Seattle Genetics Highlights Novel Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) Technology Advances at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting

On April 17, 2016 Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SGEN) reported novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology advances presented at the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) being held April 16 through 20, 2016 in New Orleans, LA (Press release, Seattle Genetics, APR 17, 2016, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2157672 [SID:1234510959]). Data in multiple presentations demonstrate the company’s leadership and innovation in the field of ADCs. Presentations will showcase a new auristatin-based drug-linker as well as several novel linkers that expand Seattle Genetics’ proprietary ADC technology platform and may enable application of previously inaccessible cytotoxic payloads.

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"We have a comprehensive scientific understanding of the multiple components necessary to develop antibody-drug conjugates for the potential treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors," said Jonathan Drachman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, Research and Development at Seattle Genetics. "Our data presentations at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting illustrate novel linker systems and cell-killing payloads as well as continued progress in understanding the chemical and biological properties of ADCs to inform potential future development. We believe ADCs will continue to play an increasingly important role in cancer treatment."

ADCs are monoclonal antibodies designed to deliver cytotoxic agents selectively to tumor cells. Seattle Genetics has developed proprietary technology employing synthetic cytotoxic agents and stable linker systems that attach these cytotoxic agents to the antibody. Seattle Genetics’ linker systems are designed to be stable in the bloodstream and release the potent cell-killing agent once inside targeted cancer cells. This approach is intended to spare non-targeted cells and thus reduce many of the toxic effects of traditional chemotherapy while enhancing antitumor activity.

Multiple oral and poster presentations are being featured at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) that highlight Seattle Genetics’ ADC technology advances. Abstracts can be found at www.aacr.org and include the following:

Three poster presentations on Sunday and Monday, April 17 and 18, 2016 (Abstracts #0351, 1285, 2082) will highlight the role of the tumor microenvironment in ADC clearance, antitumor activity and uptake. Importantly, preclinical data demonstrate the potential for tumor associated macrophages to contribute to antitumor activity through release of MMAE.
The development of novel quaternary ammonium linkers for the stable conjugation and efficient release of tertiary amine-containing payloads will be presented in a poster presentation on Monday, April 18, 2016 (Abstract #2056). Preliminary data demonstrate that this technology enables the evaluation of drug classes previously inaccessible as ADCs, including auristatin E and tubulysin.

The development of a novel methylene-alkoxy-carbamate (MAC) linker that enables direct conjugation of drugs through alcohol functional groups will be presented in an oral presentation at 3:50 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 (Abstract #4334). This linker has the potential to expand the types of payloads utilized in ADCs.
Data from a novel monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) linker technology will be highlighted in a poster presentation on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 (Abstract #2956). By incorporating a short polyethylene glycol (PEG) unit, a self-hydrolysing maleimide and a glucuronidase release mechanism, the new MMAE drug-linker demonstrates pronounced activity with an increased therapeutic index in preclinical models.

Medivation Announces Presentation of Phase I Talazoparib Combination Data in Several Advanced Cancers

On April 17, 2016 Medivation, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDVN) reported that Phase I data from its investigational agent talazoparib, a highly-potent PARP inhibitor, was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2016 in New Orleans by the study’s lead investigator Zev A. Wainberg, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and Co-Director of the UCLA GI Oncology Program, during a Clinical Trials Mini-Symposium (Press release, Medivation, APR 17, 2016, View Source [SID:1234510958]). The primary objective of the study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of talazoparib in combination with either low-dose temozolomide or low-dose irinotecan in heavily pretreated patients with advanced malignancies.

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The data from the 40 patient trial demonstrated that combination treatment with talazoparib and low-dose chemotherapy resulted in stable disease or an objective response in 23 of 40 heavily pretreated patients with a variety of advanced cancers (clinical benefit rate of 58%). Most notably, objective responses were seen in four of seven (57%) heavily pre-treated non-BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer patients when talazoparib was used in combination with either low-dose temozolomide or low-dose irinotecan. Six of seven individuals (86%) with non-BRCA ovarian cancer had clinical benefit (four partial responses and two stable disease) and had a reduction in CA 125 levels by 50% or greater.

Importantly, the overall study demonstrated responses to combination talazoparib/low-dose chemotherapy in patients with multiple tumor types in which specific deleterious mutations in certain DNA repair genes extended beyond BRCA deficiency, including one patient who did not meet the criteria of having homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). These effects may be mediated through PARP inhibition, as well as enhanced PARP trapping, which interferes with the tumor cell’s ability to replicate DNA by locking PARP molecules onto the DNA strand.

"In non-clinical studies, talazoparib has been shown to have high potency specifically against PARP 1 and 2, and antitumor effects in various solid tumors. With these new results, we now have evidence in humans that suggests talazoparib in combination with low-dose chemotherapy is active in tumors with defects in DNA repair beyond BRCA deficiency, and possibly in patients without evidence of HRD. We feel these data are consistent with talazoparib’s potent PARP trapping ability, which we believe makes talazoparib a unique and exciting product candidate with the potential to be used in combination with DNA damaging therapies across a wide variety of tumor types," said David Hung M.D., Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Medivation. "With more than half of the ovarian cancer patients demonstrating an objective response, particularly in a heavily pre-treated patient population with advanced disease, these findings are encouraging and support further evaluation of the safety and efficacy of talazoparib."

Talazoparib currently is in Phase III development for patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer who harbor a germline BRCA1/2 mutation. It is also being studied in several investigator-sponsored trials across multiple tumor types.

The Phase I investigator-sponsored study evaluated escalating doses of talazoparib ( ≥ 0.5 mg given orally once daily) with either temozolomide ( ≥ 25 mg/m2 given orally on days 1-5; Arm A) or irinotecan ( ≥ 25 mg/m2 given by intravenous infusion every two weeks; Arm B) every 28 days in patients with advanced malignancies. Study participants ranged in age from 21 to 77 years (median: 57 years) and had received one to 15 prior chemotherapy regimens (median: 6). The primary endpoint of the study was the determination of the MTD. Secondary endpoints included pharmacokinetics, tumor response and biomarkers.

