PeproMene Bio, Inc. and the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI) Announce The First Follicular Lymphoma (FL) Patient Treated with BAFF-R Targeting CAR-T Cells (PMB-CT01) Achieves a Complete Response

On May 20, 2025 PeproMene Bio, Inc. (PMB) a clinical-stage biotech company developing novel therapies to treat cancers and immune disorders, reported that the first r/r FL patient treated in its phase 1 PMB-102 study, r/r B-cell non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (r/r B-NHL) trial of PMB-CT01 (BAFFR-CAR T Cells), has achieved complete remission at one month post treatment (Press release, PeproMene Bio, MAY 20, 2025, View Source [SID1234653259]).

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"We are excited to report that a patient with r/r FL has achieved complete remission after treatment with PMB-CT01, bringing the total to seven patients-all achieving a 100% CR rate with durable responses and a manageable safety profile. Notably, this patient had previously undergone 7 prior lines of therapy including chemoimmunotherapies, CD19 CAR T cells, an investigational trispecific antibody, and an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). Remarkably, the patient experienced no CRS or ICANS," said Elizabeth Budde M.D., Ph.D., the trial’s lead principal investigator and associate professor of hematology at City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S.

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent (slow-growing) form of B-cell non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), accounting for 20% of NHL in the US.1 FL is considered incurable with current standard of care therapies.2 Patients often relapse and with each relapse, the remission and time to next treatment is shorter.3 Patients with r/r FL are in need of additional medical options. "IFLI is dedicated to accelerating the development of innovative treatment options for patients with r/r FL" stated Dr. Michel Azoulay, M.D., CMO of the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation. "I am very excited that PMB-CT01 has shown promising efficacy and safety in this first FL patient."

"Most of the PMB-102 trial participants relapsed after CD19 CAR T therapy and/or presented with CD19 negative tumors. PMB-CT01 could present a viable alternative option for patients facing this challenging scenario," said Hazel Cheng PhD., COO of PMB. "We are deeply committed to the development of this first-in-class BAFFR CAR T therapy and are excited to advance our study into a multi-site expansion phase that will include r/r MCL, DLBCL and FL patients."

About PMB-CT01

PMB-CT01 is a first-in-class, BAFF-R targeted, autologous CAR T cell therapy. BAFF-R (B-Cell Activating Factor Receptor), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, is the main receptor for BAFF and is expressed almost exclusively on B cells. Since BAFF-R signaling promotes normal B-cell proliferation and appears to be required for B-cell survival, tumor cells are unlikely to escape therapy via loss of the BAFF-R antigen. This unique characteristic makes BAFF-R CAR T therapy a highly promising option for treating B-cell malignancies PMB-CT01 (BAFFR-CAR T cells) is currently being investigated to treat relapsed and refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (B-NHL; NCT05370430), B-cell, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL; NCT04690595) in phase 1 clinical trials. Early results from PMB-101 and PMB-102 have demonstrated PMB-CT01 to be highly active and tolerable in heavily pre-treated r/r ALL and r/r NHL patient populations. PeproMene Bio has licensed intellectual property relating to PMB-CT01 from City of Hope.

Aptose Announces Dosing of First Patient with 120 mg of Tuspetinib in Phase 1/2 Tuscany Trial of Frontline Triple Drug Therapy after Dose Escalation Decision by Safety Review Committee

On May 20, 2025 Aptose Biosciences Inc. ("Aptose" or the "Company") (OTC: APTOF, TSX: APS), a clinical-stage precision oncology company developing the tuspetinib (TUS)-based triple drug frontline therapy to treat patients with newly diagnosed AML, reported that the Cohort Safety Review Committee (CSRC) monitoring Aptose’s Phase 1/2 TUSCANY trial of tuspetinib in combination with standard of care dosing of venetoclax and azacitidine (TUS+VEN+AZA triplet) has approved escalating from 80 mg dose TUS to 120 mg dose TUS based on its favorable review of safety and efficacy data from patients in the first two cohorts of the trial (Press release, Aptose Biosciences, MAY 20, 2025, View Source [SID1234653244]). Dosing of the first subject at the 120 mg TUS dose level has commenced. The TUS+VEN+AZA triplet is being developed as a one-of-a-kind, safe and mutation agnostic frontline therapy to treat large, mutationally diverse populations of newly diagnosed AML patients who are ineligible to receive induction chemotherapy.

