On May 13, 2020 Sanofi reported that it will present data from across its oncology franchise, including portfolio and pipeline compounds, during the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Virtual Scientific Program from May 29-31 (Press release, Sanofi, MAY 13, 2020, View Source [SID1234557949]). Among the abstracts are new research highlighting the company’s leadership and commitment to the care of patients with non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma, and early stage clinical data for two potentially transformative therapies for breast and lung cancer.

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"We are determined to improve the outcomes for patients with cancer by developing transformative therapies, and this is a pivotal time to continue our commitment to patients and the oncology community," said Dietmar Berger, Global Head of Clinical Development and Chief Medical Officer. "We are fortunate to have recently welcomed Dr. Peter C. Adamson to lead our Global Oncology Development team, and he will continue to oversee our emerging pipeline. We are at the forefront of translating scientific advances into potential new treatments in our pipeline, and focused on addressing critical gaps that may help advance the care of several difficult-to-treat cancers."

Early-stage clinical results support innovative approaches in metastatic breast cancer and advanced non-small cell lung cancer

"Building upon advances in molecular- and immuno- oncology, our portfolio and pipeline strategy leverage leading-edge technology platforms to develop better therapies for patients with diverse malignancies including skin, blood, breast and lung cancers", said Peter C. Adamson, Global Development Head, Oncology and Pediatric Innovation. "We are leading the way with our investigational oral SERD that can serve as potential backbone treatment across multiple lines of therapy for patients with ER+ breast cancer, and our first-in-class investigational compound CEACAM5 antibody-drug conjugate for patients with lung cancer or potentially other CEACAM5-expressing solid tumors. We are excited to share early clinical and proof of concept data on both at the upcoming ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper)20 virtual meeting."

In the U.S., more than 154,000 women are estimated to have metastatic breast cancer (mBC)i and approximately 79% of breast cancers are estrogen receptor (ER) positive.ii SAR439859 is an investigational oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), a potential best-in-class small molecule targeted therapy that binds to ERs in breast cancer cells to inhibit ER signaling and trigger their degradation.

Abstract 1070: Phase 1/2 study of SAR439859, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) (TED14856 – Part A and B data)
Abstract TPS1108: Phase 2 preoperative window study of SAR439859 versus letrozole in post-menopausal women with newly diagnosed estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer
Abstract TPS1107: Phase 2 trial of SAR439859 vs endocrine monotherapy in pre- and post-menopausal, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−), locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (BC) with prior exposure to hormonal therapies
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and accounts for 84% of all diagnoses.iii CEACAM5 is a cell-surface glycoprotein highly expressed in several tumor types, including NSCLC. Approximately 20% of lung cancers have a high expression of CEACAM5. Data will be presented on our first-in-class CEACAM5 antibody-drug conjugate during an oral presentation at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper)20.

Abstract 9505: Efficacy and safety of the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) SAR408701 in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSQ NSCLC) patients (pts) expressing carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) (Oral presentation)
Abstract TPS9625: Phase 3 trial comparing antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) SAR408701 with docetaxel in patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSQ NSCLC) failing chemotherapy and immunotherapy
Long-term data for Libtayo (cemiplimab-rwlc) in advanced CSCC

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed skin cancers worldwide, and although the majority of patients have a good prognosis when the cancer is discovered early, it can be especially difficult to treat successfully when it progresses to advanced stages.iv-v-vi-vii-viii New longer-term data from the pivotal Phase 2 study of Libtayo offer updated efficacy and safety outcomes that add to the most mature dataset for any therapy in advanced CSCC. In the U.S., Libtayo is approved for the treatment of patients with metastatic CSCC or locally advanced CSCC who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation. Libtayo is a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor being jointly developed with Regeneron under a global collaboration agreement.

Abstract 10018: Phase 2 study of cemiplimab in patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: longer follow-up
Abstract TPS10084: A Phase 3, randomized, double-blind study of adjuvant cemiplimab versus placebo post-surgery and radiation therapy (RT) in patients (pts) with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC)
Abstract 10033: Health-related quality of life in patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma treated with cemiplimab: post hoc exploratory analysis of a phase 2 clinical trial
On-line Publication: Patterns of hedgehog inhibitor treatment interruptions and re-initiations among patients with basal cell carcinoma in real-world clinical practice
On-line Publication: Assessing the value of cemiplimab for adults with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Growing body of evidence in multiple myeloma and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy,ix and, despite available treatments, the disease is associated with significant patient burden. Results from a Phase 1b study evaluating Sarclisa (isatuximab-irfc) in newly diagnosed MM patients who are ineligible for transplant add to a growing body of positive data. Sarclisa, a monoclonal antibody that binds to the CD38 receptor on MM cells, is approved for use in the U.S. in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of adults who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor.

Abstract 8529: Updates from a Phase Ib study of isatuximab, bortezomib and dexamethasone plus cyclophosphamide or lenalidomide in transplant ineligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Prostate cancer is a very heterogenous disease and one of the most common types of cancer in men.x Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland and progressed despite androgen deprivation therapy.xi Results from a post-hoc analysis of the CARD clinical trial highlight that overall survival was significantly longer with Jevtana (cabazitaxel) versus abiraterone or enzalutamide in patients with mCRPC who had been previously treated with docetaxel and had disease progression within 12 months on a prior androgen receptor-targeted agent.

