TALVEY® (talquetamab-tgvs) demonstrates highly durable, longer-term responses in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

On June 14, 2024 Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported that long-term data from the Phase 1/2 MonumenTAL-1 study showed that with 20 to 30 months of median follow-up, triple-class-exposed patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who were treated with TALVEY (talquetamab-tgvs) maintained high overall response rates (ORR) and durable responses, irrespective of whether they had received prior T-cell redirection therapy (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, JUN 14, 2024, View Source [SID1234644348]). These data, featured in a poster presentation at the 2024 European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress (Abstract #P915) demonstrate the efficacy and durability of TALVEY when used before or after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy or bispecific antibody therapies in triple-class-exposed patients with RRMM.1

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"Results from the MonumenTAL-1 study continue to show deeper response levels and a longer duration of response in patients treated with either of the approved dose options of talquetamab, while the median overall survival has yet to be reached at two years," said Dr. Leo Rasche, attending physician on the myeloma service, University Hospital of Würzburg.* "It is encouraging to see no notable increases in treatment-related discontinuations with this longer follow-up across cohorts."

In MonumenTAL-1, 297 patients with no prior exposure to T-cell redirection therapy received TALVEY at the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of 0.8 mg/kg biweekly (Q2W) (n=154) or 0.4 mg/kg weekly (QW) (n=143).1 At a median follow-up of 23.4 months, patients in the Q2W cohort demonstrated a median duration of response (DOR) of 17.5 months, with median DOR not reached in patients with complete response (CR) or better. For patients in the QW arm, a median follow-up of 29.8 months showed a median DOR of 9.5 months with a median DOR of 28.6 months in patients with a CR or better. At 24 months, 67.1 percent and 60.6 percent of patients were alive from the two dosing cohorts, respectively.1

At a median follow-up of 20.5 months, TALVEY continued to show strong efficacy in patients with prior T-cell redirection therapy exposure (n=78), with 55.1 percent of patients achieving very good partial response (VGPR) or better and 57.3 percent alive at 24.2 months.1

Infection rates remained lower than in studies of B-cell maturation antigen–targeted bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), consistent with previous reports. No increase in grade 3/4 infections was observed, with longer follow-up GPRC5D-associated adverse events (AEs) led to few dose reductions and discontinuations. One additional patient discontinued treatment due to AEs since the previous report. Weight loss, as assessed by vital signs, was evident early but stabilized and improved over time, including in patients with oral toxicities. 1

Data from MonumenTAL-2 support continued durable responses at one year with investigational combination of TALVEY and pomalidomide in patients with RRMM who had ≥ two prior lines of therapy

Longer follow-up from the Phase 1b MonumenTAL-2 study of the investigational use of TALVEY and pomalidomide show deep responses and a manageable safety profile in patients with RRMM and support the potential to combine TALVEY with an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD). These updated data, from the first-ever study of a regimen combining a GPRC5D-targeted therapy and an immunomodulatory agent, were featured as a poster presentation at the 2024 EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress (Abstract #P911).2

Patients in the Phase 1b MonumenTAL-2 study (n=35) were treated with subcutaneous (SC) TALVEY at the RP2D of 0.8 mg/kg (Q2W) (n=19) or 0.4 mg/kg (QW) (n=16) with step-up doses, plus 2.0 mg of oral pomalidomide daily. At a median follow-up of 16.8 months (range, 1.2-25.1), response-evaluable patients demonstrated an ORR of 88.6 percent (≥ VGPR, 80 percent).2

"With multiple dosing options and the ability to be used both before or after CAR-T therapy and BCMA bispecifics, TALVEY is an important and versatile treatment option for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma," said Jordan Schecter, M.D., Vice President, Disease Area Leader, Multiple Myeloma, at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "The low rate of grade 3/4 infections seen in MonumenTAL-2 suggests the flexibility of TALVEY as a combination partner with an immunomodulatory agent for patients who continue to face limited treatment options with this complex hematologic disease."

