NANOBIOTIX Provides First Quarter Operational and Financial Update

On May 18, 2022 NANOBIOTIX (Euronext: NANO – NASDAQ: NBTX – the "Company"), a late-clinical stage biotechnology company pioneering physics-based approaches to expand treatment possibilities for patients with cancer, reported operational progress, cash position (unaudited) for the first quarter of 2022, and extension of operating runway into Q4 2023 (Press release, Nanobiotix, MAY 18, 2022, View Source [SID1234614829]).

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First Quarter Operational Highlights

Priority Registration Pathway in Head & Neck Cancer, Local Control as Single Agent Activated by Radiotherapy

Randomized first patient in pivotal phase III study NANORAY-312 evaluating radiotherapy (RT) activated NBTXR3 with or without cetuximab in elderly patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Strategic partner, LianBio, expected to activate first clinical trial site and randomize first patient in Asia in H2 2022
US site activation and patient enrollment expected in Q3 2022 in line with prior expectations
Completed enrollment in Study 102, a phase I study evaluating RT activated NBTXR3 in elderly LA-HNSCC patients ineligible for cisplatin and intolerant to cetuximab and provided data showing on-going median overall survival of 17.9 months in the all-treated population (n=56) and 23.0 months in the evaluable patients (n=44)
Preparing protocol amendment reducing planned post-treatment follow-up period from 24 months to 12 months to provide a mature dataset while reducing the overall study duration
Final Study 102 data expected mid-2023
Priority Pathway in Immunotherapy for Advanced Cancers, Priming Immune Response in Combination with Anti-PD-1 Treatment:

Received preliminary feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding a potential Phase III registration program in patients with unresectable relapsed or metastatic Head & Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) who developed primary or secondary resistance to previous anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy
Comments provided by the FDA suggest a single, active-control trial including a pre-specified comparative analysis of overall response rate (ORR) may be suitable to support an accelerated approval, with verification of clinical benefit based on overall survival (OS) results from the same trial
Based on guidance provided by FDA, Nanobiotix plans to prepare and submit a protocol and statistical analysis plan for review in Q1 2023
Expansion Phase added to Study 1100 evaluating NBTXR3 in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy in three cohorts, including one cohort focused on R/M HNSCC patients that are resistant to prior anti-PD-(L)-1 therapy
Update expected on Study 1100 in Q4 2022
Expanding NBTXR3 Opportunity, Collaborating with World-Class Partners to Validate Tumor-Agnostic, Combination-Agnostic Therapeutic Profile:

Published data from a preclinical study conducted in collaboration between The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) in the in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology showing that adding NBTXR3 to a combination of radiotherapy, anti-PD-1, and anti-CTLA-4 produced significant antitumor effects against both primary and secondary tumors, improved the mouse survival rate from 0 to 50%, and induced long term antitumor memory, further supporting the hypothesis that the potential immune priming effects of NBTXR3 extends beyond anti-PD-1.
Researchers from MD Anderson published peer-reviewed clinical case study reporting preliminary data on the first-in-human administration of NBTXR3 for the treatment of pancreatic cancer not eligible for surgery, demonstrating feasibility with no treatment-related toxicity
Determination of recommended phase II dose for NBTXR3 in pancreatic cancer expected in H2 2022
"During the first quarter of 2022, we made significant progress in advancing our priority development programs. Having already provided clinical validation of the novel, physics-based MoA of NBTXR3 in soft tissue sarcoma, showed the potential survival benefit as a monotherapy in head and neck cancer, replicated the high response rate across multiple cancer types, and reported data suggesting the potential to combine with and expand the benefits of checkpoint inhibitors to more patients, we remain steadfast in our conviction that NBTXR3 has the potential to radically impact the future of cancer care for millions of patients," said Laurent Levy, co-founder and chairman of the executive board of Nanobiotix. "To ensure this fundamental value as we continue to see unprecedented deterioration in the capital markets, we are taking proactive steps to adjust our cost structure, reduce spend, and focus our operational activities on building a head and neck franchise. We believe that by beginning with single agent approval in locally advanced head and neck cancer and expanding through combinations across treatment modalities will create a model that can be replicated across solid tumor indications, improving patient outcomes and driving significant value to shareholders."

