relative reduction in the risk of death (HR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.78).
- 9-month median progression-free survival (PFS) versus 6 months (HR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.63)
- 48% objective response rate (ORR) versus 23%
- 16-month median duration of response (DOR; range: 2 to 19+) versus 5 months (range: 2 to 19+)
At the time of the pre-specified final analysis (median follow up: 28 months), patients with PD-L1 expression ≥1% treated with the Libtayo combination continued to show clinically meaningful survival and PFS benefits compared to chemotherapy alone.
Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue during or after treatment with Libtayo. Among patients treated with the Libtayo combination evaluated for safety in the trial (n=312), adverse reactions occurring in at least 10% included anemia (44%), alopecia (37%), musculoskeletal pain (27%), nausea (25%), fatigue (23%), peripheral neuropathy (21%), hyperglycemia (18%), decreased appetite (17%), alanine aminotransferase increased (16%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (15%), neutropenia (15%), constipation (14%), dyspnoea (13%), rash (13%), thrombocytopenia (13%), vomiting (12%), diarrhea (11%), insomnia (11%), weight decreased (11%) and hypoalbuminemia (10%). Adverse reactions were serious in 25% of patients and led to permanent discontinuation of the Libtayo combination in 5% of patients.
In December 2022, Libtayo in combination with chemotherapy was added to the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (score: 4 out of 5), for patients with advanced NSCLC across squamous and non-squamous histologies, and irrespective of PD-1 expression levels.
About Regeneron in Oncology
At Regeneron, we’re applying more than three decades of scientific innovation with the goal of developing paradigm-changing therapies for patients with cancer. Our oncology portfolio is built around two foundational approaches – our approved PD-1 inhibitor Libtayo and investigational bispecific antibodies – which are being evaluated both as monotherapies and in combination with emerging therapeutic modalities. Together, they provide us with unique combinatorial flexibility to develop potentially synergistic treatments for a wide range of solid tumors and blood cancers.
If you are interested in learning more about our clinical trials, please contact us (clinicaltrials@regeneron.com or 844-734-6643) or visit our clinical trials website.
About Libtayo
Libtayo is a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting the immune checkpoint receptor PD-1 on T cells and was invented using Regeneron's proprietary VelocImmune® technology. By binding to PD-1, Libtayo has been shown to block cancer cells from using the PD-1 pathway to suppress T-cell activation. In the U.S. and other countries, Libtayo is indicated in certain patients with advanced BCC, advanced CSCC and advanced NSCLC, as well as in advanced cervical cancer in the EU, Canada and Brazil. As of July 1, 2022, Regeneron is responsible for the development and marketing of Libtayo globally. In the EU, Libtayo is currently marketed by Sanofi on Regeneron’s behalf over the course of a defined transition period.
In the U.S., the generic name for Libtayo in its approved indications is cemiplimab-rwlc, with rwlc as the suffix designated in accordance with Nonproprietary Naming of Biological Products Guidance for Industry issued by the FDA. Outside of the U.S. the generic name of Libtayo in its approved indications is cemiplimab.
The extensive clinical program for Libtayo is focused on difficult-to-treat cancers. Libtayo is currently being investigated in trials as a monotherapy, as well as in combination with either conventional or novel therapeutic approaches for other solid tumors and blood cancers. These potential uses are investigational, and their safety and efficacy have not been evaluated by any regulatory authority.
U.S. FDA-approved Indications
Libtayo is a prescription medicine used to treat:
- People with a type of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) that has spread or cannot be cured by surgery or radiation.
- People with a type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma (BCC):
- That cannot be removed by surgery (locally advanced BCC) and have received treatment with a hedgehog pathway inhibitor (HHI), or cannot receive treatment with an HHI.
- That has spread (metastatic BCC) and have received treatment with an HHI, or cannot receive treatment with an HHI. This use is approved based on how many patients responded to treatment and how long they responded. Studies are ongoing to provide additional information about clinical benefit.
- Adults with a type of lung cancer called NSCLC:
- Libtayo may be used in combination with chemotherapy that contains a platinum medicine as your first treatment when your lung cancer has not spread outside your chest (locally advanced lung cancer) and you cannot have surgery or chemotherapy with radiation, OR your lung cancer has spread to other areas of your body (metastatic lung cancer), AND your tumor does not have an abnormal “EGFR”, “ALK” or “ROS1” gene.
- Libtayo may be used alone as your first treatment when your lung cancer has not spread outside your chest (locally advanced lung cancer) and you cannot have surgery or chemotherapy with radiation, OR your lung cancer has spread to other areas of your body (metastatic lung cancer), AND your tumor tests positive for high "PD-L1", AND your tumor does not have an abnormal "EGFR", "ALK "or "ROS1" gene.
It is not known if Libtayo is safe and effective in children.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.
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® (dupilumab), Libtayo®, Praluent® (alirocumab), Kevzara® (sarilumab), Evkeeza® (evinacumab-dgnb) and Inmazeb® (atoltivimab, maftivimab and odesivimab-ebgn).
About Regeneron
Regeneron 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, pain, 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 Twitter.
Source: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Regeneron Libtayo gets expanded approval in EU for lung cancer subtype
Mar. 29, 2023 7:31 AM ET
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN), SNY
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor1 Comment
- The European Commission (EC) approved the expanded use of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ:REGN) Libtayo in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy as a first-line therapy for adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with ≥1% PD-L1 expression.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3952178-regeneron-libtayo-gets-expanded-approval-eu-lung-cancer
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN),
- https://www.libtayo.com/
- https://www.regeneron.com/
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
LIBTAYO® (CEMIPLIMAB) IN COMBINATION WITH CHEMOTHERAPY
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy Significantly Improved Progression-Free Survival Compared to Chemotherapy Alone as First-Line Therapy for Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma, Regardless of Mismatch Repair Status
March 27, 2023 5:15 pm ET
KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy reduced risk of disease progression or death by 46% in patients whose cancer was mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) and by 70% in patients whose cancer was mismatch repair deficient (dMMR), compared to chemotherapy alone
Results from Phase 3 NRG-GY018 trial to be presented at Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2023 Annual Meeting and published simultaneously in New England Journal of Medicine
RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced results from the Phase 3 NRG‑GY018 trial investigating KEYTRUDA, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with standard of care chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel) then continued as a single agent every six weeks for up to 14 cycles for the first-line treatment of patients with stage III-IV or recurrent endometrial carcinoma whose cancer was either mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR). Results from the trial showed the KEYTRUDA regimen demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) for patients, regardless of mismatch repair status. These late-breaking data are being presented for the first time during a scientific plenary at the 2023 Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer (abstract #338166) and are also being simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The results are being discussed with regulatory authorities worldwide.
In the pMMR cohort of 591 evaluable patients, after a median follow-up of 7.9 months, the KEYTRUDA regimen significantly reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 46% (HR=0.54 [95% CI, 0.41-0.71]; p<0.00001) compared to chemotherapy alone; median PFS was 13.1 months (95% CI, 10.5-18.8) for the KEYTRUDA regimen versus 8.7 months (95% CI, 8.4-10.7) for chemotherapy alone. In the dMMR cohort of 225 evaluable patients, after a median follow-up of 12 months, the KEYTRUDA regimen significantly reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 70% (HR=0.30 [95% CI, 0.19-0.48]; p<0.00001) compared to chemotherapy alone; median PFS was not reached (95% CI, 30.6-NR) for the KEYTRUDA regimen versus 7.6 months (95% CI, 6.4-9.9) for chemotherapy alone.
“Endometrial cancer is the most common type of gynecological cancer, and patients with advanced stage or recurrent disease face a poor prognosis with limited treatment options,” said Dr. Ramez Eskander, principal investigator and gynecologic oncologist, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center. “The significant improvement in progression-free survival regardless of mismatch repair status observed in this study demonstrates the potential of this pembrolizumab regimen to benefit these patients.”
The safety profile of KEYTRUDA in this trial was consistent with that observed in previously reported studies; no new safety signals were identified. Grade 3-5 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 55.1% of patients receiving the KEYTRUDA regimen and 45.3% of patients receiving chemotherapy alone in the pMMR cohort. In the dMMR cohort, Grade 3-5 AEs occurred in 63.3% of patients receiving the KEYTRUDA regimen and 47.2% of patients receiving chemotherapy alone. There were no KEYTRUDA-related AEs leading to death in either cohort.
“KEYTRUDA has become an important treatment option, both as monotherapy and in combination, in certain patients with advanced endometrial cancer who have progressed following prior systemic therapy and are not candidates for surgery or radiation,” said Dr. Eliav Barr, senior vice president, head of global clinical development and chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories. “Results from this trial show that KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy, if approved, may represent an important new first-line immunotherapy option for patients with stage III-IV disease, and could extend the use of KEYTRUDA to more patients earlier in their treatment journey.”
This trial was sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health. NRG Oncology designed and led the trial with funding from the NCI and participation from all the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) Groups. Merck provided funding and support through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Merck and NCI.
In the U.S., KEYTRUDA has two approved indications in endometrial cancer: in combination with LENVIMA® (lenvatinib), in collaboration with Eisai, for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is pMMR, as determined by an FDA-approved test, or not microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation; and as a single agent, for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
Merck has a comprehensive clinical development program in breast and gynecological (ovarian, cervical, and endometrial) cancers, comprised of more than 20 Merck-sponsored Phase 3 studies evaluating KEYTRUDA as monotherapy and in combination with other medicines. In endometrial cancer, Merck is evaluating KEYTRUDA in first-line advanced endometrial cancer both as monotherapy (KEYNOTE-C93/ENGOT-en15/GOG-3064) and in combination with LENVIMA (LEAP-001/ENGOT-en9), as well as in the adjuvant setting (KEYNOTE-B21/ENGOT-en11/GOG-3053).
About NRG-GY018
NRG-GY018 is a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03914612) evaluating KEYTRUDA in combination with standard of care chemotherapy (paclitaxel and carboplatin) versus placebo plus standard of care chemotherapy for the treatment of measurable stage III, IVA, IVB or recurrent endometrial cancer in pMMR and dMMR cohorts. The primary endpoint is PFS, and secondary endpoints include overall survival, objective response rate, duration of response and safety. The trial enrolled 816 patients who were randomized to receive KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy every three weeks for approximately six cycles followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent every six weeks for up to 14 cycles, or placebo plus chemotherapy. Enrolled patients were required to have MMR IHC testing prior to randomization; 591 patients were determined to have pMMR tumors, and 225 were determined to have dMMR tumors.
About endometrial carcinoma
Endometrial carcinoma begins in the inner lining of the uterus, which is known as the endometrium, and is the most common type of cancer in the uterus. In the U.S., it is estimated there will be approximately 66,000 new cases of uterine body cancer and approximately 13,000 deaths from the disease in 2023. Globally, endometrial cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women and 15th most common cancer overall.
About KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) injection, 100 mg
KEYTRUDA is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells.
Merck has the industry’s largest immuno-oncology clinical research program. There are currently more than 1,600 trials studying KEYTRUDA across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. The KEYTRUDA clinical program seeks to understand the role of KEYTRUDA across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient's likelihood of benefitting from treatment with KEYTRUDA, including exploring several different biomarkers.
Selected KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Indications in the U.S.
Endometrial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, in combination with LENVIMA, is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is mismatch repair proficient (pMMR), as determined by an FDA-approved test, or not microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
See additional selected KEYTRUDA indications in the U.S. after the Selected Important Safety Information.
Additional Selected KEYTRUDA Indications in the U.S.
Melanoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is:
- stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or
- metastatic.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated as adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC.
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with platinum and fluorouracil (FU), is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy.
Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy.
KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy.
Urothelial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC):
- who are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
- who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with MSI-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Gastric Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Esophageal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either:
- in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, or
- as a single agent after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy for patients with tumors of squamous cell histology that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Cervical Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Renal Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, in combination with axitinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
KEYTRUDA, in combination with lenvatinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC.
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions.
Tumor Mutational Burden-High Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Please see Prescribing Information for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf and Medication Guide for KEYTRUDA at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_mg.pdf .
Please see Prescribing Information for LENVIMA (lenvatinib) at http://www.lenvima.com/pdfs/prescribing-information.pdf .
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.
Source: Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck's Keytruda successful in multiple types of endometrial cancer
Mar. 27, 2023 6:16 PM ET
By: Jonathan Block, SA News Editor3 Comments
- A phase 3 trial found that Merck's Keytruda (pembrolizumab) was effective in improving progression-free survival as a first-line treatment for endometrial cancer regardless of mismatch repair status.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3951691-mercks-keytruda-successful-in-multiple-types-of-endometrial-cancer
- Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)
- https://www.keytruda.com/
- https://www.merck.com/
Kisqali® (ribociclib)
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
Kisqali® (ribociclib)
Novartis Kisqali® Phase III NATALEE trial meets primary endpoint at interim analysis demonstrating clinically meaningful benefit in broad population of patients with early breast cancer
Mar 27, 2023
Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR
- Kisqali plus endocrine therapy (ET) significantly reduced the risk of disease recurrence compared to standard ET alone in the adjuvant setting1
- NATALEE is the first and only positive Phase III study of a CDK4/6 inhibitor demonstrating consistent benefit in a broad population of patients with stage II and III HR+/HER2- early breast cancer (EBC) at risk of recurrence, including those with no nodal involvement
- Approximately 30-60% of people with HR+/HER2- stage II and III EBC treated with ET only remain at risk of breast cancer recurrence2
- NATALEE results will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting and submitted to regulatory authorities worldwide
Basel, March 27, 2023 — Novartis today announced positive topline results from an interim analysis of NATALEE, a Phase III trial evaluating Kisqali® (ribociclib) plus endocrine therapy (ET) in a broad population of patients with hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) early breast cancer (EBC) at risk of recurrence1. The Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended stopping the trial early as the primary endpoint of invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) has been met. Kisqali plus ET significantly reduced the risk of disease recurrence, compared to standard adjuvant ET alone, with consistent benefit in patients with stage II and stage III EBC regardless of nodal involvement1.
“While most patients are diagnosed and treated early with the aim to cure breast cancer, the risk of cancer returning, often as metastatic disease, peaks within three years after diagnosis, but never goes away completely,” said Dennis J. Slamon, MD, Director of Clinical/Translational Research, University of California, Los Angeles Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Chairman and Executive Director of Translational Research In Oncology (TRIO) and NATALEE trial lead investigator. "There is a critical need for new, well-tolerated options that keep patients cancer-free without disrupting quality of life. The NATALEE trial, where ribociclib was given for three years plus ET, was designed with these unmet needs in mind, and it is extremely encouraging that this study met its primary endpoint.”
Per the NATALEE study protocol, patient follow-up will continue to evaluate long-term outcomes, including overall survival1.
"The positive topline results from NATALEE represent a major milestone in our ambition to expand the benefits of Kisqali to patients with earlier stages of breast cancer, building on the heritage of this effective treatment in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer,” said Shreeram Aradhye, M.D., President, Global Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. “These data have the potential to be paradigm-shifting for patients at risk of recurrence, including those with no nodal involvement, who have limited well-tolerated options to prevent recurrence. Our teams are working on submissions to health authorities around the world with the hope to bring Kisqali to many more patients diagnosed with breast cancer.”
These findings build on the legacy of Kisqali in metastatic breast cancer (MBC), where it has consistently demonstrated overall survival benefit while preserving or improving quality of life across three Phase III trials3-14. Updates to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for breast cancer, released in January 2023, recommend ribociclib (Kisqali) as the only Category 1 preferred CDK4/6 inhibitor for first-line treatment of patients with HR+/HER2- MBC when combined with an aromatase inhibitor (AI)15.
About NATALEE
NATALEE is a global Phase III multi-center, randomized, open-label trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Kisqali with ET as adjuvant treatment versus ET alone in patients with HR+/HER2- EBC, being conducted in collaboration with Translational Research In Oncology (TRIO)1. The primary endpoint of NATALEE is iDFS as defined by the Standardized Definitions for Efficacy End Points (STEEP) criteria; secondary endpoints include safety, quality of life, and overall survival, among others. iDFS is a composite endpoint in EBC adjuvant trials, which incorporates locoregional relapse, ipsilateral and contralateral invasive breast cancer, distant recurrence, and types of new cancer events or death from any cause. Approximately 5,100 adult patients with HR+/HER2- EBC across 20 countries were randomized in the trial, including patients with tumor stages IIA (select patients), IIB or III, regardless of nodal involvement. NATALEE explored a lower starting dose (400 mg) of Kisqali than the dose approved for treatment in MBC (600 mg) with the goal to minimize disruptions to patient quality of life without compromising efficacy1.
About Early Breast Cancer
More than 90% of patients diagnosed with breast cancer have EBC2,16. Approximately 30-60% of people with HR+/HER2- stage II and III EBC treated with ET only remain at risk of breast cancer recurrence2. The risk of recurrence peaks within the first three years after initial diagnosis and continues over decades2. For many of these patients, there are currently no targeted therapeutic options outside of the standard chemotherapy and ET17.
