Gilead and Kite Oncology Present Data Demonstrating Car T-cell Therapy Survival Benefit and Showcasing Latest Advances in Blood Cancer Portfolio at ASH 2023

On November 2, 2023 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) and Kite, a Gilead Company, reported that it will share 29 presentations, including 10 oral presentations, during the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition (December 9-12) (Press release, Gilead Sciences, NOV 2, 2023, View Source [SID1234636838]).

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Key presentations for Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloeleucel) in relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL) across lines of therapy include: three-year results from ZUMA-12 investigating CAR T-cell therapy as part of first-line treatment; ZUMA-7 overall survival sub-group analysis in patients aged 65+; and post-hoc analyses showing the curative intent of Yescarta using six-year follow-up data from ZUMA-1. Additional Yescarta research will focus on new four-year follow-up results from ZUMA-5 evaluating Yescarta in R/R indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma.

"We’re pleased to present new data that continue to support the long-term survival and durability of response of our CAR T-cell therapies in blood cancers, across lines of therapy and age groups," said Frank Neumann, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Clinical Development, Kite. "Data from our ZUMA-7 sub-analysis will show that Yescarta can help older adults with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma live longer, underscoring that age is not a barrier to adult patients being treated with CAR T."

The largest real-world evidence dataset for Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel) in adult relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R B-ALL) and relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (R/R MCL) will also be presented. Additionally, four-year overall survival data from ZUMA-2 and a ZUMA-18 primary analysis of expanded access in R/R MCL will be highlighted in an oral presentation.

New data from the Phase 1 study of CART-dd BCMA will be presented from our multiple myeloma partner, Arcellx. CART-ddBCMA is Arcellx’s BCMA-specific CAR-modified T-cell therapy with a novel D-Domain BCMA binder that may improve CAR T-cell binding and killing of multiple myeloma cells.

Dates and times* for accepted abstracts and presentations of note are as follows:

*Times listed are in PT

Oral Presentations

Abstract Details

Titles

Large B-cell Lymphoma

Abstract #103

Saturday, December 9, 2023

9:30 AM

Room 6A

Real-World Evidence in the United States (US) of the Impact of Bridging Therapy Prior to Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-cel) for the Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma (R/R LBCL)

Abstract #223

Saturday, December 9, 2023

2:00 PM

Room 6CF

Baseline Immune State and T-cell Clonal Kinetics are Associated with Response to CAR-T Therapy in Large B-cell Lymphoma*

*In collaboration with Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Abstract #226

Saturday, December 9, 2023

2:45 PM

Room 6CF

Pre- and Post-treatment Immune Contexture Correlates with Long Term Response in Large B-cell Lymphoma Patients Treated with Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-cel)*

*In collaboration with Veracyte

Abstract #894

Monday, December 11, 2023

4:00 PM

Room 6A

3-Year Analysis of ZUMA-12: A Phase 2 Study of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-cel) as First-Line Therapy in Patients with High-Risk Large B-cell Lymphoma (LBCL)

Abstract #224

Saturday, December 9, 2023

2:15 PM

Room 6CF

An Inflammatory Biomarker Signature Reproducibly Predicts CAR T Treatment Failure in Patients with Aggressive Lymphoma Across the ZUMA Trial Cohorts*

*In collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Mantle Cell, Follicular and Other Indolent B-Cell Lymphomas

Abstract #106

Saturday, December 9, 2023

10:15 AM

Room 6A

Outcomes of Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma (R/R MCL) Treated with Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Brexu-cel) in ZUMA-2 and ZUMA-18, an Expanded Access Study

Abstract #107

Saturday, December 9, 2023

10:30 AM

Room 6A

Real-world Outcomes of Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Brexu-cel) for Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): A CIBMTR Subgroup Analysis of High-Risk Characteristics

Abstract #224

Saturday, December 9, 2023

2:45 PM

Room 30

Advancing CAR-T Therapy in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Multi-Omic Analyses of CD19-Directed CAR-T Cells Enabled by an Ex Vivo Co-Culture Platform*

*In collaboration with Lynx Biosciences, Inc.

Abstract #1029

Monday, December 11, 2023

5:00 PM

Room 6CF

Real-world Outcomes of Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Brexu-cel) for Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Adult B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-cell ALL): Evidence from the CIBMTR Registry

Multiple Myeloma

Abstract #1023

Monday, December 11, 2023

5:00 PM

Room 6A

Phase 1 Study of CART-ddBCMA for the Treatment of Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Results from at Least 1-year Follow-up in All Patients*

*Led by Kite partner Arcellx

Poster Presentations

Large B-cell Lymphoma

Abstract #1761

Saturday, December 9, 2023

5:30 – 7:30 PM

Halls G-H

Improved Overall Survival with Axicabtagene Ciloleucel vs. Standard of Care in Second-Line Large B-cell Lymphoma Among the Elderly: A Subgroup Analysis of ZUMA-7

Abstract #1638

Saturday, December 9, 2023

5:30 – 7:30 PM

Halls G-H

Personal and Shared Tumor-Antigen Prioritization in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Patients Undergoing CD19 CAR T-cell Treatment*

*In collaboration with Beth Deaconess Israel Medical Center

Abstract #2336

Saturday, December 9, 2023

5:30 – 7:30 PM

Halls G-H

Economic Burden Associated with ASCT in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: A Nationwide Health Insurance Claims Database Study in Japan During 2012-2022

Abstract #4864

Monday, December 11, 2023

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Halls G-H

Curative Potential of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-cel): An Exploratory Long-Term Survival Assessment in Patients with Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma from ZUMA-1

