On October 20, 2025 AIM ImmunoTech Inc. (NYSE American: AIM) ("AIM" or the "Company"), reported it will participate at the 2025 Maxim Growth Summit, taking place October 22-23, 2025 in New York, NY. This prestigious event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and premier institutions to explore the latest trends and advancements across several industries.

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As part of the conference, members of management will be available to participate in in-person one-on-one meetings with qualified members of the investor community who are registered to attend the conference. To view the Company’s Maxim Growth Summit presentation slide deck, please visit the Presentations page on aimimmuno.com.

For more information and a complete agenda of the Maxim Growth Summit, please visit www.maximgrp.com/2025-growth-summit.

(Press release, AIM ImmunoTech, OCT 20, 2025, View Source [SID1234656809])

On October 20, 2025 Imugene Limited (ASX:IMU), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company, reported that an abstract for the Neo-POLEM Phase II trial has been accepted for e-poster presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2025, being held in Berlin, Germany, 17–21 October 2025.

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The accepted abstract, titled "Phase II trial of neoadjuvant PD-1 vaccine PD1-Vaxx in operable MSI-high colorectal cancer", will be presented by Dr Tony Dhillon, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom.

The ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress is Europe’s largest and most influential oncology meeting, attracting over 30,000 clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, and industry participants from around the world.

Imugene Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Leslie Chong said: "We are delighted to see PD1-Vaxx recognised with presentation at the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress, highlighting its growing international clinical footprint. The Neo-POLEM study marks an important expansion of our PD1-Vaxx program into early-stage colorectal cancer, an area where improved treatment options remain urgently needed."

Upon its release, the poster will be available on Imugene’s website at
View Source

About the Neo-POLEM study
Neo-POLEM is a collaborative investigator-initiated Phase II clinical trial coordinated by the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit (UK) in partnership with the Australasian Gastro- Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG) and funded by Imugene Limited.

The trial is designed to determine whether PD1-Vaxx, Imugene’s novel PD-1-targeting B- cell vaccine, can elicit major pathological responses in microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) early-stage colorectal cancer.

MSI-H colorectal tumours are characterised by high tumour mutation burden and immune infiltration, features that predict responsiveness to immunotherapy. PD10-Vaxx aims to induce a polyclonal B-cell antibody response against PD-1, potentially offering efficacy comparable to or greater than monoclonal antibody checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, ipilimumab) while improving safety and accessibility.

The single-arm Bayesian optimal design trial will enrol 44 patients with operable MSI-high or dMMR stage II–III colon cancer across 6–10 sites in the UK and Australia. Participants receive three PD1-Vaxx vaccinations over six weeks prior to surgical resection, followed by investigator-selected adjuvant therapy. The primary endpoint is major pathological response (MPR), defined as ≤ 10% viable tumour cells at resection. Secondary endpoints include safety, complete response rate, objective response rate, disease-free and overall survival, and surgical outcomes.

Recruitment commenced in May 2025, with the study now open at multiple Australian sites and UK site activation underway.

(Press release, Imugene, OCT 20, 2025, View Source [SID1234656780])

On October 19, 2025 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) reported updated follow-up results from the single-arm Phase 2 PHAROS trial evaluating BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) + MEKTOVI (binimetinib) for the treatment of adults with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) with a BRAF V600E mutation. In treatment-naïve patients, the median overall survival (OS) was 47.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 31.3, not estimable) after a median follow-up of 52.3 months. In previously treated patients, the median OS was 22.7 months (95% CI, 14.1, 32.6), after a median follow-up of 48.2 months. The four-year OS rates were 49% (95% CI, 35, 62) and 31% (95% CI, 16, 47) for treatment-naïve and previously treated patients, respectively. These data, from pre-specified secondary trial endpoints, will be presented today in an oral presentation (1849MO) at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress in Berlin, Germany, and have been simultaneously published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

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"The PHAROS trial results set a new standard for NSCLC patients with the BRAF V600E mutation, with survival outcomes nearing four years—the longest survival we’ve seen in people with treatment-naïve metastatic NSCLC who harbor a BRAF V600E mutation," said Melissa Johnson, M.D., Director of Lung Cancer Research at Sarah Cannon Research Institute and PHAROS investigator. "These findings, which highlight the potential impact of encorafenib and binimetinib for newly diagnosed metastatic NSCLC patients with BRAF V600E, offer renewed optimism for their prognosis and treatment goals."

