Orca Bio Presents Positive Data Reinforcing Clinical Profile of Orca-T and Orca-Q at 2023 Transplantation & Cellular Therapy Meetings of ASTCT and CIBMTR

On February 16, 2023 Orca Bio, a late-stage biotechnology company developing high-precision cell therapies for the treatment of cancer, genetic blood disorders and autoimmune diseases, reported data from the company’s investigational high-precision cell therapy programs, Orca-T and Orca-Q, were presented in three oral presentations at the 2023 Transplantation & Cellular Therapy Meetings of ASTCT and CIBMTR (Press release, Orca Bio, FEB 16, 2023, View Source [SID1234627356]).

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Positive data on Orca-T was presented from the single-center Phase 2 and multi-center Phase 1b trials of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and other hematological malignancies. Outcomes with Orca-T appeared to be further enhanced in patients who received a conditioning regimen of busulfan, fludarabine and thiotepa (BFT). At 12 months, the 71 patients in the Orca-T BFT subgroup reported no non-relapse mortality (0%), and high rates of relapse-free survival (87%), graft-versus-host disease-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) (81%) and overall survival (94%). These data were previously presented at the 64th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in December 2022.

In a second oral presentation, new data highlighted how expanding the donor pool may help address disparities in access to transplant. Today, approximately 70% of blood cancer patients do not have access to a fully matched related donor, and the likelihood of a patient finding a matched unrelated donor in the U.S. is as low as 29% for some ethnic backgrounds. While the use of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatched donors has increased access to treatment for these patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT), clinical outcomes have also been associated with significantly worse overall survival, disease-free survival, treatment-related mortality and acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD). In a small cohort (n=8), Orca-T demonstrated promising results in patients with HLA mismatched (7/8) donors, including no cases of severe GvHD or non-relapse mortality and 100% overall survival to date. While this early data is encouraging, more studies of Orca-T in this patient population are ongoing and will provide additional clinical data in this setting.

"As we continue to enroll patients in our pivotal Phase 3 trial of Orca-T, we are extremely encouraged by its continued potential to improve relapse-free and overall survival rates," said Ivan Dimov, Ph.D., co-founder and chief executive officer of Orca Bio. "Beyond its promise to enhance outcomes and reduce deadly, transplant-related risks, this early evidence that Orca-T may improve clinical outcomes in patients who can’t find a fully matched donor is an important step toward our ultimate goal of offering a safe and effective treatment to all patients who may benefit."

Orca Bio also presented findings from a Phase 1 multi-center trial of its second investigational cell therapy, Orca-Q, showing that patients with haploidentical – or half-matched – allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell donors, experienced no moderate-to-severe chronic GvHD (0%) and an improved GRFS rate (75%). Orca-Q is a proprietary composition of enriched CD34+ stem cells combined with specific T cell subsets derived from haploidentical donors. Unlike standard of care haploidentical alloHSCT, Orca-Q does not require post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy). These data were also previously presented at the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting.

"A haploidentical stem cell transplant is currently the only curative treatment option available for the majority of blood cancer patients who lack a matched donor, but providers often find themselves balancing the risk of relapse and the risk of debilitating side effects like GvHD, infections and other toxicities," said Samer Srour, M.D., Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "These interim findings show patients treated with Orca-Q experienced improved outcomes with significantly fewer transplant-related toxicities, suggesting this novel cell therapy could help to address this critical unmet medical need."

Links to the abstracts follow:

Oral Presentation Title: Precision-Engineered Cell Therapy Orca-T Demonstrates High Relapse-Free Survival at 1 Year While Reducing Graft-Versus-Host Disease and Toxicity

Oral Presentation Title: Orca-T, a High-Precision Cell Therapy, for the Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies in Patients with 7/8 Mismatch Donors

Oral Presentation Title: Orca-Q Demonstrates Favorable GvHD-and-Relapse-Free Survival with Haploidentical Donors without Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide

Poster Presentation Title: Estimating the Current and Future Costs and Health Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (Allo-HCT)

About Orca-T

Orca-T is an investigational high-precision allogeneic cell therapy consisting of infusions containing regulatory T cells, conventional T cells and CD34+ stem cells derived from peripheral blood from either related or unrelated matched donors. Orca-T has received Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is being studied to treat multiple hematological malignancies.

