Aeglea BioTherapeutics Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results

On May 11, 2023 Aeglea BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AGLE) reported financial results for the first quarter 2023 (Press release, Aeglea BioTherapeutics, MAY 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234631477]).

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First Quarter 2023 Financial Results

As of March 31, 2023, Aeglea had available cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash of $39.8 million.

Aeglea recognized development fee and royalty revenues of $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2023, as a result of its license and supply agreement with Immedica Pharma AB for the commercial rights to pegzilarginase in Europe and several countries in the Middle East (License and Supply Agreement). The revenues recorded in the first quarter of 2023 are related to the PEACE Phase 3 trial and royalties from an early access program in France. Aeglea recognized $1.4 million for the first quarter of 2022 in development fee revenues.

Research and development expenses totaled $13.8 million for the first quarter of 2023 and $17.0 million for the first quarter of 2022. The decrease was primarily related to a decrease in activities related to the PEACE Phase 3 trial and Biologics License Application for pegzilarginase.

General and administrative expenses totaled $5.2 million for the first quarter of 2023 and $8.8 million for the first quarter of 2022. This decrease was primarily due to a reduction in headcount and related expenses and decrease in commercialization activities for pegzilarginase.

Net loss totaled $18.4 million and $24.4 million for the first quarter of 2023 and 2022, respectively, which includes non-cash stock compensation expense of $1.7 million and $2.1 million for the first quarter of 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Actinium Pharma Announces Iomab-B SIERRA Trial Results Accepted for Oral Presentation at the European Hematology Association 2023 Congress (EHA)

On May 11, 2023 Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN: ATNM) (Actinium or the Company), a leader in the development of targeted radiotherapies, reported that an abstract has been accepted for oral presentation at the upcoming European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2023 Congress (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper), which will be held in Frankfurt, Germany June 8-11, 2023 (Press release, Actinium Pharmaceuticals, MAY 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234631476]). The abstract includes data from Actinium’s SIERRA controlled phase 3 study comparing the efficacy of Iomab-B based conditioning, a first-in-class targeted radiotherapy, versus physician’s choice of conventional care in older, relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia with active disease. This latest acceptance of the SIERRA trial results at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper), a major medical conference, is helping spread awareness about the potential of Iomab-B in facilitating transplants for patients who are currently not transplantable.

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Details of the EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) presentation are as follows:

Presentation Title: SIERRA trial results with a targeted radiotherapy, Iomab-B, a myeloablative conditioning with reduced intensity tolerability yields high CR, long term survival in HSCT ineligible active r/r AML
Session Type/Title: Oral / SCT Clinical
Date and Time: June 10, 11:30am – 12:45pm CET

Acorda Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results

On May 11, 2023 Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACOR) reported a business update and provided its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023 (Press release, Acorda Therapeutics, MAY 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234631475]).

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"We were very pleased to see INBRIJA’s strong performance in the quarter, with U.S. net revenue up by 52% over the same quarter of 2022. In addition, new prescription request forms increased 45% over the first quarter of 2022," said Ron Cohen, M.D., Acorda’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "We believe that our new marketing programs are having an impact. In April, we launched an INBRIJA television commercial on approximately 50 streaming services, accompanied by a digital ‘surround sound’ campaign to encourage viewers to take an action after viewing the commercial, such as connecting with a nurse educator or speaking to their physician. The initial response has been highly encouraging; in the first six weeks, the commercial has been viewed over 2.5 million times and is already driving substantial traffic to the INBRIJA website."

"Our agreement with Chance Pharmaceuticals is an important step in bringing INBRIJA to those living with Parkinson’s in China; by 2030, it is estimated there will be approximately 5 million people with Parkinson’s disease in that country," Dr. Cohen continued. "We are also very pleased that Tom Burns, who has decades of finance and accounting experience in biotech and high tech, will stand for election to Acorda’s board in June; we are deeply grateful to Jeff Randall for his superb contributions to the Company since joining the Board in 2006, and we wish him the very best."

