On December 5, 2015 Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) reported the presentation of new key data evaluating Kyprolis (carfilzomib) -based regimens in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (Press release, Amgen, DEC 5, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508407]). The data showed Kyprolis in combination with dexamethasone significantly extended disease progression compared to bortezomib plus dexamethasone across a range of difficult-to-treat populations, specifically those with high risk and previously treated disease. The analyses were presented during the 57th Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) in Orlando, Fla.

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Data analyzed in three presentations across patient subgroups from the Phase 3 ENDEAVOR trial showed that patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, who were treated with Kyprolis plus dexamethasone, achieved superior progression-free survival (PFS) compared to those receiving bortezomib plus dexamethasone. The subgroup analyses evaluated the Kyprolis combination based on prior treatment, cytogenetic risk status and age, respectively (ASH abstracts #729, #30 and #1844). Pivotal data from the Phase 3 ENDEAVOR trial were previously presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) and published online in The Lancet Oncology today.

A separate presentation analyzed the efficacy and safety of Kyprolis according to baseline cytogenetic risk status, based on data from the Phase 3 ASPIRE trial in which Kyprolis in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone demonstrated a significant improvement in PFS compared to lenalidomide and dexamethasone (ASH abstract #731).

"Our clinical research with Kyprolis aims to improve outcomes for patients in the relapsed setting, which are currently poor due to more aggressive disease biology as multiple myeloma progresses," said Sean E. Harper, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. "This week’s presentations show that even in difficult-to-treat populations, Kyprolis significantly extends the time patients can live without their disease progressing and improves the depth and duration of a response, compared to current standard of care therapies."

Multiple myeloma is characterized by very complex cytogenetic and molecular genetic aberrations.1 Cytogenetic analysis may provide more information about myeloma prognosis and help physicians with treatment plans.2 Myeloma cytogenetic analysis is an examination of the bone marrow cells to look for chromosome abnormalities.2

Abstracts are currently available on the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) website.

ASH Abstract #729: Impact of Prior Treatment on Patients with Relapsed Multiple Myeloma Treated with Carfilzomib and Dexamethasone Versus Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in a Subgroup Analysis of the Phase 3 ENDEAVOR Study (NCT01568866)
This preplanned, exploratory sub-analysis assessed treatment with Kyprolis and dexamethasone or bortezomib and dexamethasone in 929 total patients. The proportion of patients with one prior therapy compared to those with two or more prior lines of therapy was balanced between the treatment arms. The proportion of patients with prior bortezomib or lenalidomide exposure was also balanced across treatment arms within the subgroups of patients with one or two or more prior lines of therapy. The analysis demonstrated a favorable benefit-risk profile of Kyprolis regardless of prior treatment, including number and types of prior therapy.

Median PFS for patients after one prior line of therapy was 22.2 months (95 percent CI, 17.7–not estimable [NE]) for the Kyprolis-containing regimen versus 10.1 months (95 percent CI, 8.8–12.7) for the bortezomib-containing regimen (HR: 0.45). Median PFS for patients who had two or more previous lines of therapy was 14.9 months (10.2–NE) for Kyprolis patients compared with 8.4 months (6.5–10.2) for bortezomib patients (HR: 0.60).

Grade 3 or higher adverse events were reported in 69.8 percent of Kyprolis patients and 63.9 percent of bortezomib patients previously treated with one prior line, and 76.6 percent of Kyprolis patients and 69.9 percent of bortezomib patients with two or more prior lines.

ASH Abstract #30: Efficacy and Safety of Carfilzomib and Dexamethasone Versus Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Patients with Relapsed Multiple Myeloma Based on Cytogenetic Risk Status: Subgroup Analysis from the Phase 3 Study ENDEAVOR (NCT01568866)

In this preplanned, exploratory sub-analysis of the efficacy and safety of Kyprolis and dexamethasone versus bortezomib and dexamethasone based on baseline cytogenetic risk status, Kyprolis demonstrated superiority to bortezomib and a favorable benefit–risk profile, regardless of baseline cytogenetic risk status, in patients with high-risk relapsed multiple myeloma.

Median PFS in the high-risk group (n=210) was 8.8 months (95 percent CI, 6.9–11.3) for Kyprolis patients versus 6.0 months (4.9–8.1) for bortezomib patients (HR: 0.646). Median PFS in the standard-risk group (n=575) was not estimable for Kyprolis (18.7–NE) versus 10.2 months (9.3–12.2) for bortezomib (HR: 0.439).

