10-Q – Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)]

(Filing, 10-Q, Tekmira Pharmaceuticals, NOV 5, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508064])

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8-K – Current report

On November 5, 2015 Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE MKT: PVCT, http://www.pvct.com), a clinical-stage oncology and dermatology biopharmaceutical company ("Provectus"), reported its results of operations and financial condition for the third quarter ended September 30, 2015 (Filing, 8-K, Provectus Pharmaceuticals, NOV 5, 2015, View Source [SID:1234507975]).

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Provectus will also hold its quarterly business update conference call at 5 p.m. (EST) today to provide a business update on PV-10 and PH-10 to the investment community and answer questions from investors.

Those who wish to participate in the conference call may telephone 877-407-4019 from the U.S. International callers may telephone 201-689-8337 approximately fifteen minutes before the call. A webcast will also be available at www.pvct.com.
A digital replay will be available by telephone approximately two hours after the completion of the call until January 31, 2016 and may be accessed by dialing 877-660-6853 from the U.S. or 201-612-7415 for international callers, and using the Conference ID #13623105.

Third Quarter Financial Results and Balance Sheet Highlights
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $18.9 million as of September 30, 2015. This is an increase of $1.5 million from the $17.4 million reported as of December 31, 2014.

Stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2015, was $24,529,437. This compares to stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2014, of $25,189,876.

For additional information regarding Provectus’ results of operations and financial condition for the third quarter ended September 30, 2015, please see Provectus’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 5, 2015.

Genocea Reports Third Quarter 2015 Financial Results

On November 5, 2015 Genocea Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GNCA), a biopharmaceutical company developing T cell-directed vaccines and immunotherapies, reported recent corporate highlights and financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2015 (Press release, Genocea Biosciences, NOV 5, 2015, View Source [SID:1234507992]).

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"In early October, we reported positive six-month durability data for GEN-003 which further support its potential to serve as a cornerstone therapy for genital herpes infections with convenient, long-term disease control. We look forward to reporting 12-month data from this ongoing trial in the first quarter of 2016 and to our end of Phase 2 meeting with the FDA later next year," said Chip Clark, president and chief executive officer of Genocea. "Additionally, we are excited to report several recent milestones as part of the expansion of our ATLAS technology into oncology, following encouraging data from our ongoing collaboration with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Having demonstrated its power in infectious disease, we believe that ATLAS is positioned to enable smarter identification of cancer vaccine antigens and smarter immuno-oncology response profiling to optimize patient care."

Business Highlights and Anticipated Milestones

GEN-003 – Immunotherapy for treatment of genital herpes in Phase 2 development. Greater than $1 billion potential revenue opportunity in the U.S.

Reported positive results six months after dosing from ongoing Phase 2 dose optimization trial
12-month data expected in the first quarter of 2016
End of Phase 2 meeting with U.S. Food and Drug Administration expected in late 2016
On October 7, 2015, Genocea reported positive results from a planned interim analysis of data collected six months after dosing from its ongoing Phase 2 dose optimization trial evaluating GEN-003 for the treatment of genital herpes. At its best performing dose of 60 µg per protein / 75 µg of Matrix-M2TM adjuvant, GEN-003 demonstrated a statistically significant 58 percent reduction from baseline in the viral shedding rate (p < 0.0001), the primary endpoint of the study and a measure of anti-viral activity.

In a planned secondary analysis to assess the impact on genital lesion rates, GEN-003 demonstrated sustained and statistically significant reductions from baseline in five of six dose groups ranging from 43 to 69 percent. In addition, the proportion of patients receiving GEN-003 who were lesion-free at six months after dosing ranged from approximately 30 to 50 percent, similar to results reported in Phase 3 clinical trials with oral antiviral therapies. A further secondary analysis measuring the time to first recurrence after completion of dosing showed a range of 152 days to greater than 180 days among dose groups. The Phase 2 trial continues to show that GEN-003 is safe and well tolerated by patients, with no serious adverse events related to the vaccine.

GEN-004 – Vaccine for the prevention of infections by all serotypes of pneumococcus.

Reported top-line results from Phase 2a clinical trial in October
Development suspended pending review of potential paths forward
On October 19, 2015, Genocea reported that top-line results from a Phase 2a clinical trial for GEN-004 showed consistent reductions versus placebo in the pre-specified endpoints of the rate and density of colonization, but neither of the endpoints achieved statistical significance. GEN-004 was safe and well tolerated by patients. Genocea has suspended development in GEN-004 pending further review of the data and expert consultation.

