On December 7, 2019 Verastem, Inc. (Nasdaq:VSTM) (Verastem Oncology or the Company), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing medicines seeking to improve the survival and quality of life of cancer patients, reported the presentation of key abstracts highlighting COPIKTRA (duvelisib) data at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2019 Annual Meeting taking place December 7-10, 2019, in Orlando (Press release, Verastem, DEC 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234552048]).

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"Given the aggressive nature of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and the lack of effective therapeutic options for these patients, we are pleased to present data from the dose optimization phase of our PRIMO trial that demonstrated a 62% overall response rate (ORR), as assessed by independent central review, with a manageable safety profile consistent with previous clinical trials. The results of the trial also identified the optimal dosing regimen for future clinical study," said Brian Stuglik, Chief Executive Officer of Verastem Oncology. "The expansion phase of this registration-directed study is well underway. Upon completion, we plan to build upon our existing Fast Track Designation and Orphan Drug Designation and submit a regulatory package to the U.S. FDA with the goal of broadening the use of COPIKTRA to include treatment of PTCL."

Results from the Dose Optimization Portion of the Phase 2 PRIMO Study in Relapsed or Refractory PTCL

The PRIMO study is a multi-center, open-label, registration-directed Phase 2 study evaluating duvelisib in patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL that is expected to enroll approximately 120 patients. In the dose optimization portion of the study, patients were randomized to receive duvelisib 25mg twice daily with an option for dose escalation (cohort 1) or duvelisib 75mg twice daily continuously (cohort 2) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint of the study was investigator-assessed overall response rate (ORR), and secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR) and safety.

A total of 33 patients (cohort 1, n=20; cohort 2, n=13) were treated in the dose optimization phase. Investigator-assessed ORRs were 35% in cohort 1 and 54% in cohort 2, with complete response (CR) rates of 25% and 31% in cohort 1 and cohort 2, respectively. ORR, as assessed by blinded independent central review was 40% in cohort 1 and 62% in cohort 2. Thirteen of 20 patients in cohort 1 and all patients in cohort 2 were able to complete one cycle of therapy. Seven patients in cohort 1 discontinued therapy early due to disease progression and/or toxicity. Most responses were observed at the end of cycle 1 (cycle=28 days). At a median follow-up of 21.4 weeks, the majority of responders were still in response at the time of their last assessment. The most common (≥4 patients) Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) in all patients receiving duvelisib were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, rash/maculopapular, lymphocytopenia, pneumonia and sepsis. Serious AEs occurring in ≥2 patients were colitis, diarrhea, abdominal pain, pyrexia, sepsis, pneumonia, hyponatremia, rash/maculopapular, dyspnea, and respiratory failure.

Based on these efficacy and safety data, the investigators have elected to investigate duvelisib starting at 75mg twice daily for two cycles, followed by 25mg twice daily, during the dose expansion portion of the study which is currently ongoing.

"In the dose optimization portion of the PRIMO study we observed encouraging results, including complete and durable responses at both dose levels," said Steven Horwitz, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and principal investigator of Phase 2 PRIMO study. "We also identified a strategy for the expansion phase dosing regimen starting with 75mg twice daily for two cycles to achieve more a reliable initial tumor response, followed by 25mg twice daily to try to maintain longer-term disease control by mitigating the potential for later onset toxicity in these patients with relapsed or refractory disease."

Results from Phase 1 Study Investigating Duvelisib and Venetoclax in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory CLL/SLL

Another key presentation at the meeting highlights new data from an investigator-sponsored Phase 1 study exploring duvelisib in combination with venetoclax in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). Duvelisib plus venetoclax demonstrated promising clinical activity, a manageable tolerability profile, and a recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of 400mg of venetoclax was determined for this regimen.

In the study, 12 patients were enrolled and received oral duvelisib and oral venetoclax. The primary endpoints of the study are dose limiting toxicities (DLTs), maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and identification of the RP2D. Secondary endpoints include pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy.

Among the 12 evaluable patients, 11 achieved a response for an ORR of 92%, including four (33%) CRs and seven (58%) partial responses. Four patients had undetectable minimum residual disease (uMRD) in the peripheral blood and bone marrow, including two patients with a CR. The most common Grade 1 and 2 AEs were fatigue (92%), hyperglycemia (83%), anemia (67%), and thrombocytopenia (67%). The most common Grade ≥3 AEs were neutropenia (84%), hypocalcemia (50%), and hypophosphatemia (25%). No DLTs were observed, and the RP2D of venetoclax was identified as 400mg once daily when given with standard dose duvelisib 25mg twice daily. This study is now in a Phase 2 portion in CLL/SLL and Richter’s Syndrome and is currently accruing new patients.

