Menarini Group Presented Initial Safety and Efficacy Data from Phase 1b/2 ELEVATE and ELECTRA Combination Studies of ORSERDU® (Elacestrant) in Patients with ER+, HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer (mBC) at the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

On December 11, 2023 The Menarini Group ("Menarini"), a leading international pharmaceutical and diagnostics company, and Stemline Therapeutics, Inc. ("Stemline"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Menarini Group, focused on bringing transformational oncology treatments to cancer patients, reported results from phase 1b/2 ELEVATE and ELECTRA clinical studies evaluating ORSERDU (elacestrant) in combination with other treatments (Press release, Menarini, DEC 11, 2023, View Source;metastatic-breast-cancer-mbc-at-the-2023-san-antonio-breast–302011539.html [SID1234638456]). Both the ELEVATE and ELECTRA studies were designed with the objective to overcome different resistance mechanisms and enhance patient outcomes with combination treatment options. Data was presented at the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), December 5-9, 2023.

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The ELEVATE study is evaluating elacestrant in combination with inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (everolimus and alpelisib) and cell-cycle pathway inhibitors (palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib). Results reported at SABCS 2023 include all combination data from Cohort 1 of the phase 1b portion of the study, with the therapies showing predictable safety profiles that were consistent with prior studies. Additional cohorts are currently under evaluation to assess pharmacokinetics (PK) and determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) for each combination. The full abstract (1576517) can be viewed here.

"It is encouraging to see positive initial safety results in various combination studies of ORSERDU, along with promising preliminary efficacy data in these trials," said Hope Rugo, MD, professor of medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of California San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. "We look forward to learning more about ORSERDU’s role in combination settings and its potential across the spectrum of metastatic breast cancer."

The ELECTRA study is evaluating elacestrant in combination with abemaciclib. Phase 1b of this study will also determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of this combination in patients regardless of metastases sites. Phase 2 will evaluate the benefit of the combination in patients with ER+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer with brain metastases since both compounds have demonstrated the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Results reported at SABCS 2023 include the three dose cohorts of the phase 1b portion of the study, showing a tolerable and manageable safety profile with favorable preliminary efficacy in these patients, regardless of the site of their metastases. The three cohorts have been completed with no patients experiencing dose limiting toxicities. No discontinuations have been observed for any patient beyond the observation period due to toxicity. Most common adverse events were diarrhea, nausea, and neutropenia/neutrophil count decreased. Only neutropenia was associated with grade 3 events with the combination; managed with standard dose reduction for abemaciclib. The full abstract (1576518) can be viewed here.

"People living with ER+ metastatic breast cancer are often faced with treatment resistance, causing a significant need for innovative new options," said Elcin Barker Ergun, CEO of the Menarini Group. "While this data is preliminary, we are committed to advancing our comprehensive research on ORSERDU in combination with other treatments, to potentially help enhance patient outcomes, with the goal of extending and improving the lives of people with this disease."

See here for details of the Menarini Group/Stemline Therapeutics’ full range of presentations at SABCS.

About The Elacestrant Clinical Development Program
Elacestrant is also being investigated in several clinical trials in metastatic breast cancer disease, alone or in combination with other therapies. ELEVATE (NCT05563220) is a phase 1b/2 clinical trial that will evaluate the safety and efficacy of elacestrant combined with alpelisib, everolimus, palbociclib, abemaciclib, and ribociclib. ELECTRA (NCT05386108) is an open-label phase 1b/2, multicenter study evaluating elacestrant in combination with abemaciclib in patients with ER+, HER2- breast cancer. The phase 2 portion evaluates this treatment regimen in these patients with brain metastases. ELCIN (NCT05596409) is a phase 2 trial evaluating the efficacy of elacestrant in patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative (HER2-) advanced/metastatic breast cancer who received one or two prior hormonal therapies and no prior cyclin-dependent kinase targeting enzymes CDK4 and CDK6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) in the metastatic setting. Elacestrant is also being evaluated in early breast cancer disease.

About ORSERDU (elacestrant)
U.S. Indication: ORSERDU (elacestrant), 345 mg tablets, is indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal women or adult men with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following at least one line of endocrine therapy.

Full prescribing information for the U.S. can be found at www.orserdu.com.

