TG Therapeutics, Inc. Recaps Positive Data from the Phase 3 GENUINE Trial and Data from the Triple Combination of TG-1101, TGR-1202, and Ibrutinib at the 14th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma

On June 16, 2017 TG Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:TGTX), reported clinical data from its Phase 3 GENUINE trial of TG-1101 (ublituximab), the Company’s novel glycoengineered anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody in combination with ibrutinib, the BTK inhibitor, as well as data from the chemo-free triple combination of TGR-1202 (umbralisib), the Company’s oral, next generation PI3K delta inhibitor, TG-1101, and ibrutinib (Press release, TG Therapeutics, JUN 16, 2017, View Source [SID1234519580]). Data from these trials were presented today during oral sessions at the 14th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML) in Lugano, Switzerland. These data sets were presented previously at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting earlier this month. Highlights from each of these data sets are included below.

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Michael S. Weiss, the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated, "CLL patients with high-risk cytogenetics continue to represent a challenge and continue to progress more rapidly on ibrutinib than other patients. Improving ibrutinib therapy for these hard to treat patients still represents an unmet medical need. We are pleased to be the first Company to demonstrate in a randomized Phase 3 trial an approach to potentially improve outcomes for those patients. As presented today at ICML, and last week at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), the GENUINE Phase 3 trial showed that by adding TG-1101 to ibrutinib, we could improve overall response rate, CR rate, and MRD negativity in high risk patients. We believe the data provide a compelling case for accelerated approval given the demonstrated clinical benefit with limited additional safety risk, and we look forward to sharing these data formally with the FDA later this year." Mr. Weiss continued, "Additionally, at ICML today, and last week at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), we had an opportunity to present data on a triple therapy where we layered our proprietary PI3K-delta inhibitor, TGR-1202, to the TG-1101 plus ibrutinib combination, and demonstrated even further enhanced activity, with 100% ORR by iwCLL criteria and a high level of complete responses. These data further confirm our approach of building toward multi-drug regimens to enhance the outcome for patients, ideally achieving CRs and avoiding lifelong therapy. We look forward to continuing to explore unique combinations, with TG-1101 (ublituximab) plus TGR-1202 (umbralisib) or ‘U2′ as the backbone."

Highlights from today’s presentations include the following:

Oral Presentation: Ublituximab and ibrutinib for previously treated genetically high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Results of the GENUINE Phase 3 study (Abstract #101)

This presentation includes data from the GENUINE Phase 3 trial, a multicenter, randomized trial (NCT02301156), which assessed the efficacy and safety of TG-1101 plus ibrutinib versus ibrutinib alone in patients with high-risk CLL. For the trial, high-risk was defined as having any one or more of the following centrally confirmed features: 17p deletion, 11q deletion, or p53 mutation. The GENUINE study was designed to demonstrate the value of adding TG-1101, a potent next generation glycoengineered anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody to ibrutinib monotherapy in high risk CLL, and was powered to show a statistically significant improvement in ORR of 30%, with a minimal absolute detectable difference between the two arms of approximately 20%.

The trial met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in Overall Response Rate (ORR), as assessed by blinded independent central radiology and hematology review by iwCLL (Hallek 2008) criteria, compared to ibrutinib alone in both the Intent to Treat (ITT) population (p=0.001) and Treated population (p < 0.001). Per iwCLL guidelines, all responders required confirmation of response for a minimum duration of 2 months. The ITT population includes all 126 randomized patients (64 in the TG-1101 plus ibrutinib arm and 62 in the ibrutinib alone arm) while the Treated population includes all ITT patients that received at least one dose of either study drug (59 in the TG-1101 plus ibrutinib arm and 58 in the ibrutinib alone arm).

Patient Demographics

One hundred and twenty-six (126) patients were randomized on the GENUINE Phase 3 Trial. 100% of patients were high risk and had either 17p deletion, 11q deletion or p53 mutation. Sixty-four percent (64%) of patients in the TG-1101 plus ibrutinib arm and 66% of patients in the ibrutinib alone arm had 17p deletion and/or a p53 mutation while 36% and 34% of patients in the TG-1101 plus ibrutinib and ibrutinib alone arms, respectively, had an 11q deletion only. The median age of patients on either arm was 67 years and the median number of prior lines of therapy for either arm was 3.

Safety & Tolerability

One hundred and seventeen (117) patients were evaluable for safety (59 patients in the TG-1101 plus ibrutinib arm, and 58 patients in the ibrutinib alone arm). The combination was well tolerated and, apart from infusion related reactions, the addition of TG-1101 did not appear to alter the safety profile of ibrutinib monotherapy. Neutropenia, occurring in 9% of patients, was the most commonly reported Grade 3/4 Adverse Event (AE) in the combination arm, followed by infusion related reactions and anemia, each reported in 5% of patients. Notably, the majority of infusion related reactions (IRR) were Grade 1 or 2 in severity, with only 5% Grade 3/4 IRR observed. Median follow-up for this study was approximately 11.4 months.