"Duvelisib plus venetoclax is a promising combination for further study, as we have found early signals of robust activity along with a manageable tolerability profile," said Matthew S. Davids, MD, Associate Director, Center for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Principal Investigator for the trial. "We are now actively accruing patients in the Phase 2 portion of the study to evaluate the efficacy of this combination in patients with CLL/SLL, with a separate cohort exploring the activity of this regimen for patients with Richter’s Syndrome, a particularly hard to treat population."

Other poster presentations at the meeting include: an analysis of cytogenetic and molecular markers associated with improved outcomes in the patients who had received 1 prior therapy in the Phase 3 DUO study and a description of the soon to be initiated TEMPO study investigating an intermittent dosing regimen of duvelisib in patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The data from these studies continues to support the future potential expansion of duvelisib across multiple indications and lines of therapy.

Details for the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2019 presentations are as follows:

Poster Presentations

Title: Dose Optimization of Duvelisib in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma from the Phase 2 PRIMO Trial: Selection of Regimen for the Dose-Expansion Phase
Lead author: Steven Horwitz, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Poster #: 1567
Session: 624. Hodgkin Lymphoma and T/NK Cell Lymphoma – Clinical Studies: Poster I
Date and Time: Saturday, December 7, 2019; 5:30-7:30PM ET
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Hall B

Title: A Phase I Study of Duvelisib and Venetoclax in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory CLL / SLL
Lead author: Jennifer Crombie, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Poster #: 1763
Session: 642. CLL: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster I
Date and Time: Saturday, December 7, 2019; 5:30-7:30 PM ET
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Hall B

Title: The Dual PI3K-δ/γ Inhibitor Duvelisib in Combination with the Bcl-2 Inhibitor Venetoclax Shows Promising Responses in Richter Syndrome-PDX Models
Lead author: Andrea Iannello, University of Turin
Poster #: 2862
Session: 625. Lymphoma: Pre-Clinical—Chemotherapy and Biologic Agents: Poster II
Date and Time: Sunday, December 8, 6:00-8:00 PM ET
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Hall B

Title: Cytogenetic and Molecular Marker Associations to Outcomes with Duvelisib and Ofatumumab Treatment in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory CLL/SLL in the DUO Trial
Lead author: Jennifer Brown, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Poster #: 4312
Session: 642. CLL: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster III
Date and Time: Monday, December 9, 2019; 6:00-8:00 PM ET
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Hall B

Publication Only Presentations

Title: Trial in Progress (TiP): A Phase 2, Randomized, Open-Label, 2-Arm Study Comparing 2 Intermittent Dosing Schedules of Duvelisib in Patients with Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (iNHL) (TEMPO)
Lead author: Reem Karmali, Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University
Session: 623. Mantle cell, follicular, and other indolent B Cell Lymphoma – Clinical studies

PDF copies of these poster presentations will be available here after the meeting.

COPIKTRA is indicated in the US for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) after at least two prior therapies and in relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after at least two prior systemic therapies. Accelerated approved in FL was based on overall response rate and continued approval may be contingent upon confirmatory trials.

SELECT IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

This does not include all information needed to use COPIKTRA (duvelisib) safely and effectively. See full Prescribing Information.

WARNING: FATAL AND SERIOUS TOXICITIES: INFECTIONS, DIARRHEA OR COLITIS, CUTANEOUS REACTIONS, and PNEUMONITIS

See full Prescribing Information for complete boxed warning

Fatal and/or serious infections occurred in 31% (4% fatal) of COPIKTRA-treated patients. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection. Withhold COPIKTRA if infection is suspected.
Fatal and/or serious diarrhea or colitis occurred in 18% (<1% fatal) of COPIKTRA-treated patients. Monitor for the development of severe diarrhea or colitis. Withhold COPIKTRA.
Fatal and/or serious cutaneous reactions occurred in 5% (<1% fatal) of COPIKTRA-treated patients. Withhold COPIKTRA.
Fatal and/or serious pneumonitis occurred in 5% (<1% fatal) of COPIKTRA-treated patients. Monitor for pulmonary symptoms and interstitial infiltrates. Withhold COPIKTRA.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hepatotoxicity: Monitor hepatic function.
Neutropenia: Monitor blood counts.
Embryo-Fetal toxicity: COPIKTRA can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception.
ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are diarrhea or colitis, neutropenia, rash, fatigue, pyrexia, cough, nausea, upper respiratory infection, pneumonia, musculoskeletal pain, and anemia.

To report Adverse Reactions, contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or www.fda.gov/medwatch and Verastem Oncology at 1-877-7RXVSTM (1-877-779-8786).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

CYP3A inducers: Avoid co-administration with strong CYP3A inducers.
CYP3A inhibitors: Monitor for COPIKTRA toxicities when co-administered with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Reduce COPIKTRA dose to 15 mg twice daily when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
CYP3A substrates: Monitor for signs of toxicities when co-administering COPIKTRA with sensitive CYP3A substrates.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.

