Results of three investigator-initiated trials on cadonilimab (PD-1/CTLA-4) for G/GEJC, pMMR/MSS mCRC, and HCC neoadjuvant therapy published at ESMO Asia 2023

On December 5, 2023 Akeso (9926.HK) reported results from three investigator-initiated trials (IITs) of its bispecific IO drug, cadonilimab (a PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody), at the 2023 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Asia Congress (ESMO Asia) (Press release, Akeso Biopharma, DEC 5, 2023, View Source [SID1234638176]).

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1. Real-world outcomes of cadonilimab(PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody)plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment in advanced gastric (G) or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer with PD-L1 CPS≤5

This real-world study aimed to investigate the efficacy of cadonilimab in advanced G/GEJ cancer patients with PD-L1 CPS <5 gastric cancer, a population that exhibits poor responses to current immunotherapies (up to 60% of real-world cases), to address a current unmet clinical need.

The objective response rate (ORR) reached 68.2%, the disease control rate (DCR) reached 100%, and the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 7.5 months. Cadonilimab combination therapy demonstrates good safety in real-world settings.

The study findings are consistent with the previously disclosed phase II randomized clinical trial results at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. They further confirm the promising efficacy and safety of cadonilimab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment in advanced G/GEJ cancer patients with PDL1 CPS≤5.

The phase III study of cadonilimab plus chemotherapy as first-line therapy for G/GEJ cancer has achieved its primary endpoint. Akeso is actively engaging in discussions with the Chinese regulatory authorities regarding the marketing application of cadonilimab for this new indication.

The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy has been approved as first-line treatment for advanced HER2-negative G/GEJ cancer. However, its effectiveness has been limited in patients with low PD-L1 expression or PD-L1-negative G/GEJ cancer. In light of relevant studies, cadonilimab has demonstrated encouraging efficacy and safety in advanced G/GEJC, especially among the PD-L1 CPS <5 population, showing remarkable performance. This combination therapy is expected to revolutionize the treatment approach for all-comers with advanced gastric cancer.

This research is led by Professor Xu Qi from Zhejiang Cancer Hospital.

2. A phase II study of cadonilimab + FOLFOXIRI and bevacizumab as initial therapy for unresectable proficient mismatch repair/microsatellite stable (pMMR/MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)

pMMR/MSS CRC, which constitutes approximately 95% of all CRC cases, is recognized as a "cold cancer" in immunotherapy. Traditional chemotherapy has demonstrated restricted efficacy in addressing this condition. Despite efforts to explore immunotherapy as a potential treatment, satisfactory outcomes have not been achieved, and there are currently no globally approved immunotherapeutic agents. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel and more effective treatment options.

Relevant studies have shown that combining CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody with PD-1 monoclonal antibody has demonstrated promising anti-tumor activity in patients with pMMR/MSS mCRC who have undergone multiple lines of therapy. Additionally, numerous clinical trials have revealed that the PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody, cadonilimab, exhibits encouraging anti-tumor efficacy against a wide range of tumors that have limited or no response to immunotherapy, including PD-(L)1 inhibitors.

This phase II clinical study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of combining cadonilimab with FOLFOXIRI and bevacizumab as a first-line therapy for pMMR/MSS mCRC. The study is currently in the enrollment phase. Cadonilimab is currently being evaluated in over 60 clinical studies worldwide, targeting more than 20 types of malignant tumors, including gastric, hepatocellular, lung, cervical, pancreatic, renal, esophageal squamous, colorectal, nasopharyngeal, and pleural mesothelioma. These studies include multiple therapeutic clinical trials for solid tumors that are refractory/recurrent to standard treatments or have no standard treatment.

This IIT is led by Professor Lin Rongbo from Fujian Cancer Hospital.

3. Neoadjuvant cadonilimab (PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody) plus transhepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (haic) with folfox for resectable multinodular cnlc Ib/IIa hepatocellular carcinoma(car_hero)

The recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is high after surgery. However, there are no approved standard-of-care neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapies. This ongoing study preliminarily demonstrated that neoadjuvant cadonilimab plus HAIC shows a promising antitumor activity with manageable safety for HCC.

The disease control rate (DCR) among all treated patients reached 100%. All patients who received two doses of cadonilimab after FOLFOX-HAIC therapy achieved major pathological remission (MPR), indicating that the proportion of tumor-active cells remaining in the tumor bed was less than 50%. Additionally, the size of the tumor necrosis area significantly increased compared to the group receiving FOLFOX-HAIC alone. According to the RECIST1.1 criteria, one-third of patients treated with two doses of cadonilimab in the 1-time FOLFOX-HAIC sequence achieved partial remission (PR), indicating a strong synergistic effect between cadonilimab and FOLFOX-HAIC in promoting tumor necrosis. Cadonilimab showed a favorable safety profile as neoadjuvant therapy for HCC.

The results showed that using 1 FOLFOX-HAIC treatment followed by two doses of cadonilimab treatment regimen demonstrated the potential for enhanced clinical efficacy compared to the clinically used FOLFOX-HAIC regimen. Data disclosure for this study is as of November 26, 2023, and the study is still ongoing.