Clinical Activity

Response Rates

TG-1101 plus ibrutinib ibrutinib P-value
Treated Population (n) n=59 n=58
Overall Response Rate (ORR) 78 % 45 % P < 0.001
Complete Response (CR) 7 % 0 % NS
MRD-Negative 19%
(n=53) * 2%
(n=53) * P < 0.01
*Patients evaluable for MRD included those enrolled > 4 months prior to data cutoff date of February 15, 2017. MRD analyzed by central lab, 7-color flow cytometry

In addition to the improvements in ORR, CR, and MRD-negativity, a trend in improvement of Progression-Free Survival (PFS) in the combination arm of TG-1101 plus ibrutinib as compared to ibrutinib alone, however it was not statistically significant at the time of the analysis.

ABOUT THE PHASE 3 GENUINE STUDY

The Phase 3 GENUINE study is a randomized, open label, multicenter clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TG-1101 (ublituximab) plus ibrutinib compared to ibrutinib alone in adult patients with high risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) who received at least one prior therapy for their disease.

The study was conducted at 160 clinical trial sites in the US and Israel and randomized 126 patients. Patients received ibrutinib orally at 420 mg once daily in both arms and in the treatment arm those patients also received intravenous infusions of TG-1101 at 900 mg dosed on days 1, 8 and 15 of cycle 1 and day 1 of cycles 2-6. Patients in the treatment arm who had not progressed received quarterly infusions of TG-1101 maintenance at 900 mg.

Oral Presentation: Chemo-free triplet combination of TGR-1202, ublituximab, and ibrutinib is well tolerated and highly active in patients with advanced CLL and NHL (Abstract #102)

This oral presentation includes data from patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) treated with the triple combination of TGR-1202, TG-1101 and ibrutinib. All patients were relapsed or refractory to prior therapy, except 3 CLL patients who were treatment naïve. Three cohorts for each CLL/SLL and NHL were evaluated with TGR-1202 dose escalation starting with doses of 400 mg (cohort 1), followed by 600 mg (cohort 2) and 800 mg (cohort 3), in combination with TG-1101 at 900 mg and ibrutinib daily at 420 mg (CLL) and 560 mg (NHL).

Safety & Tolerability
Thirty-eight (38) patients were evaluable for safety (20 CLL/SLL patients, and 18 NHL patients). The triple combination appeared to be well tolerated in all patients, with neutropenia (32% all grades, 18% Grade 3/4) and pneumonia (18% all grades, 11% Grade 3/4), being the only Grade 3/4 AEs in > 10% of patients. Of the 38 patients treated to date, only two AEs (sepsis and pneumonia) led to treatment discontinuation. Median time on study was 11.1 months (range 0.4 – 30+ months) with 81% of patients on study > 6 months.

Clinical Activity
Clinical activity was observed at all dose levels with 36 of 38 patients evaluable for efficacy (19 CLL/SLL patients, and 17 NHL patients), with 2 patients having discontinued prior to first efficacy assessment (1 pneumonia, and 1 investigator discretion).

CLL/SLL Efficacy highlights include:

100% (19 of 19) Overall Response Rate (ORR), including a 32% Complete Response (CR) rate observed in patients with CLL/SLL (4 of 6 CR’s pending bone marrow confirmation)
50% of the CLL patients had a 17p and/or 11q deletion
3 CLL patients had prior BTK and/or PI3Kδ inhibitor therapy, including one patient refractory to both idelalisib and ibrutinib who attained a complete response (ongoing for 1.5+ years)
NHL Efficacy highlights include:

Response Rates observed in patients with NHL:
• 100% (2 of 2) ORR, including one CR in patients with Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL)
• 100% (4 of 4) ORR, including 50% CR rate in patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)
• 80% (4 of 5) ORR, including 20% CR rate in patients with Follicular Lymphoma (FL)
• 17% (1 of 6) ORR in patients with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
FL patients were heavily pretreated including 2 with prior Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT), 1 refractory to prior ibrutinib, and 1 with 5 prior lines of rituximab based therapy
DLBCL patients had a median of 4 prior therapies, and 4 of 6 were of non-GCB subtype
PRESENTATION DETAILS:

The above referenced presentations are now available on the Publications page, located within the Pipeline section, of the Company’s website at www.tgtherapeutics.com/publications.cfm.

DelMar Presents Poster of Clinical Research with VAL-083 in Patients with Chemo-resistant Glioblastoma (“GBM”) at SNO’s Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Basic and Translational Research Conference

On June 16, 2017 DelMar Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: DMPI) ("DelMar" and "The Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of unique new cancer therapies designed to save and improve lives, reported the presentation of a poster at The Society for Neuro-Oncology’s 4th Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Basic and Translational Research Conference (Press release, DelMar Pharmaceuticals, JUN 16, 2017, View Source [SID1234519573]). The forum takes place at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel in New York City on June 15-16, 2017.