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths around the world.1 NSCLC accounts for approximately 80-85% of lung cancers,2 with BRAF V600E mutations occurring in about 2% of patients with NSCLC.3 Prior to the development of targeted treatments, patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic NSCLC had poor outcomes with standard chemotherapy.4

At the time of this analysis, the safety profile of BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI was consistent with previous findings. The most common (≥30%) treatment-related adverse events were nausea (52%), diarrhea (44%), fatigue (33%), and vomiting (30%).

"These long-term survival results reinforce Pfizer’s unwavering commitment to improving outcomes in lung cancer," said Jeff Legos, Chief Oncology Officer, Pfizer. "The findings provide hope for treatment-naïve BRAF V600E mNSCLC patients and their families and underscore the importance of advancing therapies that can provide a sustained impact for patients."

The Phase 2 PHAROS trial (NCT03915951) is an open-label, multicenter, single-arm study examining BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI combination therapy in treatment-naïve and previously treated patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic NSCLC. BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2023, and by the European Commission in August 2024, for the treatment of BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic NSCLC based on the initial objective response rate (ORR; the primary endpoint) and duration of response (secondary endpoint) results from the PHAROS trial. The ORR was 75% (95% CI: 62, 85) for treatment-naïve patients (n=59) and 46% (95% CI: 30, 63) for previously treated patients (n=39).

Pfizer is continuing its commitment to help non-scientists understand the latest findings with the development of abstract plain language summaries (APLS) for company-sponsored research being presented, which are written in non-technical language. Those interested in learning more can visit www.Pfizer.com/apls to access the summaries.

About BRAF V600E-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

NSCLC treatment has dramatically evolved, enabling more individualized treatment options based on molecular profiles and immunologic status. BRAF mutations exemplify this precision medicine opportunity—while BRAF V600E mutations occur in only about 2% of NSCLC cases,3 they represent approximately half of all BRAF-mutant metastatic NSCLC.5 Targeting BRAF offers potential to inhibit tumor growth and proliferation driven by these specific mutations.6

Despite this evolution, unmet needs remain for advanced disease. Approximately one in six patients with advanced NSCLC have no biomarker testing results prior to first-line treatment.7 Among tested patients, many do not receive targeted therapy or have limited to no options available for targeted therapy.8-10

About BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) + MEKTOVI (binimetinib)

BRAFTOVI is an oral small molecule kinase inhibitor that targets BRAF V600E, and MEKTOVI is an oral small molecule MEK inhibitor, both of which target key proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway (RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK). Inappropriate activation of proteins in this pathway has been shown to occur in certain cancers, including melanoma, CRC, and NSCLC.

Pfizer has exclusive rights to BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has exclusive rights to commercialize both products in Japan and South Korea, Medison has exclusive rights in Israel and Pierre Fabre Laboratories has exclusive rights in all other countries, including Europe and Asia (excluding Japan and South Korea). The PHAROS trial is conducted with support from Pierre Fabre.

INDICATION AND USAGE

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

New Primary Malignancies: New primary malignancies, cutaneous and non-cutaneous, can occur. In the PHAROS trial, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cuSCC) and skin papilloma (SP), each occurred in 2% of patients. Perform dermatologic evaluations prior to initiating treatment, every 2 months during treatment, and for up to 6 months following discontinuation of treatment. Manage suspicious skin lesions with excision and dermatopathologic evaluation. Dose modification is not recommended for new primary cutaneous malignancies. Based on its mechanism of action, BRAFTOVI may promote malignancies associated with activation of RAS through mutation or other mechanisms. Monitor patients receiving BRAFTOVI for signs and symptoms of non-cutaneous malignancies. Discontinue BRAFTOVI for RAS mutation-positive non-cutaneous malignancies. Monitor patients for new malignancies prior to initiation of treatment, while on treatment, and after discontinuation of treatment.