Mantle Cell, Follicular and Other Indolent B-Cell Lymphomas

Abstract #2121

Saturday, December 9, 2023

5:30 – 7:30 PM

Halls G-H

Comparative Effectiveness of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel vs Historical Standard-of-Care in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Follicular Lymphoma: An Analysis of CIBMTR and SCHOLAR-5 Data

Abstract #4868

Monday, December 11, 2023

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Halls G-H

Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-cel) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (iNHL): 4-Year Follow-up from the Phase 2 ZUMA-5 Trial

Abstract #4424

Monday, December 11, 2023

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Halls G-H

Physician Treatment Preferences in Relapsed/Refractory Follicular Lymphoma: A Discrete Choice Experiment

Abstract #5082

Monday, December 11, 2023

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Halls G-H

Cost-effectiveness of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel Versus Mosunetuzumab in Relapsed/Refractory Follicular Lymphoma in the US

Abstract #4869

Monday, December 11, 2023

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Halls G-H

An Updated Comparison of Clinical Outcomes from 4-year Follow-up of ZUMA-5 (Axicabtagene Ciloleucel) and the International SCHOLAR-5 External Control Cohort in Relapsed/Refractory Follicular Lymphoma

Abstract #4865

Monday, December 11, 2023

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Halls G-H

A Retrospective Intra-Patient Analysis from ZUMA-5: Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-cel) Compared with Prior Standard-of-Care (SOC) Therapy in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Follicular Lymphoma

Abstract #5136

Monday, December 11, 2023

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Halls G-H

Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison (MAIC) of Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Brexu-cel) and Pirtobrutinib in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) Previously Treated with a Covalent Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (cBTKi)

Abstract #2120

Saturday, December 9, 2023

5:30 – 7:00 PM

Halls G-H

Assessment of Early Intervention Strategies for Management of Cytokine Release Syndrome and Neurologic Events after Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Brexu-cel) Treatment in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma (R/R MCL) in ZUMA-2

TBD

A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis on the Outcomes of Brexucabtagene Autoleucel from ZUMA-2 Study and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation from the EBMT Database in Relapsed and Refractory Post-BTKi Mantle Cell Lymphoma*

*In collaboration with EBMT

Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Abstract #2434

Saturday, December 9, 2023

5:30 – 7:30 PM

Halls G-H

Evaluation of Disparities in Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (HR-

MDS) Patient Treatment Patterns in a Large US Health System

Abstract #5101

Monday, December 11, 2023

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Halls G-H

A Patient-Centered Programmatic Approach for Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes

(HR-MDS) in the US Community Oncology Setting

Abstract #5100

Monday, December 11, 2023

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Halls G-H

Machine Learning Approach to Understand Real-World Treatment in Patients with Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Abstract #5178

Monday, December 11, 2023

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Halls G-H

Patient, Caregiver, and Physician Perspectives on Communication in Diagnosing and

Treating Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Qualitative Study

Multiple Myeloma

Abstract #3383

Sunday, December 10, 2023

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Halls G-H

Safety and Tolerability of Magrolimab Combinations in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple

Myeloma (RRMM): Safety Run-in Results from a Phase 2 Study

Independently Led and Sponsored**

Abstract #4884

Monday, December 11, 2023

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Halls G-H

Cladribine and Cyclophosphamide Lymphodepletion Prior to Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in Relapsed or Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma

Abstract #6126

Radiomic Features Prognosticates Treatment Response in CAR T-cell Therapy

Real World Data of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel as Second Line Therapy for Patients with Large B-cell Lymphoma: First Results of a LYSA Study from the French DESCAR-T Registry

Efficacy and Tolerance of Brexucabtagene Autoleucel in Adults with Relapsed/Refractory B-cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia – A GRAALL Study from the DESCAR-T Registry

Publication Only

Abstract #6899

Statistical Challenges from Trials of Potentially Curative Treatments: Validation of Cure Assumptions When Analyzing ZUMA-7 Follow-up Data of Axi-cel and Standard of Care Therapy

For more information, including a complete list of abstract titles at the meeting, please visit: View Source

**Presentations independently led and sponsored feature Kite CAR T-cell therapies, but are not included in Kite accepted abstracts.

About Yescarta

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

YESCARTA is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of:

Adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or that relapses within 12 months of first-line chemoimmunotherapy.
Adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, high grade B-cell lymphoma, and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma.
Limitations of Use: YESCARTA is not indicated for the treatment of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma.

Adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).
U.S. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME AND NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA. Do not administer YESCARTA to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
Neurologic toxicities, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA, including concurrently with CRS or after CRS resolution. Monitor for neurologic toxicities after treatment with YESCARTA. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
YESCARTA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS Program.
CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME (CRS)

CRS, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred. CRS occurred in 90% (379/422) of patients with non- Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including ≥ Grade 3 in 9%. CRS occurred in 93% (56/2) of patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including ≥ Grade 3 in 9%. Among patients with LBCL who died after receiving YESCARTA, 4 had ongoing CRS events at the time of death. For patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1, the median time to onset of CRS was 2 days following infusion (range: 1-12 days) and the median duration was 7 days (range: 2-58 days). For patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7, the median time to onset of CRS was 3 days following infusion (range: 1-10 days) and the median duration was 7 days (range: 2-43 days). CRS occurred in 84% (123/146) of patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL) in ZUMA- 5, including ≥ Grade 3 in 8%. Among patients with iNHL who died after receiving YESCARTA, 1 patient had an ongoing CRS event at the time of death. The median time to onset of CRS was 4 days (range: 1-20 days) and median duration was 6 days (range: 1-27 days) for patients with iNHL.

Key manifestations of CRS (≥ 10%) in all patients combined included fever (85%), hypotension (40%), tachycardia (32%), chills (22%), hypoxia (20%), headache (15%), and fatigue (12%). Serious events that may be associated with CRS include cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia), renal insufficiency, cardiac failure, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, capillary leak syndrome, multi-organ failure, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome.