At 12 months, 80.4 percent of patients who achieved a CR or better maintained their response.2 The progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 12 months was 72.6 percent.2

The most common grade 3/4 hematologic AEs were neutropenia (57.1 percent), anemia (25.7 percent), and thrombocytopenia (20 percent).2 Taste, nail, skin, and rash toxicities occurred in 85.7 percent, 68.6 percent, 74.3 percent, and 28.6 percent of patients, respectively; the majority were grade 1/2 with few discontinuations.2 Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 74.3 percent and infections occurred in 80 percent (22.9 percent, grade 3/4) of patients.2

*Dr. Leo Rasche has provided consulting, advisory, and speaking services to Johnson & Johnson; he has not been paid for any media work.

About TALVEY
TALVEY (talquetamab-tgvs) received approval from the U.S. FDA in August 2023 as a first-in-class GPRC5D-targeting bispecific antibody for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 antibody.3 Since FDA approval, 1,500 patients were treated with TALVEY. The European Commission (EC) granted conditional marketing authorization (CMA) of TALVEY ▼ (talquetamab-tgvs) in August 2023 as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least three prior therapies, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 antibody and have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy.4

TALVEY is a bispecific T-cell engaging antibody that binds to the CD3 receptor expressed on the surface of T-cells and G protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), a novel multiple myeloma target which is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells and non-malignant plasma cells, as well as some healthy tissues such as epithelial cells of the skin and tongue.

For more information, visit www.TALVEY.com.

About MonumenTAL-1

MonumenTAL-1 (Phase 1: NCT03399799, Phase 2: NCT04634552) is a Phase 1/2 single-arm, open-label, multicohort, multicenter dose-escalation study involving more than 300 patients.5,6 Phase 1 evaluated the safety and efficacy of TALVEY in adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who received three or more prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. The study excluded patients who experienced T-cell redirection therapy within 3 months, prior Grade 3 or higher CRS related to any T-cell redirection therapy, an autologous stem cell transplant within 12 weeks, an allogenic stem cell transplant within 6 months, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score of 3 or higher, stroke or seizure within 6 months, CNS involvement or clinical signs of meningeal involvement of multiple myeloma, plasma cell leukemia, or active or documented history of autoimmune disease (exception of vitiligo, resolved childhood atopic dermatitis or resolved Graves’ Disease that is euthyroid based on clinical and laboratory testing).

Phase 2 of the study evaluated the efficacy of TALVEY in participants with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma at the recommended Phase 2 dose(s) (RP2D), established as SC 0.4 mg/kg weekly and 0.8 mg/kg every two weeks, respectively. Efficacy was based on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR) as assessed by an Independent Review Committee using the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria.1

About MonumenTAL-2

The MonumenTAL-2 (NCT05050097) study is an ongoing Phase 1 study of subcutaneous talquetamab in combination with carfilzomib, daratumumab SC, lenalidomide or pomalidomide for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma. The primary objective of the MonumenTAL-2 study is to identify and characterize the safety of the treatment combinations. Secondary objectives of the MonumenTAL-2 study include overall response rates, duration of response and time to response.7

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.8 In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells change, spread rapidly and replace normal cells in the bone marrow with tumors.9 Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer and remains an incurable disease.10 In 2023, it is estimated that more than 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the U.S. and more than 12,000 people will die from the disease.11 People living with multiple myeloma have a five-year relative survival rate of 59.8 percent.12 While some people diagnosed with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels and kidney problems or infections.13,14

TALVEY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION AND USAGE

TALVEY (talquetamab-tgvs) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on 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(s).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME and NEUROLOGIC TOXICITY, including IMMUNE EFFECTOR CELL-ASSOCIATED NEUROTOXICITY SYNDROME

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), including life-threatening or fatal reactions, can occur in patients receiving TALVEY. Initiate TALVEY treatment with step-up dosing to reduce the risk of CRS. Withhold TALVEY until CRS resolves or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Neurologic toxicity, including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), and serious and life-threatening or fatal reactions, can occur with TALVEY. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity including ICANS during treatment and treat promptly. Withhold or permanently discontinue TALVEY based on severity.

Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicity, including ICANS, TALVEY is available only through a restricted program called the TECVAYLI and TALVEY Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS).

CONTRAINDICATIONS: None.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): TALVEY can cause cytokine release syndrome, including life-threatening or fatal reactions. In the clinical trial, CRS occurred in 76% of patients who received TALVEY at the recommended dosages, with Grade 1 CRS occurring in 57% of patients, Grade 2 in 17%, and Grade 3 in 1.5%. Most events occurred following step-up dose 1 (29%) or step-up dose 2 (44%) at the recommended dosages. Recurrent CRS occurred in 30% of patients. CRS occurred in 33% of patients with step-up dose 3 in the biweekly dosing schedule (N=153). CRS occurred in 30% of patients with the first 0.4 mg/kg treatment dose and in 12% of patients treated with the first 0.8 mg/kg treatment dose. The CRS rate for both dosing schedules combined was less than 3% for each of the remaining doses in Cycle 1 and less than 3% cumulatively from Cycle 2 onward. The median time to onset of CRS was 27 (range: 0.1 to 167) hours from the last dose, and the median duration was 17 (range: 0 to 622) hours. Clinical signs and symptoms of CRS include but are not limited to pyrexia, hypotension, chills, hypoxia, headache, and tachycardia. Potentially life-threatening complications of CRS may include cardiac dysfunction, acute respiratory distress syndrome, neurologic toxicity, renal and/or hepatic failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Initiate therapy with step-up dosing and administer pre-treatment medications (corticosteroids, antihistamine, and antipyretics) prior to each dose of TALVEY in the step-up dosing schedule to reduce the risk of CRS. Monitor patients following administration accordingly. In patients who experience CRS, pre-treatment medications should be administered prior to the next TALVEY dose.

Counsel patients to seek medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur. At the first sign of CRS, immediately evaluate patient for hospitalization and institute treatment with supportive care based on severity, and consider further management per current practice guidelines. Withhold TALVEY until CRS resolves or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Neurologic Toxicity including ICANS: TALVEY can cause serious or life-threatening neurologic toxicity, including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), including fatal reactions. In the clinical trial, neurologic toxicity occurred in 55% of patients who received the recommended dosages, with Grade 3 or 4 neurologic toxicity occurring in 6% of patients. The most frequent neurologic toxicities were headache (20%), encephalopathy (15%), sensory neuropathy (14%), and motor dysfunction (10%).

ICANS was reported in 9% of 265 patients where ICANS was collected and who received the recommended dosages. Recurrent ICANS occurred in 3% of patients. Most patients experienced ICANS following step-up dose 1 (3%), step-up dose 2 (3%), step-up dose 3 of the biweekly dosing schedule (1.8%), or the initial treatment dose of the weekly dosing schedule (2.6%) (N=156) or the biweekly dosing schedule (3.7%) (N=109). The median time to onset of ICANS was 2.5 (range: 1 to 16) days after the most recent dose with a median duration of 2 (range: 1 to 22) days. The onset of ICANS can be concurrent with CRS, following resolution of CRS, or in the absence of CRS. Clinical signs and symptoms of ICANS may include but are not limited to confusional state, depressed level of consciousness, disorientation, somnolence, lethargy, and bradyphrenia.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity during treatment and treat promptly. At the first sign of neurologic toxicity, including ICANS, immediately evaluate the patient and provide supportive care based on severity. Withhold or permanently discontinue TALVEY based on severity and consider further management per current practice guidelines. [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

Due to the potential for neurologic toxicity, patients receiving TALVEY are at risk of depressed level of consciousness. Advise patients to refrain from driving or operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery during the step-up dosing schedule and for 48 hours after completion of the step-up dosing schedule, and in the event of new onset of any neurological symptoms, until symptoms resolve.

TECVAYLI and TALVEY REMS: TALVEY is available only through a restricted program under a REMS, called the TECVAYLI and TALVEY REMS because of the risks of CRS and neurologic toxicity, including ICANS.