A total of 40 patients received escalating doses of talazoparib (0.5-1.0 mg) and either temozolomide or irinotecan (18 patients in Arm A and 22 in Arm B). Results showed the MTD for talazoparib was 1.0 mg. and 37.5 mg/m2 for either temozolomide or irinotecan when combined with 1.0 mg talazoparib. Partial responses were seen in four of seven (57%) germline BRCA wild type ovarian cancer patients who were platinum-resistant. Additional responses were seen in one patient each with Ewing’s Sarcoma, cervical adenocarcinoma, small cell lung cancer, and triple negative breast cancer. An association was observed between response and the presence of deleterious somatic mutations in DNA repair genes (PALB2 and RAD51D) distinct from BRCA mutations.

The most common grade 3/4 adverse events ( ≥ 5%) observed in patients treated with talazoparib plus temozolomide were neutropenia (28%), anemia (33%), and thrombocytopenia (33%). Among those treated with talazoparib plus irinotecan, the most common adverse events were thrombocytopenia (13%), anemia (27%) and neutropenia (31%). No significant pharmacokinetic interactions were observed between talazoparib and either temozolomide or irinotecan.

About Talazoparib
Talazoparib is a potent and specific inhibitor of PARP 1 and 2(i) that is being developed by Medivation for the treatment of selected solid tumors. In pre-clinical studies, talazoparib has shown single-agent anti-tumor activity, as well as synergy in combination with lowered doses of DNA-damaging agents, due to its dual mechanisms of cytotoxicity, PARP trapping, and inhibition of PARP enzyme activity. Trapping of PARP on DNA impairs DNA replication resulting in tumor cell death. Talazoparib currently is in Phase III development for patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer who harbor a germline BRCA1/2 mutation.

Loxo Oncology TRK Inhibitor LOXO-101 Shows Durable Anti-Tumor Activity Across TRK Fusion Cancers in AACR Phase 1 Update

On April 17, 2016 Loxo Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq:LOXO), a biopharmaceutical company innovating the development of highly selective medicines for patients with genetically defined cancers, reported new results from its Phase 1 open-label, dose-escalation trial of LOXO-101, a selective inhibitor of tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) (Press release, Loxo Oncology, APR 17, 2016, View Source [SID:1234510957]). A presentation at the 2016 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in New Orleans on April 17, 2016 provided updated data from the Phase 1 trial, which was last reported at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC AACR-NCI-EORTC (Free AACR-NCI-EORTC Whitepaper) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics (EORTC-NCI-AACR) (Free ASGCT Whitepaper) (Free EORTC-NCI-AACR Whitepaper) in November 2015.

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LOXO-101 Phase 1 study investigators reported that, as of the March 25, 2016 data cutoff date, 43 patients with solid tumors refractory to standard therapy had been enrolled and treated, including seven patients with cancers harboring TRK gene fusions. Data regarding the first three of these patients were initially reported at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper)-NCI-EORTC conference in November 2015.

Six patients with TRK fusion cancers had been on study sufficiently long for their first efficacy assessment, and all six exhibited significant tumor regressions. A seventh patient with a TRK fusion cancer was enrolled more recently and thus had not yet been evaluated for response as of the data cutoff date, though the patient remains on study. Five of the six efficacy evaluable patients achieved a confirmed partial response, as defined by standard RECIST criteria. The sixth patient demonstrated clear radiographic tumor regressions, including in the central nervous system, but has not met the threshold required for a RECIST response. Tumor regressions have been observed in five different anatomically-defined cancers: sarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, mammary analogue secretory cancer of the salivary glands, thyroid cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. No TRK fusion patients have progressed, with one patient in cycle 14, two patients in cycle 10 and three patients in cycle 7, as of the data cutoff date. In addition, LOXO-101 has been highly active and well-tolerated at doses that include the recommended Phase 2 dose of 100 mg BID. The majority of adverse events reported by the investigators have been mild to moderate. A maximum tolerated dose (MTD) has not been defined.

"The responses, durability and safety data with LOXO-101 clearly suggest that this is an important drug candidate for patients with TRK fusion cancers," said David Hong, M.D., deputy chair and associate professor in the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and presenter of the LOXO-101 oral presentation. "We are excited to continue to follow these Phase 1 patients and treat additional TRK fusion patients in the LOXO-101 Phase 2 trial. I hope these data encourage my colleagues to test for TRK fusions and refer patients to a LOXO-101 study."

"The consistent efficacy of LOXO-101 in patients with TRK gene fusions, independent of tumor type, is very exciting," said Josh Bilenker, M.D., chief executive officer of Loxo Oncology. "The data update also provides an encouraging snapshot of response durability, particularly at the recommended Phase 2 dose of 100mg twice-daily. These data suggest that LOXO-101 can deeply inhibit its target at a well-tolerated dose and generate durable disease control in a diverse group of patients with TRK gene fusions."

LOXO-101 Phase 1 Results
LOXO-101 is currently being evaluated in an ongoing dose-escalation Phase 1 trial in patients with solid tumors refractory to standard therapy. As of March 25, 2016, 43 patients with advanced cancer had been treated at five dose levels: 50 mg QD, 100 mg QD, 100 mg BID, 150 mg BID and 200 mg QD. The median age of these patients is 57 (ranging from 28-76) and the median number of prior treatments is three (ranging from 0-11).

Safety Analysis
LOXO-101 has been well tolerated in the 43 patients treated, including 24 patients at a dose of 100mg BID. Adverse events reported regardless of attribution to study drug are generally consistent with those previously presented. Grade 1 and 2 adverse events include fatigue (33 percent), constipation (23 percent) and dizziness (23 percent). Grade 3 adverse events included fatigue, constipation, anemia, increased liver enzymes, dyspnea, abdominal pain, hypertension, hyperkalemia, delirium, pleural effusion, and syncope. No Grade 4 adverse events have been reported. The frequency of toxicities did not correlate with dose level. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) has not yet been defined.