Prioritizing Registration Programs and Reducing Operating Expenses

Nanobiotix is pursuing various initiatives to reduce operating costs while maintaining targeted research efforts focused on the continued execution of its pivotal phase III study in LA-HNSCC, the continuation of I/O combination Study 1100, and the development of a registration pathway in I/O combination therapy while leveraging its on-going strategic collaboration with MD Anderson to validate the feasibility of future development opportunities. In prioritizing late-stage programs and strategic collaborations, the company plans to deprioritize direct funding in several areas, including:

Modifying or postponing additional company-sponsored clinical trials, including planned amendments to Study 102 reducing follow-up time from 24 to 12 months and postponement of post-marketing studies previously planned in soft tissue sarcoma
Reducing on-going and previously planned preclinical research, including development activities related to the Company’s subsidiary, Curadigm
Adjusting planned manufacturing activities to support revised preclinical and clinical development activities
Adapting infrastructure, including reducing satellite office facilities and implementing a temporary hiring-freeze
These initiatives are expected to reduce the Company’s cash burn by approximately €12-15 million, which will be reflected in Nanobiotix’ financial outlook for 2022 and 2023.

First Quarter Financial Updates

Nanobiotix reported cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling €70.6 million as of March 31, 2022, compared to €83.9M as of December 31, 2021. To supplement its financial resources, Nanobiotix has established an equity financing line with Kepler Cheuvreux. This line of financing will provide optionality and create near-term flexibility, if needed, as the company continues efforts to reduce operating expenses and, potentially, restructure its existing debt facilities. Based on the current operating plan and financial projections, Nanobiotix anticipates that the available capital will fund its operations into, at least, the fourth quarter of 2023.

Implementing Equity Line Financing to Strengthen Financial Flexibility

In accordance with the terms of this agreement, Kepler Cheuvreux committed to underwrite up to 5,200,000 shares representing, for information purposes, an issued amount of approximately €25m1, over a maximum timeframe of 24 months, provided the contractual conditions are met. Should Nanobiotix choose to use this facility, the shares will be issued based on the volume-weighted average share price on Euronext: Paris for the two trading days prior to issuance, minus a maximum discount 5.0%. In addition to controlling if and when to access capital, including consideration of current share valuation, Nanobiotix has guaranteed access to capital to fund operations along with control over potential dilution despite any sustained turbulence in the broader market, while retaining the right to suspend the implementation of the equity line or terminate this agreement at any time, free of charge.

Agreements have been set up based on and in accordance with the 21st resolution from the annual shareholders meeting of April 28, 2021. Should Nanobiotix choose to use this facility, the number of shares issued under this agreement and admitted to trading will be disclosed on the Company’s website. In accordance with the provisions of the General Regulations of the French Financial Markets Authority ("AMF"), this financial operation will not be subject to a prospectus requiring a visa from the AMF.

If this financing line were to be fully used with the issue of 5,200,000 shares, a shareholder holding 1.00% of the capital of Nanobiotix before it is set up, would see their stake reduced to 0.87% of the capital on an undiluted basis and to 0.84% of the capital on a fully diluted basis.

This operation was advised and structured by Vester Finance. Kepler Cheuvreux is the sole underwriter of the facility and is not expected to maintain ownership of any shares issued in conjunction with the equity line.

Conference Call and Webcast

Nanobiotix will host a conference call and live audio webcast on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 2:00 PM CET/8:00 AM EDT, prior to the open of the US market. During the call, Laurent Levy, chief executive officer, and Bart Van Rhijn, chief financial officer, will briefly review the Company’s first quarter results and provide an update on business activities before taking questions from analysts and investors. Investors are invited to email their questions in advance to [email protected].

A live webcast of the call may be accessed by visiting news and events page in the investors section of the company’s website at www.nanobiotix.com. A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call and will be archived on the company’s website for 90 days.