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The Company’s presentation entitled "Dianhydrogalactitol (VAL-083) overcomes p53-mediated chemo-resistance and displays synergy with topoisomerase inhibitors" was presented the evening of Thursday, June 15.

The authors highlight the current absence of a viable standard-of-care for patients with pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG). This is because the only approved agent for this indication, temozolomide (TMZ), is rendered inactive due to pediatric brain tumors having a high expression of a TMZ-inactivating enzyme called MGMT* and a low expression of the TMZ-activating MMR** pathway proteins.

In prior clinical trials, DelMar Pharmaceuticals’ lead product candidate VAL-083 demonstrated activity against this dire pediatric cancer. The poster emphasizes the fact that VAL-083 maintains functionality regardless of the MGMT or MMR status of pHGG, and is also not affected by the p53 status of the cancer cells. In vitro, VAL-083 has been shown to cause a robust and irreversible S/G2 arrest of the cancer cells, potentially then leading to cancer cell apoptosis. The poster provides the rationale for a detailed clinical investigation of VAL-083 in pediatric high-grade gliomas both as a single agent or in combination with currently available therapies such as TMZ or topoisomerase inhibitors.

*MGMT= 06-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase
**MMR= mismatch repair

"DelMar Pharmaceuticals is excited to share the promising horizon that VAL-083 results have shown in the treatment of pediatric brain tumor," said Jeffrey Bacha, chairman & CEO of DelMar. "We are conscious of the difference VAL-083 could make in the lives of patients and their families, and we are driven by the determination of improving patient outcomes. We are confident that our research efforts will make an impactful contribution to the community and this area of science."

About VAL-083

Dianhydrogalactitol (VAL-083) is a "first-in-class", DNA-targeting agent that introduces interstrand DNA cross-links at the N7-position of guanine leading to DNA double-strand breaks and cancer cell death. VAL-083 has demonstrated clinical activity against a range of cancers including GBM in historical clinical trials sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer Institutes.

VAL-083 has been granted an orphan drug designation by the U.S. FDA Office of Orphan Products for the treatment of glioma, medulloblastoma and ovarian cancer, and in Europe for the treatment of malignant gliomas.

DelMar has demonstrated that VAL-083’s anti-tumor activity against GBM is unaffected by the expression of MGMT in vitro. Further details regarding these studies can be found at View Source

DelMar’s recent outcomes in Phase 1-2 clinical trials suggested that VAL-083 may offer a clinically meaningful survival benefit for patients with recurrent GBM following treatment with both TMZ and bevacizumab. A well-tolerated dosing regimen of 40mg/m2/day on days 1, 2, and 3 of a 21-day cycle was selected for study in subsequent GBM clinical trials.

DelMar has embarked human clinical trials for VAL-083 across every line of GBM therapy. These trials include, i) an ongoing single-arm, biomarker driven, Phase 2 study to determine if VAL-083 treatment of MGMT-unmethylated adult GBM patients at first recurrence/progression, prior to bevacizumab improves overall survival, compared to historical control with lomustine (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02717962). ii) A pivotal, controlled Phase 3 study in temozolomide-Avastin Recurrent GBM ("STAR-3") to evaluate overall survival versus salvage chemotherapy (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03149575). iii) A single arm, biomarker driven, Phase 2 study to confirm the tolerability and efficacy of VAL-083 in combination with radiotherapy in newly diagnosed MGMT-unmethylated GBM patients whose tumors are known to express high MGMT levels. (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03050736). The results of these studies may support a new treatment paradigm in chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of GBM.

About Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain cancer. Current standard of care includes surgery, radiation and treatment with temozolomide (TMZ), however nearly all tumors recur and the prognosis for recurrent GBM is dismal. Most GBM tumors have unmethylated promoter status for O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT); a validated biomarker for TMZ-resistance. Second-line treatment with anti-angiogenic agent bevacizumab has not improved overall survival (OS) and 5-year survival is less than 3%.

BeiGene Presents Initial Phase 1 Data on BTK Inhibitor BGB-3111 Combined with Obinutuzumab at the 14th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma and Announces Additional Planned Global Registrational Trials for BGB-3111

On June 16, 2017 BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ:BGNE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative molecularly targeted and immuno-oncology drugs for the treatment of cancer, reported initial clinical data from an ongoing Phase 1 trial of the Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor BGB-3111 combined with the anti-CD20 antibody obinutuzumab in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) / small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) at the 14th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (14-ICML) in Lugano, Switzerland (Press release, BeiGene, JUN 16, 2017, View Source [SID1234519561]). The initial Phase 1 data demonstrate that the combination is well tolerated with an overall response rate (ORR) of 89% including complete responses (CRs) in 22% of treatment naïve (TN) CLL/SLL patients, an ORR of 92% with CRs in 16% of relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL/SLL patients, and an ORR of 73% with CRs in 33% of R/R FL patients.