Akeso is currently conducting a randomized, double-blind, controlled Phase III clinical trial (AK104-306, NCT05489289) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cadonilimab as adjuvant therapy for high-risk hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection. Previous studies presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2023 and Frontiers in Immunology have also demonstrated the promising anti-tumor activity and favorable safety profile of cadonilimab when combined with lenvatinib for the first-line treatment of advanced HCC. Collectively, these clinical studies indicate that cadonilimab exhibits significant potential efficacy across different clinical stages of HCC, potentially reshaping the landscape of HCC immunotherapy.

This IIT is led by Professor Peng Tao, Director of the Hepatobiliary Surgery Department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University. The study results were previously presented at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases’ The Liver Meeting 2023.

About Cadonilimab

Cadonilimab is a first-in-class bispecific antibody that targets both PD-1 and CTLA-4 developed by Akeso. It is a symmetric tetravalent bispecific antibody with a crystallizable fragment (Fc)-null design. In addition to demonstrating biological activity similar to that of the combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 antibodies, cadonilimab possesses higher binding avidity in a high-density PD-1 and CTLA-4 setting than in a low-density PD-1 setting, while a mono-specific anti-PD-1 antibody does not demonstrate this differential activity. With no binding to Fc receptors, cadonilimab shows minimal antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis, and interleukin-6 (IL-6)/IL-8 release. These features all likely contribute to significantly lower toxicities of cadonilimab observed in the clinic. Higher binding avidity of cadonilimab in a tumor-like setting and Fc-null design may lead to better drug retention in tumors and improve safety while achieving anti-tumor efficacy.

The China National Medical Products Administration has approved cadonilimab for recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer. Cadonilimab has been included and recommended in multiple clinical guidelines such as CSCO. Cadonilimab has been engaged in more than 60 ongoing clinical trials including investigator-initiated studies. Phase 3 study of cadonilimab for first-line treatment of gastric cancer has met its endpoint of PFS. A phase 3 study of cadonilimab as an adjuvant treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma is ongoing. Furthermore, a Phase 3 study comparing cadonilimab with chemotherapy to tislelizumab Injection with chemotherapy is underway for the first-line treatment of PD-L1 expression-negative non-small cell lung cancer.

Lilly to Present Final Overall Survival Analysis from the MONARCH 3 Study of Verzenio® (abemaciclib) and Additional Results from Its Breast Cancer Portfolio at the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

On December 5, 2023 Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported results from the MONARCH 3 clinical trial, which will be presented in a late-breaking presentation during the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS). MONARCH 3 evaluated Verzenio (abemaciclib) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) compared to an AI alone as initial endocrine-based therapy for post-menopausal patients with hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer (Press release, Eli Lilly, DEC 5, 2023, View Source [SID1234638175]). At eight years of follow-up, MONARCH 3 showed women taking Verzenio and an AI had a median overall survival (OS) of more than 5.5 years – an increase of 13.1 months compared to the control arm in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (66.8 vs 53.7 months), although statistical significance for the OS outcome was not reached (HR, 0.804; 95% CI, 0.637-1.015; p=0.0664).

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For women with visceral organ metastases, data showed a median OS of more than five years, with an increase in median OS of 14.9 months in the Verzenio arm compared to the control arm (63.7 vs 48.8 months). This included those women whose breast cancer has spread to the liver or lungs. Patients with visceral disease are at an increased risk of disease progression and death compared to metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients without visceral metastases. The OS results for this subpopulation were also not statistically significant (HR, 0.758; 95% CI, 0.558-1.030; p=0.0757).

"At eight years of follow-up, when the natural history of metastatic breast cancer starts to substantially impact patient survival, it is highly encouraging to see abemaciclib combined with AI therapy deliver a meaningful survival difference of 13 months in the ITT population and more than 14 months in women at even higher risk due to visceral disease," said Stephen Johnston M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Breast Cancer Medicine and Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust (London, U.K.) and investigator on the MONARCH 3 trial. "Despite missing statistical significance, these data are clinically relevant and highly consistent with the overall body of evidence for abemaciclib in advanced or metastatic breast cancer."

The median progression free survival (PFS) benefit, the primary endpoint of the MONARCH 3 study, was maintained (29.0 vs 14.8 months; HR, 0.535; 95% CI, 0.429-0.668; nominal p<0.0001), with substantial difference in 6-year PFS rates (23.3% in the Verzenio arm vs 4.3% in the control arm). PFS statistical significance was achieved in an interim analysis in 2017, leading to global regulatory approvals for this indication in 2018. No new safety signals were observed with longer-term use.

"With a median OS of more than 5.5 years in patients treated with Verzenio in this study, these data further support the role of Verzenio in the survival of women with HR+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer," said David Hyman, M.D., chief medical officer, Lilly. "We remain confident in the differentiated profile of Verzenio and we look forward to sharing these results with the clinical community at SABCS and getting their perspective on these data and relevance for clinical practice."

The full results will be shared in a late-breaking presentation on Wednesday, December 6, 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST in General Session 1, Hall 1.

