Deciphera Pharmaceuticals to Present at the 42nd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

On January 2, 2024 Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: DCPH), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing important new medicines to improve the lives of people with cancer, reported that Steve Hoerter, President and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the 42nd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (Press release, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, JAN 2, 2024, View Source [SID1234638861]).

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A live webcast of the event will be available on the "Events and Presentations" page in the "Investors" section of the Company’s website at View Source A replay will be archived on the Company’s website for 30 days following the presentation.

CymaBay Therapeutics to Present at the 42nd Annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference 2024

On January 2, 2024 CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAY), a biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative therapies for patients with liver and other chronic diseases, reported that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Sujal Shah, will present at the upcoming 42nd Annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference taking place January 8 -11 in San Francisco, California (Press release, CymaBay Therapeutics, JAN 2, 2024, View Source [SID1234638860]).

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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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42nd Annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference
Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Time: 4:30pm PT/ 7:30pm ET
Location: Grand Ballroom, The Westin St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco
Webcast: View Source

Coherus Announces U.S. Launch of LOQTORZI™

On January 2, 2024 Coherus BioSciences, Inc. ("Coherus," NASDAQ: CHRS) reported that LOQTORZI (toripalimab-tpzi) is now available through select specialty distributors in the United States (Press release, Coherus Biosciences, JAN 2, 2024, View Source [SID1234638859]). LOQTORZI is indicated in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of adults with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and as monotherapy for the treatment of adults with recurrent, unresectable, or metastatic NPC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. LOQTORZI is a next-generation, programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody that blocks PD-1 ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 with high potency at a unique site on the PD-1 receptor, enabling the immune system to activate and kill the tumor.

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"For people with rare cancers such as NPC, the prognosis is poor and treatment options have been limited," said John Hopper, Founder of the Patient Activation Group, Co-Chair of the NORD Rare Cancer Coalition and board director of rare cancer foundation-SARC (Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration). "The availability of LOQTORZI as a new treatment option for advanced NPC represents a meaningful step forward for NPC patients and gives further hope to rare cancer advocates that there will be more options for rare cancer patients in the future."

NPC affects approximately 2000 patients in the U.S. annually. Until now the standard of care was chemotherapy. In December, the NCCN committee classified LOQTORZI as a preferred category 1 treatment option in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin. The decision was based on results of the JUPITER-02 Phase 3 study and the POLARIS-02 Phase 2 study. In the JUPITER-02 Phase 3 study, LOQTORZI combined with chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS), reducing the risk of disease progression or death by 48% compared to chemotherapy alone. LOQTORZI also demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival (OS), with treatment resulting in a 37% reduction in the risk of death versus chemotherapy alone. In the POLARIS-02 clinical study, LOQTORZI demonstrated durable anti-tumor activity in patients with recurrent or metastatic NPC who failed previous chemotherapy, with an objective response rate (ORR) of 20.5%, a disease control rate (DCR) of 40.0%, and a median OS of 17.4 months with an acceptable safety profile.

"We are proud to bring LOQTORZI to a patient population that has had no FDA-approved options available, and our mission is to establish LOQTORZI plus chemotherapy as the new standard of care for relapsed/metastatic NPC. LOQTORZI has demonstrated impressive clinical benefits, including PFS and OS, offering R/M NPC patients new hope for extended survival," said Paul Reider, Chief Commercial Officer of Coherus. "As the first and only FDA-approved treatment for this type of cancer, we’ll work tirelessly to support physician education and patient access, while activating the NPC patient community through our partnership with patient advocacy groups and our own NPCfacts.com community."

"The launch of LOQTORZI is a foundational milestone, signaling Coherus’ emergence as a commercial-stage immuno-oncology company," said Denny Lanfear, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Coherus. "We believe LOQTORZI will play a key role in next-generation novel immuno-oncology treatment combinations aimed at extending patient survival across multiple tumor types through our own internal pipeline as well as our external collaborations."