Abstract 5569: CARD: Overall survival (OS) analysis of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving cabazitaxel vs abiraterone or enzalutamide
Abstract 5559: Efficacy and safety in older patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving cabazitaxel (CBZ) vs abiraterone (ABI) or enzalutamide (ENZ) in the CARD study
Abstract 5558: Pain progression at initiation of cabazitaxel in metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) is associated with a poor prognosis: a post-hoc analysis of PROSELICA
Additional research at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper)20 Virtual Meeting supported by Sanofi include:

Sarclisa (isatuximab-irfc)

Abstract 8508

Depth of Response to Isatuximab, Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (Isa-KRd ) in Front-Line Treatment of High-Risk Multiple Myeloma: Interim Analysis of the GMMG-CONCEPT Trial

Mozobil (plerixafor)

On-line publication

Real World Stem Cell Mobilization (PBSC) Patterns in MM Pts Receiving Autologous Transplant (ASCT)

Eloxatin (oxaliplatin)

Abstract 3522

Longitudinal Cumulative Dose: A Novel Measure to Assess Multiple Dimensions of Chemotherapy Adherence Over Time

Abstract 7067

Effectiveness of adjuvant FOLFOX vs 5FU for colon cancer treatment in community oncology practice using a hybrid study approach

Taxotere (docetaxel)

Abstract 4551

Diagnostic accuracy of CT-staging of advanced gastric cancer following neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Jevtana (cabazitaxel)

Abstract 11556

Activity of cabazitaxel in patients with metastatic or inoperable locally advanced dedifferentiated liposarcoma. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Phase 2 trial 1202

About Libtayo

Libtayo is approved in the U.S., EU, and other countries for adult patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) or locally advanced CSCC who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation. In the U.S., the generic name for Libtayo is cemiplimab-rwlc, with rwlc as the suffix designated in accordance with Nonproprietary Naming of Biological Products Guidance for Industry issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The extensive clinical program for Libtayo is focused on difficult-to-treat cancers. In skin cancer, this includes a potentially registrational Phase 2 trial in basal cell carcinoma, a Phase 3 trial in adjuvant setting in CSCC, and additional and neoadjuvant CSCC. . Libtayo is also being investigated in potentially registrational Phase 3 trials in non-small cell lung cancer and cervical cancer, as well as in trials combining Libtayo with novel therapeutic approaches for both solid tumors and blood cancers. These potential uses are investigational, and their safety and efficacy have not been evaluated by any regulatory authority.

About Sarclisa

Sarclisa is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the CD38 receptor on multiple myeloma cells. CD38 is highly and uniformly expressed on multiple myeloma cells and cell surface receptors, making it a target for antibody-based therapeutics such as Sarclisa. It is designed to induce programmed tumor cell death (apoptosis) and immunomodulatory activity.

Sarclisa is approved in the U.S. in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of adults with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor. In the U.S., the generic name for Sarclisa is isatuximab-irfc, with irfc as the suffix designated in accordance with Nonproprietary Naming of Biological Products Guidance for Industry issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Sarclisa has also received a positive CHMP opinion in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of adults with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy. A final decision on the Marketing Authorisation Application for Sarclisa in the E.U. is expected in the coming months. The safety and efficacy of Sarclisa have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority outside of the U.S., Switzerland, Canada, and Australia.

Sarclisa continues to be evaluated in multiple ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials in combination with current standard treatments across the multiple myeloma treatment continuum. It is also under investigation for the treatment of other hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. These potential uses are investigational, and their safety and efficacy have not been evaluated by any regulatory authority.

About Jevtana (cabazitaxel)

Jevtana is a semi-synthetic taxane chemotherapy. Jevtana is a microtubule inhibitor that binds to tubulin and promotes its assembly into microtubules while simultaneously inhibiting disassembly. This leads to the stabilization of microtubules, which results in the inhibition of mitotic and interphase cellular functions.

Jevtana is indicated, in combination with prednisone, for the treatment of adult men with mCRPC previously treated with a docetaxel-containing treatment regimen.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATIONS FOR U.S. PATIENTS

What is Libtayo?

Libtayo is a prescription medicine used to treat people with a type of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) that has spread or cannot be cured by surgery or radiation.

It is not known if Libtayo is safe and effective in children.

What is the most important information I should know about Libtayo?

Libtayo is a medicine that may treat a type of skin cancer by working with your immune system. Libtayo can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become severe or life-threatening and can lead to death. These problems may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended.

Call or see your healthcare provider right away if you develop any symptoms of the following problems or these symptoms get worse:

Lung problems (pneumonitis). Signs and symptoms of pneumonitis may include new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Intestinal problems (colitis) that can lead to tears or holes in your intestine. Signs and symptoms of colitis may include diarrhea (loose stools) or more frequent bowel movements than usual; stools that are black, tarry, sticky or that have blood or mucus; and severe stomach-area (abdomen) pain or tenderness.
Liver problems (hepatitis). Signs and symptoms of hepatitis may include yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, severe nausea or vomiting, pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen), drowsiness, dark urine (tea colored), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, and feeling less hungry than usual.
Hormone gland problems (especially the adrenal glands, pituitary, thyroid and pancreas). Signs and symptoms that your hormone glands are not working properly may include headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches, rapid heartbeat, increased sweating, extreme tiredness, weight gain or weight loss, dizziness or fainting, feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual, hair loss, feeling cold, constipation, deeper voice, very low blood pressure, urinating more often than usual, nausea or vomiting, stomach-area (abdomen) pain, and changes in mood or behavior, such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness.
Kidney problems, including nephritis and kidney failure. Signs of these problems may include decrease in your amount of urine, blood in your urine, swelling in your ankles, and loss of appetite.
Skin problems. Signs of these problems may include rash, itching, skin blistering, and painful sores or ulcers in the mouth, nose, throat, or genital area.
Problems in other organs. Signs of these problems may include headache, tiredness or weakness, sleepiness, changes in heartbeat (such as beating fast, seeming to skip a beat, or a pounding sensation), confusion, fever, muscle weakness, balance problems, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, memory problems, seizures (encephalitis), swollen lymph nodes, rash or tender lumps on skin, cough, shortness of breath, vision changes, or eye pain (sarcoidosis), seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), severe muscle weakness, low red blood cells (anemia), bruises on the skin or bleeding, and changes in eyesight.
Rejection of a transplanted organ. Your doctor should tell you what signs and symptoms you should report and monitor you, depending on the type of organ transplant that you have had.
Infusion (IV) reactions that can sometimes be severe and life-threatening. Signs of these problems may include chills or shaking, itching or rash, flushing, shortness of breath or wheezing, dizziness, fever, feeling of passing out, back or neck pain, and facial swelling.
Getting medical treatment right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious.

