Merus Receives FDA extension of PDUFA for zenocutuzumab

On November 5, 2024 Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) (Merus, the Company, we, or our), a clinical-stage oncology company developing innovative, full-length multispecific antibodies (Biclonics and Triclonics), reported that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date for zenocutuzumab (Zeno) Biologics License Application (BLA) currently under priority review (Press release, Merus, NOV 5, 2024, View Source [SID1234647750]).

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The US FDA has extended the PDUFA goal date to February 4, 2025 to enable sufficient time to review information recently submitted by the Company in response to a CMC information request. No additional clinical data have been requested.

Merus believes that obtaining a commercialization partnership agreement is an important step in bringing Zeno to patients with NRG1+ cancer, if approved.

Kite to Highlight Industry-Leading CAR T-Cell Therapy Portfolio at ASH 2024, Including Positive Survival Outcomes in Both Clinical Trials and the Real-World

On November 5, 2024 Kite, a Gilead Company (Nasdaq: GILD), reported that it will share 18 presentations, including six oral presentations, demonstrating the strength of its CAR T-cell therapy portfolio across a spectrum of blood cancers during the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition (December 7-10) (Press release, Gilead Sciences, NOV 5, 2024, View Source [SID1234647749]).

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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"Our data underscore our commitment to helping people with blood cancers live longer and demonstrate the benefit of CAR T-cell therapy as a mainstay of blood cancer treatment," said Dominique Tonelli, M.D., VP, Global Head of Medical Affairs, Kite. "Notably for this year, along with our partner Arcellx, we are excited to share clinically meaningful data from the Phase 1 study and the iMMagine-1 Phase 2 registrational study of anito-cel for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma."

Anito-cel Data from Partner, Arcellx

Key presentations for anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel) include data from the Phase 1 study that demonstrate a 30.2-month median progression-free survival (PFS) with a median follow-up of 38.1 months and the median overall survival not yet reached; and preliminary results from 58 patients in the Phase 2 iMMagine-1 study that demonstrate a 95% objective response rate (ORR) and a 62% complete response / stringent complete response (CR/sCR) at a median follow-up of 10.3 months. Additional patients with a more recent data cut for the Phase 2 iMMagine-1 study will be presented in an oral presentation.

Both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 iMMagine-1 studies highlight durable responses in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma (MM) and show no delayed neurotoxicities have been observed to date, including no parkinsonism, no cranial nerve palsies, and no Guillain Barre syndrome.

Positive Survival Outcomes with Yescarta and Tecartus

Key presentations for Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) include a five-year follow-up analysis from ZUMA-5 evaluating response rate and long-term survival in patients with R/R indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL), including follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. Additionally, Yescarta is the only treatment to have demonstrated superior overall survival versus standard therapy for patients with early R/R large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), and this continues to be seen in the largest real-world analysis of patients with R/R LBCL who received second-line Yescarta. Additional research will focus on improvements in Yescarta manufacturing for patients with R/R LBCL.

Key presentations for Tecartus (brexucabtagene autoleucel) include five-year outcomes from ZUMA-2 cohorts 1 and 2 and a primary analysis of ZUMA-2 cohort 3, both highlighting durable responses in adult patients with R/R mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and showing that Tecartus continues to deliver unprecedented efficacy in R/R MCL three years after its approval. Also to be presented are real-world outcomes in adults with R/R B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) treated with Tecartus, highlighting the CAR T-cell therapy’s high effectiveness in a broader R/R B-ALL patient population.

Advancements in Kite’s pipeline will also be highlighted, including data presented on Kite’s next generation CAR T-cell therapy KITE-753, an autologous anti-CD19/CD20 CAR T-cell therapy for the treatment of B-cell malignancies.

Kite is also collaborating with independent investigators and respected institutions including The Lymphoma Study Association, Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to share additional insights on Kite’s CAR T-cell therapies.

