On September 30, 2025 AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) reported submission of a new Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval of investigational Pivekimab sunirine (PVEK) for treatment of Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN) (Press release, AbbVie, SEP 30, 2025, View Source;an-investigational-antibody-drug-conjugate-adc-to-treat-rare-cancer-with-limited-treatment-options-302570103.html [SID1234656356]). The submission is based on data from the Phase 1/2 CADENZA trial, a global study evaluating the safety and efficacy of PVEK in BPDCN. BPDCN is a rare and aggressive blood cancer that has features of both leukemia and lymphoma. Patients typically present with skin lesions and the disease often spreads to the bone marrow, central nervous system and the lymph nodes. First-line treatments are typically intensive chemotherapy and often followed by stem cell transplant. The need for additional and innovative treatment is high for both newly diagnosed patients and for those whose prior treatments have resulted in relapsed or refractory disease.
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PVEK is a CD123-targeting Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) in clinical development for hematological malignancies (blood cancers), including BPDCN and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). ADCs are designed to deliver potent cancer cell death-inducing agents called ‘payloads’ directly to the cancer cells expressing a specific protein. CD123 (IL-3Rα) is a protein overexpressed in BPDCN, making it an ideal target for therapy.
"Meaningful innovations in cancer research and treatment are happening every day. It is important that these innovations reach patients who desperately need them, including those with rare cancers who have limited options," said Roopal Thakkar, executive vice president, research and development and chief scientific officer, AbbVie. "We look forward to next steps in the regulatory process for our latest Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC), our first ADC in blood cancer, and how it may advance treatment for those living with Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN)."
About the CADENZA Trial
CADENZA is a Phase 1/2 multicenter, open-label study designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D), and recommended dosing schedule for PVEK monotherapy and to assess the safety, tolerability, PK, immunogenicity, and antileukemia activity of PVEK when administered to subjects with CD123+ hematologic malignancies (including subjects with BPDCN, AML, and others).
About Pivekimab Sunirine (PVEK)
PVEK is a CD123-targeting ADC in clinical development for hematological malignancies, including blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). PVEK is currently being evaluated as monotherapy for patients with BPDCN and in combination with Vidaza (azacitidine) and Venclexta (venetoclax) for patients with untreated and relapsed/refractory AML. In October 2020, the FDA granted PVEK Breakthrough Therapy designation in relapsed/refractory BPDCN.