LOQTORZI is commercially available for purchase through select specialty distributors including Cencora (formerly ABC), Cardinal and McKesson. Each carton contains one 240 mg/6 mL (40 mg/mL) single-dose vial. Contact Coherus BioSciences Customer Services at 1-844-562-6004 for more information. LOQTORZI Solutions for HCPs is now online and offers healthcare professionals comprehensive practice and patient support that includes extensive patient assistance and office resources to ensure successful access and reimbursement. Billing will occur under the medical benefit using an Unclassified HCPCS code J3490 or J3590 with a unique NDC number of 70114-0340-01. Coherus expects a product-specific, permanent J-code to be assigned to LOQTORZI in mid-2024.

About LOQTORZI Solutions
Coherus is committed to supporting patients with programs for zero out-of-pocket costs or patient assistance for eligible patients so that they may benefit from a proven PD-1 immunotherapy, with less financial burden. Through LOQTORZI Solutions, our robust patient support services include reimbursement support, patient support, and access support. More specific product information can be found on LOQTORZI.com.

Commitment to the NPC community
Given the limited resources available to patients and caregivers contending with NPC, Coherus has launched a new educational community resource, NPCFacts.com, which includes detailed information about the types of NPC as well as its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Currently there are over 2000 patients and caregivers enrolled in this program and product education is underway.

In addition to education about nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the website includes links to patient advocacy organizations providing additional resources, including the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, Support for People with Oral Head and Neck Cancer, and Thyroid Head and Neck Cancer Foundation. The website includes a companion website for healthcare professionals treating patients with NPC, including educational resources and opportunities for peer-to-peer education.

About NPC
NPC is a type of aggressive cancer that starts in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat behind the nose and near the base of the skull. NPC is rare in the United States, with an annual incidence of fewer than one per 100,000. The five-year survival rate for all patients diagnosed with NPC is approximately 60%, however, those who are diagnosed with advanced disease have a five-year survival rate of approximately 49%.

Due to the location of the primary tumor, surgery is rarely an option, and patients with localized disease are treated primarily with radiation and chemotherapy. Patients treated with chemotherapy alone experience poor prognosis: only 20% experience one-year PFS; up to 50% developed distant metastasis during their disease course; and low median OS of 29 months.

LOQTORZI is the first FDA-approved therapy for NPC and will represent a new standard of care for treating the disease when used in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine in the first line setting or as monotherapy in the second line or greater setting.

About LOQTORZI (toripalimab-tpzi)
LOQTORZI is a next generation anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody that blocks PD-L1 binding to the PD⁠-⁠1 receptor at a unique site with high affinity and activates antitumor immunity demonstrating improvement in the overall survival of cancer patients in several tumor types.

INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATIONS
LOQTORZI (toripalimab-tpzi) is indicated:

In combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, for the first-line treatment of adults with metastatic or with recurrent, locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
As a single agent, for the treatment of adults with recurrent unresectable or metastatic NPC with disease progression on or after a platinum-containing chemotherapy.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Immune-mediated adverse reactions listed herein may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which can be severe or fatal, occur in any organ system or tissue, affect more than one body system simultaneously, and occur at any time after starting PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment, they can also manifest after discontinuation of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies.

Monitor for early identification and management. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.
Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI based on severity and type of reaction (see Dosage and Administration in Prescribing Information). In general, If LOQTORZI requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy.
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis.

In patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 2.1% (3/146) of patients, including Grade 2 (1.4%) adverse reactions. Pneumonitis resolved in 67% (2/3) of these patients.
In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 2.6% (22/851) of patients, including fatal (0.2%), Grade 3 (0.7%), and Grade 2 (1.1%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 82% (18/22) of patients with pneumonitis. Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in 1.2% (10/851) of patients. Pneumonitis resolved in 23% (5/22) of these patients.
Immune-Mediated Colitis
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may present with diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies. In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 0.4% (3/851) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (0.1%) adverse reactions. Colitis resolved in all 3 patients.
Hepatotoxicity and Immune-Mediated Hepatitis
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated hepatitis.

In patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 0.7% (1/146) of patients, which was a Grade 3 (0.7%) adverse reaction. The patient with immune-mediated hepatitis required systemic corticosteroids.
In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 3.3% (28/851) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.8%), Grade 3 (2.1%), and Grade 2 (0.4%) adverse reactions. Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in 1.1% of patients and withholding of LOQTORZI in 0.8% of patients. Hepatitis resolved in 54% (15/28) of these patients.
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies
Adrenal Insufficiency
LOQTORZI can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on severity. In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.5% (4/851) of patients, including Grade 2 (0.4%) and Grade 1 (0.1%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 75% (3/4) of the patients with adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency led to withholding of LOQTORZI in 0.1% (1/851) of patients. In the one patient in whom LOQTORZI was withheld, LOQTORZI was reinitiated after symptom improvement.

Hypophysitis
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effects such as headache, photophobia, or visual field defects. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate hormone replacement as indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on severity. In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, hypophysitis occurred in 0.4% (3/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 3 (0.2%) and Grade 2 (0.1%) adverse reactions. All three patients received systemic corticosteroids. Hypophysitis led to permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in 0.1% (1/851) of patients and withholding of LOQTORZI in 0.1% (1/851) of patients. The one patient in whom LOQTORZI was withheld reinitiated LOQTORZI.

Thyroid Disorders
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement for hypothyroidism or institute medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on severity.

In patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, thyroiditis occurred in 2.1% (3/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 2 (1.4%). Three patients required thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Thyroiditis resolved in one of the 3 patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 1.4% (2/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine. Hyperthyroidism resolved in these 2 patients. Hypothyroidism occurred in 30% (44/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, including Grade 2 (24%) and Grade 1 (6%). Eighty percent of the 44 patients required thyroid hormone replacement therapy. LOQTORZI was withheld in 2.1% (3/146) of the patients. Of the 3 patients in whom LOQTORZI was withheld, 2 patients reinitiated LOQTORZI.
In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, thyroiditis occurred in 0.6% (5/851) patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 2 (0.1%). Two of these 5 patients received systemic corticosteroids and 2 required thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Thyroiditis resolved in 2 of the 5 patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 7% (55/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 2 (1.9%). Hyperthyroidism resolved in 85% (47/55) of the patients. Hypothyroidism occurred in 15% (128/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 2 (8%). Sixty three percent of the 128 patients required thyroid hormone replacement therapy. LOQTORZI was withheld in 0.5% of patients. Of the 4 patients in whom LOQTORZI was withheld, 3 patients reinitiated LOQTORZI.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, which can present with Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on severity. In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, diabetes mellitus occurred in 0.9% (8/851) of patients receiving LOQTORZI, including Grade 4 (0.1%), Grade 3 (0.7%), and Grade 2 (0.1%). Diabetes mellitus led to permanent discontinuation in 0.4% of patients. Six of the 8 (75%) patients with diabetes mellitus required long-term insulin therapy.
Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated nephritis.

In patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 0.7% (1/146) of patients receiving LOQTORZI. The one patient with immune-mediated nephritis (Grade 4) required systemic corticosteroids and nephritis led to discontinuation of LOQTORZI. Nephritis resolved in this patient.
In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 0.5% (4/851) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.5%) adverse reactions. Nephritis resolved in 75% (3/4) of these patients.
Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions
LOQTORZI can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue LOQTORZI depending on severity.

In patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions occurred in 8% (12/146) of patients, including Grade 3 (3.4%) and Grade 2 (1.4%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 25% (3/12) of the patients with immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions led to permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in 2.1% (3) of patients. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions resolved in 92% (11/12) of these patients.
In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions occurred in 4% (34/851) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (1.4%) adverse reactions. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions led to withholding of LOQTORZI in 0.4% (3) of the patients. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 12% (4/34) of the patients with immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions resolved in 71% (24/34) of these patients.
Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of <1% (unless otherwise noted) in patients who received LOQTORZI or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Severe or fatal cases have been reported for some of these adverse reactions.

