On March 11, 2019 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) reported that the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved TRAZIMERA (trastuzumab-qyyp), a biosimilar to Herceptin (trastuzumab),1 for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) overexpressing breast cancer and HER2 overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (Press release, Pfizer, MAR 11, 2019, View Source [SID1234534205]).
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The FDA approval was based on review of a comprehensive data package, which demonstrated a high degree of similarity between TRAZIMERA and the originator product. This includes results from the REFLECTIONS B327-02 clinical comparative study that was recently published in the British Journal of Cancer, which showed clinical equivalence, finding a high degree of similarity and no clinically meaningful differences between TRAZIMERA and the originator product in patients with first line HER2 overexpressing metastatic breast cancer.3
"Approximately 15-30% of breast cancers and 10-30% of gastric cancers are HER2-positive, which is associated with aggressive disease and poor prognoses for patients," said Dr. Mark Pegram, associate director for clinical research at the Stanford Comprehensive Cancer Institute, and director of the Breast Oncology Program at the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center.4 "With the availability of biosimilars like TRAZIMERA in the U.S., oncologists will have additional treatment options to choose from, which may help provide patients with greater access to the medicines they need."
Pfizer has a robust portfolio of potential biosimilar candidates in mid- to late-stage development.5 TRAZIMERA is Pfizer’s first oncology monoclonal antibody (mAb) biosimilar and Pfizer’s fifth biosimilar to be approved by the FDA.2,6,7,8,9 TRAZIMERA was also approved for use in the EU in July 2018 for the treatment of HER2 overexpressing breast cancer and HER2 overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.10
About TRAZIMERA (trastuzumab-qyyp)
TRAZIMERA is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) biosimilar of the originator biologic medicine, Herceptin, which targets HER2, a protein found on the surface of some cancer cells which can stimulate the cells to divide and grow.11 TRAZIMERA locks on to the HER2 protein and blocks the receptors, stopping cell division and growth.10
As part of the REFLECTIONS clinical trial program, TRAZIMERA has been studied in nearly 500 patients and across more than 20 countries to date.12,13,14,15,16
TRAZIMERA IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Possible Serious Side Effects With TRAZIMERA (trastuzumab–qyyp)
Not all people have serious side effects, but side effects with TRAZIMERA therapy are common.
Although some people may have a life-threatening side effect, most do not.
Your doctor will stop treatment if any serious side effects occur.
TRAZIMERA is not for everyone. Be sure to contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:
HEART PROBLEMS
These include heart problems—such as congestive heart failure or reduced heart function—with or without symptoms. The risk for and seriousness of these heart problems were highest in people who received both trastuzumab and a certain type of chemotherapy (anthracycline). In a study of adjuvant (early) breast cancer, one patient died of significantly weakened heart muscle. Your doctor will check for signs of heart problems before, during, and after treatment with TRAZIMERA.
INFUSION REACTIONS, including:
Fever and chills
Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
Throwing up (vomiting)
Pain (in some cases at tumor sites)
Headache
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
These signs usually happen within 24 hours after receiving TRAZIMERA.
Be sure to contact your doctor if you:
Are a woman who could become pregnant, or may be pregnant
TRAZIMERA may result in the death of an unborn baby or birth defects. Contraception should be used while receiving TRAZIMERA and after your last dose of TRAZIMERA. If you are exposed to TRAZIMERA during pregnancy or within 7 months of becoming pregnant, you are encouraged to report TRAZIMERA exposure to Pfizer at 1-800-438-1985.
Have any signs of SEVERE LUNG PROBLEMS, including:
Severe shortness of breath
Fluid in or around the lungs
Weakening of the valve between the heart and the lungs
Not enough oxygen in the body
Swelling of the lungs
Scarring of the lungs
Your doctor may check for signs of severe lung problems when he or she examines you.
Have LOW WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNTS
Low white blood cell counts can be life threatening. Low white blood cell counts were seen more often in patients receiving trastuzumab plus chemotherapy than in patients receiving chemotherapy alone.
Your doctor may check for signs of low white blood cell counts when he or she examines you.
Side Effects Seen Most Often With trastuzumab
Some patients receiving trastuzumab for breast cancer had the following side effects:
Fever
Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
Throwing up (vomiting)
Infusion reactions
Diarrhea
Infections
Increased cough
Headache
Feeling tired
Shortness of breath
Rash
Low white and red blood cell counts
Muscle pain
Some patients receiving trastuzumab for metastatic stomach cancer had the following side effects:
Low white blood cell counts
Diarrhea
Feeling tired
Low red blood cell counts
Swelling of the mouth lining
Weight loss
Upper respiratory tract infections
Fever
Low platelet counts
Swelling of the mucous membranes
Swelling of the nose and throat
Change in taste
You should contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the side effects listed above.