ATLAS technology platform – Expansion into immuno-oncology

Results from Dana-Farber collaboration to be presented at SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) on November 6; collaboration ongoing
New collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center announced today
ATLAS’s ability to identify T cell antigens may unlock new cancer vaccines
Immunotherapy program initiated targeting Epstein-Barr Virus
Genocea was founded to create T cell-directed immunotherapies and vaccines using ATLAS, a unique platform for profiling large and diverse patient populations to find the T cell antigens driving protective responses. The Company believes that data reported to date for GEN-003 represents the first evidence of efficacy by an immunotherapy built around new T cell targets for an infectious disease. Building on the success of ATLAS in genital herpes, Genocea initiated a research collaboration with Dana-Farber in 2014 to apply ATLAS in immuno-oncology. This collaboration centered on the potential of ATLAS to identify patterns of T cell response in cancer patients receiving checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

ATLAS makes no assumptions about which cancer antigens are meaningful and which are not. It instead takes a panoramic view of a large, diverse population of human subjects and reveals clinically relevant T cell antigens of protective responses. In contrast to other high-throughput predictive tools currently being applied in oncology drug discovery, Genocea believes that ATLAS has a number of critical benefits, including that it potentially:

Can find antigens to which patients are actually responding;
Can distinguish between clinically relevant and immuno-dominant responses;
Can identify separately targets of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells;
Is not HLA-limited.

These benefits may enable smarter identification of cancer antigens for cancer vaccines and smarter identification of patients best suited to immuno-oncology therapy or therapy combinations.

Dana-Farber Collaboration

In this pilot study, funded by the Ludwig Trust, Genocea partnered with Darren Higgins, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunobiology at Harvard Medical School and F. Stephen Hodi, Jr., M.D., director of the Melanoma Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, to conduct a retrospective analysis of 10 checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) treated patients’ T cell responses to 23 known tumor-associated antigens. By analyzing the immune responses of both responders and non-responders to CPI therapy, ATLAS successfully identified the cancer antigens to which either (or both) CD4+ or CD8+ T cells became activated. Although this research was not powered to draw firm conclusions, the analysis of T cell responses in patients receiving CPI therapy revealed a pattern indicating a greater breadth of T cell activation for responders than non-responders. The study also revealed preliminary evidence that different characteristics of T cell responses emerge when comparing patients who respond and those who do not. Some T cell responses did not correspond with improved patient outcomes, and may be classified as "decoys," further validating the ability of ATLAS to distinguish clinically relevant targets of T cell responses. This analysis will be presented as a late-breaker at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper)’s (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 30th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Associated Programs in National Harbor, Maryland. The poster, #342, entitled Immunoprofiling of T cell responses in melanoma patients undergoing CPI therapy, will be presented on Saturday, November 7, 2015 between 12.30 – 2:00p.m. ET.

The collaboration with Dana-Farber is ongoing as Genocea continues to analyze more blood samples to characterize T cell response profiles that may be prognostic of CPI efficacy, and to identify T cell antigens that may be included in novel immunotherapies.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Collaboration

The Company reported a collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to screen the T cell responses of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors against the complete repertoire of patient-specific putative cancer neoantigens.

The goals of the collaboration are to identify signatures of T cell response in cancer patients associated with response or non-response to CPI therapy and to discover new T cell cancer vaccine antigens. ATLAS will be used in conjunction with Memorial Sloan Kettering’s patient-specific cancer neoantigen sequences and blood samples from the same cancer patients. This new collaborative work will be led by investigators Timothy A. Chan, M.D., Ph.D., Vice Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology, and Jedd D. Wolchok, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of Melanoma and Immunotherapeutics Service, Department of Medicine and Ludwig Center.

Epstein-Barr Virus Immunotherapy Program Initiated

Genocea has commenced a new program focused on Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). EBV infection has been linked to cancers with high unmet needs such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and gastric carcinoma. We believe the ATLAS platform is highly suited to the creation of a new immunotherapy for EBV given that T cell responses are understood to be crucial for protection against EBV. Furthermore, EBV is part of the herpesvirus family, in which Genocea has deep experience through its development of GEN-003.

Completed $50 million public offering in August 2015.

Funding expected to be sufficient to complete GEN-003 Phase 2 program
Strengthened balance sheet provides foundation for ongoing business development activities
In August 2015, Genocea closed a public offering of 3,850,000 shares of common stock. Gross and net proceeds to Genocea from this offering were approximately $50 million and $47 million, respectively.

