On November 1, 2018 Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:KPTI), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, reported that ten abstracts have been selected for presentation, including three oral presentations, at the upcoming American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2018 Annual Meeting being held December 1-4, 2018 in San Diego (Press release, Karyopharm, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530516]). Four key abstracts to be presented at the meeting will feature clinical data for selinexor, the Company’s first in class, oral SINE compound, from Karyopharm-sponsored trials. The presentations will include: top-line results from the Phase 2b SADAL study in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), additional data from the pivotal Phase 2b STORM study in patients with penta-refractory multiple myeloma, and updated data from the Darzalex (daratumumab) and Pomalyst (pomalidomide) arms of the Phase 1b/2 STOMP study of selinexor in combination with backbone therapies for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

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"With ten abstracts to be presented at this year’s ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting, we believe the depth and breadth of the selinexor clinical data is highly compelling," said Sharon Shacham, PhD, MBA, Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Karyopharm. "We look forward to the presentation of top-line results from the fully enrolled SADAL study in DLBCL. These data, if positive, could support our second planned New Drug Application in the first half of 2019, with a request for accelerated approval for selinexor as a new treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL. In the previously reported interim analysis for the Phase 2b SADAL study, single-agent oral selinexor demonstrated activity and independently-confirmed durable responses in patients with heavily pretreated DLBCL, and these responses correlated to improved overall survival. We are delighted that data from the selected research abstracts will be shared with the medical community at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) this year."

In addition to top-line data from the SADAL study, this year’s ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) meeting will also feature updated data from the STORM study in an oral presentation. As part of this presentation, data from an independent database of patients with heavily pretreated myeloma will also be presented, further underscoring how poor the prognosis is for patients with penta-refractory multiple myeloma. In October 2018, the U.S. FDA accepted Karyopharm’s New Drug Application for selinexor seeking accelerated approval as a new treatment for patients with penta-refractory multiple myeloma. The FDA has assigned a Priority Review and given an action date of April 6, 2019 under the Prescription Drug User-Fee Act (PDUFA).

Other key abstracts at the meeting include data from two arms of the Phase 1b/2 STOMP study. There will be an oral presentation with updated data from the arm evaluating selinexor in combination with Darzalex and low-dose dexamethasone (SDd). In previously reported data, the once weekly SDd combination without a proteasome inhibitor or immunomodulatory drug demonstrated high response rates in the patient population as a doublet regimen. Finally, a poster presentation will highlight updated data from the arm evaluating selinexor in combination with Pomalyst and low-dose dexamethasone (SPd). In data reported previously from these arms, selinexor demonstrated evidence of synergistic anti-myeloma activity when combined with these standard approved therapies.

Details for the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) 2018 presentations are as follows:

Oral Presentations – Company-Sponsored Trials

Title:Results of the Pivotal STORM Study (Part 2) in Penta-Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM): Deep and Durable Responses with Oral Selinexor Plus Low Dose Dexamethasone in Patients with Penta-Refractory MM
Presenter:Ajai Chari, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 598
Session: 653. Myeloma: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Antibodies and Targeted Therapies
Date and Time:Monday, December 3, 2018; 7:45 AM PT
Location:San Diego Convention Center, Room 6F

Title:Deep and Durable Responses with Selinexor, Daratumumab, and Dexamethasone (SDd) in Patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM) Previously Exposed to Proteasome Inhibitors and Immunomodulatory Drugs: Results of Phase 1b Study of SDd
Presenter:Cristina Gasparetto, Duke University Cancer Center, Durham, North Carolina
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 599
Session: 653. Myeloma: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Antibodies and Targeted Therapies
Date and Time:Monday, December 3, 2018; 8:00 AM PT
Location:San Diego Convention Center, Room 6F

Oral Presentations – Investigator-Sponsored Trials

Title:Selinexor, a First-in-Class XPO1 Inhibitor, Is Efficacious and Tolerable in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes Refractory to Hypomethylating Agents
Presenter:Virginia M. Klimek, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 233
Session: 637. Myelodysplastic Syndromes—Clinical Studies: Novel Therapeutics I
Date and Time:Saturday, December 1, 2018; 5:00 PM PT
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, Grand Hall A