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"This clinical trial is supported by preclinical work suggesting that BGB-3111 may combine well with antibodies that rely on antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, such as obinutuzumab, because of less off-target inhibition of interleukin-2-inducible T-cell kinase. The preliminary clinical results to date suggest that the combination is well tolerated and highly active in patients with CLL or SLL and FL. Complete responses have already been observed in patients with both disease types, including CLL or SLL patients with high-risk features, despite a very short follow-up time," commented Constantine Tam, MD, Disease Group Lead for Low Grade Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Director of Haematology at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Australia, and lead author of the presentation.

"We are very pleased to report initial results from our first combination trial with BGB-3111. The preliminary complete response rate in CLL and SLL, as well as the frequency and depth of responses in FL, appear to be favorable compared to reported data with BTK inhibitors or anti-CD20 antibodies alone. Given the depth and durability of BGB-3111 monotherapy activity in our trials to date, we look forward to seeing the combination data mature over time and plan to initiate late-stage trials of this combination in FL," commented Jane Huang, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Hematology at BeiGene.

On the basis of data presented on BGB-3111, BeiGene announced that it plans to expand its global registrational program for BGB-3111 to include a Phase 2 pivotal trial of BGB-3111 in combination with obinutuzumab compared to obinutuzumab alone in patients with R/R FL. In addition, based on data with BGB-3111 monotherapy presented earlier at this meeting, BeiGene is planning to initiate a Phase III trial comparing BGB-3111 with bendamustine plus rituximab in patients with TN CLL. These two additional trials will expand the late-stage clinical trial program for BGB-3111, which includes an ongoing global Phase 3 comparison trial with ibrutinib in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) and single-arm pivotal trials in R/R CLL/SLL and R/R mantle cell lymphoma intended to support approval of BGB-3111 in China.

Summary of Results from the Ongoing Phase 1 Trial

The multi-center, open-label Phase 1 trial of BGB-3111 with obinutuzumab in patients with B-cell malignancies is being conducted in Australia and the United States and consists of a dose-escalation phase and a dose-expansion phase in disease-specific cohorts, which include TN or R/R CLL/SLL and R/R FL. The dose-escalation component is testing BGB-3111 at 320 mg once daily (QD) or 160 mg twice daily (BID) in 28-day cycles, in combination with obinutuzumab; obinutuzumab was administered in line with standard CLL dosing (three loading doses of 1000 mg weekly followed by 1000 mg on day one of cycles 2–6). The ongoing dose-expansion component is testing doses of BGB-3111 at 160 mg BID with the same obinutuzumab schedule. As of March 31, 2017, 45 patients with CLL/SLL and 17 patients with FL were enrolled in the trial.

At the time of the data cutoff of March 31, 2017, BGB-3111 was shown to be well tolerated in both CLL/SLL and FL. The most frequent adverse events (AEs) (≥15%) of any attribution in CLL/SLL were petechiae/purpura/contusion (33%), neutropenia (31%), thrombocytopenia (22%), fatigue (18%), pyrexia (18%), upper respiratory tract infection (18%), and diarrhea (16%); all of these were grade 1 or 2 except for grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (20%) and grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia (4%). The most frequent AEs (≥15%) in FL were petechiae/purpura/contusion (35%), fatigue (29%), cough (18%), diarrhea (18%), dizziness (18%), headache (18%), insomnia (18%), nausea (18%), and upper respiratory tract infection (18%); all of these were grade 1 or 2. Serious AEs occurred in 24% of both the CLL/SLL and FL patients. Infusion-related reactions occurred in 24% of CLL/SLL patients and 6% of FL patients; all cases were grade 1 or 2 except for one grade 4 case in a CLL/SLL patient. There were no cases of serious hemorrhage (≥ grade 3 hemorrhage or central nervous system hemorrhage of any grade) or atrial fibrillation. Only one patient discontinued treatment due to an AE, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and this patient had a prior history of SCC.

At the time of the data cutoff, 43 patients with CLL/SLL (18 TN, 25 R/R) and 15 patients with R/R FL had greater than 12 weeks of follow-up and were evaluable for efficacy. In TN CLL/SLL, after a median follow-up of 7.0 months (2.8–11.8 months), the overall response rate (ORR) was 89% with complete responses (CRs) in 22% and partial responses (PRs) in 67% of patients. Stable disease (SD) was observed in 11% of patients. In R/R CLL/SLL, at a median follow-up time of 8.0 months (3.8–14.0 months) the ORR was 92% with CRs in 16% and PRs in 76% of patients. SD was observed in 4% of patients. In R/R FL, at a median follow-up time of 6.2 months (1.2–10.7 months), the ORR was 73% with CRs in 33% and PRs in 40% of patients. Stable disease was observed in 13% of patients. One patient with R/R CLL/SLL had progressive disease (Richter’s transformation), and two patients with R/R FL had progressive disease.