The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of CRS was assessed in 2 subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids for ongoing Grade 1 events, CRS occurred in 93% (38/41), including 2% (1/41) with Grade 3 CRS; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of CRS was 2 days (range: 1-8 days) and the median duration of CRS was 7 days (range: 2-16 days). Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA. Thirty-one of the 39 patients (79%) developed CRS and were managed with tocilizumab and/or therapeutic doses of corticosteroids with no patients developing ≥ Grade 3 CRS. The median time to onset of CRS was 5 days (range: 1-15 days) and the median duration of CRS was 4 days (range: 1-10 days). Although there is no known mechanistic explanation, consider the risk and benefits of prophylactic corticosteroids in the context of pre-existing comorbidities for the individual patient and the potential for the risk of Grade 4 and prolonged neurologic toxicities.

Ensure that 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to YESCARTA infusion. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CRS at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility, and for 4 weeks thereafter. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids as indicated.

NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES

Neurologic toxicities (including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome) that were fatal or life- threatening occurred. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (330/422) of all patients with NHL receiving YESCARTA, including ≥ Grade 3 in 25%. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 87% (94/108) of patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1, including ≥ Grade 3 in 31% and in 74% (124/168) of patients in ZUMA-7 including ≥ Grade 3 in 25%. The median time to onset was 4 days (range: 1-43 days) and the median duration was 17 days for patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1. The median time to onset for neurologic toxicity was 5 days (range:1- 133 days) and median duration was 15 days in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 77% (112/146) of patients with iNHL, including ≥ Grade 3 in 21%. The median time to onset was 6 days (range: 1-79 days) and the median duration was 16 days. Ninety-eight percent of all neurologic toxicities in patients with LBCL and 99% of all neurologic toxicities in patients with iNHL occurred within the first 8 weeks of YESCARTA infusion. Neurologic toxicities occurred within the first 7 days of infusion for 87% of affected patients with LBCL and 74% of affected patients with iNHL.

The most common neurologic toxicities (≥ 10%) in all patients combined included encephalopathy (50%), headache (43%), tremor (29%), dizziness (21%), aphasia (17%), delirium (15%), and insomnia (10%). Prolonged encephalopathy lasting up to 173 days was noted. Serious events, including aphasia, leukoencephalopathy, dysarthria, lethargy, and seizures occurred. Fatal and serious cases of cerebral edema and encephalopathy, including late-onset encephalopathy, have occurred.

The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of neurologic toxicities was assessed in 2 subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received corticosteroids at the onset of Grade 1 toxicities, neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (32/41) and 20% (8/41) had Grade 3 neurologic toxicities; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 6 days (range: 1-93 days) with a median duration of 8 days (range: 1-144 days). Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA. Of those patients, 85% (33/39) developed neurologic toxicities, 8% (3/39) developed Grade 3, and 5% (2/39) developed Grade 4 neurologic toxicities. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 6 days (range: 1-274 days) with a median duration of 12 days (range: 1-107 days). Prophylactic corticosteroids for management of CRS and neurologic toxicities may result in higher grade of neurologic toxicities or prolongation of neurologic toxicities, delay the onset and decrease the duration of CRS.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility, and for 4 weeks thereafter, and treat promptly.

REMS

Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, YESCARTA is available only through a restricted program called the YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS Program which requires that: Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer YESCARTA must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements and must have on-site, immediate access to a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab for each patient for infusion within 2 hours after YESCARTA infusion, if needed for treatment of CRS. Certified healthcare facilities must ensure that healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer YESCARTA are trained about the management of CRS and neurologic toxicities. Further information is available at www.YescartaTecartusREMS.com or 1-844-454-KITE (5483).

HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS

Allergic reactions, including serious hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis, may occur with the infusion of YESCARTA.

SERIOUS INFECTIONS

Severe or life-threatening infections occurred. Infections (all grades) occurred in 45% of patients with NHL. Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in 17% of patients, including ≥ Grade 3 or higher infections with an unspecified pathogen in 12%, bacterial infections in 5%, viral infections in 3%, and fungal infections in 1%. YESCARTA should not be administered to patients with clinically significant active systemic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to local guidelines.

Febrile neutropenia was observed in 36% of all patients with NHL 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.

In immunosuppressed patients, including those who have received YESCARTA, life-threatening and fatal opportunistic infections including disseminated fungal infections (e.g., candida sepsis and aspergillus infections) and viral reactivation (e.g., human herpes virus-6 [HHV-6] encephalitis and JC virus progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [PML]) have been reported. The possibility of HHV-6 encephalitis and PML should be considered in immunosuppressed patients with neurologic events and appropriate diagnostic evaluations should be performed. 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 B cells, including YESCARTA. Perform screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.

PROLONGED CYTOPENIAS

Patients may exhibit cytopenias for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and YESCARTA infusion. ≥ Grade 3 cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following YESCARTA infusion occurred in 39% of all patients with NHL and included neutropenia (33%), thrombocytopenia (13%), and anemia (8%). Monitor blood counts after infusion.

HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA

B-cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse reaction in 14% of all patients with NHL. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment and manage using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement. The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following YESCARTA 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 YESCARTA treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment.

SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES

Secondary malignancies may develop. Monitor life-long secondary malignancies. In the event that one occurs, contact Kite at 1-844-454-KITE (5483) to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing.

EFFECTS ON ABILITY TO DRIVE AND USE MACHINES

Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following YESCARTA 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 non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7 included fever, CRS, fatigue, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, diarrhea, headache, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, febrile neutropenia, chills, cough, infection with unspecified pathogen, dizziness, tremor, decreased appetite, edema, hypoxia, abdominal pain, aphasia, constipation, and vomiting.