Dates and times* for accepted abstracts and presentations of note are as follows:

*Times listed are in PT

Oral Presentations

Abstract Details

Titles

Axicabtagene ciloleucel

Abstract #526

Sunday, December 8, 2024

10:15 AM

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Pacific Ballroom Salons 24-26

Real-World Early Outcomes of Second-Line Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-Cel) Therapy in Patients (Pts) With Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Large B-Cell Lymphoma (LBCL)

Abstract #527

Sunday, December 8, 2024

10:30 AM

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Pacific Ballroom Salons 24-26

Real-world Trends of Cytokine Release Syndrome and Neurologic Events, and Pattern of Their Management among Patients Receiving Axicabtagene Ciloleucel for Relapsed or Refractory (r/r) Large B-cell Lymphoma (LBCL) in the US: a CIBMTR Report

Abstract #609

Sunday, December 8, 2024

12:30 PM

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Marriott Grand Ballroom 2-4

Predictors of Early Safety Outcomes with Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (axi-cel) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Large B-Cell Lymphoma (LBCL)

Abstract #864

Monday, December 9, 2024

4:00 PM

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Marriott Grand Ballroom 11-13

5-Year Follow-Up Analysis From ZUMA-5: a Phase 2 Trial of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-Cel) in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Brexucabtagene autoleucel

Abstract #748

Monday, December 9, 2024

11:15 AM

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Marriott Grand Ballroom 8-9

Primary Analysis of ZUMA-2 Cohort 3: Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Brexu-Cel) in Patients (Pts) With Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma (R/R MCL) Who Were Naive to Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (BTKi)

Anitocabtagene autoleucel

Abstract #1031

Monday, December 9, 2024

5:30 PM

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Pacific Ballroom 24-26

Phase 2 Registrational Study of Anitocabtagene Autoleucel for the Treatment of Patients With Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Preliminary Results From the iMMagine-1 Trial

*Led by Arcellx

Poster Presentations

Axicabtagene ciloleucel

Abstract #2367

Saturday, December 7, 2024

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Treatment Patterns and Predictors of Survival after First Line Therapy in Large B-Cell Lymphoma in a Real-World US Cohort

Abstract #3347

Sunday, December 8, 2024

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Improvements in Axicabtagene Ciloleucel Manufacturing Result in High Delivery Success and More Predictable Turnaround Time for Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Abstract #4368

Monday, December 9, 2024

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Impact of Inflammation, Tumor and Product Attributes on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Follicular Lymphoma Treated with Axicabtagene Ciloleucel

Abstract #5037

Monday, December 9, 2024

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Estimating the Impact on Survival of Not Receiving CAR T Therapy Despite Being Eligible in Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Patients in Germany

Brexucabtagene autoleucel

Abstract #4388

Monday, December 9, 2024

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Five-Year Outcomes of Patients (Pts) With Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma (R/R MCL) Treated With Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Brexu-cel) in ZUMA-2 Cohorts 1 and 2

Abstract #5092

Monday, December 9, 2024

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Real-World (RW) Outcomes for Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Brexu-Cel) Treatment in Patients (Pts) With Relapsed or Refractory B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (R/R B-ALL) by High-Risk Features and Prior Treatments: Updated Evidence From the CIBMTR Registry

Abstract #4193

Monday, December 9, 2024

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Impact of disease burden, CAR-T expansion, and mononuclear cell recovery on overall response and duration of response in ZUMA-3 pivotal study

Anitocabtagene autoleucel

Abstract #4825

Monday, December 9, 2024

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Phase 1 Study of Anitocabtagene Autoleucel for the Treatment of Patients With Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): Efficacy and Safety With 34-Month Median Follow-up

*Led by Arcellx

Kite next generation CAR T-cell therapies

Abstract #3481

Sunday, December 8, 2024

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

KITE-753: An Autologous Rapid Manufactured Anti-CD19/CD20 CAR-T Product for the Treatment of B-cell Malignancies

Investigator-Sponsored / Collaboration**

Abstract #4505

Sunday, December 8, 2024

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Health-related quality of life after Axi-cel as a second-line therapy in patients with high-risk relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplantation: results of the ALYCANTE phase II trial

*Led by The Lymphoma Study Association

Abstract #4721

Monday, December 9, 2024

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Meta-Analysis

*Investigator led

Abstract #3734

Sunday, December 8, 2024

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

The Patient Journey and Treatment Outcomes Comparing Inpatient Versus Outpatient Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) – a Large, Multicenter Study

*In collaboration with Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network

Abstract #3124

Sunday, December 8, 2024

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

CAR T-cells for relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma in people living with HIV (PLWH): a LYSA study from the DESCAR-T registry