Investor Call and Webcast Information

BeiGene will host an investor call and webcast to discuss the data presented at 14-ICML and its development program.

Date & Time: Friday, June 16, 2017, 2:00 PM CEST (8:00 AM EDT, 8:00 PM China Standard Time)

Dial-in Numbers: 1-845-675-0437 or 1-866-519-4004 (US), 400-620-8038 or 800-819-0121 (China), +852 30186771 (Hong Kong), or +65 67135090 (International)

Conference ID Number: 33044427

A live webcast and replay will be available on BeiGene’s investor website View Source The dial-in replay will be available approximately two hours after the conference and will be available for two days following the event. It can be accessed by dialing 1-646-254-3697 (US), 400-632-2162 (China), +852 30512780 (Hong Kong), or +61 2 8199 0299 (International).

About BGB-3111

BGB-3111 is a potent and highly selective investigational small molecule inhibitor of BTK (Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase). BGB-3111 has demonstrated higher selectivity against BTK than ibrutinib (the only BTK inhibitor currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency) based on biochemical assays, higher exposure than ibrutinib based on their respective Phase I experience, and sustained 24-hour BTK occupancy in both the blood and the lymph node.

Johnson & Johnson Announces Completion of Acquisition of Actelion

On June 16, 2017 Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported the completion of the acquisition of Actelion Ltd for a total purchase price of approximately $30 billion in cash (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, JUN 16, 2017, View Source [SID1234519557]). The acquisition was completed through an all-cash public tender offer by Johnson & Johnson’s Swiss subsidiary, Janssen Holding GmbH, to acquire all publicly held shares of Actelion Ltd for $280 per share, payable in U.S. dollars. Actelion will now become part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

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"We are very pleased to complete this compelling transaction and look forward to the value it will create for Johnson & Johnson and for patients around the world suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and other serious illnesses," said Alex Gorsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson. "Adding Actelion to our already strong pharmaceutical business expands our portfolio with leading, differentiated in-market medicines and promising late stage products. We are excited to welcome our new Actelion colleagues to the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies as we work together to improve the health of people around the world."

"Through this transaction, Janssen will establish a sixth therapeutic area that will be a growth engine for us as our combined team builds on the market-leading position of Actelion’s therapies," said Joaquin Duato, Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman, Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson. "Actelion’s PAH franchise, including differentiated, innovative medicines Opsumit, Uptravi and Tracleer1 expands our Janssen business and provides a leading commercial position in an established area of transformational medical innovation for patients with serious illnesses and significant unmet medical needs."

In connection with the completion of the public tender offer, Actelion has spun off its drug discovery operations and early-stage clinical development assets into a newly created Swiss biopharmaceutical company, Idorsia Ltd (SIX:IDIA). Shares of Idorsia were distributed to Actelion’s shareholders as a stock dividend and will begin trading on the SIX Swiss Exchange today. As previously announced, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson will initially hold 9.9 percent of the shares of Idorsia and, subject to certain limitations, will have the right to an additional 22.1 percent of Idorsia’s outstanding equity through a convertible note. A subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson also has an option on ACT-132577, a compound in development for resistant hypertension for which the phase 2 clinical results were recently announced.

Johnson & Johnson expects the transaction to add approximately $1.3 billion in sales for 2017 and be accretive to 2017 adjusted earnings per share by approximately $0.07. This impact was already included in the company’s full-year sales and adjusted earnings per share guidance provided in April. Also, as previously disclosed, in the first full year after close, Johnson & Johnson expects the transaction to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share by $0.35 to $0.40.2

Extended Follow-Up Data Evaluating Opdivo (nivolumab) Shows Durable Response in Adult Patients with Relapsed or Progressed Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

On June 16, 2017 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported extended follow-up data in which Opdivo (nivolumab) demonstrated responses in adult patients with relapsed or progressed classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), irrespective of brentuximab vedotin (BV) therapy history (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, JUN 16, 2017, View Source [SID1234519556]). Results from the Phase 2 CheckMate -205 study reflect the longest follow-up data of a programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor in patients with cHL. These data will be presented tomorrow in an oral session at 8:45 AM CEST during the 14th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma in Lugano, Switzerland.

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The ongoing multi-cohort CheckMate -205 study evaluated objective response rates (ORR), the primary endpoint, as well as duration of response rates (DOR) for each cohort, all of which were assessed by the Independent Radiology Review Committee. In the BV-naïve group (Cohort A: n=63), with a median follow-up of 19 months, patients had an ORR of 65%, with a complete response (CR) in 29% of patients. The median DOR was 20 months and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 18.3 months (95% CI: 11.1 to 22.4).

In the group that had BV therapy after ASCT (Cohort B: n=80), with a median follow-up of 23 months, the ORR was 68%, with CR in 13% of patients. The median DOR was 16 months and the median PFS was 14.7 months (95% CI: 10.5 to 19.6).

