RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw) plus standard of care approved in the U.S. as first and only targeted regimen to cut risk of disease progression by more than half in second-line EGFR-mutated advanced lung cancer

On September 19, 2024 Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved RYBREVANT (amivantamab-vmjw) in combination with standard of care chemotherapy (carboplatin and pemetrexed) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions (ex19del) or L858R substitution mutations, whose disease has progressed on or after treatment with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, SEP 19, 2024, View Source [SID1234646752]).

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"RYBREVANT plus chemotherapy may address the most common mechanisms of treatment resistance to third generation EGFR TKIs, such as osimertinib, in the first line," said Martin Dietrich*, M.D., Ph.D., Oncologist, Cancer Care Centers of Brevard. "This multitargeted combination extended progression-free survival and improved overall response compared to chemotherapy alone, offering an important and effective new second-line option for patients."

The five-year survival rate is less than 20 percent for all people with advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC.2,3 Acquired resistance mechanisms after TKI monotherapy are diverse and polyclonal, making targeted therapy at progression more difficult, thus limiting the efficacy of targeted therapies at progression.4,5 Adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy has also failed to demonstrate clinically meaningful improvements.6,7

"The progression-free survival benefits seen in the MARIPOSA-2 study are exciting," said Andrea Ferris**, President and CEO, LUNGevity Foundation. "It is good to see new therapeutic options like the combination of RYBREVANT and chemotherapy helping to address unmet needs impacting individuals with EGFR-mutated lung cancer, with the potential for positive change, which gives hope to more patients and their families."

The FDA approval is based on results from the Phase 3 MARIPOSA-2 (NCT04988295) study evaluating the efficacy and safety of RYBREVANT in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR ex19del or L858R substitution mutations after disease progression on or after osimertinib.1 Results showed RYBREVANT plus chemotherapy reduced the risk of disease progression or death (progression-free survival [PFS]) by 52 percent vs. chemotherapy alone, the study’s primary endpoint.1 The median PFS for patients receiving RYBREVANT plus chemotherapy was 6.3 months, compared to 4.2 months for chemotherapy alone.1 Additionally, RYBREVANT plus chemotherapy showed a confirmed overall response rate (ORR) of 53 percent compared to 29 percent with chemotherapy alone.1

Amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT) in combination with chemotherapy is the only National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) Category 1 treatment option for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC progressing on osimertinib who are symptomatic with multiple lesions.8 †‡

"This milestone reinforces RYBREVANT as an important treatment option for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC who continue to face high unmet needs after disease progression on or after TKI therapy," said Kiran Patel, M.D., Vice President, Clinical Development, Solid Tumors, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "Patients need and deserve effective, targeted approaches across all lines of therapy. With RYBREVANT-based regimens, we are bringing potential new standards of care to the nearly 30,000 patients diagnosed with EGFR-mutated NSCLC in the United States each year."

The safety profile of RYBREVANT in combination with chemotherapy was consistent with the established profiles of the individual treatments. Permanent discontinuation of RYBREVANT due to adverse reactions occurred in 11 percent of patients.1

MARIPOSA-2 Publications & Presentations
Results from MARIPOSA-2 were first presented in a Presidential Symposium at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2023 Congress (Abstract #LBA15) and simultaneously published in the Annals of Oncology.9

Regulatory Milestones
This approval marks the third new indication for RYBREVANT this year, following the August 20, 2024, U.S. FDA approval announcement of RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE (lazertinib) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or L858R substitution mutations, based on the Phase 3 MARIPOSA study, and the March 1, 2024, U.S. FDA approval announcement of RYBREVANT in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin-pemetrexed) for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, based on the Phase 3 PAPILLON study.1

On June 17, 2024, Johnson & Johnson also announced the submission of a Biologics License Application to the U.S. FDA for a fixed combination of amivantamab and recombinant human hyaluronidase for subcutaneous administration (SC amivantamab) for all currently approved or submitted indications of intravenous (IV) RYBREVANT. This application is based on the Phase 3 PALOMA-3 study, with preliminary results which showed a five-fold reduction in infusion-related reactions (IRR) with a five-minute administration of SC amivantamab.10 Longer overall survival (OS), PFS and duration of response (DOR) were also observed with SC amivantamab.10 On August 14, 2024, the U.S. FDA designated this application for Priority Review.