Tumor Promotion in BRAF Wild-Type Tumors: In vitro experiments have demonstrated paradoxical activation of MAP-kinase signaling and increased cell proliferation in BRAF wild-type cells exposed to BRAF inhibitors. Confirm evidence of BRAF V600E or V600K mutation using an FDA-approved test prior to initiating BRAFTOVI.

Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy manifesting as left ventricular dysfunction associated with symptomatic or asymptomatic decreases in ejection fraction, has been reported in patients. In the PHAROS trial, evidence of cardiomyopathy occurred in 11% and Grade 3 left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 1% of patients. Cardiomyopathy resolved in 82% of patients. Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by echocardiogram or multi-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan prior to initiating treatment, 1 month after initiating treatment, and then every 2 to 3 months during treatment. The safety has not been established in patients with a baseline ejection fraction that is either below 50% or below the institutional lower limit of normal (LLN). Patients with cardiovascular risk factors should be monitored closely. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity can occur when MEKTOVI is administered in combination with BRAFTOVI. In the PHAROS trial, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 increases in liver function laboratory tests was 10% for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 9% for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and 3.2% for alkaline phosphatase. Monitor liver laboratory tests before initiation of BRAFTOVI and MEKTOVI, monthly during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Rhabdomyolysis: Rhabdomyolysis can occur when MEKTOVI is administered in combination with BRAFTOVI. In the PHAROS trial, elevation of laboratory values of serum creatine kinase (CK) occurred in 41% of patients. No patient experienced rhabdomyolysis. Monitor CPK and creatinine levels prior to initiating MEKTOVI, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage can occur when BRAFTOVI is administered in combination with MEKTOVI. In the PHAROS trial, hemorrhage occurred in 12% of patients, including fatal intracranial hemorrhage (1%); Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhage occurred in 4.1% of patients. The most frequent hemorrhagic events were anal hemorrhage and hemothorax (2% each). Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): In the PHAROS trial, VTE occurred in 7% of patients, including 1% of patients who developed pulmonary embolism. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Ocular Toxicities: In the PHAROS trial, serous retinopathy (retinal detachment) occurred in 2% of patients with no cases of blindness. Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a known class-related adverse reaction of MEK inhibitors and may occur in patients treated with MEKTOVI in combination with BRAFTOVI. The safety of MEKTOVI has not been established in patients with a history of RVO or current risk factors for RVO including uncontrolled glaucoma or a history of hyperviscosity or hypercoagulability syndromes. Perform ophthalmological evaluation for patient-reported acute vision loss or other visual disturbance within 24 hours. Permanently discontinue MEKTOVI in patients with documented RVO. Uveitis, including iritis and iridocyclitis, was reported in patients treated with MEKTOVI in combination with BRAFTOVI. In PHAROS, uveitis occurred in 1% of patients. Assess for visual symptoms at each visit. Perform an ophthalmological evaluation at regular intervals and for new or worsening visual disturbances, and to follow new or persistent ophthalmologic findings. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

QT Prolongation: BRAFTOVI is associated with dose-dependent QTc interval prolongation in some patients. In the PHAROS trial, an increase in QTcF to >500 ms was measured in 2.1% (2/95) of patients who received BRAFTOVI with MEKTOVI. Monitor patients who already have or who are at significant risk of developing QTc prolongation, including patients with known long QT syndromes, clinically significant bradyarrhythmias, severe or uncontrolled heart failure and those taking other medicinal products associated with QT prolongation. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia prior to and during BRAFTOVI administration. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue for QTc >500 ms.

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): In the PHAROS trial, 1 patient (1%) receiving MEKTOVI with BRAFTOVI developed pneumonitis. Assess new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms or findings for possible ILD. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of adverse reaction.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: BRAFTOVI and MEKTOVI can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. BRAFTOVI can render hormonal contraceptives ineffective. Effective, non-hormonal contraceptives should be used during treatment and for at least 30 days after the final dose for patients taking BRAFTOVI with MEKTOVI.

Risks Associated with BRAFTOVI as a Single Agent: There is an increased risk of certain adverse reactions compared to when BRAFTOVI is used in combination with MEKTOVI. If MEKTOVI is temporarily interrupted or permanently discontinued, reduce the dose of BRAFTOVI as recommended.