In the BV-before- (n=33), -after- (n=58) or before-and-after- (n=9) ASCT group (Cohort C: n=100 total), with a median follow-up of 16 months, the ORR was 73%, with CR in 12% of patients. The median DOR was 15 months and the median PFS was 11.9 months (95% CI: 11.1 to 18.4).

"Treatment options are limited for patients with classical Hodgkin Lymphoma after ASCT has failed, which is why the high objective response rates shown across cohorts of the CheckMate -205 study are encouraging," said Michelle Fanale, M.D., Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "The results are particularly welcome news, as patients experienced responses regardless of brentuximab vedotin treatment history or the depth of their Hodgkin lymphoma’s response to brentuximab vedotin."

Across cohorts, the median overall survival was not reached, and 40% of patients remained on treatment. The safety profile was consistent with previously reported data in this tumor type. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were fatigue (23%), diarrhea (15%), and infusion reactions (IRs; 14%). Grade 3 or 4 AEs experienced included fatigue (1%), diarrhea (1%) and rash (1%).

"These extended results across cohorts indicate that Opdivo may offer a potential treatment option for patients with classical Hodgkin Lymphoma progressing after ASCT," said Jonathan Leith, hematology development lead, Bristol-Myers Squibb.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency first approved Opdivo for patients with relapsed or refractory (RR) cHL following ASCT and BV in 2016. In the U.S., the indication received accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

About CheckMate -205

CheckMate -205 is an ongoing Phase 2, multi-cohort study evaluating Opdivo in adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) who have failed autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), irrespective of brentuximab vedotin (BV) therapy history. Patients enrolled in this trial were treated with Opdivo 3 mg/kg intravenously every two weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. There were 243 adult patients with RR cHL at trial entry and 77% of patients had stage III or greater RR cHL. At median follow-up between 16 and 23 months, 97 patients remained on treatment.

About Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), also known as Hodgkin disease, is a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system. Worldwide, there are about 66,000 new HL cases and 25,500 deaths from HL estimated each year. The disease is most often diagnosed in early adulthood (ages 20-40) and late adulthood (older than 55 years of age). Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is the most common type of HL, accounting for 95% of cases. There remains a significant unmet need for patients who relapse or who become refractory to approved treatments that are currently available, as the estimated five-year survival rate for patients in the U.S. with cHL diagnosed at stage III is 80%, and at stage IV, about 65%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb & Immuno-Oncology: Advancing Oncology Research

At Bristol-Myers Squibb, patients are at the center of everything we do. Our vision for the future of cancer care is focused on researching and developing transformational Immuno-Oncology (I-O) medicines for hard-to-treat cancers that could potentially improve outcomes for these patients.

We are leading the scientific understanding of I-O through our extensive portfolio of investigational compounds and approved agents. Our differentiated clinical development program is studying broad patient populations across more than 50 types of cancers with 14 clinical-stage molecules designed to target different immune system pathways. Our deep expertise and innovative clinical trial designs position us to advance I-O/I-O, I-O/chemotherapy, I-O/targeted therapies and I-O/radiation therapies across multiple tumors and potentially deliver the next wave of therapies with a sense of urgency. We also continue to pioneer research that will help facilitate a deeper understanding of the role of immune biomarkers and how patients’ individual tumor biology can be used as a guide for treatment decisions throughout their journey.

We understand making the promise of I-O a reality for the many patients who may benefit from these therapies requires not only innovation on our part but also close collaboration with leading experts in the field. Our partnerships with academia, government, advocacy and biotech companies support our collective goal of providing new treatment options to advance the standards of clinical practice.

About Opdivo

Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body’s own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers.

Opdivo’s leading global development program is based on Bristol-Myers Squibb’s scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has enrolled more than 25,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression.

In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 60 countries, including the United States, the European Union and Japan. In October 2015, the company’s Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union.

OPDIVO AND YERVOY INDICATIONS & IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATIONS

OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 wild-type unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: IMMUNE-MEDIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS

YERVOY can result in severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. These immune-mediated reactions may involve any organ system; however, the most common severe immune-mediated adverse reactions are enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis), neuropathy, and endocrinopathy. The majority of these immune-mediated reactions initially manifested during treatment; however, a minority occurred weeks to months after discontinuation of YERVOY.

Assess patients for signs and symptoms of enterocolitis, dermatitis, neuropathy, and endocrinopathy and evaluate clinical chemistries including liver function tests (LFTs), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function tests at baseline and before each dose.

Permanently discontinue YERVOY and initiate systemic high-dose corticosteroid therapy for severe immune-mediated reactions.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. Fatal cases have been reported. Monitor patients for signs with radiographic imaging and for symptoms of pneumonitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or more severe pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 and withhold until resolution for Grade 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, fatal cases of immune-mediated pneumonitis have occurred. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% (61/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 6% (25/407) of patients.

In Checkmate 205 and 039, pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 6.0% (16/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 4.9% (13/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 2 (n=12).