Efficacy Analysis
As of March 25, 2016, seven patients with cancers harboring TRK fusions have been enrolled, representing a broad range of tumor types: mammary analogue secretory cancer of the salivary glands (MASC, n=3), soft tissue sarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, thyroid carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer. As of the March 25, 2016 data cutoff date, six patients had been evaluated for response, and five had achieved a confirmed objective response. All six patients experienced significant tumor regression, with response status summarized below:

Soft tissue sarcoma, LMNA-NTRK1 fusion: Confirmed partial response, remains on study in cycle 14 at a dose of 100 mg BID
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, ETV6-NTRK3 fusion: Confirmed partial response, remains on study in cycle 10 at a dose of 150 mg BID
MASC, ETV6-NTRK3 fusion: Confirmed partial response, remains on study in cycle 10 at 100 mg BID
MASC, ETV6-NTRK3 fusion: Confirmed partial response, remains on study in cycle 7 at 100 mg QD; this patient started therapy on 100 mg BID and dose-reduced early in cycle 1 to 100 mg QD due to transient dizziness possibly related to drug
Papillary thyroid cancer, ETV6-NTRK3 fusion: Confirmed partial response, remains on study in cycle 7 at 100 mg BID
Non-small cell lung cancer, TPR-NTRK1 fusion: 18% tumor regression of bone-only RECIST evaluable disease (stable disease), remains on study in cycle 7 at 100mg BID
All six patients remain on study as of March 25, 2016. The seventh patient was recently enrolled and not yet evaluable for efficacy as of the data cutoff date, but also remains on study.

On Monday, April 18, 2016, Loxo Oncology plans to file a Form-8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) containing the LOXO-101 materials presented at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) meeting. These materials will also be posted to the Loxo Oncology website.

Upcoming Milestones for Loxo Oncology
Loxo Oncology continues to make significant progress across its pipeline. Upcoming milestones are expected to include:

Continued enrollment of the LOXO-101 Phase 2 global, multi-center, single-arm, open-label basket trial in adult patients with solid tumors that harbor a TRK fusion, with an enrollment update expected in the second half of 2016.
Initiation of a Phase 1 study of a selective RET inhibitor in late 2016 or early 2017.
Initiation of a Phase 1 study of next-generation TRK inhibitor LOXO-195, addressing previously-treated patients with acquired resistance, in 2017.
Conference Call and Webcast Information
Loxo Oncology will host a conference call, live webcast with slides and Q&A on Monday, April 18, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss the LOXO-101 data and program updates. To participate in the conference call, please dial (877) 930-8065 (domestic) or (253) 336-8041 (international) and refer to conference ID 77038770. A live webcast of the presentation will be available at View Source A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call and archived on the company’s website for 30 days following the call.

About LOXO-101
LOXO-101 is a potent, oral and selective investigational new drug in clinical development for the treatment of patients with cancers that harbor abnormalities involving the tropomyosin receptor kinases (TRKs). Growing research suggests that the NTRK genes, which encode for TRKs, can become abnormally fused to other genes, resulting in growth signals that can lead to cancer in many sites of the body. In an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial, LOXO-101 has demonstrated encouraging preliminary efficacy. LOXO-101 is also being evaluated in a global Phase 2 multi-center basket trial in patients with solid tumors that harbor TRK gene fusions and a Phase 1 trial in pediatric patients. For additional information about the LOXO-101 clinical trials, please refer to www.clinicaltrials.gov. Interested patients and physicians can contact the Loxo Oncology Physician and Patient Clinical Trial Hotline at 1-855-NTRK-123.

Ignyta Announces Updated Data from Entrectinib Phase 1 Clinical Trials at the 2016 AACR Annual Meeting

On April 17, 2016 Ignyta, Inc. (Nasdaq: RXDX), a precision oncology biotechnology company, reported that updated results of its Phase 1 clinical trials of entrectinib, the company’s proprietary oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting solid tumors harboring activating alterations to NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, ROS1 or ALK, were presented in an oral plenary session at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) in New Orleans, Louisiana (Press release, Ignyta, APR 17, 2016, View Source [SID:1234510954]).

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"We continue to be excited by entrectinib’s ability to help patients with advanced cancer," said Jonathan Lim, M.D., Chairman and CEO of Ignyta. "With respect to efficacy, in the 25 patients in the Phase 1 trials who would meet the eligibility criteria for our Phase 2 clinical trial, we saw tumor regression in 20 patients, or 80%. Nineteen out of 24 patients with extracranial solid tumors had a confirmed RECIST response, representing a 79% overall response rate; and one patient with an astrocytoma had evidence of substantial tumor regression by volumetric measurement. These responses were observed in patients with each of NTRK, ROS1 and ALK rearrangements, and across six tumor histologies, including complete and/or durable responses in both primary and metastatic tumors of the central nervous system."

"With respect to safety, based upon a larger dataset of 119 patients, which included 45 patients treated at our Phase 2 dose of 600 mg continuous once daily dosing, we have been able to further substantiate entrectinib’s acceptable safety profile," continued Dr. Lim. "We have 19 patients who have been on study for longer than six months; of those, 11 patients have been on study for more than one year, including three patients for more than two years. We believe these data highlight the long-term tolerability and promising anti-tumor activity of entrectinib as we continue to enroll STARTRK-2, our ongoing, potentially registration-enabling Phase 2 clinical trial of entrectinib."

The Phase 1 clinical trials included the ALKA-372-001 study and the STARTRK-1 study, which is the first of the "Studies of Tumor Alterations Responsive to Targeting Receptor Kinases". Both trials were designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D), as well as preliminary anti-cancer activity, of single agent entrectinib in patients with solid tumors with the relevant target alterations: TrkA (encoded by NTRK1), ROS1 or ALK for ALKA-372-001 and TrkA/TrkB/TrkC (encoded by NTRK1/2/3), ROS1 or ALK for STARTRK-1.

The data cut-off for the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) presentation was March 7, 2016. Highlights of the data included:

Safety

A total of 119 patients with a range of solid tumors had been dosed across both clinical trials, with 45 patients treated at the RP2D of 600 mg, taken orally once per day (QD).