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No significant safety concerns or dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) have been reported in the TUSCANY trial, including no prolonged myelosuppression of subjects in remission. Patients treated in the 40 mg and 80 mg dose cohorts remain on study while enrollment is open for the 120 mg dose cohort. Aptose has reported that the first two dose cohorts have demonstrated safety, CRs, and minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity across patients with diverse mutations (press release here). The Company will be presenting updated data in an oral presentation at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress (EHA 2025), being held June 12-15, 2025, in Milan, Italy, which will include updated safety, CRs, MRD, and pharmacokinetic (PK) clinical findings and longer duration of follow up.

"Data from the first two cohorts, with a 40 mg or 80 mg dose of TUS in the TUS+VEN+AZA triplet, reveal promising clinical safety and antileukemic activity even in some of the most difficult-to-treat AML populations," said Rafael Bejar, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Aptose. "With these significant findings, our CSRC – comprised of key leaders in the development of therapeutic agents for AML – recommended we dose escalate further, and we have now opened the 120 mg dose cohort of TUS in the triplet therapy."

TUSCANY: TUS+VEN+AZA Triplet Phase 1/2 Study

The tuspetinib-based TUS+VEN+AZA triplet therapy is being advanced in the TUSCANY Phase 1/2 trial with the goal of creating an improved frontline therapy for newly diagnosed AML patients that is active across diverse AML populations, durable, and well tolerated. Earlier APTIVATE trials of TUS as a single agent and in combination as TUS+VEN demonstrated favorable safety and broad activity in diverse relapsed or refractory (R/R) AML populations that went beyond the more prognostically favorable NPM1 and IDH mutant subgroups. Indeed, responses were also in R/R AML patients with highly adverse TP53 and RAS mutations, and those with mutated or unmutated (wildtype) FLT3 genes.

The TUSCANY triplet Phase 1/2 study, being conducted at 10 leading U.S. clinical sites by elite clinical investigators, is designed to test various doses and schedules of TUS in combination with standard dosing of AZA and VEN for patients with AML who are ineligible to receive induction chemotherapy. A convenient, once daily oral agent, TUS is being administered in 28-day cycles. Multiple U.S. sites are enrolling in the TUSCANY trial with anticipated enrollment of 18-24 patients by mid-late 2025. Data will be released as it becomes available.

More information on the TUSCANY Phase 1/2 study can be found on www.clinicaltrials.gov (here).

CCM Biosciences Announces Presentation of Data on its First-In-Class AML Drug Program at ASCO 2025

On May 20, 2025 CCM Biosciences, a diversified pharmaceutical discovery and development company, reported the upcoming presentation of its next-generation FLT3 inhibitor drug program for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at the 2025 Annual Conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper), taking place May 30 to June 3 in Chicago (Press release, CCM Biosciences, MAY 20, 2025, View Source [SID1234653260]).

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Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is the most severe form of leukemia with few treatment options, and a malignancy frequently driven by mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene. The FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) and tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations, particularly D835 and F691, appear in approximately 30% of AML patients, often leading to poor prognosis and resistance to existing therapies. Gilteritinib (Xospata; Astellas Pharma, peak annual sales projection: $1.5 billion) and Quizartinib (Vanflyta; Daiichi Sankyo) are two FDA-approved FLT3 inhibitors, with the former approved only for relapsed/refractory AML and the latter approved only for newly diagnosed AML. Quizartinib does not target TKD resistance mutations, whereas Gilteritinib’s efficacy on FLT3-ITD-D835 mutations is limited and it is not effective against the FLT3-ITD-F691 gatekeeper mutation, both of which are very common. Crenolanib (AROG/Pfizer) is an FLT3 inhibitor whose NDA submitted to the FDA does not address the indications above, whose NDA was previously rejected by the FDA, and which binds to FLT3 mutants less tightly than Gilteritinib. Consequently, there is a critical need for next-generation FLT3 inhibitors that can address all of these mutations.

At ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2025, CCM Biosciences’ presentation "Novel, Potent and Selective Inhibitors Targeting FLT3 for AML Therapy" in the Hematologic Malignancies—Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, and Allotransplant session (Abstract #: 6542, View Source) will report novel FLT3 inhibitors have been identified that can both target FLT3-ITD and potentially overcome mutational resistance to FDA-approved FLT3 inhibitors. These agents are significantly more effective than Gilteritinib and have significant potential clinical applications.

CCM Biosciences’ novel, orally bioavailable FLT3 inhibitors (CCM-405 and CCM-445) are the first drug candidates to overcome both FLT3-ITD juxtamembrane domain and tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutational drug resistance (including D835Y, F691L), significantly outperforming the aforementioned current-generation inhibitors both in the absence and presence of resistance mutations. Other reported investigational drug candidates capable of addressing FLT3-ITD resistance mutations either have poor pharmacokinetics, significant off-target binding, or both.

CCM Biosciences is advancing clinical candidates from its FLT3 inhibitor program to investigational new drug (IND) filing this year for entry into clinical trials for both newly diagnosed FLT3-positive AML and relapsed/refractory FLT3-positive AML. Multiple failures in AML clinical trials from competitors in 2024 present an attractive landscape for clinical trials of these drug candidates.

The company is actively partnering with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for co-development rights in selected countries. CCM Biosciences, a sister company of the global chemical and pharmaceutical services company PMC Group, Inc., is also a Featured Exhibitor at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2025 — View Source — and will be showcasing both its drug programs and the state-of-the-art platforms used to discover and develop them.

Eisai Demonstrates Commitment to Oncology Innovation at ASCO 2025

On May 20, 2025 Eisai reported the presentation of clinical research across its oncology portfolio and pipeline during the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (#ASCO25), which is taking place in Chicago, Illinois from May 30 to June 3 (Press release, Eisai, MAY 20, 2025, View Source [SID1234653245]).

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Notable data include findings from the Phase 3 LEAP-002 study, which evaluated lenvatinib (LENVIMA), the orally available multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) discovered by Eisai, plus pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, versus lenvatinib monotherapy for the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The poster presentation will feature long-term follow-up data providing further insights into lenvatinib’s role in the treatment landscape for patients affected by HCC (NCT03713593; Abstract #4095).

Additional research from Eisai’s pipeline will focus on E7386, a CBP/β-catenin interaction inhibitor, in combination with lenvatinib. This includes a dose optimization trial-in-progress presentation (Abstract #TPS5632) and dose expansion findings (Abstract #5599) in patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma (NCT04008797).

"At Eisai, our pursuit of scientific advancement is fueled by a deep commitment to our human health care philosophy. We believe patients deserve our best efforts, and we endeavor to deliver that by pushing boundaries in oncology research, particularly in challenging areas," said Dr. Corina Dutcus, Senior Vice President, Oncology Global Clinical Development Lead at Eisai Inc. "Our data at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2025 showcase this principle in action. The long-term follow-up data from LEAP-002 contribute to our ongoing body of research and further reinforce our understanding of LENVIMA’s established role in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, while our pipeline work in advanced endometrial carcinoma represents our continued dedication to addressing areas with unmet medical needs through innovative therapeutic approaches."

An oral presentation will feature data from the final analysis of the Phase 3 LEAP-015 study evaluating lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab and chemotherapy versus chemotherapy in patients with advanced, metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (NCT04662710; Abstract #4001).

This release discusses investigational compounds and investigational uses for FDA-approved products. It is not intended to convey conclusions about efficacy and safety. There is no guarantee that any investigational compounds or investigational uses of FDA-approved products will successfully complete clinical development or gain FDA approval.

The full list of Eisai presentations is included below. These abstracts will be made available via the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) website on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM EDT.

Cancer Type

Study/Compound

Abstract Title

Abstract Type & Details

Lenvatinib Plus Pembrolizumab

Gastrointestinal Cancer

LEAP-002

LEAP-002 long-term follow-up: Lenvatinib
plus pembrolizumab versus lenvatinib plus placebo for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Poster Session

Abstract #4095

May 31, 2025

10:00 AM EDT /

9:00 AM CDT

LEAP-015

Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab and chemotherapy versus chemotherapy in advanced, metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma: The Phase 3, randomized LEAP-015 study

Oral Abstract Session

Abstract #4001

May 31, 2025

4:12 PM EDT /

3:12 PM CDT

Melanoma

LEAP-003

First-line lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab
versus placebo plus pembrolizumab in Chinese patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma: results from LEAP-
003