Important Safety Information
Warning and Precautions

Dyslipidemia: Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia occurred in patients taking ORSERDU at an incidence of 30% and 27%, respectively. The incidence of Grade 3 and 4 hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were 0.9% and 2.2%, respectively. Monitor lipid profile prior to starting and periodically while taking ORSERDU.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on findings in animals and its mechanism of action, ORSERDU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ORSERDU and for 1 week after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ORSERDU and for 1 week after the final dose.

Adverse Reactions

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 12% of patients who received ORSERDU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ORSERDU were musculoskeletal pain (1.7%) and nausea (1.3%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 1.7% of patients who received ORSERDU, including cardiac arrest, septic shock, diverticulitis, and unknown cause (one patient each).
The most common adverse reactions (>10%), including laboratory abnormalities, of ORSERDU were musculoskeletal pain (41%), nausea (35%), increased cholesterol (30%), increased AST (29%), increased triglycerides (27%), fatigue (26%), decreased hemoglobin (26%), vomiting (19%), increased ALT (17%), decreased sodium (16%), increased creatinine (16%), decreased appetite(15%), diarrhea(13%), headache (12%), constipation (12%), abdominal pain (11%), hot flush (11%), and dyspepsia (10%).

Drug interactions

Concomitant use with CYP3A4 Inducers and/or inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors with ORSERDU. Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers with ORSERDU.

Use in specific populations

Lactation: Advise lactating women to not breastfeed during treatment with ORSERDU and for 1 week after the last dose.
Hepatic Impairment: Avoid use of ORSERDU in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C). Reduce the dose of ORSERDU in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B).
The safety and effectiveness of ORSERDU in pediatric patients have not been established.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Stemline Therapeutics, Inc. at 1-877-332-7961 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

IASO Bio and Innovent Present New Data of FUCASO® (Equecabtagene Autoleucel) for Multiple Myeloma Patients in Oral Presentation at ASH 2023

On December 11, 2023 IASO biotechnology ("IASO Bio"), a biopharmaceutical company engaged in discovering, developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative cell therapies and antibody products, and Innovent Biologics, Inc. ("Innovent", HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune, ophthalmology and other major diseases, reported the latest analysis results from the FUMANBA-1 study of Equecabtagene Autoleucel for the treatment of multiple myeloma in an oral presentation at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Press release, IASO Biotherapeutics, DEC 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234638454]). The presentation highlights the characteristics and efficacy of fully human BCMA-targeting CAR-T (Equecabtagene Autoleucel) on multiple myeloma patients who had sustained minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity after receiving treatment.

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Oral Presentation Overview

Presentation Title: Efficacy Outcomes and Characteristics of Patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM) Who Achieved Sustained Minimal Residual Disease Negativity after Treatment with Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Eque-cel, CT103A) in Fumanba-1

Session Date and Time: Monday, December 11, 2023, 11:30 AM (San Diego)

Publication Number: 761

Presenter: Dr. Jue Wang, Associate Professor, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology

The presentation is based on a post-hoc analysis of the FUMANBA-1 study. The FUMANBA-1 Study(Registration No.: NCT05066646) is a Phase Ib/II, single-arm, multicenter study to assess the efficacy and safety of the investigational drug Equecabtagene Autoleucel (IASO R&D code: CT103A, Innovent R&D code: IBI326), a fully human CAR-T cell therapy, in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received 3 or more lines of treatment.

As of December 31, 2022, with a median follow-up of 18.07 months, deep and sustained responses were observed in 103 evaluable patients. Among these patients, the overall response rate (ORR) was 96.1%, and the stringent complete response/complete response (sCR/CR) rate was 77.7%. Among subjects without prior CAR-T therapy, the ORR reached 98.9%, the sCR/CR rate reached 82.4%, and the 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 85.5%.

Minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rate is 94.2% in the total evaluable patients, and all patients who achieved CR or above were MRD negative. The median time to achieve MRD negativity was 15 days, with 80.8% of patients remaining MRD negative at 12 months post infusion.

In addition, Equecabtagene Autoleucel could persist in the body for an extended period of time the median duration was 307.5 days. 12 months after infusion, 50% of patients had a vector copy number (VCN) above the lower limit of detection; and 24 months after infusion, VCN could still be detected in 40% of the patients.

Based on the descriptive analysis, patients receiving eque-cel achieved MRD negativity irrespective of cytogenetics status,extramedullary disease status,number of prior lines of therapy,and performance status. It suggests that eque-cel as immune cell therapy showed strong killing effect to myeloma cells without affecting by these factors.