Entrectinib was well tolerated:

Across both studies, the most frequent (>10% incidence) treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (44%), dysgeusia (41%), paresthesia (28%), nausea (24%), and myalgia (22%).
The vast majority of treatment-related adverse events were Grade 1 or 2 in severity.
The most frequent (>2% incidence) Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (4%) and anemia (3%).
Adverse events were reversible with dose modification.
There was no evidence of cumulative toxicity, hepatic or renal toxicity, or QTc prolongation.
Efficacy

Across both studies, there were 25 patients treated who met the company’s Phase 2 clinical trial eligibility criteria, which include:

Presence of NTRK1/2/3, ROS1 or ALK gene rearrangements, as opposed to other types of molecular alterations (e.g., SNPs, amplifications, deletions);
ALK-inhibitor and/or ROS1-inhibitor naïve; and
Treatment at or above the RP2D.
Among the 25 patients treated who met the company’s Phase 2 clinical trial eligibility criteria, tumor regression was seen in 80% (20 out of 25 treated patients):

24 patients had tumors that were evaluable by RECIST criteria. The overall response rate was 79% (19 responses, including 2 complete responses, out of 24 treated patients, as assessed and confirmed by the clinical sites).
One patient had astrocytoma. Assessment by RECIST criteria demonstrated stable disease. However, since RECIST criteria are not validated for primary brain tumors, the clinical site performed three-dimensional volumetric analysis of this patient’s tumor to determine changes in tumor size, which resulted in an estimated 45% decrease in tumor size from baseline.
Many of these responses occurred rapidly, within the first four weeks of entrectinib treatment. Seventeen of the patients remained on study treatment, having received up to 27 months of treatment. Of note, three of four patients with primary or metastatic central nervous system (CNS) disease responded.

With respect to specific subsets of patients:

Trk patients

There were four patients included in the clinical studies with NTRK1/2/3 gene rearrangements that met the company’s Phase 2 eligibility criteria, including patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer (CRC), salivary gland cancer and astrocytoma. All four of these patients demonstrated tumor regression (three confirmed responses by RECIST and one by volumetric assessment).

Two of these Trk patients remained on study, one of whom had been on study for longer than 12 months.

In addition, the company included in the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) presentation a case study of a 20-month old baby boy with NTRK3-rearranged infantile fibrosarcoma that had metastasized to the brain and who had exhausted all available therapies. The patient was first dosed in February 2016, and after five weeks of treatment experienced a decrease in his brain lesions of approximately 58%, as estimated from radiology assessment, with accompanying clinical improvement.

Three of these five patients with NTRK1/2/3 gene rearrangements had either primary or metastatic CNS disease, and all three demonstrated substantial CNS tumor regression, underscoring the importance of entrectinib’s CNS penetration and clinical activity for this patient population.

ROS1 patients

There were 14 patients included in the clinical studies with ROS1 gene rearrangements who met the company’s Phase 2 eligibility criteria, including 13 patients with NSCLC and one patient with malignant melanoma.

Eleven of the 13 patients with NSCLC and the patient with melanoma responded, including two complete responses. The resultant overall response rate for these ROS1 patients was 86%, and the response rate for the subset of patients with NSCLC was 85%.

Eleven of the ROS1 responders remained on study in response, with the longest at 27 months; one ROS1 NSCLC patient has met the criteria for RECIST progression but has remained on study due to clinical benefit.

ALK patients

There were seven patients included in the clinical studies with ALK gene rearrangements who met the company’s Phase 2 eligibility criteria, including four patients with NSCLC, one patient with CRC, one patient with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and one patient with a thoracic tumor of unknown primary.

Two of the four patients with NSCLC, the patient with CRC and the patient with RCC had clinical responses. Another NSCLC patient had stable disease. The resultant overall response rate for these ALK patients was 57%.

Two of the responders remained on study in response, as did the patient with stable disease.

On Monday, April 18, 2016, Ignyta will file a Form-8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) containing the entrectinib Phase 1 materials presented at the 2016 AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) annual meeting. The company’s SEC filings can be found on the company’s website at www.ignyta.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Reception and Webcast Presentation

In addition, Ignyta announced that it will host a reception in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, during the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) annual meeting.

At the reception, Ignyta’s management team will make a presentation relating to the clinical data and plans for further development of entrectinib, as well as an overview of the company’s other product candidates and highlights.

The presentation will take place at 7:00 PM, Central time. A live webcast of the event will be available in the Investors section of the company’s website at View Source, and will be archived and available at that site for 14 days.

First Presentation of Two-Year Overall Survival Data for Opdivo® (nivolumab) in Combination with Yervoy® (ipilimumab) Showed Superior Efficacy Versus Yervoy Alone in Advanced Melanoma

On April 17, 2016 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported its first time presentation of overall survival data from CheckMate -069, a Phase 2 trial and the first randomized study to evaluate the Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen in patients with previously untreated advanced melanoma (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, APR 17, 2016, View Source [SID:1234510949]). In the trial, the Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen demonstrated a two-year overall survival (OS) rate of 69% compared to 53% for Yervoy alone (HR=0.58 [95% CI: 0.31-1.08]) in patients with BRAF wild-type advanced melanoma. Overall survival was an exploratory endpoint in this trial. The safety profile of the Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen in this study was consistent with previously reported studies. These data will be presented today as an oral presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2016 Annual Meeting during the Immuno-Oncology Clinical Trials I Plenary Session from 2:15 – 4:00 P.M. CT in New Orleans, Louisiana (Late-Breaking and Clinical Trial Abstract #CT002).

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Bristol-Myers Squibb is also presenting extended follow-up data, including five-year OS rates, from the Phase 1 dose escalation study, CA209-003, evaluating Opdivo monotherapy in heavily pretreated advanced melanoma patients. These data represent the longest survival follow-up of patients who received an anti-PD-1 therapy in a clinical trial. At five years, patients who received Opdivo showed an OS rate of 34%, with an evident plateau in survival at approximately four years. The safety profile of Opdivo in study -003 was similar to previously reported studies, with no new safety signals identified. These data were featured during the Congress’ official press program today at 12:30 P.M. CT, and will be presented as an oral presentation during the Immuno-Oncology Clinical Trials I Plenary Session from 2:15 – 4:00 P.M. CT (Late-Breaking and Clinical Trial Abstract #CT001).

