FDA Approves Merck’s WELIREG® (belzutifan) for the Treatment of Adults and Pediatric Patients 12 Years and Older With Locally Advanced, Unresectable, or Metastatic Pheochromocytoma or Paraganglioma (PPGL)

On May 14, 2025 Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, reported the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved WELIREG (belzutifan), Merck’s oral hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor, for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PPGL) (Press release, Merck & Co, MAY 14, 2025, View Source [SID1234653067]). Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are rare tumors that come from the same tissue, but pheochromocytoma form in the adrenal gland and paraganglioma form outside the adrenal gland. These tumors can be caused by certain genetic syndromes or mutations. The approval is based on data from the single-arm LITESPARK-015 clinical trial, where the primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR).

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"PPGL, sometimes referred to as pheo para, is a rare condition affecting up to 2,000 people each year in the United States. Patients with these tumors, which arise from the adrenal glands and the extra-adrenal paraganglia, may require specialized care due to their complexity and rare nature, often posing significant challenges for both diagnosis and treatment," said Dr. Camilo Jimenez, professor, department of endocrine neoplasia and hormonal disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "This approval, which is based on objective response rate data from the LITESPARK-015 trial, introduces belzutifan as the only approved and available non-surgical option for locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic PPGL and could represent a change to the treatment paradigm for eligible patients."

"For patients with advanced PPGL, there has been a lack of approved systemic treatment options available to help manage their disease, underscoring the importance of this approval in the U.S.," said Dr. Marjorie Green, senior vice president and head of oncology, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. "This approval marks the third indication for WELIREG in the U.S. and demonstrates our company’s commitment to providing innovative cancer therapies for patients in need, including those with rare diseases."

The WELIREG label contains a boxed warning that exposure to WELIREG during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Verify pregnancy status prior to the initiation of WELIREG. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective non-hormonal contraception. WELIREG can render some hormonal contraceptives ineffective. WELIREG can cause severe anemia that can require a blood transfusion. Monitor for anemia before initiation of and periodically throughout treatment with WELIREG. WELIREG can cause severe hypoxia that may require discontinuation, supplemental oxygen, or hospitalization. Monitor oxygen saturation before initiation of and periodically throughout treatment with WELIREG. For more information, see "Selected Safety Information" below.

Study design
LITESPARK-015 is an open-label, multicohort Phase 2 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04924075) evaluating the efficacy and safety of WELIREG monotherapy. The study enrolled 72 patients in a single cohort (Cohort A1) who had measurable disease verified by blinded independent central review (BICR) per RECIST v1.1, documented histopathological diagnosis of PPGL, locally advanced or metastatic disease that was not amenable to surgery or curative treatment, and adequately controlled blood pressure (defined as BP <150/90 mm Hg, <135/85 mm Hg for adolescents) with no change in antihypertensive medications for patients with concomitant hypertension for at least two weeks prior to start of study treatment. Patients with carcinomatous meningitis were excluded. Patients received WELIREG at a dose of 120 mg once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

The major efficacy outcome measure for the treatment of advanced PPGL was ORR measured by BICR using RECIST v1.1. Additional efficacy outcome measures included duration of response and time to response.

About pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma
Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL), sometimes referred to as pheo para, are rare tumors that can be caused by certain genetic syndromes or mutations. It is estimated that up to 2,000 new cases of PPGL are diagnosed each year in the U.S., and up to 52,800 new cases are diagnosed each year worldwide. Pheochromocytoma form in nerve tissue in the center of the adrenal gland, whereas paraganglioma form in nerve tissue near certain blood vessels and nerves outside the adrenal glands.

About WELIREG (belzutifan) 40 mg tablets, for oral use
Indications in the U.S.
Certain von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated tumors
WELIREG is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease who require therapy for associated renal cell carcinoma (RCC), central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas, or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET), not requiring immediate surgery.

Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
WELIREG is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with a clear cell component following a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor and a vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGF-TKI).

Pheochromocytoma or Paraganglioma (PPGL)
WELIREG is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PPGL).

Selected Safety Information for WELIREG
Warning: Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Exposure to WELIREG during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Verify pregnancy status prior to the initiation of WELIREG. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective non-hormonal contraception as WELIREG can render some hormonal contraceptives ineffective.