Risks Associated with Combination Treatment: BRAFTOVI is indicated for use as part of a regimen in combination with MEKTOVI. Refer to the prescribing information for BRAFTOVI and MEKTOVI for additional risk information.

Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with BRAFTOVI and MEKTOVI and for 2 weeks after the final dose.

Infertility: Advise males of reproductive potential that BRAFTOVI may impair fertility.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥25%, all grades, in the PHAROS trial) for BRAFTOVI with MEKTOVI were: fatigue (61%), nausea (58%), diarrhea (52%), musculoskeletal pain (48%), vomiting (37%), abdominal pain (32%), visual impairment (29%), constipation (27%), dyspnea (27%), rash (27%), and cough (26%).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 38% of patients receiving BRAFTOVI with MEKTOVI. Serious adverse reactions (≥2% of patients in the PHAROS trial) were hemorrhage (6%), diarrhea (4.1%), anemia (3.1%), dyspnea (3.1%), pneumonia (3.1%), arrhythmia (2%), device related infection (2%), edema (2%), myocardial infarction (2%), and pleural effusion (2%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2% of patients, including intracranial hemorrhage (1%) and myocardial infarction (1%).

Other clinically important adverse reactions occurring in <10% of patients who received BRAFTOVI with MEKTOVI in the PHAROS trial were peripheral neuropathy, dysgeusia, facial paresis, pancreatitis, hyperkeratosis, erythema, photosensitivity, and drug hypersensitivity.

In the PHAROS trial, the most common laboratory abnormalities (all grades) (≥20%) for BRAFTOVI and MEKTOVI included increased creatinine (91%), hyperglycemia (48%), anemia (47%), increased creatine kinase (41%), lipase increased (40%), increased ALT (34%), hypoalbuminemia (32%), increased alkaline phosphatase (31%), increased AST (31%), hyperkalemia (31%), hyponatremia (26%), lymphopenia (24%), serum amylase increased (22%), and thrombocytopenia (20%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, including grapefruit juice. If coadministration is unavoidable, reduce the BRAFTOVI dose.

Strong CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with strong CYP3A4 inducers.

Sensitive CYP3A4 substrates: Avoid the coadministration of BRAFTOVI with CYP3A4 substrates (including hormonal contraceptives) for which a decrease in plasma concentration may lead to reduced efficacy of the substrate. If the coadministration cannot be avoided, see the CYP3A4 substrate product labeling for recommendations.

Dose reductions of drugs that are substrates of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or BCRP may be required when used concomitantly with BRAFTOVI.

Avoid coadministration of BRAFTOVI with drugs known to prolong QT/QTc interval.

The information above applies to the safety of the combination of BRAFTOVI and MEKTOVI unless otherwise noted. See full Prescribing Information for BRAFTOVI and for MEKTOVI for dose modifications for adverse reactions.

Please see full Prescribing Information for BRAFTOVI and full Prescribing Information for MEKTOVI for additional information.

(Press release, Pfizer, OCT 19, 2025, View Source [SID1234656808])

On October 19, 2025 Tubulis reported positive early clinical data from its NAPISTAR1-01 Phase I/IIa study (NCT06303505) in a late-breaking oral presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2025 in Berlin, Germany. Principal Investigator, Dr. Antonio González-Martín, Director Medical Oncology Department and Cancer Center Director at Clínica Universidad de Navarra, presented the results of Tubulis’ lead antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), TUB-040, in platinum-resistant high-grade serous ovarian cancer (PROC-HGSOC), with a focus on dose levels 1.67 – 3.3 mg/kg. This is the first clinical data to validate Tubulis’ proprietary Tubutecan technology, establishing clear proof of concept for the company’s most advanced ADC targeting NaPi2b.

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"These positive first-in-human data for TUB-040 represent a momentous milestone for Tubulis, validating our unique ADC design strategy, and offering a potential new treatment option for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer," said Dr. Dominik Schumacher, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Tubulis. "Supported by our recent financing, we are poised to rapidly advance TUB-040 towards pivotal trials and expand its clinical development into earlier stages of disease and additional tumor types. The data also provides a foundation to unlock the full potential of ADCs using our Tubutecan platform, expanding its impact to benefit a significant patient population."