Your healthcare provider will check you for these problems during your treatment with Libtayo. Your healthcare provider may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. Your healthcare provider may delay or completely stop treatment if you have severe side effects.

Before you receive Libtayo, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

have immune system problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus;
have had an organ transplant;
have lung or breathing problems;
have liver or kidney problems;
have diabetes;
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; Libtayo can harm your unborn baby.
Females who are able to become pregnant:

Your healthcare provider will give you a pregnancy test before you start treatment.
You should use an effective method of birth control during your treatment and for at least 4 months after your last dose of Libtayo. Talk with your healthcare provider about birth control methods that you can use during this time.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with Libtayo.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Libtayo passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose of Libtayo.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

The most common side effects of Libtayo include tiredness, rash, and diarrhea. These are not all the possible side effects of Libtayo. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi at 1-877-542-8296.

For more information, please see full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.

What is SARCLISA?

SARCLISA is a prescription medicine used in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone to treat adults who have received at least 2 prior therapies, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor, to treat multiple myeloma.

It is not known if SARCLISA is safe and effective in children.

Do not receive SARCLISA if you have a history of severe allergic reaction to isatuximab-irfc or any of the ingredients in SARCLISA (see the list of ingredients in full Prescribing Information).

Before receiving SARCLISA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. SARCLISA may harm your unborn baby. You should not receive SARCLISA during pregnancy.
Females who are able to become pregnant should use an effective method of birth control during treatment and for 5 months after your last dose of SARCLISA. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that you can use during this time.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you are pregnant or become pregnant during treatment with SARCLISA.

are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if SARCLISA passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed during treatment with SARCLISA.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How will I receive SARCLISA?

SARCLISA will be given to you by your healthcare provider by intravenous (IV) infusion into your vein.
SARCLISA is given in treatment cycles of 28 days (4 weeks), together with the medicines pomalidomide and dexamethasone.
In cycle 1, SARCLISA is usually given weekly.
Starting in cycle 2, SARCLISA is usually given every 2 weeks.
Your healthcare provider will decide how long you should receive SARCLISA.

If you miss any appointments, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
Your healthcare provider will give you medicines before each dose of SARCLISA to help reduce the risk of infusion reactions (make them less frequent and severe).
What are the possible side effects of SARCLISA?

SARCLISA may cause serious side effects, including:

Infusion reactions. Infusion reactions are common with SARCLISA and can sometimes be severe.
Your healthcare provider will prescribe medicines before each infusion of SARCLISA to help decrease your risk for infusion reactions or to help make any infusion reaction less severe. You will be monitored for infusion reactions during each dose of SARCLISA.
Your healthcare provider may slow down or stop your infusion, or completely stop treatment with SARCLISA, if you have an infusion reaction.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of infusion reaction during or within 24 hours after an infusion of SARCLISA:

feeling short of breath
cough
chills
nausea
Decreased white blood cell counts. Decreased white blood cell counts are common with SARCLISA and certain white blood cells can be severely decreased. You may have an increased risk of getting certain infections, such as upper and lower respiratory infections.
Your healthcare provider will check your blood cell counts during treatment with SARCLISA. Your healthcare provider may prescribe an antibiotic or antiviral medicine to help prevent infection, or a medicine to help increase your white blood cell counts during treatment with SARCLISA.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any fever or symptoms of infection during treatment with SARCLISA.

Risk of new cancers. New cancers have happened in people during treatment with SARCLISA. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for new cancers during treatment with SARCLISA.
Change in blood tests. SARCLISA can affect the results of blood tests to match your blood type. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to match your blood type before you start treatment with SARCLISA. Tell all of your healthcare providers that you are being treated with SARCLISA before receiving blood transfusions.
The most common side effects of SARCLISA include:

– lung infection (pneumonia)

– upper respiratory tract infection

– diarrhea

– decreased red blood cell counts (anemia)

– decreased platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)

These are not all the possible side effects of SARCLISA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

What is JEVTANA?

JEVTANA is a prescription medicine used with the steroid medicine prednisone. JEVTANA is used to treat men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (prostate cancer that is resistant to medical or surgical treatments that lower testosterone) that has spread to other parts of the body, and that has worsened (progressed) after treatment with other medicines that included docetaxel.

It is not known if JEVTANA is safe and effective in children.

What is the most important information I should know about JEVTANA?

JEVTANA may cause serious side effects, including:

Low white blood cells, which can cause you to get serious infections, and may lead to death. Men who are 65 years or older may be more likely to have these problems. Your healthcare provider (HCP):
will do blood tests regularly to check your white blood cell counts during your treatment with JEVTANA.
may lower your dose of JEVTANA, change how often you receive it, or stop JEVTANA until your HCP decides that you have enough white blood cells.
may prescribe a medicine for you called G-CSF, to help prevent complications if your white blood cell count is too low.
Tell your HCP right away if you have any of these symptoms of infection during treatment with JEVTANA: fever (take your temperature often during treatment with JEVTANA), cough, burning during urination, or muscle aches.

Also, tell your HCP if you have any diarrhea during the time that your white blood cell count is low. Your HCP may prescribe treatment for you as needed.

Severe allergic reactions can happen within a few minutes after your infusion of JEVTANA starts, especially during the first and second infusions. Your HCP should prescribe medicines before each infusion to help prevent severe allergic reactions.
Tell your HCP right away if you have any of these symptoms of a severe allergic reaction during or soon after an infusion of JEVTANA: rash or itching, skin redness, feeling dizzy or faint, breathing problems, chest or throat tightness, or swelling of face.

