Positive Late-Breaking Data for Incyte’s First-in-Class mutCALR-targeted therapy INCA033989 in Essential Thrombocythemia Presented at EHA2025

On June 15, 2025 Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) reported the first clinical data from two studies evaluating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of INCA033989, a novel, first in class, Incyte-discovered, targeted monoclonal antibody in patients with mutant calreticulin (mutCALR)-expressing myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) (Press release, Incyte, JUN 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653905]). These data – featured today in the Late-Breaking Oral Session (#LB4002) at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2025 (EHA2025) Congress in Milan, Italy – focus on the dose escalation portion of the studies in patients with high risk essential thrombocythemia (ET) who are resistant/intolerant to prior cytoreductive therapy.

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The studies evaluated the safety and efficacy of INCA033989 in patients with ET as measured by hematologic response and reduction in mutCALR variant allele frequency (VAF).

Results as of April 4, 2025, showed rapid and durable normalization of platelet counts across all dose levels, with a trend toward improved responses in higher doses (>400 mg), in patients with ET treated with INCA033989. Notably, 86% of patients at doses 400 mg and above achieved a complete or partial hematologic response, with the majority (82%) of patients achieving complete response. Eighty-nine (89) percent of evaluable patients (34/38) showed a reduction in mutCALR VAF from baseline. A partial molecular response (>50% VAF reduction) was observed in 21% of evaluable patients (8/38) after only 3 cycles of treatment.

An exploratory study using single-cell DNA (scDNA) sequencing showed that INCA033989 directly targets and reduces cells carrying mutCALR. This reduction was seen in early blood-forming (CD34-positive) cells and cells in the myeloid-erythroid (ME) lineage. At the same time, there was a clear increase in healthy (wild-type CALR) cells, suggesting that the treatment supports the return of normal blood production. Bone marrow biopsies further confirmed these effects showing fewer megakaryocytes with mutCALR protein and a notable increase in megakaryocytes without mutCALR protein. Together, these findings demonstrate the selectivity of INCA033989, allowing for normalization of healthy hematopoiesis and disease modification.

"The late-breaking data presented today highlight the impact of INCA033989, a novel agent that selectively targets mutant CALR, to inhibit and eliminate cancer-causing cells in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), while sparing healthy cells and normalizing healthy blood production," said Pablo J. Cagnoni, M.D., President, Head of Research and Development, Incyte. "These findings, and the further development of INCA033989, offer the potential to significantly transform the treatment of patients with CALR-mutant myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)."

The results (N=49) showed that INCA033989 was well tolerated across all dose cohorts (24 to 2,500 mg), with no dose-limiting toxicities observed. Only one (1) patient discontinued treatment, and only one (1) dose reduction due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was observed. No infusion interruptions due to TEAEs were reported, and a maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Forty-two (42) patients across the dose cohorts reported a TEAE. The most common TEAEs were fatigue (26.5%) and upper respiratory tract infection (20.4%), all of which were Grade ≤2. Thirteen (13) patients had Grade >3 TEAEs, with transient asymptomatic lipase increase as the most common (6%).

"mutCALR is the second most common oncogenic driver of MPNs, yet the therapeutic landscape lacks a targeted agent for mutCALR expressing MPNs. Currently, ET treatments aim to prevent vascular complications and improve symptoms but are limited by toxicity and tolerability issues," said John Mascarenhas, M.D., Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai and Director, Center of Excellence for Blood Cancers and Myeloid Disorders, The Tisch Cancer Institute. "These data support the hypothesis that INCA033989 has the potential not only to normalize platelet counts and provide rapid and durable hematologic responses – but to induce molecular responses, which could potentially change the natural history of the disease."

Additional data from the INCA033989 study in patients with myelofibrosis will be submitted for presentation at a future medical meeting. Discussions with regulatory authorities are planned with the goal to initiate a Phase 3 study by early 2026.

More information regarding the EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)2025 Congress and the data from Incyte’s hematology/oncology portfolio being featured at the meeting can be found on the EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) website: View Source

Incyte Conference Call and Webcast

Incyte will host an in-person analyst and investor event on Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 6:00 – 7:30 a.m. ET (12:00 – 1:30 p.m. CEST) to discuss key mutCALR data presented at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper).

The event will be webcasted and can be accessed via the Events and Presentations tab of the Investor section of Incyte.com and it will be available for replay for 30 days.

About Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a closely related group of blood cancers in which the bone marrow functions abnormally. The bone marrow is where the body’s blood cells are made. MPNs are progressive blood cancers that can strike anyone at any age, but they are more common in older adults. Estimates of the prevalence of MPNs vary, but analysis of claims data suggests there may be as many as 200,000 people in the U.S. living with the most prevalent MPNs: myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia (ET).1

About Mutations in Calreticulin (mutCALR)

Calreticulin (CALR) is a protein involved in the regulation of cellular calcium levels and normal protein folding. Somatic, or non-inherited, DNA mutations in the CALR gene (mutCALR) can result in abnormal protein function and lead to the development of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs),2 a closely related group of clonal blood cancers in which the bone marrow functions abnormally, overproducing blood cells.3,4 Among two types of MPNs, essential thrombocythemia (ET) and myelofibrosis (MF), mutCALR drives 25-35% of all cases.2,3 There are approximately 60,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe with mutCALR positive ET.5

Incyte is at the forefront of developing novel therapies for patients with mutCALR ET or MF that target only malignant cells, sparing normal cells, including INCA033989, a first-in-class, mutCALR-specific therapy.

About the INCA033989 Trial Program

The clinical trial program for INCA033989 includes two multicenter, open-label Phase 1 studies, INCA33989-101 (NCT05936359) and INCA33989-102 (NCT06034002), enrolling ~225 patients outside of the U.S. and ~140 patients in the U.S., respectively. The studies are evaluating the safety, tolerability, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or recommended dose(s) for expansion (RDE) of INCA033989 administered as a monotherapy or in combination with ruxolitinib in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including essential thrombocythemia (ET) and myelofibrosis (MF). The intent of Part 1A (dose escalation) is to identify the MTD and/or the RDE of INCA033989 among patients with MF and ET. In Part 1A INCA033989 is administered intravenously every two weeks at a protocol defined dose ranging from 24 mg. to 2,500 mg. In Part 1B (dose expansion), INCA033989 is administered at the RDE(s) identified during Part 1A.

The primary endpoint of the studies focuses on safety and tolerability as measured by: the number of participants with DLTs up to 28 days, the number of participants with treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) up to 3 years and 60 days, and the number of participants with TEAEs leading to dose modification or discontinuation up to 3 years and 60 days. Secondary endpoints include response rates, mean change of ET total symptom score from baseline, percentage of MF patients achieving spleen volume reduction, MF patient anemia response, mean change in disease-related allele burden and various pharmacokinetics measures up to 3 years and 60 days.

For more information on the study, please visit: View Source and View Source

Subgroup Analysis of Cadonilimab as First-Line Therapy for Advanced Cervical Cancer Reported in an Oral Presentation at ASCO 2025

On June 15, 2025 Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) ("Akeso" or the "Company") reported the subgroup analysis data from the Phase III COMPASSION-16 trial, evaluating cadonilimab, a first-in-class PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody, in the first-line treatment of advanced, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer (Press release, Akeso Biopharma, JUN 15, 2025, View Source;in-an-oral-presentation-at-asco-2025-302481929.html [SID1234653904]). The data was featured as an oral presentation at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting.

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The subgroup analysis demonstrated that cadonilimab treatment significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) across different patient subgroups, including: levels of PD-L1 expression, prior treatment with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), bevacizumab use, and age of the patients (≥65, <65). These results further demonstrate the clinical value and the global women’s health impact of cadonilimab in advancing thetreatment standart for advanced cervical cancer.

The results of the COMPASSION-16 study were previously published in The Lancet and presented at the 2024 International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Global Meeting. The Lancet publication and the IGCS presentation disclosed that cadonilimab, in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy (with or without bevacizumab), significantly extended survival in both PD-L1-positive and PD-L1-negative patient populations (mOS HR 0.64, P=0.0011), and reduced the risk of disease progression and death (mPFS HR 0.62, P<0.0001).

At the 2025 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting, the study’s principal investigator, Professor Xiaohua Wu from the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, presented the subgroup analysis findings from the COMPASSION-16 study, with data cut-off as of April 30, 2024.