About Kisqali® (ribociclib)
Kisqali has consistently demonstrated overall survival benefit while preserving or improving quality of life across three Phase III trials3-14. Updates to the NCCN Guidelines® for breast cancer, released in January 2023, recommend ribociclib (Kisqali) as the only Category 1 preferred CDK4/6 inhibitor for first-line treatment of patients with HR+/HER2- MBC when combined with an AI15. Additionally, Kisqali has the highest rating of any CDK4/6 inhibitor on the ESMO Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale, achieving a score of five out of five for first-line premenopausal patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer18. Further, Kisqali in combination with either letrozole or fulvestrant has uniquely, among other CDK4/6 inhibitors, received a score of four out of five for postmenopausal patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer treated in the first line19.
https://www.us.kisqali.com/metastatic-breast-cancer/
Kisqali has been approved in 99 countries worldwide, including by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission. In the U.S., Kisqali is approved for the treatment of adult patients with HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with an AI as initial ET or fulvestrant as initial ET or following disease progression on ET in postmenopausal women or in men. In the EU, Kisqali is approved for the treatment of women with HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with either an AI or fulvestrant as initial ET or following disease progression. In pre- or perimenopausal women, the ET should be combined with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist14.
Novartis is committed to continuing to study Kisqali in breast cancer. Novartis is collaborating with SOLTI, which is leading the HARMONIA study to test whether Kisqali changes tumor biology to enable a better response to ET compared to Ibrance®* (palbociclib) for patients with metastatic HR+/HER2-, HER2-enriched subtype20, and with the Akershus University Hospital in Norway on the NEOLETRIB trial, a neoadjuvant Phase II trial studying the effects of Kisqali in HR+/HER2- EBC to discover the potentially unique underlying mechanism of action21. Novartis also plans to build on the findings from NATALEE with ADJUVANT WIDER, an open-label Phase IIIb trial evaluating Kisqali plus ET in a population of HR+/HER2- patients with stage II and III EBC that is closer to a real-world population.
Kisqali was developed by the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) under a research collaboration with Astex Pharmaceuticals.
Please see full Prescribing Information for Kisqali, available at www.Kisqali.com.
About Novartis
Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. We deliver high-value medicines that alleviate society’s greatest disease burdens through technology leadership in R&D and novel access approaches. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world’s top companies investing in research and development. About 106,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work together to bring Novartis products to nearly 800 million people around the world. Find out more at https://www.novartis.com
Novartis stock jumps on cancer trial success
Mar. 27, 2023 5:46 AM ET
By: Preeti Singh, SA News Editor2 Comments
- Novartis (NYSE:NVS) shares surged 6% premarket on Monday after the pharmaceutical firm reported positive topline results from its highly awaited Natalee breast cancer trial.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3951338-novartis-stock-jumps-on-cancer-trial-success
- Novartis AG (NVS)
- https://www.us.kisqali.com/metastatic-breast-cancer/
- https://www.novartis.com/
DUPIXENT® (DUPILUMAB)
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
Kisqali® (ribociclib)
DUPIXENT® (DUPILUMAB) DEMONSTRATES POTENTIAL TO BECOME FIRST BIOLOGIC TO TREAT COPD BY SHOWING SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN EXACERBATIONS IN PIVOTAL TRIAL
First and only biologic to demonstrate clinically meaningful and statistically significant reduction (30%) in exacerbations compared to placebo
First and only biologic to show rapid and significant improvement in lung function (160 mL in FEV1) compared to placebo (77 mL in FEV1)
First and only biologic to demonstrate significant improvements in quality of life and respiratory symptoms
COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide with no new treatment approaches approved in more than a decade; trial enrolled patients with moderate to severe disease and evidence of type 2 inflammation (i.e., blood eosinophils ≥300 cells/μL)
COPD is the seventh disease in which Dupixent has shown positive pivotal results, confirming the key role of IL-4 and IL-13 in driving these type 2 inflammatory diseases
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. and PARIS, March 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) and Sanofi today announced the primary and all key secondary endpoints were met in a Phase 3 trial evaluating the investigational use of Dupixent® (dupilumab) compared to placebo in adults currently on maximal standard-of-care inhaled therapy (triple therapy) with uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and evidence of type 2 inflammation. Dupixent is the first and only biologic to demonstrate a clinically meaningful and highly significant reduction (30%) in moderate or severe acute exacerbations of COPD (rapid and acute worsening of respiratory symptoms) over 52 weeks, while also demonstrating significant improvements in lung function, quality of life and COPD respiratory symptoms.
“COPD is an urgent global health concern and a notoriously difficult-to-treat disease due to its heterogeneity, with no novel treatments approved in more than a decade,” said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer at Regeneron, and a principal inventor of Dupixent. “In this landmark Phase 3 trial, patients with uncontrolled COPD achieved clinical outcomes with Dupixent at a magnitude never before seen with a biologic. These results also validate the role type 2 inflammation plays in driving COPD in these patients, advancing the scientific community’s understanding of the underlying biology of this disease. We look forward to discussing these exciting results with regulatory authorities.”
COPD is a life-threatening respiratory disease that damages the lungs and causes progressive lung function decline. Symptoms include persistent cough and breathlessness that may not only impair the ability to perform routine daily activities, but can also lead to anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. COPD is also associated with a significant health and economic burden due to recurrent acute exacerbations that require systemic corticosteroid treatment and/or lead to hospitalization or even death. Smoking is a key risk factor for COPD, but even individuals who quit smoking can still develop the disease. In the U.S. alone, approximately 300,000 people live with uncontrolled COPD with type 2 inflammation.
“Change cannot come quick enough for people living with uncontrolled COPD, but unfortunately, many investigational treatments have failed to demonstrate significant clinical outcomes leaving these vulnerable patients with limited treatment options. We took a bold approach with our direct to Phase 3 program, shaving years off standard clinical development timelines,” said Dietmar Berger, M.D., Ph.D., Head of Global R&D ad interim at Sanofi and Chief Medical Officer. “We are excited to share these unprecedented and potentially paradigm-shifting clinical results, which may give new hope to patients, caregivers and physicians.”
In the BOREAS trial (the first of two Phase 3 trials), 939 adults who were current or former smokers aged 40 to 80 years were randomized to receive Dupixent (n=468) or placebo (n=471) added to maximal standard-of-care inhaled therapy. Patients receiving Dupixent experienced:
- 30% reduction in moderate or severe acute COPD exacerbations over 52 weeks (p=0.0005), the primary endpoint.
- Improved lung function from baseline by 160 mL at 12 weeks compared to 77 mL for placebo (p<0.0001), with the benefit versus placebo sustained through week 52 (p=0.0003), both of which were key secondary endpoints.
Dupixent met all endpoints tested in the hierarchy, including improvement in patient-reported health-related quality of life as measured by the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and reduction in the severity of respiratory symptoms of COPD as measured by Evaluation Respiratory Symptoms: COPD (E-RS: COPD) Scale.
The safety results were generally consistent with the known safety profile of Dupixent in its approved indications. Overall rates of adverse events (AEs) were 77% for Dupixent and 76% for placebo. AEs more commonly observed with Dupixent compared to placebo included headache (8.1% Dupixent, 6.8% placebo), diarrhea (5.3% Dupixent, 3.6% placebo) and back pain (5.1% Dupixent, 3.4% placebo). AEs more commonly observed with placebo compared to Dupixent included upper respiratory tract infection (9.8% placebo, 7.9% Dupixent), hypertension (6.0% placebo, 3.6% Dupixent) and COVID-19 (5.7% placebo, 4.1% Dupixent). AEs leading to deaths were balanced between the two arms (1.7% placebo, 1.5% Dupixent).
Detailed efficacy and safety results from this trial will be presented in a future scientific forum.
The broader Sanofi and Regeneron COPD clinical research program includes Phase 3 trials with itepekimab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits interleukin-33 (IL-33). Itepekimab received Fast Track Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in January 2023 for the treatment of COPD in patients who do not currently smoke. Data from this pivotal program is expected in 2025.
The safety and efficacy of Dupixent and itepekimab in COPD have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority.
About the Dupixent COPD Phase 3 Trial Program
BOREAS is one of two pivotal trials in the Dupixent COPD program. The randomized, Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of Dupixent in 939 adults who were current or former smokers aged 40 to 80 years with moderate-to-severe COPD. All patients in the trial had evidence of type 2 inflammation, as measured by blood eosinophils ≥300 cells/µL. During the 52-week treatment period, patients received Dupixent or placebo every two weeks added to a triple therapy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), long-acting beta agonists, and long-acting muscarinic antagonists. Double maintenance therapy was allowed if ICS was contraindicated.
The primary endpoint evaluated the annualized rate of acute moderate or severe COPD exacerbations. Moderate exacerbations were defined as those requiring systemic steroids and/or antibiotics. Severe exacerbations were defined as those: requiring hospitalization; more than a day of observation in an emergency department or urgent care facility; or resulting in death. Key secondary endpoints included: change from baseline in lung function (assessed by pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume [FEV1]) at 12 and 52 weeks; change from baseline at 52 weeks in SGRQ total score compared to placebo; the proportion of patients with SGRQ improvement ≥4 points at 52 weeks; and the change from baseline at 52 weeks in the ERS: COPD Scale symptom score.
The second, replicate Phase 3 trial of Dupixent in COPD (NOTUS) is ongoing with data expected in 2024.
About Regeneron and Sanofi’s COPD Clinical Research Program
Regeneron and Sanofi are motivated to transform the treatment paradigm of COPD by examining the role different types of inflammation play in the disease progression through the investigation of two potentially first-in-class biologics, Dupixent and itepekimab.
Dupixent inhibits the signaling of the interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) pathways and the program focuses on a specific population of people with evidence of type 2 inflammation. Itepekimab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits interleukin-33 (IL-33), an initiator and amplifier of broad inflammation in COPD. Across both programs, four Phase 3 trials are ongoing and designed to inform next-generation treatments for people with COPD who might not have other options.
About Dupixent
Dupixent 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), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and prurigo nodularis.
Dupixent has received regulatory approvals in one or more countries around the world for use in certain patients with atopic dermatitis, asthma, CRSwNP, EoE or 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 inducible urticaria-cold, chronic spontaneous urticaria, chronic pruritus of unknown origin, COPD with evidence of type 2 inflammation, chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis 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.dupixenthcp.com/prurigo-nodularis/
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, pain, 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 Twitter.
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 up 7% following Dupixent data, Raymond James upgrade
Mar. 23, 2023 11:07 AM ET
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN)SNY
By: Jonathan Block, SA News Editor2 Comments
- A combination of positive late-stage trial results for Dupixent (dupilumab) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a Street upgrade has propelled Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:REGN) 7% higher in Thursday morning trading.
- Earlier Thursday, Regeneron's (REGN) partner, Sanofi (SNY), said that Dupixent could potentially become the first biologic medicine approved for COPD based on a reduction in exacerbations.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3950434-regeneron-up-7-following-dupixent-data-raymond-james-upgrade
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN)SNY
- https://www.regeneron.com/
- https://www.dupixenthcp.com/prurigo-nodularis/
CALQUENCE® (acalabrutinib)
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
XTANDI® (enzalutamide) plus Leuprolide
Calquence granted first regulatory approval in China for adults with previously treated mantle cell lymphoma
PUBLISHED23 March 2023
23 March 2023 07:00 GMT
Across two clinical trials 82% overall response and 35% complete response rate
were observed in Chinese patients using Calquence
AstraZeneca’s Calquence (acalabrutinib), a next generation, selective Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, has been conditionally approved in China for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy. This is the first approved indication for Calquence in China.
The conditional approval by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) was based on positive results from two clinical trials, including the ACE-LY-004 global Phase II trial in adults with relapsed or refractory MCL and a Phase I/ II trial in Chinese patients with relapsed or refractory MCL and other B-cell malignancies.1,2 Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification of ongoing randomised controlled confirmatory trials.
MCL is typically an aggressive, rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that accounts for between 2-6% of all patients diagnosed with NHL in China. Patients are generally diagnosed around 60 years of age, often at later stages of the disease.3
Jun Zhu, Chief Physician, Department of Lymphatic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing, said: “Mantle cell lymphoma progresses rapidly and responds poorly to conventional treatment such as immunochemotherapy. Before the emergence of BTK inhibitors, there were few satisfactory treatment options for patients. The next-generation BTK inhibitor Calquence has higher target selectivity, fewer side effects, and a higher response rate compared to currently available treatments. This approval of Calquence in China can provide a new treatment option which can better benefit patients with this disease.”
Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Oncology Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said: “This approval for Calquence offers people living with mantle cell lymphoma in China an effective and tolerable new treatment option to help control their disease. As the first approval in China for Calquence, it is also an exciting step forward for AstraZeneca in blood cancers, enabling us to help more patients across the globe gain access to innovative treatments.”
Results from the ACE-LY-004 Phase II trial showed at a median follow up of 15.2 months, investigator-assessed overall response rate (ORR) with Calquence was 80.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72.6-87.2), with a complete response (CR) achieved in 39.5% of patients with relapsed or refractory MCL (95% CI 30.9-48.7).1 Longer-term follow-up data showed at 38.1 months, patients treated with Calquence remained progression-free for a median of 22 months, with median overall survival (OS) of 59.2 months (95% CI 36.5-NE).4
Additionally, results from a Phase I/II trial conducted in China showed Calquence achieved a 82.4% ORR, with a CR achieved in 35.3% of patients with MCL based on a blinded independent central-review (BICR) analysis (95% CI 65.5-93.2). Calquence reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 51.5% (95% CI 33.3-67.0) at 12 months, with an estimated duration of response (DOR) of 65.5% (95% CI 66.6-93.3). The median DOR was not reached.2
The safety and tolerability of Calquence in these trials was consistent with that observed in previous clinical trials.1,2,4
Calquence is approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in the US and Japan and is approved for the treatment of CLL in the EU and in several other countries worldwide in the treatment-naïve and relapsed or refractory settings. Calquence is also approved in the US and several other countries for the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one prior therapy. Calquence is not currently approved for the treatment of MCL in Japan or the EU.
Notes
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
MCL is a rare B-cell malignancy subtype and is typically clinically aggressive with a poor prognosis.3 The epidemiology of MCL in Asia is not well documented, with few published datasets describing the incidence and outcomes.3 MCL accounts for between 2-6% of all patients diagnosed with NHL China.3 Patients are generally diagnosed around 60 years of age and often at later stages of disease (Stage III or IV).3
ACE-LY-004
ACE-LY-004 is an open-label, single-arm Phase II clinical trial evaluating Calquence in adult patients with relapsed or refractory MCL.5 Patients in the trial were adults with MCL and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 2 or lower who had relapsed or were refractory to 1-5 prior therapies, had no prior BTK/BCL-2 inhibitor exposure, and did not require warfarin/vitamin K antagonists. Patients received oral Calquence 100mg twice-daily until progressive disease or toxicity. ORR (investigator-assessed partial response or better per Lugano classification), DOR, progression-free survival (PFS), OS and safety were assessed.1
Phase I/II trial in Chinese patients
The Phase I/II trial is an open-label, multicentre clinical trial evaluating pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of Calquence in adult Chinese patients with relapsed or refractory MCL and other advanced B-cell malignancies.2 In Phase I, patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies received a single dose of Calquence 100mg orally followed by a two-day washout period and subsequent treatment with Calquence 100mg orally twice daily in 28-day cycles, until progressive disease (PD) or treatment discontinuation (TD) for any other reason. In Phase II, patients with relapsed or refractory MCL and ECOG status of 2 or lower received Calquence 100mg orally twice daily in 28-day cycles until PD or TD. The primary efficacy endpoint was ORR per Lugano classification for NHL assessed by BICR. Secondary endpoints were investigator-assessed ORR, BICR- and investigator-assessed time to response, DOR, PFS, OS and adverse events. 2
Calquence
Calquence (acalabrutinib) is a next-generation, selective inhibitor of BTK. Calquence binds covalently to BTK, thereby inhibiting its activity.6 In B cells, BTK signalling results in activation of pathways necessary for B-cell proliferation, trafficking, chemotaxis and adhesion.
Calquence is approved for the treatment of CLL and SLL in the US, approved for CLL in the EU and many other countries worldwide and approved in Japan for relapsed or refractory CLL and SLL.
As part of an extensive clinical development programme, AstraZeneca is currently evaluating Calquence in more than 20 company-sponsored clinical trials. Calquence is being evaluated for the treatment of multiple B-cell blood cancers, including CLL, MCL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia, marginal zone lymphoma and other haematologic malignancies.
AstraZeneca in haematology
AstraZeneca is pushing the boundaries of science to redefine care in haematology. We have expanded our commitment to patients with haematologic conditions, not only in oncology but also in rare diseases with the acquisition of Alexion, allowing us to reach more patients with high unmet needs. By applying our deep understanding of blood cancers, leveraging our strength in solid tumour oncology and delivering on Alexion’s pioneering legacy in complement science to provide innovative medicines for rare diseases, we are pursuing the end-to-end development of novel therapies designed to target underlying drivers of disease.
By targeting haematologic conditions with high unmet medical needs, we aim to deliver innovative medicines and approaches to improve patient outcomes. Our goal is to help transform the lives of patients living with malignant, rare and other related haematologic diseases, shaped by insights from patients, caregivers and physicians to have the most meaningful impact.
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 Twitter @AstraZeneca.
AstraZeneca's blood cancer drug Calquence gets conditional approval in China
Mar. 23, 2023 6:24 AM ET
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor
China' National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) granted conditional approval to AstraZeneca's (NASDAQ:AZN) Calquence to treat adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy.