Additional Verzenio data will be presented at SABCS. In early breast cancer (EBC), an oral presentation will provide results from genomic and transcriptomic profiling analyses of archived primary tumor tissue from patients with HR+, HER2-, node-positive, high risk EBC in the monarchE trial and associate it with the study’s ITT clinical outcomes. A poster spotlight discussion will show results from a pilot study exploring ctDNA detection using a tumor-informed assay in the monarchE trial to identify patients at high risk of recurrence. Other planned Verzenio disclosures in both MBC and EBC are listed in the table below.

Imlunestrant (investigational oral SERD)
Updated results from the EMBER study of imlunestrant monotherapy as well as imlunestrant in combination with Verzenio, with or without an AI, in patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+), HER2- advanced breast cancer will be presented in a spotlight poster discussion. With 5.5 months longer follow-up from the last disclosure, imlunestrant plus Verzenio with or without an AI resulted in an ORR of 62% and 32%, respectively, and a clinical benefit rate (CBR) of 79% and 71%, respectively. CBR is the percentage of patients with advanced or metastatic cancer who have achieved complete response, partial response and prolonged stable disease for 24 weeks or more. The most common TEAEs for patients treated with imlunestrant plus Verzenio were diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and neutropenia. No safety signals related to ocular or cardiac toxicity were observed. Side effects from imlunestrant were generally low grade and there were few dose reductions or discontinuations of imlunestrant.

A full list of abstract titles and viewing details are listed below:

Medicine

Abstract Title

Presentation Details

Verzenio (abemaciclib)

MONARCH 3: Final overall survival results of abemaciclib plus a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor as first-line therapy in patients with HR+, HER2- advanced breast cancer

Abstract #: 1643629

Presentation ID: GS01-12

Session Type: Late Breaking Oral

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 6, 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST

Presenter: M Goetz

Verzenio (abemaciclib)

Genomic and transcriptomic profiling of primary tumors from patients with HR+, HER2-, node-positive, high-risk early breast cancer in the monarchE trial

Abstract #: 1569529

Poster ID: GS03-06

Session Type: Oral

Date & Time: Friday, December 8, 9:35 – 9:45 a.m. CST

Presenter: N Turner

Verzenio (abemaciclib)

Results from a pilot study exploring ctDNA detection using a tumor-informed assay in the monarchE trial of adjuvant abemaciclib with endocrine therapy in HR+, HER2-, node-positive, high-risk early breast cancer

Abstract #: 1580352

Poster ID: PS06-01

Session Type: Poster Spotlight Discussion

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 6, 7:00 – 7:04 a.m. CST

Presenter: S Graff

Verzenio (abemaciclib)

Safety profiles of Chinese breast cancer patients who received abemaciclib in MONARCH plus and monarchE study

Abstract #: 1575371

Poster ID: PO1-13-01

Session Type: Poster Session 1

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 6, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. CST

Presenter: Z Jiang

Verzenio (abemaciclib)

Real-world clinical outcomes in US patients with brain metastases secondary to HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer treated with abemaciclib

Abstract #: 1577336

Poster ID: PO1-17-01

Session Type: Poster Session 1

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 6, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. CST

Presenter: W Mwangi

Verzenio (abemacliclib)

Circulating tumor DNA mutation landscape in HR+/HER2− patients with mBC treated with cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors in the SCRUM-Japan MONSTAR-SCREEN study

Abstract #: 1549969

Poster ID: PO1-13-02

Session Type: Poster Session 1

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 6, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. CST

Presenter: M Hattori

Imlunestrant

Imlunestrant monotherapy and in combination with abemaciclib, with or without an aromatase inhibitor, in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), HER2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer (aBC): updated results from the EMBER study

Abstract #: 1545518

Poster ID: PS15-09

Session Type: Poster Spotlight Discussion

Date & Time: Thursday, December 7, 6:12 – 6:16 p.m. CST

Presenter: KL Jhaveri

About the MONARCH 3 Study
MONARCH 3 was a Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Verzenio in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) (anastrozole or letrozole), as initial endocrine-based therapy for postmenopausal women with HR+, HER2- advanced (locoregionally recurrent or metastatic) breast cancer who have had no prior systemic treatment for advanced disease. If neoadjuvant/adjuvant endocrine therapy was administered, a disease-free interval of more than 12 months since completion of endocrine therapy was required. A total of 493 patients were randomized 2:1 to receive 150 mg of Verzenio or placebo orally twice a day, without interruption, given in combination with either 1 mg of anastrozole or 2.5 mg of letrozole once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint of the study was progression-free survival (PFS) and secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DoR), and safety. OS is the only alpha-controlled secondary outcome measure, and this analysis is split among two populations (intent-to-treat [ITT] and the subgroup with visceral disease).