*Led by The Lymphoma Study Association

Abstract #2031

Saturday, December 7, 2024

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

San Diego Convention Center, Halls G-H

Early MRD detection after CAR-T Associated with Poor Outcome in LBCL

*In collaboration with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Abstract #239

Saturday, December 7, 2024

3:00 PM

Session: 623 (2:00 – 3:30 PM)

Marriot Grand Ballroom 11-13

Outcome of patients with Mantle cell lymphoma after failure of anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy: a DESCAR-T Study By Lysa Group

*Led by The Lymphoma Study Association

Abstract #

Date TBD

Time TBD

Room TBD

A Real-World Weighted Comparison of Tisagenlecleucel and Axicabtagene Ciloleucel CAR T Cells in Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Aged 75 Years and Older: A Lysa Study from the Descar-T Registry

*Led by The Lymphoma Study Association

Publication Only

Abstract #7775

Real-World Interim PET/CT Scan Use During Frontline (1L) Therapy and Subsequent Treatment Characteristics in Patients with Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Abstract #7607

Short-term Costs Associated With Outpatient Use of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in Second-line Relapsed/Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma Based on ZUMA-24 Clinical Trial

Abstract #7592

A United States (US) Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel Compared to Odronextamab in Third Line or Later (3L+) Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Abstract #6962

Treatment Patterns and Outcomes in Triple-Class Exposed Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Findings from the Flatiron Database

Abstract #7159

In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel Identifies Features Associated with Treatment Resistance in Patients, Including a Dysfunctional CD8+ T Cell State Characterized by Overexpression of GATA3 Transcript

For more information, including a complete list of abstract titles at the meeting, please visit: View Source

**Presentations independently led and sponsored feature Kite CAR T-cell therapies but are not included in total number of Kite accepted abstracts.

About Yescarta

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

YESCARTA is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of:

Adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or that relapses within 12 months of first-line chemoimmunotherapy.
Adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, high grade B-cell lymphoma, and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma.

Limitations of Use: YESCARTA is not indicated for the treatment of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma.
Adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).
U.S. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES and SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA. Do not administer YESCARTA to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
Neurologic toxicities, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA, including concurrently with CRS or after CRS resolution. Monitor for neurologic toxicities after treatment with YESCARTA. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids, as needed.
T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including YESCARTA.
YESCARTA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS Program.
CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME (CRS)

CRS, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with YESCARTA. CRS occurred in 90% (379/422) of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) receiving YESCARTA, including ≥ Grade 3 (Lee grading system1) CRS in 9%. CRS occurred in 93% (256/276) of patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including ≥ Grade 3 CRS in 9%. Among patients with LBCL who died after receiving YESCARTA, four had ongoing CRS events at the time of death. For patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1, the median time to onset of CRS was 2 days following infusion (range: 1 to 12 days) and the median duration of CRS was 7 days (range: 2 to 58 days). For patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7, the median time to onset of CRS was 3 days following infusion (range: 1 to 10 days) and the median duration was 7 days (range: 2 to 43 days).

CRS occurred in 84% (123/146) of patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL) in ZUMA-5, including ≥ Grade 3 CRS in 8%. Among patients with iNHL who died after receiving YESCARTA, one patient had an ongoing CRS event at the time of death. The median time to onset of CRS was 4 days (range: 1 to 20 days) and the median duration was 6 days (range: 1 to 27 days) for patients with iNHL.

Key manifestations of CRS (≥ 10%) in all patients combined included fever (85%), hypotension (40%), tachycardia (32%), chills (22%), hypoxia (20%), headache (15%), and fatigue (12%). Serious events that may be associated with CRS include, cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia), renal insufficiency, cardiac failure, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, capillary leak syndrome, multi-organ failure, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome (HLH/MAS) .

The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of CRS was assessed in two subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids for ongoing Grade 1 events. CRS occurred in 93% (38/41), including 2% (1/41) with Grade 3 CRS; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of CRS was 2 days (range: 1 to 8 days) and the median duration of CRS was 7 days (range: 2 to 16 days).

Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA. Thirty-one of the 39 patients (79%) developed CRS at which point the patients were managed with tocilizumab and/or therapeutic doses of corticosteroids with no patients developing Grade 3 or higher CRS. The median time to onset of CRS was 5 days (range: 1 to 15 days) and the median duration of CRS was 4 days (range: 1 to 10 days). Although there is no known mechanistic explanation, consider the risk and benefits of prophylactic corticosteroids in the context of pre-existing comorbidities for the individual patient and the potential for the risk of Grade 4 and prolonged neurologic toxicities.

Ensure that 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of YESCARTA. Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility following infusion for signs and symptoms of CRS. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for 4 weeks after infusion. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids as indicated.

NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES

Neurologic toxicities (including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome) that were fatal or life- threatening occurred. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (330/422) of all patients with NHL receiving YESCARTA, including ≥ Grade 3 in 25%. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 87% (94/108) of patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1, including ≥ Grade 3 in 31% and in 74% (124/168) of patients in ZUMA-7 including ≥ Grade 3 in 25%. The median time to onset was 4 days (range: 1-43 days) and the median duration was 17 days for patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1. The median time to onset for neurologic toxicity was 5 days (range:1- 133 days) and median duration was 15 days in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 77% (112/146) of patients with iNHL, including ≥ Grade 3 in 21%. The median time to onset was 6 days (range: 1-79 days) and the median duration was 16 days. Ninety-eight percent of all neurologic toxicities in patients with LBCL and 99% of all neurologic toxicities in patients with iNHL occurred within the first 8 weeks of YESCARTA infusion. Neurologic toxicities occurred within the first 7 days of infusion for 87% of affected patients with LBCL and 74% of affected patients with iNHL.

The most common neurologic toxicities (≥ 10%) in all patients combined included encephalopathy (50%), headache (43%), tremor (29%), dizziness (21%), aphasia (17%), delirium (15%), and insomnia (10%). Prolonged encephalopathy lasting up to 173 days was noted. Serious events, including aphasia, leukoencephalopathy, dysarthria, lethargy, and seizures occurred. Fatal and serious cases of cerebral edema and encephalopathy, including late-onset encephalopathy, have occurred.

The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of neurologic toxicities was assessed in 2 subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received corticosteroids at the onset of Grade 1 toxicities, neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (32/41) and 20% (8/41) had Grade 3 neurologic toxicities; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 6 days (range: 1-93 days) with a median duration of 8 days (range: 1-144 days). Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA. Of those patients, 85% (33/39) developed neurologic toxicities, 8% (3/39) developed Grade 3, and 5% (2/39) developed Grade 4 neurologic toxicities. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 6 days (range: 1-274 days) with a median duration of 12 days (range: 1-107 days). Prophylactic corticosteroids for management of CRS and neurologic toxicities may result in higher grade of neurologic toxicities or prolongation of neurologic toxicities, delay the onset and decrease the duration of CRS.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility, and for 4 weeks thereafter, and treat promptly.

REMS

Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, YESCARTA is available only through a restricted program called the YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS Program which requires that: Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer YESCARTA must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements and must have on-site, immediate access to a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab for each patient for infusion within 2 hours after YESCARTA infusion, if needed for treatment of CRS. Certified healthcare facilities must ensure that healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer YESCARTA are trained about the management of CRS and neurologic toxicities. Further information is available at www.YescartaTecartusREMS.com or 1-844-454-KITE (5483).

HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS

Allergic reactions, including serious hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis, may occur with the infusion of YESCARTA.

SERIOUS INFECTIONS

Severe or life-threatening infections occurred. Infections (all grades) occurred in 45% of patients with NHL. Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in 17% of patients, including ≥ Grade 3 or higher infections with an unspecified pathogen in 12%, bacterial infections in 5%, viral infections in 3%, and fungal infections in 1%. YESCARTA should not be administered to patients with clinically significant active systemic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to local guidelines.

Febrile neutropenia was observed in 36% of all patients with NHL and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated.

In immunosuppressed patients, including those who have received YESCARTA, life-threatening and fatal opportunistic infections including disseminated fungal infections (e.g., candida sepsis and aspergillus infections) and viral reactivation (e.g., human herpes virus-6 [HHV-6] encephalitis and JC virus progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [PML]) have been reported. The possibility of HHV-6 encephalitis and PML should be considered in immunosuppressed patients with neurologic events and appropriate diagnostic evaluations should be performed. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against B cells, including YESCARTA. Perform screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.