About the MARIPOSA-2 Study

MARIPOSA-2 (NCT04988295), which enrolled 657 patients, is a randomized, open-label Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of two combination regimens of RYBREVANT (with and without LAZCLUZE) and chemotherapy.11 Patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR ex19del or L858R substitution NSCLC who had disease progression on or after treatment with osimertinib were randomized to treatment with RYBREVANT plus chemotherapy, RYBREVANT plus chemotherapy with LAZCLUZE or chemotherapy alone.11 The dual primary endpoint was used to compare the PFS (using RECIST v1.1 guidelines§) as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) for each experimental arm to chemotherapy alone.11 Secondary endpoints included objective response as assessed by BICR, OS, DOR, time to subsequent therapy, PFS2 and intracranial PFS.11

About RYBREVANT

RYBREVANT (amivantamab-vmjw), a fully-human bispecific antibody targeting EGFR and MET with immune cell-directing activity, is approved in the U.S., Europe, and in other markets around the world as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.1 In the subcutaneous formulation, amivantamab is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), Halozyme’s ENHANZE drug delivery technology.

RYBREVANT is approved in the U.S., Europe, and in other markets around the world in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin and pemetrexed) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test.

RYBREVANT is approved in the U.S. in combination with LAZCLUZE (lazertinib) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or L858R substitution mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test. A marketing authorization application (MAA) and type II extension of indication application were submitted to the EMA seeking approval of LAZCLUZE in combination with RYBREVANT based on the MARIPOSA study.

In November 2023, Johnson & Johnson submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the U.S. FDA for RYBREVANT in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC who progressed on or after osimertinib based on the MARIPOSA-2 study. This indication was approved in Europe in August 2024.

In June 2024, Johnson & Johnson submitted a BLA to the U.S. FDA for the subcutaneous formulation of RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE for all currently approved or submitted indications of IV RYBREVANT in certain patients with NSCLC. In August 2024, the U.S. FDA designated this application for Priority Review.

The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for NSCLC¶ prefer next-generation sequencing–based strategies over polymerase chain reaction–based approaches for the detection of EGFR exon 20 insertion variants. The NCCN Guidelines include:

Amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT) plus lazertinib (LAZCLUZE) as a Category 1 recommendation for first-line therapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations.8 †‡
Amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT) plus chemotherapy as a Category 1 recommendation for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations who experienced disease progression after treatment with osimertinib.8 †‡
Amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT) plus carboplatin and pemetrexed as a Category 1 recommendation for first-line therapy in treatment-naive patients with newly diagnosed advanced or metastatic EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation-positive advanced NSCLC, or as a Category 2A recommendation for patients that have progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy and have EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation-positive advanced NSCLC.8 †‡
Amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT) as a Category 2A recommendation for patients that have progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy with or without an immunotherapy and have EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation-positive NSCLC.8 †‡
In addition to MARIPOSA-2, RYBREVANT is being studied in multiple clinical trials in NSCLC, including:

The Phase 3 MARIPOSA (NCT04487080) study assessing RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE versus osimertinib and versus LAZCLUZE alone in the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR ex19del or substitution mutations.12
The Phase 3 PAPILLON (NCT04538664) study assessing RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin-pemetrexed versus chemotherapy alone in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations.13
The Phase 3 PALOMA-3 (NCT05388669) study assessing LAZCLUZE with subcutaneous amivantamab compared to intravenous amivantamab in patients with EGFR-mutated advanced or metastatic NSCLC.10
The Phase 1 CHRYSALIS (NCT02609776) study evaluating RYBREVANT in patients with advanced NSCLC.14
The Phase 1/1b CHRYSALIS-2 (NCT04077463) study evaluating RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE and LAZCLUZE as a monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutations.15
The Phase 1 PALOMA (NCT04606381) study assessing the feasibility of subcutaneous administration of amivantamab based on safety and pharmacokinetics and to determine a dose, dose regimen and formulation for amivantamab subcutaneous delivery.16
The Phase 2 PALOMA-2 (NCT05498428) study assessing subcutaneous amivantamab in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors including EGFR-mutated NSCLC.17
The Phase 1/2 METalmark (NCT05488314) study assessing RYBREVANT and capmatinib combination therapy in locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC.18
The Phase 1/2 PolyDamas (NCT05908734) study assessing RYBREVANT and cetrelimab combination therapy in locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC.19
The Phase 2 SKIPPirr study (NCT05663866) exploring how to decrease the incidence and/or severity of first-dose infusion-related reactions with RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE in relapsed or refractory EGFR-mutated advanced or metastatic NSCLC.20
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Access to RYBREVANT