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1 included CRS, fever, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, chills, diarrhea, febrile neutropenia, infections with pathogen unspecified, nausea, hypoxia, tremor, cough, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, and cardiac arrhythmias.

The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with iNHL in ZUMA-5 included fever, CRS, hypotension, encephalopathy, fatigue, headache, infections with pathogen unspecified, tachycardia, febrile neutropenia, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, tremor, chills, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, cough, vomiting, hypoxia, arrhythmia, and dizziness.

About Tecartus

Please see full FDA Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

Tecartus is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of:

Adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
Adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
U.S. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME and NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving Tecartus. Do not administer Tecartus to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
Neurologic toxicities, including life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving Tecartus, including concurrently with CRS or after CRS resolution. Monitor for neurologic toxicities after treatment with Tecartus. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
Tecartus is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the Yescarta and Tecartus REMS Program.
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with Tecartus. CRS occurred in 92% (72/78) of patients with ALL, including ≥ Grade 3 (Lee grading system) CRS in 26% of patients. Three patients with ALL had ongoing CRS events at the time of death. The median time to onset of CRS was five days (range: 1 to 12 days) and the median duration of CRS was eight days (range: 2 to 63 days) for patients with ALL.
Ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available for each patient prior to infusion of Tecartus. Following infusion, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CRS daily for at least seven days at the certified healthcare facility, and for four weeks thereafter. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids as indicated.

Neurologic Events, including those that were fatal or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with Tecartus. Neurologic events occurred in 87% (68/78) of patients with ALL, including ≥ Grade 3 in 35% of patients. The median time to onset for neurologic events was seven days (range: 1 to 51 days) with a median duration of 15 days (range: 1 to 397 days) in patients with ALL. For patients with MCL, 54 (66%) patients experienced CRS before the onset of neurological events. Five (6%) patients did not experience CRS with neurologic events and eight patients (10%) developed neurological events after the resolution of CRS. Neurologic events resolved for 119 out of 134 (89%) patients treated with Tecartus. Nine patients (three patients with MCL and six patients with ALL) had ongoing neurologic events at the time of death. For patients with ALL, neurologic events occurred before, during, and after CRS in 4 (5%), 57 (73%), and 8 (10%) of patients; respectively. Three patients (4%) had neurologic events without CRS. The onset of neurologic events can be concurrent with CRS, following resolution of CRS or in the absence of CRS.

The most common neurologic events (>10%) were similar in MCL and ALL and included encephalopathy (57%), headache (37%), tremor (34%), confusional state (26%), aphasia (23%), delirium (17%), dizziness (15%), anxiety (14%), and agitation (12%). Serious events including encephalopathy, aphasia, confusional state, and seizures occurred after treatment with Tecartus.

Monitor patients daily for at least seven days for patients with MCL and at least 14 days for patients with ALL at the certified healthcare facility and for four weeks following infusion for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities and treat promptly.

REMS Program: Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, Tecartus is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the Yescarta and Tecartus REMS Program which requires that:

Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer Tecartus must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements. Certified healthcare facilities must have on-site, immediate access to tocilizumab, and ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available for each patient for infusion within two hours after Tecartus infusion, if needed for treatment of CRS.
Certified healthcare facilities must ensure that healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer Tecartus are trained in the management of CRS and neurologic toxicities. Further information is available at www.YescartaTecartusREMS.com or 1-844-454-KITE (5483).
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or residual gentamicin in Tecartus.

Severe Infections: Severe or life-threatening infections occurred in patients after Tecartus infusion. Infections (all grades) occurred in 56% (46/82) of patients with MCL and 44% (34/78) of patients with ALL. Grade 3 or higher infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, occurred in 30% of patients with ALL and MCL. Tecartus should not be administered to patients with clinically significant active systemic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after Tecartus infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to local guidelines.

Febrile neutropenia was observed in 6% of patients with MCL and 35% of patients with ALL after Tecartus infusion and may be concurrent with CRS. The febrile neutropenia in 27 (35%) of patients with ALL includes events of "febrile neutropenia" (11 (14%)) plus the concurrent events of "fever" and "neutropenia" (16 (21%)). In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated.

In immunosuppressed patients, life-threatening and fatal opportunistic infections have been reported. The possibility of rare infectious etiologies (e.g., fungal and viral infections such as HHV-6 and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) should be considered in patients with neurologic events and appropriate diagnostic evaluations should be performed.

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 B cells. Perform screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.

Prolonged Cytopenias: Patients may exhibit cytopenias for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and Tecartus infusion. In patients with MCL, Grade 3 or higher cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following Tecartus infusion occurred in 55% (45/82) of patients and included thrombocytopenia (38%), neutropenia (37%), and anemia (17%). In patients with ALL who were responders to Tecartus treatment, Grade 3 or higher cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following Tecartus infusion occurred in 20% (7/35) of the patients and included neutropenia (12%) and thrombocytopenia (12%); Grade 3 or higher cytopenias not resolved by Day 60 following Tecartus infusion occurred in 11% (4/35) of the patients and included neutropenia (9%) and thrombocytopenia (6%). Monitor blood counts after Tecartus infusion.

Hypogammaglobulinemia: B cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur in patients receiving treatment with Tecartus. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported in 16% (13/82) of patients with MCL and 9% (7/78) of patients with ALL. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with Tecartus and manage using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement.

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

Secondary Malignancies may develop. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that one occurs, contact Kite at 1-844-454-KITE (5483) to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing.