First Quarter 2023 Financial Results

For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, the Company reported INBRIJA worldwide net revenue of $6.1 million, of which $5.6 million was derived from sales in the U.S., a 52.2% increase compared to the same quarter in 2022. The Company also reported ex-U.S. INBRIJA net revenue of $0.5 million in the first quarter related to the recent launch in Spain in February.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, the Company reported AMPYRA net revenue of $12.6 million, a 15.4% decrease compared to $14.9 million for the same quarter in 2022. Additionally, for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, the Company reported FAMPYRA royalty revenues of $2.9 million, a 9.3% decrease compared to the same quarter in 2022. As previously disclosed, AMPYRA lost its exclusivity when generics entered the market in 2018, and the Company expects AMPYRA revenue to continue to decline.

Research and development (R&D) expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 were $1.4 million, compared to $1.7 million for the same quarter in 2022. Sales, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 were $22.5 million, compared to $26.9 million for the same quarter in 2022.

Non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses (adjusted OPEX) for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 was $23.9 million, compared to $28.6 million for the same quarter in 2022. This quarterly non-GAAP measure, more fully described below under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures," excludes costs of goods sold, amortization of intangible assets, change in fair value of derivative liability, and change in fair value of acquired contingent liability. A reconciliation of the GAAP operating expenses to non-GAAP operating expenses is included with the attached financial statements.

Benefit from income taxes for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 was $2 million, compared to a provision for income taxes of $0.3 million for the same quarter in 2022.

The Company reported a net loss of ($16.8) million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, or a net loss of ($0.69) per share on both a basic and diluted basis. Net loss in the same quarter of 2022 was ($24.5) million, or a net loss of ($1.85) per share on both a basic and diluted basis.

At March 31, 2023, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash of $37.8 million, compared to $44.7 million at year end 2022. Restricted cash includes $6.2 million in escrow related to the semi-annual interest payment to the holders of its 6.00% convertible senior secured notes (Convertible Notes).

2023 Financial Guidance

For the full year 2023, Acorda continues to target INBRIJA U.S. net revenue to be $38 – $42 million, AMPYRA net revenue to be $65 – $70 million, adjusted OPEX to be $93 – $103 million, and ending cash balance to be $43 – $47 million.

INBRIJA Commercialization Agreement in China

Under the terms of the agreement, Acorda will receive an up-front payment of $2.5 million, a near term milestone payment of up to $6 million, $3 million upon regulatory approval, up to $132.5 million in sales milestones, and a fixed fee for each carton of INBRIJA supplied to Chance. By 2030, it is estimated that China will have approximately 5 million people with Parkinson’s disease due to its aging population1. Chance plans to seek marketing authorization as quickly as possible.

Board of Directors

Jeff Randall, who has served on Acorda’s Board since 2006, and currently serves as Chair of the Audit Committee, will be rotating off the Board as of the Company’s June 2023 annual meeting of stockholders. Tom Burns, the Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of XOMA Corporation, will stand for election to the Board at that meeting. Tom is responsible for all financial matters affecting or involving the XOMA companies, including directing XOMA’s financial strategy, accounting, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, and investor relations functions. Mr. Burns has 25 years of experience in accounting and finance in both biotechnology and high technology companies.

Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Acorda’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders will take place on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 9:00am ET. Stockholders are encouraged to vote by internet, telephone, mail, or in person as described in the materials sent to them so that all shares will be represented at the Annual Meeting.

Webcast and Conference Call

To participate in the Webcast, please use the following registration link:

View Source
If you register for the Webcast, you will have the opportunity to submit a written question for the Q&A portion of the presentation. After you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email with the Webcast details. On the day of the Webcast, you will receive an email 2 hours prior to the start of the Webcast with the link to join. The presentation will be available on the Investors section of www.acorda.com.

A replay of the call will be available from 8:30 p.m. ET on May 11, 2023 until 11:59 p.m. ET on June 10, 2023. To access the replay, please dial 1 866 813 9403 (domestic) or +44 204 525 0658 (international); access code 270385. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Acorda website at www.acorda.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes financial results prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) and also certain historical and forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP financial measures are not an alternative for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, and the calculation of the non-GAAP financial measures included herein may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies. The Company believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures, when viewed in conjunction with actual GAAP results, provides investors with a more meaningful understanding of our ongoing and projected operating performance because it excludes (i) expenses that pertain to corporate restructurings not routine to the operation of our business, (ii) non-cash charges that are substantially dependent on changes in the market price of our common stock, and (iii) other items as set forth above that are not ascertainable at the present time. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures help indicate underlying trends in the Company’s business and are important in comparing current results with prior period results and understanding expected operating performance. Also, management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to establish budgets and operational goals, and to manage the Company’s business and evaluate its performance. In addition, management believes that adjusted OPEX is important in evaluating the administrative costs of operating the Company’s business.