PROLONGED CYTOPENIAS

Patients may exhibit cytopenias for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and YESCARTA infusion. ≥ Grade 3 cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following YESCARTA infusion occurred in 39% of all patients with NHL and included neutropenia (33%), thrombocytopenia (13%), and anemia (8%). Monitor blood counts after infusion.

HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA

B-cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse reaction in 14% of all patients with NHL. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment and manage using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement. The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following YESCARTA treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during YESCARTA treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment.

SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES

Patients treated with YESCARTA may develop secondary malignancies. T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including YESCARTA. Mature T cell malignancies, including CAR-positive tumors, may present as soon as weeks following infusion, and may include fatal outcomes.

Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Kite at 1-844-454-KITE (5483) to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing.

EFFECTS ON ABILITY TO DRIVE AND USE MACHINES

Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following YESCARTA infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, during this initial period.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7 included fever, CRS, fatigue, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, diarrhea, headache, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, febrile neutropenia, chills, cough, infection with unspecified pathogen, dizziness, tremor, decreased appetite, edema, hypoxia, abdominal pain, aphasia, constipation, and vomiting.

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1 included CRS, fever, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, chills, diarrhea, febrile neutropenia, infections with pathogen unspecified, nausea, hypoxia, tremor, cough, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, and cardiac arrhythmias.

The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with iNHL in ZUMA-5 included fever, CRS, hypotension, encephalopathy, fatigue, headache, infections with pathogen unspecified, tachycardia, febrile neutropenia, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, tremor, chills, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, cough, vomiting, hypoxia, arrhythmia, and dizziness.

About Tecartus

Please see full FDA Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

Tecartus is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of:

Adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
Adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
U.S. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES and SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving Tecartus. Do not administer Tecartus to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
Neurologic toxicities, including life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving Tecartus, including concurrently with CRS or after CRS resolution. Monitor for neurologic toxicities after treatment with Tecartus. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies
Tecartus is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the Yescarta and Tecartus REMS Program.
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) , including life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with Tecartus. CRS occurred in 92% (72/78) of patients with ALL, including ≥ Grade 3 (Lee grading system) CRS in 26% of patients. Three patients with ALL had ongoing CRS events at the time of death. The median time to onset of CRS was five days (range: 1 to 12 days) and the median duration of CRS was eight days (range: 2 to 63 days) for patients with ALL.

Ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available for each patient prior to infusion of Tecartus. Following infusion, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CRS daily for at least seven days at the certified healthcare facility, and for four weeks thereafter. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids as indicated.

Neurologic Events , including those that were fatal or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with Tecartus. Neurologic events occurred in 87% (68/78) of patients with ALL, including ≥ Grade 3 in 35% of patients. The median time to onset for neurologic events was seven days (range: 1 to 51 days) with a median duration of 15 days (range: 1 to 397 days) in patients with ALL. For patients with MCL, 54 (66%) patients experienced CRS before the onset of neurological events. Five (6%) patients did not experience CRS with neurologic events and eight patients (10%) developed neurological events after the resolution of CRS. Neurologic events resolved for 119 out of 134 (89%) patients treated with Tecartus. Nine patients (three patients with MCL and six patients with ALL) had ongoing neurologic events at the time of death. For patients with ALL, neurologic events occurred before, during, and after CRS in 4 (5%), 57 (73%), and 8 (10%) of patients; respectively. Three patients (4%) had neurologic events without CRS. The onset of neurologic events can be concurrent with CRS, following resolution of CRS or in the absence of CRS.

The most common neurologic events (>10%) were similar in MCL and ALL and included encephalopathy (57%), headache (37%), tremor (34%), confusional state (26%), aphasia (23%), delirium (17%), dizziness (15%), anxiety (14%), and agitation (12%). Serious events including encephalopathy, aphasia, confusional state, and seizures occurred after treatment with Tecartus.

Monitor patients daily for at least seven days for patients with MCL and at least 14 days for patients with ALL at the certified healthcare facility and for four weeks following infusion for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities and treat promptly.

