On December 7, 2015 Juno Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: JUNO), a biopharmaceutical company focused on re-engaging the body’s immune system to revolutionize the treatment of cancer, reported, in partnership with its collaborators, that clinical data from separate trials for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell product candidates, JCAR015 and JCAR014, demonstrated encouraging clinical responses in patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (Press release, Juno, DEC 7, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508478]).

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JCAR015 and JCAR014 results will be presented in oral and poster presentations, respectively, today at the 57th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) in Orlando.

"We are encouraged by the continued positive results of JCAR015 in adult patients with r/r ALL. We look forward to advancing this product candidate in its ongoing pivotal Phase II trial, with the goal of potentially making it broadly available to patients," said Mark Frohlich, M.D., Executive Vice President, Development and Portfolio Strategy. "The JCAR014 data presented show the addition of fludarabine to cyclophosphamide-based lymphodepletion improves CAR T cell expansion, persistence, and disease-free survival in r/r B-cell adult ALL patients treated with a defined cell product. The continued translational insights from this ongoing trial also demonstrate the importance of depth of response in order to maintain a durable response."

In an oral presentation on Monday, December 7, 2015, Jae H. Park, M.D. of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center will present, "Implications of Minimal Residual Disease Negative Complete Remission (MRD-CR) and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant on Safety and Clinical Outcome of CD19-Targeted 19-28z CAR Modified T Cells in Adult Patients with Relapsed, Refractory B-Cell ALL." Dr. Park will provide updated results on a total of 46 patients treated with JCAR015 in B-cell ALL. Key takeaways include:

Overall complete response (CR) was reported in 37/45 (82%) evaluable patients and minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative CR was reported in 30/36 (83%) patients who achieved a CR and were evaluable for MRD analysis.

r/r B-cell ALL patients who achieve MRD-negative CR have improved survival compared to those who achieve MRD-positive CR.
r/r B-cell ALL patients who achieve MRD-negative CR appear to have comparable survival whether or not they proceed to an allogeneic stem cell transplant.

JCAR015 has consistent efficacy across multiple high risk subgroups, including elderly and multiple relapsed patients.
Severe cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was observed in 11/46 (24%) patients. Severity of CRS correlated with disease burden and was generally reversible.

Grade 3/4 neurotoxicity was observed in 13/46 (28%) patients. As previously disclosed, Grade 5 toxicity was observed in 3/46 (6%) patients, and was assessed to be unrelated to JCAR015 treatment in one of these patients.

In a poster presentation on Monday, December 7, 2015, Cameron J. Turtle, MBBS, Ph.D. of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will present, "Addition of Fludarabine to Cyclophosphamide Lymphodepletion Improves In Vivo Expansion of CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Modified T Cells and Clinical Outcome in Adults with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia." Dr. Turtle will provide updated results on a total of 30 patients treated with JCAR014 against r/r B-cell ALL. Key takeaways include:

The addition of fludarabine to cyclophosphamide-based lymphodepletion to a defined cell product improves CAR T cell expansion, persistence, response rate, and disease-free survival in r/r B-cell adult ALL.

The CR rate as documented by flow cytometry was 27/29 (93%) of evaluable patients with r/r B-cell ALL. After the addition of fludarabine, 17/17 (100%) of patients had a CR and a complete molecular remission (CMR) rate, as measured by flow cytometry.
Severe CRS was reported in 7/30 (23%) and Grade ≥3 neurotoxicity was noted in 15/30 (50%) ALL patients.
The risk-stratified dosing of JCAR014 is potent, feasible, and reduced the incidence of severe CRS.

ASH Investor and Analyst Event and Webcast
The Juno ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Investor and Analyst Event and webcast will be held Monday, December 7, 2015 at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The webcast can be accessed live on the Investor Relations page of Juno’s website, www.JunoTherapeutics.com, and will be available for replay for 30 days following the event.