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

Adverse Reactions: The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (≥ 20%) were fever, cytokine release syndrome, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, nausea, chills, headache, fatigue, febrile neutropenia, diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, hypoxia, rash, edema, tremor, infection with pathogen unspecified, constipation, decreased appetite, and vomiting. The most common serious adverse reactions (≥ 2%) were cytokine release syndrome, febrile neutropenia, hypotension, encephalopathy, fever, infection with pathogen unspecified, hypoxia, tachycardia, bacterial infections, respiratory failure, seizure, diarrhea, dyspnea, fungal infections, viral infections, coagulopathy, delirium, fatigue, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, musculoskeletal pain, edema, and paraparesis.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide

Legend Biotech to Showcase Leadership in Multiple Myeloma Treatment at the ASH 2023 Annual Meeting

On November 2, 2023 Legend Biotech Corporation ("Legend Biotech" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: LEGN), a global biotechnology company developing, manufacturing and commercializing novel therapies to treat life-threatening diseases, reported that two oral presentations and five poster presentations featuring new and updated data from the CARTITUDE clinical development program evaluating ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) will be presented at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition taking place in San Diego from December 9-12 (Press release, Legend Biotech, NOV 2, 2023, View Source [SID1234636837]).

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"We remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver additional treatment options to patients with unmet needs and are pleased with the results of our data. We look forward to seeing the latest data presented during ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper)."

Post this
For the first time, patient reported outcomes from the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study of cilta-cel versus standard of care treatment in patients with lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma after one to three prior lines of therapy will be featured in an oral presentation at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper). A poster will also present a new analysis of the CARTITUDE-4 study evaluating the efficacy and safety in patients who received cilta-cel as study treatment.

"We continue to deepen our understanding of the safety and efficacy profile for cilta-cel in different patient populations and in earlier lines of treatment in the CARTITUDE clinical development program," said Ying Huang, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Legend Biotech. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver additional treatment options to patients with unmet needs and are pleased with the results of our data. We look forward to seeing the latest data presented during ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper)."

A second oral presentation will include updated efficacy and safety data from Cohorts A and B of the Phase 2 CARTITUDE-2 study evaluating treatment with cilta-cel for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received one to three prior lines of treatment or with early relapse after first-time treatment.

Oral and poster presentation abstracts from the meeting can be found below.

ASH Presentations (December 9-12, 2023)

Abstract Number

Title

Information

Abstract #1021

Oral Presentation

The Phase 2 CARTITUDE-2 Trial: Updated Efficacy and Safety of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel in Patients with Multiple Myeloma and 1–3 Prior Lines of Therapy (Cohort A) and With Early Relapse After First Line Treatment (Cohort B)

Session Name: 704. Cellular Immunotherapies: Early Phase and Investigational Therapies: CAR-T Cell Therapies for Multiple Myeloma and B Cell Lymphomas

Session Date/Time: December 11, 2023, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm PT

Presentation Date/Time: December 11, 2023, 4:30 pm PT

Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 6A

Abstract #1063

Oral Presentation

Patient-Reported Outcomes in the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 Study of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel Versus Standard of Care in Patients With Lenalidomide-Refractory Multiple Myeloma After 1–3 Lines of Therapy

Session Name: 905. Outcomes Research – Lymphoid Malignancies: Balancing Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability, and Quality of Life in Patients With Multiple Myeloma

Session Date/Time: December 11, 2023, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm PT

Presentation Date/Time: December 11, 2023, 4:30 pm PT

Location: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Marriott Grand Ballroom 2-4

Abstract #2099

Poster Presentation

Biomarker Correlates of Response to Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma From CARTITUDE-1, a Phase 1b/2 Open-label Study, at the ~3 Year Follow-up

Session Name: 704. Cellular Immunotherapies: Early Phase and Investigational Therapies: Poster I

Session Date/Time: December 9, 2023, 5:30 – 7:30 pm PT

Location: San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Abstract #2141

Poster Presentation

Comparative Efficacy of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel Versus Idecabtagene Vicleucel in the Treatment of Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma Previously Treated With 2–4 Prior Lines of Therapy Using A Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison

Session Name: 705. Cellular Immunotherapies: Late Phase and Commercially Available Therapies: Poster I

Session Date/Time: December 9, 2023, 5:30 – 7:30 pm PT

Location: San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Abstract #3501

Poster Presentation

Clinical Experience with Cranial Nerve Impairment in the CARTITUDE-1, CARTITUDE-2 Cohorts A, B and C, and CARTITUDE-4 Studies of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel (cilta-cel)

Session Name: 705. Cellular Immunotherapies: Late Phase and Commercially Available Therapies: Poster II

Session Date/Time: December 10, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00 pm PT

Location: San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Abstract #4866

Poster Presentation

Efficacy and Safety in Patients With Lenalidomide-Refractory Multiple Myeloma and 1-3 Prior Lines Who Received a Single Infusion of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel As Study Treatment in the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 Trial

Session Name: 705. Cellular Immunotherapies: Late Phase and Commercially Available Therapies: Poster III

Session Date/Time: December 11, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00 pm PT

Location: San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Abstract #5083

Poster Presentation

Cost per Responder Analysis of Patients With Lenalidomide-Refractory Multiple Myeloma Who Received Cilta-cel From the CARTITUDE-4 Trial

Session Name: 902. Health Services and Quality Improvement – Lymphoid Malignancies: Poster III

Session Date/Time: December 11, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00 pm PT

Location: San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

ABOUT CARVYKTI (CILTACABTAGENE AUTOLEUCEL; CILTA-CEL)

Ciltacabtagene autoleucel is a B-cell maturation antigen (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 cilta-cel 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 entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Janssen) to develop and commercialize cilta-cel.