About COPIKTRA (duvelisib)

COPIKTRA is an oral inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and the first approved dual inhibitor of PI3K-delta and PI3K-gamma, two enzymes known to help support the growth and survival of malignant B-cells. PI3K signaling may lead to the proliferation of malignant B-cells and is thought to play a role in the formation and maintenance of the supportive tumor microenvironment.1,2,3 COPIKTRA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) after at least two prior therapies and relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after at least two prior systemic therapies. COPIKTRA is also being developed by Verastem Oncology for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), for which it has received Fast Track status and Orphan Drug Designation, and is being investigated in combination with other agents through investigator-sponsored studies.4 For more information on COPIKTRA, please visit www.COPIKTRA.com. Information about duvelisib clinical trials can be found on www.clinicaltrials.gov.

On December 7, 2019 Bristol-Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance reported results from retrospective real-world data analyses reporting outcomes on the safety and effectiveness of Eliquis (apixaban) compared to low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or warfarin for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with active cancer (n=14,086) (Press release, Pfizer, DEC 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234552033]). The real-world data analyses were highlighted during oral presentations at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. Results from the primary analysis showed that Eliquis use was associated with lower rates of major bleeding (MB) (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.86, p=0.003), clinically-relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding (HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70-0.94, p=0.006) and recurrent VTE (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47-0.81, p=0.001) compared to LMWH. Eliquis was also associated with a lower rate of recurrent VTE (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.52-0.90, p=0.007) and similar rates of major bleeding (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.53-1.0, p=0.051) and CRNM bleeding (HR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.77-1.04, p=0.145) compared to warfarin. Outcomes were defined based on diagnosis codes and setting of care.

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In a second oral presentation, results from a sub-group analysis of the primary study were highlighted based on different levels of risk for developing recurrent VTE, a blood clot most often found in the legs or lungs. Study findings were generally consistent with the primary analysis. It is important to note that, anticoagulants, including Eliquis, increase the risk of bleeding and can cause serious, potentially fatal bleeding. Please see important safety information below for Eliquis, including BOXED WARNINGS.

"Real-world evidence analyses such as this have the potential to provide additional insights into complex patient populations such as those with VTE and active cancer," said Alexander Cohen, M.D., Consultant Physician, Department of Hematology at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. "Results from these analyses are a welcomed addition to the growing body of data around recurrent VTE in patients with active cancer."

VTE is the third most common cause of vascular death after heart attack and stroke.i VTE can be a major health problem among patients with cancer, with studies showing that patients with cancer are at a significantly increased risk for VTE compared to those without cancer.ii VTE is also a leading cause of death in cancer patients, and a significant predictor for all-cause mortality.iii,iv

In these real-world analyses, four U.S. commercial insurance claims databases were used to identify VTE patients with active cancer (defined as cancer diagnosis or cancer treatment [chemotherapy, radiation and/or cancer-related surgery] within six months before or 30 days after VTE diagnosis) who initiated apixaban, LMWH, or warfarin within 30 days following the first VTE event. The risk of events was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazard model. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance patient characteristics between apixaban, LMWH, and warfarin cohorts. Patients were followed to the earliest of: health plan disenrollment, death, index therapy discontinuation, switch to another anticoagulant, study end, or a maximum of 6 months. This was done to evaluate the rates of MB, CRNMB, and recurrent VTE (fatal or non-fatal) among VTE patients with active cancer prescribed apixaban, LMWH, or warfarin in routine clinical practice.

"Cancer and VTE are closely linked. Patients with cancer have shown to be at increased risk of developing a blood clot," said Roland Chen, M.D., Vice President, Head of Clinical Development, Innovative Medicines, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "Given this risk and the medical complexities in patients with active cancers, it is important to increase awareness of symptoms related to VTE and bolster the visibility of this patient population to help improve health outcomes."

Real-world data have the potential to complement randomized, controlled clinical trial data by providing additional information about how a medicine performs in routine medical practice. Real-world data analyses also have several limitations. For example, the source and type of data used may limit the generalizability of the results and endpoints. Observational real-world studies can only evaluate association and not causality, and despite the use of methods to address measured confounding, residual confounding may still be present. Due to these limitations, real-world data analyses are not used as stand-alone evidence to validate the efficacy and/or safety of a treatment. Additionally, data regarding cancer stage, laboratory test results, biomarkers, and medications prescribed during hospitalization were not available. Mortality and fatal recurrent VTE could not be evaluated because commercial databases do not have complete death information.

"There is a growing opportunity to use real-world evidence to help inform the medical community, especially within complex patient populations, including those with active cancer and VTE," said Rory O’Connor, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Pfizer Internal Medicine. "Data from real-world settings helps provide a more robust understanding of these patients and adds to the extensive body of real-world evidence evaluating the safety and effectiveness of Eliquis."