Poster Presentations – Company-Sponsored Trials

Title: Single Agent Oral Selinexor Demonstrates Deep and Durable Responses in Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) in Both GCB and Non-GCB Subtypes: The Phase 2b SADAL Study
Presenter: Marie Maerevoet, Institute Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 1677
Session: 626. Aggressive Lymphoma (Diffuse Large B-Cell and Other Aggressive B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas)—Results from Prospective Clinical Trials: Poster I
Date and Time:Saturday, December 1, 2018; 6:15-8:15 PM PT
Location:San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Title:Selinexor Plus Pomalidomide and Low Dose Dexamethasone (SPd) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Presenter:Christine Chen, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, Ontario
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 1993
Session: 653. Myeloma: Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster I
Date and Time:Saturday, December 1, 2018; 6:15-8:15 PM PT
Location:San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Poster Presentations – Investigator-Sponsored Trials

Title:Phase I Study of the Selinexor in Relapsed/Refractory Childhood Acute Leukemia
Presenter:Andrew E. Place, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 1405
Session: 613. Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Clinical Studies: Poster I
Date and Time:Saturday, December 1, 2018; 6:15 PM PT
Location:San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Title:E2F1 Is a Biomarker of Selinexor Resistance in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients
Presenter:Alessandro Lagana, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 3216
Session: 652. Myeloma: Pathophysiology and Pre-Clinical Studies, excluding Therapy: Poster II
Date and Time:Sunday, December 2, 2018; 6:00-8:00 PM PT
Location:San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Title:Final results from a phase I trial combining selinexor with high-dose cytarabine (HiDAC) and mitoxantrone (Mito) for remission induction in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Presenter:Hongtao Liu and Amy Wang, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 4073
Session: 616. Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Novel Therapy, excluding Transplantation: Poster III
Date and Time:Monday, December 3, 2018; 6:00-8:00 PM PT
Location:San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Title:NAMPT inhibitor KPT-9274 selectively targets self-renewal capacity in acute myeloid leukemia
Presenter:Shaneice Mitchell, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 3931
Session: 604. Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Resistance in Myeloid Diseases: Poster III
Date and Time:Monday, December 3, 2018; 6:00-8:00 PM PT
Location:San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

Title:Inhibition of Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) Activity Selectively Targets Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells
Presenter:Amit Subedi, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario
Abstract Number/Publication ID: 3932
Session: 604. Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Resistance in Myeloid Diseases
Date and Time: Monday, December 3, 2018; 6:00-8:00 PM PT
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall GH

About Selinexor

Selinexor is a first-in-class, oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound. Selinexor functions by binding with and inhibiting the nuclear export protein XPO1 (also called CRM1), leading to the accumulation of tumor suppressor proteins in the cell nucleus. This reinitiates and amplifies their tumor suppressor function and is believed to lead to the selective induction of apoptosis in cancer cells, while largely sparing normal cells. To date, over 2,600 patients have been treated with selinexor. In April and September 2018, Karyopharm reported positive data from the Phase 2b STORM study evaluating selinexor in combination with low-dose dexamethasone in patients with penta-refractory multiple myeloma. Selinexor has been granted Orphan Drug Designation in multiple myeloma and Fast Track designation for the patient population evaluated in the STORM study. Karyopharm’s New Drug Application (NDA) has been accepted for filing and granted Priority Review by the FDA, and oral selinexor is currently under review by the FDA as a possible new treatment for patients with penta-refractory multiple myeloma. The Company also plans to submit a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in early 2019 with a request for conditional approval. Selinexor is also being evaluated in several other mid- and later-phase clinical trials across multiple cancer indications, including in multiple myeloma in a pivotal, randomized Phase 3 study in combination with Velcade (bortezomib) and low-dose dexamethasone (BOSTON), as a potential backbone therapy in combination with approved therapies (STOMP), in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (SADAL), liposarcoma (SEAL), and an investigator-sponsored study in endometrial cancer (SIENDO), among others. Additional Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies are ongoing or currently planned, including multiple studies in combination with approved therapies in a variety of tumor types to further inform Karyopharm’s clinical development priorities for selinexor. Additional clinical trial information for selinexor is available at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