Adjusted OPEX includes (i) research and development expenses and (ii) selling, general, and administrative expenses, and excludes (i) costs of goods sold, (ii) amortization of intangible assets, (iii) change in fair value of derivative liability, and (iv) change in fair value of acquired contingent liability. We are unable to reconcile our guidance for this non-GAAP measure to GAAP due to the forward-looking nature of the adjustments that are needed to determine this information, which includes information regarding future compensation charges, future changes in the market price of our common stock, and changes in the fair value of derivative and contingent liabilities, none of which are available at this time.

Abeona Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results

On May 11, 2023 Abeona Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: ABEO) reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2023 and provided an update on progress toward achieving key corporate objectives (Press release, Abeona Therapeutics, MAY 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234631474]).

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"We remain focused on completing our EB-101 Biologics License Application for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) and are making good progress towards this goal," said Vish Seshadri, Chief Executive Officer of Abeona. "We are also excited to be presenting encouraging results from animal proof-of-concept studies from our AAV ophthalmology program at the ASGCT (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) annual meeting next week."

First Quarter and Recent Portfolio Update

EB-101 for RDEB

● Abeona continues to make progress toward submitting a BLA for EB-101 to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late second quarter to early third quarter of 2023. The Company has submitted a pre-BLA meeting request to the FDA in advance of the anticipated BLA submission. If the BLA is approved, Abeona anticipates being granted a Priority Review Voucher (PRV), which can be used to receive expedited review by the FDA of a subsequent marketing application for a different product or sold to another company.
● Abeona announced today in a separate press release that additional data from the pivotal Phase 3 VIITAL study of investigational EB-101 in RDEB was presented during an oral session at the International Societies for Investigative Dermatology (ISID) Meeting. The positive top-line efficacy and safety data from the VIITAL study was reported in November 2022.
● As part of its commercial planning, the Company continues to engage with stakeholders across the healthcare system, including public and private payors, and healthcare providers to better understand market access and pricing for EB-101.

Preclinical programs

● Abeona’s preclinical programs are investigating the use of novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids in AAV-based therapies for serious genetic eye diseases. The Company has been granted pre-Investigational New Drug Application meetings for two of its programs to take place in the second quarter of 2023.
● Abeona will present new preclinical data at the 26th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) taking place from May 16-20, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA. The Company’s presentations will include data on three internally developed investigational preclinical gene therapy product candidates from its AAV ophthalmology program, including ABO-504 for Stargardt disease, ABO-503 for X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) and ABO-505 for autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA).

First Quarter Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments totaled $40.7 million as of March 31, 2023, compared to $52.5 million as of December 31, 2022. Net cash used in operating activities was $11.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Abeona estimates that its current cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments are sufficient resources to fund operations into the third quarter of 2024.

"Our operating cash burn for the first quarter of 2023 and projected operating cash burn for the second quarter of 2023 include BLA submission and personnel costs, which we expect will be substantially lower in the second half of 2023," said Joe Vazzano, Chief Financial Officer of Abeona.

License and other revenues in the first quarter of 2023 were nil, compared to $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2022. Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were $8.0 million, compared to $10.5 million for the same period of 2022. General and administrative expenses were $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $4.2 million for the same period of 2022. Net loss was $9.1 million for the first quarter of 2023, or $0.54 loss per common share as compared to a net loss of $22.0 million, or $3.80 loss per common share, in the first quarter of 2022.

Portfolio Update Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. ET, to discuss the first quarter and recent portfolio update, and its data presentations at the ISID and ASGCT (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) meetings. To access the call, dial 888-506-0062 (U.S. toll-free) or 973-528-0011 (international) and Entry Code: 885338 five minutes prior to the start of the call. A live, listen-only webcast and archived replay of the call can be accessed on the Investors & Media section of Abeona’s website at www.abeonatherapeutics.com. The archived webcast replay will be available for 30 days following the call.