Key Findings:

Significant Reduction in Mortality Risk Across All Patient Subgroups, Regardless of PD-L1 Expression:

In the CPS<1 group, mPFS was 12 months in the cadonilimab arm vs. 8.2 months in the control arm (HR=0.65), and mOS was not reached in the cadonilimab arm vs. 25.3 months in the control arm (HR=0.77).
In the CPS≥1 group, mPFS was 14.7 months in the cadonilimab arm vs. 8.3 months in the control arm (HR=0.62), and mOS was not reached in the cadonilimab arm vs. 22.7 months in the control arm (HR=0.69).
In the CPS≥10 group, mPFS was 17.1 months in the cadonilimab arm vs. 8.1 months in the control arm (HR=0.54), and mOS was not reached in the cadonimab arm vs. 29 months in the control arm (HR=0.68).
Clinical Benefit in PFS and OS Regardless of Prior CCRT Treatment:

In patients previously treated with CCRT, mPFS was 16.1 months in the cadonilimab arm vs. 7.9 months in the control arm (HR=0.55), and mOS was not reached in the cadonilimab arm vs. 22.8 months in the control arm (HR=0.54).
Clinical Benefit in PFS and OS Regardless of Bevacizumab Use:

In real-world settings, approximately 40% of patients are considered unsuitable for bevacizumab due to underlying conditions or bleeding/perforation risks. Cadonilimab demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in both PFS and OS, whether or not bevacizumab was included in the treatment.
In the bevacizumab-naive groups, mPFS was 11.7 months in the cadonilimab arm vs. 6.7 months in the control arm (HR=0.44), and mOS was 28.2 months in the cadonilimab arm vs. 15.1 months in the control arm (HR=0.5).
Improvement in PFS and OS Across Age Subgroups, with Greater Efficacy in Patients ≥65 Years:

In patients < 65 years, mPFS was 13.5 months in the cadonilimab arm vs. 9.5 months in the control arm (HR=0.68), and mOS was not reached in the cadonilimab arm vs. 25.3 months in the control arm (HR=0.69).
In patients ≥ 65 years, mPFS was 12 months in the cadonilimab arm vs. 7.4 months in the control arm(HR=0.39), and mOS was 26.6 months in the cadonilimab arm vs. 15.1 months in the control arm (HR=0.49).
Cadonilimab Combined with Platinum Agents (Cisplatin/Carboplatin) Improves PFS and OS:

In the cisplatin arm, mPFS was 14.7 months in the cadonilimab arm vs. 8.1 months in the control arm (HR=0.49), and mOS was not reached in the cadonilimab arm vs. 23.9 months in the control arm (HR=0.43).
In the carboplatin arm, mPFS was 12 months in the cadonilimab arm vs. 8.2 months in the control arm (HR=0.72), and mOS was 27.8 months in the cadonilimab arm vs. 22.8 months in the control arm (HR=0.82).
In June 2022, cadonilimab was granted approval by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer in patients who had previously failed platinum-based chemotherapy. This indication has since been included in the national reimbursement list. In September 2024, the use of cadonilimab in first-line treatment for advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma was approved by the NMPA. The use of cadonilimab in first-line treatment for advanced, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer was approved by the NMPA in May 2025. In addition, cadonilimab is currently being evaluated in nearly 30 registrational/Phase III and Phase II clinical trials across a number of high-incidence cancers. Preliminary results show that cadonilimab demonstrates clinical benefit for patient populationsin both the positive and the negative PD-L1 expression groups, marking a significant advancement over existing immunotherapies.

Investigational combination of first-in-class bispecifics TALVEY® and TECVAYLI® shows deep and durable responses in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients with extramedullary disease

On June 15, 2025 Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported new results from the Phase 2 RedirecTT-1 study evaluating the investigational combination of TALVEY (talquetamab-tgvs), the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved GPRC5D-directed bispecific antibody, and TECVAYLI (teclistamab-cqyv), the first FDA-approved BCMA-directed bispecific antibody. The results show a high overall response rate (ORR) with durability in patients with triple-class exposed (TCE) relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have true extramedullary disease (EMD) (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, JUN 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653903]). EMD is defined as soft tissue/organ-associated plasmacytomas with no contact to bony structures as per International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria.1 RedirecTT-1 is the largest study dedicated to patients with EMD to date. These data were featured in a late-breaking oral presentation (Abstract #LB4001) at the 2025 European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress.

