Agilent Announces Scientific Collaboration with the University of Southern California

On January 29, 2018 Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) reported that it has formed a strategic scientific collaboration with the University of Southern California (USC) Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience to create an Agilent Center of Excellence (COE) in Biomolecular Characterization (Press release, Agilent, JAN 29, 2018, http://www.agilent.com/about/newsroom/presrel/2018/29jan-ca17038.html [SID1234523609]).

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The center will be housed in Michelson Hall, which opened at the university in October 2017 and is a state-of-the-art research facility aimed at establishing a convergence of researchers across science and engineering to work together on multidisciplinary approaches for the development of improved health care through new drugs, diagnostics, and medical devices. The Agilent COE will be a resource for undergraduate and graduate students as well as customers in the area, providing access to new Agilent instrumentation and broad exposure to researchers who are leaders in their respective fields.

"Agilent’s collaboration with the Michelson Center is an excellent example of how academia and industry can work together, sharing knowledge and expertise to shorten the timeline between scientific discoveries and real-world applications," said Darlene Solomon, senior vice president and chief technology officer for Agilent. "Convergent bioscience research requires successful collaboration across multiple disciplines — a holistic approach that is central to Agilent’s view of the future."

Key to the Agilent COE will be collaboration with renowned USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience principal investigator Dr. Valery Fokin. Research at the Fokin lab at USC focuses on chemical reactivity and biological interactions at the molecular level. The lab will contribute to multiple collaborative drug discovery projects ranging from chemical synthesis of screening and focused libraries and biological assay implementation to the development of targeted drug delivery systems, diagnostics, and vaccines.

"As convergent bioscience becomes a major contributor to scientific knowledge and ultimately improved human health, academic and industry collaboration will play a key role," said Stephen Bradforth, divisional dean for natural sciences and mathematics at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. "I’m pleased that Agilent has the vision to support our efforts in this important emerging research field."

Additional notable contributors to this collaboration include Dr. Richard Roberts, chair of the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and professor of chemistry, chemical engineering, and biomedical engineering, and Dr. Steve Kay, who is Provost Professor of Neurology, Biomedical Engineering and Biological Sciences. Dr. Roberts, who is co-director of the Agilent COE with Dr. Fokin, is a renowned expert in the chemical biology of protein synthesis whose breakthrough methods allow researchers to screen 10 trillion independent peptide or protein sequences to understand their functions. Dr. Kay’s research into high-throughput genomics and chemical biology has been integral to the understanding of circadian rhythms, and he is recognized as one of the world’s top experts in this area. Other contributors are Dr. Raymond C. Stevens, Provost Professor of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, and Dr. Peter Kuhn, Dean’s Professor of Biological Sciences. Dr. Stevens and Dr. Kuhn are among the world’s most influential biomedical scientists; their research on structural biology and cancer metastasis have led to important advances in medical treatments and pharmaceutical drugs.

Innovation Pharmaceuticals Brilacidin Franchise Anchored in Three Clinical Indications — Oral Mucositis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Serious Skin Infections; Expands into Dermatologic Diseases

On January 29, 2018 Innovation Pharmaceuticals, (OTCQB:IPIX) ("the Company"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company,reported a business development update (Press release, Innovation Pharmaceuticals, JAN 29, 2018, View Source [SID1234523613]):

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· The Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA) count toward partnering with global and specialty pharmaceutical companies interested in the Company’s first-in-class drug candidates is nearing 20, with additional Agreements in review. Successfully securing partnerships would afford the Company access to immediate and potentially recurring sources of non-dilutive capital, including upfront fees, milestone-based payments and tiered royalties;

· A leading international drug manufacturer has been engaged with to bulk produce commercial-quality Brilacidin, aimed at lowering patient drug cost and anticipating future drug needs in preparation for expedient market introduction. This critical step also proactively facilitates future patient and insurance reimbursement adoption through favorable cost savings;

· After a recent successful Phase 2 trial in Oral Mucositis (OM), the Company believes that it is the clear global leader in this area as it develops an easy-to-administer oral rinse medicine for the prevention of severe Oral Mucositis (SOM) in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients receiving chemoradiation—analysts estimate this market could reach $1 billion in coming years.