Further information about the TECVAYLI and TALVEY REMS program is available at www.TEC-TALREMS.com or by telephone at 1-855-810-8064.

Oral Toxicity and Weight Loss: TALVEY can cause oral toxicities, including dysgeusia, dry mouth, dysphagia, and stomatitis. In the clinical trial, 80% of patients had oral toxicity, with Grade 3 occurring in 2.1% of patients who received the recommended dosages. The most frequent oral toxicities were dysgeusia (49%), dry mouth (34%), dysphagia (23%), and ageusia (18%). The median time to onset of oral toxicity was 15 (range: 1 to 634) days, and the median time to resolution to baseline was 43 (1 to 530) days. Oral toxicity did not resolve to baseline in 65% of patients.

TALVEY can cause weight loss. In the clinical trial, 62% of patients experienced weight loss of 5% or greater, regardless of having an oral toxicity, including 28% of patients with Grade 2 (10% or greater) weight loss and 2.7% of patients with Grade 3 (20% or greater) weight loss. The median time to onset of Grade 2 or higher weight loss was 67 (range: 6 to 407) days, and the median time to resolution was 50 (range: 1 to 403) days. Weight loss did not resolve in 57% of patients who reported weight loss.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of oral toxicity. Counsel patients to seek medical attention should signs or symptoms of oral toxicity occur and provide supportive care as per current clinical practice, including consultation with a nutritionist. Monitor weight regularly during therapy. Evaluate clinically significant weight loss further. Withhold TALVEY or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Infections: TALVEY can cause infections, including life-threatening or fatal infections. Serious infections occurred in 16% of patients, with fatal infections in 1.5% of patients. Grade 3 or 4 infections occurred in 17% of patients. The most common serious infections reported were bacterial infection (8%), which included sepsis and COVID-19 (2.7%).

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection prior to and during treatment with TALVEY and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to local guidelines. Withhold or consider permanently discontinuing TALVEY as recommended, based on severity.

Cytopenias: TALVEY can cause cytopenias, including neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. In the clinical trial, Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophils occurred in 35% of patients, and Grade 3 or 4 decreased platelets occurred in 22% of patients who received TALVEY. The median time to onset for Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was 22 (range: 1 to 312) days, and the median time to resolution to Grade 2 or lower was 8 (range: 1 to 79) days. The median time to onset for Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia was 12 (range: 2 to 183) days, and the median time to resolution to Grade 2 or lower was 10 (range: 1 to 64) days. Monitor complete blood counts during treatment and withhold TALVEY as recommended, based on severity.

Skin Toxicity: TALVEY can cause serious skin reactions, including rash, maculo-papular rash, erythema, and erythematous rash. In the clinical trial, skin reactions occurred in 62% of patients, with grade 3 skin reactions in 0.3%. The median time to onset was 25 (range: 1 to 630) days. The median time to improvement to grade 1 or less was 33 days.

Monitor for skin toxicity, including rash progression. Consider early intervention and treatment to manage skin toxicity. Withhold TALVEY as recommended based on severity.

Hepatotoxicity: TALVEY can cause hepatotoxicity. Elevated ALT occurred in 33% of patients, with grade 3 or 4 ALT elevation occurring in 2.7%; elevated AST occurred in 31% of patients, with grade 3 or 4 AST elevation occurring in 3.3%. Grade 3 or 4 elevations of total bilirubin occurred in 0.3% of patients. Liver enzyme elevation can occur with or without concurrent CRS.

Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin at baseline and during treatment as clinically indicated. Withhold TALVEY or consider permanent discontinuation of TALVEY, based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action, TALVEY may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TALVEY and for 3 months after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are pyrexia, CRS, dysgeusia, nail disorder, musculoskeletal pain, skin disorder, rash, fatigue, weight decreased, dry mouth, xerosis, dysphagia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, hypotension, and headache.

The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥30%) are lymphocyte count decreased, neutrophil count decreased, white blood cell decreased, and hemoglobin decreased.

Please read full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, for TALVEY.