Anemia
WELIREG can cause severe anemia that can require blood transfusion. Monitor for anemia before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatment. Transfuse patients as clinically indicated. For patients with hemoglobin <8 g/dL, withhold WELIREG until ≥8 g/dL, then resume at the same or reduced dose or permanently discontinue WELIREG, depending on the severity of anemia. For life-threatening anemia or when urgent intervention is indicated, withhold WELIREG until hemoglobin ≥8 g/dL, then resume at a reduced dose or permanently discontinue WELIREG.

In LITESPARK-004 (N=61), decreased hemoglobin occurred in 93% of patients with VHL disease and 7% had Grade 3 events. Median time to onset of anemia was 31 days (range: 1 day to 8.4 months).

The safety of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) for treatment of anemia in patients with VHL disease treated with WELIREG has not been established.

In LITESPARK-005 (n=372), decreased hemoglobin occurred in 88% of patients with advanced RCC with a clear cell component and 29% had Grade 3 events. Median time to onset of anemia was 29 days (range: 1 day to 16.6 months). Of the patients with anemia, 22% received transfusions only, 20% received ESAs only, and 12% received both transfusion and ESAs.

In LITESPARK-015, anemia occurred in 96% of patients and 22% had Grade 3 events. Median time to onset of anemia was 29 days (range: 1 day to 22.1 months). Of the patients with anemia, 20% received transfusions only, 26% received ESAs only, and 6% received both transfusion and ESAs.

Hypoxia
WELIREG can cause severe hypoxia that may require discontinuation, supplemental oxygen, or hospitalization.

Monitor oxygen saturation before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatment. For decreased oxygen saturation with exercise (e.g., pulse oximeter <88% or PaO2 ≤55 mm Hg), consider withholding WELIREG until pulse oximetry with exercise is greater than 88%, then resume at the same dose or a reduced dose. For decreased oxygen saturation at rest (e.g., pulse oximeter <88% or PaO2 ≤55 mm Hg) or when urgent intervention is indicated, withhold WELIREG until resolved and resume at a reduced dose or discontinue. For life-threatening hypoxia or recurrent symptomatic hypoxia, permanently discontinue WELIREG. Advise patients to report signs and symptoms of hypoxia immediately to a healthcare provider.

In LITESPARK-004, hypoxia occurred in 1.6% of patients.

In LITESPARK-005, hypoxia occurred in 15% of patients and 10% had Grade 3 events. Of the patients with hypoxia, 69% were treated with oxygen therapy. Median time to onset of hypoxia was 30.5 days (range: 1 day to 21.1 months).

In LITESPARK-015, hypoxia occurred in 13% of patients and 10% had Grade 3 hypoxia. Median time to onset of hypoxia was 35 days (range: 6 days to 23.9 months). Of the patients with hypoxia, 67% were treated with oxygen therapy.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on findings in animals, WELIREG can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.

Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose. WELIREG can render some hormonal contraceptives ineffective. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions

Adverse Reactions in LITESPARK-004
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 15% of patients, including anemia, hypoxia, anaphylaxis reaction, retinal detachment, and central retinal vein occlusion (1 patient each).

WELIREG was permanently discontinued due to adverse reactions in 3.3% of patients for dizziness and opioid overdose (1.6% each).

Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 39% of patients. Those which required dosage interruption in >2% of patients were fatigue, decreased hemoglobin, anemia, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and influenza-like illness.

Dose reductions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 13% of patients. The most frequently reported adverse reaction which required dose reduction was fatigue (7%).

The most common adverse reactions (≥25%), including laboratory abnormalities, that occurred in patients who received WELIREG were decreased hemoglobin (93%), fatigue (64%), increased creatinine (64%), headache (39%), dizziness (38%), increased glucose (34%), and nausea (31%).

Adverse Reactions in LITESPARK-005
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 38% of patients. The most frequently reported serious adverse reactions were hypoxia (7%), anemia (5%), pneumonia (3.5%), hemorrhage (3%), and pleural effusion (2.2%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.2% of patients who received WELIREG, including sepsis (0.5%) and hemorrhage (0.5%).

WELIREG was permanently discontinued due to adverse reactions in 6% of patients. Adverse reactions which resulted in permanent discontinuation (≥0.5%) were hypoxia (1.1%), anemia (0.5%), and hemorrhage (0.5%).

Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 39% of patients. Of the patients who received WELIREG, 28% were 65 to 74 years, and 10% were 75 years and over. Dose interruptions occurred in 48% of patients ≥65 years of age and in 34% of younger patients. Adverse reactions which required dosage interruption in ≥2% of patients were anemia (8%), hypoxia (5%), COVID-19 (4.3%), fatigue (3.2%), and hemorrhage (2.2%).