About Juno’s Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) and T Cell Receptor (TCR) Technologies
Juno’s chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor technologies (TCR) genetically engineer T cells to recognize and kill cancer cells. Juno’s CAR T cell technology inserts a gene for a particular CAR into the T cell, enabling it to recognize cancer cells based on the expression of a specific protein located on the cell surface. Juno’s TCR technology provides the T cells with a specific T cell receptor to recognize protein fragments derived from either the surface or inside the cell. When either type of engineered T cell engages the target protein on the cancer cell, it initiates a cell-killing response against the cancer cell. JCAR014 and JCAR015 are investigational product candidates and their safety and efficacy have not been established.

On December 7, 2015 CytRx Corporation (NASDAQ: CYTR), a biopharmaceutical research and development company specializing in oncology, reported that it has selected its next drug, designated DK049, for clinical development in 2016 (Press release, CytRx, DEC 7, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508465]).

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DK049 was created using CytRx’s novel LADR (Linker-Activated Drug Release) technology that allows the drug to bind to albumin in the body’s bloodstream and controls its release at the site of the tumor. The LADR technology used with DK049 employs a two-stage linker that utilizes both pH sensitivity and acts enzymatically to allow release of its cytotoxic drug payload which extends the duration of exposure in tumors. Prolonged inhibition of tumor growth has been demonstrated in human tumor xenograft models of pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer at doses that lack apparent toxicity. As an example of the LADR technology’s capability, human ovarian tumor xenograft models received 85% less drug than a known chemotherapy comparator, yet at the end of the study, DK049-treated tumors were an average 13 times smaller than the chemotherapy-treated animals. These data have been submitted for presentation at the American Association of Cancer Research Annual Meeting in April 2016. Additionally, CytRx has applied for patents for both its LADR technology and DK049 itself.

"We believe that our LADR technology is the next advancement in linker-controlled drug release to be used with both antibody-drug conjugates and albumin-binding approaches, " commented Dr. Felix Kratz, Vice President of Drug Discovery at CytRx. "The ability to adjust the structure and composition of our linkers allows CytRx to attach a variety of lethal agents that include modified standard chemotherapies as well as highly potent agents currently used in antibody-drug conjugates."

"In only its first year, our Drug Discovery Group has created a technology that is capable of providing CytRx with a clinical pipeline for years to come," said Steven A. Kriegsman, Chairman and CEO of CytRx Corporation. "Their creation of DK049 was accomplished very rapidly due to the intelligent drug design and experience of Dr. Kratz’s group. We are confident that their progress with the LADR technology will be a key value driver for CytRx in the future."

CytRx’s LADR technology has several advantages over current linkers:

It allows prolonged drug exposure with accumulation at the site of the tumor.
The linker reduces drug release in healthy cells.
The controlled release allows delivery of payloads that are 10-1000 times more potent than standard chemotherapies.
The LADR conjugates can evade traditional drug resistance mechanisms.

On December 7, 2015 Merck, a leading science and technology company, reported that it is not planning to file for approval of evofosfamide in advanced soft tissue sarcoma and advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (Press release, Merck KGaA, DEC 7, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508464]).

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The decision was made in light of the results from two Phase III studies of evofosfamide in combination with chemotherapy in these two types of cancer, as reported by Threshold Pharmaceuticals Inc. today. Merck will now be redeploying its resources into high-profile future products, such as avelumab* and all other priority programs in oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology.

"Despite seeing signs of activity in pancreatic cancer, pre-specified primary endpoints were not met in both studies and therefore the data do not support filing in these indications," said Luciano Rossetti, Head of Global Research and Development of Merck’s biopharma business. "We decided today not to pursue investigation of evofosfamide in soft tissue sarcoma and pancreatic cancer, and we will be making a quick decision on the future of the ongoing evofosfamide clinical program."
Details of the two Phase III studies will be shared with the scientific community once the data have been further analyzed.

"Today’s results are disappointing for patients. Yet we are confident in our pipeline and will reallocate evofosfamide resources to accelerate other key programs in oncology and immuno-oncology," said Rossetti.

Merck’s pharmaceutical pipeline is focusing on oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology. In immuno-oncology, Merck, together with Pfizer, is researching avelumab, an investigational anti-PD-L1 antibody, in more than 15 tumor types.

*Avelumab is the proposed International Nonproprietary Name for the anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (MSB0010718C). Avelumab is under clinical investigation and has not been proven to be safe and effective. There is no guarantee any product will be approved in the sought-after indication by any health authority worldwide.