On November 1, 2018 IntelGenx Technologies Corp. (TSX VENTURE:IGX) (OTCQX:IGXT) reported that it will release its third quarter 2018 financial results after market close on November 8, 2018 (Press release, IntelGenx, NOV 1, 2018, View Source;Conference-Call-to-Follow/default.aspx [SID1234530515]).

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An accompanying conference call will be hosted by Dr. Horst G. Zerbe, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Andre Godin, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, to discuss the results and provide a business update. Details of the conference call and webcast are below:

Date: Thursday, Nov 8, 2018

Time: 4:30 p.m. ET

Conference dial-in: (833) 231-8269

International dial-in: (647) 689-4114

Conference ID: 8659745

Webcast Registration: Click here

Following the live call, a replay will be available on the Company’s website, www.intelgenx.com, under "Investor Relations".

On November 1, 2018 ImmunoGen, Inc., (Nasdaq: IMGN), a leader in the expanding field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of cancer, reported that abstracts highlighting two of the Company’s experimental ADC therapies, IMGN779 and IMGN632, have been accepted for presentations at the upcoming American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting to be held December 1-4 in San Diego, California (Press release, ImmunoGen, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530514]).

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Both IMGN779 and IMGN632 use ImmunoGen’s novel indolino-benzodiazepine payloads called IGNs, which alkylate DNA without crosslinking. IGNs have been designed to have high potency against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts, while demonstrating less toxicity to normal marrow progenitors than other DNA-targeting payloads.1 IMGN779 is a next-generation anti-CD33 ADC for the treatment of AML, currently in Phase 1 testing. IMGN632 is a CD123-targeting ADC for hematological malignancies, including AML and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), and is also in Phase 1 testing.

In an oral presentation, safety and anti-leukemia activity findings from the ongoing dose escalation study of IMGN779 in patients with relapsed or refractory AML will be reported. In a separate oral presentation, initial safety and anti-leukemia activity findings from the dose escalation stage of the first-in-human trial of IMGN632 will be reported. Preclinical data related to IMGN632 will also be presented in poster sessions.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Title (Abstract #26): "Maturing Clinical Profile of IMGN779, a Next-Generation CD33-Targeting Antibody-Drug Conjugate, in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia"
Oral session 613: Saturday, December 1, 2018, 7:45am PST
Title (Abstract #27): "A Phase I, First-in-Human Study Evaluating the Safety and Preliminary Antileukemia Activity of IMGN632, a Novel CD123-Targeting Antibody-Drug Conjugate, in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Other CD123-Positive Hematologic Malignancies"
Oral session 613: Saturday, December 1, 2018, 8:00am PST.
POSTER SESSIONS

Title (Abstract #2647): "Synergistic anti-leukemia activity of PARP inhibition combined with IMGN632, an anti-CD123 antibody-drug conjugate in acute myeloid leukemia models"
Poster session 604: Sunday, December 2, 2018, 6:00-8:00pm PST
Title (Abstract #3956): "Pre-clinical efficacy of CD123-targeting antibody-drug conjugate IMGN632 in Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN) models"
Poster session 605: Monday, December 3, 2018, 6:00-8:00pm PST
Additional information can be found at www.hematology.org, including abstracts.

ABOUT IGNs

Indolino-benzodiazepine cancer-killing agents, or IGNs, are a new class of cancer-killing agent developed by ImmunoGen for use in ADCs. These ultra-potent, DNA-acting IGNs alkylate DNA without crosslinking, which preclinically has resulted in potent anti-leukemia activity with relative sparing of normal hematopoietic progenitor cells.