2022 Financial Agenda

June 23, 2022 – Annual General Meeting, Paris, France
September 7, 2022 – 2022 Half-Year Corporate and Financial Update
November 9, 2022 – Third Quarter 2022 Corporate and Financial Update
About NBTXR3

NBTXR3 is a novel, potentially first-in-class oncology product composed of functionalized hafnium oxide nanoparticles administered via one-time intratumoral injection and activated by radiotherapy. The product candidate’s physical mechanism of action (MoA) is designed to induce significant tumor cell death in the injected tumor when activated by radiotherapy, subsequently triggering adaptive immune response and long-term anti-cancer memory. Given the physical MoA, Nanobiotix believes that NBTXR3 could be scalable across any solid tumor that can be treated with radiotherapy and across any therapeutic combination, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Bicara Therapeutics to Present Clinical Data from Lead Bifunctional Antibody Program, BCA101, at ASCO 2022 Annual Meeting

On May 18, 2022 Bicara Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing dual-action biologics designed to elicit a potent and durable immune response in the tumor microenvironment, reported that it will present updated data from the dose escalation phase of its ongoing Phase 1 trial of BCA101, a bifunctional antibody designed to target the TGF-β trap to EGFR+ tumors, in an oral presentation at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2022 Annual Meeting (Press release, Bicara Therapeutics, MAY 18, 2022, View Source [SID1234614828]). The meeting is being held in Chicago, Illinois and virtually from June 3-7, 2022.

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Details of the presentation are as follows:

Title: A phase 1 trial of the bifunctional EGFR/TGFβ fusion protein BCA101 alone and in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors
Lead Authors: Philippe L. Bedard, MD, FRCPC & Glenn J. Hanna, MD
Presentation Type: Poster Discussion Session
Session Category: Developmental Therapeutics – Immunotherapy
Date/Time: Sunday, June 5, 2022, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM CDT
Location: Hall D2

About BCA101
BCA101 is a first-in-class EGFR / TGF-β-trap bifunctional antibody designed to enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses directly at the site of the tumor by binding to the well-validated EGFR antigen and disabling TGF-β, a signaling molecule that plays a key role in suppressing the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Promising preclinical data suggest that BCA101 is superior to the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab in preventing tumor recurrence, as well as in restoring immune activation. An ongoing Phase 1/1b dose-escalation clinical trial of BCA101 was initiated in July 2020 and has enrolled patients with various advanced solid tumors both as a single agent, as well as in combination with pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor. A recommended dose for expansion has been declared and the expansion phase of the study is currently enrolling. For more information, please visit study number NCT04429542 at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

RenovoRx to Participate in Upcoming H.C Wainwright Global Investment Conference in May 2022

On May 18, 2022 RenovoRx, Inc. ("RenovoRx" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: RNXT), a biopharmaceutical company and innovator in targeted cancer therapy, reported management’s participation in the H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference on May 23-26, 2022 in Miami Beach, Florida (Press release, Renovorx, MAY 18, 2022, View Source [SID1234614827]).

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H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference
Format and Dates: Hybrid, May 23-26, 2022
Location: Fountainebleau Miami Beach Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida
Presenter: Shaun Bagai, CEO, to present on Tuesday, May 24th at 7:00 a.m. ET
Webcast: View Source
Register: Visit the RenovoRx Website Events page

Shaun Bagai, RenovoRx’s CEO, will provide a Company update and will participate in one-on-one meetings with the investment community. Attendees include public companies, and institutional and private investors. To schedule a meeting, please reach out to your H.C. Wainwright representative or send an email to KCSA Strategic Communications at [email protected].

A recording of this presentation will be posted to the RenovoRx Website Events page when it becomes available.

Exscientia to Report First Quarter 2022 Financial Results on May 25, 2022

On Exscientia (Nasdaq: EXAI), an AI-driven pharmatech company committed to discovering, designing and developing the best possible drugs in the fastest and most effective manner, reported that it will report financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 after U.S. market close (Press release, Exscientia, MAY 18, 2022, View Source [SID1234614826]). Following the announcement, the Company will host a conference call and webcast at 1:30 p.m. BST / 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, May 26, 2022, to provide an overview of the company’s precision medicine platform.