About Metastatic Breast Cancer
Advanced breast cancer includes metastatic breast cancer, meaning cancer that has spread from the breast tissue to other parts of the body, and locally or regionally advanced breast cancer, meaning the cancer has grown outside the organ where it started but has not yet spread to other parts of the body.1 Of all early-stage breast cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S., approximately 30% will become metastatic2 and an estimated 6-10% of all new breast cancer cases are initially diagnosed as being metastatic.3 Survival is lower among women with a more advanced stage of disease at diagnosis: five-year relative survival is 99% for localized disease, 86% for regional disease, and 30% for metastatic disease.4 Other factors, such as tumor size, also impact five-year survival estimates.4

About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, according to GLOBOCAN. The estimated 2.3 million new cases indicate that 1 in every 8 cancers diagnosed in 2020 is breast cancer. With approximately 685,000 deaths in 2020, breast cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer death worldwide.5 In the U.S., it is estimated that there will be more than 300,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in 2023. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the U.S.6

About Verzenio (abemaciclib)
Verzenio (abemaciclib) is approved to treat people with certain HR+, HER2- breast cancers in the adjuvant and advanced or metastatic setting. Verzenio is the first and only CDK4/6 inhibitor approved to treat node-positive, high risk early breast cancer (EBC) patients.7 For HR+, HER2- breast cancer, The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends consideration of two years of abemaciclib (Verzenio) added to endocrine therapy as a Category 1 treatment option in the adjuvant setting.8 NCCN also includes Verzenio plus endocrine therapy as a preferred treatment option for HR+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer.8

The collective results of Lilly’s clinical development program continue to differentiate Verzenio as a CDK4/6 inhibitor. In HR+, HER2-, high risk EBC, Verzenio has shown a persistent and deepening benefit beyond the two-year treatment period in the monarchE trial, the only adjuvant study designed to investigate a CDK4/6 inhibitor specifically in a node-positive, high risk EBC population.9 In HR+, HER2-, metastatic breast cancer, Verzenio has demonstrated statistically significant overall survival in the Phase 3 MONARCH 2 study.10 Verzenio has shown a consistent and generally manageable safety profile across clinical trials. In addition to breast cancer, Lilly is studying Verzenio in different forms of difficult-to-treat prostate cancer.

Verzenio is an oral tablet taken twice daily and available in strengths of 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg. Discovered and developed by Lilly researchers, Verzenio was first approved in 2017 and is currently authorized for use in more than 90 counties around the world. For full details on indicated uses of Verzenio in HR+, HER2- breast cancer, please see full Prescribing Information, available at www.Verzenio.com.

INDICATIONS FOR VERZENIO
VERZENIO is a kinase inhibitor indicated:

in combination with endocrine therapy (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, node-positive, early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence.
in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy.
as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy and prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR VERZENIO (abemaciclib)
Severe diarrhea associated with dehydration and infection occurred in patients treated with Verzenio. Across four clinical trials in 3691 patients, diarrhea occurred in 81 to 90% of patients who received Verzenio. Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 8 to 20% of patients receiving Verzenio. Most patients experienced diarrhea during the first month of Verzenio treatment. The median time to onset of the first diarrhea event ranged from 6 to 8 days; and the median duration of Grade 2 and Grade 3 diarrhea ranged from 6 to 11 days and 5 to 8 days, respectively. Across trials, 19 to 26% of patients with diarrhea required a Verzenio dose interruption and 13 to 23% required a dose reduction.

Instruct patients to start antidiarrheal therapy, such as loperamide, at the first sign of loose stools, increase oral fluids, and notify their healthcare provider for further instructions and appropriate follow-up. For Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea, or diarrhea that requires hospitalization, discontinue Verzenio until toxicity resolves to ≤Grade 1, and then resume Verzenio at the next lower dose.

Neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia and fatal neutropenic sepsis, occurred in patients treated with Verzenio. Across four clinical trials in 3691 patients, neutropenia occurred in 37 to 46% of patients receiving Verzenio. A Grade ≥3 decrease in neutrophil count (based on laboratory findings) occurred in 19 to 32% of patients receiving Verzenio. Across trials, the median time to first episode of Grade ≥3 neutropenia ranged from 29 to 33 days, and the median duration of Grade ≥3 neutropenia ranged from 11 to 16 days. Febrile neutropenia has been reported in <1% of patients exposed to Verzenio across trials. Two deaths due to neutropenic sepsis were observed in MONARCH 2. Inform patients to promptly report any episodes of fever to their healthcare provider.

Monitor complete blood counts prior to the start of Verzenio therapy, every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, monthly for the next 2 months, and as clinically indicated. Dose interruption, dose reduction, or delay in starting treatment cycles is recommended for patients who develop Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia.

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pneumonitis can occur in patients treated with Verzenio and other CDK4/6 inhibitors. In Verzenio-treated patients in EBC (monarchE), 3% of patients experienced ILD or pneumonitis of any grade: 0.4% were Grade 3 or 4 and there was one fatality (0.1%). In Verzenio-treated patients in MBC (MONARCH 1, MONARCH 2, MONARCH 3), 3.3% of Verzenio-treated patients had ILD or pneumonitis of any grade: 0.6% had Grade 3 or 4, and 0.4% had fatal outcomes. Additional cases of ILD or pneumonitis have been observed in the postmarketing setting, with fatalities reported.

Monitor patients for pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD or pneumonitis. Symptoms may include hypoxia, cough, dyspnea, or interstitial infiltrates on radiologic exams. Infectious, neoplastic, and other causes for such symptoms should be excluded by means of appropriate investigations. Dose interruption or dose reduction is recommended in patients who develop persistent or recurrent Grade 2 ILD or pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue Verzenio in all patients with Grade 3 or 4 ILD or pneumonitis.