"The data from CheckMate -069 and study -003 showed durable responses for some patients with advanced melanoma using new Immuno-Oncology approaches. These data contribute to our growing understanding of this aggressive cancer and are promising news for advanced melanoma patients. In particular, we are seeing further data that evaluate the potential survival benefit of the nivolumab and ipilimumab combination," said F. Stephen Hodi, M.D., director of the Melanoma Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Melanoma continues to be the most aggressive and deadliest form of skin cancer, with an increase in global incidence rates over the last 30 years. Despite advances in treatment, patients with advanced stages of the disease have lower survival rates, with a five-year survival of 15% – 20% for Stage IV disease.

Jean Viallet, M.D., Global Clinical Research Lead, Oncology, Bristol-Myers Squibb, commented, "We are encouraged to see that the Opdivo and Yervoy combination showed improvement in overall survival versus Yervoy alone based on two-year follow-up from CheckMate -069, the registrational study of the combination regimen. These data further validate our scientific rationale for studying the combination of these Immuno-Oncology agents. Additionally, study -003 shows five-year overall survival with Opdivo monotherapy in heavily pretreated advanced melanoma patients. These data provide important information about the possible role of Opdivo as a single agent in improving long-term survival for these patients."

About CheckMate -069

CheckMate -069 is a Phase 2, double-blind, randomized study which evaluated 142 patients with previously untreated unresectable or metastatic melanoma who received either the Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen (n=95) or Yervoy alone (n=47). The trial included patients with BRAF wild-type and BRAF V600 mutation-positive melanoma, and randomization was stratified by BRAF mutation status. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) in patients with BRAF wild-type tumors. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with BRAF wild-type tumors, ORR in patients with BRAF V600 mutation positive tumors, and safety. Overall survival (OS) was an exploratory endpoint.

In the trial, the combination of Opdivo and Yervoy demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement in survival at two years with an OS rate of 69% compared to 53% for Yervoy alone in patients with BRAF wild-type advanced melanoma (HR=0.58 [95% CI: 0.31-1.08]), with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Similar results were observed in the overall study population, with an OS rate of 64% at two years for the Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen compared to 54% for Yervoy alone (HR=0.74 [95% CI: 0.43-1.26]). Per the study protocol, patients who did not respond to treatment or experienced disease progression after treatment received subsequent therapies, including 55% of patients in the Yervoy monotherapy arm who crossed over to receive Opdivo monotherapy. A change in tumor burden was seen with the Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen, with a median change of 70% decrease in tumor burden compared to a 5% increase for Yervoy alone.

At two years of follow-up, median duration of response was not reached in both arms, with ongoing responses seen in 80% of responders. Progression-free survival at two years was significantly longer with the Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen (n=72) compared to Yervoy alone (n=37). In patients with BRAF wild-type advanced melanoma, median PFS has not been reached (8.6-NR) compared to 4.4 months (2.8-5.3) for Yervoy alone (HR=0.35 [95% CI: 0.21-0.59; p<0.0001]), with a two-year PFS rate of 54% with the Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen vs. 11% for Yervoy alone. In all randomized patients, median PFS has also not been reached (7.36-NR) in patients treated with the Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen vs. 3.0 months (2.7-5.1) for patients treated with Yervoy alone, with a two-year PFS rate of 51% vs. 12%, respectively. Similar efficacy was seen regardless of PD-L1 expression at 5% across endpoints with the Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen.

As reported last year at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper), and with a minimum follow-up of 11 months, the Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen demonstrated improved ORR in both BRAF wild-type and BRAF V600 mutation-positive advanced melanoma compared to Yervoy alone. In patients with BRAF wild-type advanced melanoma, ORR in the combination regimen arm was 61% with 22% of patients achieving a complete response and 39% achieving a partial response, compared to 11% ORR in the Yervoy monotherapy arm with 0% of patients achieving a complete response and 11% of patients achieving a partial response. In all randomized patients, ORR in the combination regimen arm was 59% with 22% of patients achieving a complete response and 37% of patients achieving a partial response, compared to 11% in the Yervoy monotherapy arm with 0% of patients achieving a complete response and 11% of patients achieving a partial response.

The safety profile of the combination of Opdivo and Yervoy in this updated analysis of CheckMate -069 was consistent with previously reported studies and most treatment-related select adverse events (AEs) were treated with immune-modulating medications. The majority (>85%) of treatment-related select AEs were managed when immune-modulating medications were utilized, except for endocrinopathies. Grade 3-4 treatment-related AEs were reported more frequently with the combination regimen (54%) than with Yervoy alone (20%). Treatment-related AEs of any grade led to discontinuation in 37% of patients treated with the combination regimen and 9% of patients treated with Yervoy alone. Three treatment-related deaths occurred in the Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen arm, which were previously-reported. The most common treatment-related select AEs of any grade with the combination regimen vs. Yervoy alone included rash (43% vs. 30%), pruritus (40% vs. 33%), diarrhea (45% vs. 35%), colitis (18% vs. 7%), hypothyroidism (17% vs. 13%), hypophysitis (13% vs. 7%), increased ALT (26% vs. 9%), increased AST (28% vs. 9%), pneumonitis (10% vs. 2%), and increased creatinine (2% vs. 0%).

About Study CA209-003

CA209-003, or study -003, is a Phase 1b, open-label, multicenter, multidose, dose-escalation study of Opdivo in patients with select advanced or recurrent malignancies, including previously treated melanoma. In this study, Yervoy-naïve patients who had received one to five prior systemic therapies for advanced melanoma (n=107) were treated with Opdivo (0.1, 0.3, 1, 3 or 10 mg/kg) every two weeks for <96 weeks. Patients were followed for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), long-term safety, and response duration after discontinuing treatment.