About Orca-Q

Orca-Q is Orca Bio’s second investigational high-precision allogeneic cell therapy to enter clinical development for hematological malignancies. Orca-Q is a proprietary composition of enriched CD34+ stem cells combined with specific T cell subsets derived from haploidentical donors that are purified through Orca Bio’s high-precision platform. Orca-Q is a therapy that has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risks of graft versus host disease, without the use of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) in patients for whom a full human leukocyte antigen (HLA) match cannot be found.

Puma Biotechnology to Host Conference Call to Discuss Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results

On February 16, 2023 Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ: PBYI), a biopharmaceutical company, reported that it will host a conference call at 1:30 p.m. PST/4:30 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 2, 2023, following the release of its fourth quarter and full year 2022 financial results (Press release, Puma Biotechnology, FEB 16, 2023, View Source [SID1234627354]).

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The call may be accessed by dialing 1-877-709-8150 (domestic) or 1-201-689-8354 (international). Please dial in at least 10 minutes in advance and inform the operator that you would like to join the "Puma Biotechnology Conference Call." A live webcast of the conference call and presentation slides may be accessed on the Investors section of the Puma Biotechnology website at View Source A replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after completion of the call and will be archived on Puma’s website for 90 days.

Pfizer Announces Positive TALZENNA® and XTANDI® Combination Data from Phase 3 TALAPRO-2 Study

On February 16, 2023 Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) reported positive results from the Phase 3 TALAPRO-2 study of TALZENNA (talazoparib), an oral poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, in combination with XTANDI (enzalutamide), demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) compared to placebo plus XTANDI in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), with or without homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene mutations (Press release, Pfizer, FEB 16, 2023, View Source [SID1234627353]). In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Priority Review for Pfizer’s supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for TALZENNA in combination with XTANDI for the treatment of men with mCRPC. The FDA grants Priority Review to medicines that may offer significant advances in treatment or may provide a treatment where no adequate therapy exists. The FDA’s decision on the sNDA is expected in 2023.

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The TALAPRO-2 results will be presented today, Thursday, February 16, at 8:00 a.m. PST during the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU) as a late-breaking presentation (Abstract LBA17) and will be featured in the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU official press program.

In the final rPFS analysis, TALZENNA plus XTANDI reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 37% versus placebo plus XTANDI (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.63; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.51–0.78; P< 0.001). The median rPFS for the treatment arm was not reached at the time of analysis versus 21.9 months for placebo plus XTANDI. Median rPFS is reached when 50% of trial participants have had an event of disease progression or death.

"Novel hormone therapies dramatically changed outcomes for patients with mCRPC in the last decade, and the results from the TALAPRO-2 study show that the addition of talazoparib to the existing standard of care adds significant clinical benefit," said Neeraj Agarwal, M.D., FASCO, Professor of Oncology and Presidential Endowed Chair of Cancer Research at Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, and lead investigator for TALAPRO-2. "In addition to delaying disease progression, this combination delayed prostate-specific antigen progression and time to chemotherapy without adversely impacting patient quality of life. The TALAPRO-2 results support the potential for this combination to be practice-changing, with strong, highly consistent efficacy and observations in mCRPC patients both with or without HRR gene mutations, and across clinically relevant sub-populations."

A trend in overall survival (OS) favoring TALZENNA plus XTANDI was also observed, though these data are immature. The final OS will be reported once the predefined number of survival events has been reached. TALAPRO-2 is the first Phase 3 study to combine TALZENNA with XTANDI in patients unselected for genetic alterations in DNA damage repair pathways, directly or indirectly involved with HRR.

The study also showed clinically meaningful improvement in median rPFS for patients in the study treated with TALZENNA plus XTANDI across several prospectively assessed subgroups including HRR-deficient (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.30–0.70; P<0.001) and HRR-non-deficient or unknown (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54–0.89; P=0.004). Objective response rates, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response ≥50%, and time to PSA progression and use of subsequent cytotoxic chemotherapy and antineoplastic therapy were also significantly improved in patients treated with TALZENNA plus XTANDI versus placebo plus XTANDI. Median time to definitive clinically meaningful deterioration in global health status/quality of life was also longer in those treated with TALZENNA plus XTANDI (30.8 vs 25.0 months, respectively; HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62–0.99; P=0.04).