Poster Session

Abstract #9553

June 1, 2025

10:00 AM EDT /

9:00 AM CDT

Pipeline

Gynecologic Cancer

E7386

Randomized study evaluating optimal dose,
efficacy and safety of E7386 + lenvatinib
versus treatment of physicians’ choice in
advanced/recurrent endometrial carcinoma
previously treated with anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy

Poster Session

Abstract #TPS5632

June 1, 2025

10:00 AM EDT /

9:00 AM CDT

E7386 Study 102: Global dose-expansion
cohort of E7386 + lenvatinib (LEN) in
patients (pts) with advanced endometrial
cancer (aEC) that progressed on platinum-
based chemotherapy (chemo) and an anti-
PD-(L)1 immunotherapy (IO)

Poster Session

Abstract #5599

June 1, 2025

10:00 AM EDT /

9:00 AM CDT

Pan-Tumor

Systematic Review

The PRO-CTCAE in oncology clinical trials:
Insights from a targeted literature review

For Online Publication

In March 2018, Eisai and Merck (known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada), through an affiliate, entered into a strategic collaboration for the worldwide co-development and co-commercialization of lenvatinib, both as monotherapy and in combination with Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, pembrolizumab. Eisai and Merck are studying the lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab combination through the LEAP (LEnvatinib And Pembrolizumab) clinical program in HCC and esophageal cancer across multiple clinical trials.

About E7386
E7386 is thought to block the protein-protein interaction between a transcriptional co-activator, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) binding protein (CBP) and β-catenin, resulting in the inhibition of Wnt / β-catenin pathway-dependent gene expression. Since E7386 is thought to act on the CBP / β-catenin transcription complex located at the most downstream of the Wnt signaling, it is expected to inhibit not only ligand-dependent activation but also activation caused by gene mutations in Wnt signaling factors such as adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and β-catenin. E7386 is created through collaboration research between Eisai and PRISM BioLab Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kanagawa)

About LENVIMA (lenvatinib) Capsules

LENVIMA is indicated:

For the treatment of adult patients with locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)
In combination with pembrolizumab, for the first line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
In combination with everolimus for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following one prior anti-angiogenic therapy
For the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
In combination with pembrolizumab, for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma (EC) that is mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or not microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation.
LENVIMA, discovered and developed by Eisai, is a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits the kinase activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors VEGFR1 (FLT1), VEGFR2 (KDR), and VEGFR3 (FLT4). LENVIMA inhibits other kinases that have been implicated in pathogenic angiogenesis, tumor growth, and cancer progression in addition to their normal cellular functions, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors FGFR1-4, the platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA), KIT, and RET. Lenvatinib also exhibited antiproliferative activity in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines dependent on activated FGFR signaling with a concurrent inhibition of FGF-receptor substrate 2 alpha (FRS2) phosphorylation. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, the combination of lenvatinib with an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody decreased tumor-associated macrophages, increased activated cytotoxic T cells, and demonstrated greater antitumor activity compared to either treatment alone. The combination of LENVIMA and everolimus showed increased antiangiogenic and antitumor activity as demonstrated by decreased human endothelial cell proliferation, tube formation, and VEGF signaling in vitro and tumor volume in mouse xenograft models of human renal cell cancer greater than each drug alone.

Important Safety Information for LENVIMA

Warnings and Precautions

Hypertension. In DTC (differentiated thyroid cancer), hypertension occurred in 73% of patients on LENVIMA (44% grade 3-4). In RCC (renal cell carcinoma), hypertension occurred in 42% of patients on LENVIMA + everolimus (13% grade 3). Systolic blood pressure ≥160 mmHg occurred in 29% of patients, and 21% had diastolic blood pressure ≥100 mmHg. In HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma), hypertension occurred in 45% of LENVIMA-treated patients (24% grade 3). Grade 4 hypertension was not reported in HCC.