Third Quarter 2015 Financial Results & Financial Guidance

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and investments as of September 30, 2015 were $112.5 million, compared to $74.6 million as of June 30, 2015. Genocea expects that these funds will be sufficient to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the second half of 2017.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 were unchanged at $6.1 million compared to the same period in 2014, reflecting higher personnel costs and increased lab-related costs offset by reductions in manufacturing and licensing fees related to the commencement of GEN-003 and GEN-004 clinical trials. We continue to make investments in Genocea’s preclinical pipeline, which offset lower R&D expense for our GEN-003 and GEN-004 programs on a quarter over quarter basis.

General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses: G&A expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 were $3.6 million, compared to $2.8 million for the same period in 2014. The increase reflects higher personnel costs and depreciation expense, both of which support Genocea’s expanding R&D operations and the demands of operating as a public company.

Net Loss: Net loss was $9.8 million for the third quarter of 2015, compared to a net loss of $9.2 million for the same period in 2014.

Genmab Announces Daratumumab and Ofatumumab Data to Be Presented at American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting (ASH)

On November 5, 2015 Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN) reported that 14 daratumumab and 5 ofatumumab abstracts have been accepted for presentation at the 57th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition December 5-8 in Orlando, Florida (Press release, Genmab, NOV 5, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508008]). The abstracts are available on the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) website at www.hematology.org.

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"We are delighted that daratumumab will be featured in three oral presentations at the 2015 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. We are particularly looking forward to the presentation of the updated data from the Phase I study of daratumumab in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma and the poster presentation describing previously unknown immunomodulatory effects of daratumumab," said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab. "Data from the Phase II study of daratumumab in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, the Phase I/II study of daratumumab in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma will also be presented in oral sessions."

Daratumumab

Highlights

Clinical Efficacy of Daratumumab Monotherapy in Patients with Heavily Pretreated Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma — Oral presentation, Saturday, December 5

Daratumumab in Combination With Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Patients With Relapsed or Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Updated Results from a Phase 1/2 Study (GEN503) — Oral presentation, Monday, December 7

Immunomodulatory Effects and Adaptive Immune Response to Daratumumab in Multiple Myeloma — Poster presentation, Sunday, December 6

Open-label, Multicenter Phase 1b Study of Daratumumab in Combination with Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone in Patients with ≥2 Lines of Prior Therapy and Relapsed or Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM) — Oral presentation, Monday, December 7

Other abstracts

Serum Proteomic Analysis of Multiple Myeloma Subjects Treated with Daratumumab Monotherapy — Poster presentation, Saturday, December 5

Management of Infusion-related Reactions Following Daratumumab Monotherapy in Patients with ≥3 Lines of Prior Therapy or Double Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM): 54767414MMY2002 (Sirius) — Poster presentation, Saturday, December 5

Outcomes and Management of Red Blood Cell Transfusions in Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with Daratumumab — Poster presentation, Monday, December 7

Understanding the Dose Regimen for Daratumumab in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma after Prior Proteasome Inhibitors and Immunomodulatory Drugs: A Quantitative Pharmacologic Perspective — Poster presentation, Monday, December 7

Target-mediated Drug Disposition of Daratumumab Following Intravenous Infusion in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma after Prior Proteasome Inhibitors and Immunomodulatory Drugs: A Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis — Poster presentation, Monday, December 7

Analyses of Real-World Data on Overall Survival in Multiple Myeloma Patients With ≥3 Prior Lines of Therapy Including a PI and an IMID, or Double Refractory to a PI and an IMID — Poster presentation, Monday, December 7

Treatment of Ex Vivo Expanded NK Cells with Daratumumab F(ab’)2 Fragments Protects Adoptively Transferred NK Cells from Daratumumab-mediated Killing and Augments Daratumumab-induced Antibody Dependent Cellular Toxicity (ADCC) of Myeloma — Poster presentation, Monday, December 7

Generation and characterization of microvesicles after Daratumumab interaction with myeloma cells — Poster presentation, Saturday, December 5

Expression Profile of CD38 And Related Ectoenzymes in Myeloma Bone Niche: A Rational Basis for the Use of Daratumumab to Inhibit Osteoclast Formation and Activity — Poster presentation, Sunday, December 6

International Validation of a Dithiothreitol (DTT)-based Method to Resolve the Daratumumab Interference with Blood Compatibility Testing — Poster presentation, Monday, December 7