Sumitomo Pharma Presents New Clinical Data on DSP-5336 at the European Hematology Association 2024 Congress

On June 14, 2024 Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. (SMPA) reported the oral presentation of data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 first-in-human study of DSP-5336 in patients with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2024 Hybrid Congress (Press release, Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals, JUN 14, 2024, View Source [SID1234644347]). DSP-5336 is an investigational small molecule inhibitor of the menin and mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) protein interaction, which plays key roles in biological pathways, including cell growth regulation, cell cycle control, genomic stability, bone development, and hematopoiesis.1,2,3

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Building on preliminary data presented at the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, authors presented updated data from the open-label, ongoing dose escalation and optimization portion of the Phase 1/2 study. Patients received oral DSP-5336 in repeating 28-day cycles at doses ranging from 40 mg to 300 mg twice-daily.

The oral presentation at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) included the results of 57 patients. Responses were more consistently observed in patients who received 140 mg twice-daily or higher, particularly in the 21 patients with either Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutation or KMT2A (MLL) rearrangement documented by local testing. Objective response was observed in both patient populations with 57% of patients (12/21), with complete remission or complete remission with partial hematologic recovery (CR/CRh) observed in 24% (5/21 patients).

To date, DSP-5336 remains well-tolerated with no dose limiting toxicity (DLT) observed and no significant cardiac signal nor treatment-related discontinuations or deaths. No significant drug-drug interactions with azoles have been identified and repeat dosing results in minimal to no pharmacokinetic accumulation. Importantly, no differentiation syndrome (DS) prophylaxis was needed, and the three cases of DS reported (5%) were manageable and did not result in intensive care unit (ICU) stays or discontinuation of DSP-5336.

"The response in patients previously untreated with menin inhibitors is encouraging, and competitive with greater than 50% objective response rate alongside a favorable safety profile in patients with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia," said Naval Daver, M.D., Director, Leukemia Research Alliance Program and Professor in the Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and lead author on the DSP-5336 poster at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper). "Menin inhibitors have tremendous potential to improve the outcomes of certain types of acute leukemia, as they reverse the leukemogenic activity of MLL fusion and mutated NPM1 proteins. In addition to promising clinical activity the safety profile of DSP-5336 has been especially encouraging and may differentiate it from other menin inhibitors with no severe DS, DLTs nor treatment-related discontinuations."

Leukemia is a type of cancer that forms in blood-forming tissue, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of blood cells, usually white blood cells, in the bone marrow. Acute leukemia, a form of leukemia, requires immediate treatment as blood cells multiply rapidly leading to a sudden onset of symptoms.4 Approximately 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients have NPM1 mutations7 and 5-10% of AML patients have KMT2A (MLL) rearrangements.5

"There remains a high unmet need in relapsed or refractory acute leukemia, as there are no approved targeted treatments for AML with KMT2A (MLL) rearrangements or NPM1 mutations," said Jatin Shah, M.D., Chief Medical Officer – Oncology at SMPA. "The biology of menin inhibition is clearly important and we are very early in the rapidly evolving field. We’re excited by these early results and aim to provide a needed option that is both efficacious and well-tolerated. We look forward to continuing to progress the study of DSP-5336 in the hopes of improving outcomes in AML and advancing patient care."

About DSP-5336
DSP-5336 is an investigational small molecule inhibitor of the menin and mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) protein interaction. Menin is a scaffold nuclear protein that plays various key roles in biological pathways, including cell growth regulation, cell cycle control, genomic stability, bone development, and hematopoiesis.1,2 In preclinical studies, DSP-5336 has shown selective growth inhibition in human acute leukemia cell lines with KMT2A (MLL) rearrangements or NPM1 mutations.1,3 DSP-5336 reduced the expression of the leukemia-associated genes HOXA9 and MEIS1, and increased the expression of the differentiation gene CD11b in human acute leukemia cell lines with MLL rearrangements and NPM1 mutation.9,10 The safety and efficacy of DSP-5336 is currently being clinically evaluated in a Phase 1/2 dose escalation/dose expansion study in patients with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia (NCT04988555). The FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation for DSP-5336 for the indication of acute myeloid leukemia in June 2022.