Brilacidin—Dermatology Formulation Development

Brilacidin has successfully completed Phase 2 trials in Oral Mucositis (OM), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Acute Bacterial Skin and Structure Infection (ABSSSI). A drug with broad platform potential (pdf), Brilacidin’s innate properties and modes of action, as well as additional pre-clinical work, support the drug’s potential for topical application in dermatology, including: Atopic Dermatitis, Acne, and Hidradenitis Suppurativa. All are areas of large unmet need and comprise highly lucrative markets.

To further these efforts, the Company is in negotiations with a leading drug formulator to develop topical formulation(s) of Brilacidin for these three dermatology indications, starting in 1H2018. The goal of the negotiations is to reach terms on a strategic partnership for addressing these markets. The formulator brings an impressive track record of developing products that have earned billions of dollars for global pharmaceutical companies.

For a discussion on Brilacidin’s potential as a topical agent in dermatology, please read more at the following link:

· "Brilacidin’s Potential Application in Dermatology"

For more on Brilacidin, learn more here:

· View Source

Varian Signs Agreement to Acquire Sirtex

On January 30, 2018 Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) reported it has signed an agreement to acquire all the outstanding shares of Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX) ("Sirtex"), an Australia-based global life sciences company focused on interventional oncology therapies, that is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, for A$28 per share in cash (Press release, Varian Medical Systems, JAN 29, 2018, View Source [SID1234523895]). On a fully diluted basis, this represents a total equity purchase price for the acquisition of approximately A$1,585M (approximately US$1,283M as of the date of this release). The acquisition has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of each company and the Sirtex Board of Directors has agreed to unanimously recommend that Sirtex shareholders approve the transaction, provided that an independent expert, to be retained by Sirtex, considers the transaction to be in the best interests of Sirtex shareholders and in the absence of a superior offer.

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This acquisition of a global leader in radioembolization extends Varian’s leadership in radiation medicine, expands Varian’s addressable market into interventional oncology, and is consistent with Varian’s long-term growth and value creation strategy. Varian expects to leverage its capabilities in treatment planning and delivery, image guidance and processing, oncology practice management software, and radiation safety in combination with Sirtex’s interventional oncology platform to provide customers of both companies with a wider range of cancer care solutions.

"This acquisition is the latest step in Varian’s long-term strategy to become a global leader in multi-disciplinary integrated cancer care solutions," said Dow Wilson, CEO of Varian. "The combination of the two companies will expand the reach of the Sirtex platform by making it more broadly available to the clinical community. Our companies share a common vision of a world without fear of cancer, and we look forward to completing this acquisition and positively impacting more patients’ lives around the world."

Sirtex’s lead product is a targeted internal radiation therapy for certain liver cancers. Approximately 80,000 doses of SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres have been supplied to treat patients with liver cancer at over 1,090 medical centers in over 40 countries. It has PMA approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the European Union (CE Mark) and Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Sirtex has manufacturing capabilities in the United States, Singapore and Germany.

Sirtex generated annual revenues of A$234mm in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017. Sirtex has approximately 300 employees worldwide and maintains sales and distribution operations primarily in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Transaction and Financial details

Varian plans to finance the acquisition using cash on hand as well as proceeds from borrowings. The transaction, which is expected to close in late May 2018, is subject to the approval of the Sirtex shareholders, the Federal Court of Australia and other customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals. Varian expects this acquisition to be accretive to earnings per share in the first full fiscal year after the closing of the transaction.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is acting as financial advisor and Norton Rose Fulbright is acting as legal counsel to Varian.

Webcast

Varian will webcast a conference call to discuss the details of this acquisition. The webcast will start at 9:00am ET on Tuesday, January 30, 2018. The live webcast will be available on the Varian Investor Relations website at www.varian.com/investors.

Sanofi to acquire Ablynx for €3.9 Billion

On January 29, 2018 Sanofi and Ablynx, a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of Nanobodies, reported to have entered into a definitive agreement under which Sanofi will offer to acquire all of the outstanding ordinary shares, including shares represented by American Depositary Shares (ADSs), warrants and convertible bonds of Ablynx at a price per Ablynx share of €45 in cash, which represents an aggregate equity value of approximately €3.9 billion (Press release, Sanofi, JAN 29, 2018, View Source [SID1234523615]). The transaction was unanimously approved by both the Sanofi and Ablynx Boards of Directors.