"Patients with mCRPC need new treatment approaches that can improve outcomes, and the rPFS results from TALAPRO-2, which appears to be the longest observed in a randomized trial in this setting, demonstrate the potential of the TALZENNA and XTANDI combination, if approved, to become a new standard of care," said Chris Boshoff, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Development Officer, Oncology and Rare Disease, Pfizer Global Product Development. "We are pleased that the FDA has granted Priority Review for our application, and we look forward to working with the Agency and global regulatory authorities to bring this treatment to men with mCRPC."

In the TALAPRO-2 trial, the safety of TALZENNA plus XTANDI was generally consistent with the known safety profile of each medicine. Among patients treated with TALZENNA plus XTANDI, the most common adverse events (AE) (greater than 20% of participants, all grades) included anemia (65.8%), decreased neutrophil count (35.7%), fatigue (33.7), decreased platelet count (24.6%), back pain and decreased white blood cell count (22.1% each), and decreased appetite (21.6%). The most common grade ≥3 treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were anemia (46.5%), low neutrophil (18.3%), and low platelet counts (7.3%). Among patients treated with placebo plus XTANDI, the most common AEs (greater than 15%) were fatigue (29.4%), arthralgia (19.7%), back pain (18.0%), anemia (17.5%), constipation (17.0%), and decreased appetite (15.7%). The most common grade >3 AEs were hypertension (7.5%), anemia (4.2%), and fatigue (2.0%). TEAEs led to discontinuation of TALZENNA in 19.1% of patients versus 12.2% of placebo. Discontinuation rates of XTANDI were generally consistent across both study arms (10.8% vs 11.0%).

Pfizer plans to submit detailed results from the trial for peer-reviewed publication. In addition to the FDA, Pfizer has also shared these data with the European Medicines Agency and other regulatory agencies to support regulatory filings and will provide further updates at the appropriate time.

Neither TALZENNA nor the combination of TALZENNA plus XTANDI has been approved by any regulatory agency for the treatment of mCRPC. In addition to the TALAPRO-2 trial, the combination of TALZENNA plus XTANDI is being investigated in the TALAPRO-3 trial (NCT04821622), a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study in men with HRR-deficient metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC).

About Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland and has progressed despite medical or surgical treatment to lower testosterone. Approximately 10%–20% of prostate cancer patients develop mCRPC within 5−7 years of diagnosis,1 and in the U.S., in 2020, approximately 60-90 thousand cases of the 3 million prostate cancer cases were mCRPC.2

About TALAPRO-2

The Phase 3 TALAPRO-2 trial is a two-part, two-cohort, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that enrolled 1,106 patients with mCRPC (with no systemic treatments initiated after documentation of mCRPC) at sites in the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region. The study included two patient cohorts: all-comers (n=750) and those with HRR mutations (HRRm; n=380). Patients on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or who had bilateral orchiectomy in the trial were randomized to receive TALZENNA 0.5 mg/day plus XTANDI 160mg/day, or placebo plus XTANDI 160 mg/day.

The primary endpoint of the trial is radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), defined as the time from the date of randomization to first objective evidence of radiographic progression by blinded independent review, or death, whichever occurs first, in both cohort 1 (all-comers) and cohort 2 (those with HRRm). The trial is still ongoing for cohort 2. Secondary endpoints include overall survival, objective response rate, duration of response, and PSA response.

For more information on the TALAPRO-2 trial (NCT03395197), go to www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About TALZENNA (talazoparib)

TALZENNA (talazoparib) is an oral poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, which plays a role in DNA damage repair. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that TALZENNA blocks PARP enzyme activity and traps PARP at the site of DNA damage, leading to decreased cancer cell growth and cancer cell death.

TALZENNA is approved in over 70 countries, including the U.S., as a once daily monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA)-mutated (gBRCAm) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

TALZENNA is being investigated as a combination therapy with XTANDI (enzalutamide) in men with advanced prostate cancer, including metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in the Phase 3 TALAPRO-2 clinical trial and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) in the Phase 3 TALAPRO-3 clinical trial. Preclinical studies have shown that the combination of a PARP inhibitor and an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor (ARSi) may result in an enhanced anti-tumor effect. Other combinations of TALZENNA with targeted therapies are also being studied in various solid tumors.

TALZENNA (talazoparib) Indication in the U.S.

TALZENNA (talazoparib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA)-mutated (gBRCAm) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic for TALZENNA.