At five years, the OS rate for patients treated with Opdivo was 34% (95% CI: 25-43), with a median OS of 17.3 months (95% CI: 12.5-37.8), with a minimum follow-up of 45 months. In patients treated with Opdivo 3 mg/kg, median OS was 20.3 months (95% CI: 7.2-NR), with an OS rate of 35% at five years. At the last timepoint for tumor assessment, PFS rates at 30 months were 26% for patients who received Opdivo at 3 mg/kg, and 19% for all patients receiving Opdivo at any dose. Objective response rate (ORR) for Opdivo 3 mg/kg was 41% with a median duration of response lasting 22 months (9-27+), and the ORR was 32% for all doses with a median duration of response lasting 23 months (4-32). Of responding patients, 44% showed a response at first tumor assessment (8 weeks), and responses are ongoing in 41% of responders (14/34).

The safety profile of Opdivo in study -003 was similar to previously reported studies, with no new safety signals identified. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs) of any grade in patients treated with Opdivo 3 mg/kg were fatigue (47.1%), pruritus (17.6%), dermatitis acneiform (17.6%), nausea (17.6%), lymphopenia (17.6%), infusion-related reactions (17.6%), rash (11.8%) and diarrhea (11.8%). Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 5.9% of patients treated with Opdivo 3 mg/kg.

Bristol-Myers Squibb & Immuno-Oncology: Advancing Oncology Research

At Bristol-Myers Squibb, we have a vision for the future of cancer care that is focused on Immuno-Oncology, now considered a major treatment choice alongside surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and targeted therapies for certain types of cancer.

We have a comprehensive clinical portfolio of investigational and approved Immuno-Oncology agents, many of which were discovered and developed by our scientists. Our ongoing Immuno-Oncology clinical program is looking at broad patient populations, across multiple solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, and lines of therapy and histologies, with the intent of powering our trials for overall survival and other important measures like durability of response. We pioneered the research leading to the first regulatory approval for the combination of two Immuno-Oncology agents, and continue to study the role of combinations in cancer.

We are also investigating other immune system pathways in the treatment of cancer including CTLA-4, CD-137, KIR, SLAMF7, PD-1, GITR, CSF1R, IDO, and LAG-3. These pathways may lead to potential new treatment options – in combination or monotherapy – to help patients fight different types of cancers.

Our collaboration with academia, as well as small and large biotech companies, to research the potential Immuno-Oncology and non-Immuno-Oncology combinations, helps achieve our goal of providing new treatment options in clinical practice.

At Bristol-Myers Squibb, we are committed to changing survival expectations in hard-to-treat cancers and the way patients live with cancer.

About Opdivo

Cancer cells may exploit "regulatory" pathways, such as checkpoint pathways, to hide from the immune system and shield the tumor from immune attack. Opdivo is a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor that binds to the checkpoint receptor PD-1 expressed on activated T-cells, and blocks the binding of PD-L1 and PD-L2, preventing the PD-1 pathway’s suppressive signaling on the immune system, including the interference with an anti-tumor immune response.

Opdivo’s broad global development program is based on Bristol-Myers Squibb’s understanding of the biology behind Immuno-Oncology. Our company is at the forefront of researching the potential of Immuno-Oncology to extend survival in hard-to-treat cancers. This scientific expertise serves as the basis for the Opdivo development program, which includes a broad range of Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating overall survival as the primary endpoint across a variety of tumor types. The Opdivo trials have also contributed toward the clinical and scientific understanding of the role of biomarkers and how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has enrolled more than 18,000 patients.

Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world in July 2014, and currently has regulatory approval in 50 countries including the United States, Japan, and in the European Union.

U.S. FDA APPROVED INDICATIONS

OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 wild-type unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon demonstration of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon demonstration of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: IMMUNE-MEDIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS

YERVOY can result in severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. These immune-mediated reactions may involve any organ system; however, the most common severe immune-mediated adverse reactions are enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis), neuropathy, and endocrinopathy. The majority of these immune-mediated reactions initially manifested during treatment; however, a minority occurred weeks to months after discontinuation of YERVOY.

Assess patients for signs and symptoms of enterocolitis, dermatitis, neuropathy, and endocrinopathy and evaluate clinical chemistries including liver function tests (LFTs), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function tests at baseline and before each dose.

Permanently discontinue YERVOY and initiate systemic high-dose corticosteroid therapy for severe immune-mediated reactions.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

Immune-mediated pneumonitis, including fatal cases, occurred with OPDIVO treatment. Across the clinical trial experience with solid tumors, fatal immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred with OPDIVO. In addition, in Checkmate 069, there were six patients who died without resolution of abnormal respiratory findings. Monitor patients for signs with radiographic imaging and symptoms of pneumonitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 and withhold until resolution for Grade 2. In Checkmate 069 and 067, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 6% (25/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Fatal (n=1), Grade 3 (n=6), Grade 2 (n=17), and Grade 1 (n=1). In Checkmate 037, 066, and 067, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 1.8% (14/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=2) and Grade 2 (n=12). In Checkmate 057, immune-mediated pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 3.4% (10/287) of patients: Grade 3 (n=5), Grade 2 (n=2), and Grade 1 (n=3). In Checkmate 025, pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 5% (21/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO and 18% (73/397) of patients receiving everolimus. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 4.4% (18/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 4 (n=1), Grade 3 (n=4), Grade 2 (n=12), and Grade 1 (n=1).

Immune-Mediated Colitis

Immune-mediated colitis can occur with OPDIVO treatment. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 (of more than 5 days duration), 3, or 4 colitis. As a single agent, withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 or recurrent colitis upon restarting OPDIVO. When administered with YERVOY, withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent colitis upon restarting OPDIVO. In Checkmate 069 and 067, diarrhea or colitis occurred in 56% (228/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 26% (107/407) of patients: Grade 4 (n=2), Grade 3 (n=60), Grade 2 (n=32), and Grade 1 (n=13). In Checkmate 037, 066, and 067, diarrhea or colitis occurred in 31% (242/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 4.1% (32/787) of patients: Grade 3 (n=20), Grade 2 (n=10), and Grade 1 (n=2). In Checkmate 057, diarrhea or colitis occurred in 17% (50/287) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.4% (7/287) of patients: Grade 3 (n=3), Grade 2 (n=2), and Grade 1 (n=2). In Checkmate 025, diarrhea or colitis occurred in 25% (100/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO and 32% (126/397) of patients receiving everolimus. Immune-mediated diarrhea or colitis occurred in 3.2% (13/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=5), Grade 2 (n=7), and Grade 1 (n=1).