Ofatumumab
Risk-adapted Induction and Maintenance with Ofatumumab in Previously Untreated Patients with CLL/SLL — Poster presentation, Saturday, December 5

A Phase II Study of Ofatumumab-High Dose Methyl-prednisolone Followed by Ofatumumab-Alemtuzumab in 17p Deleted or TP53 Mutated CLL — Poster presentation, Monday, December 7

A Phase II Study of Ofatumumab in Combination with a Pan-AKT Inhibitor (Afuresertib) in Previously Treated Patients with CLL —
Poster presentation, Saturday, December 5

A Phase II Study of Alemtuzumab-Ofatumumab (A+O) Combination in Patients with Previously Untreated CLL — An Update —

Poster presentation, Saturday, December 5
Sequential Therapy with Ofatumumab, High Dose Methyl-prednisolone and Lenalidomide Is a Safe and Effective Regimen for the Treatment of Previously Treated and Untreated CLL/SLL: The HiLO Trial — Poster presentation, Sunday, December 6

About daratumumab
Daratumumab is an investigational human IgG1k monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds with high affinity to the CD38 molecule, which is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. It induces rapid tumor cell death through multiple immune-mediated mechanisms1, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity1, antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis2 and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity1, as well as via induction of apoptosis3 . Five Phase III clinical studies with daratumumab in relapsed and frontline settings are currently ongoing. Additional studies are ongoing or planned to assess its potential in other malignant and pre-malignant diseases on which CD38 is expressed, such as smoldering myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Daratumumab has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the US FDA. In August 2012, Genmab granted Janssen Biotech, Inc. an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab.

About Ofatumumab (Arzerra)
Ofatumumab is a human monoclonal antibody that is designed to target the CD20 molecule found on the surface of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells and normal B lymphocytes.

In the United States, Arzerra is approved for use in combination with chlorambucil for the treatment of previously untreated patients with CLL for whom fludarabine-based therapy is considered inappropriate. In the European Union, Arzerra is approved for use in combination with chlorambucil or bendamustine for the treatment of patients with CLL who have not received prior therapy and who are not eligible for fludarabine-based therapy. In more than 50 countries worldwide, Arzerra is also indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of patients with CLL who are refractory after prior treatment with fludarabine and alemtuzumab.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING for Arzerra (ofatumumab).
Arzerra is marketed under a collaboration agreement between Genmab and Novartis.

Janssen to Showcase Growing Portfolio with More Than 40 Data Presentations at the 2015 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting

On November 5, 2015 Johnson & Johnson reported that at the 57th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, Janssen Research & Development, LLC will present new data for both approved and investigational oncology and cardiovascular compounds across 10 disease areas (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, NOV 5, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508028]). More than 40 abstracts from company-sponsored studies have been accepted for presentation, including 17 oral presentations, the largest presence of company data to date. Oral presentations from five Janssen brands across two therapeutic areas will be presented at the meeting, including ibrutinib, daratumumab, siltuximab, imetelstat and rivaroxaban. Data and posters from bortezomib, decitabine and JNJ56022473 (formerly CSL362) will be presented as well.

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"The depth and breadth of data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2015 demonstrate our deep passion for developing transformational medical solutions to treat and prevent disease in novel ways, with the goal of radically improving health for patients in need," said William N. Hait, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head, ​Janssen Research & Development, LLC.

Ibrutinib will be featured in 23 presentations sponsored by either Janssen or its collaboration partner, Pharmacyclics, seven of which are orals. Presentations include data evaluating its use as a single agent and in combination with other therapies across several disease states. IMBRUVICA is jointly developed and commercialized by Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie company.

Daratumumab will be featured in 10 presentations sponsored or supported by Janssen, three of which are orals. The company will present data evaluating the fully human anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody as a single agent and in combination with standard therapies in multiple myeloma patients who are relapsed or refractory to standard therapies.

Siltuximab will be featured in one presentation sponsored by Janssen, reporting data from a Phase 2 study assessing the economic burden of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Imetelstat will be featured in two oral presentations sponsored by either Janssen or its licensing and collaboration partner, Geron Corporation.

Rivaroxaban will be featured in four oral presentations on anticoagulant use in venous thromboembolic disease sponsored by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its development partner for this medicine, Bayer HealthCare.