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Sanofi’s Chief Executive Officer Olivier Brandicourt commented, "With Ablynx, we continue to advance the strategic transformation of our Research and Development, expanding our late-stage pipeline and strengthening our platform for growth in rare blood disorders. This acquisition builds on a successful existing partnership. We are also pleased to reaffirm our commitment to Belgium, where we have invested significantly over the years in our state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facility in Geel. We intend to maintain and support the Ablynx science center in Ghent."

Ablynx’s Chief Executive Officer Edwin Moses noted, "Since our founding in 2001, our team has been focused on unlocking the power of our Nanobody technology for patients. The results of our work are validated by clinical data. As we look ahead, we believe Sanofi’s global infrastructure, commitment to innovation and commercial capabilities will accelerate our ability to deliver our pipeline. Our Board of Directors feels strongly that this transaction represents compelling value for shareholders and maximizes the potential of our pipeline to the benefit of all stakeholders."

Sustaining Innovation in R&D

The acquisition of Ablynx continues Sanofi’s commitment to breakthrough innovation, focused on technologies addressing multiple disease targets with single multi-specific molecules.

Nanobodies are a novel class of proprietary next generation biologicals. Ablynx is at the leading edge of Nanobody technology supporting a deep pipeline of more than 45 proprietary and partnered candidates for a wide range of therapeutic areas such as hematology, inflammation, immuno-oncology and respiratory diseases. Eight Nanobodies have entered clinical development.

Sanofi is committed to accelerating development and maximizing the commercial potential of Ablynx’s ongoing and emerging programs.

Strengthening Sanofi’s Platform in Rare Blood Disorders

Ablynx’s most-advanced product in development is caplacizumab (anti-vWF Nanobody), a wholly-owned development program for the treatment of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP). The product is already filed in the European Union and expected to be filed in the U.S. during the first half of this year. Caplacizumab, if approved, would be the first-in-class treatment for this acute, life-threatening disease.

The addition of caplacizumab to Sanofi’s platform strengthens its position in rare blood disorders, complementing the recently announced agreements to acquire Bioverativ and obtain global rights for fitusiran from Alnylam.

Combining Complementary Capabilities to Address
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infections

Ablynx’s ALX-0171, an inhaled anti-RSV Nanobody, currently in Phase 2b, is a potential breakthrough for the symptomatic treatment of RSV infections—for which there is no widely used therapy available—and is very complementary to Sanofi Pasteur RSV associated programs.

Delivering Long-Term Shareholder Value

The addition of Ablynx is anticipated to drive meaningful long-term value for Sanofi’s shareholders by enhancing its pipeline and research capabilities. Including R&D expenses, the acquisition is expected to be neutral to Business EPS[1] in 2018 and 2019.

Transaction Terms

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will launch public offers to acquire all of the outstanding ordinary shares (including shares represented by ADSs), warrants and convertible bonds of Ablynx in cash. Sanofi has complied with the formalities set forth in the Belgian takeover legislation and filed the mandatory documents with the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA). A notice was published by the FSMA on its website.

The consummation of the public offers is subject to customary conditions, including the tender of securities representing at least 75% of the outstanding shares of Ablynx at the end of the initial acceptance period of the Belgian Tender Offer, and the receipt of required regulatory approvals. The public offers are expected to be launched by the beginning of the second quarter of 2018.

In accordance with the Belgian requirement of certainty of funds, Sanofi has entered into a bank credit facility with BNP Paribas Fortis SA/NV acting as the sole credit facility arranger. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter 2018.

Morgan Stanley and Lazard are acting as financial advisors to Sanofi. J.P. Morgan is acting as financial advisor to Ablynx. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and NautaDutilh are serving as legal counsels to Sanofi. Eubelius CVBA, Goodwin Procter LLP and Linklaters LLP are serving as legal counsels to Ablynx.

Sanofi Conference Call

Sanofi will host a webcast live on Sanofi’s website at 2:30 p.m. CET / 8:30 a.m. EST on Monday, January 29, 2018. The webcast details and full presentation will be made available on Sanofi’s Investor Relations webpage.

Astellas to Present New Oncology Data at the 2018 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers (GU) Symposium

On January 26, 2018 Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Yoshihiko Hatanaka, "Astellas") reported new data to be presented at the 2018 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) (ASCO GU) taking place on February 8-10 in San Francisco (Press release, Astellas, 26 26, 2018, View Source [SID1234523593]). Among the data being presented are findings for men with non-metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) taking enzalutamide*; and for patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer taking enfortumab vedotin**, an investigational antibodydrug conjugate (ADC).