Cardiac/Vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis, pericardial effusion
Nervous System: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy
Ocular: Uveitis, iritis and other ocular inflammatory toxicities can occur. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment, including blindness, can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis, to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis (and associated sequelae, including renal failure), arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, dermatomyositis
Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism
Hematologic/Immune: Hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, solid organ transplant rejection
Infusion-Related Reactions
LOQTORZI can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions including hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis.

In patients receiving LOQTORZI in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, infusion-related reactions have been reported in 4.1% of patients, including Grade 2 (0.7%) reactions.
In patients receiving LOQTORZI monotherapy, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2% of 851 patients, including Grade 3 (0.1%) and Grade 2 (0.6%). LOQTORZI was withheld for one Grade 3 infusion related reaction. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions including rigors, chills, wheezing, pruritus, flushing, rash, hypotension, hypoxemia, and fever. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion for mild (Grade 1) or moderate (Grade 2) infusion-related reactions. For severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) infusion-related reactions, stop infusion and permanently discontinue LOQTORZI.
Complications of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT)
Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. Transplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause). These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT. Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
LOQTORZI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can lead to increased risk of immune-mediated rejection of the developing fetus resulting in fetal death. Advise women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LOQTORZI and for 4 months after the last dose.

Lactation
There are no data on the presence of toripalimab-tpzi in human milk; its effects on the breastfed child, or on milk production. Maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk. The effects of local gastrointestinal exposure and limited systemic exposure in the breastfed child to toripalimab-tpzi are unknown. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with LOQTORZI and for 4 months after the last dose.

Serious Adverse Reactions

In JUPITER-02, when LOQTORZI was administered in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of recurrent, locally advanced or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma, serious adverse reactions occurred in 43% of patients. Serious adverse drug reactions in ≥2% were thrombocytopenia (14%), neutrophil count decreased (10%), pneumonia (10%), anemia (9%), abnormal hepatic function (2.7%), and rash (2.1%). There were three fatal adverse reactions (2.1%): one due to epistaxis; one due to intracranial hemorrhage associated with immune-related thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy; and one due to pneumonia. Permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI, due to an adverse reaction occurred in 12% of patients. Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in ≥1% were pneumonia (2.1%), pulmonary tuberculosis (1.4%), rash (1.4%), and vomiting (1.4%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased neutrophils (58%), decreased lymphocytes (57%), decreased hemoglobin (50%) decreased platelets (33%), decreased potassium (10%), decreased sodium (9%), increased alanine aminotransferase (6%), increased or decreased magnesium (4.2% each), decreased calcium (3.5%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (2.7%), increased bilirubin (2.1%).
In POLARIS-02, when LOQTORZI was administered as a single agent to patients with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma, serious adverse reactions occurred in 24% of patients. Serious adverse drug reactions in ≥2% were pneumonia (4.7%), abnormal hepatic function (2.6%), and hyperbilirubinemia (2.1%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.7% of patients who received LOQTORZI, including death not otherwise specified (1.6%), tumor hemorrhage (0.5%), hepatic failure and thrombocytopenia (0.5%), hyponatremia (0.5%), and sudden death (0.5%). Permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI due to an adverse reaction occurred in 9% of patients. Adverse reaction resulting in permanent discontinuation of LOQTORZI in ≥1% included pneumonia (1.1%), abnormal hepatic function (1.1%), and hyperbilirubinemia (1.1%). The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%), were decreased sodium (11%), decreased lymphocytes (9%), decreased hemoglobin (6%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (3.8%), decreased phosphate (3.2%), and increased alkaline phosphatase (2.2%).
Common Adverse Reactions