BMS-Pfizer Alliance Real-Word Data Program: These analyses are part of the Bristol-Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance global real-world data analysis program, ACROPOLIS (Apixaban ExperienCe Through Real-WOrld POpuLatIon Studies), designed to generate additional evidence from routine clinical practice settings to further inform healthcare decision makers, including healthcare providers and payers. These analyses allow for a broader understanding of patient outcomes associated with Eliquis outside of the clinical trial setting, as well as insight into other measures of healthcare delivery, such as hospitalization and costs. The ACROPOLIS program currently includes analyses of patients from more than 20 databases around the world, including anonymized medical records, medical and pharmacy health insurance claims data, and national health data systems. To date, the ACROPOLIS program includes a sample size of more than two million lives spanning more than 10 countries.

About Eliquis

Eliquis (apixaban) is an oral selective Factor Xa inhibitor. By inhibiting Factor Xa, a key blood clotting protein, Eliquis decreases thrombin generation and blood clot formation. Eliquis is approved for multiple indications in the U.S. based on efficacy and safety data from multiple Phase 3 clinical trials. The approval of Eliquis for stroke risk reduction in patients with NVAF is based on data from the Phase 3 ARISTOTLE and AVERROES studies of Eliquis in patients with NVAF. The approval of Eliquis for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and for the reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy, is based on data from the global AMPLIFY and AMPLIFY-EXT studies.

U.S. FDA-Approved Indications for Eliquis: Eliquis is a prescription medicine indicated in the U.S. to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with NVAF; for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery; for the treatment of DVT and PE; and to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE, following initial therapy.

ELIQUIS Important Safety Information

WARNING: (A) PREMATURE DISCONTINUATION OF ELIQUIS INCREASES THE RISK OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS, (B) SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA

(A) Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including ELIQUIS, increases the risk of thrombotic events. If anticoagulation with ELIQUIS is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant.

(B) Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients treated with ELIQUIS who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include:

• use of indwelling epidural catheters

• concomitant use of other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, other anticoagulants

• a history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures

• a history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery

• optimal timing between the administration of ELIQUIS and neuraxial procedures is not known

Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary.

Consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Active pathological bleeding
Severe hypersensitivity reaction to ELIQUIS (e.g., anaphylactic reactions)
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Increased Risk of Thrombotic Events after Premature Discontinuation: Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including ELIQUIS, in the absence of adequate alternative anticoagulation increases the risk of thrombotic events. An increased rate of stroke was observed during the transition from ELIQUIS to warfarin in clinical trials in atrial fibrillation patients. If ELIQUIS is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant.
Bleeding Risk: ELIQUIS increases the risk of bleeding and can cause serious, potentially fatal, bleeding.
Concomitant use of drugs affecting hemostasis increases the risk of bleeding, including aspirin and other antiplatelet agents, other anticoagulants, heparin, thrombolytic agents, SSRIs, SNRIs, and NSAIDs.
Advise patients of signs and symptoms of blood loss and to report them immediately or go to an emergency room. Discontinue ELIQUIS in patients with active pathological hemorrhage.
The anticoagulant effect apixaban can be expected persist for at least 24 hours after the last dose (i.e., about two half-lives). An agent to reverse the anti-factor Xa activity of apixaban is available. Please visit www.andexxa.com for more information on availability of a reversal agent.
Spinal/Epidural Anesthesia or Puncture: Patients treated with ELIQUIS undergoing spinal/epidural anesthesia or puncture may develop an epidural or spinal hematoma which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis.
The risk of these events may be increased by the postoperative use of indwelling epidural catheters or the concomitant use of medicinal products affecting hemostasis. Indwelling epidural or intrathecal catheters should not be removed earlier than 24 hours after the last administration of ELIQUIS. The next dose of ELIQUIS should not be administered earlier than 5 hours after the removal of the catheter. The risk may also be increased by traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture. If traumatic puncture occurs, delay the administration of ELIQUIS for 48 hours.

Monitor patients frequently and if neurological compromise is noted, urgent diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Physicians should consider the potential benefit versus the risk of neuraxial intervention in ELIQUIS patients.