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"We are poised to announce our largest presence to date at this year’s ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) GU meeting," said Steven Benner, M.D., senior vice president and global therapeutic area head, Oncology Development, Astellas. "We’re pleased to showcase additional work in our oncology franchise, investigating new indications and uses where possible for patients through expanded indications and tumor types in areas of high unmet need."

The following abstract will be featured during an oral presentation session for enzalutamide:

Title: PROSPER: A phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo (PBO)- controlled study of enzalutamide (ENZA) in men with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (M0 CRPC)

Presenter: Maha Hussain, M.D.

Oral Presentation Abstract Session A: Prostate Cancer; Abstract Number: 3
Session Date/Time: Thursday, February 8, 1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. PST
In addition to the oral presentation, the following six abstracts will be presented during the poster sessions for enzalutamide:

Title: Hepatic effects assessed by review of safety data in enzalutamide castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) trials

Lead Author: Tomasz M. Beer, M.D.

Poster Session A: Prostate Cancer; Abstract Number: 199
Session Date/Time: Thursday, February 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; 5:15 p.m.- 6:15 p.m. PST
Title: Impact of enzalutamide (ENZA) vs. bicalutamide (BIC) on healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL) of patients (pts) with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC): STRIVE study

Lead Author: Raoul Concepcion, M.D.

Poster Session A: Prostate Cancer; Abstract Number: 234
Session Date/Time: Thursday, February 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. PST
Title: Comparison of enzalutamide and bicalutamide in patients with nonmetastatic castration resistant prostate cancer: Number needed to treat to achieve one additional patient free of clinical progression events

Lead Author: Lawrence Ivan Karsh, M.D.

Poster Session A: Prostate Cancer Abstract Number: 228
Session Date/Time: Thursday, February 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; 5:15 p.m.- 6:15 p.m. PST
Title: Treatment duration and utilization patterns in metastatic castrationresistant prostate cancer patients receiving enzalutamide or abiraterone acetate

Lead Author: Vahan Kassabian, M.D.

Poster Session A: Prostate Cancer; Abstract Number: 229
Session Date/Time: Thursday, February 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; 5:15 p.m.- 6:15 p.m. PST
Title: Health care resource utilization and costs in metastatic castrationresistant prostate cancer patients treated with enzalutamide or abiraterone acetate

Lead Author: Vahan Kassabian, M.D.

Poster Session A: Prostate Cancer; Abstract Number: 232
Session Date/Time: Thursday, February 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; 5:15 p.m.- 6:15 p.m. PST
Title: Safety of continued administration of enzalutamide in patients with prostate cancer who showed benefit from prior exposure: A Phase 2 openlabel extension study

Lead Author: Elaine Tat Lam, M.D.

Poster Session B: Prostate Cancer, Urothelial Carcinoma, and Penile, Urethral, and Testicular Cancers; Abstract Number: 303
Session Date/Time: Friday, February 9, 12:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m.; 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. PST
Astellas will present the following three abstracts during poster sessions for enfortumab vedotin, which include updated Phase 1 data in metastatic urothelial cancer patients with prior CPI treatment and trials in progress (TIP) for the EV-201 and EV-103 studies.

Title: Enfortumab vedotin (EV) in patients (Pts) with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) with prior checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) failure: A prospective cohort of an ongoing phase 1 study

Lead Author: Daniel P. Petrylak, M.D.

Poster Session B: Prostate Cancer, Urothelial Carcinoma, and Penile, Urethral, and Testicular Cancers; Abstract Number 431
Session Date/Time: Friday, February 9, 12:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m.; 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. PST
Title: EV-201 study: A single-arm, open-label, multicenter study of enfortumab vedotin for treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who previously received immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy

Lead Author: Jonathan E. Rosenberg, M.D.

Trials in Progress Poster Session B: Prostate Cancer, Urothelial Carcinoma, and Penile, Urethral, and Testicular Cancers; Abstract Number TPS542
Session Date/Time: Friday, February 9, 12:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m.; 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. PST
Title: EV-103 study: A phase 1b dose-escalation and dose-expansion study of enfortumab vedotin in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy for treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer

Lead Author: Christopher J. Hoimes, D.O.