In JUPITER-02, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were nausea (71%), vomiting (68%), decreased appetite (55%), constipation (39%), hypothyroidism (38%), rash (36%), pyrexia (32%), diarrhea (31%), peripheral neuropathy (30%), cough (26%), musculoskeletal pain (25%), upper respiratory infection (23%), insomnia (23%), dizziness (21%), and malaise (21%).
In POLARIS-02, in patients with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions were hypothyroidism (27%), fatigue (22%), and cough (20%).
Please see Prescribing Information for LOQTORZI and Medication Guide

Cogent Biosciences Announces Presentation at the 42nd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

On January 2, 2024 Cogent Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: COGT), a biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases, reported that Andrew Robbins, President and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the 42nd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET (Press release, Cogent Biosciences, JAN 2, 2024, View Source [SID1234638858]).

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A live webcast will be available on the Investors & Media page of Cogent’s website at investors.cogentbio.com. A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the event and will be archived for up to 30 days.

European Medicines Agency Validates Bristol Myers Squibb’s Application for Repotrectinib for the Treatment of Locally Advanced or Metastatic ROS1-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and NTRK-Positive Solid Tumors

On January 2, 2024 Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) reported that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has validated its marketing authorization application for the next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) repotrectinib as a treatment for ROS1 TKI-naïve and -pretreated adult patients with ROS1-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and TKI-naïve and -pretreated adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with NTRK-positive locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, JAN 2, 2024, View Source [SID1234638857]). The application was based on results from the registrational Phase 1/2 TRIDENT-1 trial (adult patients with ROS1-positiveNSCLCor NTRK-positivesolid tumors) and CARE study (pediatric patients with NTRK-positivesolid tumors). Validation of the application confirms the submission is complete and begins the EMA’s centralized review procedure.

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"While there are existing TKIs for the treatment of ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer and NTRK-positive solid tumors, there is still an undeniable need for new options that may offer patients more durable responses, including those with metastatic disease to the brain, and may address the issue of treatment resistance for patients with these aggressive and rare tumors," said Joseph Fiore, executive director, global program lead, repotrectinib, Bristol Myers Squibb. "The clinical trial results with repotrectinib highlight the potential for this next-generation therapy to become a best-in-class option for patients with tumors harboring ROS1 fusions and a new option for those with NTRK-fusion positive tumors, two groups who each continue to face a high unmet medical need. Today’s validation by the European Medicines Agency brings us another step closer to our goal of making this new targeted therapy available to patients in Europe."

In the TRIDENT-1 and CARE trials, repotrectinib demonstrated clinically meaningful response rates in patients across ROS1-positive NSCLC and NTRK-positive solid tumor cohorts. Durability of response was robust and intracranial responses were observed in both settings, as well as in patients whose tumors harbor common resistance mutations. The safety profile of repotrectinib was well characterized and generally manageable with routine standard-of-care treatments. The study remains ongoing to assess long-term outcomes and additional endpoints across patient populations with ROS1-positive locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC and NTRK-positive locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors.

Additionally, in November 2023 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Augtyro (repotrectinib) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive NSCLC.

Bristol Myers Squibb thanks the patients and investigators involved with the TRIDENT-1 and CARE clinical trials.

Turning Point Therapeutics is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. As of August 2022, Bristol Myers Squibb acquired the company, including its asset repotrectinib.

About TRIDENT-1

TRIDENT-1 is a global, multicenter, single-arm, open-label, multi-cohort Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor activity of repotrectinib in patients with advanced solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Phase 1/2 includes patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors harboring ROS1 fusions. Additional analyses of the trial are still being conducted; asymptomatic central nervous system (CNS) metastases are allowed. The trial excludes patients with symptomatic brain metastases, among other exclusion criteria. Phase 1 of the trial included the dose escalation that determined the recommended Phase 2 dose.

Phase 2 of the trial has a primary endpoint of overall response rate (ORR). Key secondary endpoints include duration of response (DOR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST v1.1) as assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR), progression-free survival (PFS), and intracranial response in six distinct expansion cohorts, including tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-naïve and TKI-pretreated patients with ROS1-positive locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC and NTRK-positive locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors.