ABOUT CARTITUDE-1

CARTITUDE-1 (NCT03548207) is a 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 drug (IMiD) and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. The primary objective of the Phase 1b portion of the study was to characterize the safety and confirm the recommended Phase 2 dose of cilta-cel. The Phase 2 portion further evaluated the efficacy of cilta-cel with overall response rate as the primary endpoint.2

ABOUT CARTITUDE-2

CARTITUDE-2 (NCT04133636) is an ongoing Phase 2 multicohort study evaluating the safety and efficacy of cilta-cel in various clinical settings (Cohorts A, B, C, D, E, F). The primary study objective is to measure the percentage of patients with negative minimal residual disease (MRD).3

ABOUT CARTITUDE-4

CARTITUDE-4 (NCT04181827) is an ongoing, international, randomized, open-label Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of cilta-cel versus pomalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd) or daratumumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone (DPd) in adult patients with relapsed and lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior lines of therapy, including a PI and an IMiD. The primary endpoint of the study was progression-free survival.4

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 2023, it is estimated that more than 35,000 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 initially have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone problems, low blood counts, calcium elevation, kidney problems or infections.7

CARVYKTI 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.

CARVYKTI IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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) 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: 112 days). The most common manifestations of CRS included pyrexia (100%), hypotension (43%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (22%), chills (15%), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (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 and hemorrhage, HLH/MAS, angina pectoris, supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia, malaise, myalgias, increased Creactive 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. One patient with CRS and suspected HLH/MAS developed a fatal retroperitoneal hemorrhage in the setting of thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy and anticoagulation.

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 included ICANS, neurologic toxicity with signs and symptoms of parkinsonism, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, immune mediated myelitis, 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 may experience fatal or 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 non-parkinsonian 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 Miller-Fisher 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.

Immune Mediated Myelitis: Grade 3 myelitis has occurred 25 days following treatment in another ongoing study. Symptoms reported included hypoesthesia of the lower extremities and the lower abdomen with impaired sphincter control. Symptoms improved with the use of corticosteroids and intravenous immune globulin. Myelitis was ongoing at the time of death from other cause.

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. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathies.

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.

One patient with grade 4 HLH/MAS developed fatal intracerebral and gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the setting of coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia 12 days after treatment in another ongoing study. Patients who develop HLH/MAS have an increased risk of severe bleeding. Monitor hematological parameters in patients with HLH/MAS and transfuse per institutional guidelines.

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 View Source 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).

Grade 5 infections reported in other studies include bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, and CMV colitis (with HSV-1 hepatitis). Another patient developed mycotic aneurysm due to cerebral aspergillosis and died of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

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.

In a randomized controlled study of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (CARTITUDE- 4), patients treated with ciltacabtagene autoleucel had an increased rate of fatal COVID-19 infections compared to the standard therapy arm. Counsel patients on the importance of prevention measures. Follow institutional guidelines for the vaccination and management of immunocompromised patients with COVID-19.

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.

Pfizer Highlights Scientific Advances from Growing Hematology Portfolio at American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting

On November 2, 2023 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) reported that it will present its latest data showcasing advances in the treatment of hemophilia, sickle cell disease, and blood cancers at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego from December 9-12 (Press release, Pfizer, NOV 2, 2023, View Source [SID1234636836]). These data from 39 presentations represent continued innovation and advancement in hemophilia including pivotal findings for Pfizer’s novel anti-tissue factor pathway inhibitor (anti-TFPI) candidate marstacimab and the latest findings on a next-generation investigational treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) in GBT021601 (GBT601). Pfizer will also present the latest research in blood cancer, including for ELREXFIO (elranatamab-bcmm), a BCMA-directed bispecific antibody recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"Pfizer has been advancing science in hematology for more than 30 years, starting with the introduction of recombinant factor replacement therapy, which became the standard of care for people living with hemophilia. This year at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) we will deliver five oral presentations including the latest clinical findings from our hemophilia programs and exciting data from the GBT601 program in sickle cell disease, representing progress in our unrelenting efforts to address the broad spectrum of patient needs," said Sonal Bhatia, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Rare Disease, Pfizer. "The findings reflect the company’s scientific capabilities and use of translational science to potentially offer improved treatment options to help people living with these rare diseases."

"During ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper), we are pleased to present new clinical and real-world data in multiple myeloma from our broad development program for ELREXFIO, following recent FDA accelerated approval. This includes extended efficacy and safety results from MagnetisMM-3, highlighting sustained clinical efficacy and no new safety signals after 20 months of follow-up," said Chris Boshoff, Chief Oncology Research and Development Officer and Executive Vice President, Pfizer. "These data continue to support the potential of ELREXFIO as the next standard of care for patients with advanced multiple myeloma."

Highlights from company-sponsored abstracts include:

Six presentations from our hemophilia pipeline, including the first presentation of primary results from the non-inhibitor cohort of the pivotal Phase 3 BASIS clinical trial evaluating marstacimab in people living with hemophilia A or B. Additionally, four-year data from Pfizer’s Phase 1/2 study of investigational gene therapy giroctocogene fitelparvovec in adults living with severe hemophilia A will be presented.
Fourteen abstracts focused on the treatment of SCD, including Phase 2a safety, efficacy, and pharmacodynamic data from the ongoing Phase 2/3 clinical trial study of GBT601. In addition, long-term safety and efficacy findings on voxelotor (over four years follow-up) will be presented as well as data illustrating insights into the experience of SCD patients and their caregivers through a social media listening study.
Nineteen abstracts from our blood cancer portfolio, including six which continue to support the use of ELREXFIO, a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-CD3-directed bispecific antibody immunotherapy, in patients with RRMM. This includes extended findings from MagnetisMM-3 cohort A (~20 months median follow-up) and a pooled analysis of efficacy and safety in Black patients with RRMM from MagnetisMM-1, MagnetisMM-3, and MagnetisMM-9, reinforcing Pfizer’s commitment to health equity.
A complete list of Pfizer-sponsored accepted abstracts is available here.