XTANDI® (enzalutamide) plus Leuprolide
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
XTANDI® (enzalutamide) plus Leuprolide
Phase 3 Study Shows XTANDI® (enzalutamide) plus Leuprolide Significantly Improves Metastasis-Free Survival in Men with Non-Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Thursday, March 16, 2023 - 07:30pm
Pfizer and Astellas announce positive topline results from Phase 3 EMBARK trial
NEW YORK and TOKYO, March 16, 2023 – Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Kenji Yasukawa, Ph.D., “Astellas”) today announced positive topline results from the Phase 3 EMBARK trial evaluating XTANDI® (enzalutamide) in men with non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC; also known as non-metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer or nmCSPC) with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR). Patients enrolled in the trial were randomized to one of three study arms: XTANDI plus leuprolide, placebo plus leuprolide, or XTANDI monotherapy. The study met its primary endpoint with a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in metastasis-free survival (MFS) for patients treated with XTANDI plus leuprolide versus placebo plus leuprolide.
At the time of the analysis, a positive trend in the key secondary endpoint of overall survival (OS) was also observed, but these data were not yet mature. Patients in the trial will be followed for a subsequent final OS analysis. The study also met a key secondary endpoint with a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in MFS for patients treated with XTANDI monotherapy versus placebo plus leuprolide. Additional key secondary endpoints reached statistical significance, including time to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression and time to first use of new antineoplastic therapy. Other secondary endpoints are being analyzed. No new safety signals have been observed to date in the preliminary safety analysis, which is consistent with the established safety profile of XTANDI.
“As the only novel hormone therapy approved for three disease states of prostate cancer in the U.S., XTANDI has impacted hundreds of thousands of men,” said Chris Boshoff, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Development Officer, Oncology and Rare Disease, Pfizer Global Product Development. “The topline findings from EMBARK are highly encouraging and we look forward to engaging with health authorities to potentially bring XTANDI to men with non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer with high-risk biochemical recurrence.”
“While current treatment options for localized prostate cancer are intended to be curative, some men remain at higher risk for biochemical recurrence following primary treatment, which may result in metastases,” said Ahsan Arozullah, M.D., MPH, Senior Vice President and Head of Development Therapeutic Areas, Astellas. “The EMBARK trial is the first study to demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in MFS using the combination of XTANDI plus leuprolide in men with this stage of disease.”
Detailed results from EMBARK will be presented at a future medical meeting. These data will also be discussed with regulatory authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to support a potential regulatory submission for XTANDI in this indication.
About EMBARK
The Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-national trial enrolled 1,068 patients with non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC; also known as non-metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer or nmCSPC) with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR) at sites in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Patients who were considered high-risk BCR had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time ≤ 9 months, serum testosterone ≥ 150 ng/dL (5.2 nmol/L), and screening PSA by the central laboratory ≥ 1 ng/mL if they had a radical prostatectomy (with or without radiotherapy) as primary treatment for prostate cancer or at least 2 ng/mL above the nadir if they had radiotherapy only as primary treatment for prostate cancer. Patients in the EMBARK trial were randomized to receive enzalutamide 160 mg daily plus leuprolide, enzalutamide 160 mg as a monotherapy, or placebo plus leuprolide.
The primary endpoint of the trial was metastasis-free survival (MFS) for enzalutamide plus leuprolide and placebo plus leuprolide. MFS is defined as the duration of time in months between randomization and the earliest objective evidence of radiographic progression by central imaging or death. For more information on the EMBARK (NCT02319837) trial go to www.clinicaltrials.gov.
XTANDI has not been approved for the treatment of patients with nmHSPC with high-risk BCR.
About Non-Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer with High-Risk Biochemical Recurrence
Non-metastatic hormone- (or castration-) sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC or nmCSPC) means there is no detectable evidence of the cancer spreading to distant parts of the body (metastases) with conventional radiological methods (CT/MRI) and the cancer still responds to medical or surgical treatment to lower testosterone levels.1,2 Of men who have undergone definitive prostate cancer treatment, including radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, or both, an estimated 20-40% will experience a biochemical recurrence (BCR) within 10 years.3 About 9 out of 10 men with high-risk BCR will develop metastatic disease, and 1 in 3 will die as a result of the recurrence.3 The EMBARK trial focused on men with high-risk BCR. Per the EMBARK protocol, patients with nmHSPC with high-risk BCR are those initially treated by radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy, or both, with a PSA doubling time ≤ 9 months. High-risk BCR patients with a PSA doubling time of ≤ 9 months have a higher risk of metastases and death.4
About XTANDI® (enzalutamide)
XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor. The recommended dosage of XTANDI is 160 mg (capsules or tablets) administered orally once daily with or without food. XTANDI is a standard of care that has received regulatory approvals for use in men with mHSPC, mCRPC, and nmCRPC in the United States and for one or more of these indications in more than 100 countries, including the European Union and Japan. More than 720,000 patients have been treated with XTANDI globally.5
Please see Full Prescribing Information for additional safety information.
About Pfizer Oncology
At Pfizer Oncology, we are committed to advancing medicines wherever we believe we can
make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with cancer. Today, we have an
industry-leading portfolio of 24 approved innovative cancer medicines and biosimilars that generated $12.1 billion in revenue in 2022, including the best-selling therapies for metastatic breast cancer and prostate cancer. Our in-line portfolio is focused on four broad, key areas where we have pioneered several breakthroughs: breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology, and precision medicine, and we are advancing an extensive pipeline of 33 programs in clinical development.
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 the Pfizer/Astellas Collaboration
In October 2009, Medivation, Inc., which is now part of Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), and Astellas (TSE: 4503) entered into a commercial agreement to jointly develop and commercialize XTANDI® (enzalutamide) in the United States, while Astellas has responsibility for manufacturing and all additional regulatory filings globally, as well as commercializing the product outside the United States. Pfizer receives alliance revenues as a share of U.S. profits and receives royalties on sales outside the U.S.
Pfizer, Astellas' Xtandi meets main goal in phase 3 trial for prostate cancer subtype
Mar. 17, 2023 6:30 AM ET
Pfizer Inc. (PFE), ALPMF, ALPMY
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor
Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) and Astellas Pharma's (OTCPK:ALPMF) (OTCPK:ALPMY) Xtandi met the main goal of a phase 3 trial to treat men with non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC).
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy Significantly Improved Overall Survival Versus Chemotherapy Alone as First-Line Treatment for Advanced Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
March 10, 2023 6:45 am ET
RAHWAY, N.J. & KINGSTON, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, and the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) today announced that the Phase 2/3 CCTG IND.227/KEYNOTE-483 trial evaluating KEYTRUDA, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with chemotherapy met its primary endpoint of overall survival (OS) for the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma. IND.227 was sponsored by CCTG, in collaboration with investigators in Italy (co-sponsored by National Cancer Institute of Naples - NCIN), and France (co-sponsored by The French Cooperative Thoracic Intergroup - IFCT); Merck provided KEYTRUDA and support for the trial. At the final analysis of the study, KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in OS compared to chemotherapy alone in these patients. The safety profile of KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy in this study was consistent with previously reported studies. Results will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting and discussed with regulatory authorities worldwide.
“Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rapidly progressing cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and has a poor prognosis,” said Dr. Eliav Barr, senior vice president, head of global clinical development and chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories. “Patients are in need of new treatments that can improve survival outcomes, and these positive results support the potential of KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with the most common form of malignant mesothelioma.”
“There have been few treatment advances for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, which can be challenging to treat through surgery and radiation alone,” said Dr. Quincy Chu, CCTG’s study chair of the IND.227 trial/KEYNOTE-483 trial. “The results from the trial have the potential to make a difference for patients with this disease who have had limited treatment options available to them.”
Merck has an extensive clinical development program in lung cancer and is advancing multiple registration-enabling studies, with research directed at earlier stages of disease and novel combinations.
About IND.227/KEYNOTE-483
IND.227/KEYNOTE-483 is a randomized, open-label, randomized Phase 2/3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02784171) sponsored and conducted by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) in collaboration with National Cancer Institute of Naples (NCIN) and Intergroupe Francophone de Cancérologie Thoracique (IFCT). Support for the trial was provided by Merck. The trial evaluated KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with unresected advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma. The primary endpoint of the study is OS, and secondary endpoints include progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 modified for mesothelioma, safety and quality of life. The Phase 3 part of the trial enrolled 440 patients who were randomized to receive:
- KEYTRUDA (200 mg every three weeks for up to 35 cycles) in combination with pemetrexed (500 mg/m2 every three weeks for six cycles) and cisplatin (75 mg/m2 every three weeks for six cycles; carboplatin substitution was permitted), or
- Pemetrexed and cisplatin (carboplatin substitution was permitted) alone.
About malignant mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts in the linings of certain parts of the body, including the chest, abdomen, heart and testicles. Worldwide, it is estimated there were more than 30,000 new cases of malignant mesothelioma diagnosed and more than 26,000 deaths from the disease in 2020. Pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs, is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma, accounting for about 75% of all cases. Malignant pleural mesothelioma often progresses rapidly, and the five-year survival rate is only 12%. Although incidence of malignant mesothelioma has gradually declined in the United States, continued use of and exposure to asbestos around the world has resulted in increasing global rates of this aggressive disease.
About the Canadian Cancer Trials Group
The Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) is a cancer clinical trials research cooperative that runs phase I-III trials to test anti-cancer and supportive therapies at over 85 hospitals and cancer centres across Canada. From their operations centre at Queen's University, CCTG has supported more than 600 trials enrolling 100,000 patients from 40 countries on 6 continents through a global network of 20,000 investigators and clinical trial staff. CCTG is a national program of the Canadian Cancer Society and their aim is to improve survival and quality of life for all people with cancer. CCTG IND.227 was supported by a grant from the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) (707213). For further information, please visit the CCTG website: www.cctg.ca.
About KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) injection, 100 mg
KEYTRUDA is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells.
Merck has the industry’s largest immuno-oncology clinical research program. There are currently more than 1,600 trials studying KEYTRUDA across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. The KEYTRUDA clinical program seeks to understand the role of KEYTRUDA across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient's likelihood of benefitting from treatment with KEYTRUDA, including exploring several different biomarkers.
Selected KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Indications in the U.S.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is:
- stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or
- metastatic.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated as adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC.
Additional Indications for KEYTRUDA in the U.S.
Melanoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection.
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with platinum and fluorouracil (FU), is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy.
Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy. KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy.
Urothelial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC):
- who are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
- who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with MSI-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Gastric Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Esophageal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either:
- in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, or
- as a single agent after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy for patients with tumors of squamous cell histology that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Cervical Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Renal Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, in combination with axitinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions.
Endometrial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
Tumor Mutational Burden-High Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
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 for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf and Medication Guide for KEYTRUDA at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_mg.pdf .
Source: Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck’s Keytruda succeeds in pleural mesothelioma study with chemotherapy
Mar. 10, 2023 7:12 AM ET
By: Dulan Lokuwithana, SA News Editor1 Comment
- Merck’s (NYSE:MRK) anti-PD-1 therapy Keytruda with chemotherapy has reached the primary endpoint of overall survival in a Phase 2/3 trial against lung cancer pleural mesothelioma as a first-line option, the company and one of the trial’s partners announced Friday.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3946398-mercks-keytruda-pleural-mesothelioma-study-chemotherapy
- Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)
- https://www.keytruda.com/
- https://www.merck.com/
PADCEV® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv)
JARDIANCE® (empagliflozin tablets)
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy
Astellas and Seagen Announce China’s National Medical Products Administration Accepts Biologics License Application for Enfortumab Vedotin in Certain Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Cancer
03/09/2023
– Clinical data submitted are consistent with global data and support enfortumab vedotin as a platinum-free option in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who received prior treatment with a PD-1/L1 inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy –
TOKYO & BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE:4503, President and CEO: Kenji Yasukawa, Ph.D., “Astellas”) and Seagen Inc. (Nasdaq: SGEN) today announced that the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has accepted the Biologics License Application (BLA) for enfortumab vedotin for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC) who received prior treatment with a PD-1/L1 inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy.
“In China, there were nearly 86,000 new cases of bladder cancer in 2020, and we are working with the NMPA to seek approval for enfortumab vedotin for patients with advanced stage disease,” said Ahsan Arozullah, M.D., M.P.H., Senior Vice President and Head of Development Therapeutic Areas, Astellas. “Enfortumab vedotin has become a second- and third-line treatment option for many patients around the world with previously treated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, and an approval in China may bring this therapy to those patients.”
The BLA submission for enfortumab vedotin is based on data from the EV-203 study (NCT04995419), a single-arm, open-label, multicenter Phase 2 study of enfortumab vedotin in Chinese patients with la/mUC who previously received a PD-1/L1 inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy. Results showed that EV-203 met its primary endpoint, showing statistical significance in objective response rate (ORR) by independent review committee (IRC) for patients treated with enfortumab vedotin alone compared to historical controls. Efficacy and pharmacokinetic data from the study are in line with global data, and EV-203 is a bridging study to EV-301, a Phase 3 randomized study that has supported global registrations of enfortumab vedotin, and EV-201 Cohort 1.
Please see Important Safety Information, including BOXED WARNING, at the end of this press release for further safety information regarding enfortumab vedotin including serious skin reactions.
Enfortumab vedotin alone and in combination with other therapies is the subject of a robust clinical development program aimed at addressing unmet medical needs across the continuum of urothelial cancer and in other solid tumors.
About Bladder and Urothelial Cancer
Globally, approximately 573,000 new cases of bladder cancer and 212,000 deaths are reported annually.1 Urothelial cancer accounts for 90% of all bladder cancers and can also be found in the renal pelvis, ureter and urethra.2 Approximately 12% of cases are locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer at diagnosis.3
In China, the incidence rate of bladder cancer in 2020 ranked 12th among all cancers, with an estimated 85,649 new cases that year. The five-year prevalence of bladder cancer in China is estimated to be 16.26/100,000 cases, or 235,393 cases.4
About the EV-203 Trial
The EV-203 trial (NCT04995419) is a Phase 2, multicenter, single-arm bridging study in China designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic performance of enfortumab vedotin as treatment for patients in China. A total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study.
About the EV-301 Trial
The EV-301 trial (NCT03474107) is a global, multicenter, open-label, randomized Phase 3 trial designed to evaluate enfortumab vedotin versus physician's choice of chemotherapy (docetaxel, paclitaxel or vinflunine) in 608 patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who were previously treated with a PD-1/L1 inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapies. The primary endpoint is overall survival, and secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, overall response rate, duration of response and disease control rate, as well as assessment of safety/tolerability and quality-of-life parameters.
About the EV-201 Trial
The EV-201 trial (NCT03219333) is a single-arm, multi-cohort, multicenter, pivotal phase 2 clinical trial of enfortumab vedotin for patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who have been previously treated with a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor, including those who have also been treated with a platinum-containing chemotherapy (Cohort 1) and those who have not received a platinum-containing chemotherapy in this setting and who are ineligible for cisplatin (Cohort 2). The trial enrolled 125 patients in Cohort 1 and 89 patients in Cohort 2 at multiple centers internationally. The primary endpoint is confirmed objective response rate per blinded independent central review. Secondary endpoints include assessments of duration of response, disease control rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, safety and tolerability.
Results of EV-301 and EV-201 Cohort 2 clinical trials supported the full and supplemental approval of PADCEV® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July 2021. Additionally, results from EV-301 and EV-201 Cohort 1 serve as core data to support the Marketing Authorization Applications for enfortumab vedotin in the global market, including the European Union, Japan and Singapore.
About PADCEV
PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that is directed against Nectin-4, a protein located on the surface of cells and highly expressed in bladder cancer.5 Nonclinical data suggest the anticancer activity of PADCEV is due to its binding to Nectin-4-expressing cells followed by the internalization and release of the anti-tumor agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) into the cell, which result in the cell not reproducing (cell cycle arrest) and in programmed cell death (apoptosis).6
PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) U.S. Indication & Important Safety Information
BOXED WARNING: SERIOUS SKIN REACTIONS
- PADCEV can cause severe and fatal cutaneous adverse reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which occurred predominantly during the first cycle of treatment, but may occur later.
- Closely monitor patients for skin reactions.
- Immediately withhold PADCEV and consider referral for specialized care for suspected SJS or TEN or severe skin reactions.
- Permanently discontinue PADCEV in patients with confirmed SJS or TEN; or Grade 4 or recurrent Grade 3 skin reactions.
Indication
PADCEV® is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) who:
- have previously received a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor and platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
- are ineligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and have previously received one or more prior lines of therapy.6
- https://www.padcev.com/hcp
For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information including BOXED WARNING for PADCEV here .
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 Seagen
Seagen Inc. is a global biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercializes transformative cancer medicines to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Seagen is headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, and has locations in California, Canada, Switzerland and the European Union. For more information on the company’s marketed products and robust pipeline, visit www.seagen.com and follow @SeagenGlobal on Twitter.
About the Astellas and Seagen Collaboration
Astellas and Seagen are co-developing enfortumab vedotin under a 50:50 worldwide development and commercialization collaboration. In the United States, Astellas and Seagen co-promote enfortumab vedotin under the brand name PADCEV® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv). In the Americas outside the US, Seagen holds responsibility for commercialization activities and regulatory filings. Outside of the Americas, Astellas holds responsibility for commercialization activities and regulatory filings.
Source: Seagen Inc.