Ibrutinib Oral Presentations:

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Results from the International, Randomized Phase 3 Study of Ibrutinib Versus Chlorambucil in Patients 65 Years and Older with Treatment-Naïve CLL/SLL (RESONATE-2TM). (Abstract 495)
Outcome of Ibrutinib Treatment by Baseline Genetic Features in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory CLL/SLL With del17p in the RESONATE-17 Study. (Abstract 833)
Ibrutinib Plus Bendamustine/Rituximab (BR) is Associated with Greater Reductions in Fatigue Than Placebo Plus BR Among Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Fatigue. (Abstract 267)

Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Ibrutinib vs Temsirolimus: Results From a Phase 3, International, Randomized, Open-Label, Multicenter Study in Patients With Previously Treated Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL). (Abstract 469)

Multiple Myeloma

Combination Treatment with the Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Ibrutinib and Carfilzomib in Patients with Relapsed or Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Initial Results from a Multicenter Phase 1/2b Study. (Abstract 377)

Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

The Role of PIM1 in Ibrutinib-Resistant ABC Subtype of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. (Abstract 699)

Follicular Lymphoma

Ibrutinib Plus Rituximab in Treatment-Naïve Patients with Follicular Lymphoma: Results from a Multicenter, Phase 2 Study. (Abstract 470)

Daratumumab Oral Presentations:

Multiple Myeloma

Clinical Efficacy of Daratumumab Monotherapy in Patients with Heavily Pretreated Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. (Abstract 29)
Daratumumab in Combination with Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Patients with Relapsed or Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Updated Results of a Phase 1/2 Study (GEN503). (Abstract 507)
Open-label, Multicenter, Phase 1b Study of Daratumumab in Combination with Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone in Patients with at Least 2 Lines of Prior Therapy and Relapsed or Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma. (Abstract 508)

Siltuximab Oral Presentation:

Multiple Myeloma

Economic Burden of Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Results from an International Trial. (Abstract 875)

Imetelstat Oral Presentations:

Telomerase Inhibitor Imetelstat Therapy in Refractory Anemia with Ring Sideroblasts with or without Thrombocytosis. (Abstract 55)
Dynamics of Mutations in Patients with ET Treated with Imetelstat. (Abstract 57)

Rivaroxaban Oral Presentations:

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

Safe and Effective Use of Rivaroxaban for Treatment of Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolic Disease: A Quality Improvement Initiative. (Abstract 431)
Current Practice Patterns and Patient Persistence on Anticoagulant Treatments for Cancer-Associated Thrombosis. (Abstract 626)
Xalia, a Non-Interventional Study Comparing Rivaroxaban with Standard Anticoagulation for Initial and Long-Term Therapy in Deep Vein Thrombosis. (Abstract 894)
Validation of the Inhospital Mortality for Pulmonary Embolism Using Claims Data (IMPACT) Prediction Rule within an All-Payer Inpatient Administrative Claims Database. (Abstract 747)

About IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib)

IMBRUVICA was one of the first therapies to receive U.S. approval after having received the FDA’s Breakthrough Therapy Designation. IMBRUVICA works by blocking a specific protein called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK).1 The BTK protein transmits important signals that tell B cells to mature and produce antibodies and is needed by specific cancer cells to multiply and spread.1, 2 IMBRUVICA targets and blocks BTK, inhibiting cancer cell survival and spread.1 For more information, visit www.IMBRUVICA.com.

Additional Information about IMBRUVICA

INDICATIONS

IMBRUVICA is indicated to treat people with:

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have received at least one prior therapy
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with 17p deletion
Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM)
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy
Accelerated approval was granted for this indication based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hemorrhage – Fatal bleeding events have occurred in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. Grade 3 or higher bleeding events (subdural hematoma, gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria, and post-procedural hemorrhage) have occurred in up to 6% of patients. Bleeding events of any grade, including bruising and petechiae, occurred in approximately half of patients treated with IMBRUVICA.

The mechanism for the bleeding events is not well understood. IMBRUVICA may increase the risk of hemorrhage in patients receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapies. Consider the benefit-risk of withholding IMBRUVICA for at least 3 to 7 days pre and post-surgery depending upon the type of surgery and the risk of bleeding.

Infections – Fatal and non-fatal infections have occurred with IMBRUVICA therapy. Grade 3 or greater infections occurred in 14% to 26% of patients. Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have occurred in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. Monitor patients for fever and infections and evaluate promptly.

Cytopenias – Treatment-emergent Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias including neutropenia (range, 19 to 29%), thrombocytopenia (range, 5 to 17%), and anemia (range, 0 to 9%) occurred in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. Monitor complete blood counts monthly.