Key Pfizer-sponsored oral presentations at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2023 include:

Predictive Biomarker Analysis from the GBT021601 Survival Study in Townes Sickle Mice (Abstract #14)

Pochron M

Saturday, December 9, 9:30 – 11:00 AM PST

Presentation Time: 9:45 AM PST

Efficacy and Safety of the Anti-Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor Marstacimab in Participants with Severe Hemophilia without Inhibitors: Results from the Phase 3 Basis Trial (Abstract #285)

Matino D

Saturday, December 9, 4:00-5:30 PM PST

Presentation Time: 4:30 PM PST

Preliminary Results from a Multicenter Phase 2/3 Study of Next-Generation HbS Polymerization Inhibitor GBT021601 for the Treatment of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (Abstract #274)

Saraf S

Saturday, December 9, 4:00 – 5:30 PM PST

Presentation Time: 4:45 PM PST

Understanding the Experiences of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease and their Caregivers by Social Media Listening in the UK (Abstract #1057)

Shastri O

Monday, December 11, 4:30 – 6:00 PM EST

Presentation Time: 4:30 PM PST

Four-Year Follow-up of the Alta Study, a Phase 1/2 Study of Giroctocogene Fitelparvovec (PF-07055480/SB-525) Gene Therapy in Adults with Severe Hemophilia Α (Abstract #1054)

Leavitt A

Monday, December 11, 2023, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM PST

Presentation Time: 5:15 PM

About Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a family of rare genetic blood diseases caused by a clotting factor deficiency (FVIII in hemophilia A, FIX in hemophilia B) which prevents normal blood clotting. Hemophilia is often diagnosed in early childhood and impacts more than 400,000 people worldwide.1 The inability of the blood to clot properly can increase the risk of painful bleeding inside the joints and other serious or even life-threatening bleeding. People living with hemophilia can suffer permanent joint damage following repeated bleeding episodes.1,2

For decades, the most common treatment approach for hemophilia A and B has been factor replacement therapy, which replaces the missing clotting factors. Factor replacement therapies increase the amount of clotting factor in the body to levels that improve clotting, resulting in less bleeding; however, they must be administered by IV infusion on a regular basis.2,3 Approximately 25-30% of people with hemophilia A and 3-5% of people with hemophilia B are unable to continue taking factor replacement therapies because they develop inhibitors to FVIII and FIX.4,5

About Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a lifelong, debilitating inherited blood disorder characterized by hemolytic anemia, which drives vascular inflammation, acute pain crises and progressive end organ damage. Acute pain crisis, or vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), occurs when sickled red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets stick to the inflamed lining of blood vessels leading to vascular occlusion, tissue ischemia and pain. Complications of SCD begin in early childhood and are associated with shortened life expectancy. Early intervention and treatment of SCD have shown potential to reduce symptoms, events, long-term organ damage, and extend life expectancy. Historically, there has been a high unmet need for therapies that address SCD and its acute and chronic complications. SCD occurs particularly among those whose ancestors are from sub-Saharan Africa, though it also occurs in people of Hispanic, South Asian, Southern European, and Middle Eastern ancestry.

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an aggressive and currently incurable blood cancer that affects plasma cells made in the bone marrow. Healthy plasma cells make antibodies that help the body fight infection.6 MM is the second most common type of blood cancer, with over 35,000 new cases of MM diagnosed annually in the U.S. and 176,000 globally.7,8 About half of those diagnosed with MM won’t survive beyond five years, and most will receive four or more lines of therapy due to relapse.9 While disease trajectory varies for each person, relapses are nearly inevitable.10 Real-world evidence shows that people with RRMM often become resistant to the three main classes of treatment – proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies – after just a few rounds of therapy, and re-treating with these classes was common.11 The goal of therapy for people with RRMM is to achieve disease control with acceptable toxicity and improved quality of life.12

Prescribing Information for Pfizer Medicines

Please read full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, for ELREXFIO.

Please read full Prescribing Information for OXBRYTA.

Nuvation Bio Reports Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On November 2, 2023 Nuvation Bio Inc. (NYSE: NUVB), a biopharmaceutical company tackling some of the greatest unmet needs in oncology by developing differentiated and novel therapeutic candidates, reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023, and provided a business update (Press release, Nuvation Bio, NOV 2, 2023, View Source [SID1234636834]).

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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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"We remain focused on strong clinical execution of our NUV-868 program for advanced solid tumors," said David Hung, M.D., Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Nuvation Bio. "We look forward to expanding our clinical pipeline with an IND submission for our first DDC clinical candidate expected before the end of the year, building upon our unwavering commitment to bringing transformative cancer therapies to patients who need them most."

Recent Business Updates

NUV-868, BD2-Selective BETi: Advanced solid tumors

Dosing underway in the Phase 1 monotherapy study and both regimens of the Phase 1b combination study. Nuvation Bio continues to treat patients in the Phase 1 monotherapy study of NUV-868 in advanced solid tumors, the Phase 1b study of NUV-868 in combination with olaparib in patients with ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), triple negative breast cancer and other solid tumors, and the Phase 1b study of NUV-868 in combination with enzalutamide in patients with mCRPC.
Drug-Drug Conjugate Platform: Solid tumors

Nominated first clinical candidate. Nuvation Bio remains on track to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for an undisclosed DDC candidate with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by year end 2023.
Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results

As of September 30, 2023, Nuvation Bio had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $619.3 million. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, research and development expenses were $18.6 million, compared to $21.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a $0.7 million decrease in personnel-related costs driven by a headcount reduction as well as a $2.0 million decrease in third-party costs related to research services and manufacturing primarily due to the termination of the NUV-422 program.