ABOUT IMGN779

IMGN779 is a novel ADC that combines a high-affinity, humanized anti-CD33 antibody, a cleavable disulfide linker, and one of ImmunoGen’s novel indolino-benzodiazepine payloads, called IGNs, which alkylate DNA without crosslinking, resulting in potent preclinical anti-leukemia activity with relative sparing of normal hematopoietic progenitor cells. IMGN779 is in Phase 1 clinical testing for the treatment of AML.

ABOUT IMGN632

IMGN632 is a novel, anti-CD123 antibody-drug conjugate that is a potential treatment for AML, BPDCN, and other CD123-positive malignancies. IMGN632 uses a novel humanized anti-CD123 antibody coupled via a peptide linker to a unique DNA-alkylating IGN payload. In preclinical models, IMGN632 has exhibited potent antitumor activity with a wide therapeutic index in AML, BPDCN, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). IMGN632 is in Phase 1 clinical testing for the treatment of AML and BPDCN.

On November 1, 2018 Genmab A/S (Nasdaq Copenhagen: GEN) reported that 35 abstracts related to Genmab owned and partnered programs have been accepted for presentation at the 60th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting taking place December 1-4 in San Diego, California (Press release, Genmab, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530513]). Abstracts accepted for presentation include updates on multiple daratumumab and ofatumumab trials, as well as pre-clinical data from Genmab’s DuoBody-CD3xCD20 and DuoHexaBody-CD37 programs. All abstracts are available on the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) website at www.hematology.org. Details regarding the key abstracts to be presented are included below.

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"We are elated that out of the over eighty-five ongoing daratumumab clinical studies, a record thirty abstracts containing daratumumab data in multiple myeloma and other indications were accepted for presentation at this year’s ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. We are also thrilled that three abstracts related to pre-clinical data from wholly owned Genmab programs were accepted for inclusion at this prestigious event, including the first proprietary DuoBody program, DuoBody-CD3xCD20, and the first ever DuoHexaBody therapeutic program, DuoHexaBody-CD37," said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.

Late breaking abstracts are not yet available.

Genmab Pre-Clinical Abstracts

DuoBody-CD3xCD20 Shows Unique and Potent Preclinical Anti-Tumor Activity In Vitro and In Vivo, and is Being Evaluated Clinically in Patients with B-Cell Malignancies – Poster presentation, Saturday, December 1

DuoHexaBody-CD37 a Novel Bispecific Antibody with a Hexamerization enhancing Mutation Targeting CD37, Demonstrates Superior CDC in Preclinical B-Cell Malignancy Models – Poster presentation, Monday, December 3

Targeting CD37 in B-Cell Malignancies Using the Novel Therapeutic Ab DuoHexaBody-CD37 Results in Efficient Killing of Tumor B-Cells Ex Vivo via CDC, Even in Relapsed and/or Refractory Patient Samples – Poster presentation, Monday, December 3

Daratumumab Abstracts Sponsored by Janssen Biotech, Inc.

Oral Presentations:
Efficacy and Updated Safety Analysis of a Safety Run-in Cohort from GRIFFIN, a Phase 2 Randomized Study of Daratumumab, Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone Versus Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Eligible for High-Dose Therapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation – Oral presentation, Saturday, December 1

LYRA – A Phase 2 Study of Daratumumab Plus Cycolphosphamide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone in Newly Diagnosed and Relapsed Patients with Multiple Myeloma – Oral presentation, Saturday, December 1

One-Year Update of a Phase 3 Randomized Study of Daratumumab Plus Bortezomib, Melphalan, and Prednisone Versus Bortezomib, Melphalan, and Prednisone in Patients with Transplant-Ineligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: ALCYONE – Oral presentation, Saturday, December 1

Poster Presentations:
Three-Year Follow Up of the Phase 3 POLLUX Study of Daratumumab Plus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone Versus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone Alone in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma – Poster presentation, Saturday, December 1

Subcutaneous Daratumumab in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Part 2 Safety and Efficacy Update of the Open-label, Multicenter, Phase 1b Study (PAVO) – Poster presentation, Saturday, December 1