Grade 3 or higher adverse events for Kyprolis compared with bortezomib, in the high- and standard-risk groups, were 70.1 percent versus 63.1 percent, and 73.9 percent versus 68.3 percent, respectively.

ASH Abstract #1844: Carfilzomib and Dexamethasone versus Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Patients With Relapsed Multiple Myeloma: Results of the Phase 3 Study ENDEAVOR (NCT01568866) According to Age Subgroup

In this exploratory subgroup analysis from the ENDEAVOR study according to age, treatment with Kyprolis and dexamethasone demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement in PFS compared with bortezomib and dexamethasone in all age subgroups examined, with a trend toward a greater improvement in the eldest-age subgroup (75 or older) than in the two younger-age subgroups (under 65 and 65–74 years).

Median PFS was improved with the Kyprolis regimen compared with the bortezomib regimen, within each age subgroup (under 65: NE versus 9.5 months [HR: 0.58]; 65–74 years: 15.6 months versus 9.5 months [HR: 0.53]; 75 and older: 18.7 months versus 8.9 months [HR: 0.38]).

Selected grade 3 or higher adverse events of interest that were higher in the Kyprolis arm within each age subgroup, compared with the bortezomib arm, were hypertension, dyspnea, cardiac failure and renal failure.

ASH Abstract #731: Efficacy and Safety of Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone Versus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Patients With Relapsed Multiple Myeloma Based on Cytogenetic Risk Status: Subgroup Analysis From the Phase 3 Study ASPIRE (NCT01080391)

This preplanned, exploratory sub-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of Kyprolis, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRd) compared with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) alone, in 417 patients with relapsed multiple myeloma with high- and standard-risk cytogenetic status, and found Kyprolis had a favorable benefit–risk profile, regardless of baseline cytogenetic risk status, and improved outcomes in patients with high-risk disease.

Median PFS in the high-risk group (n=100) was 23.1 months (95 percent CI, 12.5–24.2) for the Kyprolis-containing regimen versus 13.9 months (9.5–16.7) for lenalidomide and dexamethasone alone (HR: 0.639). Median PFS in the standard-risk group (n=317) was 29.6 months (24.1–NE) for the Kyprolis-containing regimen versus 19.5 months (14.8–26.0) for the Rd regimen (HR: 0.657).
Selected grade 3 or higher adverse events in patients treated with Kyprolis, in both cytogenetic risk groups, included dyspnea, hypertension, acute renal failure, cardiac failure, ischemic heart disease and peripheral neuropathy.
Amgen Webcast Investor Meeting
Amgen will host a webcast investor meeting at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, at 7 p.m. ET. Sean E. Harper, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen, along with members of Amgen’s clinical development team and clinical investigators will participate to discuss data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) and Amgen’s broader oncology portfolio of products.

Live audio of the conference call will be simultaneously broadcast over the Internet and will be available to members of the news media, investors and the general public.

The webcast, as with other selected presentations regarding developments in Amgen’s business given by management at certain investor and medical conferences, can be found on Amgen’s website, www.amgen.com, under Investors. Information regarding presentation times, webcast availability and webcast links are noted on Amgen’s Investor Relations Events Calendar. The webcast will be archived and available for replay for at least 90 days after the event.

About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer, characterized by a recurring pattern of remission and relapse.3 It is a rare and very aggressive orphan disease that accounts for approximately one percent of all cancers.4-6 Worldwide, approximately 114,000 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma each year and 80,000 patient deaths are reported on an annual basis.4

About Amgen’s Commitment to Oncology
Amgen Oncology is committed to helping patients take on some of the toughest cancers, such as those that have been resistant to drugs, those that progress rapidly through the body and those where limited treatment options exist. Amgen’s supportive care treatments help patients combat certain side effects of strong chemotherapy, and our targeted medicines and immunotherapies focus on more than a dozen different malignancies, ranging from blood cancers to solid tumors. With decades of experience providing therapies for cancer patients, Amgen continues to grow its portfolio of innovative and biosimilar oncology medicines.

About Kyprolis (carfilzomib) for Injection
Kyprolis (carfilzomib) for Injection received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2015 for combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received one to three prior lines of therapy.