Prosthetic Heart Valves: The safety and efficacy of ELIQUIS have not been studied in patients with prosthetic heart valves and is not recommended in these patients.
Acute PE in Hemodynamically Unstable Patients or Patients who Require Thrombolysis or Pulmonary Embolectomy: Initiation of ELIQUIS is not recommended as an alternative to unfractionated heparin for the initial treatment of patients with PE who present with hemodynamic instability or who may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy.
Increased Risk of Thrombosis in Patients with Triple Positive Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS): Direct- acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), including ELIQUIS, are not recommended for use in patients with triple- positive APS. For patients with APS (especially those who are triple positive [positive for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin, and anti–beta 2-glycoprotein I antibodies]), treatment with DOACs has been associated with increased rates of recurrent thrombotic events compared with vitamin K antagonist therapy.
ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common and most serious adverse reactions reported with ELIQUIS were related to bleeding.
TEMPORARY INTERRUPTION FOR SURGERY AND OTHER INTERVENTIONS

ELIQUIS should be discontinued at least 48 hours prior to elective surgery or invasive procedures with a moderate or high risk of unacceptable or clinically significant bleeding. ELIQUIS should be discontinued at least 24 hours prior to elective surgery or invasive procedures with a low risk of bleeding or where the bleeding would be noncritical in location and easily controlled. Bridging anticoagulation during the 24 to 48 hours after stopping ELIQUIS and prior to the intervention is not generally required. ELIQUIS should be restarted after the surgical or other procedures as soon as adequate hemostasis has been established.
DRUG INTERACTIONS

Combined P-gp and Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) increase exposure to apixaban and increase the risk of bleeding. For patients receiving ELIQUIS doses of 5 mg or 10 mg twice daily, reduce the dose of ELIQUIS by 50% when ELIQUIS is coadministered with drugs that are combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, or ritonavir). In patients already taking 2.5 mg twice daily, avoid coadministration of ELIQUIS with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Clarithromycin
Although clarithromycin is a combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, pharmacokinetic data suggest that no dose adjustment is necessary with concomitant administration with ELIQUIS.

Combined P-gp and Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: Avoid concomitant use of ELIQUIS with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John’s wort) because such drugs will decrease exposure to apixaban.
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents: Coadministration of antiplatelet agents, fibrinolytics, heparin, aspirin, and chronic NSAID use increases the risk of bleeding. APPRAISE-2, a placebo-controlled clinical trial of apixaban in high-risk post-acute coronary syndrome patients treated with aspirin or the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel, was terminated early due to a higher rate of bleeding with apixaban compared to placebo.
PREGNANCY

The limited available data on ELIQUIS use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform drug- associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse developmental outcomes. Treatment may increase the risk of bleeding during pregnancy and delivery, and in the fetus and neonate.
Labor or delivery: ELIQUIS use during labor or delivery in women who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia may result in epidural or spinal hematomas. Consider use of a shorter acting anticoagulant as delivery approaches.
LACTATION

Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with ELIQUIS.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS and Medication Guide, available at www.bms.com.

About the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer Collaboration

In 2007, Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb entered into a worldwide collaboration to develop and commercialize apixaban, an oral anticoagulant discovered by Bristol-Myers Squibb. This global alliance combines Bristol-Myers Squibb’s long-standing strengths in cardiovascular drug development and commercialization with Pfizer’s global scale and expertise in this field.

On December 7, 2019 argenx (Euronext & Nasdaq: ARGX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a deep pipeline of differentiated antibody-based therapies for the treatment of severe autoimmune diseases and cancer, reported the receipt of a development milestone payment from Janssen and the presentation of updated data from the Phase 1 dose escalation trial of cusatuzumab in combination with azacytidine for the treatment of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at the 61st American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Press release, argenx, DEC 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234552049]).

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argenx will receive the first development milestone payment of $25 million from its global collaboration and license agreement with Cilag GmbH International, an affiliate of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. The milestone payment was triggered by the achievement of a prespecified enrollment threshold in the first trial to start under the collaboration. This dose-confirming Phase 2 pivotal CULMINATE trial of cusatuzumab is being conducted in combination with azacytidine for the treatment of newly diagnosed elderly patients with AML who are unfit for intensive chemotherapy.

"This milestone payment marks the progress made across our global collaboration with Janssen. Two trials are now underway in newly diagnosed populations with more trials expected to intiate next year in different AML settings and subpopulations. We continue to believe in the potential of the CD70/CD27 axis as a novel approach within the AML treatment landscape. The data update today further support the use of cusatuzumab in combination to treat this vulnerable patient population," commented Tim Van Hauwermeiren, Chief Executive Officer of argenx.

Key Highlights from ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper)

Adrian Ochsenbein, M.D. from the University of Bern presented translational data in support of the dual modes of action of cusatuzumab, including the blocking of CD70/CD27 signaling to stop proliferation of leukemic stem cells and cell killing via Fc-dependent, complement-dependent cytotoxicity and enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) via POTELLIGENT technology. Dr. Ochsenbein also showed updated data as of the new cut-off date of February 2019 from the Phase 1 dose escalation trial of cusatuzumab in combination with azacytidine in 12 newly diagnosed elderly patients with AML who are unfit for intensive chemotherapy.