Dose reductions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 13% of patients. Dose reductions occurred in 18% of patients ≥65 years of age and in 10% of younger patients. The most frequently reported adverse reactions which required dose reduction (≥1.0%) were hypoxia (5%) and anemia (3.2%).

The most common (≥25%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were decreased hemoglobin (88%), fatigue (43%), musculoskeletal pain (34%), increased creatinine (34%), decreased lymphocytes (34%), increased alanine aminotransferase (32%), decreased sodium (31%), increased potassium (29%), and increased aspartate aminotransferase (27%).

Adverse Reactions in LITESPARK-015
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients. The most frequently reported serious adverse reactions were anemia and hypertension (4.2% each) and pyelonephritis, pneumonia, hypoxia, dyspnea and hemorrhage (2.8% each).

WELIREG was permanently discontinued due to adverse reactions in 2 patients (2.8%). Adverse reactions which resulted in permanent discontinuation were increased alanine aminotransferase and paraparesis (1.4% each).

Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 40% of patients. Of the patients who received WELIREG, 13% were ≥65 years old and 4.2% were ≥75 years. Adverse reactions which required dosage interruption in >3% of patients were hypoxia, nausea and fatigue (4.2% each).

Dose reductions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 14% of patients. The most frequently reported adverse reaction which required dose reduction was hypoxia (4.2%).

The most common (≥25%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, that occurred in patients were anemia (96%), fatigue (56%), musculoskeletal pain (56%), decreased lymphocytes (54%), increased alanine aminotransferase (51%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (42%), increased calcium (34%), dyspnea (33%), increased potassium (31%), decreased leukocytes (30%), headache (29%), increased alkaline phosphatase (25%), dizziness (26%) and nausea (25%).

Drug Interactions
Coadministration of WELIREG with inhibitors of UGT2B17 or CYP2C19 increases plasma exposure of belzutifan, which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions. Monitor for anemia and hypoxia and reduce the dosage of WELIREG as recommended.

Coadministration of WELIREG with CYP3A4 substrates decreases concentrations of CYP3A4 substrates, which may reduce the efficacy of these substrates or lead to therapeutic failures. Avoid coadministration with sensitive CYP3A4 substrates. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the sensitive CYP3A4 substrate dosage in accordance with its Prescribing Information. Coadministration of WELIREG with hormonal contraceptives may lead to contraceptive failure or an increase in breakthrough bleeding.

Lactation
Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential
WELIREG can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with WELIREG.

Use of WELIREG may reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose.

Based on findings in animals, WELIREG may impair fertility in males and females of reproductive potential and the reversibility of this effect is unknown.

Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of WELIREG have been established in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older for the treatment of locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma.

Renal Impairment
For patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR 15-29 mL/min estimated by MDRD), monitor for increased adverse reactions and modify the dosage as recommended.

Hepatic Impairment
WELIREG has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >1.5 x ULN and any AST). For patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment, monitor for increased adverse reactions and modify the dosage as recommended.

May 14, 2025: MaaT Pharma To Present Updated Data for MaaT013 in Early Access Program at the European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Congress

On May 14, 2025 MaaT Pharma (EURONEXT: MAAT – the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company and a leader in the development of Microbiome Ecosystem TherapiesTM (MET) dedicated to enhancing survival for patients with cancer through immune modulation, reported that updated data from its Early Access Program for 173 patients with aGvHD treated with MaaT013 have been selected for oral presentation at the European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual congress, taking place in Milan from June 12–15, 2025 (Press release, MaaT Pharma, MAY 14, 2025, View Source [SID1234653066]). The oral presentation of MaaT013 data at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)—Europe’s leading hematology conference—underlines the growing recognition of the drug’s clinical potential and the Company’s leadership in hemato-oncology using microbiome-based approach.

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These updated EAP results for 173 patients, to be presented at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress, are consistent with the positive topline results of the Phase 3 trial announced in January 2025 and further confirm MaaT013’s high efficacy and favorable safety profile in treating patients with gastrointestinal aGvHD. There are currently no approved options for patients with GI-aGvHD who are refractory to steroids and either refractory or intolerant to ruxolitinib, despite the poor prognosis with one-year survival rates of 15% (Abedin et al., 2021).