REMS Program: Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, Tecartus is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the Yescarta and Tecartus REMS Program which requires that:

Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer Tecartus must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements. Certified healthcare facilities must have on-site, immediate access to tocilizumab, and ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available for each patient for infusion within two hours after Tecartus infusion, if needed for treatment of CRS.
Certified healthcare facilities must ensure that healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer Tecartus are trained in the management of CRS and neurologic toxicities. Further information is available at www.YescartaTecartusREMS.com or 1-844-454-KITE (5483).
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or residual gentamicin in Tecartus.

Severe Infections: Severe or life-threatening infections occurred in patients after Tecartus infusion. Infections (all grades) occurred in 56% (46/82) of patients with MCL and 44% (34/78) of patients with ALL. Grade 3 or higher infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, occurred in 30% of patients with ALL and MCL. Tecartus should not be administered to patients with clinically significant active systemic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after Tecartus infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to local guidelines.

Febrile neutropenia was observed in 6% of patients with MCL and 35% of patients with ALL after Tecartus infusion and may be concurrent with CRS. The febrile neutropenia in 27 (35%) of patients with ALL includes events of "febrile neutropenia" (11 (14%)) plus the concurrent events of "fever" and "neutropenia" (16 (21%)). In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated.

In immunosuppressed patients, life-threatening and fatal opportunistic infections have been reported. The possibility of rare infectious etiologies (e.g., fungal and viral infections such as HHV-6 and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) should be considered in patients with neurologic events and appropriate diagnostic evaluations should be performed.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against B cells. Perform screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.

Prolonged Cytopenias: Patients may exhibit cytopenias for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and Tecartus infusion. In patients with MCL, Grade 3 or higher cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following Tecartus infusion occurred in 55% (45/82) of patients and included thrombocytopenia (38%), neutropenia (37%), and anemia (17%). In patients with ALL who were responders to Tecartus treatment, Grade 3 or higher cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following Tecartus infusion occurred in 20% (7/35) of the patients and included neutropenia (12%) and thrombocytopenia (12%); Grade 3 or higher cytopenias not resolved by Day 60 following Tecartus infusion occurred in 11% (4/35) of the patients and included neutropenia (9%) and thrombocytopenia (6%). Monitor blood counts after Tecartus infusion.

Hypogammaglobulinemia: B cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur in patients receiving treatment with Tecartus. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported in 16% (13/82) of patients with MCL and 9% (7/78) of patients with ALL. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with Tecartus and manage using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement.

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

Secondary Malignancies may develop. T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies. Mature T cell malignancies, including CAR-positive tumors, may present as soon as weeks following infusion, and may include fatal outcomes. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that one occurs, contact Kite at 1-844-454-KITE (5483) to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing.

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

Adverse Reactions: The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (≥ 20%) were fever, cytokine release syndrome, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, nausea, chills, headache, fatigue, febrile neutropenia, diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, hypoxia, rash, edema, tremor, infection with pathogen unspecified, constipation, decreased appetite, and vomiting. The most common serious adverse reactions (≥ 2%) were cytokine release syndrome, febrile neutropenia, hypotension, encephalopathy, fever, infection with pathogen unspecified, hypoxia, tachycardia, bacterial infections, respiratory failure, seizure, diarrhea, dyspnea, fungal infections, viral infections, coagulopathy, delirium, fatigue, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, musculoskeletal pain, edema, and paraparesis.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

Poseida Therapeutics to Present Clinical and Preclinical Data on Investigational Allogeneic CAR-T Cell Therapies at SITC 2024 and ASH 2024

On November 5, 2024 Poseida Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSTX), a clinical-stage allogeneic cell therapy and genetic medicines company advancing differentiated non-viral treatments for patients with cancer, autoimmune and rare diseases, reported new preclinical data on allogeneic CAR+TCR-T cells rich in stem cell memory T cells (TSCM), along with platform enhancements aimed at enhancing potency and improving targeting of solid tumors, will be presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 39th Annual Meeting in Houston, November 6-10 (Press release, Poseida Therapeutics, NOV 5, 2024, View Source [SID1234647748]).