Astellas, Seagen's bladder cancer therapy gets review in China
Mar. 10, 2023 6:21 AM ET
Seagen Inc. (SGEN), ALPMY, ALPMF
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor
- China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) accepted Astellas Pharma (OTCPK:ALPMF) (OTCPK:ALPMY) and Seagen's (NASDAQ:SGEN) application seeking approval of enfortumab vedotin to treat patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC) who received prior therapy with a PD-1/L1 inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3946367-astellas-seagens-bladder-cancer-therapy-gets-review-in-china
- Seagen Inc. (SGEN), ALPMY, ALPMF
- https://www.padcev.com/hcp
- https://www.seagen.com/
IMFINZI® (durvalumab) injection
JARDIANCE® (empagliflozin tablets)
JARDIANCE® (empagliflozin tablets)
Imfinzi significantly improved event-free survival in AEGEAN Phase III trial for patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer
PUBLISHED9 March 2023 9
March 2023 07:00 GMT
Results showed that Imfinzi-based treatment before and after surgery significantly
increased the time patients live without recurrence or progression events
Positive high-level results from a planned interim analysis of the AEGEAN Phase III, placebo- controlled trial showed that treatment with AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi (durvalumab) in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery and as adjuvant monotherapy after surgery demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in event-free survival (EFS) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone followed by surgery for patients with resectable early-stage (IIA-IIIB) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Results from the final pathologic complete response (pCR) and major pathologic response (mPR) analyses were consistent with previously announced positive results. The trial will continue as planned to assess key secondary endpoints including disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).
Each year there are an estimated 2.2 million people diagnosed with lung cancer globally with 80-85% of patients diagnosed with NSCLC, the most common form of lung cancer.1-3 Approximately 25-30% of all patients with NSCLC are diagnosed early enough to have surgery with curative intent.4-5 However, only around 56-65% of patients with Stage II disease will survive for five years.6 This decreases to 41% for patients with Stage IIIA and 24% for patients with Stage IIIB disease, reflecting a high unmet medical need.6
John V. Heymach, MD, PhD. Professor and Chair Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, said: “Treating patients early with durvalumab both before and after surgery delivers a significant and clinically meaningful benefit in resectable non-small cell lung cancer, where new options are urgently needed to offer patients the best chance of long-term survival. The AEGEAN results provide compelling evidence that this novel durvalumab regimen can drive improved outcomes in this curative-intent setting.”
Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: “Patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer face unacceptably high rates of recurrence, despite treatment with chemotherapy and surgery. We have shown that adding Imfinzi both before and after surgery significantly increased the time patients live without recurrence or progression events. We will continue to follow patients for overall survival.”
Imfinzi was well tolerated and no new safety concerns were observed in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. Further, adding Imfinzi to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was consistent with the known profile for this combination and did not increase complications or adverse events, or compromise patients' ability to undergo surgery versus chemotherapy alone.
These data will be presented at a forthcoming medical meeting and shared with global health authorities.
AstraZeneca has a comprehensive portfolio of approved and potential new medicines in development for patients with lung cancer. In addition to these results, the Company is also announcing today that Tagrisso (osimertinib) met a secondary endpoint of OS in the ADAURA Phase III trial in early-stage (IB, II and IIIA) epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated (EGFRm) NSCLC after complete tumour resection with curative intent.
Notes
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, accounting for about one-fifth of all cancer deaths.1 Lung cancer is broadly split into NSCLC and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).2 The majority of NSCLC patients are diagnosed with advanced disease while approximately 25-30% present with resectable disease at diagnosis.4-5 Early-stage lung cancer diagnoses are often only made when the cancer is found on imaging for an unrelated condition.7-8
For patients with resectable tumours, the majority eventually develop recurrence despite complete tumour resection and adjuvant chemotherapy.9
AEGEAN
AEGEAN is a randomised, double-blind, multi-centre, placebo-controlled global Phase III trial evaluating Imfinzi as perioperative treatment for patients with resectable Stage IIA-IIIB (Eighth Edition AJCC Cancer Staging Manual) NSCLC, irrespective of PD-L1 expression. Perioperative therapy includes treatment before and after surgery, also known as neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy. In the trial, 802 patients were randomised to receive a 1500mg fixed dose of Imfinzi plus chemotherapy or placebo plus chemotherapy every three weeks for four cycles prior to surgery, followed by Imfinzi or placebo every four weeks (for up to 12 cycles) after surgery. Patients with known EGFR or ALK genomic tumour aberrations were excluded from the primary efficacy analyses.
In the AEGEAN trial, the primary endpoints were pCR, defined as no viable tumour in the resection specimen (including lymph nodes) following neoadjuvant therapy, and EFS, defined as the time from randomisation to an event like tumour recurrence, progression precluding definitive surgery, or death. Key secondary endpoints were mPR, defined as residual viable tumour of less than or equal to 10% in the resected primary tumour following neoadjuvant therapy, DFS, OS, safety and quality of life. The final pathologic response analyses were performed after all patients had the opportunity for surgery and pathology assessment per the trial protocol. The trial enrolled participants in 264 centres in more than 25 countries including in the US, Canada, Europe, South America and Asia.
Imfinzi
Imfinzi (durvalumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-L1 protein and blocks the interaction of PD-L1 with the PD-1 and CD80 proteins, countering the tumour's immune-evading tactics and releasing the inhibition of immune responses.
Imfinzi is the only approved immunotherapy and the global standard of care in the curative-intent setting of unresectable, Stage III NSCLC in patients whose disease has not progressed after chemoradiation therapy based on the PACIFIC Phase III trial.
Imfinzi is also approved in the US, EU, Japan, China and many other countries around the world for the treatment of extensive-stage SCLC based on the CASPIAN Phase III trial. In an exploratory analysis in 2021, updated results from the CASPIAN trial showed Imfinzi plus chemotherapy tripled patient survival at three years versus chemotherapy alone. Additionally, Imfinzi is approved in combination with a short course of Imjudo (tremelimumab) and chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC in the US, EU and Japan based on the POSEIDON Phase III trial.
In addition to its indications in lung cancer, Imfinzi is also approved in combination with chemotherapy in locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer in the US, EU, Japan and several other countries; in combination with Imjudo in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in the US, EU and Japan; and in previously treated patients with advanced bladder cancer in several countries.
Since the first approval in May 2017, more than 150,000 patients have been treated with Imfinzi.
AstraZeneca has several ongoing registrational trials focused on testing Imfinzi in earlier stages of lung cancer, including in resectable NSCLC (ADJUVANT BR.31) and unresectable NSCLC (PACIFIC-2, 4, 5, 8 and 9), and in limited-stage SCLC (ADRIATIC).
As part of a broad development programme, Imfinzi is being tested as a single treatment and in combinations with other anti-cancer treatments for patients with SCLC, NSCLC, bladder cancer, several gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and other solid tumours.
AstraZeneca in lung cancer
AstraZeneca is working to bring patients with lung cancer closer to cure through the detection and treatment of early-stage disease, while also pushing the boundaries of science to improve outcomes in the resistant and advanced settings. By defining new therapeutic targets and investigating innovative approaches, the Company aims to match medicines to the patients who can benefit most.
The Company's comprehensive portfolio includes leading lung cancer medicines and the next wave of innovations, including Tagrisso and Iressa (gefitinib); Imfinzi and Imjudo; Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) and datopotamab deruxtecan in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo; Orpathys (savolitinib) in collaboration with HUTCHMED; as well as a pipeline of potential new medicines and combinations across diverse mechanisms of action.
AstraZeneca is a founding member of the Lung Ambition Alliance, a global coalition working to accelerate innovation and deliver meaningful improvements for people with lung cancer, including and beyond treatment.
AstraZeneca in immuno-oncology (IO)
AstraZeneca is a pioneer in introducing the concept of immunotherapy into dedicated clinical areas of high unmet medical need. The Company has a comprehensive and diverse IO portfolio and pipeline anchored in immunotherapies designed to overcome evasion of the anti-tumour immune response and stimulate the body’s immune system to attack tumours.
AstraZeneca aims to reimagine cancer care and help transform outcomes for patients with Imfinzi as a single treatment and in combination with Imjudo as well as other novel immunotherapies and modalities. The Company is also exploring next-generation immunotherapies like bispecific antibodies and therapeutics that harness different aspects of immunity to target cancer.
AstraZeneca is boldly pursuing an innovative clinical strategy to bring IO-based therapies that deliver long-term survival to new settings across a wide range of cancer types. With an extensive clinical programme, the Company also champions the use of IO treatment in earlier disease stages, where there is the greatest potential for cure.
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 Twitter @AstraZeneca.
AstraZeneca's Imfinzi shows event-free survival benefit in lung cancer patients in trial
Mar. 09, 2023 4:46 AM ET
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor
AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) said data from a phase 3 trial showed that Imfinzi-based therapy before and after surgery significantly increased the time patients with lung cancer lived without the disease recurring or progressing.
The late stage study, dubbed AEGEAN, is evaluating Imfinzi (durvalumab) as a perioperative therapy for patients with resectable stage 2A-3B non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), irrespective of PD-L1 expression.
JARDIANCE® (empagliflozin tablets)
JARDIANCE® (empagliflozin tablets)
JARDIANCE® (empagliflozin tablets)
US FDA accepts supplemental New Drug Application for Jardiance® for children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes
March 8, 2023
- The application is based on phase III results from the DINAMO trial showing Jardiance® (empagliflozin) tablets significantly reduced A1c (a marker of average blood sugar) versus placebo in participants aged 10-17 living with type 2 diabetes
- If approved, Jardiance would be the first SGLT2 inhibitor indicated for this vulnerable population
RIDGEFIELD, Conn. and INDIANAPOLIS, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Jardiance® (empagliflozin) investigating a potential new indication to lower blood sugar along with diet and exercise in children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced.
"There are clear unmet needs for young people living with type 2 diabetes, which has nearly doubled in prevalence in people aged 10-19 over the past two decades," said Mohamed Eid, M.D., M.P.H., M.H.A., vice president, Clinical Development & Medical Affairs, Cardio-Renal-Metabolism & Respiratory Medicine, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "We look forward to working closely with the FDA during the review process and while we await a decision on our efforts to bring another potential treatment option to children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes."
The sNDA is based on the results from the DINAMO phase III trial, in which Jardiance was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the primary endpoint of change from baseline in A1c at 26 weeks compared with placebo in participants aged 10-17 years with type 2 diabetes. When added to other baseline treatments (diet, exercise, metformin and/or insulin), Jardiance 10 mg and 25 mg pooled doses reduced A1c by 0.84% compared with placebo at week 26 (95% CI −1.50 to −0.19; P=0.012). Reduction in A1c in participants treated with Tradjenta® (linagliptin) was not statistically significant when compared with placebo. A numerical reduction of 0.34% (P=0.2935) was observed. Results were presented during the International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Congress 2022.
Overall, the safety data in DINAMO was consistent with the previously known safety profile of Jardiance.
Initially approved in 2014, Jardiance is a once-daily tablet used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes; and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and known cardiovascular disease. Jardiance is also indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure. Jardiance is not for patients with type 1 diabetes, or to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes with an eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Jardiance is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to empagliflozin or any of the excipients in Jardiance, and in patients on dialysis. Please see additional Important Safety Information below.
"Impacting an estimated 39,000 people under the age of 20, type 2 diabetes is a growing health issue for young people in the U.S.," said Jeff Emmick, M.D., Ph.D., vice president, Product Development, Lilly. "If approved, Jardiance would be a new oral treatment option for type 2 diabetes in children 10 years and older in the U.S., making this application acceptance an important step forward as we add to the body of knowledge for this vulnerable patient population, for whom oral treatment options have been limited."
About DINAMO: DIabetes study of liNAgliptin and eMpagliflozin in children and adOlescents
DINAMO (NCT03429543) is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel group phase III trial that enrolled participants aged 10-17 years with type 2 diabetes (A1c 6.5% to 10.5%) previously treated with metformin or insulin. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in A1c at 26 weeks. Of the 262 participants screened, 158 were randomly assigned to treatment with Jardiance (10 mg) (n=52), Tradjenta (5 mg) (n=53) or placebo (n=53) once daily. Participants in the Jardiance group who did not have A1c below 7.0% by week 12 were re-randomized to either remain on 10 mg or increase to 25 mg. Participants in the placebo group were reassigned at week 26 to Tradjenta 5 mg or Jardiance 10 mg or 25 mg. All participants were treated with diet and exercise plus metformin and/or insulin (or no background if metformin intolerant). Safety was assessed until week 52.
What is JARDIANCE?
JARDIANCE is a prescription medicine used to:
- reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure, when the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body
- reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have known cardiovascular disease
- lower blood sugar along with diet and exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes
JARDIANCE is not for people with type 1 diabetes. It may increase their risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine).
JARDIANCE is not for use to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes who have severe kidney problems, because it may not work.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not take JARDIANCE if you are allergic to empagliflozin or any of the ingredients in JARDIANCE.
Do not take JARDIANCE if you are on dialysis.
For more information, please see Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.
Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company
In January 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company announced an Alliance that centers on compounds representing several of the largest diabetes treatment classes. Depending on geographies, the companies either co-promote or separately promote the respective molecules each contributing to the Alliance. The Alliance leverages the strengths of two of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies to focus on patient needs. By joining forces, the companies demonstrate their commitment, not only to the care of people with diabetes, but also to investigating the potential to address areas of unmet medical need.
About Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that improve the lives of humans and animals. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, the company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since, Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term perspective. Around 52,000 employees serve more than 130 markets in the three business areas, Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us.
About Lilly
Lilly unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help more than 47 million people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges, redefining diabetes care, treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects, advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease, providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders, and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. To learn more, visit Lilly.com and Lilly.com/newsroom or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company
Boehringer, Lilly get FDA review for expanded use of Jardiance in adolescents
Mar. 08, 2023 9:38 AM ET
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted to review Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly's (NYSE:LLY) application seeking expanded approval of Jardiance to lower blood sugar, along with diet and exercise, in children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3945363-boehringer-lilly-get-fda-review-for-expanded-use-of-jardiance-in-adolescents
- Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)
- https://www.lilly.com/
- https://www.jardiance.com/
BIOTECNOVA™
DUPIXENT® (DUPILUMAB)
Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan)
Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan)
March 7, 2023 at 1:00 AM EST
DUPIXENT® (DUPILUMAB) APPLICATION FOR TREATMENT OF CHRONIC SPONTANEOUS URTICARIA (CSU) IN ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS AGED 12 YEARS AND OLDER ACCEPTED FOR FDA REVIEW
More than 300,000 people in the U.S. suffer from CSU that is inadequately controlled by antihistamines
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. and PARIS, March 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) and Sanofi today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Dupixent® (dupilumab) to treat adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) that is not adequately controlled with the current standard of care, H1 antihistamine treatment. The target action date for the FDA decision is October 22, 2023.
CSU is an inflammatory skin condition driven in part by type 2 inflammation, which causes sudden and debilitating hives and swelling on the skin. Swelling, called angioedema, may occur most commonly on the face, hands and feet, but can also affect the throat and upper airways. CSU is typically treated with H1 antihistamines, medicines that target histamine-1 receptors on cells to control symptoms of urticaria. However, the disease remains uncontrolled in up to 50% of patients, who are left with limited alternative treatment options. These individuals continue to experience symptoms, including persistent itch or burning sensations that can be debilitating and significantly impact quality of life.
The sBLA is supported by data from two Phase 3 trials (LIBERTY-CUPID Studies A and B) evaluating Dupixent in two different patient populations with uncontrolled CSU. Study A was conducted in CSU patients who were uncontrolled on standard-of-care antihistamines with efficacy and safety data supporting the submission, while Study B was conducted in CSU patients who were uncontrolled on standard-of-care antihistamines and refractory to omalizumab with results providing additional supporting data.
The potential use of Dupixent in CSU is currently under clinical development, and the safety and efficacy have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority.
About the CSU Clinical Trial Program
The clinical trial program, known as LIBERTY-CUPID, includes Studies A and B, two Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of Dupixent in two different patient populations with uncontrolled CSU.
Study A evaluated Dupixent as an add-on therapy to standard-of-care H1 antihistamines compared to antihistamines alone in 138 patients with CSU aged 6 years and older who remained symptomatic despite antihistamine use and were not previously treated with omalizumab. Study B evaluated Dupixent in 108 patients with CSU aged 12 to 80 years who remained symptomatic despite standard-of-care treatment and were intolerant or incomplete responders to omalizumab.
In addition to CSU, Regeneron and Sanofi are also studying Dupixent in chronic inducible urticaria triggered by cold (LIBERTY-CINDU CUrIADS program) in an ongoing Phase 3 trial.
About Dupixent
Dupixent, which was invented using Regeneron's proprietary VelocImmune® technology, is a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the signaling of the IL-4 and 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 eosinophilic esophagitis (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 or 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 500,000 patients have been 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 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 currently available. This includes Dupixent, REGEN-COV® (casirivimab and imdevimab), 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, atopic hand and foot dermatitis, chronic inducible urticaria-cold, CSU, chronic pruritus of unknown origin, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with evidence of type 2 inflammation, chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis 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 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, pain, 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 Twitter.
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.
FDA accepts for review Regeneron/Sanofi's Dupixent application for inflammatory skin condition
Mar. 07, 2023 6:39 AM ET
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN), SNY
By: Mamta Mayani, SA News Editor
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:REGN) and Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY) announce that the FDA has accepted for review the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Dupixent (dupilumab) to treat adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) that is not adequately controlled with the current standard of care, H1 antihistamine treatment.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3944785-fda-accepts-for-review-regeneronsanofis-dupixent-application-for-inflammatory-skin-condition
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN), SNY
- https://www.dupixent.com/
- https://www.regeneron.com/
News: Mar 21
Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan)
Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan)
Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan)
Enhertu showed clinically meaningful and durable responses across multiple HER2-expressing tumour types in DESTINY-PanTumor02 Phase II trial
PUBLISHED6 March 2023 06
March 2023 07:00 GMT
AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo’s Enhertu met prespecified criteria for objective
response rate and duration of response
Positive high-level results from an analysis of the ongoing DESTINY-PanTumor02 Phase II trial showed AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo’s Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) met the prespecified target for objective response rate (ORR) and demonstrated durable response across multiple HER2-expressing advanced solid tumours in heavily pretreated patients.