Serious complications of poorly controlled hypertension have been reported. Control blood pressure prior to initiation. Monitor blood pressure after 1 week, then every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, and then at least monthly thereafter during treatment. Withhold and resume at reduced dose when hypertension is controlled or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Cardiac Dysfunction. Serious and fatal cardiac dysfunction can occur with LENVIMA. Across clinical trials in 799 patients with DTC, RCC, and HCC, grade 3 or higher cardiac dysfunction occurred in 3% of LENVIMA-treated patients. Monitor for clinical symptoms or signs of cardiac dysfunction. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Arterial Thromboembolic Events. Among patients receiving LENVIMA or LENVIMA + everolimus, arterial thromboembolic events of any severity occurred in 2% of patients in RCC and HCC and 5% in DTC. Grade 3-5 arterial thromboembolic events ranged from 2% to 3% across all clinical trials.

Among patients receiving LENVIMA with pembrolizumab, arterial thrombotic events of any severity occurred in 5% of patients in CLEAR, including myocardial infarction (3.4%) and cerebrovascular accident (2.3%).

Permanently discontinue following an arterial thrombotic event. The safety of resuming after an arterial thromboembolic event has not been established, and LENVIMA has not been studied in patients who have had an arterial thromboembolic event within the previous 6 months.

Hepatotoxicity. Across clinical studies enrolling 1327 LENVIMA-treated patients with malignancies other than HCC, serious hepatic adverse reactions occurred in 1.4% of patients. Fatal events, including hepatic failure, acute hepatitis, and hepatorenal syndrome, occurred in 0.5% of patients. In HCC, hepatic encephalopathy occurred in 8% of LENVIMA-treated patients (5% grade 3-5). Grade 3-5 hepatic failure occurred in 3% of LENVIMA-treated patients; 2% of patients discontinued LENVIMA due to hepatic encephalopathy, and 1% discontinued due to hepatic failure.

Monitor liver function prior to initiation, then every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, and at least monthly thereafter during treatment. Monitor patients with HCC closely for signs of hepatic failure, including hepatic encephalopathy. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Renal Failure or Impairment. Serious including fatal renal failure or impairment can occur with LENVIMA. Renal impairment was reported in 14% and 7% of LENVIMA-treated patients in DTC and HCC, respectively. Grade 3-5 renal failure or impairment occurred in 3% of patients with DTC and 2% of patients with HCC, including 1 fatal event in each study. In RCC, renal impairment or renal failure was reported in 18% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients (10% grade 3).

Initiate prompt management of diarrhea or dehydration/hypovolemia. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue for renal failure or impairment based on severity.

Proteinuria. In DTC and HCC, proteinuria was reported in 34% and 26% of LENVIMA-treated patients, respectively. Grade 3 proteinuria occurred in 11% and 6% in DTC and HCC, respectively. In RCC, proteinuria occurred in 31% of patients receiving LENVIMA + everolimus (8% grade 3). Monitor for proteinuria prior to initiation and periodically during treatment. If urine dipstick proteinuria ≥2+ is detected, obtain a 24-hour urine protein. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Diarrhea. Of the 737 LENVIMA-treated patients in DTC and HCC, diarrhea occurred in 49% (6% grade 3). In RCC, diarrhea occurred in 81% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients (19% grade 3). Diarrhea was the most frequent cause of dose interruption/reduction, and diarrhea recurred despite dose reduction. Promptly initiate management of diarrhea. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Fistula Formation and Gastrointestinal Perforation. Of the 799 patients treated with LENVIMA or LENVIMA + everolimus in DTC, RCC, and HCC, fistula or gastrointestinal perforation occurred in 2%. Permanently discontinue in patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation of any severity or grade 3-4 fistula.

QT Interval Prolongation. In DTC, QT/QTc interval prolongation occurred in 9% of LENVIMA-treated patients and QT interval prolongation of >500 ms occurred in 2%. In RCC, QTc interval increases of >60 ms occurred in 11% of patients receiving LENVIMA + everolimus and QTc interval >500 ms occurred in 6%. In HCC, QTc interval increases of >60 ms occurred in 8% of LENVIMA-treated patients and QTc interval >500 ms occurred in 2%.

Monitor and correct electrolyte abnormalities at baseline and periodically during treatment. Monitor electrocardiograms in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, or those who are taking drugs known to prolong the QT interval, including Class Ia and III antiarrhythmics. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery based on severity.