J&J offers comprehensive access and support information and resources to assist patients in gaining access to RYBREVANT. Our patient support program, J&J withMe, is available to provide personalized support to help patients start and stay on their J&J medicines. J&J withMe offers providers help supporting their patients by verifying patients’ insurance coverage, providing information on Prior Authorization and Appeals processes and educating on reimbursement processes. Patients can connect to RYBREVANT withMe to receive cost support, regardless of insurance type, free, personalized one-on-one support from a Care Navigator, and resources and community connections. Learn more at RYBREVANTwithMe.com or by calling 833-JNJ-wMe1 (833-565-9631).♠

About Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Worldwide, lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, with NSCLC making up 80 to 85 percent of all lung cancer cases.21,22 The main subtypes of NSCLC are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma.23 Among the most common driver mutations in NSCLC are alterations in EGFR, which is a receptor tyrosine kinase controlling cell growth and division.24 EGFR mutations are present in 10 to 15 percent of Western patients with NSCLC with adenocarcinoma histology and occur in 40 to 50 percent of Asian patients.23,24,25,26,27,28 EGFR ex19del or EGFR L858R mutations are the most common EGFR mutations.29 The five-year survival rate for all people with advanced NSCLC and EGFR mutations treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is less than 20 percent.2,3 EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations are the third most prevalent activating EGFR mutation.30 Patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations have a real-world five-year OS of eight percent in the frontline setting, which is worse than patients with EGFR ex19del or L858R mutations, who have a real-world five-year OS of 19 percent.31

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION1

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Infusion-Related Reactions

RYBREVANT can cause infusion-related reactions (IRR); signs and symptoms of IRR include dyspnea, flushing, fever, chills, nausea, chest discomfort, hypotension, and vomiting. The median time to IRR onset is approximately 1 hour.

RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE

RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE can cause infusion-related reactions. In MARIPOSA (n=421), IRRs occurred in 63% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, including Grade 3 in 5% and Grade 4 in 1% of patients. The incidence of infusion modifications due to IRR was 54% of patients, and IRRs leading to dose reduction of RYBREVANT occurred in 0.7% of patients. Infusion-related reactions leading to permanent discontinuation of RYBREVANT occurred in 4.5% of patients receiving RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE.

RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

Based on the pooled safety population (n=281), IRR occurred in 50% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, including Grade 3 (3.2%) adverse reactions. The incidence of infusion modifications due to IRR was 46%, and 2.8% of patients permanently discontinued RYBREVANT due to IRR.

RYBREVANT as a Single Agent

In CHRYSALIS (n=302), IRR occurred in 66% of patients treated with RYBREVANT. Among patients receiving treatment on Week 1 Day 1, 65% experienced an IRR, while the incidence of IRR was 3.4% with the Day 2 infusion, 0.4% with the Week 2 infusion, and cumulatively 1.1% with subsequent infusions. Of the reported IRRs, 97% were Grade 1-2, 2.2% were Grade 3, and 0.4% were Grade 4. The median time to onset was 1 hour (range 0.1 to 18 hours) after start of infusion. The incidence of infusion modifications due to IRR was 62% and 1.3% of patients permanently discontinued RYBREVANT due to IRR.

Premedicate with antihistamines, antipyretics, and glucocorticoids and infuse RYBREVANT as recommended. Administer RYBREVANT via a peripheral line on Week 1 and Week 2 to reduce the risk of infusion-related reactions. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion reactions during RYBREVANT infusion in a setting where cardiopulmonary resuscitation medication and equipment are available. Interrupt infusion if IRR is suspected. Reduce the infusion rate or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT based on severity.

Interstitial Lung Disease/Pneumonitis

RYBREVANT can cause severe and fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis.

RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE

In MARIPOSA, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, including Grade 3 in 1.0% and Grade 4 in 0.2% of patients. There was one fatal case (0.2%) of ILD/pneumonitis and 2.9% of patients permanently discontinued RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE due to ILD/pneumonitis.

RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

Based on the pooled safety population, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 2.1% treated with RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed with 1.8% of patients experiencing Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis. 2.1% discontinued RYBREVANT due to ILD/pneumonitis.

RYBREVANT as a Single Agent

In CHRYSALIS, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.3% of patients treated with RYBREVANT, with 0.7% of patients experiencing Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis. Three patients (1%) permanently discontinued RYBREVANT due to ILD/pneumonitis.

Monitor patients for new or worsening symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis (e.g., dyspnea, cough, fever). For patients receiving RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, immediately withhold both drugs in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed. For patients receiving RYBREVANT as a single agent or in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, immediately withhold RYBREVANT in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed.

Venous Thromboembolic (VTE) Events with Concomitant Use of RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE

RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE can cause serious and fatal venous thromboembolic (VTE) events, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The majority of these events occurred during the first four months of therapy.