TALZENNA (talazoparib) Important Safety Information

Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MDS/AML) have been reported in patients who received TALZENNA. Overall, MDS/AML has been reported in <1% (3 out of 787, 0.4%) of solid tumor patients treated with TALZENNA in clinical studies. The duration of TALZENNA treatment in these three patients prior to developing MDS/AML was 4 months, 24 months, and 60 months respectively. These patients had received previous chemotherapy with platinum agents and/or other DNA damaging agents including radiotherapy.

Myelosuppression consisting of anemia, leukopenia/neutropenia, and/or thrombocytopenia have been reported in patients treated with TALZENNA. Grade ≥3 anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were reported, respectively, in 39%, 21%, and 15% of patients receiving TALZENNA. Discontinuation due to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia occurred, respectively, in 0.7%, 0.3%, and 0.3% of patients.

Monitor complete blood counts for cytopenia at baseline and monthly thereafter. Do not start TALZENNA until patients have adequately recovered from hematological toxicity caused by previous therapy. If hematological toxicity occurs, dose modifications (dosing interruption with or without dose reduction) are recommended. With respect to MDS/AML, for prolonged hematological toxicities, interrupt TALZENNA and monitor blood counts weekly until recovery. If the levels have not recovered after 4 weeks, refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations. If MDS/AML is confirmed, discontinue TALZENNA.

TALZENNA can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Advise women of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months following the last dose. A pregnancy test is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating TALZENNA treatment. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential or who are pregnant to use effective contraception during treatment with TALZENNA and for at least 4 months after receiving the last dose. Based on animal studies, TALZENNA may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential. Advise women not to breastfeed while taking TALZENNA and for at least 1 month after receiving the last dose because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants.

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) of any grade for TALZENNA vs chemotherapy were fatigue (62% vs 50%), anemia (53% vs 18%), nausea (49% vs 47%), neutropenia (35% vs 43%), headache (33% vs 22%), thrombocytopenia (27% vs 7%), vomiting (25% vs 23%), alopecia (25% vs 28%), diarrhea (22% vs 26%), and decreased appetite (21% vs 22%).

The most frequently reported Grade ≥3 adverse reactions (≥10%) for TALZENNA vs chemotherapy were anemia (39% vs 5%), neutropenia (21% vs 35%), and thrombocytopenia (15% vs 2%).

The most common lab abnormalities (≥25%) for TALZENNA vs chemotherapy were decreases in hemoglobin (90% vs 77%), leukocytes (84% vs 73%), lymphocytes (76% vs 53%), neutrophils (68% vs 70%), platelets (55% vs 29%), and calcium (28% vs 16%) and increases in glucose (54% vs 51%), aspartate aminotransferase (37% vs 48%), alkaline phosphatase (36% vs 34%), and alanine aminotransferase (33% vs 37%).

Coadministration with P-gp inhibitors or BCRP inhibitors may increase TALZENNA exposure. If coadministering with the P-gp inhibitors amiodarone, carvedilol, clarithromycin, itraconazole, or verapamil is unavoidable, reduce the TALZENNA dose to 0.75 mg once daily. When the P-gp inhibitor is discontinued, increase the TALZENNA dose (after 3–5 half-lives of the P-gp inhibitor) to the dose used prior to the initiation of the P-gp inhibitor. When coadministering TALZENNA with other known P-gp inhibitors or BCRP inhibitors, monitor patients for potential increased adverse reactions.

For patients with moderate renal impairment, the recommended dose of TALZENNA is 0.75 mg once daily. For patients with severe renal impairment, the recommended dose of TALZENNA is 0.5 mg once daily. No dose adjustment is required for patients with mild renal impairment. TALZENNA has not been studied in patients requiring hemodialysis.

Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information and Patient Information for TALZENNA (talazoparib) at www.TALZENNA.com.

About XTANDI (enzalutamide) and Important Safety Information

XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC).

Overall survival benefit has been observed in patients treated with XTANDI in mCRPC, nmCRPC, and mCSPC.