About CARE

CARE is a Phase 1/2 open-label, safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor activity clinical trial evaluating repotrectinib in pediatric and young adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors harboring ALK, ROS1 or NTRK1-3 gene alterations.

Phase 1 of the study aims to evaluate the safety and tolerability at different dose levels. Phase 1 of the trial has primary endpoints of dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) and pediatric recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D). Secondary endpoints include overall response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), time to response (TTR), duration of response (DOR) and intracranial ORR (IC-ORR). Patients less than 12 years of age will initially be enrolled in Phase 1 to determine the RP2D for this age group.

Once the pediatric RP2D is determined, patients less than 12 years of age may be enrolled into Phase 2 of the study. Patients ages 12 to 25 years will be directly enrolled into Phase 2 concurrent with Phase 1 enrollment. Phase 2 of the study will seek to demonstrate the efficacy and anti-tumor activity of repotrectinib in pediatric and young adult patients. The primary endpoint of Phase 2 is ORR and secondary endpoints include CBR, TTR, DOR, IC-ORR, progression-free survival (PFS), central nervous system PFS (CNS-PFS) and overall survival (OS).

About ROS1-Positive Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The two main types of lung cancer are non-small cell and small cell. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents up to 85% of diagnoses. Survival rates vary depending on the stage and type of the cancer when diagnosed. ROS1 fusions are rare and occur in about 1-2% of patients with NSCLC. With a median age of 50, patients with tumors that are ROS1-positive tend to be younger than the average lung cancer patient, more often female than male and may have little to no smoking history. ROS1-positive lung cancer tends to be aggressive and can often spread to the brain. ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy is the current standard of care for patients with a tumor harboring this gene alteration.

About NTRK-Positive Solid Tumors

NTRK gene fusions are rare in patients with solid tumors with less than 1% of patients testing positive. Per international treatment guidelines, targeted agents are part of the treatment armamentarium for patients with a tumor harboring this gene alteration.

Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer

Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision — transforming patients’ lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine and, through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep understanding of causal human biology, cutting-edge capabilities and differentiated research platforms uniquely position the company to approach cancer from every angle.

Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient’s life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. As a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future.

About Repotrectinib

Repotrectinib (TPX-0005, BMS-986472) is a next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targeting ROS1- or NTRK-positive locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where there remain significant unmet medical needs for patients. Repotrectinib was designed to improve durability of response and with favorable properties for human brain penetration to enhance intracranial activity. It is being studied in a registrational Phase 1/2 trial primarily in adults and a Phase 1/2 trial in pediatric patients.

In June 2017, repotrectinib was granted an Orphan Drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since then, repotrectinib has demonstrated clinically meaningful results and was granted three Breakthrough Therapy Designations (BTDs) by the FDA for the treatment of patients with: ROS1-positive metastatic NSCLC who have not been treated with a ROS1 TKI; ROS1-positive metastatic NSCLC who have been previously treated with one ROS1 TKI and who have not received prior platinum-based chemotherapy; and advanced solid tumors that have an NTRK gene fusion who have progressed following treatment with one or two prior tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) TKIs (with or without prior chemotherapy) and have no satisfactory alternative treatments.

Repotrectinib was also previously granted four fast-track designations in patients with: ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC who have been treated with disease progression following one prior line of platinum-based chemotherapy and one prior line of a ROS1 TKI; ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC who have not been treated with a ROS1 TKI; ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC who have been previously treated with one ROS1 TKI and who have not received prior platinum-based chemotherapy; and advanced solid tumors that have an NTRK gene fusion who have progressed following treatment with at least one prior line of chemotherapy and one or two prior TRK TKIs and have no satisfactory alternative treatments.