Ascentage Pharma Signs Option Agreement with Takeda to Enter into Exclusive Global License for Olverembatinib, a Third-Generation BCR-ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI)

On June 14, 2024 Ascentage Pharma (6855 HK), a global biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancer, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and age-related diseases, reported the signing of an option agreement with Takeda to enter into an exclusive license agreement for olverembatinib, an oral, potentially best-in-class third-generation BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), which is currently in development for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and other hematological cancers (Press release, Ascentage Pharma, JUN 14, 2024, View Source [SID1234644346]). If exercised, the option would allow Takeda to license exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize olverembatinib in all territories outside of among others, mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, China.

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Despite the impact TKIs have had in the treatment of patients with CML, there remains a significant unmet need for patients whose disease is resistant to these therapies or who develop hard-to-treat mutations following these treatments.

Under the terms of this option agreement, Ascentage Pharma is set to receive 100 million USD from Takeda to acquire the option to license olverembatinib. Ascentage will also be eligible for an option exercise fee and additional potential milestones of up to approximately 1.2 billion USD. Additionally, Ascentage Pharma is expected to receive a minority equity investment from Takeda.

As part of the agreement, Ascentage Pharma will continue to be solely responsible for all clinical development of olverembatinib before the potential exercise of the option to license olverembatinib. Olverembatinib is currently approved and marketed in China for the treatment of adult patients with TKI-resistant chronic-phase CML (CP-CML) or accelerated-phase CML (AP-CML) harboring the T315I mutation, and in adult patients with CP-CML resistant to and/or intolerant of first-and second-generation TKIs.

"We are thrilled to enter into this agreement with Takeda, which would allow us to leverage the global commercial expertise of an organization with a proven track record and global oncology footprint to potentially broaden the impact olverembatinib could have on patients in need around the world," said Dr. Dajun Yang, Chairman and CEO of Ascentage Pharma. "Olverembatinib has already had a significant impact for patients with CML in China. We are excited to further the development of olverembatinib in our ongoing global registrational Phase 3 studies."

"Throughout our history in oncology, Takeda has demonstrated a strong track record of working with companies that share our vision of bringing medicines to patients around the world with the highest unmet needs," said Teresa Bitetti, president of Takeda’s Global Oncology Business Unit. "Through this agreement with Ascentage Pharma, we believe there is great potential to continue to advance this mission. We are highly encouraged by the promising results olverembatinib has shown in the clinic to date, and excited to have the opportunity to further develop and deliver it to patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and other hematological cancers."

About Olverembatinib

Olverembatinib, the company’s core drug candidate developed for the treatment of drug-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and the company’s first approved product, has been granted Priority Review Designations and Breakthrough Therapy Designations by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). To date, the drug has been included in the China 2022 National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). Furthermore, olverembatinib has been granted an Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and a Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the US FDA, and an Orphan Designation by the EMA of the EU.

Ryvu Therapeutics presents clinical and preclinical data on RVU120 at the 2024 European Hematology Association Congress

On June 14, 2024 Ryvu Therapeutics (WSE: RVU), a clinical-stage drug discovery and development company focusing on novel small molecule therapies that address emerging targets in oncology, reported clinical and preclinical data from RVU120 at the 2024 European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper), June 13-16, Madrid, Spain (Press release, Ryvu Therapeutics, JUN 14, 2024, View Source [SID1234644345]).

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"We are thrilled to share the advancements in RVU120 research and its clinical development, emphasizing its significant potential in addressing unmet needs in hematologic malignancies.", states Dr. Hendrik Nogai, Chief Medical Officer, Ryvu Therapeutics. "We are proud of the successful initiation of our Phase II studies. It is reassuring that the initial clinical safety data of RVU120 in combination with venetoclax, allow us to continue testing the compelling preclinical evidence of synergism in patients. Beyond AML and HR-MDS, we continue to work hard on new therapeutic strategies for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Over the upcoming months, we are expecting a ramp up of patient enrollment and data readouts, and we remain committed to developing innovative treatments that can provide improved outcomes for patients in need." – underlines Dr. Hendrik Nogai, Chief Medical Officer, Ryvu Therapeutics.