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal (diarrhea of ≥7 stools above baseline, fever, ileus, peritoneal signs; Grade 3-5) immune-mediated enterocolitis occurred in 34 (7%) patients. Across all YERVOY-treated patients in that study (n=511), 5 (1%) developed intestinal perforation, 4 (0.8%) died as a result of complications, and 26 (5%) were hospitalized for severe enterocolitis.

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

Immune-mediated hepatitis can occur with OPDIVO treatment. Monitor patients for abnormal liver tests prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater transaminase elevations. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 immune-mediated hepatitis. In Checkmate 069 and 067, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 13% (51/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Grade 4 (n=8), Grade 3 (n=37), Grade 2 (n=5), and Grade 1 (n=1). In Checkmate 037, 066, and 067, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 2.3% (18/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 4 (n=3), Grade 3 (n=11), and Grade 2 (n=4). In Checkmate 057, one patient (0.3%) developed immune-mediated hepatitis. In Checkmate 025, there was an increased incidence of liver test abnormalities compared to baseline in AST (33% vs 39%), alkaline phosphatase (32% vs 32%), ALT (22% vs 31%), and total bilirubin (9% vs 3.5%) in the OPDIVO and everolimus arms, respectively. Immune-mediated hepatitis requiring systemic immunosuppression occurred in 1.5% (6/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=5) and Grade 2 (n=1).

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal hepatotoxicity (AST or ALT elevations >5x the ULN or total bilirubin elevations >3x the ULN; Grade 3-5) occurred in 8 (2%) patients, with fatal hepatic failure in 0.2% and hospitalization in 0.4%.

Immune-Mediated Dermatitis

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal immune-mediated dermatitis (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or rash complicated by full thickness dermal ulceration, or necrotic, bullous, or hemorrhagic manifestations; Grade 3-5) occurred in 13 (2.5%) patients. 1 (0.2%) patient died as a result of toxic epidermal necrolysis. 1 additional patient required hospitalization for severe dermatitis.

Immune-Mediated Neuropathies

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, 1 case of fatal Guillain-Barré syndrome and 1 case of severe (Grade 3) peripheral motor neuropathy were reported.

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

Hypophysitis, adrenal insufficiency, thyroid disorders, and type 1 diabetes mellitus can occur with OPDIVO treatment. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis, signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency during and after treatment, thyroid function prior to and periodically during treatment, and hyperglycemia. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hypophysitis. Withhold for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hypophysitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Administer hormone-replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Initiate medical management for control of hyperthyroidism. Administer insulin for type 1 diabetes. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hyperglycemia.

In Checkmate 069 and 067, hypophysitis occurred in 9% (36/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Grade 3 (n=8), Grade 2 (n=25), and Grade 1 (n=3). In Checkmate 037, 066, and 067, hypophysitis occurred in 0.9% (7/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=2), Grade 2 (n=3), and Grade 1 (n=2). In Checkmate 025, hypophysitis occurred in 0.5% (2/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 1 (n=1). In Checkmate 069 and 067, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 5% (21/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Grade 4 (n=1), Grade 3 (n=7), Grade 2 (n=11), and Grade 1 (n=2). In Checkmate 037, 066, and 067, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1% (8/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=2), Grade 2 (n=5), and Grade 1 (n=1). In Checkmate 057, 0.3% (1/287) of OPDIVO-treated patients developed adrenal insufficiency. In Checkmate 025, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 2.0% (8/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=3), Grade 2 (n=4), and Grade 1 (n=1). In Checkmate 069 and 067, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis occurred in 22% (89/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Grade 3 (n=6), Grade 2 (n=47), and Grade 1 (n=36). Hyperthyroidism occurred in 8% (34/407) of patients: Grade 3 (n=4), Grade 2 (n=17), and Grade 1 (n=13). In Checkmate 037, 066, and 067, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis occurred in 9% (73/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1), Grade 2 (n=37), Grade 1 (n=35). Hyperthyroidism occurred in 4.4% (35/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1), Grade 2 (n=12), and Grade 1 (n=22). In Checkmate 057, Grade 1 or 2 hypothyroidism, including thyroiditis, occurred in 7% (20/287) and elevated thyroid stimulating hormone occurred in 17% of patients receiving OPDIVO. Grade 1 or 2 hyperthyroidism occurred in 1.4% (4/287) of patients. In Checkmate 025, thyroid disease occurred in 11% (43/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO, including one Grade 3 event, and in 3.0% (12/397) of patients receiving everolimus. Hypothyroidism/thyroiditis occurred in 8% (33/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=2), Grade 2 (n=17), and Grade 1 (n=14). Hyperthyroidism occurred in 2.5% (10/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 2 (n=5) and Grade 1 (n=5). In Checkmate 069 and 067, diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis occurred in 1.5% (6/407) of patients: Grade 4 (n=3), Grade 3 (n=1), Grade 2 (n=1), and Grade 1 (n=1). In Checkmate 037, 066, and 067, diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis occurred in 0.8% (6/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=2), Grade 2 (n=3), and Grade 1 (n=1). In Checkmate 025, hyperglycemic adverse events occurred in 9% (37/406) patients. Diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis occurred in 1.5% (6/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=3), Grade 2 (n=2), and Grade 1 (n=1).

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe to life-threatening immune-mediated endocrinopathies (requiring hospitalization, urgent medical intervention, or interfering with activities of daily living; Grade 3-4) occurred in 9 (1.8%) patients. All 9 patients had hypopituitarism, and some had additional concomitant endocrinopathies such as adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, and hypothyroidism. 6 of the 9 patients were hospitalized for severe endocrinopathies.