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A webcast of the live call can be accessed by visiting the "Investors and Media" section of the Company’s website at investors.exscientia.ai. Alternatively, the live conference call can be accessed by dialing +1 (888) 330 3292 (U.S.), +44 203 433 3846 (U.K.), +1 (646) 960 0857 (International) and entering the conference ID: 8333895. A replay will be available for 90 days under "Events and Presentations" in the "Investors and Media" section of the Exscientia website

Legend Biotech to Highlight Continued Progress in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma With Updated Data From BCMA CAR-T Studies at 2022 ASCO and EHA

On Legend 18, 2022 Biotech Corporation (NASDAQ: LEGN) (Legend Biotech), a global biotechnology company developing, manufacturing and commercializing novel therapies to treat life-threatening diseases, reported that eight company-sponsored abstracts were accepted at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper)’s (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2022 Hybrid Congress (Press release, Legend Biotech, MAY 18, 2022, View Source [SID1234614825]).

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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The presentations will provide updates from the CARTITUDE clinical development program, which evaluates ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, for multiple myeloma.

Longer-term results from CARTITUDE-1, two years following the last patient in, will be presented as posters at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) and EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper). CARTITUDE-1 is a Phase 1b/2 study in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), which supported the recent approval of CARVYKTI by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Updated data from Cohorts A and B of the CARTITUDE-2 study will also be presented. The multicohort study evaluates the safety and efficacy of cilta-cel in various multiple myeloma settings including earlier lines. Data from Cohort A, which includes patients who had progressive multiple myeloma after 1-3 prior lines of therapy and were lenalidomide-refractory, will be presented as a poster discussion at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) and as a poster at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper). Data from Cohort B, which includes patients who experienced early relapse after initial therapy including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory drug, will be presented as a poster at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) and an oral presentation at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper). Additional data will also be presented at both meetings including analyses from the real-world LocoMMotion study, a prospective multinational study of real-life standard of care treatments in routine clinical practice for patients with RRMM.

"Legend Biotech, together with our partner Janssen, look forward to presenting longer term data from our CARTITUDE clinical development program of cilta-cel in multiple myeloma," said Ying Huang, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Legend Biotech. "Results from the CARTITUDE-1 study underscore the potential of CARVYKTI to provide early, deep and durable responses in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. We are also excited to share updated data from the CARTITUDE-2 study, which demonstrates the promise of cilta-cel in earlier lines of treatment."

A select list of abstracts from the meetings can be found below.

ASCO Presentations (June 3-7, 2022)

Abstract No.

Title

Information

Abstract #8028

Poster

Phase 1b/2 study of ciltacabtagene autoleucel, a BCMA-directed CAR-T cell therapy, in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (CARTITUDE-1): Two years post-LPI.

Session Title: Hematologic Malignancies—Plasma Cell Dyscrasia

Date/Time: June 4, 2022, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT

Location: Hall A & On Demand

Abstract #8020

Poster Discussion

Biological correlative analyses and updated clinical data of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), a BCMA-directed CAR-T cell therapy, in lenalidomide (len)-refractory patients (pts) with progressive multiple myeloma (MM) after 1–3 prior lines of therapy (LOT): CARTITUDE-2, cohort A.

Session Title: Hematologic Malignancies—Plasma Cell Dyscrasia

Date/Time:

June 4, 2022, 5:30-7:00 pm EDT

Location: Hall A, E451 & On Demand

Abstract #8029

Poster

Biological correlative analyses and updated clinical data of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), a BCMA-directed CAR-T cell therapy, in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and early relapse after initial therapy: CARTITUDE-2, cohort B.

Session Title: Hematologic Malignancies—Plasma Cell Dyscrasia

Date/Time: June 4, 2022, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT

Location: Hall A & On Demand

Abstract #8031

Poster

Subgroup analyses in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) receiving real-life current standard of care (SOC) in the LocoMMotion study.

Session Title: Hematologic Malignancies—Plasma Cell Dyscrasia

Date/Time: June 4, 2022, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT

Location: Hall A & On Demand

Abstract #8030

Poster

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) receiving real-life current standard of care (SOC) in the LocoMMotion study.