Highlights of Tubulis’ clinical data presented at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2025:

Patient population and baseline characteristics
As of the data cut-off on September 1, 2025, 67 patients (46 patients treated at dose levels of 1.67 – 3.3 mg/kg) with PROC were treated with TUB-040 for a median of 161 days (range 21–462) with 21-day treatment cycles
Median age: 62 years (range 34-81); no patient selection for biomarkers
All patients received a median of 4 prior lines of therapy (range 1-7) including bevacizumab (83.6%), PARP inhibitors (76.1%) and mirvetuximab soravtansine (13.4%)
Efficacy
In the 66 efficacy-evaluable patients who had at least one RECIST response assessment, onset of activity was observed at low doses with efficacy across a wide therapeutic range
Responses occurred early (starting at treatment cycle 2) and deepened over time and were also seen in patients who received prior mirvetuximab soravtansine treatment including when mirvetuximab soravtansine was the most recent line of therapy
Within the 1.67-3.3 mg/kg dose cohorts, an ORR of 59% (range of 50-67%), was achieved with a confirmed ORR of 50%; one complete response (CR) was observed at 2.5 mg/kg.
Treatment is ongoing in 80% of patients within the 1.67 – 3.3 mg/kg cohorts and in 93% of all responding patients from this focus group
The confirmed disease control rate (DCR) at 1.67 – 3.3 mg/kg was 96% and a confirmed DCR of 91% was reached across all cohorts at the data-cut-off with efficacy data in the 3.3 mg/kg group still continuing to mature
81% of patients within the 1.67 – 3.3 mg/kg cohorts exhibited a CA-125 response under treatment determined per GCIG standards. CA-125 is an established, prognostic and predictive tumor marker in ovarian carcinoma
Safety and tolerability
TUB-040 was generally well tolerated across all dose levels with the majority of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) at Grade 1 or 2
There were no fatal TEAE’s across all cohorts and no discontinuations due to adverse events across the 1.67 – 3.3 mg/kg cohorts
No clinically relevant bleeding, pneumonitis, ocular toxicity, stomatitis, or neuropathy were reported, distinguishing TUB-040 from other topoisomerase-I ADCs
Hematologic toxicity was predominately low-grade and manageable at doses of 1.67 – 3.3 mg/kg
Most common ≥Grade 3 TEAEs across 1.67 – 3.3 mg/kg cohorts included: neutropenia (22% ≥G3), anemia (9% ≥G3), thrombocytopenia (4% ≥G3), and nausea (4% ≥G3)
The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined at 4.4 mg/kg
"The interim results demonstrated a highly differentiated clinical profile for TUB-040 in the ADC field, with anti-tumor activity beginning at low doses with a broad therapeutic window that could provide treating physicians with flexibility in dosing. They further validate NaPi2b as a clinically valuable ADC target and confirm that our Tubutecan technology can deliver exatecan for effective tumor targeting with reduced systemic toxicity," said Günter Fingerle-Rowson, MD PhD, Chief Medical Officer of Tubulis. "Our goal now is to accelerate TUB-040’s clinical development to bring this valuable drug to patients as soon as possible."

"Current treatment options for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer are constrained by low response rates, short progression-free survival, and tolerability challenges, underscoring the need for better therapies. The TUB-040 data suggest a significant advance for ADCs, since we are seeing clinical activity without the need for biomarker selection across a range of doses that were well tolerated," added Principal Investigator, Antonio González-Martín, MD PhD.

The ongoing NAPISTAR 1-01 study (NCT06303505) is evaluating TUB-040 in PROC-HGSOC and in adenocarcinoma non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Based on these encouraging results, the company plans to initiate pivotal trials with TUB-040, explore earlier lines of treatment in ovarian cancer, and expand into combination regimens and new solid tumor indications. The first data from the NSCLC cohort will be presented at a future medical conference.

The full abstract will be published in the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2025 Abstract Book, a supplement to the official ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) journal, Annals of Oncology.