Grade ≥3 increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (2 to 6%) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (2 to 3%) were reported in patients receiving Verzenio. Across three clinical trials in 3559 patients (monarchE, MONARCH 2, MONARCH 3), the median time to onset of Grade ≥3 ALT increases ranged from 57 to 87 days and the median time to resolution to Grade <3 was 13 to 14 days. The median time to onset of Grade ≥3 AST increases ranged from 71 to 185 days and the median time to resolution to Grade <3 ranged from 11 to 15 days.

Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) prior to the start of Verzenio therapy, every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, monthly for the next 2 months, and as clinically indicated. Dose interruption, dose reduction, dose discontinuation, or delay in starting treatment cycles is recommended for patients who develop persistent or recurrent Grade 2, or any Grade 3 or 4 hepatic transaminase elevation.

Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) were reported in 2 to 5% of patients across three clinical trials in 3559 patients treated with Verzenio (monarchE, MONARCH 2, MONARCH 3). VTE included deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pelvic venous thrombosis, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, subclavian and axillary vein thrombosis, and inferior vena cava thrombosis. In clinical trials, deaths due to VTE have been reported in patients treated with Verzenio.

Verzenio has not been studied in patients with early breast cancer who had a history of VTE. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and treat as medically appropriate. Dose interruption is recommended for EBC patients with any grade VTE and for MBC patients with a Grade 3 or 4 VTE.

Verzenio can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, based on findings from animal studies and the mechanism of action. In animal reproduction studies, administration of abemaciclib to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis caused teratogenicity and decreased fetal weight at maternal exposures that were similar to the human clinical exposure based on area under the curve (AUC) at the maximum recommended human dose. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Verzenio and for 3 weeks after the last dose. Based on findings in animals, Verzenio may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential. There are no data on the presence of Verzenio in human milk or its effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Advise lactating women not to breastfeed during Verzenio treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants.

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥10%) observed in monarchE for Verzenio plus tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor vs tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor, with a difference between arms of ≥2%, were diarrhea (84% vs 9%), infections (51% vs 39%), neutropenia (46% vs 6%), fatigue (41% vs 18%), leukopenia (38% vs 7%), nausea (30% vs 9%), anemia (24% vs 4%), headache (20% vs 15%), vomiting (18% vs 4.6%), stomatitis (14% vs 5%), lymphopenia (14% vs 3%), thrombocytopenia (13% vs 2%), decreased appetite (12% vs 2.4%), ALT increased (12% vs 6%), AST increased (12% vs 5%), dizziness (11% vs 7%), rash (11% vs 4.5%), and alopecia (11% vs 2.7 %).

The most frequently reported ≥5% Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction that occurred in the Verzenio arm vs the tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor arm of monarchE were neutropenia (19.6% vs 1%), leukopenia (11% vs <1%), diarrhea (8% vs 0.2%), and lymphopenia (5% vs <1%).

Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for monarchE in ≥10% for Verzenio plus tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor with a difference between arms of ≥2% were increased serum creatinine (99% vs 91%; .5% vs <.1%), decreased white blood cells (89% vs 28%; 19.1% vs 1.1%), decreased neutrophil count (84% vs 23%; 18.7% vs 1.9%), anemia (68% vs 17%; 1% vs .1%), decreased lymphocyte count (59% vs 24%; 13.2 % vs 2.5%), decreased platelet count (37% vs 10%; .9% vs .2%), increased ALT (37% vs 24%; 2.6% vs 1.2%), increased AST (31% vs 18%; 1.6% vs .9%), and hypokalemia (11% vs 3.8%; 1.3% vs 0.2%).

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥10%) observed in MONARCH 3 for Verzenio plus anastrozole or letrozole vs anastrozole or letrozole, with a difference between arms of ≥2%, were diarrhea (81% vs 30%), fatigue (40% vs 32%), neutropenia (41% vs 2%), infections (39% vs 29%), nausea (39% vs 20%), abdominal pain (29% vs 12%), vomiting (28% vs 12%), anemia (28% vs 5%), alopecia (27% vs 11%), decreased appetite (24% vs 9%), leukopenia (21% vs 2%), creatinine increased (19% vs 4%), constipation (16% vs 12%), ALT increased (16% vs 7%), AST increased (15% vs 7%), rash (14% vs 5%), pruritus (13% vs 9%), cough (13% vs 9%), dyspnea (12% vs 6%), dizziness (11% vs 9%), weight decreased (10% vs 3.1%), influenza-like illness (10% vs 8%), and thrombocytopenia (10% vs 2%).

The most frequently reported ≥5% Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions that occurred in the Verzenio arm vs the placebo arm of MONARCH 3 were neutropenia (22% vs 1%), diarrhea (9% vs 1.2%), leukopenia (7% vs <1%)), increased ALT (6% vs 2%), and anemia (6% vs 1%).

Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for MONARCH 3 in ≥10% for Verzenio plus anastrozole or letrozole with a difference between arms of ≥2% were increased serum creatinine (98% vs 84%; 2.2% vs 0%), decreased white blood cells (82% vs 27%; 13% vs 0.6%), anemia (82% vs 28%; 1.6% vs 0%), decreased neutrophil count (80% vs 21%; 21.9% vs 2.6%), decreased lymphocyte count (53% vs 26%; 7.6% vs 1.9%), decreased platelet count (36% vs 12%; 1.9% vs 0.6%), increased ALT (48% vs 25%; 6.6% vs 1.9%), and increased AST (37% vs 23%; 3.8% vs 0.6%).

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥10%) observed in MONARCH 2 for Verzenio plus fulvestrant vs fulvestrant, with a difference between arms of ≥2%, were diarrhea (86% vs 25%), neutropenia (46% vs 4%), fatigue (46% vs 32%), nausea (45% vs 23%), infections (43% vs 25%), abdominal pain (35% vs 16%), anemia (29% vs 4%), leukopenia (28% vs 2%), decreased appetite (27% vs 12%), vomiting (26% vs 10%), headache (20% vs 15%), dysgeusia (18% vs 2.7%), thrombocytopenia (16% vs 3%), alopecia (16% vs 1.8%), stomatitis (15% vs 10%), ALT increased (13% vs 5%), pruritus (13% vs 6%), cough (13% vs 11%), dizziness (12% vs 6%), AST increased (12% vs 7%), peripheral edema (12% vs 7%), creatinine increased (12% vs <1%), rash (11% vs 4.5%), pyrexia (11% vs 6%), and weight decreased (10% vs 2.2%).

The most frequently reported ≥5% Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions that occurred in the Verzenio arm vs the placebo arm of MONARCH 2 were neutropenia (25% vs 1%), diarrhea (13% vs 0.4%), leukopenia (9% vs 0%), anemia (7% vs 1%), and infections (5.7% vs 3.5%).

Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for MONARCH 2 in ≥10% for Verzenio plus fulvestrant with a difference between arms of ≥2% were increased serum creatinine (98% vs 74%; 1.2% vs 0%), decreased white blood cells (90% vs 33%; 23.7% vs .9%), decreased neutrophil count (87% vs 30%; 32.5% vs 4.2%), anemia (84% vs 34%; 2.6% vs .5%), decreased lymphocyte count (63% vs 32%; 12.2% vs 1.8%), decreased platelet count (53% vs 15%; 2.1% vs 0%), increased ALT (41% vs 32%; 4.6% vs 1.4%), and increased AST (37% vs 25%; 3.9% vs 4.2%).

The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥10%) observed in MONARCH 1 with Verzenio were diarrhea (90%), fatigue (65%), nausea (64%), decreased appetite (45%), abdominal pain (39%), neutropenia (37%), vomiting (35%), infections (31%), anemia (25%), thrombocytopenia (20%), headache (20%), cough (19%), constipation (17%), leukopenia (17%), arthralgia (15%), dry mouth (14%), weight decreased (14%), stomatitis (14%), creatinine increased (13%), alopecia (12%), dysgeusia (12%), pyrexia (11%), dizziness (11%), and dehydration (10%).

The most frequently reported ≥5% Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions from MONARCH 1 with Verzenio were diarrhea (20%), neutropenia (24%), fatigue (13%), and leukopenia (5%).

Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for MONARCH 1 with Verzenio were increased serum creatinine (99%; .8%), decreased white blood cells (91%; 28%), decreased neutrophil count (88%; 26.6%), anemia (69%; 0%), decreased lymphocyte count (42%; 13.8%), decreased platelet count (41%; 2.3%), increased ALT (31%; 3.1%), and increased AST (30%; 3.8%).

Strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors increased the exposure of abemaciclib plus its active metabolites to a clinically meaningful extent and may lead to increased toxicity. Avoid concomitant use of ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is predicted to increase the AUC of abemaciclib by up to 16-fold. In patients with recommended starting doses of 200 mg twice daily or 150 mg twice daily, reduce the Verzenio dose to 100 mg twice daily with concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors other than ketoconazole. In patients who have had a dose reduction to 100 mg twice daily due to adverse reactions, further reduce the Verzenio dose to 50 mg twice daily with concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors. If a patient taking Verzenio discontinues a strong CYP3A inhibitor, increase the Verzenio dose (after 3 to 5 half-lives of the inhibitor) to the dose that was used before starting the inhibitor. With concomitant use of moderate CYP3A inhibitors, monitor for adverse reactions and consider reducing the Verzenio dose in 50 mg decrements. Patients should avoid grapefruit products.

Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A inducers and consider alternative agents. Coadministration of strong or moderate CYP3A inducers decreased the plasma concentrations of abemaciclib plus its active metabolites and may lead to reduced activity.

With severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C), reduce the Verzenio dosing frequency to once daily. The pharmacokinetics of Verzenio in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min), end stage renal disease, or in patients on dialysis is unknown. No dosage adjustments are necessary in patients with mild or moderate hepatic (Child-Pugh A or B) and/or renal impairment (CLcr ≥30-89 mL/min).

Please see full Prescribing Information and Patient Information for Verzenio.