Severe stomach and intestine (gastrointestinal) problems.
JEVTANA can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, which may lead to death. Severe vomiting and diarrhea with JEVTANA can lead to loss of too much body fluid (dehydration), or too much of your body salts (electrolytes). Death has happened from having severe diarrhea and losing too much body fluid or body salts with JEVTANA. You may need to go to the hospital for treatment. Your HCP will prescribe medicines to prevent or treat vomiting and diarrhea, as needed with JEVTANA.
Tell your HCP if you have vomiting or diarrhea, or if your symptoms get worse or do not get better.
JEVTANA can cause a leak in the stomach or intestine, intestinal blockage, infection, and bleeding in the stomach or intestine, which may lead to death.
Tell your HCP if you get any of these symptoms: severe stomach-area (abdomen) pain, constipation, fever, blood in your stool, or changes in the color of your stool
Kidney failure may happen with JEVTANA, because of severe infection, loss of too much body fluid (dehydration), and other reasons, which may lead to death. Your HCP will check you for this problem and treat you if needed.
Tell your HCP if you develop these signs or symptoms: swelling of your face or body, decrease in the amount of urine that your body makes each day or blood in your urine.
Inflammation of the bladder and blood in the urine. Blood in the urine is common with JEVTANA, but it can also sometimes be severe. Some people who have had pelvic radiation in the past may develop inflammation of the bladder and blood in the urine that is severe enough that they may need to be hospitalized for medical treatment or surgery. Your healthcare provider will check you for these problems during treatment with JEVTANA. Your healthcare provider may stop your treatment with JEVTANA for a short time, or permanently, if you develop inflammation of the bladder and bleeding that is severe.
Lung or breathing problems may happen with JEVTANA and may lead to death. Men who have lung disease before receiving JEVTANA may have a higher risk for developing lung or breathing problems with JEVTANA treatment. Your HCP will check you for this problem and treat you if needed. Tell your HCP right away if you develop any new or worsening symptoms, including trouble breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, cough or fever.
Who should not receive JEVTANA?

Do not receive JEVTANA if: your white blood cell (neutrophil count) is too low, you have had a severe allergic reaction to cabazitaxel or other medicines that contain polysorbate 80 (ask your HCP if you are not sure), you have severe liver problems..

What should I tell my HCP before receiving JEVTANA?

Before receiving JEVTANA, tell your HCP if you:

are age 65 or older
had allergic reactions in the past
have kidney or liver problems
have lung problems
are pregnant or plant to become pregnant. JEVTANA can cause harm to your unborn baby and loss of pregnancy (miscarriage).
are a male with a female partner who is able to become pregnant. Males should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with JEVTANA and for 3 months after the last dose of JEVTANA.
JEVTANA may cause fertility problems in males. This may affect your ability to father a child. Talk to your HCP if you have concerns about fertility.

Tell your HCP about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. JEVTANA can interact with many other medicines. Do not take any new medicines without asking your HCP first. Your HCP will tell you if it is safe to take the new medicine with JEVTANA.

What are the most common side effects of JEVTANA?

The most common side effects of JEVTANA include:

– low red blood cell count (anemia), which is common with JEVTANA, but can sometimes also be serious. Your HCP will regularly check your red blood cell count. Symptoms of anemia include shortness of breath and tiredness.
unt, which is common with JEVTANA, but can sometimes also be serious. Tell your HCP if you have any unusual bruising or bleeding.

– fever

– Back pain

– diarrhea

– Change in your sense of appetite

– tiredness

– decreased appetite

– nausea

– shortness of breath

– vomiting

– cough

– constipation

– hair loss

– weakness

– numbness, tingling, burning or decreased sensation
in your hands or feet

– Stomach (abdominal) pain

Tell your HCP if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of JEVTANA. For more information, ask your HCP or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

On May 13, 2020 Marker Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:MRKR), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company specializing in the development of next-generation T cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of hematological malignancies and solid tumor indications, reported that updated clinical data from an investigator-sponsored Phase 1/2 trial led by Baylor College of Medicine were selected for presentation during a poster session at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Press release, Marker Therapeutics, MAY 13, 2020, View Source [SID1234557948]). ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2020 will be held virtually from Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31, 2020. The data will be presented by lead investigator, Brandon G. Smaglo, M.D., FACP.

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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Presentation Details

Title: "A phase I trial targeting advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer using a combination of standard chemotherapy and adoptively transferred nonengineered, multiantigen specific T cells in the first-line setting (TACTOPS)"
Authors: Smaglo BG, et al.
Session Type: Poster Session
Session Title: Gastrointestinal Cancer—Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary
Abstract: 4622
Poster: 230

The presentation will be available on demand to ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) registrants beginning May 29, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. ET. The poster will be available in the Investors section of the Company’s website at markertherapeutics.com.

On May 13, 2020 VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX) ("Volition"), an epigenetics company developing simple, easy to use and cost effective blood tests to help diagnose a range of cancers, reported that it will present three abstracts at the 2020 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Press release, VolitionRX, MAY 13, 2020, View Source [SID1234557947]).

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

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ASCO Abstract e20078 "Circulating nucleosomes in hematological malignancy"
The first abstract presented announces initial data demonstrating the ability of Volition’s sample-enrichment tool, Nu.Q Capture, to separate short and long nucleosomes in clinical colorectal cancer samples to enable the concentration of tumor-derived nucleosomal markers prior to analysis. The other two abstracts presented provide new performance data for Volition’s Nucleosomics Nu.Q technology in the early detection of lung cancer and blood cancer.