MaaT Pharma has observed a 75% increase in physician demand with MaaT013 under the ongoing EAP in 2024 compared to 2023, across Europe and, more recently, in the United States. This steady demand for access to MaaT013 reflects its growing adoption by the medical community as a treatment option for patients with GI-aGvHD. To date, the Company has safely treated more than 300 patients with aGvHD across clinical trials and the Company’s EAP ongoing in both Europe and the U.S.

With upcoming regulatory milestones in Europe including a Marketing Authorization submission expected in June 2025, growing global physician interest, and continued clinical validation, MaaT013 has the potential to become the first approved third-line treatment for GI-aGvHD, significantly improving survival outcomes for approximately 3,000 third-line patients annually across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Details of the Oral Presentation:

Title: Pooled Fecal Allogeneic Microbiotherapy for Refractory Gastrointestinal Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Results from the Early Access Program in Europe
Abstract number: S260
Presenting Author: Mohamad Mohty, Professor of Hematology and Head of the Hematology and Cellular Therapy Department at Saint-Antoine Hospital and Sorbonne University
Session title: s424 Stem cell transplantation – Session 2
Date & Time: 13/06/2025 (17:00 – 18:15 CEST) – Brown Hall 3
MaaT Pharma will also present its ongoing Phase 2b trial (PHOEBUS) design for MaaT033 developed as an adjunctive therapy to enhance overall survival in allo-HSCT. This international, multi-center trial (NCT05762211) is the largest randomized controlled study to date of a microbiome-based therapy in oncology, enrolling up to 387 patients across 60 sites. To date, the independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has conducted two safety reviews and one unblinded interim analysis, all of which concluded positively with the recommendation that the PHOEBUS trial proceed as planned.

Lineage to Present at 3rd Annual H.C. Wainwright BioConnect Investor Conference at Nasdaq NYC

On May 14, 2025 Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American and TASE: LCTX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing allogeneic cell therapies for unmet medical needs, reported that Brian M. Culley, Lineage’s Chief Executive Officer, will be presenting at the 3rd Annual H.C. Wainwright BioConnect Investor Conference, in a fireside chat hosted by Joseph Pantginis, Ph.D., Managing Director, Equity Research, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 2:30pm ET (Press release, Lineage Cell Therapeutics, MAY 14, 2025, View Source [SID1234653065]). The 3rd Annual H.C. Wainwright BioConnect Investor Conference takes place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Nasdaq stock exchange headquarters in New York, NY.

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Investors interested in scheduling an in-person meeting with the Lineage management team should contact their H.C. Wainwright representative or email [email protected]. A replay of Lineage’s fireside chat will be available on the Events and Presentations section of Lineage’s website, following the conclusion of the conference.

Kura Oncology and Kyowa Kirin Announce Combination Data for Ziftomenib in Oral Presentation at the 2025 European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress

On May 14, 2025 Kura Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: KURA, "Kura") and Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (TSE: 4151, "Kyowa Kirin") reported that an abstract highlighting clinical data from the KOMET-007 combination trial of ziftomenib, a once-daily, oral investigational menin inhibitor, has been accepted for presentation at the upcoming 2025 European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress, to be held in Milan, Italy, from June 12-15, 2025 (Press release, Kura Oncology, MAY 14, 2025, View Source [SID1234653064]).

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KOMET-007 is a multicenter Phase 1 trial of ziftomenib in combination with standards of care, including cytarabine plus daunorubicin (7+3) and venetoclax/azacitidine (ven/aza), in patients with NPM1-mutant (NPM1-m) and KMT2A-rearranged (KMT2A-r) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The data presented at EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) will be from the Phase 1a dose-escalation and Phase 1b dose-expansion portions of the trial, in the cohort evaluating ziftomenib in combination with 7+3 in newly diagnosed patients with AML.

"The latest findings from the KOMET-007 trial underscore the potential of the combination of ziftomenib with intensive chemotherapy for newly diagnosed patients, strengthening our confidence in its role as a potential treatment option for a broad segment of the AML community," said Mollie Leoni, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Kura Oncology. "The Phase 1a/b KOMET-007 trial positions us to further evaluate this combination, and its potential to expand treatment options for AML patients, in the upcoming pivotal Phase 3 KOMET-017 trial."

In addition to the oral presentation, two abstracts for the KOMET-001 and KOMET-017 trials have been accepted for an encore presentation and publication, respectively. Session titles and information for all three abstracts are listed below and are now available on the EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper)web.org website. Updated data from the published abstract for KOMET-007 will be disclosed during the oral presentation.