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EMD represents an aggressive form of multiple myeloma and occurs when myeloma cells spread and form tumors (plasmacytomas) elsewhere in the body, such as in soft tissues and organs. These patients often face limited treatment options and worse outcomes due to the complexity of the disease, including tumor heterogeneity, resulting in low ORRs and rapid relapses with current standard therapies. On average, TCE RRMM patients with EMD have an ORR of less than 40 percent and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of less than 6 months.2

"The investigational combination of TALVEY and TECVAYLI has demonstrated deep, durable responses in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, and now shows great promise in those with extramedullary myeloma, where standard therapies often fall short," said Yael Cohen, M.D., Head of Myeloma Unit, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel.* "Dual targeting of GPRC5D and BCMA may lead to a higher ORR and greater depth of response by mitigating target antigen-related escape. The RedirecTT-1 trial shows the power of this novel dual-targeting combination approach as a potential treatment option for patients with this disease."

The Phase 2 RedirecTT-1 study enrolled 90 patients with TCE RRMM with true EMD. Of these patients, 84.4 percent were triple-class refractory, 35.6 percent were penta-drug refractory, 20 percent had previously received BCMA CAR-T therapy, and 8.9 percent had previously received a bispecific antibody.3 The investigational combination of TALVEY plus TECVAYLI led to a high ORR of 78.9 percent (95 percent confidence interval [CI]; 69.0–86.8), with more than half of patients (54.4 percent) achieving complete response or better.3 High responses were observed even in patients exposed to prior BCMA CAR-T or anti-FcRH5 bispecific antibodies (83.3 percent ORR; 58.6-96.4 and 75 percent ORR; 34.9-96.8, respectively).3 Among responders, 66.2 percent remained in response at the data cutoff, with a median follow-up of 13.4 months, signaling deep and durable responses.3 Treatment with the combination resulted in 61 percent of patients progression free and alive at one year.3 Additionally, the combination led to durable responses, with 64.1 percent of patients maintaining response (median duration of response: 13.8 months) and 74.5 percent of patients alive at one year, while median overall survival was not yet reached.3

"Patients with extramedullary myeloma, especially those who have exhausted prior therapies, need more effective treatment options," said Jordan Schecter, M.D., Vice President, Disease Area Leader, Multiple Myeloma, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "Our first-in-class bispecific antibodies TALVEY and TECVAYLI have transformed treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The RedirecTT-1 study underscores our commitment to advancing innovative therapies that attack the disease in different ways by building combinable and complementary regimens."

The safety profile of the combination was consistent with previous reports of TALVEY and TECVAYLI as monotherapies, with no new safety signals identified.3 Patients were given the option to switch to once a month dosing, potentially contributing to improved tolerability. Rates of discontinuation were low with the treatment combination of TALVEY and TECVAYLI due to adverse events (AEs).3 Four participants discontinued TALVEY only.3 Reports of CRS and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) were mostly low grade.3 Of the ten patients who had Grade 5 AEs (11.1 percent), five were due to infections and five were unrelated.3 The rates of severe infection were similar to those observed with BCMA bispecific antibody monotherapies.3

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.4 Since FDA approval, more than 4,900 patients have been treated worldwide with TALVEY. The European Commission (EC) granted conditional marketing authorization (CMA) of TALVEY ▼ (talquetamab) 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.5

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 nonmalignant plasma cells, as well as some healthy tissues such as epithelial cells of the skin and tongue.

About TECVAYLI
TECVAYLI (teclistamab-cqyv) received approval from the U.S. FDA in October 2022 as an off-the-shelf (or ready-to-use) antibody that is administered as a subcutaneous treatment for 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 antibody.[6] Since FDA approval, more than 15,900 patients have been treated worldwide with TECVAYLI. The European Commission (EC) granted TECVAYLI conditional marketing authorization (CMA) in August 2022 as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with RRMM who have received at least three prior therapies, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 antibody, and have demonstrated disease progression since the last therapy. In August 2023, the EC granted the approval of a Type II variation application for TECVAYLI, providing the option for a reduced dosing frequency of 1.5 mg/kg every two weeks (Q2W) in patients who have achieved a complete response (CR) or better for a minimum of six months. TECVAYLI is a first-in-class, bispecific T-cell engager antibody therapy that uses innovative science to activate the immune system by binding to the CD3 receptor expressed on the surface of T-cells and to the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells and some healthy B-lineage cells. In February 2024, the U.S. FDA approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for TECVAYLI for a reduced dosing frequency of 1.5 mg/kg every two weeks in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have achieved and maintained a CR or better for a minimum of six months.