Session Title: Hematologic Malignancies—Plasma Cell Dyscrasia

Date/Time: June 4, 2022, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT

Location: Hall A & On Demand

EHA Presentations (June 9-12, 2022)

Abstract No.

Title

Information

Publication #S185

Oral Presentation

CARTITUDE-2 Cohort B: Updated Clinical Data and Biological Correlative Analysis of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel in Patients with Multiple Myeloma and Early Relapse After Initial Therapy

Session Title: Relapsed/refractory myeloma: BCMA-directed therapies

Date/Time: Sunday, June 12, 2022 4:30-5:45 pm CEST

Location: Hall A2-A3

Publication #P961

Poster

Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel, a BCMA-Directed CAR-T Cell Therapy, in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: 2-Year Post LPI Results from the Phase 1b/2 CARTITUDE-1 Study

Session Title: Poster session

Date/Time: Friday, June 10 4:30-5:45 pm CEST

Publication #P959

Poster

Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel in Lenalidomide-Refractory Patients with Progressive Multiple Myeloma After 1-3 Prior Lines of Therapy: CARTITUDE-2 Biological Correlative Analyses and Updated Clinical Data

Session Title: Poster session

Date/Time: Friday, June 10, 2022, 4:30-5:45 CEST

Publication #P899

Poster

Real-world Assessment of Treatment Patterns and Outcomes in Patients with Lenalidomide-Refractory Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma from the Optum Database

Session Title: Myeloma and other monoclinal gammopathies – Clinical Date/Time: Friday, June 10, 2022, 4:30-5:45 CEST

Publication #P958

Poster

Real-life Current Standard of Care in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Subgroup Analyses from the LocoMMotion Study

Session Title: Poster session

Date/Time: Friday, June 10, 4:30-5:45 pm CEST

Publication #P960

Poster

Health-related quality of life in the LocoMMotion study of Real-Life Current Standard of Care in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma.

Session Title: Poster session

Date/Time: Friday, June 10, 4:30-5:45 pm CEST

Publication #P971

Poster

Adjusted Comparison of Patient Reported Outcomes from CARTITUDE-1 and LocoMMotion Comparing Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel Versus Real World Clinical Practice in Triple-Class Exposed Multiple Myeloma

Session Title: Myeloma and other monoclonal gammopathies – Clinical Date/Time: Friday, June 10, 4:30-5:45 pm CEST

Publication #P904

Poster

Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel vs Treatments from Real-World Clinical Practice for Triple Class Exposed Patients with Multiple Myeloma: Adjusted Comparisons Based on CARTITUDE-1 and the EMMY French Cohort

Session Title: Myeloma and other monoclonal gammopathies – Clinical

Date/Time: Friday, June 10, 4:30-5:45 pm CEST

About CARVYKTI (Ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel)
CARVYKTI is a BCMA-directed, genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapy, which involves reprogramming a patient’s own T-cells with a transgene encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that identifies and eliminates cells that express BCMA. BCMA is primarily expressed on the surface of malignant multiple myeloma B-lineage cells, as well as late-stage B-cells and plasma cells. The CARVYKTI CAR protein features two BCMA targeting single domain antibodies designed to confer high avidity against human BCMA. Upon binding to BCMA-expressing cells, the CAR promotes T-cell activation, expansion, and elimination of target cells.1

In December 2017, Legend Biotech Corporation entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc. to develop and commercialize cilta-cel.

CARVYKTI received U.S. FDA approval for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in February 2022. In April 2022, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency conferred a positive opinion for the marketing authorization of CARVYKTI to the European Union. In addition to U.S. Breakthrough Therapy Designation granted in December 2019, cilta-cel received a Breakthrough Therapy Designation in China in August 2020. Cilta-cel also received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. FDA in February 2019 and from the European Commission in February 2020.