Enhertu is a specifically engineered HER2-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) being jointly developed and commercialised by AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo.
The DESTINY-PanTumor02 Phase II trial is evaluating the efficacy and safety of Enhertu in patients with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic previously treated, HER2-expressing solid tumours not eligible for curative therapy, including biliary tract, bladder, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, and rare cancers. The primary endpoint of the trial is investigator-assessed confirmed ORR and investigator-assessed duration of response (DoR) is a key secondary endpoint.
The data will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting and shared with global regulatory authorities.
HER2 is a tyrosine kinase receptor protein expressed on the surface of various tissue cells throughout the body and is involved in normal cell growth.1,2 In some cancer cells, HER2 expression is amplified or the cells have activating mutations.1,3 While HER2-directed therapies have been used to treat breast, gastric and lung cancers, more research is needed evaluating their potential role in treating other HER2-expressing tumour types.2,4-6
Cristian Massacesi, Chief Medical Officer and Oncology Chief Development Officer, AstraZeneca, said, “Enhertu has already demonstrated its potential to improve outcomes for patients with HER2-targetable breast, gastric and lung cancers, and these positive initial results in other tumour settings with significant unmet need are very encouraging. The DESTINY-PanTumor02 results mark an important step forward in our understanding of the potential role of Enhertu across multiple HER2-expressing tumour types.”
Ken Takeshita, Global Head, R&D, Daiichi Sankyo, said, “The clinically meaningful responses seen in the DESTINY-PanTumor02 trial reaffirm our belief in the potential of Enhertu across multiple HER2-expressing cancers. The results seen so far across multiple cohorts of the trial will inform next steps of our broad development programme as we look to bring this important medicine to as many patients as quickly as possible.”
The safety profile observed in patients treated with Enhertu in the DESTINY-PanTumor02 trial was consistent with that seen in other trials of Enhertu with no new safety signals identified.
Notes
DESTINY-PanTumor02
DESTINY-PanTumor02 is a global, multicentre, multi-cohort, open-label Phase II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of Enhertu (5.4mg/kg) for the treatment of HER2-expressing tumours, including biliary tract cancer, bladder cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and rare tumours.
The primary efficacy endpoint of DESTINY-PanTumor02 is confirmed ORR as assessed by investigator. Secondary endpoints include DoR, disease control rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics.
DESTINY-PanTumor02 has enrolled 268 patients at multiple sites in Asia, Europe and North America. For more information about the trial, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.
Enhertu
Enhertu is a HER2-directed ADC. Designed using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC technology, Enhertu is the lead ADC in the oncology portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo and the most advanced programme in AstraZeneca’s ADC scientific platform. Enhertu consists of a HER2 monoclonal antibody attached to a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload, an exatecan derivative, via a stable tetrapeptide-based cleavable linker.
Enhertu (5.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 40 countries for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received a (or one or more) prior anti-HER2-based regimen, either in the metastatic setting or in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting, and have developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing therapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast03 trial.
Enhertu (5.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 30 countries for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 1+ or IHC 2+/in-situ hybridisation [ISH]-) breast cancer who have received a prior systemic therapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing adjuvant chemotherapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast04 trial.
Enhertu (5.4mg/kg) is approved under accelerated approval in the US for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer whose tumours have activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Lung02 trial. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
Enhertu (6.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 30 countries for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen based on the results from the DESTINY-Gastric01 trial and/or DESTINY-Gastric02 trial.
Enhertu development programme
A comprehensive global development programme is underway evaluating the efficacy and safety of Enhertu monotherapy across multiple HER2-targetable cancers. Trials in combination with other anticancer treatments, such as immunotherapy, are also underway.
Daiichi Sankyo collaboration
Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (TSE: 4568) [referred to as Daiichi Sankyo] and AstraZeneca entered into a global collaboration to jointly develop and commercialise Enhertu (a HER2-directed ADC) in March 2019, and datopotamab deruxtecan (DS-1062; a TROP2-directed ADC) in July 2020, except in Japan where Daiichi Sankyo maintains exclusive rights. Daiichi Sankyo is responsible for the manufacturing and supply of Enhertu and datopotamab deruxtecan.
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 Twitter @AstraZeneca.
AstraZeneca, Daiichi Sankyo's Enhertu shows promise in multiple cancer types in trial
Mar. 06, 2023 4:55 AM ET
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), DSKYF, DSNKY
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor
AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) and Daiichi Sankyo (OTCPK:DSKYF) (OTCPK:DSNKY) said their drug Enhertu met the target for objective response rate (ORR) and showed durable response in multiple HER2-expressing advanced solid tumors in heavily pretreated patients in an ongoing phase 2 trial.
Verzenio® (abemaciclib)
Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan)
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in combination with chemotherapy
U.S. FDA Broadens Indication for Verzenio® (abemaciclib) in HR+, HER2-, Node-Positive, High Risk Early Breast Cancer
March 3, 2023
High risk patients eligible for Verzenio can now be identified solely based on nodal status, tumor size, and tumor grade, regardless of Ki-67 score
Approval supported by four-year data from the monarchE trial; Verzenio added to adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) reduced the risk of recurrence by 35% compared to adjuvant ET alone
Verzenio remains the first and only CDK4/6 inhibitor approved in the adjuvant setting
INDIANAPOLIS, March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an expanded indication for Verzenio® (abemaciclib), in combination with endocrine therapy (ET), for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-), node-positive, early breast cancer (EBC) at a high risk of recurrence. High risk patients eligible for Verzenio can now be identified solely based on nodal status, tumor size, and tumor grade (4+ positive nodes, or 1-3 positive nodes and at least one of the following: tumors that are ≥5 cm or Grade 3).1 This expanded adjuvant indication removes the Ki-67 score requirement for patient selection.
This label expansion is supported by four-year data from the Phase 3 monarchE trial of adjuvant Verzenio in combination with ET, which showed a deepened benefit in invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) beyond the two-year treatment course with adjuvant Verzenio. The absolute difference in IDFS between treatment groups increased over time. At four years, 85.5% of patients remained recurrence-free with Verzenio plus ET, compared to 78.6% with ET alone, an absolute difference in IDFS of 6.9%. At two years and at three years, the absolute differences between treatment groups were 3.1% and 5.0%, respectively; see Fig. 1 below. The addition of Verzenio to ET reduced the risk of recurrence by 35% compared to ET alone (HR=0.653 [95% CI: 0.567-0.753]). There were no new safety findings, and overall results are consistent with the well-established safety profile for Verzenio. These four-year monarchE data were presented at the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium and simultaneously published in The Lancet Oncology.2
The monarchE study enrolled 5,637 adults with high risk HR+, HER2-, node-positive EBC into two cohorts. Verzenio is now approved for use in the full Cohort 1 patient population, which comprised 91% of the study population. A statistically significant difference in IDFS was observed in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population, primarily due to patients in Cohort 1. As of the data cut-off date, while overall survival (OS) data remain immature across the entire study, an OS trend in favor of Verzenio was observed in the Cohort 1 population, but not the Cohort 2 population where more deaths were seen with Verzenio plus ET compared to ET alone (10/253 vs. 5/264). The "About the monarchE Study" section below provides more details on study design.
"Our goal in intensifying treatment for early breast cancer is to maintain remission and prevent the recurrence of cancer. The magnitude of benefit seen in the four-year data from the monarchE study reinforces my confidence in adjuvant Verzenio as the standard-of-care for high risk patients in this setting," said Erika P. Hamilton, M.D., medical oncologist, director of Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Research at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, and an investigator on the monarchE clinical trial. "The initial Verzenio FDA approval in early breast cancer was practice-changing and now, through this indication expansion, we have the potential to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence for many more patients, relying solely on commonly utilized clinicopathologic features to identify them."
More than 300,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. in 2023.3 It is estimated that 90% of all breast cancers are detected at an early stage.4 Approximately 70% of all breast cancer cases are the HR+, HER2- subtype.5 Although the prognosis for HR+, HER2- EBC is generally favorable, high risk patients are three times more likely than those with low risk characteristics to experience recurrence – with the majority being incurable metastatic disease.6 These patients have an increased risk of recurrence during the first two years of endocrine therapy.
"This expanded approval will allow us to bring Verzenio to many more women and men with HR+, HER2-, high risk early breast cancer in the curative setting – before patients experience recurrence, potentially to incurable metastatic disease," said Jacob Van Naarden, chief executive officer of Loxo@Lilly. "The initial adjuvant approval for Verzenio changed the treatment paradigm, and the strength of the monarchE results supporting this approval underscores the role this differentiated CDK4/6 inhibitor can play in reducing the risk of recurrence in early breast cancer."
"This expanded approval for Verzenio is welcome news for our community," said Jean Sachs, chief executive officer of Living Beyond Breast Cancer. "A significant number of women and men have HR+, HER2- early breast cancer at high risk of returning. Making effective treatment options available is crucial to allowing people to make the best care decisions for themselves, together with their healthcare providers. We're pleased Verzenio will now be available to more people with this type of early breast cancer."
Concurrent with this expanded indication approval in EBC, the FDA has also broadened the indicated use of Verzenio in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) when used in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy for the treatment of people with HR+, HER2- advanced or MBC. This updated MBC indication now includes all adult patients, with the expanded indication including pre-/perimenopausal women when used in combination with ovarian suppression. See below "Indications for Verzenio" for full details on indicated uses in HR+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Verzenio is available in tablet strengths of 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg.
The labeling for Verzenio contains warnings and precautions for diarrhea, neutropenia, interstitial lung disease (ILD/pneumonitis), hepatotoxicity, venous thromboembolism, and embryo-fetal toxicity. Instruct patients at the first sign of loose stools to initiate antidiarrheal therapy, increase oral fluids, and notify their healthcare provider. Perform complete blood counts and liver function tests prior to the start of Verzenio treatment, every two weeks for the first two months, monthly for the next two months and as clinically indicated. Based on results, Verzenio may require dose modification. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and treat as medically appropriate. Advise patients of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception.
See Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information for additional information.
Click here to view the early breast cancer infographic.
About the monarchE Study
monarchE was a global, randomized, open-label, two cohort, multicenter Phase 3 clinical trial that enrolled 5,637 adults with HR+, HER2-, node-positive EBC at high risk of recurrence. To be enrolled in Cohort 1 (n=5,120), which is the FDA-approved population, patients had to have 4+ positive nodes or 1-3 positive nodes and at least one of the following: tumors that were ≥5 cm or Grade 3. Patients enrolled in Cohort 2 could not have met the eligibility criteria for Cohort 1. To be enrolled in Cohort 2 (n=517), patients had to have 1-3 positive nodes and Ki-67 score ≥20%. Patients in each cohort were randomized 1:1 to receive either Verzenio 150 mg twice daily plus standard-of-care adjuvant ET (Cohort 1, n=2,555; Cohort 2, n=253) or standard-of-care adjuvant ET alone (Cohort 1, n=2,565; Cohort 2, n=264) for 2 years. ET continued for at least 5 years if deemed medically appropriate. The primary endpoint was IDFS. Consistent with expert guidelines, IDFS was defined as the length of time before breast cancer comes back, any new cancer develops, or death.
About Early Breast Cancer and Risk of Recurrence
It is estimated that 90% of all breast cancers are detected at an early stage.4 Approximately 70% of all breast cancer cases are the HR+, HER2- subtype.5 Although the prognosis for HR+, HER2- EBC is generally favorable, high risk patients are three times more likely than those with low risk characteristics to experience recurrence – with the majority being incurable metastatic disease.6 These patients have an increased risk of recurrence during the first two years of endocrine therapy.
Factors associated with high risk of recurrence in HR+, HER2- early breast cancer include: positive nodal status, the number of positive nodes, large tumor size (≥5 cm), and high tumor grade (Grade 3). Node-positive means that cancer cells from the tumor in the breast have been found in the lymph nodes near the breast. Although breast cancer is removed through surgery, the presence of cancer cells in the lymph nodes signifies that there is a higher chance of developing recurrence and distant metastatic disease.
About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, according to GLOBOCAN. The estimated 2.3 million new cases indicate that 1 in every 8 cancers diagnosed in 2020 is breast cancer. With approximately 685,000 deaths in 2020, breast cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer death worldwide.7 In the U.S., it is estimated that there will be more than 300,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in 2023. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the U.S.3
About Verzenio® (abemaciclib)
Verzenio® (abemaciclib) is a targeted treatment known as a CDK4/6 inhibitor. Verzenio is a nonchemotherapy oral tablet.
Verzenio works inside the cell to block CDK4/6 activity and help stop the growth of cancer cells so that they may eventually die (based on preclinical studies). Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK)4/6 are activated by binding to D-cyclins. In estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cell lines, cyclin D1 and CDK4/6 promote phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb), cell cycle progression and cell proliferation.
In vitro, continuous exposure to Verzenio inhibited Rb phosphorylation and blocked progression from G1 to S phase of the cell cycle, resulting in senescence and apoptosis (cell death). Preclinically, Verzenio dosed daily without interruption resulted in reduction of tumor size. Inhibiting CDK4/6 in healthy cells can result in side effects, some of which may be serious. Clinical evidence also suggests that Verzenio crosses the blood-brain barrier. In patients with advanced cancer, including breast cancer, concentrations of Verzenio and its active metabolites (M2 and M20) in cerebrospinal fluid are comparable to unbound plasma concentrations.
Verzenio is Lilly's first solid oral dosage form to be made using a faster, more efficient process known as continuous manufacturing. Continuous manufacturing is a new and advanced type of manufacturing within the pharmaceutical industry, and Lilly is one of the first companies to use this technology.
INDICATIONS FOR VERZENIO®
VERZENIO® is a kinase inhibitor indicated:
- in combination with endocrine therapy (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, node-positive, early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence.
- in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
- in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy.
- as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy and prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting.
- Please see full Prescribing Information for Verzenio.
About Lilly
Lilly unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help more than 47 million people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges, redefining diabetes care, treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects, advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease, providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders, and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. To learn more, visit Lilly.com and Lilly.com/newsroom or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. P-LLY
PP-AL-US-3657 © Lilly USA, LLC 2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Verzenio® is a registered trademark owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
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SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company
Eli Lilly wins additional breast cancer indication for Verzenio
Mar. 03, 2023 3:20 PM ET
By: Jonathan Block, SA News Editor1 Comment
- The US FDA has granted an additional indication for Eli Lilly's (NYSE:LLY) Verzenio (abemaciclib) in combination with endocrine therapy as an adjuvant treatment for HR+, HER2- node-positive, early breast cancer at high risk of occurrence.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3944114-eli-lilly-wins-additional-breast-cancer-indication-for-verzenio
- Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)
- https://www.lilly.com/
- https://www.verzenio.com/
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in combination with chemotherapy
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in combination with chemotherapy
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in combination with chemotherapy
Merck Announces Phase 3 KEYNOTE-671 Trial Met Primary Endpoint of Event-Free Survival (EFS) in Patients With Resectable Stage II, IIIA or IIIB Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
March 1, 2023 6:45 am ET
In pivotal study, KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in combination with chemotherapy before surgery and continuing as a single agent after surgery showed a statistically significant improvement in EFS versus pre-operative chemotherapy
KEYTRUDA-based regimen also showed statistically significant improvements in key secondary endpoints of pathological complete response and major pathological response
FDA accepted application based on these data and set PDUFA date of October 16, 2023
RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced today that the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-671 trial investigating KEYTRUDA, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, met one of its dual primary endpoints, event-free survival (EFS), as a perioperative treatment regimen for patients with resectable stage II, IIIA or IIIB non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A perioperative treatment regimen includes treatment before surgery (neoadjuvant) and continued after surgery (adjuvant). The trial will continue to evaluate the other dual primary endpoint of overall survival (OS).
At a prespecified interim analysis conducted by an independent Data Monitoring Committee, neoadjuvant KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy followed by resection and adjuvant single-agent KEYTRUDA demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in EFS compared to neoadjuvant placebo plus chemotherapy followed by adjuvant placebo. Statistically significant improvements in the trial’s key secondary endpoints of pathological compete response (pCR) and major pathological response (mPR) were also demonstrated at this analysis. No new safety signals were observed.
Results will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted Merck’s new supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) based on these data for KEYTRUDA for the treatment of patients with resectable stage II, IIIA, or IIIB (T3-4N2) NSCLC in combination with platinum containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment. The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), or target action, date of October 16, 2023.
“Results from KEYNOTE-671 show that KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy provided significant improvement in event-free survival, pathological complete response and major pathological response over chemotherapy alone as a perioperative treatment regimen for patients with resectable stage II, IIIA or IIIB non-small cell lung cancer,” said Dr. Eliav Barr, senior vice president, head of global clinical development and chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories. “By moving this KEYTRUDA-based regimen into earlier stages of non-small cell lung cancer, we may be able to significantly reduce the risk of recurrence for these patients. This study is an important milestone, and we look forward to sharing the detailed results with the medical community as soon as possible. We thank the patients and investigators for their important contributions to this study.”