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Additionally, the Company announced presentations at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting & Exposition, which will be held December 7-10 in San Diego. To further characterize compelling emerging P-BCMA-ALLO1 clinical data, additional profiling of patient responses from the optimized lymphodepletion arm (Arm C) of the P-BCMA-ALLO1 Phase 1 study, along with data first presented at the 21st International Myeloma Society (IMS) Annual Meeting will be highlighted as a poster presentation. In addition, preclinical data from the ongoing Phase 1 trial of P-CD19CD20-ALLO1 in patients with B-cell malignancies will be delivered as a poster presentation.

P-BCMA-ALLO1 is an investigational non-viral TSCM-rich allogeneic CAR-T therapy in Phase 1/1b clinical development. This investigational off-the-shelf allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy targeting BCMA has received Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation for adult patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma after three or more prior lines of therapies. P-CD19CD20-ALLO1, the Company’s first allogeneic dual CAR-T cell product candidate, targets both CD19 and CD20 antigens for the treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies. The Company is developing P-BCMA-ALLO1 and P-CD19CD20-ALLO1 as part of a broader collaboration with Roche focused on addressing hematologic malignancies with Poseida’s TSCM-rich CAR-T platform.

SITC 2024 Poster Presentation

Title: Multi-antigen Targeting with CAR and TCR Co-expression in Allogeneic Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors

Presenting Author: Sergio M. Quinones-Parra, Ph.D., Poseida Therapeutics
Presentation Date/Time: Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. CT (9:00 a.m. ET / 6:00 a.m. PT)
Room: Exhibit Halls A and B, George R. Brown Convention Center
Abstract Number: 301
ASH 2024 Poster Presentations

Title: Late Polyclonal P-BCMA-101 CAR-T Cell Re-expansion and Rapid Complete Response in a Patient with Relapsed Multiple Myeloma Treated with One Cycle of Talquetamab, More Than 3 Years After CAR-T Infusion

Presenting Author: Anupama Kumar, M.D., Assistant Professor, Hematology, Blood & Marrow Transplant, and Cellular Therapy (HBC) Program, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Session: 704. Cellular Immunotherapies: Early Phase Clinical Trials and Toxicities: Poster I
Presentation Date/Time: Saturday, December 7, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m. PT (8:30-10:30 p.m. ET)
Room: Halls G-H, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract Number: 2083
Title: P-CD19CD20-ALLO1: Potent Fully Allogeneic CAR-T Therapy Targeting CD19 and CD20 with Superior Efficacy Over Single-Target Products

Presenting Author: Samy Jambon, Ph.D., Poseida Therapeutics
Session: 702. CAR-T Cell Therapies: Basic and Translational: Poster III
Presentation Date/Time: Monday, December 9, 2024, 6:00-8:00 p.m. PT (9:00-11:00 p.m. ET)
Room: Halls G-H, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract Number: 4805
Title: A Phase 1 Study of P-BCMA-ALLO1, a Non-viral, Allogeneic BCMA Directed CAR-T in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): Results from Optimized Lymphodepletion Cohort

Presenting Author: Caitlin Costello, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Director of Multiple Myeloma Program, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Session: 704. Cellular Immunotherapies: Early Phase Clinical Trials and Toxicities: Poster III
Presentation Date/Time: Monday, December 9, 2024, 6:00-8:00 p.m. PT (9:00-11:00 p.m. ET)
Room: Halls G-H, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract Number: 4828
About P-BCMA-ALLO1
P-BCMA-ALLO1 is an allogeneic CAR-T product candidate licensed to Roche targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. This allogeneic program includes a VH-based binder that targets BCMA, and interim clinical data presented at IMS in September 2024 support the Company’s belief that T stem cell (TSCM)-rich allogeneic CAR-Ts have the potential to offer effective, safe and reliable treatment addressing unmet needs in multiple myeloma. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted P-BCMA-ALLO1 Orphan Drug designation for multiple myeloma and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation for adult patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma after three or more prior lines of therapies including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 antibody.

P-BCMA-ALLO1 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1/1b trial in patients with multiple myeloma. Additional information about the trial is available at www.clinicaltrials.gov using identifier: NCT04960579.