About CARTITUDE-1
CARTITUDE-1 (NCT03548207)2 is an ongoing Phase 1b/2, open-label, single arm, multi-center trial evaluating cilta-cel for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, who previously received at least three prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI), an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD) and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. Of the 97 patients enrolled in the trial, 99 percent were refractory to the last line of treatment and 88 percent were triple-class refractory, meaning their cancer did not respond, or no longer responds, to an IMiD, a PI and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

About CARTITUDE-2
CARTITUDE-2 (NCT04133636)3 is an ongoing Phase 2 multicohort study evaluating the safety and efficacy of cilta-cel in various clinical settings. Cohort A included patients who had progressive multiple myeloma after 1–3 prior lines of therapy, including PI and IMiD, were lenalidomide refractory, and had no prior exposure to BCMA-targeting agents. Cohort B included patients with early relapse after initial therapy that included a PI and IMiD. The primary objective was to evaluate the percentage of patients with negative minimal residual disease (MRD).

About LocoMMotion
LocoMMotion (NCT04035226)4 is a prospective non-interventional study evaluating the safety and efficacy of real-life standard-of-care treatments under routine clinical practice over a 24-month period in patients with RRMM. This study aims to understand the effectiveness of current standards of care in heavily pretreated patients with RRMM (reflecting real-world practice in the patient population progressing after PIs, IMiDs and anti-CD38 antibodies).

About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow and is characterized by an excessive proliferation of plasma cells.5 In 2022, it is estimated that more than 34,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and more than 12,000 people will die from the disease in the U.S.6 While some patients with multiple myeloma have no symptoms at all, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone problems, low blood counts, calcium elevation, kidney problems or infections.7 Although treatment may result in remission, unfortunately, patients will most likely relapse.8 Patients who relapse after treatment with standard therapies, including protease inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, have poor prognoses and few treatment options available.9,10

CARVYKTI Important Safety Information

INDICATIONS AND USAGE
CARVYKTI (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, after four or more prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES, HLH/MAS, and PROLONGED and RECURRENT CYTOPENIA

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with CARVYKTI. Do not administer CARVYKTI to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS), which may be fatal or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI, including before CRS onset, concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. Monitor for neurologic events after treatment with CARVYKTI. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
Parkinsonism and Guillain-Barré syndrome and their associated complications resulting in fatal or life-threatening reactions have occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS), including fatal and life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with CARVYKTI. HLH/MAS can occur with CRS or neurologic toxicities.
Prolonged and/or recurrent cytopenias with bleeding and infection and requirement for stem cell transplantation for hematopoietic recovery occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI.
CARVYKTI is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the CARVYKTI REMS Program.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI in 95% (92/97) of patients receiving ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Grade 3 or higher CRS (2019 ASTCT grade)1 occurred in 5% (5/97) of patients, with Grade 5 CRS reported in 1 patient. The median time to onset of CRS was 7 days (range: 1-12 days). The most common manifestations of CRS included pyrexia (100%), hypotension (43%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (22%), chills (15%), increased alanine aminotransferase (14%) and sinus tachycardia (11%). Grade 3 or higher events associated with CRS included increased AST and ALT, hyperbilirubinemia, hypotension, pyrexia, hypoxia, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation, HLH/MAS, angina pectoris, supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia, malaise, myalgias, increased C-reactive protein, ferritin, blood alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase.

Identify CRS based on clinical presentation. Evaluate for and treat other causes of fever, hypoxia, and hypotension. CRS has been reported to be associated with findings of HLH/MAS, and the physiology of the syndromes may overlap. HLH/MAS is a potentially life-threatening condition. In patients with progressive symptoms of CRS or refractory CRS despite treatment, evaluate for evidence of HLH/MAS.

Sixty-nine of 97 (71%) patients received tocilizumab and/or a corticosteroid for CRS after infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Forty-four (45%) patients received only tocilizumab, of whom 33 (34%) received a single dose and 11 (11%) received more than one dose; 24 patients (25%) received tocilizumab and a corticosteroid, and one patient (1%) received only corticosteroids. Ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of CARVYKTI.

Monitor patients at least daily for 10 days following CARVYKTI infusion at a REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of CRS. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for at least 4 weeks after infusion. At the first sign of CRS, immediately institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time. Neurologic toxicities, which may be severe, life-threatening or fatal, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI.