Kyprolis is also indicated under FDA accelerated approval in July 2012 as a single agent for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies including bortezomib and an immunomodulatory agent and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy. Approval is based on response rate. Clinical benefit, such as improvement in survival or symptoms, has not been verified.

In Nov. 2015, the European Commission granted marketing authorization for Kyprolis in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy.

Kyprolis is a product of Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Onyx Pharmaceuticals is a subsidiary of Amgen and holds development and commercialization rights to Kyprolis globally, excluding Japan. Kyprolis is also approved for use in Argentina, Israel, Kuwait, Mexico, Thailand and Colombia. Additional regulatory applications for Kyprolis are underway and have been submitted to health authorities worldwide.

For more information about Kyprolis, visit www.kyprolis.com or www.kyprolis.eu.

Important Safety Information Regarding Kyprolis (carfilzomib) for Injection

Cardiac Toxicities
New onset or worsening of pre-existing cardiac failure (e.g., congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, decreased ejection fraction), restrictive cardiomyopathy, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial infarction including fatalities have occurred following administration of Kyprolis. Death due to cardiac arrest has occurred within a day of Kyprolis administration.

Withhold Kyprolis for Grade 3 or 4 cardiac adverse events until recovery, and consider whether to restart Kyprolis based on a benefit/risk assessment.

Adequate hydration is required prior to each dose in Cycle 1. Monitor all patients for evidence of volume overload, especially patients at risk for cardiac failure. Adjust total fluid intake as clinically appropriate in patients with baseline cardiac failure or who are at risk for cardiac failure.

Patients > 75 years, the risk of cardiac failure is increased. Patients with New York Heart Association Class III and IV heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, and conduction abnormalities may be at greater risk for cardiac complications.

Acute Renal Failure
Cases of acute renal failure and renal insufficiency adverse events (renal impairment, acute renal failure, renal failure) have occurred in patients receiving Kyprolis. Acute renal failure was reported more frequently in patients with advanced relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma who received Kyprolis monotherapy. This risk was greater in patients with a baseline reduced estimated creatinine clearance. Monitor renal function with regular measurement of the serum creatinine and/or estimated creatinine clearance. Reduce or withhold dose as appropriate.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome
Cases of Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS), including fatal outcomes, have occurred in patients receiving Kyprolis. Patients with multiple myeloma and a high tumor burden should be considered at greater risk for TLS. Adequate hydration is required prior to each dose in Cycle 1, and in subsequent cycles as needed. Consider uric acid lowering drugs in patients at risk for TLS. Monitor for evidence of TLS during treatment and manage promptly. Withhold Kyprolis until TLS is resolved.

Pulmonary Toxicity
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), acute respiratory failure, and acute diffuse infiltrative pulmonary disease such as pneumonitis and interstitial lung disease have occurred in patients receiving Kyprolis. Some events have been fatal. In the event of drug-induced pulmonary toxicity, discontinue Kyprolis.

Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was reported in patients treated with Kyprolis. Evaluate with cardiac imaging and/or other tests as indicated. Withhold Kyprolis for PAH until resolved or returned to baseline and consider whether to restart Kyprolis based on a benefit/risk assessment.

Dyspnea
Dyspnea was reported in patients treated with Kyprolis. Evaluate dyspnea to exclude cardiopulmonary conditions including cardiac failure and pulmonary syndromes. Stop Kyprolis for Grade 3 or 4 dyspnea until resolved or returned to baseline. Consider whether to restart Kyprolis based on a benefit/risk assessment.

Hypertension
Hypertension, including hypertensive crisis and hypertensive emergency, has been observed with Kyprolis. Some of these events have been fatal. Monitor blood pressure regularly in all patients. If hypertension cannot be adequately controlled, withhold Kyprolis and evaluate. Consider whether to restart Kyprolis based on a benefit/risk assessment.

Venous Thrombosis
Venous thromboembolic events (including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) have been observed with Kyprolis. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended and should be based on an assessment of the patient’s underlying risks, treatment regimen, and clinical status.

Infusion Reactions
Infusion reactions, including life-threatening reactions, have occurred in patients receiving Kyprolis. Symptoms include fever, chills, arthralgia, myalgia, facial flushing, facial edema, vomiting, weakness, shortness of breath, hypotension, syncope, chest tightness, or angina. These reactions can occur immediately following or up to 24 hours after administration of Kyprolis. Premedicate with dexamethasone to reduce the incidence and severity of infusion reactions. Inform patients of the risk and of symptoms of an infusion reaction and to contact a physician immediately if they occur.