About Evofosfamide
Evofosfamide (previously known as TH-302) is an investigational hypoxia-activated prodrug of a bis-alkylating agent that is preferentially activated under severe tumor hypoxic conditions, a feature of many solid tumors. Areas of low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in solid tumors are due to insufficient blood vessel supply. Similarly, the bone marrow of patients with hematological malignancies has also been shown, in some cases, to be severely hypoxic.

Merck signed a global license and co-development agreement for evofosfamide with Threshold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in February 2012, with an option for Threshold to co-commercialize in the U.S.

On December 6, 2015 Threshold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: THLD) reported the outcomes of two Phase 3 cancer studies (MAESTRO and TH-CR-406/SARC021) of evofosfamide (previously known as TH-302), an investigational hypoxia-activated prodrug, which is being evaluated for first-line treatment of advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma and advanced soft tissue sarcoma, in combination with chemotherapy (Filing, 8-K, Threshold Pharmaceuticals, DEC 7, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508460]).

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The Phase 3 studies are being conducted under Threshold’s collaboration with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

In the Phase 3 MAESTRO study, patients with previously untreated, locally advanced unresectable or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma treated with evofosfamide in combination with gemcitabine did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in overall survival (OS) compared with gemcitabine plus placebo (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71 – 1.01; p=0.0589).

In the Phase 3 TH-CR-406/SARC021 study being conducted in collaboration with the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC), patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma treated with evofosfamide in combination with doxorubicin did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in OS compared with doxorubicin alone (HR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.88 – 1.29).

Patient safety was monitored in MAESTRO and TH-CR-406/SARC021 by independent data monitoring committees throughout the conduct of each study. No new clinically significant safety findings were observed.

Detailed results from both studies will be submitted for presentation at upcoming international scientific meetings and for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Threshold will not be pursing further development of evofosfamide in soft tissue sarcoma and pancreatic cancer.

"We are surprised and disappointed that these studies did not show that evofosfamide could extend the lives of patients with these two difficult-to-treat diseases," said Barry Selick, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at Threshold. "Threshold has been pursuing evofosfamide for over ten years in collaboration with world-class scientists and investigators throughout the world. While we believe there remains substantial data to support the role of hypoxia in cancer treatment resistance, we are deeply frustrated with our inability in these trials to impact that in a meaningful way. I would like to thank all of the patients and their families, and the physicians, nurses, and support staff who participated in these studies."

Conference Call and Webcast
At 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday December 7, 2015, Threshold’s management will host a conference call and a simultaneous webcast. The webcast can be accessed on the company’s website in the Investors/Webcasts section View Source Alternatively, please call 1- (888) 767-9745 (U.S) or (440) 996-5547 (international). The conference ID number is 99761325. The webcast will be archived on Threshold’s website for at least 30 days.

About TH-CR-406/SARC021
TH-CR-406/SARC021 is a randomized, open-label, global, multicenter Phase 3 study, that was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of evofosfamide (300 mg/m2) in combination with doxorubicin (75 mg/m2) compared with doxorubicin alone, in patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma previously untreated with chemotherapy. A total of 640 patients were randomized in the study. The primary endpoint of the study is OS. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival (PFS), response rate, safety and pharmacokinetics.

About MAESTRO
MAESTRO (MetAstatic or unrESectable pancreaTic adenocaRcinOma) is a randomized, placebo-controlled, international, multicenter, double-blind Phase 3 study, that was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of evofosfamide (340 mg/m2) in combination with gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2), compared with gemcitabine and placebo, in patients with previously untreated, locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A total of 693 patients were randomized in the study. The primary endpoint of the study is OS. Secondary endpoints include PFS, overall response rate, disease control rate, quality of life based on patient-reported outcomes, safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics and biomarkers.

About Evofosfamide
Evofosfamide (previously known as TH-302) is an investigational hypoxia-activated prodrug of a
bis-alkylating agent that is preferentially activated under severe hypoxic tumor conditions, a feature of many solid tumors. Areas of low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in solid tumors are due to insufficient blood vessel supply. Similarly, the bone marrow of patients with hematological malignancies has also been shown, in some cases, to be severely hypoxic.