Pharmacokinetics of Subcutaneous Daratumumab in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Primary Clinical Pharmacology Analysis of the Open-label, Multicenter, Phase 1b Study (PAVO) – Poster presentation, Saturday, December 1

Split First Dose Administration of Daratumumab for the Treatment of Patients with Multiple Myeloma: Clinical Pharmacology and Population Pharmacokinetic Analyses – Poster presentation, Saturday, December 1

Updated Results from the Phase 2 CENTAURUS Study of Daratumumab Monotherapy in Patients with Intermediate-risk or High-risk Smoldering Multiple Myeloma – Poster presentation, Saturday, December 1

Daratumumab Monotherapy for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Natural Killer/T-cell Lymphoma (NKTCL), Nasal Type: An Open-label, Single-arm, Multicenter Phase 2 Study – Poster presentation, Saturday, December 1

Efficacy and Safety of Daratumumab, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone Versus Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone in First Relapse Patients: Two-Year Update of CASTOR – Poster presentation, Sunday, December 2

Evaluation of Sustained Minimal Residual Disease Negativity in Relapsed / Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with Daratumumab in Combination with Lenalidomide Plus Dexamethasone or Bortezomib Plus Dexamethasone: Analysis of POLLUX and CASTOR – Poster presentation, Sunday, December 2

Efficacy of Daratumumab in Combination with Standard of Care Regimens in Lenalidomide-Exposed or Refractory Patients with Relapsed / Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Analysis of CASTOR, POLLUX and MMY1001 Studies – Poster presentation, Sunday, December 2

Ofatumumab Abstracts Sponsored by Novartis

Oral Presentation:
Results of the Primary Analysis of COMPLEMENT A+B: A Phase III Study of Ofatumumab in Combination with Bendamustine Versus Bendamustine Alone in Patients with Indolent Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma That is Unresponsive or Relapsed Following Rituximab or Rituximab-containing Regimen – Oral presentation, Sunday, December 2

Poster Presentation:
Long-Term Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Ofatumumab Added to Fludarabine & Cyclophosphamide in Subjects with Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Final Analysis of COMPLEMENT 2 Trial – Poster presentation, Sunday, December 2

On November 1, 2018 Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) reported that the randomised phase III CLL14 study, which evaluated fixed-duration Venclexta/Venclyxto (venetoclax) in combination with Gazyva/Gazyvaro (obinutuzumab) in people with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and co-existing medical conditions, met its primary endpoint and showed a statistically significant reduction in the risk of disease worsening or death (PFS; as assessed by investigator) compared to standard-of-care Gazyva/Gazyvaro plus chlorambucil (Press release, Hoffmann-La Roche, NOV 1, 2018, View Source [SID1234530512]). The results showed that no new safety signals or increase in known toxicities of Venclexta/Venclyxto or Gazyva/Gazyvaro were observed with the treatment combination.

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"People with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia continue to need more treatment options because some patients are unable to tolerate chemotherapy regimens due to their underlying health," said Sandra Horning, MD, Roche’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. "CLL14 is the first study to show superior progression-free survival for Venclexta/Venclyxto plus Gazyva/Gazyvaro compared to a standard-of-care regimen. We will work with health authorities to bring this potential chemotherapy-free treatment option to people who need it as quickly as possible."

Data from the CLL14 study will be submitted to global health authorities. Venclexta in combination with Rituxan (rituximab) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of people with CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma, with or without 17p deletion, who have received at least one prior therapy. Venclyxto in combination with MabThera (rituximab) has recently been approved in Europe for people with previously treated CLL, who have received at least one prior therapy, based on results from the randomised phase III MURANO study.

A robust clinical development programme for Venclexta/Venclyxto is ongoing in several types of blood cancer, including acute myeloid leukaemia and multiple myeloma. Gazyva/Gazyvaro continues to be investigated in combination with approved and investigational Roche and non-Roche molecules in CLL and follicular lymphoma.