Warnings and Precautions

Seizure occurred in 0.5% of patients receiving XTANDI in seven randomized clinical trials. In a study of patients with predisposing factors for seizure, 2.2% of XTANDI-treated patients experienced a seizure. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with XTANDI. Patients in the study had one or more of the following predisposing factors: use of medications that may lower the seizure threshold, history of traumatic brain or head injury, history of cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, and Alzheimer’s disease, meningioma, or leptomeningeal disease from prostate cancer, unexplained loss of consciousness within the last 12 months, history of seizure, presence of a space occupying lesion of the brain, history of arteriovenous malformation, or history of brain infection. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while taking XTANDI and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm to themselves or others. Permanently discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) There have been reports of PRES in patients receiving XTANDI. PRES is a neurological disorder that can present with rapidly evolving symptoms including seizure, headache, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances, with or without associated hypertension. A diagnosis of PRES requires confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI. Discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop PRES.

Hypersensitivity reactions, including edema of the face (0.5%), tongue (0.1%), or lip (0.1%) have been observed with XTANDI in seven randomized clinical trials. Pharyngeal edema has been reported in post-marketing cases. Advise patients who experience any symptoms of hypersensitivity to temporarily discontinue XTANDI and promptly seek medical care. Permanently discontinue XTANDI for serious hypersensitivity reactions.

Ischemic Heart Disease In the combined data of four randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, ischemic heart disease occurred more commonly in patients on the XTANDI arm compared to patients on the placebo arm (2.9% vs 1.3%). Grade 3-4 ischemic events occurred in 1.4% of patients on XTANDI versus 0.7% on placebo. Ischemic events led to death in 0.4% of patients on XTANDI compared to 0.1% on placebo. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Discontinue XTANDI for Grade 3-4 ischemic heart disease.

Falls and Fractures occurred in patients receiving XTANDI. Evaluate patients for fracture and fall risk. Monitor and manage patients at risk for fractures according to established treatment guidelines and consider use of bone-targeted agents. In the combined data of four randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, falls occurred in 11% of patients treated with XTANDI compared to 4% of patients treated with placebo. Fractures occurred in 10% of patients treated with XTANDI and in 4% of patients treated with placebo.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity The safety and efficacy of XTANDI have not been established in females. XTANDI can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy when administered to a pregnant female. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XTANDI and for 3 months after the last dose of XTANDI.

Adverse Reactions (ARs)

In the data from the four randomized placebo-controlled trials, the most common ARs (≥ 10%) that occurred more frequently (≥ 2% over placebo) in XTANDI-treated patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, hot flush, constipation, arthralgia, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and hypertension. In the bicalutamide-controlled study, the most common ARs (≥ 10%) reported in XTANDI-treated patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, hot flush, hypertension, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and weight loss.

In AFFIRM, the placebo-controlled study of metastatic CRPC (mCRPC) patients who previously received docetaxel, Grade 3 and higher ARs were reported among 47% of XTANDI-treated patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events (AEs) were reported for 16% of XTANDI-treated patients. In PREVAIL, the placebo-controlled study of chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients, Grade 3-4 ARs were reported in 44% of XTANDI patients and 37% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to AEs were reported for 6% of XTANDI-treated patients. In TERRAIN, the bicalutamide-controlled study of chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients, Grade 3-4 ARs were reported in 39% of XTANDI patients and 38% of bicalutamide patients. Discontinuations with an AE as the primary reason were reported for 8% of XTANDI patients and 6% of bicalutamide patients.

In PROSPER, the placebo-controlled study of non-metastatic CRPC (nmCRPC) patients, Grade 3 or higher ARs were reported in 31% of XTANDI patients and 23% of placebo patients. Discontinuations with an AE as the primary reason were reported for 9% of XTANDI patients and 6% of placebo patients.

In ARCHES, the placebo-controlled study of metastatic CSPC (mCSPC) patients, Grade 3 or higher AEs were reported in 24% of XTANDI-treated patients. Permanent discontinuation due to AEs as the primary reason was reported in 5% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients.

Lab Abnormalities: Lab abnormalities that occurred in ≥ 5% of patients, and more frequently (> 2%) in the XTANDI arm compared to placebo in the pooled, randomized, placebo-controlled studies are neutrophil count decreased, white blood cell decreased, hyperglycemia, hypermagnesemia, hyponatremia, and hypercalcemia.

Hypertension: In the combined data from four randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials, hypertension was reported in 12% of XTANDI patients and 5% of placebo patients. Hypertension led to study discontinuation in < 1% of patients in each arm.