100% of patients achieved a response including eight with a complete response (CR), two with a complete response with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi), and two with a partial response (PR); 83% of patients achieved either a CR or CRi

Of the nine CR/CRi patients evaluable for minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, four achieved MRD negativity using a threshold of 10-3 which is consistent with the previous data cut-off in October 2018

Four patients have remained in the study for at least 12 months

Three patients from the study have been re-classified with risk category based on new mutation information or a reassessment of existing mutation information

Cusatuzumab continued to be well-tolerated in patients with AML across the different doses

In addition to the CULMINATE trial in the newly diagnosed unfit AML population, cusatuzumab is also being evaluated in a Phase 1b platform study to explore combinations with standard AML therapies with the first trial exploring combinations of venetoclax, cusatuzumab and azacytidine.

On December 7, 2019 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) reported the pivotal study of lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) an investigational CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy with a defined composition of purified CD8+ and CD4+ CAR T cells in relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphomas (TRANSCEND NHL 001) met its primary and secondary endpoints while demonstrating durable responses (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, DEC 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234552034]). The data were presented during an oral session at the 2019 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla.

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"Longer-term follow-up from the TRANSCEND study shows that liso-cel resulted in a rapid, high rate of durable complete responses with low incidence of severe cytokine release syndrome and neurologic events in two and ten percent, respectively, among patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphomas," said Jeremy Abramson, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Lymphoma Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. "Additionally, responses with liso-cel were seen across patient groups including high-risk patients such as those with refractory disease, older patients and those with high tumor burden."

In the study, 344 patients were leukapheresed and 269 patients received liso-cel at one of three dose levels (50 x 106 n=51; 100 x 106 n=177; and 150 x 106 n=41). There were 25 patients that received nonconforming product and there were two instances where product could not be manufactured. Patients were heavily pretreated and had aggressive disease with a median of three prior therapies including 35% with prior autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and 67% with chemotherapy-refractory disease. Bridging therapy was administered to 59% of patients.

Among patients evaluable for efficacy (n=256), the overall response rate (ORR) was 73% (187/256, 95% CI: 67 – 78) with 53% of patients (136/256, 95% CI: 47 – 59) achieving a complete response (CR). Responses were similar across all patient subgroups. The median duration of response (DOR) for all patients was not reached (95% CI: 8.6 months – NR) at a median follow-up of 12 months (95% CI: 11.2 – 16.7). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.8 months (95% CI: 3.3 – 14.1) and median overall survival (OS) was 21.1 months (95% CI: 13.3 – NR). The median PFS and OS for patients who achieved a CR was not reached with 65.1% of patients progression free and 85.5% of patients alive at 12 months, respectively.

Among all patients, 79% (213/269) had grade 3 or higher treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) including neutropenia (60%, 161/269), anemia (38%, 101/269) and thrombocytopenia (27%, 72/269). Instances of any grade cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 42% (113/269) of patients at a median onset of 5 days and grade 3 or higher CRS occurring in 2% (6/269) of patients. There were neurologic events (NEs) that occurred in 30% of patients (80/269) with grade 3 or higher NEs occurring in 10% (27/269) of patients at a median onset of 9 days. Nineteen and 21% of patients received tocilizumab and corticosteroids, respectively. There were four grade 5 TEAEs related to liso-cel in the study from diffuse alveolar damage, pulmonary hemorrhage, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome or cardiomyopathy. There were three grade 5 TEAEs considered unrelated to liso-cel from fludarabine leukoencephalopathy, septic shock and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Eight patients had ongoing CRS/NE at the time of death from other reasons. Prolonged grade 3 or higher cytopenias were reported in 37% (100/269) of patients.

"These pivotal longer-term results from TRANSCEND NHL 001 continue to give us confidence in the clinical profile of liso-cel. Importantly, these results were demonstrated in a study with more than 250 patients in a broad population reflective of clinical practice, including those with poor prognoses and a range of histologies," said Stanley Frankel, M.D., Senior Vice President, Cellular Therapy Development for Bristol-Myers Squibb. "We look forward to providing these data to support the regulatory approval for this treatment option for these patients with large B-cell lymphomas."

Based on results from TRANSCEND NHL 001, Bristol-Myers Squibb expects to complete the submission of a Biologics License Application to the U.S. FDA by the end of the year.

Liso-cel is not approved for any use in any country.

About Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common and aggressive NHL, accounting for three out of every five cases. Approximately one-third of patients with DLBCL relapse after receiving first-line treatment, and about 10% have refractory disease. Historically, median life expectancy for patients who relapse or are refractory to current standard of care treatments following multiple lines of therapy is approximately six months.

Bristol-Myers Squibb: Advancing Cancer Research

At Bristol-Myers Squibb, patients are at the center of everything we do. The goal of our cancer research is to increase quality, long-term survival and make cure a possibility. We harness our deep scientific experience, cutting-edge technologies and discovery platforms to discover, develop and deliver novel treatments for patients.