Atrial Fibrillation – Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (range, 6 to 9%) have occurred in patients treated with IMBRUVICA, particularly in patients with cardiac risk factors, acute infections, and a previous history of atrial fibrillation. Periodically monitor patients clinically for atrial fibrillation. Patients who develop arrhythmic symptoms (e.g., palpitations, lightheadedness) or new-onset dyspnea should have an ECG performed. If atrial fibrillation persists, consider the risks and benefits of IMBRUVICA treatment and dose modification.

Second Primary Malignancies – Other malignancies (range, 5 to 14%) including non-skin carcinomas (range, 1 to 3%) have occurred in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. The most frequent second primary malignancy was non-melanoma skin cancer (range, 4 to 11%).

Tumor Lysis Syndrome – Tumor lysis syndrome has been reported with IMBRUVICA therapy. Monitor patients closely and take appropriate precautions in patients at risk for tumor lysis syndrome (e.g., high tumor burden).

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity – Based on findings in animals, IMBRUVICA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise women to avoid becoming pregnant while taking IMBRUVICA. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) in patients with B-cell malignancies (MCL, CLL, WM) were thrombocytopenia* (57%, 52%, 43%), neutropenia* (47%, 51%, 44%), diarrhea (51%, 48%, 37%), anemia* (41%, 36%, 13%), fatigue (41%, 28%, 21%), musculoskeletal pain (37%, 28%†, NA‡), bruising (30%, 12%†, 16%†), nausea (31%, 26%, 21%), upper respiratory tract infection (34%, 16%, 19%), and rash (25%, 24%†, 22%†).

*Based on adverse reactions and/or laboratory measurements (noted as platelets, neutrophils, or hemoglobin decreased).
†Includes multiple ADR terms.
‡Not applicable; no associated ADRs.

The most common Grade 3 or 4 non-hematological adverse reactions (≥5%) in MCL patients were pneumonia (7%), abdominal pain (5%), atrial fibrillation (5%), diarrhea (5%), fatigue (5%), and skin infections (5%).
Approximately 6% (CLL), 14% (MCL), and 11% (WM) of patients had a dose reduction due to adverse events.
Approximately 5% (CLL), 9% (MCL), and 6% (WM) of patients discontinued due to adverse events. Most frequent adverse events leading to discontinuation were infections, subdural hematomas, and diarrhea in CLL patients and subdural hematoma (1.8%) in MCL patients.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

CYP3A Inhibitors – Avoid co-administration with strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors. If a moderate CYP3A inhibitor must be used, reduce the IMBRUVICA dose.

CYP3A Inducers – Avoid co-administration with strong CYP3A inducers.

SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Hepatic Impairment – Avoid use in patients with moderate or severe baseline hepatic impairment. In patients with mild impairment, reduce IMBRUVICA dose.

Please see full Prescribing Information: View Source

About Daratumumab
Daratumumab is an investigational human monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds with high affinity to the CD38 molecule, which is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. It is believed to induce rapid tumor cell death through multiple immune-mediated mechanisms, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, as well as via induction of apoptosis.3, 4, 5 Five Phase 3 clinical studies with daratumumab in relapsed and frontline settings are currently ongoing. Additional studies are ongoing or planned to assess its potential in other malignant and pre-malignant diseases on which CD38 is expressed, such as smoldering myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In August 2012, Genmab granted Janssen Biotech, Inc. an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab.

About SYLVANT (siltuximab)
SYLVANT is an anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds to human IL-6.6 IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine produced by various cells such as T cells, B cells, monocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Dysregulated overproduction of IL-6 from activated B cells in affected lymph nodes has been implicated in the pathogenesis of, or mechanism causing, MCD.7 Information about ongoing studies with siltuximab can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Additional Information about SYLVANT

INDICATION

SYLVANT (siltuximab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) negative.

Limitation of Use. SYLVANT was not studied in patients with MCD who are HIV positive or HHV-8 positive because SYLVANT did not bind to virally produced IL‐6 in a nonclinical study.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS – Severe hypersensitivity reaction to siltuximab or any of the excipients in SYLVANT.

Concurrent Active Severe Infections – Do not administer to patients with severe infections until the infection resolves. SYLVANT may mask signs and symptoms of acute inflammation including suppression of fever and of acute phase reactants such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Monitor patients closely for infections. Institute prompt anti-infective therapy and do not administer further SYLVANT until the infection resolves.