Hypocalcemia. In DTC, grade 3-4 hypocalcemia occurred in 9% of LENVIMA-treated patients. In 65% of cases, hypocalcemia improved or resolved following calcium supplementation with or without dose interruption or dose reduction. In RCC, grade 3-4 hypocalcemia occurred in 6% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients. In HCC, grade 3 hypocalcemia occurred in 0.8% of LENVIMA-treated patients. Monitor blood calcium levels at least monthly and replace calcium as necessary during treatment. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue depending on severity.

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS). Across clinical studies of 1823 patients who received LENVIMA as a single agent, RPLS occurred in 0.3%. Confirm diagnosis of RPLS with MRI. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue depending on severity and persistence of neurologic symptoms.

Hemorrhagic Events. Serious including fatal hemorrhagic events can occur with LENVIMA. In DTC, RCC, and HCC clinical trials, hemorrhagic events, of any grade, occurred in 29% of the 799 patients treated with LENVIMA as a single agent or in combination with everolimus. The most frequently reported hemorrhagic events (all grades and occurring in at least 5% of patients) were epistaxis and hematuria. In DTC, grade 3-5 hemorrhage occurred in 2% of LENVIMA-treated patients, including 1 fatal intracranial hemorrhage among 16 patients who received LENVIMA and had CNS metastases at baseline. In RCC, grade 3-5 hemorrhage occurred in 8% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients, including 1 fatal cerebral hemorrhage. In HCC, grade 3-5 hemorrhage occurred in 5% of LENVIMA-treated patients, including 7 fatal hemorrhagic events. Serious tumor-related bleeds, including fatal hemorrhagic events, occurred in LENVIMA-treated patients in clinical trials and in the postmarketing setting. In postmarketing surveillance, serious and fatal carotid artery hemorrhages were seen more frequently in patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) than other tumors. Safety and effectiveness of LENVIMA in patients with ATC have not been demonstrated in clinical trials.

Consider the risk of severe or fatal hemorrhage associated with tumor invasion or infiltration of major blood vessels (eg, carotid artery). Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Impairment of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Suppression/Thyroid Dysfunction. LENVIMA impairs exogenous thyroid suppression. In DTC, 88% of patients had baseline thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level ≤0.5 mU/L. In patients with normal TSH at baseline, elevation of TSH level >0.5 mU/L was observed post baseline in 57% of LENVIMA-treated patients. In RCC and HCC, grade 1 or 2 hypothyroidism occurred in 24% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients and 21% of LENVIMA-treated patients, respectively. In patients with normal or low TSH at baseline, elevation of TSH was observed post baseline in 70% of LENVIMA-treated patients in HCC and 60% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients in RCC.

Monitor thyroid function prior to initiation and at least monthly during treatment. Treat hypothyroidism according to standard medical practice.

Impaired Wound Healing. Impaired wound healing has been reported in patients who received LENVIMA. Withhold LENVIMA for at least 1 week prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of LENVIMA after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). ONJ has been reported in patients receiving LENVIMA. Concomitant exposure to other risk factors, such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, dental disease, or invasive dental procedures, may increase the risk of ONJ.

Perform an oral examination prior to treatment with LENVIMA and periodically during LENVIMA treatment. Advise patients regarding good oral hygiene practices and to consider having preventive dentistry performed prior to treatment with LENVIMA and throughout treatment with LENVIMA.

Avoid invasive dental procedures, if possible, while on LENVIMA treatment, particularly in patients at higher risk. Withhold LENVIMA for at least 1 week prior to scheduled dental surgery or invasive dental procedures, if possible. For patients requiring invasive dental procedures, discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment may reduce the risk of ONJ.

Withhold LENVIMA if ONJ develops and restart based on clinical judgement of adequate resolution.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity. Based on its mechanism of action and data from animal reproduction studies, LENVIMA can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of lenvatinib during organogenesis at doses below the recommended clinical doses resulted in embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity, and teratogenicity in rats and rabbits. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus and advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LENVIMA and for 30 days after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions
In DTC, the most common adverse reactions (≥30%) observed in LENVIMA-treated patients were hypertension (73%), fatigue (67%), diarrhea (67%), arthralgia/myalgia (62%), decreased appetite (54%), decreased weight (51%), nausea (47%), stomatitis (41%), headache (38%), vomiting (36%), proteinuria (34%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (32%), abdominal pain (31%), and dysphonia (31%). The most common serious adverse reactions (≥2%) were pneumonia (4%), hypertension (3%), and dehydration (3%). Adverse reactions led to dose reductions in 68% of LENVIMA-treated patients; 18% discontinued LENVIMA. The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) resulting in dose reductions were hypertension (13%), proteinuria (11%), decreased appetite (10%), and diarrhea (10%); the most common adverse reactions (≥1%) resulting in discontinuation of LENVIMA were hypertension (1%) and asthenia (1%).