About P-CD19CD20-ALLO1
P-CD19CD20-ALLO1 is an allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy product candidate being developed for relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies in partnership with Roche. P-CD19CD20-ALLO1 expresses two fully functional CAR molecules to target cells that express either CD19 or CD20. The dual targeting approach employed in P-CD19CD20-ALLO1 aims to overcome the antigen escape limitations of CD19-only targeted CAR-T therapies by simultaneously targeting both CD19 and CD20. In addition to the dual targeting, P-CD19CD20-ALLO1 uses a novel CD19 binder that showed greater potency in in vivo preclinical models when compared to the canonical FMC63 Single-chain variable fragment (scFv) binder. P-CD19CD20-ALLO1 is an off-the-shelf CAR-T therapy for which patients do not have to undergo apheresis and wait for cells to be manufactured, which can potentially overcome the limitation of autologous CAR-T therapies associated with significant manufacturing times. P-CD19CD20-ALLO1 is being studied in a Phase 1 study in B-cell malignancies. Additional information about the trial is available at www.clinicaltrials.gov using identifier: NCT06014762.

Vaccinex Reports Improved Immunity Correlating with Clinical Benefit of Pepinemab Combination Treatment at Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer’s Annual Meeting

On November 5, 2024 Vaccinex, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCNX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering a differentiated approach to treating cancer and neurodegenerative disease (NDD) through the inhibition of SEMA4D, reported that it will present new biomarker data that neoadjuvant treatment with pepinemab enhanced the clinical activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors in poorly immunogenic, HPV-negative, head and neck cancer (HNSCC) (Press release, Vaccinex, NOV 5, 2024, View Source [SID1234647747]). In a presentation at Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper)’s Annual Meeting (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) on November 8th, Vaccinex will present data from the Phase 2 KEYNOTE-B84 study (NCT04815720) for treatment of recurrent and metastatic disease as well as an independent study evaluating neoadjuvant treatment of resectable HNSCC (NCT03690986) showing that pepinemab combination treatments appear to induce mature lymphoid aggregates correlating with clinical benefit within immunotherapy resistant tumor populations, including HPV-negative and PD-L1 low HNSCC.

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"Major advances beyond immune checkpoint therapies to expand and extend treatment benefits are needed for cancers whose activity may be limited by other resistance mechanisms, including expression of semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D), which binds receptors on myeloid cells to inhibit the migration and maturation of dendritic cells (DC) that are crucial for priming and expanding T cells in adaptive immune responses." said Maurice Zauderer, CEO at Vaccinex. "We are very excited to see that pepinemab treatment induced the formation of productive lymphoid structures within treated tumors and that this is associated with enhanced immune interactions and durable responses. We believe that novel modalities such as pepinemab can overcome limitations of ICI, particularly in patients who would not typically benefit from immune checkpoint monotherapy. We look forward to ongoing development of pepinemab combination therapies in metastatic and neoadjuvant settings."

Meeting: SITC 39th Annual Meeting
Date:
November 8, 2024
Poster Number: 747
Poster Title: Pepinemab a Semaphorin 4D blockade antibody in combination with immune checkpoint therapies induces mature lymphoid aggregates correlating with clinical outcomes
Presenter Crystal Mallow, Vaccinex, Rochester, NY, USA

About Pepinemab
Pepinemab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody designed to block SEMA4D, which can trigger collapse of the actin cytoskeleton and loss of homeostatic functions of astrocytes and glial cells in the brain and dendritic cells in immune tissue. Over 600 patients have been enrolled in clinical trials of pepinemab in different indications and pepinemab appears to be well-tolerated and to have a favorable safety profile.

UroGen Pharma to Present at the Guggenheim Securities Healthcare Innovation Conference

On November 5, 2024 UroGen Pharma Ltd. (Nasdaq:URGN), a biotech company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions that treat urothelial and specialty cancers, reported that management will participate in a fireside chat at the Guggenheim Securities Healthcare Innovation Conference to take place November 11-13, 2024 (Press release, UroGen Pharma, NOV 5, 2024, View Source [SID1234647746]).

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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Guggenheim Securities Healthcare Innovation Conference

Date / Time:

November 12, 2024 at 3:00 PM ET

Format:

Fireside Chat and 1×1 investor meetings

Location:

Boston, MA

Webcast Link:

here

A live public webcast from the conference will also be available on UroGen’s Investor Relations website. A replay will be available on the site for approximately 90 days.