About TUB-040 and the Tubutecan Technology

Tubulis’ lead antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) TUB-040 is directed against NaPi2b, an antigen highly overexpressed in ovarian cancer and lung adenocarcinoma. It consists of an IgG1 antibody targeting NaPi2b equipped with Tubulis’ proprietary Tubutecan technology, connecting the Topoisomerase I inhibitor, exatecan, through a cleavable linker system based on the company’s proprietary P5 conjugation technology with a homogeneous DAR of 8. Based on novel chemistry for cysteine-selective conjugation, the technology enables the development of stable, highly targeted ADCs optimized for the on-target delivery of the topoisomerase-1 inhibitor while minimizing systemic toxicity. The candidate is currently being investigated in a multicenter Phase I/IIa study (NAPISTAR1-01, NCT06303505) that aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of TUB-040 as a monotherapy in patients with platinum-resistant high-grade ovarian cancer (PROC) or relapsed/refractory adenocarcinoma non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

(Press release, Tubulis, OCT 19, 2025, View Source [SID1234656807])

On October 19, 2025 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and Astellas Pharma U.S. Inc. (Head of Commercial: Mike Petroutsas, "Astellas") reported final overall survival (OS) results from the Phase 3 EMBARK study evaluating XTANDI (enzalutamide), in combination with leuprolide and as monotherapy, in men with non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC; also known as nonmetastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer or nmCSPC) with biochemical recurrence (BCR) at high risk for metastasis. For the key secondary endpoint of OS, XTANDI plus leuprolide reduced the risk of death by 40.3% compared to leuprolide alone (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.597; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.444-0.804; p=0.0006), making this the first and only androgen receptor inhibitor-based regimen to demonstrate an OS benefit in nmHSPC with high-risk BCR.1 The 8-year overall survival was 78.9% (95% CI, 73.9% to 83.1%) among patients receiving XTANDI plus leuprolide and 69.5% (95% CI, 64.0% to 74.3%) among patients taking leuprolide alone.1 A numerical improvement in OS with XTANDI as monotherapy compared to leuprolide alone (HR: 0.83 [95% CI, 0.63-1.095; p=0.1867) did not reach statistical significance.1 These data are being presented today in an oral presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress in Berlin, Germany and have been simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

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"These results highlight the central role of enzalutamide in extending survival for men with conventional imaging negative HSPC with high-risk BCR," said Stephen J. Freedland, M.D., Director of the Center for Integrated Research in Cancer and Lifestyle at Cedars-Sinai and Associate Director for Training and Education at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute. "These data reinforce the benefits of earlier treatment initiation with enzalutamide."

The median follow up time was 94.2 months for XTANDI in combination with leuprolide, 94 months for leuprolide only, and 93.8 months in the monotherapy XTANDI group.1

The safety profile of XTANDI was consistent with that observed at the primary EMBARK analysis, and no new safety signals were identified. The most common adverse events (occurring in ≥10% of patients) in the XTANDI combination group were hot flashes and fatigue. The most common adverse events in the XTANDI monotherapy group were gynecomastia, hot flashes, and fatigue.1,2

"With up to 90 percent of men with high-risk BCR developing metastatic disease, early intervention with effective therapy is critical,"3 said Johanna Bendell, M.D., Chief Development Officer, Oncology, Pfizer. "The final analysis from EMBARK shows that XTANDI plus leuprolide improved outcomes and extended lives for men facing high-risk BCR after local therapy with curative intent."

Among men who have undergone definitive prostate cancer treatment, including radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy or both, an estimated 20-40% will experience BCR within 10 years.4 About nine out of 10 men with high-risk BCR will develop metastatic disease, and one in three will die as a result of their metastatic prostate cancer.3

"This marks the eighth publication of XTANDI data in The New England Journal of Medicine, further demonstrating XTANDI’s profound impact on clinical outcomes in men with certain types of advanced prostate cancer," said Shontelle Dodson, Executive Vice President, Head of Medical Affairs, Astellas. "These findings reinforce XTANDI’s position as a cornerstone therapy in the proactive management of these patients."