In MARIPOSA, VTEs occurred in 36% of patients receiving RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, including Grade 3 in 10% and Grade 4 in 0.5% of patients. On-study VTEs occurred in 1.2% of patients (n=5) while receiving anticoagulation therapy. There were two fatal cases of VTE (0.5%), 9% of patients had VTE leading to dose interruptions of RYBREVANT, and 7% of patients had VTE leading to dose interruptions of LAZCLUZE; 1% of patients had VTE leading to dose reductions of RYBREVANT, and 0.5% of patients had VTE leading to dose reductions of LAZCLUZE; 3.1% of patients had VTE leading to permanent discontinuation of RYBREVANT, and 1.9% of patients had VTE leading to permanent discontinuation of LAZCLUZE. The median time to onset of VTEs was 84 days (range: 6 to 777).

Administer prophylactic anticoagulation for the first four months of treatment. The use of Vitamin K antagonists is not recommended. Monitor for signs and symptoms of VTE events and treat as medically appropriate.

Withhold RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE based on severity. Once anticoagulant treatment has been initiated, resume RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE at the same dose level at the discretion of the healthcare provider. In the event of VTE recurrence despite therapeutic anticoagulation, permanently discontinue RYBREVANT and continue treatment with LAZCLUZE at the same dose level at the discretion of the healthcare provider.

Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

RYBREVANT can cause severe rash including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), dermatitis acneiform, pruritus, and dry skin.

RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE

In MARIPOSA, rash occurred in 86% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, including Grade 3 in 26% of patients. The median time to onset of rash was 14 days (range: 1 to 556 days). Rash leading to dose interruptions occurred in 37% of patients for RYBREVANT and 30% for LAZCLUZE, rash leading to dose reductions occurred in 23% of patients for RYBREVANT and 19% for LAZCLUZE, and rash leading to permanent discontinuation occurred in 5% of patients for RYBREVANT and 1.7% for LAZCLUZE.

RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

Based on the pooled safety population, rash occurred in 82% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, including Grade 3 (15%) adverse reactions. Rash leading to dose reductions occurred in 14% of patients, and 2.5% permanently discontinued RYBREVANT and 3.1% discontinued pemetrexed.

RYBREVANT as a Single Agent

In CHRYSALIS, rash occurred in 74% of patients treated with RYBREVANT as a single agent, including Grade 3 rash in 3.3% of patients. The median time to onset of rash was 14 days (range: 1 to 276 days). Rash leading to dose reduction occurred in 5% of patients, and RYBREVANT was permanently discontinued due to rash in 0.7% of patients.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis occurred in one patient (0.3%) treated with RYBREVANT as a single agent.

Instruct patients to limit sun exposure during and for 2 months after treatment with RYBREVANT or LAZCLUZE in combination with RYBREVANT. Advise patients to wear protective clothing and use broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen. Alcohol-free (e.g., isopropanol-free, ethanol-free) emollient cream is recommended for dry skin.

When initiating RYBREVANT treatment with or without LAZCLUZE, administer alcohol-free emollient cream to reduce the risk of dermatologic adverse reactions. Consider prophylactic measures (e.g. use of oral antibiotics) to reduce the risk of dermatologic reactions. If skin reactions develop, start topical corticosteroids and topical and/or oral antibiotics. For Grade 3 reactions, add oral steroids and consider dermatologic consultation. Promptly refer patients presenting with severe rash, atypical appearance or distribution, or lack of improvement within 2 weeks to a dermatologist. For patients receiving RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue both drugs based on severity. For patients receiving RYBREVANT as a single agent or in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, withhold, dose reduce or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT based on severity.

Ocular Toxicity

RYBREVANT can cause ocular toxicity including keratitis, blepharitis, dry eye symptoms, conjunctival redness, blurred vision, visual impairment, ocular itching, eye pruritus, and uveitis.

RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE

In MARIPOSA, ocular toxicity occurred in 16% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, including Grade 3 or 4 ocular toxicity in 0.7% of patients. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT and continue LAZCLUZE based on severity.

RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

Based on the pooled safety population, ocular toxicity occurred in 16% of patients treated with RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed. All events were Grade 1 or 2.

RYBREVANT as a Single Agent

In CHRYSALIS, keratitis occurred in 0.7% and uveitis occurred in 0.3% of patients treated with RYBREVANT. All events were Grade 1-2.

Promptly refer patients with new or worsening eye symptoms to an ophthalmologist. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT based on severity.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal models, RYBREVANT and LAZCLUZE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus.

Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of RYBREVANT.

Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LAZCLUZE and for 3 weeks after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LAZCLUZE and for 3 weeks after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions

RYBREVANT with LAZCLUZE

For the 421 patients in the MARIPOSA clinical trial who received RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were rash (86%), nail toxicity (71%), infusion-related reactions (RYBREVANT, 63%), musculoskeletal pain (47%), stomatitis (43%), edema (43%), VTE (36%), paresthesia (35%), fatigue (32%), diarrhea (31%), constipation (29%), COVID-19 (26%), hemorrhage (25%), dry skin (25%), decreased appetite (24%), pruritus (24%), nausea (21%), and ocular toxicity (16%). The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased albumin (8%), decreased sodium (7%), increased ALT (7%), decreased potassium (5%), decreased hemoglobin (3.8%), increased AST (3.8%), increased GGT (2.6%), and increased magnesium (2.6%).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients who received RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE. Serious adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% of patients included VTE (11%), pneumonia (4%), ILD/pneumonitis and rash (2.9% each), COVID-19 (2.4%), and pleural effusion and infusion-related reaction (RYBREVANT) (2.1% each). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 7% of patients who received RYBREVANT in combination with LAZCLUZE due to death not otherwise specified (1.2%); sepsis and respiratory failure (1% each); pneumonia, myocardial infarction, and sudden death (0.7% each); cerebral infarction, pulmonary embolism (PE), and COVID-19 infection (0.5% each); and ILD/pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and cardiopulmonary arrest (0.2% each).

RYBREVANT with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

For the 130 patients in the MARIPOSA-2 clinical trial who received RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were rash (72%), infusion-related reactions (59%), fatigue (51%), nail toxicity (45%), nausea (45%), constipation (39%), edema (36%), stomatitis (35%), decreased appetite (31%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), vomiting (25%), and COVID-19 (21%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased neutrophils (49%), decreased white blood cells (42%), decreased lymphocytes (28%), decreased platelets (17%), decreased hemoglobin (12%), decreased potassium (11%), decreased sodium (11%), increased alanine aminotransferase (3.9%), decreased albumin (3.8%), and increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (3.1%).

In MARIPOSA-2, serious adverse reactions occurred in 32% of patients who received RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed. Serious adverse reactions in >2% of patients included dyspnea (3.1%), thrombocytopenia (3.1%), sepsis (2.3%), and pulmonary embolism (2.3%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2.3% of patients who received RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed; these included respiratory failure, sepsis, and ventricular fibrillation (0.8% each).

For the 151 patients in the PAPILLON clinical trial who received RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were rash (90%), nail toxicity (62%), stomatitis (43%), infusion-related reaction (42%), fatigue (42%), edema (40%), constipation (40%), decreased appetite (36%), nausea (36%), COVID-19 (24%), diarrhea (21%), and vomiting (21%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased albumin (7%), increased alanine aminotransferase (4%), increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (4%), decreased sodium (7%), decreased potassium (11%), decreased magnesium (2%), and decreases in white blood cells (17%), hemoglobin (11%), neutrophils (36%), platelets (10%), and lymphocytes (11%).

In PAPILLON, serious adverse reactions occurred in 37% of patients who received RYBREVANT in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients included rash, pneumonia, ILD, pulmonary embolism, vomiting, and COVID-19. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 7 patients (4.6%) due to pneumonia, cerebrovascular accident, cardio-respiratory arrest, COVID-19, sepsis, and death not otherwise specified.

RYBREVANT as a Single Agent

For the 129 patients in the CHRYSALIS clinical trial who received RYBREVANT as a single agent, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were rash (84%), IRR (64%), paronychia (50%), musculoskeletal pain (47%), dyspnea (37%), nausea (36%), fatigue (33%), edema (27%), stomatitis (26%), cough (25%), constipation (23%), and vomiting (22%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased lymphocytes (8%), decreased albumin (8%), decreased phosphate (8%), decreased potassium (6%), increased alkaline phosphatase (4.8%), increased glucose (4%), increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (4%), and decreased sodium (4%).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 30% of patients who received RYBREVANT. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients included pulmonary embolism, pneumonitis/ILD, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, pneumonia, and muscular weakness. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2 patients (1.5%) due to pneumonia and 1 patient (0.8%) due to sudden death.

LAZCLUZE Drug Interactions

Avoid concomitant use of LAZCLUZE with strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers. Consider an alternate concomitant medication with no potential to induce CYP3A4.

Monitor for adverse reactions associated with a CYP3A4 or BCRP substrate where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious adverse reactions, as recommended in the approved product labeling for the CYP3A4 or BCRP substrate.