U.S. FDA-APPROVED INDICATION

AUGTYROTM (repotrectinib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Warnings & Precautions

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Central Nervous System Adverse Reactions

Among the 351 patients who received AUGTYRO in the TRIDENT-1 study, a broad spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions including dizziness, ataxia, and cognitive disorders occurred in 75% with Grade 3 or 4 events occurring in 4%. Dizziness, including vertigo, occurred in 64% and Grade 3 dizziness occurred in 2.8% of patients. The median time to onset was 6 days (1 day to 1.4 years). Dose interruption was required in 9% of patients, and 12% required dose reduction of AUGTYRO due to dizziness.
Ataxia, including gait disturbance and balance disorder, occurred in 29% of the 351 patients; Grade 3 ataxia occurred in 0.3%. The median time to onset was 15 days (1 day to 1.4 years). Dose interruption was required in 6% of patients, 8% required dose reduction and one patient (0.3%) permanently discontinued AUGTYRO due to ataxia.
Cognitive disorder, including memory impairment and disturbance in attention, occurred in 23% of the 351 patients. Cognitive disorders included memory impairment (13%), disturbance in attention (11%), and confusional state (2%); Grade 3 cognitive disorders occurred in 0.9% of patients. The median time to onset of cognitive disorders was 37 days (1 day to 1.4 years). Dose interruption was required in 2% of patients, 1.7% required dose reduction and 0.6% permanently discontinued AUGTYRO due to cognitive adverse reactions.
Mood disorders occurred in 6% of the 351 patients. Mood disorders occurring in >1% of patients included anxiety (2.8%), irritability (1.1%), and depression (1.4%); Grade 4 mood disorders (mania) occurred in 0.3% of patients. Dose interruption was required in 0.3% of patients and 0.3% required a dose reduction due to mood disorders.
Sleep disorders including insomnia and hypersomnia occurred in 15% of the 351 patients. Sleep disorders observed in >1% of patients were somnolence (8%), insomnia (6%) and hypersomnia (1.1%). Dose interruption was required in 0.9% of patients, and 0.3% required a dose reduction due to sleep disorders.
The incidences of CNS adverse reactions reported were similar in patients with and without CNS metastases.
Advise patients not to drive or use machines if they are experiencing CNS adverse reactions. Withhold and then resume at same or reduced dose upon improvement, or permanently discontinue AUGTYRO based on severity.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis

Among the 351 patients treated with AUGTYRO, ILD/pneumonitis (pneumonitis [2.6%] and interstitial lung disease [0.3%]) occurred in 2.9%; Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 1.1%. The median time to onset was 45 days (19 days to 0.9 years). Dose interruption was required in 1.4% of patients, 0.6% required dose reduction, and 1.1% permanently discontinued AUGTYRO due to ILD/pneumonitis.
Monitor patients for new or worsening pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis. Immediately withhold AUGTYRO in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue AUGTYRO if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed.
Hepatotoxicity

Among the 351 patients treated with AUGTYRO, increased alanine transaminase (ALT) occurred in 35%, increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) occurred in 40%, including Grade 3 or 4 increased ALT in 2% and increased AST in 2.6%. The median time to onset of increased ALT or AST was 15 days (range: 1 day to 1.9 years). Increased ALT or AST leading to dose interruptions or reductions occurred in 2.8% and 1.4% of patients, respectively. Hyperbilirubinemia leading to dose interruptions occurred in 0.6%.
Monitor liver function tests, including ALT, AST and bilirubin, every 2 weeks during the first month of treatment, then monthly thereafter and as clinically indicated. Withhold and then resume at same or reduced dose upon improvement or permanently discontinue AUGTYRO based on the severity.
Myalgia with Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation

Among the 351 patients treated with AUGTYRO, myalgia occurred in 13% of patients, with Grade 3 in 0.6%. Median time to onset of myalgia was 19 days (range: 1 day to 2 years). Concurrent increased CPK within a 7-day window was observed in 3.7% of patients. AUGTYRO was interrupted in one patient with myalgia and concurrent CPK elevation.
Advise patients to report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Monitor serum CPK levels during AUGTYRO treatment and monitor CPK levels every 2 weeks during the first month of treatment and as needed in patients reporting unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Initiate supportive care as clinically indicated. Based on severity, withhold and then resume AUGTYRO at same or reduced dose upon improvement.
Hyperuricemia