E13534: Enrichment of circulating tumor DNA from cell free DNA of Hematopoietic origin

Data from this pilot study, the first published results for Volition’s Nu.Q Capture program, showed that Nu.Q Capture technology successfully demonstrated enrichment of circulating tumor nucleosomes and tumor DNA ("ctDNA"). The data clearly showed the separation of short and long nucleosomes from both cancer cell lines in a laboratory setting, and in clinical colorectal cancer patients versus healthy controls.

Dr. Mark Eccleston, Business Development Director and a founding scientist at Volition, said: "Effective removal of most ‘healthy/long’ nucleosomes creates an enriched sample allowing for more accurate measurement of cancer nucleosomes. Similarly, the removal of most ‘healthy/long’ nucleosome-associated DNA can also enhance detection of cancer using ctDNA technologies. These data are a really positive sign of the potential of Nu.Q Capture as a valuable tool to enable improved and earlier detection of cancer."

For more information about this abstract please watch this short video: View Source

E15542: Performance of a Nu.Q-H3.1 assay for lung cancer detection
This study, conducted in conjunction with Dr. Anne Sibille and team of Liege University Hospital, Belgium, aimed to assess the performance of a Nu.Q assay in discriminating both between lung cancer and healthy controls, and between lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ("COPD").

A pilot study of 142 subjects demonstrated that Nu.Q assays could not only discriminate lung cancer versus healthy controls with an Area Under the Curve ("AUC") of 88%, but also between lung cancer and COPD with an AUC of 85%. The AUC is an industry accepted measure of the effectiveness of an assay whereby 100% is the most accurate.

Commenting on this study, Dr. Marielle Herzog, Research and Development Director at Volition, said: "Lung cancer is not only the most prevalent cancer, but it is also the most deadly, responsible for over 1.75 million deaths worldwide each year. Its diagnosis currently relies on invasive methods and often occurs at a late stage of disease, explaining its poor outcome. Our hope is that a blood-based test could aid earlier diagnosis. Based on these encouraging results, we believe further studies with larger numbers of patients should be performed to confirm and validate the usefulness of these biomarkers and models."

E20078: Circulating nucleosomes in hematological malignancy
This pilot study investigated the circulating levels of intact nucleosomes containing the histone H3.1 isoform (Nu.Q-H3.1) in a variety of solid tumors including Non Hodgkin Lymphoma ("NHL"), Acute Myeloid Leukemia ("AML"), Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia ("ALL"), and in healthy subjects.

The results showed elevated levels of Nu.Q-H3.1 in patients diagnosed with cancers. Only 14 of 271 patients with a solid tumor had levels >200ng/ml. In contrast, the median Nu.Q-H3.1 levels observed for patients with NHL, AML and ALL were 276, 284 and 585ng/ml, respectively. The median nucleosome level in 62 healthy subjects was 40ng/ml and the highest level was 198ng/ml. The Area Under the Curve ("AUC") for all patients diagnosed with NHL, AML or ALL (n=54) vs healthy subjects was 91% with a sensitivity of 74% at 95% specificity.

Lead author, Dr. Jason Terrell, Chief Medical Officer at Volition, commented: "Elevated nucleosome levels have been reported for a number of diseases. These encouraging early results indicate that levels of Nu.Q-H3.1 are particularly elevated in haematological cancers. These data show that Nu.Q technology may be a useful diagnostic tool warranting further study."

For further information about this abstract please watch this video presentation:
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Abstracts will be available to view starting at 5:00 pm ET on May 13, 2020 on the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Meeting Library.

On May 13, 2020 Innovent Biologics, Inc. ("Innovent") (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune, metabolic and other major diseases, reported with Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) that the Phase 2 TYVYT (sintilimab injection) ORIENT-2 study in China met its primary endpoint of overall survival (OS) (Press release, Innovent Biologics, MAY 13, 2020, View Source [SID1234557946]).

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The randomized study, which evaluated TYVYT monotherapy compared to chemotherapy (paclitaxel or irinotecan) as a second-line treatment for patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in OS. The safety profile of TYVYT is consistent with previously reported TYVYT study results, and no new safety signals were identified. The detailed results will be reported in an ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2020 poster discussion session (No. 4511).

Innovent and Lilly plan to discuss these results with the Drug Evaluation Center (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in China.

The principal investigator of the ORIENT-2 study, Professor Jianming Xu from the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, stated: "The incidence of ESCC in Asian countries is much higher than that in Western countries. The current standard of treatment is still based on traditional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Traditional chemotherapy drugs have shown a very limited effect on the second-line treatment of patients with advanced ESCC. Over the past 10 years, immunotherapy has made tremendous progress in multiple tumor types, but the drug development advancements in treating ESCC has been slower and there remains a huge unmet medical need. The ORIENT-2 study confirmed that TYVYT can prolong overall survival in the second-line treatment of people with ESCC. We have seen that sintilimab is more efficacious than chemotherapy and we are hopeful that TYVYT has the potential to be a new treatment option for these patients."

Dr. Hui Zhou, Vice President and Head of Oncology Strategy and Medical Sciences of Innovent, stated: "TYVYT was approved by the NMPA in 2018 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma after second-line or later systemic chemotherapy. We currently have more than 20 clinical studies ongoing to evaluate the efficacy of TYVYT in other types of tumors. The results of the ORIENT-2 study demonstrate the potential of TYVYT to treat patients with advanced ESCC in the second-line setting. We are also conducting a Phase 3 trial to evaluate TYVYT combined with chemotherapy (paclitaxel and cisplatin) as a first-line treatment of patients with advanced, recurrent or metastatic ESCC. We hope these clinical trials can provide more effective treatment options for clinicians and benefit more ESCC patients."

"From Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lung cancer to esophageal cancer, we are glad to see that TYVYT’s clinical efficacy has been demonstrated in multiple tumor types," said Dr. Li Wang, Senior Vice President of Lilly China and Head of Lilly China Drug Development and Medical Affairs Center. "We are thankful to the patients and their families, investigators and clinical trial sites participating in the ORIENT-2 study, and to our colleagues from Innovent. We would not have seen these encouraging results without their efforts. We look forward to working to bring TYVT as a new treatment option to people with ESCC in China."