FDA FAST TRACK DESIGNATION FOR NARMAFOTINIB IN ADVANCED PANCREATIC CANCER

On September 19, 2024 Amplia Therapeutics Limited (ASX: ATX), ("Amplia" or the "Company"), reported that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track Designation to Amplia’s Focal Adhesion Kinase inhibitor, narmafotinib, for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer (Press release, Amplia Therapeutics, SEP 19, 2024, View Source [SID1234646751]).

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Fast Track Designation is available to drugs that may provide an advantage over current therapies in the treatment of serious conditions. It is designed to speed the development of these drugs to enable patients to receive them sooner. This Designation will grant the Company access to more frequent meetings, and written communication, with the FDA. In future, narmafotinib may be eligible for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review. The Company has previously received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for narmafotinib in pancreatic cancer.

The Company’s CEO and Managing Director, Dr Chris Burns, commented, "Fast Track Designation for narmafotinib is a significant milestone for the Company. With this designation, we can work more closely with the FDA to accelerate our clinical program and gather the most compelling evidence for regulatory approval in this devastating disease."

Amplia’s clinical trial in advanced pancreatic cancer, the ACCENT trial, is ongoing in Australia and South Korea. Earlier this year, the Company announced that the US FDA had cleared its IND1 application for a trial of narmafotinib in pancreatic cancer in the US. This trial is in advanced planning stages.

This ASX announcement was approved and authorised for release by the Board of Amplia Therapeutics.

About Narmafotinib

Narmafotinib (AMP945) is the company’s best-in-class inhibitor of the protein FAK, a protein overexpressed in pancreatic and other cancers, and a drug target gaining increasing attention for its role in solid tumours. The drug, which is a highly potent and selective inhibitor of FAK, has shown promising data in a range of preclinical cancer studies. The drug has successfully completed a healthy volunteer study and is currently in an open-label Phase 2a trial in pancreatic cancer where a combination of narmafotinib and the chemotherapies gemcitabine and Abraxane is being assessed for safety, tolerability and efficacy.

Rezolute Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On September 19, 2024 Rezolute, Inc. (Nasdaq: RZLT) ("Rezolute" or the "Company"), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing transformative therapies for rare diseases with serious unmet needs, reported financial results and provided a business update for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 (Press release, Rezolute, SEP 19, 2024, View Source [SID1234646750]).

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"We are thrilled to close out the year with FDA alignment to advance ersodetug in two Phase 3 rare disease programs for the treatment of hypoglycemia resulting from congenital and acquired forms of hyperinsulinism," said Nevan Elam, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Rezolute. "The Phase 3 sunRIZE study remains on track for ex-U.S. participant enrollment and we expect U.S. enrollment to begin in the first part of 2025. We look forward to progressing both Phase 3 studies and remain excited at the prospect of ersodetug as a best-in-class treatment for hyperinsulinism based on the success we’ve seen to date."

Recent Pipeline Progress and Anticipated Milestones

Congenital HI

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removal of partial clinical holds on ersodetug, a potential treatment for hypoglycemia caused by congenital HI, and authorization of U.S. inclusion in the ongoing Phase 3 sunRIZE study.
Commencing study start-up activities in the U.S. with the goal of including U.S. participants in early 2025.
Ex-U.S. patient enrollment in sunRIZE is on track.
Topline results from sunRIZE expected in the second half of 2025.
Tumor HI

FDA clearance of Investigational New Drug (IND) application for Phase 3 registrational study for ersodetug for the treatment of hypoglycemia caused by tumor HI.
Start-up activities are ongoing for the study, which will be primarily conducted in the U.S., with patient enrollment anticipated to begin in the first half of 2025.
Topline results expected in the second half of 2026.
Several insulinoma patients have been treated with ersodetug in the Expanded Access Program (EAP).
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

Announced positive topline results in May of 2024 from the Phase 2 proof-of-concept study of RZ402 in patients with DME.
The study met primary endpoints, demonstrating good safety and tolerability, and a significant reduction in central subfield thickness (CST) in the Study Eye at all RZ402 dose levels compared to placebo (up to approximately 50 micron improvement).
We are actively engaged in conversations with potential partners to take RZ402 into further development.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2024 Financial Results

Cash, cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities were $127.1 million as of June 30, 2024, compared with $118.4 million as of June 30, 2023.