Neurologic toxicities, which may be severe, life-threatening or fatal, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI. Neurologic toxicities included ICANS, neurologic toxicity with signs and symptoms of parkinsonism, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, peripheral neuropathies, and cranial nerve palsies. Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of these neurologic toxicities, and on the delayed nature of onset of some of these toxicities. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention for further assessment and management if signs or symptoms of any of these neurologic toxicities occur at any time.

Overall, one or more subtypes of neurologic toxicity described below occurred following ciltacabtagene autoleucel in 26% (25/97) of patients, of which 11% (11/97) of patients experienced Grade 3 or higher events. These subtypes of neurologic toxicities were also observed in two ongoing studies.

Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS): Patients receiving CARVYKTI may experience fatal of life-threatening ICANS following treatment with CARVYKTI, including before CRS onset, concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS.

ICANS occurred in 23% (22/97) of patients receiving ciltacabtagene autoleucel including Grade 3 or 4 events in 3% (3/97) and Grade 5 (fatal) events in 2% (2/97). The median time to onset of ICANS was 8 days (range 1-28 days). All 22 patients with ICANS had CRS. The most frequent (≥5%) manifestation of ICANS included encephalopathy (23%), aphasia (8%) and headache (6%). Monitor patients at least daily for 10 days following CARVYKTI infusion at the REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of ICANS. Rule out other causes of ICANS symptoms.

Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of ICANS for at least 4 weeks after infusion and treat promptly. Neurologic toxicity should be managed with supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.

Parkinsonism: Of the 25 patients in the CARTITUDE-1 study experiencing any neurotoxicity, five male patients had neurologic toxicity with several signs and symptoms of parkinsonism, distinct from immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Neurologic toxicity with parkinsonism has been reported in other ongoing trials of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Patients had parkinsonian and nonparkinsonian symptoms that included tremor, bradykinesia, involuntary movements, stereotypy, loss of spontaneous movements, masked facies, apathy, flat affect, fatigue, rigidity, psychomotor retardation, micrographia, dysgraphia, apraxia, lethargy, confusion, somnolence, loss of consciousness, delayed reflexes, hyperreflexia, memory loss, difficulty swallowing, bowel incontinence, falls, stooped posture, shuffling gait, muscle weakness and wasting, motor dysfunction, motor and sensory loss, akinetic mutism, and frontal lobe release signs. The median onset of parkinsonism in the 5 patients in CARTITUDE-1 was 43 days (range 15-108) from infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of parkinsonism that may be delayed in onset and managed with supportive care measures. There is limited efficacy information with medications used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, for the improvement or resolution of parkinsonism symptoms following CARVYKTI treatment.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A fatal outcome following Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has occurred in another ongoing study of ciltacabtagene autoleucel despite treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins. Symptoms reported include those consistent with MillerFisher variant of GBS, encephalopathy, motor weakness, speech disturbances and polyradiculoneuritis.

Monitor for GBS. Evaluate patients presenting with peripheral neuropathy for GBS. Consider treatment of GBS with supportive care measures and in conjunction with immunoglobulins and plasma exchange, depending on severity of GBS.

Peripheral Neuropathy: Six patients in CARTITUDE-1 developed peripheral neuropathy. These neuropathies presented as sensory, motor or sensorimotor neuropathies. Median time of onset of symptoms was 62 days (range 4-136 days), median duration of peripheral neuropathies was 256 days (range 2-465 days) including those with ongoing neuropathy. Patients who experienced peripheral neuropathy also experienced cranial nerve palsies or GBS in other ongoing trials of ciltacabtagene autoleucel.

Cranial Nerve Palsies: Three patients (3.1%) experienced cranial nerve palsies in CARTITUDE-1. All three patients had 7th cranial nerve palsy; one patient had 5th cranial nerve palsy as well. Median time to onset was 26 days (range 21-101 days) following infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Occurrence of 3rd and 6th cranial nerve palsy, bilateral 7th cranial nerve palsy, worsening of cranial nerve palsy after improvement, and occurrence of peripheral neuropathy in patients with cranial nerve palsy have also been reported in ongoing trials of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of cranial nerve palsies. Consider management with systemic corticosteroids, depending on the severity and progression of signs and symptoms.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS): Fatal HLH occurred in one patient (1%), 99 days after ciltacabtagene autoleucel. The HLH event was preceded by prolonged CRS lasting 97 days. The manifestations of HLH/MAS include hypotension, hypoxia with diffuse alveolar damage, coagulopathy, cytopenia, and multi-organ dysfunction, including renal dysfunction. HLH is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate if not recognized and treated early. Treatment of HLH/MAS should be administered per institutional standards.