The EMBARK trial primary analysis was previously reported in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2023, demonstrating that the study met its primary endpoint with a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in metastasis-free survival (MFS) for patients treated with XTANDI plus leuprolide versus leuprolide alone (HR: 0.42 [95% CI, 0.30-0.61]; p<0.001). Additionally, MFS for XTANDI monotherapy was superior to treatment with leuprolide alone (HR: 0.63 [95% CI, 0.46-0.87]; p=0.005). Of note, the MFS for XTANDI single agent was a secondary endpoint.2

XTANDI is approved for one or more indications in more than 80 countries, including the United States, European Union, and Japan. Earlier approvals were for castration-resistant prostate cancer and metastatic castration-sensitive (hormone-sensitive) prostate cancer. It was then approved for patients with nmCSPC with BCR at high risk for metastasis in 2023 based on improved metastasis-free survival comparing the combination of enzalutamide with leuprolide vs leuprolide alone, as well as enzalutamide monotherapy vs leuprolide alone.

Descriptive updates of multiple secondary and exploratory endpoints (time to new antineoplastic therapy, time to first symptomatic skeletal events, and time to progression on subsequent therapy) were consistent with the primary analyses announced based on the MFS data cutoff in 2023.1

About EMBARK2

This Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-national trial enrolled 1,068 patients with non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC; also known as non-metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer or nmCSPC) with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR) at sites in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Patients considered to have high-risk BCR disease had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time ≤ 9 months, serum testosterone ≥ 150 ng/dL (5.2 nmol/L), and screening PSA by the central laboratory ≥ 1 ng/mL if they had had a radical prostatectomy (with or without radiotherapy) as primary treatment for prostate cancer or at least 2 ng/mL above the nadir if they had radiotherapy only as primary treatment for prostate cancer. Patients in the EMBARK trial were randomized to receive enzalutamide 160 mg daily plus leuprolide, enzalutamide 160 mg as monotherapy, or leuprolide alone.

The primary results from the EMBARK trial were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2023. The primary endpoint of the trial was metastasis-free survival (MFS) for enzalutamide plus leuprolide versus leuprolide alone. MFS is defined as the duration of time between randomization and the earliest objective evidence of radiographic progression by central imaging or death.

For more information on the EMBARK (NCT02319837) trial go to www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About Non-Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer with High-Risk Biochemical Recurrence

Non-metastatic hormone- (or castration-) sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC or nmCSPC) means there is no detectable evidence of the cancer spreading to distant parts of the body (metastases) with conventional radiological methods (CT/MRI) and the cancer still responds to medical or surgical treatment to lower testosterone levels.5,6 Of men who have undergone definitive prostate cancer treatment, including radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, or both, an estimated 20-40% will experience a biochemical recurrence (BCR) within 10 years.4 About nine out of 10 men with high-risk BCR will develop metastatic disease, and one in three will die as a result of the recurrence.3 The EMBARK trial focused on men with high-risk BCR. Per the EMBARK protocol, patients with nmHSPC with high-risk BCR are those initially treated by radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy, or both, with a PSA doubling time ≤ 9 months. Patients with nmCSPC who experience BCR after local therapy may be at a higher risk of metastases and death if their PSA doubling time is ≤ 9 months.7

About XTANDI (enzalutamide)

XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor. XTANDI is a standard of care and has received regulatory approvals in one or more countries around the world for use in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC) with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR). XTANDI is currently approved for one or more of these indications in more than 80 countries, including in the United States, European Union and Japan. Over 1.5 million patients have been treated with XTANDI globally.8

About XTANDI (enzalutamide) and U.S. Important Safety Information

XTANDI (enzalutamide) is indicated for the treatment of patients with:

castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)
metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC)
nonmetastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer (nmCSPC) with biochemical recurrence at high risk for metastasis (high-risk BCR)
Important Safety Information

Warnings and Precautions

Seizure occurred in 0.6% of patients receiving XTANDI in eight randomized clinical trials. In a study of patients with predisposing factors for seizure, 2.2% of XTANDI-treated patients experienced a seizure. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with XTANDI. Patients in the study had one or more of the following predisposing factors: use of medications that may lower the seizure threshold, history of traumatic brain or head injury, history of cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, and Alzheimer’s disease, meningioma, or leptomeningeal disease from prostate cancer, unexplained loss of consciousness within the last 12 months, history of seizure, presence of a space occupying lesion of the brain, history of arteriovenous malformation, or history of brain infection. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while taking XTANDI and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm to themselves or others. Permanently discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) There have been reports of PRES in patients receiving XTANDI. PRES is a neurological disorder that can present with rapidly evolving symptoms including seizure, headache, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances, with or without associated hypertension. A diagnosis of PRES requires confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI. Discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop PRES.