For the three months ended September 30, 2023, general and administrative expenses were $7.8 million, compared to $8.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a $0.6 million decrease in insurance and a $0.1 million decrease in recruiting and computer expenses offset by a $0.4 million increase in personnel-related costs driven by stock-based compensation and other benefits.

For the three months ended September 30, 2023, Nuvation Bio reported a net loss of $19.6 million, or $(0.09) per share. This compares to a net loss of $27.2 million, or $(0.12) per share, for the comparable period in 2022.

European Medicines Agency validates Pierre Fabre Laboratories’ marketing authorisation application for combination BRAFTOVI® (encorafenib) and MEKTOVI® (binimetinib) for patients with BRAFV600-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

On November 2, 2023 Pierre Fabre Laboratories reported that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) validated the submission for BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) + MEKTOVI (binimetinib) for the treatment of adult patients with BRAFV600-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), who are either treatment naïve or have received prior therapy (Press release, Pierre Fabre, NOV 2, 2023, View Source [SID1234636833]).

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The submission is based on the results from the registrational PHAROS study,[1] which by independent review, showed an objective response rate (ORR) of 75% in treatment-naïve patients, with 59% maintaining a response for at least 12 months, and 46% in previously treated patients.[1]

"Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death worldwide,[2] and there are currently limited effective targeted treatment options for patients with BRAFV600-mutant advanced NSCLC. With our strategic focus on lung cancer and oncology precision medicine, this submission is the next step in delivering clinically meaningful change to oncology patient populations with high unmet needs," said Eric Ducournau, Chief Executive Officer of Pierre Fabre Laboratories.

The Phase 2 PHAROS trial[1] showed that one 450mg daily dose of BRAFTOVI and two 45mg daily doses of MEKTOVI[1] provided a meaningful clinical benefit for these patients with an ORR of 75% (95% CI: 62, 85) in treatment-naïve patients (n=59), with 59% of them maintaining a response for at least 12 months. For those patients who had received prior therapy (n=39), the ORR was 46% (95% CI: 30, 63), with 33% maintaining a response for at least 12 months. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached at data cut-off for the treatment-naïve group (95% CI: 15.7, NE) and 9.3 months (95% CI: 6.2, NE) for the previously treated group. Median overall survival (OS) was not reached for either subgroup at the time of data cut-off. The most common treatment-related adverse events observed in the PHAROS trial were nausea (50%), diarrhoea (43%), fatigue (32%) and vomiting (29%).

These findings were simultaneously published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and presented during the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) congress on 4 June 2023.[1]

BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI are currently approved in Europe for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAFV600 mutation.[3],[4] BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab is also approved in Europe for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with a BRAFV600E mutation who have received prior systemic therapy.[3]

About PHAROS

PHAROS (NCT03915951) is an ongoing, open-label, multicentre, non-randomised Phase 2 study to determine the efficacy and safety of BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI in 98 patients with BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic NSCLC. Mutations were identified using next-generation sequencing or polymerase chain reaction tests performed at the patient’s local laboratory. The primary endpoint is confirmed ORR per RECIST v1.1, by independent radiology review (IRR); secondary objectives comprise additional efficacy endpoints including DoR, PFS, and OS as well as safety. The trial is being conducted across 56 sites in: Italy, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, and the U.S.

The PHAROS trial is sponsored by Pfizer Inc. and conducted with support from Pierre Fabre Laboratories.

About BRAF-mutant advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the number one cause of cancer-related death globally.[2] NSCLC accounts for approximately 80-85% of all lung cancers.[5]

Certain lung cancers are driven by acquired genetic abnormalities like a BRAF mutation. By using biomarkers to identify a person’s particular tumour type, treatment can become more personalised and effective, since the molecular makeup of a person’s cancer often determines how they respond to different therapies.

BRAF mutations occur in approximately 3-5% of NSCLC cases.[1] It stimulates tumour cell growth and proliferation by altering the MAP kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway. Targeting components of this pathway could potentially inhibit unchecked tumour growth and proliferation caused by BRAF mutations.[1],[6]

Precision medicine is increasingly being developed for NSCLC patients with genetic changes, such as BRAF mutations, that can be detected using biomarker tests.[7],[8] Advances in targeted therapy and more widespread use of biomarker testing have been associated with significant improvements in population-level NSCLC mortality in recent years.[9]

About BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI

BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) is an oral small molecule BRAF kinase inhibitor and MEKTOVI (binimetinib) is an oral molecule MEK inhibitor, both of which target key proteins in the MAPK signalling pathway (RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK). Uncontrolled activation of this pathway has been shown to occur in many cancers, including melanoma, CRC, and NSCLC.[1]

In 2018, the European Commission (EC) approved BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAFV600 mutation. The approval was based on results from the randomised, active-controlled, open-label, multicentre Phase 3 COLUMBUS trial.

In 2020, BRAFTOVI was EC-approved, in combination with cetuximab, for the treatment of adults with metastatic CRC with a BRAFV600E mutation. The approval was based on results from the randomised, active-controlled, open-label, multicentre Phase 3 BEACON CRC trial.

Pfizer has exclusive rights to commercialise BRAFTOVI and MEKTOVI in the U.S., Canada, and all countries in the Latin American, African, and Middle Eastern regions. Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has exclusive rights to commercialise both products in Japan and South Korea, Medison has exclusive rights in Israel, and Pierre Fabre Laboratories has exclusive rights in all other countries, including Europe and Asia-Pacific.

The full product and safety information for the use of BRAFTOVI and MEKTOVI are outlined in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), published in the European public assessment report (EPAR) and available in all official EU languages. The full SmPC can be accessed at: View Source