2seventy bio Announces Additional Data from KarMMa Studies of Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel) at ASCO 2023 and EHA 2023

On May 11, 2023 2seventy bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSVT) reported the presentation of four abstracts at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting taking place from June 2-6, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois and six abstracts at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress, taking place in Frankfurt, Germany from June 8-11, 2023 (Press release, 2seventy bio, MAY 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234631473]).

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The presentations will highlight clinical and correlative data from the KarMMa-2 and KarMMa-3 clinical trials evaluating Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel) in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) or newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

"These data highlight the growing body of evidence that further support the value of Abecma across various subgroups of patients with triple-class-exposed relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma, who, despite recent advancements, still need more effective treatment options sooner," said Steve Bernstein, M.D., chief medical officer, 2seventy bio. "We are pleased to share new findings of Abecma from KarMMa-3, including an analysis of health-related quality of life in patients with RRMM, a subgroup analysis of outcomes for patients with high-risk disease, and a biomarker correlative analysis of response to Abecma. We remain committed to bringing this innovative CAR T cell therapy to patients earlier in their treatment course."

Key abstracts include:

Subgroup analysis of outcomes with Abecma in high-risk patient groups from the Phase 3 KarMMa-3 clinical study in patients with triple-class exposed RRMM.
Additional analysis of outcomes by number of prior lines of therapy from the KarMMa-3 clinical trial showcasing the use of Abecma in patients who received two to four prior lines of therapy.
Patient-reported outcomes from the pivotal Phase 3 KarMMa-3 trial in patients with triple-class exposed RRMM treated with Abecma versus standard regimens.
The full list of accepted data abstracts include:

ASCO 2023 Presentation Details

Poster Presentation [#8031]: Baseline and early post-infusion biomarkers associated with optimal response to idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) in the KarMMa-3 study of triple-class–exposed (TCE) relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM)
Presenting Author: Julia Piasecki, Bristol Myers Squibb
Date/Time: Monday, June 5, 2023, 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. CDT

Poster Presentation [#8032]: Health related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with triple-class-exposed relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (TCE RRMM) treated with idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) versus standard regimens: patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from KarMMa-3 phase 3 randomized controlled trial (RCT)
Presenting Author: Michel Delforge, M.D., Ph.D., University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Date/Time: Monday, June 5, 2023, 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. CDT

Poster Presentation [#8035]: Tumor-intrinsic features associated with progression-free survival (PFS) in patients (pts) with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) treated with idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel)
Presenting Author: Nicholas Stong, Ph.D., Bristol Myers Squibb
Date/Time: Monday, June 5, 2023, 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. CDT

Poster Presentation [e-pub only]: Baseline characteristics identifying patients (pts) with multiple myeloma (MM) treated with idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel; bb2121) who are at risk for severe/refractory inflammatory adverse events (iAEs)
Presenting Author: Afshin Mashadi-Hossein, Bristol Myers Squibb
Date/Time: N/A

EHA 2023 Presentation Details

Oral Presentation [#S195]: Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) vs standard regimens in patients with triple-class–exposed (TCE) relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): a KarMMa-3 analysis in high-risk subgroups
Presenting Author: Krina Patel, M.D., MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, Texas
Date/Time: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. CEST

Poster Presentation [#P801]: Baseline and early post-infusion biomarkers associated with optimal response to idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) in KarMMa-3 study of triple class exposed relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma
Presenting Author: Marc S. Raab, M.D., Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
Date/Time: Friday, June 9, 2023, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. CEST

Poster Presentation [#P809]: Baseline characteristics identifying patients with multiple myeloma treated with idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel; bb2121) who are at risk for severe/refractory inflammatory adverse events
Presenting Author: Yi Lin, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Date/Time: Friday, June 9, 2023, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. CEST

Poster Presentation [#P866]: Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) vs standard regimens in patients with triple-class-exposed (TCE) relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): KarMMa-3 subgroup analysis by prior lines of therapy
Presenting Author: Salomon Manier, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Université de Lille, Lille, France
Date/Time: Friday, June 9, 2023, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. CEST

Poster Presentation [#P871]: Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) in patients with an inadequate response to frontline autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT): results from KarMMa-2 cohort 2c
Presenting Author: Melissa Alsina, M.D., Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Fla.
Date/Time: Friday, June 9, 2023, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. CEST