About the ORIENT-2 Study

ORIENT-2 is a randomized, open-label, Phase 2 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TYVYT with paclitaxel or irinotecan in patients with advanced or metastatic ESCC who failed first-line treatment (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03116152). The primary endpoint was OS.

A total of 190 subjects were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive TYVYT or the investigator’s choice of paclitaxel or irinotecan, until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, withdrawal of consent, death, or other reasons stated in the protocol, whichever occurs first.

About advanced ESCC

The incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer in China rank third and fourth, respectively. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 90 percent of all esophageal cancer cases. A considerable proportion of patients with early-stage ESCC will develop recurrence or metastatic disease following resection surgery. Currently, the standard treatment for ESCC is limited to traditional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. There are few treatment options and no targeted therapies for ESCC, resulting in a large unmet clinical need.

About TYVYT (Sintilimab Injection)

TYVYT (sintilimab injection), an innovative drug developed with global quality standards jointly developed by Innovent and Lilly in China, has been granted marketing approval by the NMPA for relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma after second-line or later systemic chemotherapy, and included in the 2019 Guidelines of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology for Lymphoid Malignancies. TYVYT is the only PD-1 inhibitor that has been included in the new Catalogue of the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL), in November 2019. In April 2020, the NMPA accepted the supplemental new drug application for TYVYT in combination with ALIMTA (pemetrexed) and platinum as first-line therapy in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In May 2020, TYVYT combined with Gemzar (gemcitabine for injection) and platinum chemotherapy met the predefined primary endpoint in the Phase 3 ORIENT-12 study as first-line therapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC.

TYVYT is a type of immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody, which binds to PD-1 molecules on the surface of T-cells, blocks the PD-1/ PD-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway and reactivates T-cells to kill cancer cells. Innovent is currently conducting more than 20 clinical studies with TYVYT to evaluate its safety and efficacy in a wide variety of cancer indications, including more than 10 registration or pivotal clinical trials.

On May 13, 2020 EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the US and Canada, reported data for its innovative investigational agents and investigational uses of marketed medicines to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper)20 Virtual Scientific Program, to be held virtually from May 29-31 (Press release, EMD Serono, MAY 13, 2020, View Source [SID1234557945]).

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This year, ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) will be highlighting—during its embargoed presscast on Tuesday, May 26 and at the plenary session on Sunday, May 31—the Phase III JAVELIN Bladder 100 study (Abstract# LBA1) of BAVENCIO (avelumab) in the first-line maintenance treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC)*. Additional data will be presented for early- to late-stage molecules discovered and developed in-house that demonstrate the Company’s commitment and relentless drive to discover, develop and deliver innovative treatment options in its hope to turn cancer patients into cancer survivors. Research from several investigator-sponsored and collaborative research studies also will be shared. This includes a late-breaking oral presentation of results of the investigator-sponsored, multicenter Phase II TROPHIMMUN study of avelumab for the treatment of chemotherapy-resistant gestational trophoblastic tumors (Cohort A), which also will be featured in the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) press program (Abstract# LBA6008).

"Despite the many advances in cancer treatment, we have an urgency to continue to discover and develop innovative treatment options that will have a major impact on the lives of people living with cancer," said Luciano Rossetti, Global Head of Research & Development for EMD Serono. "Taking on this challenge, we’ve applied our deep knowledge of cancer biology to highly focused areas to develop the first-in-class oral MET inhibitor, tepotinib, which received the first approval anywhere in the world for the treatment of NSCLC with MET gene alterations, and our first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein immunotherapy, bintrafusp alfa, both of which have promising outcomes featured at this year’s ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) meeting."

For tepotinib†, approved in Japan for the treatment of patients with unresectable, advanced or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with MET exon 14 (METex14) skipping alterations and the first oral MET inhibitor indicated for the treatment of advanced NSCLC harboring MET gene alterations to receive a regulatory approval, data will be presented from the primary analysis of the VISION study with promising activity in patients with advanced EGFR/ALK wild-type, METex14 skipping NSCLC who were prospectively enrolled using liquid biopsy or tissue biopsy. Results (Abstract #9556) include ≥6-month follow-up data for the primary endpoint of objective response rate (ORR) as determined by independent review committee. Secondary endpoints include ORR as assessed by investigators, duration of response, disease control rate, progression-free survival, molecular responses, and safety data. Additionally, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for the VISION study will be presented at the meeting (Abstract# 9575). These outcomes are the first time HRQoL have been reported for patients with METex14 skipping NSCLC.

For bintrafusp alfa, a novel bifunctional fusion protein targeting TGF-β and PD-L1, two-year follow-up data from a global Phase I study in second-line NSCLC will be presented (Abstract# 9558). These data continue to show manageable safety with durable responses and encouraging long-term survival, especially in patients with high PD-L1 expression (≥80%). The overall safety profile has remained consistent since the interim analysis, with no new safety signals or deaths and one additional treatment-related discontinuation (blood alkaline phosphatase increased). Studies in the bintrafusp alfa lung cancer program include:

INTR@PID LUNG 037: Adaptive Phase III, randomized, open-label controlled study of bintrafusp alfa compared with pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment in patients with PD-L1 expressing advanced NSCLC;
INTR@PID LUNG 005: Phase II study of bintrafusp alfa with concurrent chemoradiation therapy (cCRT) in unresectable Stage III NSCLC; and
INTR@PID LUNG 024: Phase Ib/II, open-label study of bintrafusp alfa in combination with chemotherapy in participants with Stage IV NSCLC regardless of PD-L1 expression status.
The Company’s broad portfolio of investigational DNA damage response (DDR) inhibitors represents multiple development paths, including combinations with other agents and modalities. A trial-in-progress poster (Abstract #TPS4117) will review a multicenter Phase Ib/II study evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of the DNA-PK inhibitor peposertib (formerly M3814) in combination with capecitabine and radiotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

*BAVENCIO is under clinical investigation for the first-line maintenance treatment of advanced UC. There is no guarantee that BAVENCIO will be approved for first-line maintenance treatment of advanced UC by any health authority worldwide.