In the FUMANBA-1 study, 90 RRMM patients without prior CAR-T therapy were evaluable for MRD test at 10-5. The results showed:

(1) An important prognostic factor for progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with RRMM treated with Equecabtagene Autoleucel is sustained MRD negativity: When comparing the PFS of patients in different MRD negative duration groups, those in the ≥ 6 months and ≥ 12 months group were significantly better than those in the < 6 months group. This was particularly true for those in the ≥ 12 months MRD negative duration group.

(2) There is a correlation between the persistence of CAR-T cells and sustainability of MRD negativity after infusion of Equecabtagene Autoleucel: Overall, there is a positive correlation between the two. This was particularly evident in subgroup analysis. The Triple-class exposure subgroup, the previous autologous transplantation treatment history subgroup, the high-risk cytogenetic abnormality subgroup, etc., showed a moderate to strong positive correlation between the persistence of CAR-T cells (VCN persistence) after infusion of Equecabtagene Autoleucel and the duration of MRD negativity. The correlation may become more significant in the future with longer term follow-up data, which could further reveal the positive correlation between long-term survival of CAR-T cells and long-term maintenance of MRD negativity.

"Studies have shown MRD is a biomarker that affects the long-term survival of RRMM patients. It’s necessary to maintain MRD negativity to improve the prognosis of RRMM patients and extend PFS. Equecabtagene Autoleucel has overcome two difficulties faced by traditional therapies in maintaining MRD negativity. First, it has increased the proportion of patients with MRD-negative persistence past 12 months from less than 10% to 80%. Second, only one-time infusion is needed to achieve sustainable MRD negativity. Traditional therapies require continuous medication to maintain MRD negativity, and once medication is stopped, patients face the risk of relapse. Patients who do not stop the medication will be facing the potential risk of inducing drug-resistant clones. Long-term medication and complex therapies increase direct treatment costs, seriously affect patients’ quality of life. The adverse effects caused by long term treatment also increase indirect costs to patients and their families. With its outstanding long-term persistence in the body, Equecabtagene Autoleucel can achieve lasting and deep remission in RRMM patients who have failed multiple lines of treatment. We expect that it will give more patients the hope of a cure," said principal investigators Professor Lu-gui Qiu, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, and Professor Chunrui Li, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology.

Leap Therapeutics to Present New Data from Part A of the DeFianCe Study of DKN-01 Plus Bevacizumab and Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer Patients at the 2024 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium

On December 11, 2023 Leap Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:LPTX), a biotechnology company focused on developing targeted and immuno-oncology therapeutics, reported that the Company will be presenting new data in second-line patients with advanced colorectal cancer from the DeFianCe study, a Phase 2 study evaluating DKN-01, Leap’s anti-Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) antibody, in combination with standard of care bevacizumab and chemotherapy at the upcoming 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium taking place in San Francisco, CA and virtually on January 18-20, 2024 (Press release, Leap Therapeutics, DEC 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234638453]).

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Leap Presentation Details:

Title: DKN-01 plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy as second-line (2L) investigational therapy in advanced microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC): DeFianCe trial
Presenter: Meredith Pelster, MD, MSc | Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Tennessee Oncology
Session Type: Poster Discussion Session
Session Title: Cancers of the Colon, Rectum, and Anus
Date and Time: Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 6:30 a.m. ET
Abstract Number: 104
Poster Session: Poster Session C

About the DeFianCe Study
The DeFianCe study (NCT05480306) is a Phase 2, open-label, global study of DKN-01 in combination with standard of care bevacizumab and chemotherapy in patients with advanced CRC who have received one prior systemic therapy for advanced disease. The Part A cohort enrolled 33 patients, including significant numbers of patients who had early progression on first-line therapy, previous exposure to bevacizumab, tumors with Ras mutations, or liver metastases. The study has expanded into a 130-patient Part B randomized controlled trial. The primary objective of the study is progression free survival. Secondary objectives include overall response rate, duration of response, and overall survival.

Nektar and Collaborators Present Preclinical Data on NKTR-255 Combined with Obinutuzumab in Poster Presentation at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting

On December 11, 2023 Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NKTR) reported that collaborators from the Cairo Laboratory at New York Medical College presented a poster highlighting new preclinical data on NKTR-255 at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting demonstrating that NKTR-255 significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of expanded Natural Killer (NK) cells when combined with obinutuzumab against rituximab-resistant BL cells and significantly improved the survival of mice xenografted with Raji-4RH compared to controls (Press release, Nektar Therapeutics, DEC 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234638452]).

