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.

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!

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]).

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!

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]).

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!

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."

QIAGEN and Incyte Announce Precision Medicine Collaboration to Develop Companion Diagnostics for Patients With Mutant CALR-expressing Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)

On June 15, 2025 QIAGEN N.V. (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) and Incyte (Nasdaq: INCY) reported a new global collaboration to develop a novel diagnostic panel to support Incyte’s extensive portfolio of investigational therapies for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a group of rare blood cancers, including Incyte’s monoclonal antibody INCA033989, targeting mutant calreticulin (mutCALR), which is being developed in myelofibrosis (MF) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) (Press release, Qiagen, JUN 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653898]).

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!

Under the terms of the Master Collaboration Agreement with Incyte, QIAGEN will develop a multimodal panel using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology for detecting clinically relevant gene alterations in hematological malignancies.

The panel will be validated using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology and the Illumina NextSeq 550Dx platform as part of QIAGEN’s partnership with Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN) to leverage its NGS diagnostic platforms for patient testing by laboratories worldwide. QIAGEN will support regulatory submission processes and market access activities across the United States, European Union and Asia-Pacific regions.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are a group of diseases representing about 40% of hematological malignancies, characterized by chronic accumulation of different mature blood cell types in blood.

Identifying genomic aberrations in clinically relevant biomarkers like CALR are shown to be key, especially in MPNs. Incyte is at the forefront of developing novel therapies, including INCA033989 for patients with mutCALR ET or MF, that target only malignant cells, sparing normal cells. The use of companion diagnostics helps guide clinicians in making treatment decisions that can lead to better patient outcomes.

"Following our presentation of positive, late-breaking data from our first-in-class mutCALR-targeted antibody at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper), we are excited to announce this partnership with QIAGEN, which will facilitate CALR testing for patients with MPNs on a global basis. The development of companion diagnostics for mutCALR, coupled with the potential for new medicines to selectively target disease-initiating cells, is a critical step toward changing the course of disease in patients with ET and MF," said Pablo J. Cagnoni, M.D., President and Head of Research and Development, Incyte. "As a partner, QIAGEN has the proven expertise in companion diagnostics development and approvals needed to support our ongoing work and commitment to transforming the treatment of patients with CALR-mutant MPNs."

"Together with Incyte we are building a multimodal companion diagnostic using a powerful technology like next-generation sequencing to facilitate highly accurate testing for several blood cancer genes at once," said Jonathan Arnold, Vice President and Head of Partnering for Precision Diagnostics at QIAGEN. "This new partnership strengthens our role in offering companion diagnostics for the growing number of biomarkers being discovered in onco-hematology and maximizing the clinical utility of the diagnostic for payor and patient benefit, thus supporting the work of innovative, science-driven companies like Incyte to improve patient outcomes."

About Mutations in Calreticulin (mutCALR)

Calreticulin (CALR) is a protein involved in the regulation of cellular calcium levels and normal protein production. 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),i a closely related group of clonal blood cancers in which the bone marrow functions abnormally, overproducing blood cells.ii,iii Among the two types of MPNs, essential thrombocythemia (ET) and myelofibrosis (MF), mutCALR drives 25-35% of all cases.

Genmab Announces Epcoritamab Investigational Combination Therapy Demonstrates High Response Rates in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Eligible for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT)

On June 15, 2025 Genmab A/S (Nasdaq: GMAB) reported new results from the Phase 1b/2 EPCORE NHL-2 trial Arm 10 (NCT04663347), evaluating epcoritamab, a T-cell engaging bispecific antibody administered subcutaneously, in combination with rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (R-ICE) in adult patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) (Press release, Genmab, JUN 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653895]). Results demonstrated an overall response rate (ORR) of 87 percent, a complete response (CR) rate of 65 percent and a partial response (PR) of 23 percent. The majority of patients (65 percent) proceeded to ASCT. At six months, an estimated 81 percent of responses were ongoing, 74 percent of patients were progression free, and 100 percent of patients were alive. These results were shared today during an oral presentation at the 30th European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2025 Congress.

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!

The safety profile of this combination therapy showed cytokine release syndrome (CRS) being low grade and no discontinuations due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). The most common TEAEs were neutropenia (74 percent), anemia (68 percent), and thrombocytopenia (68 percent). CRS occurred in 52 percent; all were low grade (1/2) and resolved. One patient had immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS; grade 1), which resolved. No clinical tumor lysis syndrome was observed. Infections occurred in 18 patients (58 percent); five (16 percent) had serious infections. There were no Grade 5 TEAEs.

"These results are particularly encouraging because many of the patients in this study had high-risk disease, having progressed rapidly after initial treatment," said Raul Cordoba, MD, PhD, Head of the Lymphoma Unit at the Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. "This combination therapy of epcoritamab plus rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (R-ICE) offers a potential new treatment option for patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, providing high response rates and a bridge to potentially curative autologous stem cell transplantation."