Evofosfamide is being studied in patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma and in patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer. Evofosfamide is also being investigated in a Phase 2 study designed to support registration for the treatment of non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, and in earlier-stage clinical studies of other solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
Threshold has a global license and co-development agreement for evofosfamide with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

On December 7, 2015 Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ:CELG) and AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN), reported the initiation of the FUSION clinical development program of durvalumab (MEDI4736), an investigational human monoclonal antibody directed against programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in hematologic disorders (Press release, Celgene, DEC 7, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508448]).

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The FUSION program is part of a strategic collaboration with AstraZeneca and its global biologics research and development arm MedImmune, to develop and commercialize durvalumab across a range of blood cancers including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes and multiple myeloma.

The program will initially include four studies:

MM-001 – A phase 1b multicenter, open-label study to determine the recommended dose and regimen of durvalumab as a monotherapy or in combination with pomalidomide with or without low-dose dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

CC-486-MDS-006 – A phase 2 international, multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CC-486 alone or in combination with durvalumab in patients with MDS who fail to achieve an objective response to treatment with azacitidine for injection or decitabine

MEDI4736 -NHL-001 – A phase 1/2 open-label, multicenter study to assess the safety and tolerability of durvalumab as monotherapy and in combination therapy in patients with lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia

MEDI4736-MDS-001 – A randomized, multicenter, open-label phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of azacitidine subcutaneous in combination with durvalumab in previously untreated patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes or in elderly (≥ 65 years) acute myeloid leukemia subjects not eligible for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

"The initiation of the FUSION program represents an important step forward in Celgene’s development of immuno-oncology approaches in hematologic disease," said Robert Hershberg, M.D., Ph.D., Celgene’s Senior Vice President, Immuno-Oncology. "Checkpoint inhibitors hold tremendous promise in the treatment of cancer and we believe Celgene’s deep experience in hematology allows us unique perspective on this growing area of clinical research."

"We’re pleased with the rapid start of the first clinical trials in the FUSION development program through our strategic partnership with Celgene," Robert Iannone, Senior Vice President, Head of Immuno-oncology, Global Medicines Development at AstraZeneca. "Durvalumab is a highly promising investigational immunotherapy for a range of tumour types and we look forward to exploring its potential as a PD-L1 inhibitor for patients with blood cancers, for whom current treatment choices are limited."

The Celgene partnership with AstraZeneca/MedImmune is part of a comprehensive commitment to immuno-oncology that includes not only clinical-stage checkpoint inhibitors and t-cell activators, but also earlier stage research efforts on the tumor microenvironment focused on tumor-associated macrophages, monocytes, natural killer cells and regulatory T cells.

For more information about the FUSION clinical program, visit booth #505 at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL.

About durvalumab (MEDI4736)

Durvalumab is an investigational human monoclonal antibody directed against programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1). Signals from PD-L1 help tumours avoid detection by the immune system. Durvalumab blocks these signals, countering the tumour’s immune-evading tactics. Durvalumab is being investigated in an extensive clinical trial programme, as monotherapy or in combination in multiple cancer types.

Durvalumab is an investigational product and has not been approved for any use.

About POMALYST

In the U.S., POMALYST (pomalidomide) is indicated for patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy.

U.S. Regulatory Information for POMALYST

Important Safety Information
WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY and VENOUS AND ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

POMALYST is contraindicated in pregnancy. POMALYST is a thalidomide analogue. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes severe birth defects or embryo-fetal death. In females of reproductive potential, obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting POMALYST treatment.
Females of reproductive potential must use 2 forms of contraception or continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks after stopping POMALYST treatment.
POMALYST is only available through a restricted distribution program called POMALYST REMS.

Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction, and stroke occur in patients with multiple myeloma treated with POMALYST. Prophylactic antithrombotic measures were employed in clinical trials. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended, and the choice of regimen should be based on assessment of the patient’s underlying risk factors.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy

POMALYST can cause fetal harm and is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. If POMALYST is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Females of Reproductive Potential: Must avoid pregnancy while taking POMALYST and for at least 4 weeks after completing therapy. Must commit either to abstain continuously from heterosexual sexual intercourse or to use 2 methods of reliable birth control, beginning 4 weeks prior to initiating treatment with POMALYST, during therapy, during dose interruptions, and continuing for 4 weeks following discontinuation of POMALYST therapy. Must obtain 2 negative pregnancy tests prior to initiating therapy
Males: Pomalidomide is present in the semen of patients receiving the drug. Males must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any sexual contact with females of reproductive potential while taking POMALYST and for up to 28 days after discontinuing POMALYST, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy. Males must not donate sperm
Blood Donation: Patients must not donate blood during treatment with POMALYST and for 1 month following discontinuation of POMALYST therapy because the blood might be given to a pregnant female patient whose fetus must not be exposed to POMALYST
POMALYST REMS Program
Because of the embryo-fetal risk, POMALYST is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called "POMALYST REMS." Prescribers and pharmacies must be certified with the program; patients must sign an agreement form and comply with the requirements. Further information about the POMALYST REMS program is available at www.CelgeneRiskManagement.com or by telephone at 1-888-423-5436.

Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism: Venous thromboembolic events (DVT and PE) and arterial thromboembolic events (ATE) (myocardial infarction and stroke) have been observed in patients treated with POMALYST. In Trial 2, where anticoagulant therapies were mandated, thromboembolic events occurred in 8.0% of patients treated with POMALYST and low dose-dexamethasone (Low-dose Dex) vs 3.3% treated with high-dose dexamethasone. Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) occurred in 4.7% of patients treated with POMALYST and Low-dose Dex vs 1.3% treated with high-dose dexamethasone. Arterial thromboembolic events include terms for arterial thromboembolic events, ischemic cerebrovascular conditions, and ischemic heart disease. Arterial thromboembolic events occurred in 3.0% of patients treated with POMALYST and Low-dose Dex vs 1.3% treated with high-dose dexamethasone. Patients with known risk factors, including prior thrombosis, may be at greater risk, and actions should be taken to try to minimize all modifiable factors (e.g., hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking).

Hematologic Toxicity: In trials 1 and 2 in patients who received POMALYST + Low-dose Dex, neutropenia (46%) was the most frequently reported Grade 3/4 adverse reaction, followed by anemia and thrombocytopenia. Monitor patients for hematologic toxicities, especially neutropenia. Monitor complete blood counts weekly for the first 8 weeks and monthly therafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or modification.

Hepatotoxicity: Hepatic failure, including fatal cases, has occurred in patients treated with POMALYST. Elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin have also been observed in patients treated with POMALYST. Monitor liver function tests monthly. Stop POMALYST upon elevation of liver enzymes. After return to baseline values, treatment at a lower dose may be considered.

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Angioedema and severe dermatologic reactions have been reported. Discontinue POMALYST for angioedema, skin exfoliation, bullae, or any other severe dermatologic reactions, and do not resume therapy.

Dizziness and Confusional State: In trials 1 and 2 in patients who received POMALYST + Low-dose Dex, 14% experienced dizziness and 7% a confusional state; 1% of patients experienced Grade 3 or 4 dizziness and 3% experienced a Grade 3 or 4 confusional state. Instruct patients to avoid situations where dizziness or confusional state may be a problem and not to take other medications that may cause dizziness or confusional state without adequate medical advice.

Neuropathy: In trials 1 and 2, patients who received POMALYST + Low-dose Dex experienced neuropathy (18%) and peripheral neuropathy (~12%). In trial 2, 2% of patients experienced Grade 3 neuropathy.