For more information, visit www.TECVAYLI.com.

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.7 In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells proliferate and spread rapidly and replace normal cells in the bone marrow with tumors.8 Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer worldwide and remains an incurable disease.9 In 2024, it was estimated that more than 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the U.S., and more than 12,000 people would die from the disease.10 People living with multiple myeloma have a 5-year survival rate of 59.8 percent.[11] 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.12,13

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%. Recurrent CRS occurred in 30% of patients. Most events occurred following step-up dose 1 (29%) or step-up dose 2(44%) at the recommended dosages. 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 or fatal neurologic toxicity including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), including fatal reactions. In the clinical trial, neurologic toxicity, including ICANS, 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, regardless of having an oral toxicity, including 29% 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 permanent discontinuation of 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.

TECVAYLI 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 TECVAYLI. Initiate treatment with TECVAYLI step-up dosing schedule to reduce risk of CRS. Withhold TECVAYLI until CRS resolves or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Neurologic toxicity, including Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS) and serious and life-threatening reactions, can occur in patients receiving TECVAYLI. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicity, including ICANS, during treatment. Withhold TECVAYLI until neurologic toxicity resolves or permanently discontinue based on severity.

TECVAYLI is available only through a restricted program called the TECVAYLI and TALVEY Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS).

INDICATION AND USAGE
TECVAYLI (teclistamab-cqyv) is a bispecific B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CD3 T-cell engager 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. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Cytokine Release Syndrome – TECVAYLI can cause cytokine release syndrome (CRS), including life-threatening or fatal reactions. In the clinical trial, CRS occurred in 72% of patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose, with Grade 1 CRS occurring in 50% of patients, Grade 2 in 21%, and Grade 3 in 0.6%. Recurrent CRS occurred in 33% of patients. Most patients experienced CRS following step-up dose 1 (42%), step-up dose 2 (35%), or the initial treatment dose (24%). Less than 3% of patients developed first occurrence of CRS following subsequent doses of TECVAYLI. The median time to onset of CRS was 2 (range: 1 to 6) days after the most recent dose with a median duration of 2 (range: 1 to 9) days. Clinical signs and symptoms of CRS included, but were not limited to, fever, hypoxia, chills, hypotension, sinus tachycardia, headache, and elevated liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase elevation).

Initiate therapy according to TECVAYLI step-up dosing schedule to reduce risk of CRS. Administer pretreatment medications to reduce risk of CRS and monitor patients following administration of TECVAYLI accordingly. At the first sign of CRS, immediately evaluate patient for hospitalization. Administer supportive care based on severity and consider further management per current practice guidelines. Withhold or permanently discontinue TECVAYLI based on severity.

TECVAYLI is available only through a restricted program under a REMS.

Neurologic Toxicity including ICANS – TECVAYLI can cause serious or life-threatening neurologic toxicity, including Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS).

In the clinical trial, neurologic toxicity occurred in 57% of patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose, with Grade 3 or 4 neurologic toxicity occurring in 2.4% of patients. The most frequent neurologic toxicities were headache (25%), motor dysfunction (16%), sensory neuropathy (15%), and encephalopathy (13%). With longer follow-up, Grade 4 seizure and fatal Guillain-Barré syndrome (one patient each) occurred in patients who received TECVAYLI.

In the clinical trial, ICANS was reported in 6% of patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose. Recurrent ICANS occurred in 1.8% of patients. Most patients experienced ICANS following step-up dose 1 (1.2%), step-up dose 2 (0.6%), or the initial treatment dose (1.8%). Less than 3% of patients developed first occurrence of ICANS following subsequent doses of TECVAYLI. The median time to onset of ICANS was 4 (range: 2 to 8) days after the most recent dose with a median duration of 3 (range: 1 to 20) days. The most frequent clinical manifestations of ICANS reported were confusional state and dysgraphia. The onset of ICANS can be concurrent with CRS, following resolution of CRS, or in the absence of CRS.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity during treatment. At the first sign of neurologic toxicity, including ICANS, immediately evaluate patient and provide supportive therapy based on severity. Withhold or permanently discontinue TECVAYLI based on severity per recommendations and consider further management per current practice guidelines.