Ziftomenib Combined with Intensive Induction (7+3) in Newly Diagnosed NPM1-m or KMT2A-r Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Updated Phase 1a/b Results from KOMET-007
Session: s411. Menin inhibitors and venetoclax-based regimens in AML treatment
Date and Session Time: Thursday, June 12, 2025; 5:00PM – 6:15PM CEST
Location: Allianz MiCo, Milano Convention Centre, Auditorium
Publication Number: S136

Ziftomenib in Relapsed/Refractory NPM1-Mutant Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Phase 1b/2 Clinical Activity and Safety Results from the Pivotal KOMET-001 Study Session: Poster Session 1
Date and Time: Friday, June 13, 2025; 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CEST
Location: Allianz MiCo, Milano Convention Centre, Poster Hall
Publication Number: PF473

Registrational Phase 3 Study of Ziftomenib in Combination with Non-Intensive or Intensive Chemotherapy for Newly Diagnosed NPM1-m and/or KMT2A-r Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): The KOMET-017 Trial
Online Publication Only
Publication Number: PB2573

Copies of the presentations will be available on Kura’s website at www.kuraoncology.com/pipeline/publications/ following presentation at the meeting.

Karyopharm Announces Poster Presentation on Selinexor in Myelofibrosis at the 2025 European Hematology Association Annual Meeting

On May 14, 2025 Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: KPTI), a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company pioneering novel cancer therapies, reported its abstract has been selected for a poster presentation at the 2025 European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) being held June 12-15 in Milan, Italy (Press release, Karyopharm, MAY 14, 2025, View Source [SID1234653063]). The abstract contains data on selinexor monotherapy in a hard-to-treat, heavily pretreated myelofibrosis patient population from the Phase 2 XPORT-MF-035 trial.

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"We are encouraged by our new data in hard-to-treat myelofibrosis patients where we observed spleen volume reduction, symptom improvement, hemoglobin stabilization and evidence of disease modification with selinexor monotherapy, addressing all four hallmarks of the disease," said Reshma Rangwala, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of Karyopharm. "This new data adds to our growing body of evidence highlighting selinexor’s potential in patients with myelofibrosis."

The accepted abstract and data highlights are below.

Abstract number: PS1821
Title: A study to evaluate single-agent selinexor versus physician’s choice in participants with previously treated myelofibrosis
Date/Time: Saturday, June 14, 18:30-19:30 CEST
Presenter: Alessandro Lucchesi, MD
Highlights

Data from the XPORT-MF-035 (NCT04562870) Phase 2, randomized, open-label trial of selinexor versus physician’s-choice (PC) in hard-to-treat patients with heavily pretreated myelofibrosis indicated signs of single-agent clinical activity with selinexor, including spleen volume reduction, hemoglobin stabilization, symptom improvement and evidence of disease modification.
Patients were randomized 1:1 to either selinexor monotherapy or PC. Selinexor was administered at 80 mg weekly for the first two cycles and then decreased to 60 mg weekly from cycle 3 onwards. An optional crossover was available for PC treated patients if they met predefined spleen progression criteria.
In total, 12 patients were randomized to the selinexor arm and 12 patients to the PC arm; 6 patients crossed over from PC to selinexor. Inclusive of crossover, spleen volume reduction of 25% or more (SVR25) at anytime was achieved in 8/12 (67%) efficacy evaluable selinexor treated patients versus 3/8 (38%) efficacy evaluable patients treated with PC. Spleen volume reduction of 35% or more (SVR35) at anytime was observed in 4/12 (33%) efficacy evaluable patients treated with selinexor versus 1/8 (13%) efficacy evaluable patients treated with PC.
Patients treated with selinexor had higher mean hemoglobin levels throughout the study duration and lower rates of red blood cell transfusions than those treated with PC.
Data on key cytokines that are relevant to myelofibrosis pathogenesis, symptom development, and anemia including IL-6, IL-8, TNFa, and hepcidin, demonstrated greater reductions at week 4 compared to baseline in patients treated with selinexor than patients treated with PC.
Most common (≥25% overall) treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in the randomized arms were decreased weight (selinexor: 50%; PC: 50%), anemia (25%; 58%), asthenia (42%; 25%), nausea (33%; 25%), thrombocytopenia (33%; 25%) and upper respiratory tract infection (25%; 33%). Most common (≥15% in any arm) Grade 3+ TEAEs were anemia (17%; 58%), cardiac failure (0%; 17%), decreased appetite (17%; 0%) and nausea (17%; 0%). No treatment discontinuations due to TEAEs were observed in the selinexor arm.
About XPOVIO (selinexor)