CARVYKTI REMS: Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, CARVYKTI is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the CARVYKTI REMS.

Further information is available at www.CARVYKTIrems.com or 1-844-672-0067.

Prolonged and Recurrent Cytopenias: Patients may exhibit prolonged and recurrent cytopenias following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and CARVYKTI infusion. One patient underwent autologous stem cell therapy for hematopoietic reconstitution due to prolonged thrombocytopenia.

In CARTITUDE-1, 30% (29/97) of patients experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and 41% (40/97) of patients experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia that had not resolved by Day 30 following ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion.

Recurrent Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia and anemia were seen in 63% (61/97), 18% (17/97), 60% (58/97), and 37% (36/97) after recovery from initial Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia following infusion. After Day 60 following ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion, 31%, 12% and 6% of patients had a recurrence of Grade 3 or higher lymphopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, respectively, after initial recovery of their Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia. Eighty-seven percent (84/97) of patients had one, two, or three or more recurrences of Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias after initial recovery of Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia. Six and 11 patients had Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, respectively, at the time of death.

Monitor blood counts prior to and after CARVYKTI infusion. Manage cytopenias with growth factors and blood product transfusion support according to local institutional guidelines.

Infections: CARVYKTI should not be administered to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Severe, life-threatening or fatal infections occurred in patients after CARVYKTI infusion.

Infections (all grades) occurred in 57 (59%) patients. Grade 3 or 4 infections occurred in 23% (22/97) of patients; Grade 3 or 4 infections with an unspecified pathogen occurred in 17%, viral infections in 7%, bacterial infections in 1%, and fungal infections in 1% of patients. Overall, four patients had Grade 5 infections: lung abscess (n=1), sepsis (n=2) and pneumonia (n=1).

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after CARVYKTI infusion and treat patients appropriately. Administer prophylactic, pre-emptive and/or therapeutic antimicrobials according to the standard institutional guidelines. Febrile neutropenia was observed in 10% of patients after ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion, and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids and other supportive care, as medically indicated.

Viral Reactivation: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure and death, can occur in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia. Perform screening for Cytomegalovirus (CMV), HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or any other infectious agents if clinically indicated in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing. Consider antiviral therapy to prevent viral reactivation per local institutional guidelines/clinical practice.

Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse event in 12% (12/97) of patients; laboratory IgG levels fell below 500 mg/dL after infusion in 92% (89/97) of patients. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with CARVYKTI and administer IVIG for IgG <400 mg/dL. Manage per local institutional guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis.

Use of Live Vaccines: The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following CARVYKTI treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during CARVYKTI treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with CARVYKTI.

Hypersensitivity Reactions have occurred in 5% (5/97) of patients following ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in CARVYKTI. Patients should be carefully monitored for 2 hours after infusion for signs and symptoms of severe reaction. Treat promptly and manage appropriately according to the severity of the hypersensitivity reaction.

Secondary Malignancies: Patients may develop secondary malignancies. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Janssen Biotech, Inc., at 1-800-526-7736 for reporting and to obtain instructions on collection of patient samples for testing of secondary malignancy of T cell origin.

Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status, seizures, neurocognitive decline, or neuropathy, patients are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following CARVYKTI infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery during this initial period, and in the event of new onset of any neurologic toxicities.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than 20%) are pyrexia, cytokine release syndrome, hypogammaglobulinemia, hypotension, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, infections of unspecified pathogen, cough, chills, diarrhea, nausea, encephalopathy, decreased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, tachycardia, dizziness, dyspnea, edema, viral infections, coagulopathy, constipation, and vomiting. The most common laboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 50%) include thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, aminotransferase elevation, and hypoalbuminemia.

Please read full Prescribing Information including Boxed Warning for CARVYKTI.