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NKTR-255 is a novel polymer-conjugated human IL-15 receptor agonist currently being studied in three separate clinical studies in combination with cell therapies and immunotherapies. Preclinical and early clinical data suggest that NKTR-255 can improve proliferation and persistence of NK and CD8+ T cells to enhance specific anti-tumor activity.

"Both in vitro and in vivo data show the promising synergistic potential of combining NKTR-255 with an anti-CD20 antibody, obinutuzumab, in enhancing anti-tumor immune response, particularly in an aggressive tumor model like Burkitt lymphoma," said Jonathan Zalevsky, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Research & Development Officer at Nektar. "Results like these confirm our belief that NKTR-255 could become a valuable addition to current standard of care across multiple oncology indications, particularly in hematologic malignancies."

2023 ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) presentations are available for download at www.nektar.com/science/scientific-posters-and-presentations.

Key details and takeaways from the presentation are as follows:

Abstract 2063: "Optimizing Ex-Vivo Expanded NK Cell- Mediated Cellular Cytotoxicity By Obinutuzumab Combined with NKTR-255 in Burkitt Lymphoma (BL)", Chu YY, et al.

NKTR-255 significantly promoted NK cell proliferation, and significantly enhanced the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of expanded NK cells when combined with obinutuzumab against rituximab-resistant BL cells in vitro.
NKTR-255 significantly enhanced the release of interferon-gamma (IFNγ) and granzyme B, proinflammatory cytokines with multiple functions including enhancing anti-tumor immune response, by NK cells when combined with obinutuzumab against BL cells in vitro.
NKTR-255 combined with obinutuzumab and NK cells significantly extended survival, compared to NK cells alone, in humanized rituximab-resistant BL cells xenografted mouse models.
About NKTR-255

NKTR-255 is a biologic that targets the IL-15 pathway in order to activate the body’s innate and adaptive immunity. Through optimal engagement of the IL-15 receptor complex, NKTR-255 is designed to enhance functional NK cell populations and formation of long-term immunological memory, which may lead to sustained and durable anti-tumor immune response.

NKTR-255 is currently being studied in three separate clinical studies in combination with cell therapies and immunotherapy. A Phase 2/3 study is underway that combines NKTR-255 with approved CAR-T cell therapies in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, which is currently recruiting (NCT05664217). NKTR-255 is also being studied in a Phase 2 study in combination with avelumab as a maintenance treatment in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma in the Merck KGaA-sponsored JAVELIN Bladder Medley trial (NCT05327530). In September, the company announced a new clinical collaboration whereby CBMG will be adding NKTR-255 to its ongoing CBMG-sponsored Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating C-TIL051, a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, in anti-PD1 resistant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, which is being conducted at Duke Cancer Institute (NCT05676749).

In addition, there are two ongoing investigator sponsored trials (ISTs) evaluating NKTR-255 as adjunct therapy following a CAR-T cell therapy and one study evaluating NKTR-255 in combination with PD-1 immunotherapy. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is conducting a Phase 1 study evaluating NKTR-255 following lisocabtagene maraleucel treatment in patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (NCT05359211), and Stanford University is conducting a Phase 1 study evaluating NKTR-255 following an investigational CD19/22 CAR-T cell therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (NCT03233854). M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is conducting a Phase 1 study evaluating NKTR-255 in combination with durvalumab in patients with locally advanced NSCLC (NCT05632809).

Treatment with CARVYKTI® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) Resulted in Clinically Meaningful Improvements in Health-Related Quality of Life and Reductions in Disease-Specific Symptoms in Patients with Earlier-Line Multiple Myeloma

On December 11, 2023 Johnson & Johnson reported new patient-reported outcomes (PRO) from the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study of CARVYKTI (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel) demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in health-related quality of life and meaningful reductions in disease-specific symptoms according to multiple PRO measures in the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior lines of therapy (LOT) (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, DEC 11, 2023, View Source [SID1234638451]). These data were featured as an oral presentation at the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Abstract #1063).

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"These results from the CARTITUDE-4 study showed the potential of cilta-cel to significantly improve health-related quality of life measures for patients, including pain, fatigue and emotional functioning," said Roberto Mina, Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.‡ "Cilta-cel has demonstrated deep and durable responses in later lines of therapy, and these results show the potential of cilta-cel for patients with lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma as early as after first relapse."