Immune-Mediated Colitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated colitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 (of more than 5 days duration), 3, or 4 colitis. Withhold OPDIVO monotherapy for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 or recurrent colitis upon re-initiation of OPDIVO. When administered with YERVOY, withhold OPDIVO and YERVOY for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent colitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.9% (58/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 26% (107/407) of patients including three fatal cases.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal (diarrhea of ≥7 stools above baseline, fever, ileus, peritoneal signs; Grade 3-5) immune-mediated enterocolitis occurred in 34 (7%) patients. Across all YERVOY-treated patients in that study (n=511), 5 (1%) developed intestinal perforation, 4 (0.8%) died as a result of complications, and 26 (5%) were hospitalized for severe enterocolitis.

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Monitor patients for abnormal liver tests prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater transaminase elevations. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 immune-mediated hepatitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.8% (35/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 13% (51/407) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal hepatotoxicity (AST or ALT elevations >5x the ULN or total bilirubin elevations >3x the ULN; Grade 3-5) occurred in 8 (2%) patients, with fatal hepatic failure in 0.2% and hospitalization in 0.4%.

Immune-Mediated Neuropathies

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, 1 case of fatal Guillain-Barré syndrome and 1 case of severe (Grade 3) peripheral motor neuropathy were reported.

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis, immune-mediated adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune thyroid disorders, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis, signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, thyroid function prior to and periodically during treatment, and hyperglycemia. Administer hormone replacement as clinically indicated and corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hypophysitis. Withhold for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hypophysitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Administer hormone-replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Initiate medical management for control of hyperthyroidism. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hyperglycemia.

In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypophysitis occurred in 9% (36/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1% (20/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 5% (21/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 2.7% (54/1994) of patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 22% (89/407) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 8% (34/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, diabetes occurred in 0.9% (17/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, diabetes occurred in 1.5% (6/407) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe to life-threatening immune-mediated endocrinopathies (requiring hospitalization, urgent medical intervention, or interfering with activities of daily living; Grade 3-4) occurred in 9 (1.8%) patients. All 9 patients had hypopituitarism, and some had additional concomitant endocrinopathies such as adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, and hypothyroidism. 6 of the 9 patients were hospitalized for severe endocrinopathies.

Immune-Mediated Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grades 2-4 increased serum creatinine. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 increased serum creatinine. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 1.2% (23/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 2.2% (9/407) of patients.

Immune-Mediated Skin Adverse Reactions and Dermatitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated rash, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), some cases with fatal outcome. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 rash. Withhold for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 rash. For symptoms or signs of SJS or TEN, withhold OPDIVO and refer the patient for specialized care for assessment and treatment; if confirmed, permanently discontinue. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated rash occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated rash occurred in 22.6% (92/407) of patients.

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal immune-mediated dermatitis (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or rash complicated by full thickness dermal ulceration, or necrotic, bullous, or hemorrhagic manifestations; Grade 3-5) occurred in 13 (2.5%) patients. 1 (0.2%) patient died as a result of toxic epidermal necrolysis. 1 additional patient required hospitalization for severe dermatitis.

Immune-Mediated Encephalitis

OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated encephalitis. Evaluation of patients with neurologic symptoms may include, but not be limited to, consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture. Withhold OPDIVO in patients with new-onset moderate to severe neurologic signs or symptoms and evaluate to rule out other causes. If other etiologies are ruled out, administer corticosteroids and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for immune-mediated encephalitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, encephalitis occurred in 0.2% (3/1994) of patients. Fatal limbic encephalitis occurred in one patient after 7.2 months of exposure despite discontinuation of OPDIVO and administration of corticosteroids. Encephalitis occurred in one patient receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY (0.2%) after 1.7 months of exposure.

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Based on the severity of adverse reaction, permanently discontinue or withhold treatment, administer high-dose corticosteroids, and, if appropriate, initiate hormone-replacement therapy. Across clinical trials of OPDIVO the following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in <1.0% of patients receiving OPDIVO: uveitis, iritis, pancreatitis, facial and abducens nerve paresis, demyelination, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hypopituitarism, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, gastritis, duodenitis, sarcoidosis, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), myositis, myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, motor dysfunction, vasculitis, and myasthenic syndrome.

Infusion Reactions

OPDIVO can cause severe infusion reactions, which have been reported in <1.0% of patients in clinical trials. Discontinue OPDIVO in patients with Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with Grade 1 or 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, infusion-related reactions occurred in 6.4% (127/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2.5% (10/407) of patients.