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $19.1 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, compared with $10.9 million for the same period a year ago. Full fiscal year 2024 R&D expenses were $55.7 million, compared to $43.8 million in fiscal year 2023. The increase from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2024 was primarily due to (i) increased expenditures in clinical trial activities, (ii) manufacturing costs for ersodetug, (iii) milestone payments due to license agreement partners, and (iv) higher employee-related expenses, which included employee compensation and stock-based compensation.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses were $4.0 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, compared with $3.3 million for the same period a year ago. Full fiscal year 2023 G&A expenses were $14.7 million, compared to $12.2 million in fiscal year 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to employee-related expenses due to increased headcount and professional fees.

Net loss was $23.0 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 compared with a net loss of $12.7 million for the same period a year ago. Full year fiscal 2024 net loss was $68.5 million compared to net loss of $51.8 million for the fiscal year 2023.

About Ersodetug

Ersodetug is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to a unique allosteric site on insulin receptors to counteract the effects of insulin receptor over-activation by insulin and related substances (such as IGF-2), thereby improving hypoglycemia in the setting of hyperinsulinism (HI). Because ersodetug acts downstream from the pancreas, it has the potential to be universally effective at treating hypoglycemia due to any form of HI.

About sunRIZE

The Phase 3 sunRIZE study is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel arm study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ersodetug in patients with congenital HI who are experiencing poorly controlled hypoglycemia. Participants between the ages of 3 months to 45 years old are eligible to participate. The study is enrolling up to 56 participants in more than a dozen countries around the world.

MEI Pharma Reports Fiscal Year End 2024 Cash Position

On September 19, 2024 MEI Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: MEIP) (the "Company") reported results for its fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 (Press release, MEI Pharma, SEP 19, 2024, View Source [SID1234646749]).

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Previously on July 22, 2024, the Company announced the commencement of an evaluation of strategic alternatives with the goal of maximizing the value of its assets for its stockholders. Subsequent to that date, the Company announced the engagement of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. to serve as the Company’s exclusive financial adviser to assist in the review and evaluation of that process. As part of the review of strategic alternatives, the Company will consider options such as out-licensing opportunities for existing programs and merger and acquisition opportunities.

To best preserve the Company’s existing cash, the Company commenced a reduction-in-force on August 1, 2024, which will continue in stages as the Company’s operational and strategic direction evolves. Additionally, while the Company has discontinued the clinical development of voruciclib, certain non-clinical activities related to the Company’s drug candidates continue to be conducted.

There can be no assurance the exploration of strategic alternatives will result in any agreements or transactions, or, if completed, any agreements or transactions will be successful or on attractive terms. The Company does not expect to disclose developments with respect to this process unless or until the evaluation of strategic alternatives has been completed or the Board of Directors has concluded disclosure is appropriate or legally required.

As of June 30, 2024, MEI had $38.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments with no outstanding debt.

Oncolytics Biotech® Reports Favorable Results for BRACELET-1 Breast Cancer Study Reinforcing Path to Funding of a Registration-Enabling Study

On September 19, 2024 Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), a leading clinical-stage company specializing in immunotherapy for oncology, reported positive clinical results from BRACELET-1, its randomized Phase 2 study evaluating pelareorep in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer (Press release, Oncolytics Biotech, SEP 19, 2024, View Source [SID1234646747]).

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Final BRACELET-1 Results

Final BRACELET-1 efficacy data were collected and analyzed two years after the last patient was enrolled as specified by the protocol. Results of the final BRACELET-1 analysis show that the median OS was not reached in the pelareorep + paclitaxel arm, as more than half of the patients in that arm remained alive at study end. In contrast, median OS for the paclitaxel monotherapy arm was 18.2 months, and the hazard ratio was 0.48 for pelareorep + paclitaxel vs. the paclitaxel monotherapy. Had study follow-up continued beyond two years, and patients survived only until the next planned visit (in four months), the median OS for patients in the pelareorep + paclitaxel arm would be 32.1 months. In accordance with these results, the two-year survival rate for patients in the pelareorep + paclitaxel arm was 64% compared to 33% for paclitaxel monotherapy patients. Additionally, the final median progression-free survival (PFS) for BRACELET-1 was 12.1 months in the pelareorep + paclitaxel arm vs. 6.4 months in the paclitaxel monotherapy arm, representing a 5.7-month benefit with a hazard ratio of 0.39.

Confirmed overall response rate (ORR) was 37.5% for pelareorep + paclitaxel and 13.3% for paclitaxel. As previously reported, ORRs at week 16 (the trial’s primary endpoint) in the pelareorep + paclitaxel and paclitaxel monotherapy cohorts were 31% and 20%, respectively.