Risk of Second Primary Malignancies: Cases of acute myelogenous leukemia have been reported in patients receiving POMALYST as an investigational therapy outside of multiple myeloma.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) may occur in patients treated with POMALYST. Patients at risk are those with high tumor burden prior to treatment. These patients should be monitored closely and appropriate precautions taken.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Nearly all patients treated with POMALYST + Low-dose Dex experienced at least one adverse reaction (99%). In trial 2, the most common adverse reactions included neutropenia (51.3%), fatigue and asthenia (46.7%), upper respiratory tract infection (31%), thrombocytopenia (29.7%), pyrexia (26.7%), dyspnea (25.3%), diarrhea (22%), constipation (21.7%), back pain (19.7%), cough (20%), pneumonia (19.3%), edema peripheral (17.3%), peripheral neuropathy (17.3%), bone pain (18%), nausea (15%), and muscle spasms (15.3%). Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions included neutropenia (48.3%), thrombocytopenia (22%), and pneumonia (15.7%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Pomalidomide is primarily metabolized by CYP1A2 and CYP3A. Pomalidomide is also a substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Avoid the use of strong CYP1A2 inhibitors. If medically necessary to co-administer strong inhibitors of CYP1A2 in the presence of strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 and P-gp, reduce POMALYST dose by 50%. Cigarette smoking may reduce pomalidomide exposure due to CYP1A2 induction. Patients should be advised that smoking may reduce the efficacy of pomalidomide.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy: If pregnancy does occur during treatment, immediately discontinue the drug and refer patient to an obstetrician/gynecologist experienced in reproductive toxicity for further evaluation and counseling. Report any suspected fetal exposure to POMALYST to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-332-1088 and also to Celgene Corporation at 1-888-423-5436.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known if pomalidomide is excreted in human milk. Pomalidomide was excreted in the milk of lactating rats. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants from POMALYST, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of POMALYST in patients under the age of 18 have not been established.

Geriatric Use: No dosage adjustment is required for POMALYST based on age. Patients > 65 years of age were more likely than patients ≤ 65 years of age to experience pneumonia.

Renal and Hepatic Impairment: Pomalidomide is metabolized in the liver. Pomalidomide and its metabolites are primarily excreted by the kidneys. The influence of renal and hepatic impairment on the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of pomalidomide has not been evaluated. Avoid POMALYST in patients with a serum creatinine > 3.0 mg/dL. Avoid POMALYST in patients with serum bilirubin > 2.0 mg/dL and AST/ALT > 3.0 x ULN.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS

About VIDAZA

VIDAZA (azacitidine for injection) is indicated for treatment of patients with the following French-American-British (FAB) myelodysplastic syndrome subtypes: refractory anemia (RA) or refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS) (if accompanied by neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or requiring transfusions), refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB), refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-T), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMMoL).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

VIDAZA is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to azacitidine or mannitol and in patients with advanced malignant hepatic tumors

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

Anemia, Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia:

Because treatment with VIDAZA causes anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, monitor complete blood counts frequently for response and/or toxicity, at a minimum, prior to each dosing cycle

VIDAZA Toxicity in Patients with Severe Pre-existing Hepatic Impairment:

Because azacitidine is potentially hepatotoxic in patients with severe preexisting hepatic impairment, caution is needed in patients with liver disease.

Renal Toxicity:

Azacitidine and its metabolites are primarily excreted by the kidneys and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. These patients, including the elderly should be closely monitored for toxicity

Use in Pregnancy:

VIDAZA may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Women of childbearing potential should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Men should be advised not to father a child while receiving VIDAZA
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS:

Nursing Mothers:

Nursing mothers should be advised to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into consideration the importance of the drug to the mother

ADVERSE REACTIONS:

In Studies 1 and 2, the most commonly occurring adverse reactions by SC route were nausea (70.5%), anemia (69.5%), thrombocytopenia (65.5%), vomiting (54.1%), pyrexia (51.8%), leukopenia (48.2%), diarrhea (36.4%), injection site erythema (35.0%), constipation (33.6%), neutropenia (32.3%), and ecchymosis (30.5%). Other adverse reactions included dizziness (18.6%), chest pain (16.4%), febrile neutropenia (16.4%), myalgia (15.9%), injection site reaction (13.6%), and malaise (10.9%). In Study 3, the most common adverse reactions by IV route also included petechiae (45.8%), weakness (35.4%), rigors (35.4%), and hypokalemia (31.3%)
In Study 4, the most commonly occurring adverse reactions were thrombocytopenia (69.7%), neutropenia (65.7%), anemia (51.4%), constipation (50.3%), nausea (48.0%), injection site erythema (42.9%), and pyrexia (30.3%). The most commonly occurring Grade 3/4 adverse reactions were neutropenia (61.1%), thrombocytopenia (58.3%), leukopenia (14.9%), anemia (13.7%), and febrile neutropenia (12.6%)