In this analysis of the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study, patients in the CARVYKTI arm reported improved functioning and symptom reduction from baseline, while PRO scores in the standard of care (SOC) regimens, pomalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd) or daratumumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone (DPd) arm trended toward worsening or lower degrees of improvement from baseline for most domains and symptoms.1 CARVYKTI exceeded clinically meaningful thresholds for average improvement in global health status (10.1 points), pain (–10.2 points) and the visual analogue scale (8.0 points) from baseline to month 12; improvements in fatigue (–9.1 points) and emotional functioning (9.5 points) neared clinically meaningful thresholds.1 Using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30; 100-point scale), a 30-item instrument designed to measure quality of life in all cancer patients, the analysis showed that results numerically favored CARVYKTI for all other domains.1,2 The median time until multiple myeloma symptom worsening in the CARVYKTI arm was 23.7 months compared to 18.9 months in the SOC arm (Hazard Ratio [HR]= 0.42; 95 percent Confidence Interval [CI], 0.26–0.68; p value p0.003), measured with the Multiple Myeloma Symptom and Impact Questionnaire (MySIm-Q; 5-point scale).1

The CARTITUDE-4 study enrolled 419 patients with lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma and one to three prior LOT.1 At clinical cut-off, 99 patients in the CARVYKTI arm and 66 in the SOC arm had both baseline and 12-month PRO assessments, representing data prior to progression.1 PRO compliance was 100 percent at baseline and decreased with subsequent visits to 74 percent in the CARVYKTI and 81 percent in the SOC arm at month 12.1 Patients were administered EORTC QLQ-C30, EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L; 100-point scale) and MySIm-Q questionnaires throughout the course of the study.1 In the primary analysis of CARTITUDE-4 presented at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, CARVYKTI reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 74 percent (Hazard Ratio [HR]=0.26; 95 percent Confidence Interval [CI], 0.18–0.38; p value p<0.0001) compared to two SOC regimens, PVd or DPd, in adults with relapsed and lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior LOT.3

CARTITUDE-2: Updated CARVYKTI Results in Earlier Lines of Treatment

Longer-term efficacy and safety data from CARTITUDE-2 cohorts A and B were also presented in an oral presentation at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) (Abstract #1021). At a median follow-up of approximately 29 months, patients treated with CARVYKTI in earlier LOT, both those with lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma after one to three LOT (cohort A) and those with early relapse (cohort B), experienced deep and durable responses.4 In the 20 patients in cohort A and 19 in cohort B, treatment with CARVYKTI resulted in overall response rates of 95 percent (complete response or better [≥CR], 90 percent) and 100 percent (≥CR, 90 percent), respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached in either cohort, and 24-month PFS rates were 75 percent in cohort A and 73 percent in cohort B; respective 24-month overall survival rates were 75 percent and 84 percent.

No new CAR-T-related safety signals were observed; one additional CAR-T cell neurotoxicity of sensory loss (grade 2) which resolved was reported in cohort B.3 Cohort A provides insight into potential longer-term survival outcomes that may be expected in the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study, which enrolled the same patient population.

"The data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) highlight our commitment to pursue the development of cutting-edge therapies with the intent of providing clinically meaningful real-life benefits for patients, in addition to robust efficacy and safety data," said Jordan Schecter, M.D., Vice President, Clinical Development Cellular Therapy Program, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "These analyses add to the continued evidence from the CARTITUDE-4 study and build our confidence in the profile of CARVYKTI as a potential and promising treatment option for patients with multiple myeloma whose disease recurs early."

About CARTITUDE-4

CARTITUDE-4 (NCT04181827) is the first international, randomized, open-label Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of cilta-cel versus pomalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd) or daratumumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone (DPd) in adult patients with relapsed and lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior lines of therapy.

About CARTITUDE-2

CARTITUDE-2 (NCT04133636) is an ongoing, multi-cohort Phase 2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of cilta-cel in patients with multiple myeloma. Cohort B evaluates patients who received one line of prior therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), and had disease progression per IMWG criteria within 12 months after treatment with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) or from the start of anti-myeloma therapy for participants who have not had an ASCT. Cohort A evaluates patients who had progressive multiple myeloma after 1–3 prior lines of therapy including a PI and an IMiD, were lenalidomide refractory, and had no prior exposure to BCMA-targeting agents.