Complications of Allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO

Complications, including fatal events, occurred in patients who received allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Outcomes were evaluated in 17 patients from Checkmate 205 and 039, who underwent allogeneic HSCT after discontinuing OPDIVO (15 with reduced-intensity conditioning, 2 with myeloablative conditioning). Thirty-five percent (6/17) of patients died from complications of allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Five deaths occurred in the setting of severe or refractory GVHD. Grade 3 or higher acute GVHD was reported in 29% (5/17) of patients. Hyperacute GVHD was reported in 20% (n=2) of patients. A steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, without an identified infectious cause, was reported in 35% (n=6) of patients. Two cases of encephalitis were reported: Grade 3 (n=1) lymphocytic encephalitis without an identified infectious cause, and Grade 3 (n=1) suspected viral encephalitis. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) occurred in one patient, who received reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT and died of GVHD and multi-organ failure. Other cases of hepatic VOD after reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT have also been reported in patients with lymphoma who received a PD-1 receptor blocking antibody before transplantation. Cases of fatal hyperacute GVHD have also been reported. These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT.

Follow patients closely for early evidence of transplant-related complications such as hyperacute GVHD, severe (Grade 3 to 4) acute GVHD, steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, hepatic VOD, and other immune-mediated adverse reactions, and intervene promptly.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on their mechanisms of action, OPDIVO and YERVOY 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 contraception during treatment with an OPDIVO- or YERVOY- containing regimen and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO.

Lactation

It is not known whether OPDIVO or YERVOY is present in human milk. Because many drugs, including antibodies, are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from an OPDIVO-containing regimen, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment. Advise women to discontinue nursing during treatment with YERVOY and for 3 months following the final dose.

Serious Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 037, serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=268). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse drug reactions reported in 2% to <5% of patients receiving OPDIVO were abdominal pain, hyponatremia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased lipase. In Checkmate 066, serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=206). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were gamma-glutamyltransferase increase (3.9%) and diarrhea (3.4%). In Checkmate 067, serious adverse reactions (73% and 37%), adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation (43% and 14%) or to dosing delays (55% and 28%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (72% and 44%) all occurred more frequently in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) relative to the OPDIVO arm (n=313). The most frequent (≥10%) serious adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm and the OPDIVO arm, respectively, were diarrhea (13% and 2.6%), colitis (10% and 1.6%), and pyrexia (10% and 0.6%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, pyrexia, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and respiratory failure. In Checkmate 025, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients were acute kidney injury, pleural effusion, pneumonia, diarrhea, and hypercalcemia. In Checkmate 205 and 039, adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 7% and dose delays due to adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients (n=266). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥1% of patients were pneumonia, infusion-related reaction, pyrexia, colitis or diarrhea, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and rash. Eleven patients died from causes other than disease progression: 3 from adverse reactions within 30 days of the last OPDIVO dose, 2 from infection 8 to 9 months after completing OPDIVO, and 6 from complications of allogeneic HSCT.

In Checkmate 141, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, dyspnea, respiratory failure, respiratory tract infections, and sepsis. In Checkmate 275, serious adverse reactions occurred in 54% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were urinary tract infection, sepsis, diarrhea, small intestine obstruction, and general physical health deterioration.

Common Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 037, the most common adverse reaction (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=268) was rash (21%). In Checkmate 066, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=206) vs dacarbazine (n=205) were fatigue (49% vs 39%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 25%), rash (28% vs 12%), and pruritus (23% vs 12%). In Checkmate 067, the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) were fatigue (59%), rash (53%), diarrhea (52%), nausea (40%), pyrexia (37%), vomiting (28%), and dyspnea (20%). The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO (n=313) arm were fatigue (53%), rash (40%), diarrhea (31%), and nausea (28%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418) were fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, cough, dyspnea, and decreased appetite. In Checkmate 025, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406) vs everolimus (n=397) were asthenic conditions (56% vs 57%), cough (34% vs 38%), nausea (28% vs 29%), rash (28% vs 36%), dyspnea (27% vs 31%), diarrhea (25% vs 32%), constipation (23% vs 18%), decreased appetite (23% vs 30%), back pain (21% vs 16%), and arthralgia (20% vs 14%). In Checkmate 205 and 039, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=266) were upper respiratory tract infection (44%), fatigue (39%), cough (36%), diarrhea (33%), pyrexia (29%), musculoskeletal pain (26%), rash (24%), nausea (20%) and pruritus (20%). In Checkmate 141, the most common adverse reactions (≥10%) in patients receiving OPDIVO were cough and dyspnea at a higher incidence than investigator’s choice. In Checkmate 275, the most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270) were fatigue (46%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), nausea (22%), and decreased appetite (22%).

In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, the most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients who received YERVOY at 3 mg/kg were fatigue (41%), diarrhea (32%), pruritus (31%), rash (29%), and colitis (8%).

Checkmate Trials and Patient Populations

Checkmate 067 – advanced melanoma alone or in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 037 and 066 – advanced melanoma; Checkmate 017 – squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); Checkmate 057 – non-squamous NSCLC; Checkmate 025 – renal cell carcinoma; Checkmate 205/039 – classical Hodgkin lymphoma; Checkmate 141 – squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck; Checkmate 275 – urothelial carcinoma.

Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY, including Boxed WARNING regarding immune-mediated adverse reactions for YERVOY.