Drug Interactions

Effect of Other Drugs on XTANDI Avoid strong CYP2C8 inhibitors, as they can increase the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, reduce the dose of XTANDI. Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers as they can decrease the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, increase the dose of XTANDI.

Effect of XTANDI on Other Drugs Avoid CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, as XTANDI may decrease the plasma exposures of these drugs. If XTANDI is co-administered with warfarin (CYP2C9 substrate), conduct additional INR monitoring.

Please see Full Prescribing Information for additional safety information.

Artera Announces Positive Results Around Its Multimodal Artificial Intelligence (MMAI) Prognostic Biomarker

On February 16, 2023 Artera, the developer of multimodal artificial intelligence-based predictive and prognostic cancer tests, reported new data today at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU 2023 demonstrating that its multimodal artificial intelligence (MMAI) prognostic biomarker can help bring more personalized treatment to men with localized prostate cancer (Press release, Artera, FEB 16, 2023, View Source [SID1234627352]).

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The biomarker was successfully validated across six phase III randomized trials with long-term follow-up to be independently prognostic over standard clinical and pathologic variables for men with high-risk prostate cancer.

"I am honored to present our abstract to further unpack these findings among many of the world-class clinicians attending ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU 2023," said Dr. Daniel Eidelberg Spratt, chairman and professor of radiation oncology at University Hospitals (UH) Seidman Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). "It was critical for us to validate the MMAI biomarker in high-risk prostate cancers where there are an increasing number of therapeutic decisions required, to showcase how the tool can help deliver personalized, shared decision-making for patients and providers."

The MMAI biomarker is a unique multimodal algorithm that uses imagery from a patient’s biopsy and learns from a patient’s clinical data. The AI combines those two pieces of information to predict a patient’s prognosis and how the patient may respond to a particular treatment. The algorithm has been trained on large amounts of data, from tens of thousands of patients and hundreds of thousands of pathology slide images.

"These results further underscore our commitment to helping patients by offering a clinically- validated tool for their clinicians to prognosticate patient outcomes and predict benefit with different treatment options for prostate cancer," said Andre Esteva, Co-founder and CEO of Artera. "We are excited by these findings not only as it further validates our ArteraAI Prostate Test, but also as it highlights the promise that AI holds in shepherding us towards the reality of personalized cancer treatments."

For more information on Artera please visit artera.ai.

New NUBEQA® (darolutamide) Subgroup Analyses from the Phase III ARASENS Trial in Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC) Patients Presented at ASCO GU

On February 16, 2023 Bayer reported that Subgroup analyses from the pivotal Phase III ARASENS trial support overall survival (OS) benefits of NUBEQA (darolutamide) plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and docetaxel compared to ADT and docetaxel in patients with high-volume and high and low-risk metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) (Press release, Bayer, FEB 16, 2023, View Source [SID1234627350]). Low-volume disease was also assessed with results suggestive of a survival benefit.1 NUBEQA is currently indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with mHSPC in combination with docetaxel and for the treatment of adult patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC).2 The full results were presented as an oral presentation during the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU Cancers Symposium and simultaneously published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.1

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These results build on existing data from the ARASENS trial, which show that NUBEQA plus ADT and docetaxel compared to ADT and docetaxel significantly reduces the risk of death in patients with mHSPC by 32% (HR=0.68; 95% CI 0.57-0.80; P<0.0001).3 Pre-specified secondary endpoints, including time to pain progression, were evaluated in the subgroup analyses.1

"These latest findings from the ARASENS trial continue to reinforce the strong efficacy and favorable safety profile of NUBEQA in mHSPC," said Maha Hussain, M.D., Genevieve Teuton Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, and the Deputy Director at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL. "The growing analyses from the ARASENS trial continue to demonstrate NUBEQA’s value in treating patients with mHSPC. The benefit is especially in those with high-volume or high-risk disease. They also provide treating physicians with greater insight into the mHSPC patient population that may benefit from this therapy."

"Despite recent advances, there still remains a need for treatments that extend survival and delay disease progression. These analyses highlight the potential of NUBEQA to become a foundational therapy for mHSPC patients with various types of metastatic disease burden," said Tara Frenkl, M.D., Senior Vice President and Head of Oncology Development at Bayer. "An important part of our mission at Bayer is prostate cancer care and improving patient outcomes at different stages of the disease. We are working to ensure that as many eligible patients as possible have the opportunity to benefit from NUBEQA."