AL HCP ISI 12OCT2021

About the EMBER Study
This global, first-in-human, open-label Phase 1a/b trial evaluates imlunestrant alone or in combination with other anticancer therapies in participants with ER+ advanced breast cancer or endometrioid endometrial cancer. The trial includes a Phase 1a dose escalation phase and a Phase 1b dose expansion phase. The Phase 1a dose escalation enrolls patients with ER+, HER2- advanced breast cancer who have received up to three prior treatment regimens and ER+ EEC who have progressed after prior platinum-based therapy. The dose escalation phase followed an i3+3 design with imlunestrant administered orally in 28-day cycles. As dose cohorts were cleared, additional patient enrollment to cleared dose levels was permitted. The primary objective of the Phase 1a portion is to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose. Secondary objectives include assessments of safety, pharmacokinetics, and anti-tumor activity (objective response rate [ORR] and clinical benefit rate [CBR], as assessed per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST v1.1]).

About Imlunestrant
Imlunestrant (LY3484356) is an investigational, next-generation oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) with pure antagonistic properties. The estrogen receptor (ER) is the key therapeutic target for patients with ER+/HER2- breast cancer. Novel degraders of ER may overcome endocrine therapy resistance while providing consistent oral pharmacology and convenience of administration. Imlunestrant was specifically designed to deliver continuous estrogen receptor target inhibition throughout the dosing period and regardless of ESR1 mutational status. Imlunestrant is currently being studied in several clinical studies.

Servier Data at ASH 2023 Furthers Leadership in Hard-to-Treat Hematologic Malignancies

On December 5, 2023 Servier, a leader in oncology committed to bringing the promise of tomorrow to the patients we serve, reported that it will present data in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego from December 9-12, 2023 (Press release, Servier, DEC 5, 2023, View Source [SID1234638174]). The latest data underscores Servier’s commitment to advancing scientific research, including gaining a more robust understanding of real-world treatment patterns for patients with difficult and hard-to-treat cancers.

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"ASH is a tremendous opportunity to connect with the broader hematologic community and share scientific advances with the power to improve the treatment landscape for patients in need of innovation," said David K. Lee, CEO, Servier Pharmaceuticals. "On the heels of our recent FDA approval for TIBSOVO (ivosidenib tablets) in relapsed/refractory IDH1-mutated myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), the fifth FDA approval for Tibsovo across hematology and solid tumors, our data at this year’s ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) continue to add to Servier’s leadership in mutant IDH inhibition, including additional evidence for Tibsovo + azacitidine as the standard of care for newly diagnosed IDH1-mutated AML in adults 75 years or older, or who have comorbidities that preclude use of intensive induction chemotherapy."

Servier data being presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) are listed below and are available online on the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) website here.

A large retrospective study comparing two first-line combination regimens for newly diagnosed patients with IDH1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (mIDH1 AML), ineligible for intensive chemotherapy, to gain insight into real-world treatment patterns, effectiveness and safety
A global longitudinal study of patients with AML, with or without mIDH1 disease, who received first-line intensive chemotherapy to gain insight into treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in the real-world setting
An analysis of the Phase 3 AGILE study in patients with newly diagnosed AML, who are not eligible for intensive induction chemotherapy, using next-generation sequencing to determine measurable residual disease (MRD), a negative prognostic marker, among patients who had a best overall response to treatment in the study
A retrospective study in adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, to gain real-world insight into treatment approaches for this population across diverse cancer care settings
"As we continue to advance our clinical development programs across hematology, we are simultaneously focused on generating real-world evidence data that can help the entire treatment community gather the broadest picture possible to identify the best individualized treatment options," said Becky Martin, PhD, Chief of Medical, Servier Pharmaceuticals. "Looking to the future, improving patient outcomes is going to be a collaborative effort across industry, academia and the community. Servier is proud to serve as a bridge across these stakeholders in our goal of improving patient outcomes."

Among Servier data being presented is real-world evidence comparing Tibsovo in combination with hypomethylating agents (HMA) versus venetoclax in combination with hypomethylating agents in patients with newly diagnosed AML (intensive chemotherapy induction ineligible – ICIE ) and a susceptible IDH1 mutation. In the analysis, Tibsovo+HMA elicited a higher complete response (CR) rate versus venetoclax+HMA at 42.9% vs. 26.7% (p=0.007). 6-month event-free survival also favored Tibsovo+HMA at 56.0% vs. 39.6% (p=0.044), as well as 11.5% of patients on Tibsovo+HMA achieving bridge to transplant versus 5.0% on a venetoclax+HMA regimen (p=0.066). The full analysis will be presented on Monday, December 11 at 5:30 p.m. PST.

Additional data being presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) includes molecular measurable residual disease (MRD) in ICIE patients with newly diagnosed mIDH1 AML treated with Tibsovo+azacitidine, further bolstering the clinical profile of Tibsovo in the front-line setting, as well as real-world analyses examining treatment patterns in both ALL and AML.