Trials in Progress Poster Session B: Prostate Cancer, Urothelial Carcinoma, and Penile, Urethral, and Testicular Cancers; Abstract Number TPS532
Session Date/Time: Friday, February 9, 12:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m.; 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. PST
*Enzalutamide is developed through a collaboration between Pfizer and Astellas and commercialized under the brand name XTANDI.

**Enfortumab vedotin is developed through a collaboration between Seattle Genetics and Astellas.

About Enfortumab Vedotin

Enfortumab vedotin is an investigational Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC), composed of an anti-Nectin-4 monoclonal antibody attached to a microtubule-disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), using Seattle Genetics’ proprietary, industryleading linker technology. Enfortumab vedotin targets Nectin-4, a cell adhesion molecule identified as an ADC target by Astellas, which is expressed on many solid tumors.

About XTANDI (enzalutamide) capsules
XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications
XTANDI is not indicated for women. XTANDI can cause fetal harm and potential loss of pregnancy.

Warnings and Precautions
Seizure occurred in 0.5% of patients receiving XTANDI in clinical studies. In a study of patients with predisposing factors, seizures were reported in 2.2% of patients. See section 5.1 of the Prescribing Information for the list of predisposing factors. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with XTANDI. Permanently discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)
In post approval use, there have been reports of PRES in patients receiving XTANDI. PRES is a neurological disorder which can present with rapidly evolving symptoms including seizure, headache, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances, with or without associated hypertension. A diagnosis of PRES requires confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI. Discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop PRES.

Adverse Reactions
The most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) that occurred more commonly (≥ 2% over placebo) in the XTANDI patients from the two placebo-controlled clinical trials were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, decreased appetite, constipation, arthralgia, diarrhea, hot flush, upper respiratory tract infection, peripheral edema, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, weight decreased, headache, hypertension, and dizziness/vertigo. In the bicalutamide-controlled study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, the most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) reported in XTANDI patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, hot flush, hypertension, nausea, constipation, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and weight loss.

In the placebo-controlled study of patients taking XTANDI who previously received docetaxel, Grade 3 and higher adverse reactions were reported among 47% of XTANDI patients and 53% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 16% of XTANDI patients and 18% of placebo patients. In the placebo-controlled study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, Grade 3-4 adverse reactions were reported in 44% of XTANDI patients and 37% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 6% of both study groups. In the bicalutamide-controlled study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, Grade 3-4 adverse reactions were reported in 38.8% of XTANDI patients and 37.6% of bicalutamide patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 7.6% of XTANDI patients and 6.3% of bicalutamide patients.

Lab Abnormalities: In the two placebo-controlled trials, Grade 1-4 neutropenia occurred in 15% of XTANDI patients (1% Grade 3-4) and 6% of placebo patients (0.5% Grade 3-4). Grade 1-4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 6% of XTANDI patients (0.3% Grade 3-4) and 5% of placebo patients (0.5% Grade 3-4). Grade 1-4 elevations in ALT occurred in 10% of XTANDI patients (0.2% Grade 3-4) and 16% of placebo patients (0.2% Grade 3-4). Grade 1-4 elevations in bilirubin occurred in 3% of XTANDI patients (0.1% Grade 3-4) and 2% of placebo patients (no Grade 3-4).

Infections: In the study of patients taking XTANDI who previously received docetaxel, 1% of XTANDI patients compared to 0.3% of placebo patients died from infections or sepsis. In the study of chemotherapy-naïve patients, 1 patient in each treatment group (0.1%) had an infection resulting in death.

Falls (including fall-related injuries) occurred in 9% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients in the two placebo-controlled trials. Falls were not associated with loss of consciousness or seizure. Fall-related injuries were more severe in XTANDI patients, and included non-pathologic fractures, joint injuries, and hematomas.

Hypertension occurred in 11% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients in the two placebo-controlled trials. No patients experienced hypertensive crisis. Medical history of hypertension was balanced between arms. Hypertension led to study discontinuation in < 1% of patients in each arm.

Drug Interactions
Effect of Other Drugs on XTANDI Avoid strong CYP2C8 inhibitors, as they can increase the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, reduce the dose of XTANDI.

Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers as they can decrease the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, increase the dose of XTANDI.

Effect of XTANDI on Other Drugs Avoid CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, as XTANDI may decrease the plasma exposures of these drugs. If XTANDI is co-administered with warfarin (CYP2C9 substrate), conduct additional INR monitoring.

Please see Full Prescribing Information for additional safety information.