About CARVYKTI (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel)

CARVYKTI received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in February 2022 for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after four or more prior lines of therapy, including a PI, an IMiD agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.5 In May 2022, the European Commission granted conditional marketing authorization of CARVYKTI for the treatment of adults with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior therapies, including an IMiD agent, a PI and an anti-CD38 antibody, and have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy.

CARVYKTI is a BCMA-directed, genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapy, which involves reprogramming a patient’s own T-cells with a transgene encoding chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that directs the CAR positive T-cells to eliminate cells that express BCMA. BCMA is primarily expressed on the surface of malignant multiple myeloma B-lineage cells, as well as late-stage B cells and plasma cells. The CARVYKTI CAR protein features two BCMA-targeting single domains designed to confer high avidity against human BCMA. Upon binding to BCMA-expressing cells, the CAR promotes T-cell activation, expansion, and elimination of target cells.

In December 2017, Janssen Biotech, Inc. entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Legend Biotech USA, Inc. to develop and commercialize CARVYKTI.

For more information, visit www.CARVYKTI.com.

About multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.6 In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells change, spread rapidly and replace normal cells in the bone marrow with tumors.7 Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer and remains an incurable disease.8,9 In 2023, it is estimated that more than 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the U.S. and more than 12,000 people will die from the disease.10 People living with multiple myeloma have a 5-year relative survival rate of 59.8 percent.11 While some people diagnosed with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels and kidney problems or infections.12,13

CARVYKTI IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES, HLH/MAS, and PROLONGED and RECURRENT CYTOPENIA

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with CARVYKTI. Do not administer CARVYKTI to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.

Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS), which may be fatal or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI, including before CRS onset, concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. Monitor for neurologic events after treatment with CARVYKTI. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.

Parkinsonism and Guillain-Barré syndrome and their associated complications resulting in fatal or life-threatening reactions have occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS), including fatal and life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with CARVYKTI. HLH/MAS can occur with CRS or neurologic toxicities.

Prolonged and/or recurrent cytopenias with bleeding and infection and requirement for stem cell transplantation for hematopoietic recovery occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI.

CARVYKTI is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the CARVYKTI REMS Program.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI in 95% (92/97) of patients receiving ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Grade 3 or higher CRS (2019 ASTCT grade) occurred in 5% (5/97) of patients, with Grade 5 CRS reported in 1 patient. The median time to onset of CRS was 7 days (range: 112 days). The most common manifestations of CRS included pyrexia (100%), hypotension (43%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (22%), chills (15%), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (14%) and sinus tachycardia (11%). Grade 3 or higher events associated with CRS included increased AST and ALT, hyperbilirubinemia, hypotension, pyrexia, hypoxia, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation and hemorrhage, HLH/MAS, angina pectoris, supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia, malaise, myalgias, increased C-reactive protein, ferritin, blood alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase.

Identify CRS based on clinical presentation. Evaluate for and treat other causes of fever, hypoxia, and hypotension. CRS has been reported to be associated with findings of HLH/MAS, and the physiology of the syndromes may overlap. HLH/MAS is a potentially life-threatening condition. In patients with progressive symptoms of CRS or refractory CRS despite treatment, evaluate for evidence of HLH/MAS. One patient with CRS and suspected HLH/MAS developed a fatal retroperitoneal hemorrhage in the setting of thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy and anticoagulation.

Sixty-nine of 97 (71%) patients received tocilizumab and/or a corticosteroid for CRS after infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Forty-four (45%) patients received only tocilizumab, of whom 33 (34%) received a single dose and 11 (11%) received more than one dose; 24 patients (25%) received tocilizumab and a corticosteroid, and one patient (1%) received only corticosteroids. Ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of CARVYKTI.

Monitor patients at least daily for 10 days following CARVYKTI infusion at a REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of CRS. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for at least 4 weeks after infusion. At the first sign of CRS, immediately institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.

Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time.

Neurologic toxicities, which may be severe, life-threatening or fatal, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI. Neurologic toxicities included ICANS, neurologic toxicity with signs and symptoms of parkinsonism, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, immune mediated myelitis, peripheral neuropathies, and cranial nerve palsies. Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of these neurologic toxicities, and on the delayed nature of onset of some of these toxicities. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention for further assessment and management if signs or symptoms of any of these neurologic toxicities occur at any time.

Overall, one or more subtypes of neurologic toxicity described below occurred following ciltacabtagene autoleucel in 26% (25/97) of patients, of which 11% (11/97) of patients experienced Grade 3 or higher events. These subtypes of neurologic toxicities were also observed in two ongoing studies.

Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS): Patients may experience fatal or life-threatening ICANS following treatment with CARVYKTI, including before CRS onset, concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. ICANS occurred in 23% (22/97) of patients receiving ciltacabtagene autoleucel including Grade 3 or 4 events in 3% (3/97) and Grade 5 (fatal) events in 2% (2/97). The median time to onset of ICANS was 8 days (range 1-28 days). All 22 patients with ICANS had CRS. The most frequent (≥5%) manifestation of ICANS included encephalopathy (23%), aphasia (8%) and headache (6%).

Monitor patients at least daily for 10 days following CARVYKTI infusion at the REMS certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of ICANS. Rule out other causes of ICANS symptoms. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of ICANS for at least 4 weeks after infusion and treat promptly. Neurologic toxicity should be managed with supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.

Parkinsonism: Of the 25 patients in the CARTITUDE-1 study experiencing any neurotoxicity, five male patients had neurologic toxicity with several signs and symptoms of parkinsonism, distinct from immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Neurologic toxicity with parkinsonism has been reported in other ongoing trials of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Patients had parkinsonian and non-parkinsonian symptoms that included tremor, bradykinesia, involuntary movements, stereotypy, loss of spontaneous movements, masked facies, apathy, flat affect, fatigue, rigidity, psychomotor retardation, micrographia, dysgraphia, apraxia, lethargy, confusion, somnolence, loss of consciousness, delayed reflexes, hyperreflexia, memory loss, difficulty swallowing, bowel incontinence, falls, stooped posture, shuffling gait, muscle weakness and wasting, motor dysfunction, motor and sensory loss, akinetic mutism, and frontal lobe release signs. The median onset of parkinsonism in the 5 patients in CARTITUDE-1 was 43 days (range 15-108) from infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of parkinsonism that may be delayed in onset and managed with supportive care measures. There is limited efficacy information with medications used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, for the improvement or resolution of parkinsonism symptoms following CARVYKTI treatment.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A fatal outcome following Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has occurred in another ongoing study of ciltacabtagene autoleucel despite treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Symptoms reported include those consistent with Miller-Fisher variant of GBS, encephalopathy, motor weakness, speech disturbances and polyradiculoneuritis.

Monitor for GBS. Evaluate patients presenting with peripheral neuropathy for GBS. Consider treatment of GBS with supportive care measures and in conjunction with immunoglobulin and plasma exchange, depending on severity of GBS.

Immune Mediated Myelitis: Grade 3 myelitis has occurred 25 days following treatment in another ongoing study. Symptoms reported included hypoesthesia of the lower extremities and the lower abdomen with impaired sphincter control. Symptoms improved with the use of corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. Myelitis was ongoing at the time of death from other cause.

Peripheral Neuropathy: Six patients in CARTITUDE-1 developed peripheral neuropathy. These neuropathies presented as sensory, motor or sensorimotor neuropathies. Median time of onset of symptoms was 62 days (range 4-136 days), median duration of peripheral neuropathies was 256 days (range 2-465 days) including those with ongoing neuropathy. Patients who experienced peripheral neuropathy also experienced cranial nerve palsies or GBS in other ongoing trials of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathies.

Cranial Nerve Palsies: Three patients (3.1%) experienced cranial nerve palsies in CARTITUDE-1. All three patients had 7th cranial nerve palsy; one patient had 5th cranial nerve palsy as well. Median time to onset was 26 days (range 21-101 days) following infusion of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Occurrence of 3rd and 6th cranial nerve palsy, bilateral 7th cranial nerve palsy, worsening of cranial nerve palsy after improvement, and occurrence of peripheral neuropathy in patients with cranial nerve palsy have also been reported in ongoing trials of ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of cranial nerve palsies. Consider management with systemic corticosteroids, depending on the severity and progression of signs and symptoms.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS): Fatal HLH occurred in one patient (1%), 99 days after ciltacabtagene autoleucel. The HLH event was preceded by prolonged CRS lasting 97 days. The manifestations of HLH/MAS include hypotension, hypoxia with diffuse alveolar damage, coagulopathy, cytopenia, and multi-organ dysfunction, including renal dysfunction.

One patient with Grade 4 HLH/MAS developed fatal intracerebral and gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the setting of coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia 12 days after treatment in another ongoing study. Patients who develop HLH/MAS have an increased risk of severe bleeding. Monitor hematological parameters in patients with HLH/MAS and transfuse per institutional guidelines.