Hypersensitivity reactions, including edema of the face (0.5%), tongue (0.1%), or lip (0.1%) have been observed with XTANDI in eight randomized clinical trials. Pharyngeal edema has been reported in post-marketing cases. Advise patients who experience any symptoms of hypersensitivity to temporarily discontinue XTANDI and promptly seek medical care. Permanently discontinue XTANDI for serious hypersensitivity reactions.

Ischemic Heart Disease In the combined data of five randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, ischemic heart disease occurred more commonly in patients on the XTANDI arm compared to patients on the placebo arm (3.5% vs 2%). Grade 3-4 ischemic events occurred in 1.8% of patients on XTANDI versus 1.1% on placebo. Ischemic events led to death in 0.4% of patients on XTANDI compared to 0.1% on placebo. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Discontinue XTANDI for Grade 3-4 ischemic heart disease.

Falls and Fractures occurred in patients receiving XTANDI. Evaluate patients for fracture and fall risk. Monitor and manage patients at risk for fractures according to established treatment guidelines and consider use of bone-targeted agents. In the combined data of five randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, falls occurred in 12% of patients treated with XTANDI compared to 6% of patients treated with placebo. Fractures occurred in 13% of patients treated with XTANDI and in 6% of patients treated with placebo.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity The safety and efficacy of XTANDI have not been established in females. XTANDI can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy when administered to a pregnant female. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XTANDI and for 3 months after the last dose of XTANDI.

Dysphagia or Choking Severe dysphagia or choking, including events that could be life-threatening requiring medical intervention or fatal, can occur due to XTANDI product size. Advise patients to take each capsule or tablet whole with a sufficient amount of water to ensure that all medication is successfully swallowed. Consider use of a smaller tablet size of XTANDI in patients who have difficulty swallowing. Discontinue XTANDI for patients who cannot swallow capsules or tablets.

Adverse Reactions (ARs)

In the data from the five randomized placebo-controlled trials, the most common ARs (≥ 10%) that occurred more frequently (≥ 2% over placebo) in XTANDI-treated patients were musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, hot flush, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, hypertension, hemorrhage, fall, fracture, and headache. In the bicalutamide-controlled study, the most common ARs (≥ 10%) reported in XTANDI-treated patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, hot flush, hypertension, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and weight loss.

In EMBARK, the placebo-controlled study of nonmetastatic CSPC (nmCSPC) with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR) patients, Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions during the total duration of treatment were reported in 46% of patients treated with XTANDI plus leuprolide, 50% of patients receiving XTANDI as a single agent, and 43% of patients receiving placebo plus leuprolide. Permanent treatment discontinuation due to adverse reactions during the total duration of treatment as the primary reason was reported in 21% of patients treated with XTANDI plus leuprolide, 18% of patients receiving XTANDI as a single agent, and 10% of patients receiving placebo plus leuprolide.

Lab Abnormalities: Lab abnormalities that occurred in ≥ 5% of patients, and more frequently (> 2%) in the XTANDI arm compared to placebo in the pooled, randomized, placebo-controlled studies are hemoglobin decrease, neutrophil count decreased, white blood cell decreased, hyperglycemia, hypermagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, and hypercalcemia.

Hypertension: In the combined data from five randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials, hypertension was reported in 14.2% of XTANDI patients and 7.4% of placebo patients. Hypertension led to study discontinuation in < 1% of patients in each arm.

Drug Interactions

Effect of Other Drugs on XTANDI Avoid coadministration with strong CYP2C8 inhibitors. If coadministration cannot be avoided, reduce the dosage of XTANDI. Avoid coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the dosage of XTANDI.

Effect of XTANDI on Other Drugs Avoid coadministration with certain CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 substrates for which minimal decrease in concentration may lead to therapeutic failure of the substrate. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the dosage of these substrates in accordance with their Prescribing Information. In cases where active metabolites are formed, there may be increased exposure to the active metabolites.

(Press release, Pfizer, OCT 19, 2025, View Source [SID1234656806])