Immune-Mediated Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction

Immune-mediated nephritis can occur with OPDIVO treatment. Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine prior to and periodically during treatment. For Grade 2 or 3 increased serum creatinine, withhold and administer corticosteroids; if worsening or no improvement occurs, permanently discontinue. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 4 serum creatinine elevation and permanently discontinue. In Checkmate 069 and 067, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 2.2% (9/407) of patients: Grade 4 (n=4), Grade 3 (n=3), and Grade 2 (n=2). In Checkmate 037, 066, and 067, nephritis and renal dysfunction of any grade occurred in 5% (40/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 0.8% (6/787) of patients: Grade 3 (n=4) and Grade 2 (n=2). In Checkmate 057, Grade 2 immune-mediated renal dysfunction occurred in 0.3% (1/287) of patients receiving OPDIVO. In Checkmate 025, renal injury occurred in 7% (27/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO and 3.0% (12/397) of patients receiving everolimus. Immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 3.2% (13/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 5 (n=1), Grade 4 (n=1), Grade 3 (n=5), and Grade 2 (n=6).

Immune-Mediated Rash

Immune-mediated rash can occur with OPDIVO treatment. Severe rash (including rare cases of fatal toxic epidermal necrolysis) occurred in the clinical program of OPDIVO. Monitor patients for rash. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 rash. Withhold for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4. In Checkmate 069 and 067, immune-mediated rash occurred in 22.6% (92/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Grade 3 (n=15), Grade 2 (n=31), and Grade 1 (n=46). In Checkmate 037, 066, and 067, immune-mediated rash occurred in 9% (72/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=7), Grade 2 (n=15), and Grade 1 (n=50). In Checkmate 057, immune-mediated rash occurred in 6% (17/287) of patients receiving OPDIVO including four Grade 3 cases. In Checkmate 025, rash occurred in 28% (112/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO and 36% (143/397) of patients receiving everolimus. Immune-mediated rash, defined as a rash treated with systemic or topical corticosteroids, occurred in 7% (30/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=4), Grade 2 (n=7), and Grade 1 (n=19).

Immune-Mediated Encephalitis

Immune-mediated encephalitis can occur with OPDIVO treatment. Withhold OPDIVO in patients with new-onset moderate to severe neurologic signs or symptoms and evaluate to rule out other causes. If other etiologies are ruled out, administer corticosteroids and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for immune-mediated encephalitis. In Checkmate 067, encephalitis was identified in one patient (0.2%) receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY. In Checkmate 057, fatal limbic encephalitis occurred in one patient (0.3%) receiving OPDIVO.

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Based on the severity of adverse reaction, permanently discontinue or withhold treatment, administer high-dose corticosteroids, and, if appropriate, initiate hormone-replacement therapy. In < 1.0% of patients receiving OPDIVO, the following clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred: uveitis, pancreatitis, facial and abducens nerve paresis, demyelination, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hypopituitarism, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, gastritis, duodenitis, and sarcoidosis. Across clinical trials of OPDIVO as a single agent administered at doses of 3 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, additional clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions were identified: motor dysfunction, vasculitis, and myasthenic syndrome.

Infusion Reactions

Severe infusion reactions have been reported in <1.0% of patients in clinical trials of OPDIVO. Discontinue OPDIVO in patients with Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with Grade 1 or 2. In Checkmate 069 and 067, infusion- related reactions occurred in 2.5% (10/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY: Grade 2 (n=6) and Grade 1 (n=4). In Checkmate 037, 066, and 067, Grade 2 infusion related reactions occurred in 2.7% (21/787) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=2), Grade 2 (n=8), and Grade 1 (n=11). In Checkmate 057, Grade 2 infusion reactions requiring corticosteroids occurred in 1.0% (3/287) of patients receiving OPDIVO. In Checkmate 025, hypersensitivity/infusion-related reactions occurred in 6% (25/406) of patients receiving OPDIVO and 1.0% (4/397) of patients receiving everolimus.

Embryo-fetal Toxicity

Based on their mechanisms of action, OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with an OPDIVO- or YERVOY- containing regimen and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO.

Lactation

It is not known whether OPDIVO or YERVOY is present in human milk. Because many drugs, including antibodies, are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from an OPDIVO-containing regimen, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment. Advise women to discontinue nursing during treatment with YERVOY and for 3 months following the final dose.

Serious Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 067, serious adverse reactions (73% and 37%), adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation (43% and 14%) or to dosing delays (55% and 28%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (72% and 44%) all occurred more frequently in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm relative to the OPDIVO arm. The most frequent (≥10%) serious adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm and the OPDIVO arm, respectively, were diarrhea (13% and 2.6%), colitis (10% and 1.6%), and pyrexia (10% and 0.6%). In Checkmate 037, serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse drug reactions reported in 2% to <5% of patients receiving OPDIVO were abdominal pain, hyponatremia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased lipase. In Checkmate 066, serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving OPDIVO. Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were gamma-glutamyltransferase increase (3.9%) and diarrhea (3.4%). In Checkmate 057, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients were pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure. In Checkmate 025, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients were acute kidney injury, pleural effusion, pneumonia, diarrhea, and hypercalcemia.

Common Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 067, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm were fatigue (59%), rash (53%), diarrhea (52%), nausea (40%), pyrexia (37%), vomiting (28%), and dyspnea (20%). The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO arm were fatigue (53%), rash (40%), diarrhea (31%), and nausea (28%). In Checkmate 037, the most common adverse reaction (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO was rash (21%). In Checkmate 066, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO vs dacarbazine were fatigue (49% vs 39%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 25%), rash (28% vs 12%), and pruritus (23% vs 12%). In Checkmate 057, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO were fatigue (49%), musculoskeletal pain (36%), cough (30%), decreased appetite (29%), and constipation (23%). In Checkmate 025, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO vs everolimus were asthenic conditions (56% vs 57%), cough (34% vs 38%), nausea (28% vs 29%), rash (28% vs 36%), dyspnea (27% vs 31%), diarrhea (25% vs 32%), constipation (23% vs 18%), decreased appetite (23% vs 30%), back pain (21% vs 16%), and arthralgia (20% vs 14%).

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, the most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients who received YERVOY at 3 mg/kg were fatigue (41%), diarrhea (32%), pruritus (31%), rash (29%), and colitis (8%).