†Tepotinib is currently under clinical investigation in NSCLC and not yet approved in any markets outside of Japan.

‡Bintrafusp alfa is currently under clinical investigation and not approved for any use anywhere in the world.

About BAVENCIO (avelumab)

BAVENCIO is a human anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibody. BAVENCIO has been shown in preclinical models to engage both the adaptive and innate immune functions. By blocking the interaction of PD-L1 with PD-1 receptors, BAVENCIO has been shown to release the suppression of the T cell-mediated antitumor immune response in preclinical models.10-12 In November 2014, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and Pfizer announced a strategic alliance to co-develop and co-commercialize BAVENCIO.

BAVENCIO Approved Indications

BAVENCIO (avelumab) in combination with axitinib is indicated in the US for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

In the US, the FDA granted accelerated approval for BAVENCIO for the treatment of (i) adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) and (ii) patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy, or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. These indications are approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for these indications may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

Avelumab is currently approved for patients with MCC in 50 countries globally, with the majority of these approvals in a broad indication that is not limited to a specific line of treatment.

BAVENCIO Important Safety Information from the US FDA-Approved Label

BAVENCIO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis, including fatal cases. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pneumonitis, and evaluate suspected cases with radiographic imaging. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater pneumonitis. Withhold BAVENCIO for moderate (Grade 2) and permanently discontinue for severe (Grade 3), life-threatening (Grade 4), or recurrent moderate (Grade 2) pneumonitis. Pneumonitis occurred in 1.2% of patients, including one (0.1%) patient with Grade 5, one (0.1%) with Grade 4, and five (0.3%) with Grade 3.

BAVENCIO can cause hepatotoxicity and immune-mediated hepatitis, including fatal cases. Monitor patients for abnormal liver tests prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hepatitis. Withhold BAVENCIO for moderate (Grade 2) immune-mediated hepatitis until resolution and permanently discontinue for severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) immune-mediated hepatitis. Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred with BAVENCIO as a single agent in 0.9% of patients, including two (0.1%) patients with Grade 5, and 11 (0.6%) with Grade 3.

BAVENCIO in combination with axitinib can cause hepatotoxicity with higher than expected frequencies of Grade 3 and 4 alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation. Consider more frequent monitoring of liver enzymes as compared to when the drugs are used as monotherapy. Withhold BAVENCIO and axitinib for moderate (Grade 2) hepatotoxicity and permanently discontinue the combination for severe or life-threatening (Grade 3 or 4) hepatotoxicity. Administer corticosteroids as needed. In patients treated with BAVENCIO in combination with axitinib, Grades 3 and 4 increased ALT and AST occurred in 9% and 7% of patients, respectively, and immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 7% of patients, including 4.9% with Grade 3 or 4.

BAVENCIO can cause immune-mediated colitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater colitis. Withhold BAVENCIO until resolution for moderate or severe (Grade 2 or 3) colitis until resolution. Permanently discontinue for life-threatening (Grade 4) or recurrent (Grade 3) colitis upon reinitiation of BAVENCIO. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 1.5% of patients, including seven (0.4%) with Grade 3.

BAVENCIO can cause immune-mediated endocrinopathies, including adrenal insufficiency, thyroid disorders, and type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency during and after treatment, and administer corticosteroids as appropriate. Withhold BAVENCIO for severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency was reported in 0.5% of patients, including one (0.1%) with Grade 3.

Thyroid disorders can occur at any time during treatment. Monitor patients for changes in thyroid function at the start of treatment, periodically during treatment, and as indicated based on clinical evaluation. Manage hypothyroidism with hormone replacement therapy and hyperthyroidism with medical management. Withhold BAVENCIO for severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) thyroid disorders. Thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroiditis, were reported in 6% of patients, including three (0.2%) with Grade 3.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus including diabetic ketoacidosis: Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Withhold BAVENCIO and administer antihyperglycemics or insulin in patients with severe or life-threatening (Grade ≥3) hyperglycemia, and resume treatment when metabolic control is achieved. Type 1 diabetes mellitus without an alternative etiology occurred in 0.1% of patients, including two cases of Grade 3 hyperglycemia.

BAVENCIO can cause immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction. Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater nephritis. Withhold BAVENCIO for moderate (Grade 2) or severe (Grade 3) nephritis until resolution to Grade 1 or lower. Permanently discontinue BAVENCIO for life-threatening (Grade 4) nephritis. Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 0.1% of patients.

BAVENCIO can result in other severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions involving any organ system during treatment or after treatment discontinuation. For suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, evaluate to confirm or rule out an immune-mediated adverse reaction and to exclude other causes. Depending on the severity of the adverse reaction, withhold or permanently discontinue BAVENCIO, administer high-dose corticosteroids, and initiate hormone replacement therapy, if appropriate. Resume BAVENCIO when the immune-mediated adverse reaction remains at Grade 1 or lower following a corticosteroid taper. Permanently discontinue BAVENCIO for any severe (Grade 3) immune-mediated adverse reaction that recurs and for any life-threatening (Grade 4) immune-mediated adverse reaction. The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in less than 1% of 1738 patients treated with BAVENCIO as a single agent or in 489 patients who received BAVENCIO in combination with axitinib: myocarditis including fatal cases, pancreatitis including fatal cases, myositis, psoriasis, arthritis, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, pemphigoid, hypopituitarism, uveitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and systemic inflammatory response.