"The fact that the median overall survival was not reached because more than half the patients were still alive at the end of the study is a remarkable achievement for us," said Wayne Pisano, Interim CEO and Chair of Oncolytics’ Board of Directors. "It shows just how promising pelareorep treatment can be for extending the lives of breast cancer patients. This is further exemplified by the near doubling of the 2-year survival rate for patients who received pelareorep combination therapy."

Thomas Heineman, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at Oncolytics, commented, "The overall survival and final progression-free survival results from the BRACELET-1 final analysis exceeded our expectations. In addition, our translational data strongly suggest that the OS benefit was linked to pelareorep’s immunologic activity. Taken together, the BRACELET-1 results provide compelling support for the potential of pelareorep-based combination therapy to benefit patients with advanced or metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer. Moreover, these results substantiate the statistically significant near doubling of median overall survival observed in the earlier randomized IND-213 study in a similar patient population treated with pelareorep + chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone. Having recently discussed with the FDA key design elements for our next breast cancer study, in combination with the strong survival data from the BRACELET-1 and IND-213 studies, we are confident in our plan to conduct a registration-enabling study to assess pelareorep-based combination therapy in patients with advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer."

Professor Martine J. Piccart, M.D., Ph.D. Université Libre de Bruxelles commented, "While there has been progress in the treatment of advanced and metastatic breast cancer, an unmet medical need remains. With the encouraging results of BRACELET-1 and the prior positive results of the IND-213 study, pelareorep should continue to be developed and evaluated in the clinical setting."

Final BRACELET-1 Results:

Paclitaxel (PTX) Monotherapy (n=15) PTX + Pelareorep (n=16)
PTX + Pelareorep + Avelumab (n=17) 2
Confirmed ORR Over Course of Trial 2 (13.3%) 6 (37.5%) 3 (17.6%)
Median PFS (months)
6.4
(95% CI: 3.7, NR)
12.1
(95% CI: 6.6, 15.9)
6.4
(95% CI: 4.0, 7.5)
PFS Hazard Ratio vs. PTX Monotherapy -
0.39
(95% CI: 0.12, 1.24)
1.43
(95% CI: 0.49, 4.12)
Median OS (months) 18.2 Not Reached 21.7
Estimate: 32.11
OS Hazard Ratio vs. PTX Monotherapy -
0.48
(95% CI: 0.17, 1.35)
1.08
(95% CI: 0.45, 2.57)
24-month OS Rate 33% 64% 39%
Notes:
1This estimate assumes patients survived only until the next per protocol follow-up in 4 months. Had the patients survived only one day past their final follow-up visits, the estimated median OS would be 28.7 months.
2The positive clinical effects observed in the pelareorep + paclitaxel arm were not observed in the study group that received avelumab. The activation of cytotoxic T cells by pelareorep, critical for its anti-tumor effect, was suppressed by the addition of avelumab. This likely resulted from avelumab’s ability to bind Fc receptors, leading to the elimination of pelareorep-induced immune responses through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and other mechanisms.
3The three BRACELET-1 study groups were well balanced for key attributes that could affect response to therapy, including performance status, presence of visceral disease, and post-progression therapy.

Christophe Degois, VP of Business Development for Oncolytics commented, "With the evolving breast cancer treatment paradigm and the introduction of antibody-drug conjugate therapies, pelareorep has the potential to provide an important alternative for patients considering chemotherapy as their next treatment option. Upon thorough analysis of the HR+/HER2- metastatic breast treatment cancer landscape, we believe that pelareorep could have a substantial impact on around 55,000 patients in the US, representing a significant commercial opportunity."

About BRACELET-1
The BRACELET-1 (BReast cAnCEr with the Oncolytic Reovirus PeLareorEp in CombinaTion with anti-PD-L1 and Paclitaxel) study is an open-label, phase 2, randomized study in patients with HR+/HER2-, endocrine-refractory metastatic breast cancer. The study randomized 45 patients 1:1:1 into three cohorts. A three-patient safety run-in was also conducted with patients receiving pelareorep, paclitaxel, and avelumab prior to randomization. The three cohorts are treated as follows:

•Cohort 1: paclitaxel

•Cohort 2: paclitaxel + pelareorep

•Cohort 3: paclitaxel + pelareorep + avelumab (Bavencio)

Patients in cohort 1 receive paclitaxel on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Patients in cohort 2 receive the same paclitaxel regimen as cohort 1, plus pelareorep on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 of the 28-day cycle. Patients in cohort 3 receive the same combination and dosing regimen as cohort 2, plus avelumab on days 3 and 17 of the 28-day cycle. The primary endpoint of the study is overall response rate at week 16. Exploratory endpoints include progression-free survival, peripheral and tumor T cell clonality, inflammatory markers, and safety and tolerability assessments.