Among the 351 patients treated with AUGTYRO, 18 patients (5%) experienced hyperuricemia reported as an adverse reaction, 0.9% experienced Grade 3 or 4 hyperuricemia. One patient without pre-existing gout required urate-lowering medication.
Monitor serum uric acid levels prior to initiating AUGTYRO and periodically during treatment. Initiate treatment with urate-lowering medications as clinically indicated. Withhold and then resume at same or reduced dose upon improvement, or permanently discontinue AUGTYRO based on severity.
Skeletal Fractures

Among 351 adult patients who received AUGTYRO, fractures occurred in 2.3%. Fractures involved the ribs (0.6%), feet (0.6%), spine (0.3%), acetabulum (0.3%), sternum (0.3%), and ankles (0.3%). Some fractures occurred at sites of disease and prior radiation therapy. The median time to fracture was 71 days (range: 31 days to 1.4 years). AUGTYRO was interrupted in 0.3% of patients.
Promptly evaluate patients with signs or symptoms (e.g., pain, changes in mobility, deformity) of fractures. There are no data on the effects of AUGTYRO on healing of known fractures and risk of future fractures.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on literature reports in humans with congenital mutations leading to changes in tropomyosin receptor tyrosine kinase (TRK) signaling, findings from animal studies, and its mechanism of action, AUGTYRO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.
Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with AUGTYRO and for 2 months following the last dose, since AUGTYRO can render some hormonal contraceptives ineffective.
Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with AUGTYRO and for 4 months after the last dose.
Adverse Reactions

Among 351 patients who received AUGTYRO for ROS1-positive NSCLC and other solid tumors in the TRIDENT-1 trial, the most common (>20%) adverse reactions were dizziness (64%), dysgeusia (50%), peripheral neuropathy (47%), constipation (37%), dyspnea (30%), ataxia (29%), fatigue (29%), cognitive disorders (23%), and nausea (20%).
In a subset of 264 patients who received AUGTYRO for ROS1-positive NSCLC, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions were dizziness (63%), dysgeusia (48%), peripheral neuropathy (47%), constipation (36%), dyspnea (30%), ataxia (28%), fatigue (24%), cognitive disorders (23%), and muscular weakness (21%).
Drug Interactions

Effects of Other Drugs on AUGTYRO

Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors

Avoid concomitant use with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Concomitant use of AUGTYRO with a strong or a moderate CYP3A inhibitor may increase repotrectinib exposure, which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of AUGTYRO. Discontinue CYP3A inhibitors for 3 to 5 elimination half-lives of the CYP3A inhibitor prior to initiating AUGTYRO.
P-gp Inhibitors

Avoid concomitant use with P-gp inhibitors. Concomitant use of AUGTYRO with a P-gp inhibitor may increase repotrectinib exposure, which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of AUGTYRO.
Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inducers

Avoid concomitant use with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. Concomitant use of AUGTYRO with a strong or moderate CYP3A inducer may decrease repotrectinib plasma concentrations, which may decrease efficacy of AUGTYRO.
Effects of AUGTYRO on other Drugs

Certain CYP3A4 Substrates

Avoid concomitant use unless otherwise recommended in the Prescribing Information for CYP3A substrates, where minimal concentration changes can cause reduced efficacy. If concomitant use is unavoidable, increase the CYP3A4 substrate dosage in accordance with approved product labeling.
Repotrectinib is a CYP3A4 inducer. Concomitant use of repotrectinib decreases the concentration of CYP3A4 substrates, which can reduce the efficacy of these substrates.
Contraceptives

Repotrectinib is a CYP3A4 inducer, which can decrease progestin or estrogen exposure to an extent that could reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
Avoid concomitant use of AUGTYRO with hormonal contraceptives. Advise females to use an effective nonhormonal contraceptive.
Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for AUGTYRO