BAVENCIO can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions. Premedicate patients with an antihistamine and acetaminophen prior to the first 4 infusions and for subsequent infusions based upon clinical judgment and presence/severity of prior infusion reactions. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions, including pyrexia, chills, flushing, hypotension, dyspnea, wheezing, back pain, abdominal pain, and urticaria. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion for mild (Grade 1) or moderate (Grade 2) infusion-related reactions. Permanently discontinue BAVENCIO for severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) infusion-related reactions. Infusion-related reactions occurred in 25% of patients, including three (0.2%) patients with Grade 4 and nine (0.5%) with Grade 3.

BAVENCIO in combination with axitinib can cause major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including severe and fatal events. Consider baseline and periodic evaluations of left ventricular ejection fraction. Monitor for signs and symptoms of cardiovascular events. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Discontinue BAVENCIO and axitinib for Grade 3-4 cardiovascular events. MACE occurred in 7% of patients with advanced RCC treated with BAVENCIO in combination with axitinib compared to 3.4% treated with sunitinib. These events included death due to cardiac events (1.4%), Grade 3-4 myocardial infarction (2.8%), and Grade 3-4 congestive heart failure (1.8%).

BAVENCIO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus including the risk of fetal death. Advise females of childbearing potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BAVENCIO and for at least 1 month after the last dose of BAVENCIO. It is not known whether BAVENCIO is excreted in human milk. Advise a lactating woman not to breastfeed during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose of BAVENCIO due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants.

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥ 20%) in patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) were fatigue (50%), musculoskeletal pain (32%), diarrhea (23%), nausea (22%), infusion-related reaction (22%), rash (22%), decreased appetite (20%), and peripheral edema (20%).

Selected treatment-emergent laboratory abnormalities (all grades, ≥ 20%) in patients with metastatic MCC were lymphopenia (49%), anemia (35%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (34%), thrombocytopenia (27%), and increased alanine aminotransferase (20%).

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥ 20%) in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) were fatigue (41%), infusion-related reaction (30%), musculoskeletal pain (25%), nausea (24%), decreased appetite/hypophagia (21%), and urinary tract infection (21%).

Selected laboratory abnormalities (Grades 3-4, ≥ 3%) in patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC were hyponatremia (16%), increased gamma-glutamyltransferase (12%), lymphopenia (11%), hyperglycemia (9%), increased alkaline phosphatase (7%), anemia (6%), increased lipase (6%), hyperkalemia (3%), and increased aspartate aminotransferase (3%).

Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 1.8% of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) receiving BAVENCIO in combination with axitinib. These included sudden cardiac death (1.2%), stroke (0.2%), myocarditis (0.2%), and necrotizing pancreatitis (0.2%).

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥20%) in patients with advanced RCC receiving BAVENCIO in combination with axitinib (vs sunitinib) were diarrhea (62% vs 48%), fatigue (53% vs 54%), hypertension (50% vs 36%), musculoskeletal pain (40% vs 33%), nausea (34% vs 39%), mucositis (34% vs 35%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (33% vs 34%), dysphonia (31% vs 3.2%), decreased appetite (26% vs 29%), hypothyroidism (25% vs 14%), rash (25% vs 16%), hepatotoxicity (24% vs 18%), cough (23% vs 19%), dyspnea (23% vs 16%), abdominal pain (22% vs 19%), and headache (21% vs 16%).

Selected laboratory abnormalities (all grades, ≥20%) worsening from baseline in patients with advanced RCC receiving BAVENCIO in combination with axitinib (vs sunitinib) were blood triglycerides increased (71% vs 48%), blood creatinine increased (62% vs 68%), blood cholesterol increased (57% vs 22%), alanine aminotransferase increased (ALT) (50% vs 46%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (AST) (47% vs 57%), blood sodium decreased (38% vs 37%), lipase increased (37% vs 25%), blood potassium increased (35% vs 28%), platelet count decreased (27% vs 80%), blood bilirubin increased (21% vs 23%), and hemoglobin decreased (21% vs 65%).

Please see full US Prescribing Information and Medication Guide available at View Source

About tepotinib

Tepotinib is an oral MET inhibitor that is designed to inhibit the oncogenic MET receptor signaling caused by MET (gene) alterations, including both METex14 skipping alterations and MET amplifications, or MET protein overexpression. Discovered in-house at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, it has been designed to have a highly selective mechanism of action,7 with the potential to improve outcomes in aggressive tumors that have a poor prognosis and harbor these specific alterations. Tepotinib is currently under clinical investigation in NSCLC and not yet approved in any markets outside of Japan. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is actively assessing the potential of investigating tepotinib in combination with novel therapies and in other tumor indications. Tepotinib is approved under the brand name TEPMETKO in Japan for the treatment of unresectable, advanced or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with MET exon 14 (METex14) skipping alterations. The brand name TEPMETKO is not approved for use outside of Japan.

About bintrafusp alfa

Bintrafusp alfa (M7824), discovered in-house at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a potential first-in-class investigational bifunctional fusion protein designed to simultaneously block two immunosuppressive pathways, TGF-β and PD-L1, within the tumor microenvironment. This bifunctional approach is thought to control tumor growth by potentially restoring and enhancing anti-tumor responses. In preclinical studies, bintrafusp alfa has demonstrated antitumor activity both as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy. Based on its mechanism of action, bintrafusp alfa offers a potential targeted approach to addressing the underlying pathophysiology of difficult-to-treat cancers.

INTR@PID is the global clinical trial program investigating the potential co-localized, dual inhibition of TGF-β and PD-L1 with bintrafusp alfa (M7824) in multiple tumor types. Current clinical trial information can be found on the INTR@PID website at www.intrapidclinicaltrials.com. To date, more than 850 patients with various types of solid tumors have been treated globally in the bintrafusp alfa INTR@PID clinical development program.

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