Abstract #971 (Oral): A Comparison of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Regimens: Hypomethylating Agents Combined with Ivosidenib or Venetoclax in Newly Diagnosed Patients with IDH1 Mutations: A Real-World Evidence Study
Date & Time: Monday, December 11, 5:30 p.m.
Lead Author: B. Douglas Smith, M.D., Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins

Abstract #3816 (Poster): Real-World Treatment Patterns and Clinical Outcomes in Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia with and without mIDH1 Treated with Intensive Chemotherapy from an International Real-World Database (REAL-IDH)
Date & Time: Sunday, December 10, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Lead Author: Joshua F. Zeidner, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Abstract #4305 (Poster): Molecular Measurable Residual Disease in Patients with Newly Diagnosed mIDH1 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treated with Ivosidenib + Azacitidine
Date & Time: Monday, December 11, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Lead Author: Courtney DiNardo, M.D., MSc, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston

Abstract #3704 (Poster): Patterns of Care Among Adolescents and Young Adults Treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Retrospective Study Across Diverse US Practices
Date & Time: Sunday, December 10, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Lead Author: Julie Wolfson, M.D., MSHS, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Dragonfly Therapeutics Initiates Phase 1/1b Study of its IL-2 Immunotherapy in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

On December 5, 2023 Dragonfly Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapies, reported it recently dosed its first patient in a Phase 1/1b study of the Company’s proprietary IL-2 investigational immunotherapy, DF6215, developed for patients with advanced solid tumors (Press release, Dragonfly Therapeutics, DEC 5, 2023, View Source [SID1234638173]). DF6215 is the second in a pipeline of cytokines Dragonfly is developing to address the high unmet need in patients with advanced cancer and other diseases.

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"DF6215’s therapeutic potential is particularly compelling," said Dr. Benedito A. Carneiro, MD, MS, Associate Director of the Hematology/Oncology Division, Director of the Phase I program at the Lifespan Cancer Institute, and Co-Leader of the Cancer Therapeutics Program at the Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University. "Dragonfly’s IL-2 preclinical package shows strong anti-tumor activity in cold and hot tumor models and a favorable therapeutic window in cyno, with no signs of Vascular Leak Syndrome or Cytokine Release Syndrome – which we believe powerfully differentiates DF6215 from historic IL-2 drug candidates."

"Dragonfly’s pre-clinical data package on IL-2 is very promising, and we are eager to demonstrate its effects in cancer patients," said Dr. Joseph Eid, President of Research and Development at Dragonfly. "DF6215 is functionally differentiated from other IL-2s, retaining alpha activity, with an expanded therapeutic window compared to other IL-2s, giving DF6215 the potential to stimulate effective anti-tumor activity in patients who are not currently eligible for or adequately responding to current therapies."

DF6215 is the seventh Dragonfly-developed and fourth Dragonfly-owned drug, in the clinic.

"Initiating clinical trials with our second cytokine and the seventh Dragonfly-developed drug candidate underscores the pace with which our team is advancing the development of important new treatment options for patients with cancer and autoimmune disease, as well as the the breadth of Dragonfly’s portfolio of innovative therapeutics," said Bill Haney, CEO and Dragonfly co-founder.

Dragonfly’s DF6215 Phase 1/1b clinical trial is a first-in-human, multi-part, open-label study to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, biological, and clinical activity of DF6215 in patients with advanced (unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic) solid tumors. DF6215-001 is currently recruiting at multiple sites in the U.S., with sites in additional regions scheduled to open in 2024.

Additional information about the trial, including eligibility criteria, can be found at: View Source (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06108479).

Kazia Therapeutics Announces Closing of $2 Million Registered Direct Offering

On December 5, 2023 Kazia Therapeutics Limited (NASDAQ: KZIA) ("Kazia" or the "Company"), an oncology-focused drug development company, reported the closing of its previously announced purchase and sale of up to an aggregate of 4,444,445 of the Company’s American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") (or ADS equivalents in lieu thereof), each ADS representing ten (10) ordinary shares of the Company, at a purchase price of $0.45 per ADS (or ADS equivalent in lieu thereof), in a registered direct offering (Press release, Kazia Therapeutics, DEC 5, 2023, View Source [SID1234638172]). The Company also issued in a concurrent private placement unregistered warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 4,444,445 ADSs. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.583 per ADS, are immediately exercisable upon issuance, and will expire five and one-half years from the date of issuance.

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H.C. Wainwright & Co. acted as the exclusive placement agent for the offering.

The gross proceeds to the Company from the offering were approximately $2 million, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering as working capital for general corporate purposes.

The securities described above (excluding the warrants and ADSs underlying the warrants) were offered and sold by the Company in a registered direct offering pursuant to a "shelf" registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-259224) that was originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on September 1, 2021, and declared effective on September 8, 2021. The offering of such securities in the registered direct offering was made only by means of a prospectus supplement that forms a part of the effective registration statement. A final prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus relating to the registered direct offering were filed with the SEC and are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may also be obtained from H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, by phone at (212) 856-5711 or e-mail at [email protected].

The unregistered warrants described above were offered in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and Regulation D promulgated thereunder and, along with the ADSs representing ordinary shares underlying such warrants, have not been registered under the Act, or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the warrants and the underlying ADSs may not be reoffered or resold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Act and such applicable state securities laws.