Poster highlights:

Poster Title: RVU120, a first-in-class CDK8 inhibitor for the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML and high-risk MDS: preliminary results from two ongoing studies.
Poster Number: P600

Session date and time: Friday, June 14 (9:00 CET on the online platform, 18:00 CET for the poster presentation)

The poster includes data on 30 evaluable patients out of 38 total dosed patients in the Phase I trial (RIVER-51) and initial data from the Phase II trial (RIVER-52).

RVU120 as single agent showed clinical benefit in heavily pretreated patients with AML and HR-MDS in the Phase I trial CLI120-001 (RIVER-51). The strongest evidence of benefit was observed in patients with NPM1 and/or DNMT3A mutations, and in patients with HR-MDS.
At the poster presentation’s cut-off date, the data from the Phase II RIVER-52 trial of RVU120 as a monotherapy for patients with relapsed/refractory AML and HR-MDS were not yet mature enough for efficacy assessment in the target population, but preliminary signs of clinical benefit have been observed in ongoing patients.
The safety and tolerability of RVU120 at the RP2D of 250 mg administered every other day was confirmed in patients treated in both trials, with mild or moderate gastrointestinal events being the most frequently reported.
Poster Title: Synergistic potential of RVU120, a first-in-class CDK8/CDK19 inhibitor, with venetoclax in AML: preclinical and initial clinical insights.
Poster Number: P525

Session date and time: Friday, June 14 (9:00 CET on the online platform, 18:00 CET for the poster presentation)

Ryvu presents a mechanism of synergy between RVU120 and venetoclax in preclinical models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
The combination of RVU120 and venetoclax leads to caspase-dependent degradation of MCL-1 protein and represses inflammatory and AML oncogenic pathways at the transcriptomic level in AML cells.
RVU120, when combined with venetoclax, exerts cytotoxic and differentiating effects on leukemic stem cells (LSCs) from a hierarchical AML model, exceeding the efficacy of venetoclax alone.
By countering therapeutic failure caused by persistent LSCs and MCL-1-mediated venetoclax resistance, this combination offers hope to patients with AML in both the refractory and the frontline setting.
Initial data from the ongoing Phase II study RIVER-81 demonstrate the safety of RVU120 in combination with venetoclax at the initial dose level in patients with relapsed/refractory AML. Enrollment is currently ongoing in Cohort 2.
Poster Title: CDK8/19 Inhibition: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.
Poster Number: P1018

Session date and time: Friday, June 14 (9:00 CET on the online platform, 18:00 CET for the poster presentation)

In murine models of disease, RVU120 effectively attenuates myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) phenotypes (single-agent or combined with ruxolitinib (RUX)) partly through downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
RVU120 exhibits synergy with JAK inhibitors as a class and BET inhibitor – pelabresib. These findings open new potential therapeutic options for MPN patients, including myelofibrosis.
The combination of RVU120 and RUX acts synergistically by downregulating JAK/STAT signaling and inflammatory pathways at the transcriptomic level.
Based on compelling preclinical results, Ryvu is launching the clinical study POTAMI-61 (NCT06397313), evaluating RVU120 as a single agent or in combination with ruxolitinib in patients with myelofibrosis.
Investor Event:

Ryvu will host a webinar on Friday, June 14, at 9:30 CET, covering the latest data and potential of RVU120. To join the webcast, please register here: View Source

Autolus Therapeutics to Present Three Clinical Data Updates on obecabtagene autoleucel (obe-cel) in relapsed/refractory (r/r) B-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients at the 2024 European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress

On June 14, 2024 Autolus Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: AUTL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation programmed T cell therapies, reported three abstracts to be presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress, June 13-16, 2024 (Press release, Autolus, JUN 14, 2024, View Source [SID1234644344]).