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

TECVAYLI is available only through a restricted program under a REMS.

TECVAYLI and TALVEY REMS – TECVAYLI 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.

Hepatotoxicity – TECVAYLI can cause hepatotoxicity, including fatalities. In patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, there was one fatal case of hepatic failure. Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) occurred in 34% of patients, with Grade 3 or 4 elevations in 1.2%. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) occurred in 28% of patients, with Grade 3 or 4 elevations in 1.8%. Elevated total bilirubin occurred in 6% of patients with Grade 3 or 4 elevations in 0.6%. Liver enzyme elevation can occur with or without concurrent CRS.

Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin at baseline and during treatment as clinically indicated. Withhold TECVAYLI or consider permanent discontinuation of TECVAYLI based on severity.

Infections – TECVAYLI can cause severe, life-threatening, or fatal infections. In patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, serious infections, including opportunistic infections, occurred in 30% of patients, with Grade 3 or 4 infections in 35%, and fatal infections in 4.2%. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection prior to and during treatment with TECVAYLI and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to guidelines. Withhold TECVAYLI or consider permanent discontinuation of TECVAYLI based on severity.

Monitor immunoglobulin levels during treatment with TECVAYLI and treat according to guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis.

Neutropenia – TECVAYLI can cause neutropenia and febrile neutropenia. In patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, decreased neutrophils occurred in 84% of patients, with Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophils in 56%. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 3% of patients.

Monitor complete blood cell counts at baseline and periodically during treatment and provide supportive care per local institutional guidelines. Monitor patients with neutropenia for signs of infection. Withhold TECVAYLI based on severity.

Hypersensitivity and Other Administration Reactions – TECVAYLI can cause both systemic administration-related and local injection-site reactions. Systemic Reactions – In patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, 1.2% of patients experienced systemic-administration reactions, which included Grade 1 recurrent pyrexia and Grade 1 swollen tongue. Local Reactions – In patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, injection-site reactions occurred in 35% of patients, with Grade 1 injection-site reactions in 30% and Grade 2 in 4.8%. Withhold TECVAYLI or consider permanent discontinuation of TECVAYLI based on severity.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity – Based on its mechanism of action, TECVAYLI 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 TECVAYLI and for 5 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were pyrexia, CRS, musculoskeletal pain, injection site reaction, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, headache, pneumonia, and diarrhea. The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥20%) were decreased lymphocytes, decreased neutrophils, decreased white blood cells, decreased hemoglobin, and decreased platelets.

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

Abbisko Therapeutics Completes First Patient Dosing in Registrational Study of Irpagratinib for HCC

On June 15, 2025 Abbisko Therapeutics (HKEX Code: 02256) reported that it has completed first patient dosing in a registrational study of irpagratinib, a self-developed and highly-selective small molecule FGFR4 inhibitor, for the treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) (Press release, Abbisko Therapeutics, JUN 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653901]).

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In May, irpagratinib received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). It is the first therapeutic agent to utilize molecularly defined biomarkers for precision-targeted treatment of HCC.

The vast majority of patients with advanced HCC treated with current standard-of-care therapies—including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and multi-targeted kinase inhibitors (mTKIs)— experience disease progression within one year. Additionally, approximately 30% of HCC patients exhibit FGF19 overexpression, a biomarker associated with more aggressive tumor biology and poorer prognosis. The registrational study of irpagratinib (ABSK-011-205) is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of irpagratinib in combination with Best Supportive Care (BSC) versus placebo in combination with BSC, in patients with advanced or unresectable HCC who exhibit FGF19 overexpression and have previously been treated with ICIs and mTKIs. Eligible patients will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive irpagratinib or placebo.

About Irpagratinib (ABSK-011)

Irpagratinib is a highly-selective FGFR4 small molecule inhibitor designed to target overexpression of the FGF19 signaling pathway. Several epidemiological studies indicate that approximately 30% of HCC patients worldwide exhibit FGF19 overexpression. Development of targeted therapies against FGFR4 represent an innovative and novel approach to the treatment of HCC.

To date, no FGFR4 inhibitor has been granted regulatory approval globally. According to Frost & Sullivan, irpagratinib is expected to become the first breakthrough treatment for the treatment of HCC patients with FGF19 overexpression.