Thrombocytopenia
Kyprolis causes thrombocytopenia with recovery to baseline platelet count usually by the start of the next cycle. Thrombocytopenia was reported in patients receiving Kyprolis. Monitor platelet counts frequently during treatment with Kyprolis. Reduce or withhold dose as appropriate.

Hepatic Toxicity and Hepatic Failure
Cases of hepatic failure, including fatal cases, have been reported during treatment with Kyprolis. Kyprolis can cause increased serum transaminases. Monitor liver enzymes regularly. Reduce or withhold dose as appropriate.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura /Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP/HUS)
Cases of TTP/HUS including fatal outcome have occurred in patients receiving Kyprolis. Monitor for signs and symptoms of TTP/HUS. Discontinue Kyprolis if diagnosis is suspected. If the diagnosis of TTP/HUS is excluded, Kyprolis may be restarted. The safety of reinitiating Kyprolis therapy in patients previously experiencing TTP/HUS is not known.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)
Cases of PRES have occurred in patients receiving Kyprolis. PRES was formerly known as Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome. Consider a neuro-radiological imaging (MRI) for onset of visual or neurological symptoms. Discontinue Kyprolis if PRES is suspected and evaluate. The safety of reinitiating Kyprolis therapy in patients previously experiencing PRES is not known.

Embryo-fetal Toxicity
Kyprolis can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman based on its mechanism of action and findings in animals.

Females of reproductive potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with Kyprolis and the potential hazard to the fetus if Kyprolis is used during pregnancy.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse events occurring in at least 20 percent of patients treated with Kyprolis in monotherapy trials: anemia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, nausea, pyrexia, decreased platelets, dyspnea, diarrhea, decreased lymphocyte, headache, decreased hemoglobin, cough, edema peripheral.

The most common adverse events occurring in at least 20 percent of patients treated with Kyprolis in the combination therapy trial: decreased lymphocytes, decreased absolute neutrophil count, decreased phosphorus, anemia, neutropenia, decreased total white blood cell count, decreased platelets, diarrhea, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, pyrexia, muscle spasm, cough, upper respiratory tract infection, decreased hemoglobin, hypokalemia.

Full prescribing information is available at www.kyprolis.com.

On December 5, 2015 Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:AGIO), a leader in the fields of cancer metabolism and rare genetic metabolic disorders, reported new data from the ongoing Phase 1 study evaluating single agent AG-120, a first-in-class, oral, selective, potent inhibitor of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1), in advanced hematologic malignancies (Press release, Agios Pharmaceuticals, DEC 5, 2015, View Source [SID:1234508406]).

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The data are being presented at the 2015 American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) taking place December 5-8, 2015 in Orlando. AG-120 is being developed in collaboration with Celgene.

Data as of October 1, 2015 from 87 patients with advanced IDH1 mutant positive hematologic malignancies confirmed a favorable safety profile consistent with previously reported data and showed durable clinical activity in 78 dose-escalation patients. Twenty-nine patients remain on study as of the analysis. Efficacy data is provided from the dose-escalation phase of the study only, where an overall response rate of 35 percent (27 of 78 response-evaluable patients) and a complete remission rate of 15 percent (12 of 78 response-evaluable patients) were observed. Patients were on study treatment for up to 14.1 months with a median duration of treatment of 2.9 months (ranging from 0.1 to 14.1 months). Data continue to show durable clinical activity for AG-120, with responses maintained for up to 12.5 months and a median duration of response of 5.6 months (previously unreported).

"With the addition of 30 new patients to the study, AG-120 has maintained durable responses and continues to demonstrate an impressive single-agent overall response rate of 35 percent," said Courtney DiNardo, M.D., lead investigator and assistant professor, department of leukemia at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "These data further validate AG-120’s potential to provide clinical benefit for IDH1 mutant relapsed/refractory AML patients with few, if any effective therapeutic options."

"These data increase our confidence in the favorable safety and efficacy profile of AG-120," said Chris Bowden, M.D., chief medical officer of Agios. "Our focus remains on bringing AG-120 to patients with IDH1 mutant cancers as quickly as possible, and we look forward to continuing to enroll our 125-patient expansion arm in relapsed/refractory AML and initiating two frontline studies to reach additional IDH1 mutant AML patients in need of better options."