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"We are looking forward to presenting longer-term data from adult patients with r/r ALL treated with obe-cel in the FELIX study," said Dr. Christian Itin, Chief Executive Officer of Autolus. "The data indicate that with a median follow up of 21.5 months long-term event free and overall survival are stabilizing at around 40%, suggesting that obe-cel can potentially deliver durable responses as a single agent."

Oral presentation:

Title: obecabtagene autoleucel in adult relapsed/refractory B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Survival and potential impact of CAR T-cell persistence and stem cell transplantation in the FELIX study
Session Title: s419 Acute lymphoblastic leukemia – Clinical 1: Immunotherapy: antibodies and CAR-T cells
Session date and time: Friday, June 14 from 14:45 – 16:00 CEST
Session room: N104
Final Abstract Code: S114
Presenting Author: Dr. Claire Roddie
Summary of Findings: This is an encore presentation of the findings presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2024. The overall response rate (ORR) (Complete Response/CRi) in all patients who received obe-cel in the FELIX study was 78% (99/127 patients). At the February 7, 2024, data cut-off date, the majority of ongoing responders showed durable responses. Among the responding patients, at a median follow up of 21.5 months (range: 8.6–41.4), 40% were in ongoing remission without subsequent stem cell therapy (SCT) or other non-protocol specified therapy, while 18% proceeded to subsequent SCT while in remission, 5% started new anti-cancer therapy while in remission and 36% relapsed or died. The median event-free survival (EFS) was 11.9 months and median overall survival (OS) was 23.8 months and the estimated 12-month EFS and OS rates were 49.5% and 61.1% respectively.

These data support the potential of a long-term plateau of survival outcomes in patients receiving obe-cel. Ongoing CAR T persistence and B-cell aplasia were associated with improved EFS. This pattern is consistent with the Phase 1 ALLCAR19 data. Furthermore, SCT consolidation in remission following obe-cel did not appear to improve EFS or OS.
Poster presentations:

Title: obecabtagene autoleucel (obe-cel, AUTO1) for relapsed/refractory adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R B-ALL): The impact of inotuzumab (INO)-containing bridging therapy on treatment outcomes
Session Title: Poster session
Session date and time: Friday, June 14 from 18:00 – 19:00 CEST
Final Abstract Code: P418
Presenting Author: Dr. Jae H. Park
Summary of Findings: INO-containing bridging therapies were effective in reducing BM disease prior to lymphodepletion and administration of obe-cel. Our data suggests that reducing BM blasts as much as possible prior to lymphodepletion predicts EFS and OS outcomes; however, patients with high disease burden at screening are still at higher risk of relapse overall. Bridging therapy with INO was utilized in patients with higher disease burden (median 81.5% blasts at screening vs 40% in bridging therapy w/o INO group) and helped minimize the risk of CRS and ICANS without increasing liver toxicity. Choice of bridging therapy prior to obe-cel treatment, though influenced by clinical care variables, may impact outcomes for patients with R/R B-ALL. Further studies comparing bridging with INO-containing therapies or chemotherapy are warranted.

Title: Droplet digital PCR and flow cytometry sensitivity for measuring CAR T-cell kinetics in adult patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with obecabtagene autoleucel
Session Title: Poster session
Session date and time: Friday, June 14 from 18:00 – 19:00 CEST
Final Abstract Code: P1469
Presenting Author: Dr. Claire Roddie
Summary of Findings: A strong correlation was observed between flow cytometry and ddPCR assays for assessment of CAR T levels in peripheral blood. ddPCR is a more sensitive technology than flow cytometry for monitoring CAR T persistence. Flow cytometry assays developed specifically for CAR T monitoring may be sufficiently sensitive to be of clinical relevance. Our data suggest that loss of CAR T persistence is associated with shorter EFS and may be taken into consideration, together with other parameters such as measurable residual disease (MRD), to help inform clinical monitoring post-obe-cel infusion. A validation cohort using an appropriately developed CAR T marking flow cytometry assay versus a ddPCR assay would be required to conclude on the most appropriate methods to inform clinical outcomes.