In addition to monotherapy, Abbisko Therapeutics is exploring irpagratinib in combination with atezolizumab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody manufactured by F. Hoffmann-La Roche and Roche (China), in a Phase II study. At the previous 2024 ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) GI Congress, Abbisko presented clinical data demonstrating 220mg irpagratinib BID in combination with atezolizumab achieved a 50% objective response rate (ORR) in FGF19+ HCC patients who had previously received immune checkpoint inhibition therapy.

Theralase® Discovers New Mechanism of Action of Lead Drug

On April 28, 2025 Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSXV: TLT) (OTCQB: TLTFF) ("Theralase" or the "Company"), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light, radiation, sound and/or drug-activated small molecules and their formulations, intended for the safe and effective destruction of various cancers, bacteria and viruses, reported that RuvidarTM has recently been proven preclinically to be an effective inhibitor of DeUbiquitinating Enzymes ("DUBs"), an important class of enzymes which have been linked to numerous cancers and neurogenerative diseases (Press release, Theralase, APR 28, 2025, View Source [SID1234653899]).

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DUBs cause cellular damage by removing ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like molecules from target proteins.

Ubiquitin is a small protein found in all eukaryotic cells (animals, plants and humans), which plays a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes, such as: gene expression, DNA repair, cytokine signaling, cell metabolism, cell cycle and cell death. It functions primarily through ubiquitination, a process where ubiquitin is conjugated to target proteins, marking them for degradation or altering their activity.

Altered DUBs activity is associated with multitudes of pathologies, including cancer; therefore, DUBs represent novel candidates for target-directed drug development.1

Drug resistance to chemotherapy and molecularly targeted therapies are an ongoing challenge in cancer treatments. The underlying mechanisms of resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapeutics and to drugs that target a specific molecule are not understood completely. In recent years, emerging evidence has frequently suggested that the dysregulation of DUBs plays important roles in the development of drug resistance; hence, DUBs enable cancer cells to escape cell death and survive when exposed to a variety of anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, there exists the potential application of utilizing DUBs inhibitors in combinational therapies to overcome drug resistance.2

Targeting DUBs with inhibitors like Ruvidar is a very promising strategy to overcome drug resistance.

In previous Theralase research, it was demonstrated that Ruvidar induces oxidative stress in cells through the production of Reactive Oxygen Species ("ROS").

In the latest research, we have investigated the effects of Ruvidar on DUBs activity and have demonstrated that Ruvidar inhibits DUBs activity in a dose-dependent manner.

This direct inhibition of DUBs, coupled with the known production of ROS by Ruvidar, are an exciting new combination of the mechanisms of action of the effects that Ruvidar has on cancer cells, leading to a significant reduction in cancer cell growth.

Dr. Mark Roufaiel, Research Scientist, Theralase stated, "Our latest research provides compelling evidence that RuvidarTM not only induces oxidative stress through the production of ROS to destroy cancer cells, but also directly inhibits DUBs activity-a key host mechanism exploited by the cancer cell to evade immune defenses. This dual mechanism positions Ruvidar as a promising therapeutic candidate, particularly against cancers, where traditional chemotherapeutics demonstrate limited effectiveness."

Arkady Mandel, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., Chief Scientific Officer, Theralase stated, "With the increasing prevalence of chemoradiotherapy resistant cancers, Ruvidar, as an effective DUBs inhibitor, may be indispensable clinically to be used as a combinational therapy with various chemotherapy drugs and/or radiotherapy to provide a safe and effective treatment against various forms of chemoradiotherapy resistant cancers. The discovery of Ruvidar’s effectiveness against DUBs is a notable milestone in the development of Theralase’s small molecule program and can be used for treating cancer, but could be expanded far beyond this to the treatment of age associated medical conditions, various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis, as well as to effectively combat various infectious diseases".

Roger DuMoulin-White, B.Sc., P.Eng., Pro.Dir., President and Chief Executive Officer, Theralase stated, "According to recent peer-reviewed research, reducing DUBs plays a very important role in the war against cancer and its innate ability to build up drug resistance. This latest research reinforces an additional mechanism of action beyond direct cancer destruction and indirect immune stimulation, stripping away one of cancer’s final defence mechanisms. As Theralase pursues clinical development of Ruvidar for numerous cancers, such as brain and lung cancer, I look forward to reporting out on the clinical safety and efficacy of these programs."