In RCC, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) observed in LENVIMA + pembrolizumab-treated patients were fatigue (63%), diarrhea (62%), musculoskeletal pain (58%), hypothyroidism (57%), hypertension (56%), stomatitis (43%), decreased appetite (41%), rash (37%), nausea (36%), decreased weight (30%), dysphonia (30%), proteinuria (30%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (29%), abdominal pain (27%), hemorrhagic events (27%), vomiting (26%), constipation (25%), hepatotoxicity (25%), headache (23%), and acute kidney injury (21%). The most common serious adverse reactions (≥2%) were hemorrhagic events (5%), diarrhea (4%), hypertension (3%), myocardial infarction (3%), pneumonitis (3%), vomiting (3%), acute kidney injury (2%), adrenal insufficiency (2%), dyspnea (2%), and pneumonia (2%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4.3% of patients receiving LENVIMA in combination with pembrolizumab, including cardio-respiratory arrest (0.9%), sepsis (0.9%), and one case (0.3%) each of arrhythmia, autoimmune hepatitis, dyspnea, hypertensive crisis, increased blood creatinine, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, myasthenic syndrome, myocarditis, nephritis, pneumonitis, ruptured aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 51% of patients receiving LENVIMA and pembrolizumab. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients were hemorrhagic events (5%), diarrhea (4%), hypertension (3%), myocardial infarction (3%), pneumonitis (3%), vomiting (3%), acute kidney injury (2%), adrenal insufficiency (2%), dyspnea (2%), and pneumonia (2%). Permanent discontinuation of LENVIMA, pembrolizumab, or both due to an adverse reaction occurred in 37% of patients; 26% LENVIMA only, 29% pembrolizumab only, and 13% both drugs. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) leading to permanent discontinuation of LENVIMA, pembrolizumab, or both were pneumonitis (3%), myocardial infarction (3%), hepatotoxicity (3%), acute kidney injury (3%), rash (3%), and diarrhea (2%). Dose interruptions of LENVIMA, pembrolizumab, or both due to an adverse reaction occurred in 78% of patients receiving LENVIMA in combination with pembrolizumab. LENVIMA was interrupted in 73% of patients and both drugs were interrupted in 39% of patients. LENVIMA was dose reduced in 69% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) resulting in dose reduction or interruption of LENVIMA were diarrhea (26%), fatigue (18%), hypertension (17%), proteinuria (13%), decreased appetite (12%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (11%), nausea (9%), stomatitis (9%), musculoskeletal pain (8%), rash (8%), increased lipase (7%), abdominal pain (6%), vomiting (6%), increased ALT (5%), and increased amylase (5%).

In RCC, the most common adverse reactions (≥30%) observed in LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients were diarrhea (81%), fatigue (73%), arthralgia/myalgia (55%), decreased appetite (53%), vomiting (48%), nausea (45%), stomatitis (44%), hypertension (42%), peripheral edema (42%), cough (37%), abdominal pain (37%), dyspnea (35%), rash (35%), decreased weight (34%), hemorrhagic events (32%), and proteinuria (31%). The most common serious adverse reactions (≥5%) were renal failure (11%), dehydration (10%), anemia (6%), thrombocytopenia (5%), diarrhea (5%), vomiting (5%), and dyspnea (5%). Adverse reactions led to dose reductions or interruption in 89% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) resulting in dose reductions were diarrhea (21%), fatigue (8%), thrombocytopenia (6%), vomiting (6%), nausea (5%), and proteinuria (5%). Treatment discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 29% of patients.