Building upon our transformative work and legacy in hematology and Immuno-Oncology that has changed survival expectations for many cancers, our researchers are advancing a deep and diverse pipeline across multiple modalities. In the field of immune cell therapy, this includes registrational chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell agents for numerous diseases, and a growing early-stage pipeline that expands cell and gene therapy targets, and technologies. We are developing cancer treatments directed at key biological pathways using our protein homeostasis platform, a research capability that has been the basis of our approved therapies for multiple myeloma and several promising compounds in early to mid-stage development. Our scientists are targeting different immune system pathways to address interactions between tumors, the microenvironment and the immune system to further expand upon the progress we have made and help more patients respond to treatment. Combining these approaches is key to delivering new options for the treatment of cancer and addressing the growing issue of resistance to immunotherapy. We source innovation internally, and in collaboration with academia, government, advocacy groups and biotechnology companies, to help make the promise of transformational medicines a reality for patients.

About TRANSCEND NHL 001

TRANSCEND NHL 001 is an open-label, multicenter, pivotal phase 1 study to determine the safety, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of liso-cel in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, high-grade B-cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma Grade 3B and mantle cell lymphoma. The primary outcome measures were treatment-related adverse events, dose-limiting toxicities and objective response rate. Secondary outcome measures included complete response rate, duration of response and progression-free survival.

About Lisocabtagene Maraleucel (liso-cel)

Liso-cel is an investigational chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy designed to target CD19, which is a surface glycoprotein expressed during normal B-cell development and maintained following malignant transformation of B cells. Liso-cel CAR T cells aim to target CD19 expressing cells through a CAR construct that includes an anti-CD19 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) targeting domain for antigen specificity, a transmembrane domain, a 4-1BB costimulatory domain hypothesized to increase T-cell proliferation and persistence, and a CD3-zeta T-cell activation domain. The defined composition of CD4+ and CD8+ CAR T cells in liso-cel may limit product variability; however, the clinical significance of defined composition is unknown.

On December 7, 2019 Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:SGEN) reported updated and long-term follow-up analyses from two clinical trials evaluating ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) and OPDIVO (nivolumab) in frontline Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients aged 60 years and older and in relapsed or refractory classical HL (Press release, Seattle Genetics, DEC 7, 2019, View Source [SID1234552050]). ADCETRIS is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) directed to CD30, a defining marker of classical HL. ADCETRIS and OPDIVO are not approved in combination for the treatment of HL. Results were presented today at the 61st American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition taking place December 7-10 in Orlando, Fla.

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"We continue to evaluate ADCETRIS in combination with novel therapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, with the goal of identifying new options for CD30-expressing lymphomas where there is high unmet need," said Roger Dansey, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Seattle Genetics. "These data presentations at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) reinforce our strong commitment to the ADCETRIS clinical development program, potentially moving into new patient populations and novel combination treatment strategies."

Phase 2 Study of Frontline Brentuximab Vedotin Plus Nivolumab in Patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma Aged ≥ 60 Years (Abstract #237, oral presentation at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 7, 2019)
Data were presented from an updated analysis from the phase 2 clinical trial evaluating ADCETRIS in combination with OPDIVO as frontline therapy for HL patients aged 60 years and older. Data were reported from 21 patients, and the median age was 72 years. The majority of patients (76 percent) had stage III/IV disease at the time of diagnosis. These results will be highlighted in an oral presentation by Christopher A. Yasenchak, M.D., Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center/US Oncology Research, Ore., and include:

Of 19 response-evaluable patients, 18 patients (95 percent) had an objective response, including 13 patients (68 percent) with a complete response and five patients (26 percent) with a partial response. All response-evaluable patients experienced tumor reduction (complete response + partial response + stable disease) following treatment with ADCETRIS in combination with OPDIVO. Median duration of response was not yet reached and the maximum duration of response was 22 months and ongoing (95% CI: 7.06, -).
The most common treatment-related adverse events of any grade occurring in at least 20 percent of patients were fatigue, diarrhea, pyrexia, infusion related reaction, peripheral motor neuropathy, peripheral sensory neuropathy and increase in lipase. One treatment-related serious adverse event was pyrexia. Fifty-seven percent of patients (12/21) had at least one treatment-related adverse event greater than or equal to Grade 3, most commonly increase in lipase (24 percent, 5/21), peripheral motor neuropathy and peripheral sensory neuropathy (each 14 percent, 3/21), and fatigue and hyponatremia (each 10 percent, 2/21).
Two-Year Follow-up Results from the Phase 1-2 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin in Combination with Nivolumab in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (Abstract #238, oral presentation at 2:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 7, 2019)
Data were reported from 93 patients with relapsed or refractory classical HL after failure of frontline therapy who received the combination regimen of ADCETRIS plus OPDIVO. After completion of the fourth cycle of treatment, patients were eligible to undergo an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). The median age of patients was 34 years. These results will be highlighted in an oral presentation by Alison J. Moskowitz, M.D., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY, and include:

Of the 91 treated patients, 85 percent (77/91) had an objective response, including 67 percent (61/91) with a complete response, 16 patients with a partial response and six patients had stable disease.
Of the 91 treated patients, 67 patients received an ASCT per trial protocol with no additional salvage therapy.
For all treated patients, the two-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 79 percent (95% CI: 68%, 87%). For the 67 patients who received an ASCT per trial protocol, the two-year PFS was 92 percent (95% CI: 80%, 97%). Median follow-up for all treated patients was 24.2 months (range 1.8-41.7) and the median PFS was not reached. Estimated overall survival at two years was 94 percent (95% CI: 85%, 97%) and median overall survival was not yet reached.
Peripheral immune signatures were consistent with an activated T-cell response.
Prior to ASCT, the most common adverse events of any grade occurring in more than 20 percent of patients were nausea, infusion related reaction, fatigue, diarrhea, pruritus, headache, vomiting and pyrexia. Other adverse events included peripheral neuropathy in 16 patients (18 percent) and neutropenia in six patients (7 percent). Two patients (2 percent) discontinued treatment due to adverse events, Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy and increased gamma-glutamyltransferase. Serious adverse events occurred in 14 patients (15 percent), including pneumonia, pneumonitis and pyrexia (two patients each); and Grade 3 Guillain-Barre syndrome (one patient).
About Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a general term for a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. There are two major categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Classical Hodgkin lymphoma is distinguished from other types of lymphoma by the presence of one characteristic type of cell, known as the Reed-Sternberg cell. The Reed-Sternberg cell expresses CD30.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 8,110 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma will be diagnosed in the United States during 2019 and 1,000 will die from the disease. Approximately half of all newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma patients have Stage III/IV disease. According to the Lymphoma Coalition, over 62,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma each year and approximately 25,000 people die each year from this cancer.

About ADCETRIS
ADCETRIS is being evaluated broadly in more than 70 clinical trials in CD30-expressing lymphomas. These include three completed phase 3 trials: ECHELON-2 trial in frontline peripheral T-cell lymphomas, ECHELON-1 in previously untreated Hodgkin lymphoma, and ALCANZA in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

ADCETRIS is an ADC comprising an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody attached by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), utilizing Seattle Genetics’ proprietary technology. The ADC employs a linker system that is designed to be stable in the bloodstream but to release MMAE upon internalization into CD30-expressing tumor cells.

ADCETRIS injection for intravenous infusion has received FDA approval for six indications in adult patients with: (1) previously untreated systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) or other CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), including angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and PTCL not otherwise specified, in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone, (2) previously untreated Stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine, (3) cHL at high risk of relapse or progression as post-autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) consolidation, (4) cHL after failure of auto-HSCT or failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not auto-HSCT candidates, (5) sALCL after failure of at least one prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimen, and (6) primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) or CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides (MF) who have received prior systemic therapy.

Health Canada granted ADCETRIS approval with conditions in 2013 for patients with (1) HL after failure of autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) or after failure of at least two multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not ASCT candidates and (2) sALCL after failure of at least one multi-agent chemotherapy regimen. Non-conditional approval was granted for (3) post-ASCT consolidation treatment of patients with HL at increased risk of relapse or progression in 2017, (4) adult patients with pcALCL or CD30-expressing MF who have received prior systemic therapy in 2018, (5) for previously untreated patients with Stage IV HL in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine in 2019, and (6) for previously untreated adult patients with sALCL, peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) or angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), whose tumors express CD30, in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone in 2019.

ADCETRIS received conditional marketing authorization from the European Commission in October 2012. The approved indications in Europe are: (1) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma following ASCT, or following at least two prior therapies when ASCT or multi-agent chemotherapy is not a treatment option, (2) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory sALCL, (3) for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma at increased risk of relapse or progression following ASCT, (4) for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) after at least one prior systemic therapy and (5) for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated CD30-positive Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma in combination with AVD (Adriamycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine).

ADCETRIS has received marketing authorization by regulatory authorities in 73 countries for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL. See select important safety information, including Boxed Warning, below.

Seattle Genetics and Takeda are jointly developing ADCETRIS. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Seattle Genetics has U.S. and Canadian commercialization rights and Takeda has rights to commercialize ADCETRIS in the rest of the world. Seattle Genetics and Takeda are funding joint development costs for ADCETRIS on a 50:50 basis, except in Japan where Takeda is solely responsible for development costs.