Among patients in the study who progressed within 12 months after first-line treatment (n=20), epcoritamab in combination with R-ICE demonstrated an 85 percent ORR and 55 percent CR. Patients in the study who progressed after 12 months from first-line therapy experienced a 91 percent ORR and 82 percent CR. Additionally, patients with one prior line of therapy experienced an 88 percent ORR and 68 percent CR, and patients who were treated with more than one prior line of therapy experienced an 83 percent ORR and 50 percent CR.

"The results from this trial highlight the potential of this investigational epcoritamab containing regimen, especially in patients who progress quickly after initial treatment, and reinforce our joint efforts with AbbVie to develop epcoritamab as a core therapy for B-cell lymphomas, especially as we develop epcoritamab in earlier lines of therapy and a broader patient population," said Dr. Judith Klimovsky, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of Genmab. "Our comprehensive EPCORE clinical trial program is dedicated to advancing epcoritamab as both monotherapy and in combination to address the significant unmet need in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and other hematologic malignancies."

Use of epcoritamab + R-ICE in patients with R/R DLBCL eligible for ASCT is not approved and the safety and efficacy of epcoritamab for use as a combination therapy in DLBCL have not been established.

About Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
DLBCL is the most common type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) worldwide, accounting for approximately 25-30 percent of all NHL cases. In the U.S., there are approximately 25,000 new cases of DLBCL diagnosed each year. DLBCL can arise in lymph nodes as well as in organs outside of the lymphatic system, occurs more commonly in the elderly and is slightly more prevalent in men. DLBCL is a fast-growing type of NHL, a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system and affects B-cell lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. For many people living with DLBCL, their cancer either relapses, which means it may return after treatment, or becomes refractory, meaning it does not respond to treatment. Although new therapies have become available, treatment management can remain a challenge.

About the EPCORE NHL-2 Trial
EPCORE NHL-2 is a Phase 1b/2 open-label interventional trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics/biomarkers, immunogenicity, and preliminary efficacy of epcoritamab as a monotherapy and in combination with other standard of care agents in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (B-NHL). The trial consists of two parts: Part 1 (Dose Escalation) and Part 2 (Dose Expansion). The primary objective of Part 1 is safety, and the primary goal of Part 2 is preliminary efficacy. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) based on best overall response per Lugano criteria. MRD negativity was assessed as a secondary endpoint.

Arm 10 of the EPCORE NHL-2 study enrolled 31 patients with R/R DLBCL, who were eligible for R-ICE and ASCT, and had received ≥1 prior line of treatment. At the time of data cutoff (December 18, 2024), median follow-up was 11 months (range, 6−15). Among the 31 patients treated with epcoritamab 48 mg + R-ICE, 61 percent were Ann Arbor stage III/IV, 42 percent had bulky disease ≥7 cm, 81 percent had one prior LOT (range, 1−3), and 65 percent had progressed within 12 months of first-line treatment. More information on this trial can be found at View Source (NCT: 04663347).

About Epcoritamab
Epcoritamab is an IgG1-bispecific antibody created using Genmab’s proprietary DuoBody technology and administered subcutaneously. Genmab’s DuoBody-CD3 technology is designed to direct cytotoxic T cells selectively to elicit an immune response toward target cell types. Epcoritamab is designed to simultaneously bind to CD3 on T cells and CD20 on B cells and induces T-cell-mediated killing of CD20+ cells.i

Epcoritamab (approved under the brand name EPKINLY in the U.S. and Japan, and TEPKINLY in the EU) has received regulatory approval in certain lymphoma indications in several territories. Where approved, epcoritamab is available as a readily accessible therapy without the need for reducing tumor burden ("debulking"). Epcoritamab is being co-developed by Genmab and AbbVie as part of the companies’ oncology collaboration. The companies will share commercial responsibilities in the U.S. and Japan, with AbbVie responsible for further global commercialization. Both companies will pursue additional international regulatory approvals for the investigational R/R FL indication and additional approvals for the R/R DLBCL indication.

Genmab and AbbVie continue to evaluate the use of epcoritamab as a monotherapy, and in combination, across lines of therapy in a range of hematologic malignancies. This includes five ongoing Phase 3, open-label, randomized trials including a trial evaluating epcoritamab as a monotherapy in patients with R/R DLBCL compared to investigators choice chemotherapy (NCT04628494), a trial evaluating epcoritamab in combination with R-CHOP in adult patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL (NCT05578976), a trial evaluating epcoritamab in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide (R2) in patients with R/R FL (NCT05409066), a trial evaluating epcoritamab in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide (R2) compared to chemoimmunotherapy in patients with previously untreated FL (NCT06191744), and a trial evaluating epcoritamab in combination with R2 compared to chemotherapy infusion in patients with R/R DLBCL (NCT06508658). The safety and efficacy of epcoritamab has not been established for these investigational uses. Please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov for more information.