XPOVIO is a first-in-class, oral exportin 1 (XPO1) inhibitor and the first of Karyopharm’s Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compounds for the treatment of cancer. XPOVIO functions by selectively binding to and inhibiting the nuclear export protein XPO1. XPOVIO is approved in the U.S. and marketed by Karyopharm in multiple oncology indications, including: (i) in combination with VELCADE (bortezomib) and dexamethasone (XVd) in adult patients with multiple myeloma after at least one prior therapy; (ii) in combination with dexamethasone in adult patients with heavily pre-treated multiple myeloma; and (iii) under accelerated approval in adult patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), including DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma, after at least two lines of systemic therapy. XPOVIO (also known as NEXPOVIO in certain countries) has received regulatory approvals in various indications in a growing number of ex-U.S. territories and countries, including but not limited to the European Union, the United Kingdom, Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, and Canada. XPOVIO/NEXPOVIO is marketed in these respective ex-U.S. territories by Karyopharm’s partners: Antengene, Menarini, Neopharm, and FORUS. Selinexor is also being investigated in several other mid- and late-stage clinical trials across multiple high unmet need cancer indications, including in endometrial cancer and myelofibrosis.

For more information about Karyopharm’s products or clinical trials, please contact the Medical Information department at: Tel: +1 (888) 209-9326; Email: [email protected]

XPOVIO (selinexor) is a prescription medicine approved:

In combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy (XVd).
In combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior therapies and whose disease is refractory to at least two proteasome inhibitors, at least two immunomodulatory agents, and an anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody (Xd).
For the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma, after at least two lines of systemic therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).
SELECT IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warnings and Precautions

Thrombocytopenia: Monitor platelet counts throughout treatment. Manage with dose interruption and/or reduction and supportive care.
Neutropenia: Monitor neutrophil counts throughout treatment. Manage with dose interruption and/or reduction and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factors.
Gastrointestinal Toxicity: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss may occur. Provide antiemetic prophylaxis. Manage with dose interruption and/or reduction, antiemetics, and supportive care.
Hyponatremia: Monitor serum sodium levels throughout treatment. Correct for concurrent hyperglycemia and high serum paraprotein levels. Manage with dose interruption, reduction, or discontinuation, and supportive care.
Serious Infection: Monitor for infection and treat promptly.
Neurological Toxicity: Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities until neurological toxicity resolves. Optimize hydration status and concomitant medications to avoid dizziness or mental status changes.
Embryo‐Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential and males with a female partner of reproductive potential, of the potential risk to a fetus and use of effective contraception.
Cataract: Cataracts may develop or progress. Treatment of cataracts usually requires surgical removal of the cataract.
Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients with multiple myeloma who receive XVd are fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, peripheral neuropathy, upper respiratory tract infection, decreased weight, cataract and vomiting. Grade 3‐4 laboratory abnormalities (≥10%) are thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, hypophosphatemia, anemia, hyponatremia and neutropenia. In the BOSTON trial, fatal adverse reactions occurred in 6% of patients within 30 days of last treatment. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 52% of patients. Treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 19%.
The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients with multiple myeloma who receive Xd are thrombocytopenia, fatigue, nausea, anemia, decreased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, vomiting, hyponatremia, neutropenia, leukopenia, constipation, dyspnea and upper respiratory tract infection. In the STORM trial, fatal adverse reactions occurred in 9% of patients. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 58% of patients. Treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions was 27%.
The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) in patients with DLBCL, excluding laboratory abnormalities, are fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, appetite decrease, weight decrease, constipation, vomiting, and pyrexia. Grade 3‐4 laboratory abnormalities (≥15%) are thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, anemia, and hyponatremia. In the SADAL trial, fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.7% of patients within 30 days, and 5% of patients within 60 days of last treatment; the most frequent fatal adverse reactions was infection (4.5% of patients). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients; the most frequent serious adverse reaction was infection (21% of patients). Discontinuation due to adverse reactions occurred in 17% of patients.
Use In Specific Populations

Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed.

For additional product information, including full prescribing information, please visit www.XPOVIO.com.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. at 1‐888‐209‐9326 or FDA at 1‐800‐FDA‐1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.