Merck has an extensive clinical development program in lung cancer and is advancing multiple registration-enabling studies, with research directed at earlier stages of disease and novel combinations. Key studies in earlier stages of NSCLC include KEYNOTE-671, KEYNOTE-091, KEYNOTE-867, KEYLYNK-012 and KEYVIBE-006.
About KEYNOTE-671
KEYNOTE-671 is a randomized, double-blind Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03425643) evaluating neoadjuvant KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy, followed by adjuvant KEYTRUDA as a single agent versus placebo plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by adjuvant placebo in patients with resectable stage II, IIIA or IIIB (T3-4N2) NSCLC. The trial’s dual primary endpoints are EFS and OS. Key secondary endpoints include pCR and mPR. The study enrolled 786 patients who were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either:
- KEYTRUDA (200 mg intravenously [IV] every three weeks [Q3W] for up to four cycles) plus chemotherapy (cisplatin [75 mg/m^2, IV; given on Day 1 of each cycle] and either gemcitabine [1000 mg/m^2, IV; given on Days 1 and 8 of each cycle) or pemetrexed [500 mg/m^2, IV; given on Day 1 of each cycle]) as neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery, followed by KEYTRUDA (200 mg IV Q3W for up to 13 cycles) as adjuvant therapy post-surgery, or;
- Placebo (saline IV Q3W for up to four cycles) plus chemotherapy (cisplatin [75 mg/m^2, IV; given on Day 1 of each cycle] and either gemcitabine [1000 mg/m^2, IV; given on Days 1 and 8 of each cycle] or pemetrexed [500 mg/m^2, IV; given on Day 1 of each cycle]) as neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery, followed by placebo (saline IV Q3W for up to 13 cycles) as adjuvant therapy post-surgery.
About lung cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In 2020 alone, there were more than 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths from lung cancer globally. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 81% of all cases. In the U.S., the overall five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with lung cancer is 25%, which is a 21% improvement over the last five years. Improved survival rates are due, in part, to earlier detection and screening, reduction in smoking, advances in diagnostic and surgical procedures, as well as the introduction of new therapies. Early detection and screening remain an important unmet need, as 44% of lung cancer cases are not found until they are advanced. Only 5.8% of people in the U.S. who are eligible were screened for lung cancer in 2021.
About Merck’s research in lung cancer
Merck is advancing research aimed at transforming the way lung cancer is treated, with a goal of improving outcomes for patients affected by this deadly disease. Through nearly 200 clinical trials evaluating more than 36,000 patients around the world, Merck is at the forefront of lung cancer research. In NSCLC, KEYTRUDA has five approved U.S. indications (see indications below) and is approved for advanced disease in more than 95 countries. Among Merck’s research efforts are trials focused on evaluating KEYTRUDA in earlier stages of lung cancer as well as identifying new combinations and coformulations with KEYTRUDA.
About Merck’s early-stage cancer clinical program
Finding cancer at an earlier stage may give patients a greater chance of long-term survival. Many cancers are considered most treatable and potentially curable in their earliest stage of disease. Building on the strong understanding of the role of KEYTRUDA in later-stage cancers, Merck is studying KEYTRUDA in earlier disease states, with approximately 20 ongoing registrational studies across multiple types of cancer.
About KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) injection, 100 mg
KEYTRUDA is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells.
Merck has the industry’s largest immuno-oncology clinical research program. There are currently more than 1,600 trials studying KEYTRUDA across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. The KEYTRUDA clinical program seeks to understand the role of KEYTRUDA across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient's likelihood of benefitting from treatment with KEYTRUDA, including exploring several different biomarkers.
Selected KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Indications in the U.S.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is:
- stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or
- metastatic.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated as adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC.
See additional selected indications for KEYTRUDA in the U.S. after the Selected Important Safety Information
Pediatric Use
In KEYNOTE-051, 161 pediatric patients (62 pediatric patients aged 6 months to younger than 12 years and 99 pediatric patients aged 12 years to 17 years) were administered KEYTRUDA 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks. The median duration of exposure was 2.1 months (range: 1 day to 24 months).
Adverse reactions that occurred at a ≥10% higher rate in pediatric patients when compared to adults were pyrexia (33%), vomiting (30%), leukopenia (30%), upper respiratory tract infection (29%), neutropenia (26%), headache (25%), and Grade 3 anemia (17%).
Additional Indications for KEYTRUDA in the U.S.
Melanoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection.
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with platinum and fluorouracil (FU), is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy.
Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy. KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy.
Urothelial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC):
- who are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
- who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with MSI-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.
Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Gastric Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Esophageal Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either:
- in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, or
- as a single agent after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy for patients with tumors of squamous cell histology that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Cervical Cancer
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
Renal Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, in combination with axitinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions.
Endometrial Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
Tumor Mutational Burden-High Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery.
KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
About the Merck Access Program for KEYTRUDA
At Merck, we are committed to supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines. Merck provides multiple programs to help appropriate patients who are prescribed KEYTRUDA have access to our anti-PD-1 therapy. The Merck Access Program provides reimbursement support for patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including information to help with out-of-pocket costs and co-pay assistance for eligible patients. More information is available by calling 855-257-3932 or visiting https://www.merckaccessprogram-keytruda.com/.
About Merck’s Patient Support Program for KEYTRUDA
Merck is committed to helping provide patients and their caregivers support throughout their treatment with KEYTRUDA. The KEY+YOU Patient Support Program provides a range of resources and support. For further information and to sign up, eligible patients may call 85-KEYTRUDA (855- 398-7832) or visit www.keytruda.com.
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 for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf and Medication Guide for KEYTRUDA at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_mg.pdf .
Source: Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck says Keytruda trial met main goal as perioperative therapy in lung cancer
Mar. 01, 2023 7:26 AM ET
By: Dulan Lokuwithana, SA News Editor
Merck (NYSE:MRK) announced Wednesday that its blockbuster immunotherapy Keytruda reached one of the dual primary endpoints in a Phase 3 trial as perioperative therapy for certain lung cancer patients.
The trial named KEYNOTE-671 tested neoadjuvant KEYTRUDA (before surgery) plus chemotherapy, followed by adjuvant KEYTRUDA (after surgery) as a single agent against placebo plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by adjuvant placebo.
Opdivo (nivolumab)
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in combination with chemotherapy
Calquence (acalabrutinib)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Accepts Bristol Myers Squibb’s Supplemental Biologics License Application and European Medicines Agency Validates Application for Opdivo (nivolumab) ….
02/28/2023
CATEGORY:
The applications are based on results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -76K trial, in which Opdivo demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefit in recurrence-free survival
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has assigned a target action date of October 13, 2023
PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Accepts Bristol Myers Squibb’s Supplemental Biologics License Application and European Medicines Agency Validates Application for Opdivo (nivolumab) as an Adjuvant Treatment for Patients with Completely Resected Stage IIB or IIC Melanoma
Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has validated the Type II Variation Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for Opdivo® (nivolumab) as monotherapy in the adjuvant setting for the treatment of patients with completely resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma. In the U.S., the FDA has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date of October 13, 2023. In Europe, the EMA’s validation of the application confirms the submission is complete and begins the start of the EMA’s centralized review process.
“Melanoma can be a devastating diagnosis, and patients with stage IIB or IIC melanoma tend to be at high risk of disease recurrence. Approximately one third of stage IIB and half of stage IIC patients experience recurrence within five years after surgery,” said Gina Fusaro, PhD, vice president, development program lead, Bristol Myers Squibb. “The data from the CheckMate -76K trial demonstrate the benefit that Opdivo can have for patients with this earlier stage of cancer. We look forward to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency to potentially offer a treatment option to patients with stage IIB or IIC melanoma that could help prevent recurrence.”
The submissions were based on safety and efficacy results from the pivotal Phase 3 CheckMate -76K trial, in which Opdivo demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefit in recurrence-free survival (RFS) versus placebo in patients with completely resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma. The safety profile of Opdivo was consistent with previously reported studies.
Results from CheckMate -76K were presented as late-breaking data during a plenary session at the Society for Melanoma Research (SMR) Annual Meeting in October 2022.
CheckMate -76K is part of BMS’ development program studying Opdivo and Opdivo-based combinations in earlier stages of cancer (adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and peri-operative), which currently spans seven tumor types. To date, Opdivo-based therapies have shown improved efficacy in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment of four tumor types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), bladder cancer, esophageal/gastroesophageal junction cancer, and melanoma.
Bristol Myers Squibb thanks the patients and investigators involved in the CheckMate -76K trial.
About CheckMate -76K
CheckMate -76K is a randomized Phase 3, double-blind study evaluating adjuvant Opdivo (nivolumab) 480 mg Q4W for up to 12 months versus placebo in patients with completely resected stage IIB/C melanoma.
The primary endpoint of the trial is recurrence-free survival (RFS). Secondary endpoints of the trial include overall survival (OS), distant metastases-free survival (DMFS), progression-free survival on next-line therapy (PFS2), and safety endpoints.
About Melanoma
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) located in the skin. Metastatic melanoma is the deadliest form of the disease and occurs when cancer spreads beyond the surface of the skin to other organs. In the United States, approximately 97,610 new diagnoses of melanoma and about 7,990 related deaths are estimated for 2023. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that by 2035, melanoma incidence will reach 424,102, with 94,308 related deaths. Melanomas can be mostly treatable when caught in very early stages; however, survival rates can decrease as the disease progresses.
Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer
Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision — transforming patients’ lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine, and through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep scientific expertise, cutting-edge capabilities and discovery platforms enable the company to look at cancer from every angle. Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient’s life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. Because as a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future.
About Opdivo
Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body’s own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers.
Opdivo’s leading global development program is based on Bristol Myers Squibb’s scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has treated more than 35,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression.
In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 65 countries, including the United States, the European Union, Japan, and China. In October 2015, the Company’s Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union.
INDICATIONS
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated as neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab) and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with cabozantinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) who are at high risk of recurrence after undergoing radical resection of UC.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after prior fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based chemotherapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer with residual pathologic disease in adult patients who have received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum- containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer, and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Please see US Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY.
About the Bristol Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Collaboration
In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Bristol Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally, except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Ono and Bristol Myers Squibb further expanded the companies’ strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies – as single agents and combination regimens – for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
About Bristol Myers Squibb
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
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Bristol Myers Opdivo for skin cancer gets review in US, EU
Feb. 28, 2023 8:08 AM ET
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY)
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted to review Bristol Myers Squibb's (NYSE:BMY) supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) seeking approval of Opdivo (nivolumab) as monotherapy in the adjuvant setting to treat patients with completely resected stage 2B or 2C melanoma.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3941763-bristol-myers-opdivo-for-skin-cancer-gets-review-in-us-eu
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY)
- https://www.opdivo.com/
- https://www.bms.com/
Calquence (acalabrutinib)
KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in combination with chemotherapy
Calquence (acalabrutinib)
Calquence tablet formulation approved in the EU for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
PUBLISHED22 February 2023
22 February 2023 07:05 GMT
Tablet formulation can be co-administered with gastric acid-reducing agents
allowing greater patient and physician choice
Approval based on ELEVATE-PLUS trials which showed
bioequivalence and consistent dosing vs. current capsule
AstraZeneca’s tablet formulation of Calquence (acalabrutinib) has been approved in the European Union (EU) for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).
The approval by the European Commission follows the positive opinion of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use and is based on results from the ELEVATE-PLUS trials published in the American Society of Haematology journal, Blood.1
In the trials, results showed the Calquence capsule and tablet formulations are bioequivalent, indicating the same efficacy and safety profile can be expected when prescribed with the same dosing strength and schedule.1 The tablet can be taken with gastric acid-reducing agents, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids and H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs).1 The majority of observed adverse events (AEs) in these studies were mild with no new safety concerns identified.1
Paolo Ghia, MD, Director, Strategic Research Program on CLL, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan, said: “Many patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia face multiple medical conditions that require daily treatment, including the use of acid-reducing agents for conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux. The tablet formulation allows for co-administration with these drugs, allowing more patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia to assume Calquence.”
Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Oncology Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said: “The Calquence tablet formulation underscores our commitment to understanding the needs of the chronic lymphocytic leukaemia community and providing patient-oriented treatment solutions. Today’s approval offers physicians and patients in the EU more flexibility to determine the right treatment plan and enables more patients to potentially benefit from this medicine.”
Calquence is approved as a capsule formulation for CLL in the EU. It is also approved in the US as a capsule and tablet formulation for patients with CLL, small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Additionally, Calquence is approved as a capsule formulation in many other countries worldwide. Indications may vary by market.
Notes
CLL
CLL is the most prevalent type of leukaemia in adults, with over 100,000 new cases globally in 2019.2 Although some people with CLL may not experience any symptoms at diagnosis, others may experience symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, weight loss, chills, fever, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes and abdominal pain.3
In CLL, there is an accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes within the bone marrow and in blood and lymph nodes. As the number of abnormal cells increases, there is less room within the marrow for the production of normal white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This could result in anaemia, infection and bleeding.4 B-cell receptor signalling through BTK is one of the essential growth pathways for CLL.
ELEVATE-PLUS
ELEVATE-PLUS is comprised of three Phase I, open-label, single-dose, cross-over studies conducted in 116 healthy subjects. The trials established bioequivalence between acalabrutinib tablets (100mg) and acalabrutinib (100mg) capsules, evaluated the PPI effect of acalabrutinib tablets administered in the presence versus absence of PPI rabeprazole and investigated the effect of food by comparing acalabrutinib tablets administered with a high-fat diet versus fasted.1
Calquence
Calquence (acalabrutinib) is a next-generation, selective inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). Calquence binds covalently to BTK, thereby inhibiting its activity.5,6 In B cells, BTK signalling results in activation of pathways necessary for B-cell proliferation, trafficking, chemotaxis and adhesion.5
Calquence is available for prescribing in capsule and tablet formulations in the US and EU for the treatment of CLL. Capsules have restrictions in relation to use with gastric acid reducing agents.
Calquence capsules are approved for CLL in Japan, Canada, Australia and many other countries worldwide.
In the US and several other countries, Calquence capsules are also approved for the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one prior therapy. The US MCL indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. Calquence is not currently approved for the treatment of MCL in Europe or Japan.
As part of an extensive clinical development programme, AstraZeneca and Acerta Pharma are currently evaluating Calquence in more than 20 company-sponsored clinical trials. Calquence is being evaluated for the treatment of multiple B-cell blood cancers, including CLL, MCL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia, follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma.
AstraZeneca in haematology
AstraZeneca is pushing the boundaries of science to redefine care in haematology. We have expanded our commitment to patients with haematologic conditions, not only in oncology but also in rare diseases with the acquisition of Alexion, allowing us to reach more patients with high unmet needs. By applying our deep understanding of blood cancers, leveraging our strength in solid tumour oncology and delivering on Alexion’s pioneering legacy in complement science to provide innovative medicines for rare diseases, we are pursuing the end-to-end development of novel therapies designed to target underlying drivers of disease.
By targeting haematologic conditions with high unmet medical needs, we aim to deliver innovative medicines and approaches to improve patient outcomes. Our goal is to help transform the lives of patients living with malignant, rare and other related haematologic diseases, shaped by insights from patients, caregivers and physicians to have the most meaningful impact.
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 Twitter @AstraZeneca.
AstraZeneca's blood cancer drug Calquence's tablet form gets approval in EU
Feb. 22, 2023 4:44 AM ET
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor
- The European Commission (EC) approved AstraZeneca's (NASDAQ:AZN) tablet formulation of Calquence (acalabrutinib) to treat adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3938876-astrazenecas-blood-cancer-drug-calquences-tablet-form-gets-approval-in-eu
- AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)
- https://www.astrazeneca.com/
- https://www.calquence.com/
Imfinzi (durvalumab) and Imjudo (tremelimumab)
Imfinzi (durvalumab) and Imjudo (tremelimumab)
Imfinzi (durvalumab) and Imjudo (tremelimumab)
Imfinzi plus Imjudo approved in the EU for patients with advanced liver and non-small cell lung cancers
PUBLISHED22 February 2023
22 February 2023 07:00 GMT
Approvals based on significant survival benefits
in HIMALAYA and POSEIDON Phase III trials
AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi (durvalumab) and Imjudo (tremelimumab) immunotherapy combinations have been approved in the European Union (EU) for the treatment of advanced liver and lung cancers.
The approvals authorise Imfinzi in combination with Imjudo for the 1st-line treatment of adult patients with advanced or unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and Imfinzi in combination with Imjudo and platinum-based chemotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic (Stage IV) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
The two approvals by the European Commission follow positive recommendations by The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency in December 2022 and are based on positive results from the HIMALAYA Phase III trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine Evidence and the POSEIDON Phase III trial, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Bruno Sangro, MD, PhD, Director of the Liver Unit and Professor of Internal Medicine at Clínica Universidad de Navarra, and a lead investigator in the HIMALAYA Phase III trial, said: “This approval in Europe is welcome news for eligible patients with advanced liver cancer, who face a poor prognosis and are in need of well-tolerated treatments that can meaningfully extend overall survival. In HIMALAYA, an estimated 31% of patients treated with this novel combination of tremelimumab with durvalumab were alive at three years, while only 20% of patients treated with sorafenib were still alive at the same duration of follow-up.”