Vaccinations – Do not administer live vaccines to patients receiving SYLVANT because interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibition may interfere with the normal immune response to new antigens.

Infusion Related Reactions and Hypersensitivity – Stop the infusion if the patient develops signs of anaphylaxis. Discontinue further therapy.

Stop the infusion if the patient develops mild to moderate infusion reactions. If the reaction resolves, the infusion may be restarted at a lower infusion rate. Consider medicating with antihistamines, acetaminophen, and corticosteroids. Discontinue SYLVANT if the patient does not tolerate the infusion following these interventions. [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

Administer SYLVANT in a setting that provides resuscitation equipment, medication, and personnel trained to provide resuscitation.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Perforation – Use with caution in patients who may be at increased risk for GI perforation. Promptly evaluate patients presenting with symptoms that may be associated with or suggestive of GI perforation.

Adverse Reactions – The most common adverse reactions (>10% compared to placebo) in the MCD clinical trial were pruritus, increased weight, rash, hyperuricemia, and upper respiratory tract infection.

Drug Interactions – Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) Substrates – Upon initiation or discontinuation of SYLVANT, in patients being treated with CYP450 substrates with narrow therapeutic index, perform therapeutic monitoring of effect (e.g., warfarin) or drug concentration (e.g., cyclosporine or theophylline) as needed and adjust dose. Exercise caution when SYLVANT is co-administered with CYP3A4 substrate drugs where a decrease in effectiveness would be undesirable (e.g., oral contraceptives, lovastatin, atorvastatin).

For more information on SYLVANT, including the full prescribing information, visit www.SYLVANT.com.

About Imetelstat
Janssen entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Geron Corporation (Nasdaq: GERN) in November 2014 to develop and commercialize imetelstat, an investigational telomerase inhibitor. Imetelstat is a specially designed and modified short oligonucleotide, which targets and binds directly with high affinity to the active site of telomerase. Imetelstat has not been approved for marketing by any regulatory authority.

About XARELTO (rivaroxaban)
XARELTO works by blocking the blood clotting Factor Xa. XARELTO does not require routine blood monitoring. XARELTO has a broad indication profile and is approved for six indications that include:

To reduce the risk of strokes and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. For patients currently well managed on warfarin, there is limited information on how XARELTO and warfarin compare in reducing the risk of stroke.
To treat patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
To treat patients with pulmonary embolism (PE).
To reduce the risk of recurrence of DVT or PE following an initial six-month treatment for acute venous thromboembolism.
To reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs of patients who have just had knee replacement surgery.
To reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs of patients who have just had hip replacement surgery.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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

A. PREMATURE DISCONTINUATION OF XARELTO INCREASES THE RISK OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS
Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including XARELTO, increases the risk of thrombotic events. If anticoagulation with XARELTO is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant.
B. SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA

Epidural or spinal hematomas have occurred in patients treated with XARELTO 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 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, other anticoagulants, see Drug Interactions
A history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures
A history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery <
Optimal timing between the administration of XARELTO 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 for thromboprophylaxis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Active pathological bleeding
Severe hypersensitivity reaction to XARELTO (eg, anaphylactic reactions)

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Increased Risk of Thrombotic Events After Premature Discontinuation: Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including XARELTO, in the absence of adequate alternative anticoagulation increases the risk of thrombotic events. An increased rate of stroke was observed during the transition from XARELTO to warfarin in clinical trials in atrial fibrillation patients. If XARELTO is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant.

Risk of Bleeding: XARELTO increases the risk of bleeding and can cause serious or fatal bleeding. Promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss and consider the need for blood replacement. Discontinue XARELTO in patients with active pathological hemorrhage.

A specific antidote for rivaroxaban is not available. Because of high plasma protein binding, rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialyzable.

Concomitant use of other drugs affecting hemostasis increases the risk of bleeding. These include aspirin, P2Y12 platelet inhibitors, other antithrombotic agents, fibrinolytic therapy, and NSAIDs.