In the ARASENS trial, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive NUBEQA plus ADT and docetaxel versus placebo plus ADT and docetaxel. High-volume disease was defined as visceral metastases and/or ≥4 bone metastases with ≥1 beyond the vertebral column/pelvis, as delineated in the CHAARTED criteria. High-risk disease was defined using the LATITUDE criteria, which includes ≥2 risk factors: a Gleason score of ≥8, ≥3 bone lesions, and the presence of measurable visceral metastasis. Of 1,305 patients in the full analysis set, 1,005 (77%) had high-volume disease, 912 (70%) had high-risk disease, 300 (23%) had low-volume disease, and 393 (30%) had low-risk disease.1

Results showed that NUBEQA with docetaxel prolonged OS in high-volume disease (HR=0.69; 95% CI 0.57-0.82; n=1,005). A consistent OS benefit was observed in both high-risk (HR=0.71; 95% CI 0.58-0.86; n=912) and low-risk (HR=0.62; 95% CI 0.42-0.90; n=393) disease. In the smaller group of patients with low-volume disease, the results are suggestive of a survival benefit with NUBEQA (HR=0.68; 95% CI 0.41-1.13; n=300).1

Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) across subgroups were consistent with the overall ARASENS population. Serious adverse events in patients receiving NUBEQA compared with placebo were 45.4% versus 43.5% for those with high-volume disease, 42.9% versus 38.2% for patients with low-volume disease, 45.3% versus 42.9% for patients with high-risk disease, and 43.7% versus 40.9% for patients with low-risk disease.1

About the ARASENS Trial4

The ARASENS trial (NCT02799602) is the only randomized, Phase III, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial prospectively designed to compare the use of a second-generation androgen receptor inhibitor (ARi) (NUBEQA) plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and the chemotherapy docetaxel to ADT and docetaxel (a guideline recommended treatment) in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). A total of 1,306 newly diagnosed patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive 600 mg of NUBEQA twice a day or matching placebo, plus ADT and 75mg/m2 of docetaxel, for 6 cycles. Treatment with NUBEQA plus ADT or ADT continued until symptomatic progressive disease, change of antineoplastic therapy, unacceptable toxicity, death, or withdrawal.

The primary endpoint of this trial was overall survival (OS). Time to pain progression was a secondary endpoint.

About NUBEQA (darolutamide)2

NUBEQA is an androgen receptor inhibitor (ARi) with a distinct chemical structure that competitively inhibits androgen binding, AR nuclear translocation, and AR-mediated transcription.2

On July 30, 2019, the FDA approved NUBEQA (darolutamide) based on the ARAMIS trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center Phase III study, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of oral NUBEQA in patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC).

NUBEQA is also being investigated in additional studies across various stages of prostate cancer, including in the ARANOTE Phase III trial evaluating NUBEQA plus ADT versus ADT alone for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), as well as in the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP) led international Phase III co-operative group DASL-HiCaP (ANZUP1801) trial evaluating NUBEQA as an adjuvant treatment for localized prostate cancer with very high risk of recurrence. Information about these trials can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Developed jointly by Bayer and Orion Corporation, a globally operating Finnish pharmaceutical company, NUBEQA is indicated for the treatment of adults with nmCRPC or with mHSPC in combination with docetaxel.2 Filings in other regions are underway or planned.

INDICATIONS

NUBEQA (darolutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC)
Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in combination with docetaxel
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warnings & Precautions

Ischemic Heart Disease – In a study of patients with nmCRPC (ARAMIS), ischemic heart disease occurred in 3.2% of patients receiving NUBEQA versus 2.5% receiving placebo, including Grade 3-4 events in 1.7% vs. 0.4%, respectively. Ischemic events led to death in 0.3% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 0.2% receiving placebo. In a study of patients with mHSPC (ARASENS), ischemic heart disease occurred in 2.9% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 2% receiving placebo with docetaxel, including Grade 3-4 events in 1.3% vs. 1.1%, respectively. Ischemic events led to death in 0.3% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 0.0% receiving placebo with docetaxel. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Discontinue NUBEQA for Grade 3-4 ischemic heart disease.