Solange Peters, MD, PhD, Head of the Medical Oncology Service and Chair of Thoracic Oncology at Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland, and principal investigator in the POSEIDON Phase III trial, said: “Patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer continue to need new therapies that can meaningfully extend survival, including for many patients whose disease does not respond to current therapies. The approval of tremelimumab added to durvalumab and chemotherapy means that patients in Europe with this devastating cancer now have a valuable new treatment approach with demonstrated long-term survival benefits.”
Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Oncology Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said: “Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers in Europe, and rates of liver cancer are rising steadily across the region. These approvals for Imfinzi and Imjudo bring critically needed, novel immunotherapy-based treatment regimens that will potentially deliver life-extending benefits for European patients with advanced liver and non-small cell lung cancers.”
Imjudo and Imfinzi approved in liver cancer
The approval for the treatment of HCC is based on results from the HIMALAYA Phase III trial, where the Single Tremelimumab Regular Interval Durvalumab (STRIDE) regimen, comprised of a single dose of the anti-CTLA-4 antibody Imjudo (300mg) combined with anti-PD-L1 antibody Imfinzi (1500mg dose) followed by Imfinzi every four weeks significantly reduced the risk of death by 22% versus sorafenib (hazard ratio [HR] 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.92; p=0.0035). Median overall survival (OS) was 16.4 months versus 13.8 for sorafenib. An estimated 31% of patients treated with the combination were still alive after three years with 20% of patients treated with sorafenib still alive at the same duration of follow-up.
The safety profile of the combination of Imjudo added to Imfinzi were consistent with the known profiles of each medicine, and no new safety signals were identified.
Liver cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death and the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide.1,2 Approximately 87,000 Europeans were diagnosed with liver cancer in 2020, with 51% of patients at an advanced cancer stage at time of diagnosis. Rates of liver cancer continue to rise rapidly, with a 70% increase of liver cancer-related mortality in Europe from 1990-2019.3
Imfinzi and Imjudo approved in NSCLC
The approval for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC is based on results from the POSEIDON Phase III trial, which showed a limited course of five cycles of the anti-CTLA-4 antibody Imjudo added to Imfinzi plus four cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy significantly reduced the risk of death by 23% versus a range of chemotherapy options (HR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65-0.92; p=0.00304). Median OS was 14.0 months versus 11.7 months for chemotherapy. An estimated 33% of patients were alive at two years versus 22% for chemotherapy. This treatment combination also reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 28% compared to chemotherapy alone (HR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60-0.86; p=0.00031) with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 6.2 months versus 4.8 months, respectively.
Updated results from the POSEIDON Phase III trial after approximately four years of follow-up presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2022 demonstrated sustained survival benefit, reducing the risk of death by 25% compared to chemotherapy alone (HR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.88). Updated median OS was 14 months for the combination versus 11.7 months for chemotherapy alone. An estimated 25% of patients treated with the combination were alive at three years versus 13.6% for those treated with chemotherapy alone.
The safety profile for Imjudo plus Imfinzi and chemotherapy was consistent with the known profiles of each medicine, and no new safety signals were identified.
Metastatic lung cancer is the most advanced form of lung cancer.4,5 Approximately 40% of people with NSCLC have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis.6 An estimated 5% of patients with metastatic NSCLC in Europe will survive five years after diagnosis.7-8
For the POSEIDON indication in the EU, Imjudo will be temporarily marketed under the name Tremelimumab AstraZeneca until the second half of 2023.
Notes
Liver cancer
About 75% of all primary liver cancers in adults are HCC.1 Between 80-90% of all patients with HCC also have cirrhosis.9 Chronic liver diseases are associated with inflammation that over time can lead to the development of HCC.9
More than half of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, often when symptoms first appear.10 A critical unmet need exists for patients with HCC who face limited treatment options.10 The unique immune environment of liver cancer provides clear rationale for investigating medications that harness the power of the immune system to treat HCC.10
Stage IV NSCLC
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death and is the second most common form of cancer globally, with more than two million patients diagnosed in 2020.11 Lung cancer is broadly split into NSCLC and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), with 80-85% classified as NSCLC. Within NSCLC, patients are classified as squamous, representing 25-30% of patients, or non-squamous, in approximately 70-75% of patients.4, 12-13
HIMALAYA
HIMALAYA is a randomised, open-label, multicentre, global Phase III trial of Imfinzi monotherapy and a regimen comprising a single priming dose of Imjudo 300mg added to Imfinzi 1500mg followed by Imfinzi every four weeks versus sorafenib, a standard-of-care multi-kinase inhibitor.
The trial included a total of 1,324 randomised patients with unresectable, advanced HCC who had not been treated with prior systemic therapy and were not eligible for locoregional therapy (treatment localised to the liver and surrounding tissue).
The trial was conducted in 181 centres across 16 countries, including in the US, Canada, Europe, South America and Asia. The primary endpoint was OS for the combination versus sorafenib and key secondary endpoints included OS for Imfinzi versus sorafenib, objective response rate and PFS for the combination and for Imfinzi alone.
POSEIDON
POSEIDON is a randomised, open-label, multi-centre, global, Phase III trial of Imfinzi plus platinum-based chemotherapy or Imfinzi, tremelimumab and chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in the 1st-line treatment of 1,013 patients with metastatic NSCLC. The trial population included patients with either non-squamous or squamous disease and the full range of PD-L1 expression levels. POSEIDON excluded patients with certain epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusions.
In the experimental arms, patients were treated with a flat dose of either Imfinzi (1,500mg) or Imfinzi plus Imjudo (75mg) with up to four cycles of chemotherapy every three weeks before either Imfinzi maintenance once every four weeks or Imfinzi and a fifth dose of Imjudo given at week 16. In comparison, the control arm allowed up to six cycles of chemotherapy. Pemetrexed maintenance treatment was allowed in all arms in patients with non-squamous disease if given during the induction phase. Nearly all patients with non-squamous disease (95.5%) had pemetrexed and platinum, while the majority of patients with squamous disease receiving chemotherapy (88.3%) received gemcitabine and platinum.
Primary endpoints included PFS and OS for the Imfinzi plus chemotherapy arm. Key secondary endpoints included PFS and OS in the Imfinzi plus Imjudo and chemotherapy arm. As PFS endpoints were met for both experimental arms, the prespecified statistical analysis plan allowed for testing OS in the Imfinzi plus Imjudo and chemotherapy arm. The OS trend observed in the Imfinzi plus chemotherapy arm did not achieve statistical significance. The trial was conducted in more than 150 centres across 18 countries, including the US, Europe, South America, Asia and South Africa.
Imfinzi
Imfinzi (durvalumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-L1 protein and blocks the interaction of PD-L1 with the PD-1 and CD80 proteins, countering the tumour's immune-evading tactics and releasing the inhibition of immune responses.
Imfinzi is the only approved immunotherapy in the curative-intent setting of unresectable, Stage III NSCLC in patients whose disease has not progressed after chemoradiotherapy and is the global standard of care in this setting based on the PACIFIC Phase III trial.
Imfinzi is also approved in the US, EU, Japan, China and many other countries around the world for the treatment of extensive-stage SCLC based on the CASPIAN Phase III trial. In an exploratory analysis in 2021, updated results from the CASPIAN trial showed Imfinzi plus chemotherapy tripled patient survival at three years versus chemotherapy alone.
Imfinzi is also approved in combination with Imjudo and chemotherapy in metastatic NSCLC in the US, EU and Japan; in combination with chemotherapy in locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC) in the US, EU, Japan and several other countries; in combination with Imjudo in unresectable HCC in the US, EU and Japan; as monotherapy in unresectable HCC in Japan; and in previously treated patients with advanced bladder cancer in several countries.
Since the first approval in May 2017, more than 100,000 patients have been treated with Imfinzi.
As part of a broad development programme, Imfinzi is being tested as a single treatment and in combinations with other anti-cancer treatments for patients with SCLC, NSCLC, bladder cancer, several gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and other solid tumours.
Imjudo
Imjudo (tremelimumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that targets the activity of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). Imjudo blocks the activity of CTLA-4, contributing to T-cell activation, priming the immune response to cancer and fostering cancer cell death.
In addition to its approved indications in liver and lung cancers, Imjudo is being tested in combination with Imfinzi across multiple tumour types including locoregional HCC (EMERALD-3 trial), SCLC (ADRIATIC trial) and bladder cancer (VOLGA and NILE trials).
AstraZeneca in GI cancers
AstraZeneca has a broad development programme for the treatment of GI cancers across several medicines and a variety of tumour types and stages of disease. In 2020, GI cancers collectively represented approximately 5.1 million new cancer cases leading to approximately 3.6 million deaths.14
Within this programme, the Company is committed to improving outcomes in gastric, liver, biliary tract, oesophageal, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers.
In addition to its approved indications in biliary tract and liver cancers, Imfinzi is being assessed in combinations, including with Imjudo, in liver, oesophageal and gastric cancers in an extensive development programme spanning early to late-stage disease across settings.
Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan), a HER2-directed antibody drug conjugate, is approved in the US, EU and several other countries for HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer and is being assessed in colorectal cancer. Enhertu is jointly developed and commercialised by AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo.
Lynparza (olaparib), a first-in-class PARP inhibitor, is approved in the US, EU and several other countries for the treatment of BRCA-mutated metastatic pancreatic cancer. Lynparza is developed and commercialised in collaboration with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc. inside the US and Canada).
AstraZeneca in lung cancer
AstraZeneca is working to bring patients with lung cancer closer to cure through the detection and treatment of early-stage disease, while also pushing the boundaries of science to improve outcomes in the resistant and advanced settings. By defining new therapeutic targets and investigating innovative approaches, the Company aims to match medicines to the patients who can benefit most.
The Company's comprehensive portfolio includes leading lung cancer medicines and the next wave of innovations, including Tagrisso (osimertinib) and Iressa (gefitinib); Imfinzi (durvalumab) and Imjudo (tremelimumab); Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) and datopotamab deruxtecan in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo; Orpathys (savolitinib) in collaboration with HUTCHMED; as well as a pipeline of potential new medicines and combinations across diverse mechanisms of action.
AstraZeneca is a founding member of the Lung Ambition Alliance, a global coalition working to accelerate innovation and deliver meaningful improvements for people with lung cancer, including and beyond treatment.
AstraZeneca in immuno-oncology (IO)
AstraZeneca is a pioneer in introducing the concept of immunotherapy into dedicated clinical areas of high unmet medical need. The Company has a comprehensive and diverse IO portfolio and pipeline anchored in immunotherapies designed to overcome evasion of the anti-tumour immune response and stimulate the body’s immune system to attack tumours.
AstraZeneca aims to reimagine cancer care and help transform outcomes for patients with Imfinzi as a single treatment and in combination with Imjudo as well as other novel immunotherapies and modalities. The Company is also exploring next-generation immunotherapies like bispecific antibodies and therapeutics that harness different aspects of immunity to target cancer.
AstraZeneca is boldly pursuing an innovative clinical strategy to bring IO-based therapies that deliver long-term survival to new settings across a wide range of cancer types. With an extensive clinical programme, the Company also champions the use of IO treatment in earlier disease stages, where there is the greatest potential for cure.
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 Twitter @AstraZeneca.
AstraZeneca Imfinzi, Imjudo combo gets approval in EU to treat liver, lung cancers
Feb. 22, 2023 4:27 AM ET
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor
- The European Commission approved AstraZeneca's (NASDAQ:AZN) Imfinzi and Imjudo immunotherapy combinations to treat advanced liver and lung cancers.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3938875-astrazeneca-imfinzi-imjudo-combo-gets-approval-in-eu-to-treat-liver-lung-cancers
- AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)
- https://www.astrazeneca.com/
- https://www.imfinzi.com/
Trodelvy® (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy)
Imfinzi (durvalumab) and Imjudo (tremelimumab)
Imfinzi (durvalumab) and Imjudo (tremelimumab)
February 17, 2023
Trodelvy® Demonstrates Positive Efficacy Treating Both Platinum-Ineligible and Rapidly Progressing, Post-Platinum Metastatic Urothelial Cancer
– Oral Presentati on Highlights Trodelvy Efficacy of 13.5 Months Overall Survival in Pati ents with Platinum-Ineligible Metastatic UC After Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy –
– Trodelvy Demonstrated 12.8 Months Overall Survival in Pa tients with Metastatic UC Whose Disease Progressed Rapidly Following Platinum-Based Chemotherapy –
FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced new and updated positive results from three cohorts of the Phase 2 TROPHY-U-01 study of Trodelvy® (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) for the treatment of metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC). These data demonstrate that Trodelvy produced both rapid and durable responses for patients across a range of hard-to-treat types of mUC including platinum-ineligible and rapidly progressing, post-platinum mUC. These findings will be featured in both an oral session (abstract #520) and in poster presentations (abstract #518, #526) during the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO-GU) Annual Meeting February 16-18.
“The TROPHY-U-01 data show consistent benefit of Trodelvy across multiple types of metastatic urothelial cancer, including the most difficult-to-treat and, often times, frail patients where treatment options are still scarce,” said Bill Grossman, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head, Gilead Oncology. “Trodelvy has the potential to become a cornerstone treatment in metastatic urothelial cancer, and we are excited about the expected results from the ongoing Phase 3 TROPiCS-04 study that may serve to convert our U.S. accelerated approval to full approval for Trodelvy to treat patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer following a platinum-containing chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor.”
Longer-term follow-up across Cohorts 1, 2, and 3 of TROPHY-U-01 provides an increasing body of evidence supporting the potential benefit of treating mUC with Trodelvy across clinically relevant, hard-to-treat patient populations.
In April 2021, the U.S. FDA granted accelerated approval of Trodelvy for use in adult patients with locally advanced or mUC who have previously received a platinum-containing chemotherapy and either a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor. This approval is based on ORR and DOR established in Cohort 1.
Trodelvy has not been approved by any regulatory agency for the treatment of platinum-ineligible patients with mUC who progressed after prior CPI therapy, or in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with mUC who progressed after platinum-based therapy. Its safety and efficacy have not been established for these indications.
Trodelvy has a Boxed Warning for severe or life-threatening neutropenia and severe diarrhea; please see below for additional Important Safety Information.
About Metastatic Urothelial Cancer
Urothelial Cancer (UC) is the most common type of bladder cancer and occurs when the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract grow unusually or uncontrollably. An estimated 83,000 Americans will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in 20231, and almost 90% of those diagnoses will be UC2. In total, 30% of cases are considered advanced or metastatic disease.3 Despite advancements in treating mUC, long-term survival remains low.
About the TROPHY U-01 Study
The Phase 2 TROPHY-U-01 trial is an ongoing, international, multi-center, open-label, multi-cohort, single-arm study evaluating Trodelvy monotherapy or combination therapy in patients with mUC after progression on a platinum-based regimen and anti-PD-1/PD-L1-based immunotherapy.
Cohort 1 is assessing Trodelvy after progression on platinum-based chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy. Cohorts 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the study are ongoing. Cohort 2 is assessing Trodelvy monotherapy in platinum-ineligible patients after progression on anti-PD-1/PD-L1-based immunotherapy. Cohort 3 is assessing Trodelvy in patients with rapidly progressing, mUC who progressed after platinum-based therapy. Cohorts 4 and 5 are assessing Trodelvy combination therapy in patients with treatment naive mUC, with those in Cohort 4 receiving cisplatin and those in Cohort 5 receiving cisplatin and avelumab, respectively, in addition to Trodelvy.
More information about TROPHY is available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03547973.
About Trodelvy
Trodelvy® (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) is a first-in-class Trop-2 directed antibody-drug conjugate. Trop-2 is a cell surface antigen highly expressed in multiple tumor types, including in more than 90% of breast and bladder cancers. Trodelvy is intentionally designed with a proprietary hydrolyzable linker attached to SN-38, a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. This unique combination delivers potent activity to both Trop-2 expressing cells and the microenvironment.
Trodelvy is approved in more than 40 countries, with multiple additional regulatory reviews underway worldwide, for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease.
Trodelvy is also approved in the U.S. to treat certain patients with pre-treated HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer and has an accelerated approval for treatment of certain patients with second-line metastatic urothelial cancer; see below for full indication statements.
Trodelvy is also being developed for potential investigational use in other TNBC, HR+/HER2- and mUC populations, as well as a range of tumor types where Trop-2 is highly expressed, including metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC), head and neck cancer, and endometrial cancer.
U.S. Indications for Trodelvy
In the United States, Trodelvy is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:
- Unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease.
- Unresectable locally advanced or metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative (IHC 0, IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH–) breast cancer who have received endocrine-based therapy and at least two additional systemic therapies in the metastatic setting.
- Locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) who have previously received a platinum-containing chemotherapy and either programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
Please see full Prescribing Information , including BOXED WARNING.
About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.