In HCC, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) observed in LENVIMA-treated patients were hypertension (45%), fatigue (44%), diarrhea (39%), decreased appetite (34%), arthralgia/myalgia (31%), decreased weight (31%), abdominal pain (30%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (27%), proteinuria (26%), dysphonia (24%), hemorrhagic events (23%), hypothyroidism (21%), and nausea (20%). The most common serious adverse reactions (≥2%) were hepatic encephalopathy (5%), hepatic failure (3%), ascites (3%), and decreased appetite (2%). Adverse reactions led to dose reductions or interruption in 62% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) resulting in dose reductions were fatigue (9%), decreased appetite (8%), diarrhea (8%), proteinuria (7%), hypertension (6%), and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (5%). Treatment discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 20% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥1%) resulting in discontinuation of LENVIMA were fatigue (1%), hepatic encephalopathy (2%), hyperbilirubinemia (1%), and hepatic failure (1%).

In EC, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) observed in LENVIMA and pembrolizumab–treated patients were hypothyroidism (67%), hypertension (67%), fatigue (58%), diarrhea (55%), musculoskeletal disorders (53%), nausea (49%), decreased appetite (44%), vomiting (37%), stomatitis (35%), decreased weight (34%), abdominal pain (34%), urinary tract infection (31%), proteinuria (29%), constipation (27%), headache (26%), hemorrhagic events (25%), palmar‐plantar erythrodysesthesia (23%), dysphonia (22%), and rash (20%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4.7% of those treated with LENVIMA and pembrolizumab, including 2 cases of pneumonia, and 1 case of the following: acute kidney injury, acute myocardial infarction, colitis, decreased appetite, intestinal perforation, lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, malignant gastrointestinal obstruction, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, myelodysplastic syndrome, pulmonary embolism, and right ventricular dysfunction. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 50% of patients receiving LENVIMA and pembrolizumab. Serious adverse reactions with frequency ≥3% were hypertension (4.4%), and urinary tract infection (3.2%). Discontinuation of LENVIMA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 26% of patients. The most common (≥1%) adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of LENVIMA were hypertension (2%), asthenia (1.8%), diarrhea (1.2%), decreased appetite (1.2%), proteinuria (1.2%), and vomiting (1.2%). Dose reductions of LENVIMA due to adverse reactions occurred in 67% of patients. The most common (≥5%) adverse reactions resulting in dose reduction of LENVIMA were hypertension (18%), diarrhea (11%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (9%), proteinuria (7%), fatigue (7%), decreased appetite (6%), asthenia (5%), and weight decreased (5%). Dose interruptions of LENVIMA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 58% of these patients. The most common (≥2%) adverse reactions leading to interruption of LENVIMA were hypertension (11%), diarrhea (11%), proteinuria (6%), decreased appetite (5%), vomiting (5%), increased alanine aminotransferase (3.5%), fatigue (3.5%), nausea (3.5%), abdominal pain (2.9%), weight decreased (2.6%), urinary tract infection (2.6%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (2.3%), asthenia (2.3%), and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (2%).

Use in Specific Populations
Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. LENVIMA may impair fertility in males and females of reproductive potential.

No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild (CLcr 60-89 mL/min) or moderate (CLcr 30-59 mL/min) renal impairment. LENVIMA concentrations may increase in patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and severe (CLcr 15-29 mL/min) renal impairment. Reduce the dose for patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and severe renal impairment. There is no recommended dose for patients with HCC and severe renal impairment. LENVIMA has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease.

No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with HCC and mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A). There is no recommended dose for patients with HCC with moderate (Child-Pugh B) or severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment. No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and mild or moderate hepatic impairment. LENVIMA concentrations may increase in patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and severe hepatic impairment. Reduce the dose for patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and severe hepatic impairment.

LENVIMA (lenvatinib) is available as 10 mg and 4 mg capsules.

Vir Biotechnology to Participate in TD Cowen 6th Annual Oncology Innovation Summit

On May 20, 2025 Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR), reported that Marianne De Backer, M.Sc., Ph.D., MBA, Chief Executive Officer, and Mika Kakefuda Derynck, M.D., Executive Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head, Oncology, will participate in a virtual fireside chat at the TD Cowen 6th Annual Oncology Innovation Summit on Tuesday, May 27 at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET (Press release, Vir Biotechnology, MAY 20, 2025, View Source [SID1234653261]).

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A live webcast of the fireside chat will be made available under Events & Presentations in the Investors section of the Vir Biotechnology website and will be archived for 30 days.