Poster Presentation [#P905]: Patient reported outcomes in triple class exposed, relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (TCE RRMM) patients in KarMMa-3 trial (phase 3 RCT): idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) versus standard regimens
Presenting Author: Michel Delforge, M.D., Ph.D., University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Date/Time: Friday, June 9, 2023, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. CEST

About KarMMa-3

KarMMa-3 (NCT03651128) is a pivotal, Phase 3, open-label, global, randomized, controlled trial evaluating Abecma compared to standard regimens in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma who have received two to four prior lines of treatment, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, and were refractory to the last treatment regimen. Patients were randomized to receive Abecma or standard regimens that consisted of combinations that included daratumumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone (DPd), daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (DVd), ixazomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (IRd), carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Kd) or elotuzumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone (EPd) chosen based on their most recent treatment regimen and investigator discretion. The primary endpoint evaluated in this study is progression-free survival, defined as time from randomization to the first documentation of progressive disease or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. Key secondary endpoints include overall response rate and overall survival.

About Abecma

Abecma recognizes and binds to BCMA on the surface of multiple myeloma cells leading to CAR T cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, and subsequent cytolytic killing of BCMA-expressing cells. Abecma is being jointly developed and commercialized in the U.S. as part of a Co-Development, Co-Promotion, and Profit Share Agreement between Bristol Myers Squibb and 2seventy bio.

The companies’ broad clinical development program for Abecma includes clinical studies (KarMMa-2, KarMMa-3, KarMMa-9) in earlier lines of treatment for patients with multiple myeloma. For more information visit clinicaltrials.gov.

Indication

ABECMA (idecabtagene vicleucel) 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 an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

Important Safety Information

BOX WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES, HLH/MAS, AND PROLONGED CYTOPENIA

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with ABECMA. Do not administer ABECMA to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
Neurologic Toxicities, which may be severe or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with ABECMA, including concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. Monitor for neurologic events after treatment with ABECMA. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS) including fatal and life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with ABECMA. HLH/MAS can occur with CRS or neurologic toxicities.
Prolonged Cytopenia with bleeding and infection, including fatal outcomes following stem cell transplantation for hematopoietic recovery, occurred following treatment with ABECMA.
ABECMA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the ABECMA REMS.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): CRS, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with ABECMA in 85% (108/127) of patients. Grade 3 or higher CRS occurred in 9% (12/127) of patients, with Grade 5 CRS reported in one (0.8%) patient. The median time to onset of CRS, any grade, was 1 day (range: 1 – 23 days) and the median duration of CRS was 7 days (range: 1 – 63 days). The most common manifestations included pyrexia, hypotension, tachycardia, chills, hypoxia, fatigue, and headache. Grade 3 or higher events that may be associated with CRS include hypotension, hypoxia, hyperbilirubinemia, hypofibrinogenemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), atrial fibrillation, hepatocellular injury, metabolic acidosis, pulmonary edema, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and HLH/MAS.

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. In patients with progressive symptoms of CRS or refractory CRS despite treatment, evaluate for evidence of HLH/MAS.

Fifty four percent (68/127) of patients received tocilizumab (single dose: 35%; more than 1 dose: 18%). Overall, 15% (19/127) of patients received at least 1 dose of corticosteroids for treatment of CRS. All patients that received corticosteroids for CRS received tocilizumab. Ensure that a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of ABECMA.

Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following ABECMA infusion at the REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs or symptoms of CRS and monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for at least 4 weeks after ABECMA infusion. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids as indicated.

Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time.

Neurologic Toxicities: Neurologic toxicities, which may be severe or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with ABECMA, including concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity occurred in 28% (36/127) of patients receiving ABECMA, including Grade 3 in 4% (5/127) of patients. One patient had ongoing Grade 2 neurotoxicity at the time of death. Two patients had ongoing Grade 1 tremor at the time of data cutoff. The median time to onset of neurotoxicity was 2 days (range: 1 – 42 days). CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity resolved in 92% (33/36) of patients with a median duration of neurotoxicity was 5 days (range: 1 – 61 days). The median duration of neurotoxicity was 6 days (range: 1 – 578) in all patients including those with ongoing neurotoxicity at the time of death or data cut off. Thirty-four patients with neurotoxicity had CRS. Neurotoxicity had onset in 3 patients before, 29 patients during, and 2 patients after CRS. The rate of Grade 3 neurotoxicity was 8% in the 450 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort and 1.4% in the 300 x 106 CAR+ T cell dose cohort. The most frequently reported (greater than or equal to 5%) manifestations of CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity include encephalopathy (20%), tremor (9%), aphasia (7%), and delirium (6%). Grade 4 neurotoxicity and cerebral edema in 1 patient has been reported with ABECMA in another study in multiple myeloma. Grade 3 myelitis and Grade 3 parkinsonism have been reported after treatment with ABECMA in another study in multiple myeloma.

Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following ABECMA infusion at the REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities. Rule out other causes of neurologic symptoms. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicities for at least 4 weeks after infusion and treat promptly. Neurologic toxicity should be managed with supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.

Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicity occur at any time.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS): HLH/MAS occurred in 4% (5/127) of patients receiving ABECMA. One patient developed fatal multi-organ HLH/MAS with CRS and another patient developed fatal bronchopulmonary aspergillosis with contributory HLH/MAS. Three cases of Grade 2 HLH/MAS resolved. All events of HLH/MAS had onset within 10 days of receiving ABECMA with a median onset of 7 days (range: 4 – 9 days) and occurred in the setting of ongoing or worsening CRS. Two patients with HLH/MAS had overlapping neurotoxicity. The manifestations of HLH/MAS include hypotension, hypoxia, multiple organ dysfunction, renal dysfunction, and cytopenia. HLH/MAS is a potentially life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate if not recognized early and treated. Treatment of HLH/MAS should be administered per institutional guidelines.

ABECMA REMS: Due to the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, ABECMA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the ABECMA REMS. Further information is available at www.AbecmaREMS.com or 1-888-423-5436.

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Allergic reactions may occur with the infusion of ABECMA. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in ABECMA.

Infections: ABECMA should not be administered to patients with active infections or inflammatory disorders. Severe, life-threatening, or fatal infections occurred in patients after ABECMA infusion. Infections (all grades) occurred in 70% of patients. Grade 3 or 4 infections occurred in 23% of patients. Overall, 4 patients had Grade 5 infections (3%); 2 patients (1.6%) had Grade 5 events of pneumonia, 1 patient (0.8%) had Grade 5 bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and 1 patient (0.8%) had cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia associated with Pneumocystis jirovecii. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after ABECMA infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic, preemptive, and/or therapeutic antimicrobials according to standard institutional guidelines.

Febrile neutropenia was observed in 16% (20/127) of patients after ABECMA 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: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection resulting in pneumonia and death has occurred following ABECMA administration. Monitor and treat for CMV reactivation in accordance with clinical guidelines. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against plasma cells. Perform screening for CMV, HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.

Prolonged Cytopenias: In the clinical study, 41% of patients (52/127) experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and 49% (62/127) experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia that had not resolved by Month 1 following ABECMA infusion. In 83% (43/52) of patients who recovered from Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia after Month 1, the median time to recovery from ABECMA infusion was 1.9 months. In 65% (40/62) of patients who recovered from Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, the median time to recovery was 2.1 months.

Three patients underwent stem cell therapy for hematopoietic reconstitution due to prolonged cytopenia. Two of the three patients died from complications of prolonged cytopenia. Monitor blood counts prior to and after ABECMA infusion. Manage cytopenia with myeloid growth factor and blood product transfusion support.

Hypogammaglobulinemia: Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse event in 21% (27/127) of patients; laboratory IgG levels fell below 500 mg/dl after infusion in 25% (32/127) of patients treated with ABECMA.

Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with ABECMA and administer IVIG for IgG <400 mg/dl. Manage appropriately per local institutional guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis.

The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or after ABECMA 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 ABECMA treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with ABECMA.

Secondary Malignancies: Patients treated with ABECMA may develop secondary malignancies. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. If a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-888-805-4555 to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing of secondary malignancy of T cell origin.

Effects on Ability to Drive and Operate Machinery: Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients receiving ABECMA are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following ABECMA 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.

Adverse Reactions: The most common nonlaboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 20%) include CRS, infections – pathogen unspecified, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, hypogammaglobulinemia, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, viral infections, encephalopathy, edema, pyrexia, cough, headache, and decreased appetite.

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