Venclexta/Venclyxto (venetoclax) is being developed by AbbVie and Roche. It is jointly commercialised by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, in the United States and commercialised by AbbVie outside of the United States.

About the CLL14 study
CLL14 (NCT02242942) is a randomised phase III study evaluating the combination of fixed-duration Venclexta/Venclyxto plus Gazyva/Gazyvaro compared to Gazyva/Gazyvaro plus chlorambucil in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) with coexisting medical conditions. 432 patients with previously untreated CLL were randomly assigned to receive either Venclexta/Venclyxto plus Gazyva/Gazyvaro (Arm A) or Gazyva/Gazyvaro plus chlorambucil (Arm B). The primary endpoint of the study is investigator-assessed progression free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints include PFS assessed by independent review committee, best overall response, complete response, duration of response, overall survival, event-free survival, time to next CLL treatment, minimal residual disease status and safety. The CLL14 study is being conducted in cooperation with the German CLL Study Group (GCLLSG), headed by Michael Hallek, MD, University of Cologne.

About Venclexta/Venclyxto (venetoclax)
Venclexta/Venclyxto is a first-in-class targeted medicine designed to selectively bind and inhibit the B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) protein. In some blood cancers and other tumours, BCL-2 builds up and prevents cancer cells from dying or self-destructing, a process called apoptosis. Venclexta/Venclyxto blocks the BCL – 2 protein and works to restore the process of apoptosis.

Venclexta/Venclyxto is being developed by AbbVie and Roche. It is jointly commercialised by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, in the United States and by AbbVie outside of the United States. Together, the companies are committed to research with Venclexta/Venclyxto, which is currently being studied in clinical trials across several types of blood and other cancers.

In the United States, Venclexta has been granted four Breakthrough Therapy Designations by the FDA: in combination with Rituxan for people with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL); as a monotherapy for people with relapsed or refractory CLL with 17p deletion; in combination with hypomethylating agents (azacitidine or decitabine) for people with untreated acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) ineligible for intensive chemotherapy; and in combination with low-dose cytarabine for people with untreated AML ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. A supplemental New Drug Application has been submitted to the FDA for Venclexta, in combination with a hypomethylating agent or in combination with low dose cytarabine, for the treatment of people with previously untreated AML who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy.

Venclexta/Venclyxto is approved in more than 50 countries. Roche and AbbVie are currently working with regulatory agencies around the world to bring this medicine to additional eligible patients in need.

About Gazyva/Gazyvaro (obinutuzumab)
Gazyva/Gazyvaro is an engineered monoclonal antibody designed to bind to CD20, a protein expressed on certain B-cells (a type of white blood cell), but not on stem cells or plasma cells. Gazyva/Gazyvaro is designed to attack and destroy targeted B-cells both directly and together with the body’s immune system. Gazyva is marketed as Gazyvaro in the EU and Switzerland.

Gazyva/Gazyvaro is currently approved in more than 90 countries in combination with chlorambucil for people with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, in more than 80 countries in combination with bendamustine for people with certain types of previously treated follicular lymphoma and in more than 70 countries in combination with chemotherapy for previously untreated follicular lymphoma.

Additional combination studies investigating Gazyva/Gazyvaro with other approved or investigational medicines, including cancer immunotherapies and small molecule inhibitors, are underway across a range of blood cancers.

About the German CLL Study Group (GCLLSG)
Founded in 1996 and headed by Dr. Michael Hallek, the GCLLSG has been running various phase III, phase II and phase I trials in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) with the goal to provide optimal treatment to patients suffering from this disease. Among those were landmark trials like the CLL8 and the CLL11 trials which led to the current standard-of-care in CLL. For many years, GCLLSG has been aiming to improve not just the treatment of younger and physically fit patients, but also that of elderly and less fit patients. These patients are generally underrepresented in clinical trials although they constitute the majority of CLL patients treated by doctors in daily practice. The GCLLSG is an independent non-profit research organisation supported by the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe). www.dcllsg.de