Seizure – In ARAMIS, Grade 1-2 seizure occurred in 0.2% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 0.2% receiving placebo. Seizure occurred 261 and 456 days after initiation of NUBEQA. In ARASENS, seizure occurred in 0.6% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel, including one Grade 3 event, vs. 0.2% receiving placebo with docetaxel. Seizure occurred 38 to 340 days after initiation of NUBEQA. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with NUBEQA. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while receiving NUBEQA and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause harm to themselves or others. Consider discontinuation of NUBEQA in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity – Safety and efficacy of NUBEQA have not been established in females. NUBEQA can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with NUBEQA and for 1 week after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions

In ARAMIS, serious adverse reactions occurred in 25% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 20% of patients receiving placebo. Serious adverse reactions in ≥1% of patients who received NUBEQA included urinary retention, pneumonia, and hematuria. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.9% of patients receiving NUBEQA vs. 3.2% of patients receiving placebo. Fatal adverse reactions in patients who received NUBEQA included death (0.4%), cardiac failure (0.3%), cardiac arrest (0.2%), general physical health deterioration (0.2%), and pulmonary embolism (0.2%). The most common adverse reactions (>2% with a ≥2% increase over placebo), including laboratory test abnormalities, were increased AST, decreased neutrophil count, fatigue, increased bilirubin, pain in extremity, and rash. Clinically relevant adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% of patients treated with NUBEQA included ischemic heart disease and heart failure.

In ARASENS, serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 42% of patients receiving placebo with docetaxel. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients who received NUBEQA with docetaxel included febrile neutropenia (6%), decreased neutrophil count (2.8%), musculoskeletal pain (2.6%), and pneumonia (2.6%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4% of patients receiving NUBEQA with docetaxel vs. 4% of patients receiving placebo with docetaxel. Fatal adverse reactions in patients who received NUBEQA included COVID-19/COVID-19 pneumonia (0.8%), myocardial infarction (0.3%), and sudden death (0.3%). The most common adverse reactions (≥10% with a ≥2% increase over placebo with docetaxel) were constipation, decreased appetite, rash, hemorrhage, increased weight, and hypertension. The most common laboratory test abnormalities (≥30%) were anemia, hyperglycemia, decreased lymphocyte count, decreased neutrophil count, increased AST, increased ALT, and hypocalcemia. Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received NUBEQA with docetaxel included fractures, ischemic heart disease, seizures, and drug-induced liver injury.

Drug Interactions

Effect of Other Drugs on NUBEQA – Combined P-gp and strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers decrease NUBEQA exposure, which may decrease NUBEQA activity. Avoid concomitant use.

Combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increase NUBEQA exposure, which may increase the risk of NUBEQA adverse reactions. Monitor more frequently and modify NUBEQA dose as needed.

Effects of NUBEQA on Other Drugs – NUBEQA inhibits breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) transporter. Concomitant use increases exposure (AUC) and maximal concentration of BCRP substrates, which may increase the risk of BCRP substrate-related toxicities. Avoid concomitant use where possible. If used together, monitor more frequently for adverse reactions, and consider dose reduction of the BCRP substrate.

NUBEQA inhibits OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 transporters. Concomitant use may increase plasma concentrations of OATP1B1 or OATP1B3 substrates. Monitor more frequently for adverse reactions and consider dose reduction of these substrates.

Review the Prescribing Information of drugs that are BCRP, OATP1B1, and OATP1B3 substrates when used concomitantly with NUBEQA.

For important risk and use information about NUBEQA, please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information.

About Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men worldwide. In 2020, an estimated 1.4 million men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and about 375,000 died from the disease worldwide.5 Rates of advanced prostate cancer diagnoses have risen 4.5% annually since 2011.6

At the time of diagnosis, most men have localized prostate cancer, meaning their cancer is confined to the prostate gland and can be treated with curative surgery or radiotherapy.7,8 Upon relapse, when the disease will metastasize or spread, the disease is hormone-sensitive and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the cornerstone of treatment. Current treatment options for men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) include hormone therapy, such as ADT, androgen receptor pathway inhibitors plus ADT or a combination of docetaxel chemotherapy and ADT. Despite these treatments, a large proportion of men with mHSPC will eventually experience progression to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), a condition with high morbidity and limited survival.9,10

About Oncology at Bayer

Bayer is committed to delivering science for a better life by advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments. The oncology franchise at Bayer includes six marketed products and several other assets in various stages of clinical development. Together, these products reflect the company’s approach to research, which prioritizes targets and pathways with the potential to impact the way that cancer is treated.