HLH is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate if not recognized and treated early. Treatment of HLH/MAS should be administered per institutional standards.

CARVYKTI REMS: Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, CARVYKTI is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the CARVYKTI REMS.

Further information is available at View Source or 1-844-672-0067.

Prolonged and Recurrent Cytopenias: Patients may exhibit prolonged and recurrent cytopenias following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and CARVYKTI infusion. One patient underwent autologous stem cell therapy for hematopoietic reconstitution due to prolonged thrombocytopenia.

In CARTITUDE-1, 30% (29/97) of patients experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and 41% (40/97) of patients experienced prolonged Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia that had not resolved by Day 30 following ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion.

Recurrent Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia and anemia were seen in 63% (61/97), 18% (17/97), 60% (58/97), and 37% (36/97) after recovery from initial Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia following infusion. After Day 60 following ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion, 31%, 12% and 6% of patients had a recurrence of Grade 3 or higher lymphopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, respectively, after initial recovery of their Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia. Eighty-seven percent (84/97) of patients had one, two, or three or more recurrences of Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias after initial recovery of Grade 3 or 4 cytopenia. Six and 11 patients had Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, respectively, at the time of death.

Monitor blood counts prior to and after CARVYKTI infusion. Manage cytopenias with growth factors and blood product transfusion support according to local institutional guidelines.

Infections: CARVYKTI should not be administered to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Severe, life-threatening or fatal infections occurred in patients after CARVYKTI infusion.

Infections (all grades) occurred in 57 (59%) patients. Grade 3 or 4 infections occurred in 23% (22/97) of patients; Grade 3 or 4 infections with an unspecified pathogen occurred in 17%, viral infections in 7%, bacterial infections in 1%, and fungal infections in 1% of patients. Overall, four patients had Grade 5 infections: lung abscess (n=1), sepsis (n=2) and pneumonia (n=1).

Grade 5 infections reported in other studies include bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, and CMV colitis (with HSV-1 hepatitis). Another patient developed mycotic aneurysm due to cerebral aspergillosis and died of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after CARVYKTI infusion and treat patients appropriately. Administer prophylactic, pre-emptive and/or therapeutic antimicrobials according to the standard institutional guidelines. Febrile neutropenia was observed in 10% of patients after ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion, and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids and other supportive care, as medically indicated.

In a randomized controlled study of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (CARTITUDE-4), patients treated with ciltacabtagene autoleucel had an increased rate of fatal COVID-19 infections compared to the standard therapy arm. Counsel patients on the importance of prevention measures. Follow institutional guidelines for the vaccination and management of immunocompromised patients with COVID-19.

Viral Reactivation: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure and death, can occur in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia. Perform screening for Cytomegalovirus (CMV), HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or any other infectious agents if clinically indicated in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing. Consider antiviral therapy to prevent viral reactivation per local institutional guidelines/clinical practice.

Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse event in 12% (12/97) of patients; laboratory IgG levels fell below 500 mg/dL after infusion in 92% (89/97) of patients. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with CARVYKTI and administer IVIG for IgG <400 mg/dL. Manage per local institutional guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis.

Use of Live Vaccines: The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following CARVYKTI treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during CARVYKTI treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with CARVYKTI.

Hypersensitivity Reactions have occurred in 5% (5/97) of patients following ciltacabtagene autoleucel infusion. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in CARVYKTI. Patients should be carefully monitored for 2 hours after infusion for signs and symptoms of severe reaction. Treat promptly and manage appropriately according to the severity of the hypersensitivity reaction.

Secondary Malignancies: Patients may develop secondary malignancies. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Janssen Biotech, Inc., at 1-800-526-7736 for reporting and to obtain instructions on collection of patient samples for testing of secondary malignancy of T cell origin.

Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status, seizures, neurocognitive decline, or neuropathy, patients are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following CARVYKTI infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery during this initial period, and in the event of new onset of any neurologic toxicities.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than 20%) are pyrexia, cytokine release syndrome, hypogammaglobulinemia, hypotension, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, infections of unspecified pathogen, cough, chills, diarrhea, nausea, encephalopathy, decreased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, tachycardia, dizziness, dyspnea, edema, viral infections, coagulopathy, constipation, and vomiting. The most common laboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 50%) include thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, aminotransferase elevation, and hypoalbuminemia.

Please read full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, for CARVYKTI.