Source: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Gilead updates Phase 2 data for bladder cancer therapy Trodelvy
Feb. 17, 2023 9:44 AM ET
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD)MRK
By: Dulan Lokuwithana, SA News Editor
- Announcing updated data from its Phase 2 TROPHY-U-01 study, Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) said Friday that its antibody-drug conjugate Trodelvy showed efficacy across new indications in bladder cancer.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3937727-gilead-updates-phase-2-data-for-bladder-cancer-therapy-trodelvy
- Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD)
- https://www.trodelvy.com/
- https://www.gilead.com/
Opdivo (nivolumab)
Imfinzi (durvalumab) and Imjudo (tremelimumab)
Opdivo® (nivolumab) in Combination with CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib)
Adjuvant Opdivo (nivolumab) Continues to Provide Significant, Durable Clinical Benefits for Patients with Radically Resected, High-Risk Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma After Three Years in CheckMate -274 Trial
02/17/2023 CATEGORY:
Three-year median follow-up data demonstrate significantly improved disease-free survival, non-urothelial tract recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival and second progression-free survival with adjuvant Opdivo compared to placebo
Randomized patients who received Opdivo after radical surgery remained disease-free more than twice as long vs. placebo; patients whose tumor cells express PD-L1 ≥1% remained disease-free more than six times as long vs. placebo
Updated results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -274 trial will be presented in a late-breaking oral presentation at ASCO GU 2023
PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced three-year follow-up results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -274 trial, demonstrating significant sustained clinical benefits with Opdivo (nivolumab) for the adjuvant treatment of patients with surgically resected, high-risk muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma. With a median follow-up of 36.1 months (31.6 months minimum), adjuvant Opdivo continued to show improved disease-free survival (DFS), non-urothelial tract recurrence-free survival (NUTRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and second progression-free survival (PFS2) compared to placebo across all-randomized patients and in patients whose tumor cells express PD-L1 ≥1%. These updated results will be featured in a late-breaking oral presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2023 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium from February 16-18, 2023.
“Patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma face a high chance of recurrence due to micrometastatic disease, especially within the first three years after surgical removal of the bladder or kidney. The three-year results from CheckMate -274 show a stable decrease in the risk of disease with adjuvant nivolumab with longer follow-up,” said Matthew D. Galsky,* M.D., Professor of Medicine, Director of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Associate Director for Translational Research, and Co-Director of the Center of Excellence for Bladder Cancer at The Tisch Cancer Institute and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “Nivolumab remains the only immunotherapy, as well as the only medical treatment in general, to decrease the risk of urothelial cancer recurrence after radical surgery in patients who received chemotherapy prior to surgery or who are ineligible for chemotherapy. The results of this trial have changed the way that urothelial cancer is treated.”
With three years of follow-up in the CheckMate -274 trial:
- DFS (primary endpoint): Across all randomized patients, Opdivo more than doubled the average length of time patients lived without disease recurrence, demonstrating a median disease-free survival of 22.0 months compared to 10.9 months with placebo, a risk reduction of 29% (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.71, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.58 to 0.86). The risk reduction remained consistent with that observed at the primary analysis, with only a 1% change with an additional 25.7 months of minimum follow-up (a risk reduction of 30% was observed with 5.9 months minimum follow-up at the primary analysis; HR 0.70). In patients whose tumor cells express PD-L1 ≥1%, Opdivo extended the average length of time patients lived without disease recurrence more than six times compared to placebo, with median DFS of 52.6 months vs. 8.4 months with placebo (HR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.72), a 48% reduction in the risk of disease recurrence or death.
- NUTRFS (secondary endpoint): In all randomized patients, those treated with Opdivo showed a median NUTRFS, defined as the time that patients lived without disease recurrence outside of the bladder, ureters or renal pelvis, of 25.9 months compared to 13.7 months for placebo (HR 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.88). In patients whose tumor cells express PD-L1 ≥1%, median NUTRFS was 52.6 months with Opdivo vs. 8.4 months with placebo (HR 0.53, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.74).
- DMFS (exploratory endpoint): Across all randomized patients, median DMFS, defined as the time that patients live without cancer spreading from the primary tumor to distant organs or lymph nodes, was 47.1 months with Opdivo vs. 28.7 months with placebo (HR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.92). Among patients whose tumor cells express PD-L1 ≥1%, median DMFS was not reached with Opdivo, compared to 20.7 months with placebo (HR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.84).
- PFS2 (exploratory endpoint): Median PFS2, defined as the time from randomization to disease progression after subsequent next-line systemic therapy, start of second subsequent next-line systemic therapy, or death, was 61.2 months for all-randomized patients treated with Opdivo compared to 47.1 months with placebo (HR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.63 to 0.98). In patients whose tumor cells express PD-L1 ≥1%, median PFS2 was not reached with Opdivo vs. 39.4 months with placebo (HR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.79).
- Safety: Grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 18.2% and 7.2% of patients in the Opdivo and placebo arms, respectively, consistent with the primary analysis.
“We strive to provide hope for patients by offering safe and effective options that may help prevent recurrence and improve long-term outcomes. This is why earlier stages of cancer is an important research area for Bristol Myers Squibb across multiple tumor types, including hard-to-treat cancers with high unmet needs like urothelial carcinoma,” said Dana Walker, M.D., M.S.C.E., vice president, development program lead, genitourinary cancers, Bristol Myers Squibb. “The durable follow-up results from CheckMate -274 continue to fuel our excitement toward our ongoing research in earlier stages and its potential to change outcomes for patients. We look forward to closely following the CheckMate -274 trial, which is ongoing to assess additional key secondary endpoints, including overall survival to which we currently remain blinded.”
Bristol Myers Squibb thanks the patients and investigators involved in the CheckMate -274 clinical trial.
About CheckMate -274
CheckMate -274 is a Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, multi-center study evaluating Opdivo compared to placebo in patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma at a high risk of recurrence after radical resection. A total of 709 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive Opdivo 240 mg or placebo every two weeks for up to one year. The primary endpoints of the trial are disease-free survival (DFS) in all randomized patients (i.e., the intention-to-treat population) and in the subset of patients whose tumor cells express PD-L1 ≥1%. Key secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS), non-urothelial tract recurrence-free survival (NUTRFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Key exploratory endpoints include distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), quality of life (QoL) and second progression-free survival (PFS2).
About Urothelial Carcinoma
Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the world, with more than 573,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Urothelial carcinoma, which most frequently begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder, accounts for approximately 90% of bladder cancer cases. In addition to the bladder, urothelial carcinoma can occur in other parts of the urinary tract, including the ureters and renal pelvis. The majority of urothelial carcinomas are diagnosed at an early stage, but rates of recurrence and disease progression are high. Approximately 50% of patients who undergo radical surgery will experience disease recurrence, especially within the first three years after surgical removal of the bladder or kidney. For patients whose disease recurs as metastatic cancer, the prognosis is poor, with a median overall survival of approximately 12 to 14 months when treated with systemic therapy.
Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer
Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision — transforming patients’ lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine, and through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep scientific expertise, cutting-edge capabilities and discovery platforms enable the company to look at cancer from every angle. Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient’s life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. Because as a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future.
About Opdivo
Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body’s own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers.
Opdivo’s leading global development program is based on Bristol Myers Squibb’s scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has treated more than 35,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression.
In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 65 countries, including the United States, the European Union, Japan and China. In September 2015, the Company’s Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union.
INDICATIONS
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated as neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab) and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with cabozantinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) who are at high risk of recurrence after undergoing radical resection of UC.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after prior fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based chemotherapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer with residual pathologic disease in adult patients who have received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum- containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer, and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Please see US Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY.
About Bristol Myers Squibb
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
For more information, please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for OPDIVO,
and U.S. Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for YERVOY, or talk to your healthcare team.
Information provided on this website is not a substitute for talking with your healthcare professional.
Your healthcare professional is the best source of information about your disease.
All individuals depicted are models used for illustrative purposes only.
Bristol's Opdivo improves disease-free survival in urothelial carcinoma over long term
Feb. 17, 2023 11:01 AM ET
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY)
By: Jonathan Block, SA News Editor
- Three-year follow-up data examining Bristol-Myers Squibb's (NYSE:BMY) Opdivo (nivolumab) as an adjunct therapy for urothelial carcinoma showed several durable benefits compared to placebo in a phase 3 trial.
- https://seekingalpha.com/news/3937750-bristol-opdivo-improves-disease-free-survival-in-urothelial-carcinoma-over-long-term
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY)
Opdivo® (nivolumab) in Combination with CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib)
Opdivo® (nivolumab) in Combination with CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib)
Opdivo® (nivolumab) in Combination with CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib)
Opdivo® (nivolumab) in Combination with CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib) Shows Durable Survival with Over Three Years of Follow-Up in the CheckMate -9ER Trial in First-Line Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
02/13/2023 CATEGORY: Corporate/Financial News
Data to be featured at ASCO GU 2023 demonstrate continued overall survival, progression-free survival and objective response rate benefits with Opdivo in combination with CABOMETYX compared to sunitinib, regardless of IMDC risk score
These three-year data – with a median follow-up of 44 months – from CheckMate -9ER represent the longest reported follow-up in any Phase 3 trial with an immunotherapy-tyrosine kinase inhibitor regimen in this population
In an exploratory biomarker analysis, median progression-free survival and overall survival were improved with the combination of Opdivo and CABOMETYX regardless of PD-L1 status
PRINCETON, N.J. & ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) and Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXEL) today announced three-year (36.5 months minimum; 44.0 months median) follow-up results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -9ER trial, demonstrating sustained survival and response rate benefits with the combination of Opdivo® (nivolumab) and CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib) versus sunitinib in the first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Additionally, a biomarker analysis showed that improvements in median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were sustained with the combination of Opdivo and CABOMETYX regardless of PD-L1 status. These updated results will be featured in one oral and one poster presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2023 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium from February 16-18, 2023.
“Despite the progress made through science and medicine, there remains a need for treatment options that can durably extend survival for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, especially for those classified as higher risk,” said Mauricio Burotto, M.D., medical director, Bradford Hill Clinical Research Center, Santiago, Chile. “With these updated results from CheckMate -9ER, we’ve now seen nivolumab in combination with cabozantinib durably extend survival and sustain response benefits compared to sunitinib for over three years, regardless of patients’ risk classification. These results reinforce the importance of this immunotherapy-tyrosine kinase inhibitor regimen for patients and its potential to help change survival expectations for patients with this challenging cancer.”
Abstract #603: Nivolumab plus cabozantinib vs sunitinib for first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC): 3-year follow-up from the phase 3 CheckMate -9ER trial (Burotto, et. al.)
With a median follow-up of 44.0 months (36.5 months minimum), Opdivo in combination with CABOMETYX (n=323) continued to show superior OS, PFS, objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DoR) and complete response (CR) rates versus sunitinib (n=328). No new safety signals were seen with extended follow-up. Within the full study population:
- OS: Treatment with Opdivo in combination with CABOMETYX continued to show a 30% reduction in the risk of death (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.70; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.56 to 0.87), and improvement in median OS vs. sunitinib (49.5 months vs. 35.5 months, respectively). Additionally, median OS improved by 11.8 months since the previous data cut at 32.9 months median follow-up.
- PFS: PFS benefits were sustained, with the combination continuing to double median PFS vs. sunitinib (16.6 months vs. 8.4 months, respectively; HR 0.58; 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.71).
- ORR and DoR: ORR benefits were maintained, with nearly twice as many patients responding to Opdivo in combination with CABOMETYXvs. sunitinib (55.7% vs. 28.4%). Responses also continued to be more durable with the combination, with a median DoR of 23.1 months compared to 15.2 months with sunitinib.
- CR: CR rates were also sustained, with 12.4% of those treated with Opdivo in combination with CABOMETYX having a CR vs. 5.2% of those treated with sunitinib.
- Safety: 97% of patients treated with Opdivo in combination with CABOMETYX experienced a treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) of any grade compared to 93% of patients treated with sunitinib; 67% vs. 55% had a grade ≥3 TRAE, respectively.
Results were also assessed by the following International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk scores: favorable, intermediate, intermediate/poor and poor. Benefits were seen with Opdivo in combination with CABOMETYX across all efficacy measures (OS, PFS, ORR and CR), regardless of IMDC risk.
Abstract #608: Biomarker analysis from the phase 3 CheckMate 9ER trial of nivolumab + cabozantinib v sunitinib for advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) (Choueiri, et. al.)
In an exploratory post-hoc analysis from CheckMate -9ER with 44.0 months median follow-up, improvements were observed in both median PFS and OS with Opdivo in combination with CABOMETYX regardless of PD-L1 status. PFS and OS were evaluated by tumor PD-L1 expression (<1% or ≥1%), CD8% (low, medium, high by tertiles), and CD8 topology phenotype (cold, excluded, inflamed), and assessed for association using Kaplan-Meier (KM) methods with log-rank test (PD-L1 and CD8), and Cox proportional hazard (Cox PH) models (CD8). Biomarkers previously found to be predictive of anti-PD-L1 + anti-VEGF outcomes, including established gene expression signatures, were not necessarily predictive of efficacy with anti-PD-1 + anti-VEGF targeted therapy, suggesting that key determinants of response to anti-PD-1 vs. anti-PD-L1 therapies may differ.
“We have a strong heritage of bringing immunotherapy-based combinations to patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma and transforming patient outcomes with Opdivo-based combinations across several cancer types,” said Dana Walker, M.D., M.S.C.E., vice president, development program lead, genitourinary cancers, Bristol Myers Squibb. “The updated data from CheckMate -9ER further reinforce the use of Opdivo in combination with CABOMETYX for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. We remain committed to collaboration across the scientific community and our ongoing exploration of combination approaches with our proven cancer agents in the pursuit of solutions that may help improve long-term outcomes for as many patients as possible.”
“With forty-four months median follow-up, the compelling survival benefit further reinforces the value of the CABOMETYX and Opdivo combination regimen as a first-line option for patients with advanced kidney cancer,” said Vicki L. Goodman, M.D., Executive Vice President, Product Development & Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer, Exelixis. “We are pleased to share these long-term findings at ASCO GU and remain steadfast in our longstanding commitment to improving outcomes for patients living with advanced kidney cancer.”
Bristol Myers Squibb and Exelixis thank the patients and investigators involved in the CheckMate -9ER clinical trial.
About CheckMate -9ER
CheckMate -9ER is an open-label, randomized, multi-national Phase 3 trial evaluating patients with previously untreated advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A total of 651 patients (23% favorable risk, 58% intermediate risk, 20% poor risk; 25% PD-L1≥1%) were randomized to receive Opdivo plus CABOMETYX (n=323) vs. sunitinib (n=328). The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR). The primary efficacy analysis is comparing the doublet combination vs. sunitinib in all randomized patients. The trial is sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Co. and co-funded by Exelixis, Inc., Ipsen Pharma SAS and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
About Renal Cell Carcinoma
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults, accounting for more than 431,000 new cases and 179,000 deaths worldwide each year. RCC is approximately twice as common in men as in women, with the highest rates of the disease in North America and Europe. At diagnosis, up to 30% of patients present with advanced or metastatic RCC.
Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer
Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision — transforming patients’ lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine, and through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep scientific expertise, cutting-edge capabilities and discovery platforms enable the company to look at cancer from every angle. Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient’s life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. Because as a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future.
About Opdivo
Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body’s own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers.
Opdivo’s leading global development program is based on Bristol Myers Squibb’s scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has treated more than 35,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression.
In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 65 countries, including the United States, the European Union, Japan and China. In September 2015, the Company’s Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union.
OPDIVO INDICATIONS
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated as neoadjuvant treatment of adult patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab) and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with cabozantinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) who are at high risk of recurrence after undergoing radical resection of UC.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after prior fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based chemotherapy.
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer with residual pathologic disease in adult patients who have received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
OPDIVO® (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum- containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer, and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
About CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib)
In the U.S., CABOMETYX tablets are approved for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC); for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who have been previously treated with sorafenib; for patients with advanced RCC as a first-line treatment in combination with nivolumab; and for adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer that has progressed following prior VEGFR-targeted therapy and who are radioactive iodine-refractory or ineligible. CABOMETYX tablets have also received regulatory approvals in the European Union and additional countries and regions worldwide. In 2016, Exelixis granted Ipsen exclusive rights for the commercialization and further clinical development of cabozantinib outside of the U.S. and Japan. In 2017, Exelixis granted exclusive rights to Takeda for the commercialization and further clinical development of cabozantinib for all future indications in Japan. Exelixis holds the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize cabozantinib in the U.S.
Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information https://www.cabometyx.com/downloads/CABOMETYXUSPI.pdf
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
About the Bristol Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Collaboration
In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Bristol Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally, except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Ono and Bristol Myers Squibb further expanded the companies’ strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies – as single agents and combination regimens – for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
About Bristol Myers Squibb
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
About Exelixis
Exelixis is a globally ambitious oncology company innovating next-generation medicines and regimens at the forefront of cancer care. Powered by bi-coastal centers of discovery and development excellence, we are rapidly evolving our product portfolio to target an expanding range of tumor types and indications with our clinically differentiated pipeline of small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates and other biotherapeutics. This comprehensive approach harnesses decades of robust investment in our science and partnerships to advance our investigational programs and extend the impact of our flagship commercial product, CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib). Exelixis is driven by a bold scientific pursuit to create transformational treatments that give more patients hope for the future. For information about the company and its mission to help cancer patients recover stronger and live longer, visit www.exelixis.com, follow @ExelixisInc on Twitter, like Exelixis, Inc. on Facebook and follow Exelixis on LinkedIn.
Source: Bristol Myers Squibb and Exelixis, Inc.
Bristol Myers Opdivo, Exelixis/Ipsen's Cabometyx combo shows survival benefit in kidney cancer in 3 year data
Feb. 14, 2023 5:59 AM ET
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY), EXELPFE, IPSEF, IPSEY
By: Ravikash, SA News Editor2 Comments
Three year data from a phase 3 trial showed sustained survival and response rate benefits with Bristol Myers Squibb's (NYSE:BMY) Opdivo and Exelixis and Ipsen's (OTCPK:IPSEY) (OTCPK:IPSEF) Cabometyx compared to Pfizer's (PFE) Sutent (sunitinib) as first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).