Spinal/Epidural Anesthesia or Puncture: When neuraxial anesthesia (spinal/epidural anesthesia) or spinal puncture is employed, patients treated with anticoagulant agents for prevention of thromboembolic complications are at risk of developing an epidural or spinal hematoma, which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis. To reduce the potential risk of bleeding associated with the concurrent use of rivaroxaban and epidural or spinal anesthesia/analgesia or spinal puncture, consider the pharmacokinetic profile of rivaroxaban. Placement or removal of an epidural catheter or lumbar puncture is best performed when the anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban is low; however, the exact timing to reach a sufficiently low anticoagulant effect in each patient is not known. An epidural catheter should not be removed earlier than 18 hours after the last administration of XARELTO. The next XARELTO dose is not to be administered earlier than 6 hours after the removal of the catheter. If traumatic puncture occurs, the administration of XARELTO is to be delayed for 24 hours. Should the physician decide to administer anticoagulation in the context of epidural or spinal anesthesia/analgesia or lumbar puncture, monitor frequently to detect any signs or symptoms of neurological impairment, such as midline back pain, sensory and motor deficits (numbness, tingling, or weakness in lower limbs), or bowel and/or bladder dysfunction. Instruct patients to immediately report if they experience any of the above signs or symptoms. If signs or symptoms of spinal hematoma are suspected, initiate urgent diagnosis and treatment including consideration for spinal cord decompression even though such treatment may not prevent or reverse neurological sequelae.
Use in Patients With Renal Impairment:

Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: Avoid the use of XARELTO in patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) <15 mL/min, since drug exposure is increased. Discontinue XARELTO in patients who develop acute renal failure while on XARELTO.

Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism (PE), and Reduction in the Risk of Recurrence of DVT and of PE: Avoid the use of XARELTO in patients with CrCl <30 mL/min due to an expected increase in rivaroxaban exposure and pharmacodynamic effects in this patient population.

Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery: Avoid the use of XARELTO in patients with CrCl <30 mL/min due to an expected increase in rivaroxaban exposure and pharmacodynamic effects in this patient population. Observe closely and promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss in patients with CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min. Patients who develop acute renal failure while on XARELTO should discontinue the treatment.

Use in Patients With Hepatic Impairment: No clinical data are available for patients with severe hepatic impairment. Avoid use of XARELTO in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh B) and severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment or with any hepatic disease associated with coagulopathy, since drug exposure and bleeding risk may be increased.

Use With P-gp and Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors or Inducers: Avoid concomitant use of XARELTO with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, ketoconazole, itraconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, ritonavir, indinavir/ritonavir, and conivaptan). Avoid concomitant use of XARELTO with drugs that are P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers (eg, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John’s wort).

Risk of Pregnancy-Related Hemorrhage: In pregnant women, XARELTO should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the mother and fetus. XARELTO dosing in pregnancy has not been studied. The anticoagulant effect of XARELTO cannot be monitored with standard laboratory testing and is not readily reversed. Promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms suggesting blood loss (eg, a drop in hemoglobin and/or hematocrit, hypotension, or fetal distress).

Patients With Prosthetic Heart Valves: The safety and efficacy of XARELTO have not been studied in patients with prosthetic heart valves. Therefore, use of XARELTO is not recommended in these patients.

Acute PE in Hemodynamically Unstable Patients/Patients Who Require Thrombolysis or Pulmonary Embolectomy: Initiation of XARELTO is not recommended acutely as an alternative to unfractionated heparin in patients with pulmonary embolism who present with hemodynamic instability or who may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Avoid concomitant use of XARELTO with other anticoagulants due to increased bleeding risk, unless benefit outweighs risk. Promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss if patients are treated concomitantly with aspirin, other platelet aggregation inhibitors, or NSAIDs.

XARELTO should not be used in patients with CrCl 15 to 80 mL/min who are receiving concomitant combined P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy Category C: XARELTO should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to mother and fetus. There are no adequate or well-controlled studies of XARELTO in pregnant women, and dosing for pregnant women has not been established. Use XARELTO with caution in pregnant patients because of the potential for pregnancy-related hemorrhage and/or emergent delivery with an anticoagulant that is not readily reversible. The anticoagulant effect of XARELTO cannot be reliably monitored with standard laboratory testing.

Labor and Delivery: Safety and effectiveness of XARELTO during labor and delivery have not been studied in clinical trials.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known if rivaroxaban is excreted in human milk.

Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Females of Reproductive Potential: Females of reproductive potential requiring anticoagulation should discuss pregnancy planning with their physician.
OVERDOSAGE

Discontinue XARELTO and initiate appropriate therapy if bleeding complications associated with overdosage occur. A specific antidote for rivaroxaban is not available. The use of activated charcoal to reduce absorption in case of XARELTO overdose may be considered. Due to the high plasma protein binding, rivaroxaban is not expected to be dialyzable.

ADVERSE REACTIONS IN CLINICAL STUDIES

The most common adverse reactions with XARELTO were bleeding complications.