About the Ongoing Phase 1 Trial for AG-120 in Advanced Hematologic Malignancies

AG-120 is being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 1 trial that includes a dose escalation phase and four expansion cohorts, including:

Arm 1: 125 IDH1 mutant positive AML patients who relapsed after bone marrow transplantation, are in second or later relapse, refractory to second line induction or reinduction treatment

Arm 2: 25 untreated IDH1 mutant positive AML patients who are not candidates for standard-of-care chemotherapy

Arm 3: 25 patients with other non-AML IDH1 mutant, relapsed or refractory advanced hematologic malignancies

Arm 4: 25 patients with relapsed IDH1 mutant positive AML not eligible for arm 1 or standard of care

Data reported are from patients treated with AG-120 administered from 200 mg to 1,200 mg total daily doses as of October 1, 2015. The median age of these patients is 68 (ranging from 36-89). Patients received a median of two prior lines of therapy (ranging from zero to five). A safety analysis was conducted for all 87 treated patients and an efficacy analysis was conducted in the evaluable population of 78 dose-escalation patients, which includes all patients with a pre-AG-120 screening assessment and day 28 or later response assessment or an earlier discontinuation for any reason.

Safety Data

Of the 87 treated patients, 78 were from the dose-escalation phase and nine from the expansion.

The majority of adverse events reported by investigators were mild to moderate, with the most common being fatigue, diarrhea, pyrexia and nausea.
51 patients experienced at least one serious adverse event (SAE), the majority being disease related.
A maximum tolerated dose (MTD) has not been reached.
19 patients discontinued from the study due to death, and all were considered unrelated to AG-120.
All cause mortality at 30 and 60 days was 10.3 percent and 18.4 percent, respectively.

Efficacy Data

Twenty-seven out of 78 response-evaluable patients from the dose-escalation achieved investigator-assessed objective responses for an overall response rate of 35 percent.

Of the 27 patients who achieved an objective response, there were 12 complete remissions (CR), seven CRs with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp), six marrow CRs (mCR), one CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi) and one partial remission (PR).
Patients were on study treatment for up to 14.1 months with a median duration of treatment of 2.9 months (ranging from 0.1 to 14.1 months).

Data continue to show durable clinical activity for AG-120, with responses maintained for up to 12.5 months and a median duration of response of 5.6 months.

2015 Milestones for AG-120 in Hematologic Malignancies

Remaining milestones for AG-120 in 2015 include:

Continue to enroll patients in the expansion cohort of 125 patients with IDH1 mutant positive AML who relapsed after bone marrow transplantation, are in second or later relapse, refractory to second line induction or reinduction treatment.
Initiate a Phase 1b combination study of either AG-221 or AG-120 with standard induction (7+3, Ara-C and idarubicin/daunorubicin) and consolidation (Ara-C, or mitoxantrone with etoposide) chemotherapy in newly diagnosed AML patients eligible for intensive chemotherapy by the end of 2015.

Investor Event and Webcast Information

Agios will host an investor event on Monday, December 7, 2015 beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET in Orlando to review data presented at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper), including new data from the ongoing studies of AG-221 and AG-120. The event will be webcast live and can be accessed under "Events & Presentations" in the Investors and Media section of the company’s website at www.agios.com.

About IDH Mutations and Cancer

IDH1 and IDH2 are two metabolic enzymes that are mutated in a wide range of hematologic and solid tumor malignancies. Normally, IDH enzymes help to break down nutrients and generate energy for cells. When mutated, IDH increases production of an oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG) that alters the cells’ epigenetic programming, thereby promoting cancer. 2HG has been found to be elevated in several tumor types. Agios believes that inhibition of the mutated IDH proteins may lead to clinical benefit for the subset of cancer patients whose tumors carry them.

About Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

AML, a cancer of blood and bone marrow characterized by rapid disease progression, is the most common acute leukemia affecting adults. Undifferentiated blast cells proliferate in the bone marrow rather than mature into normal blood cells. AML incidence significantly increases with age, and according to the American Cancer Society, the median age of onset is 66. Less than 10 percent of U.S. AML patients are eligible for bone marrow transplant and the vast majority of patients do not respond to chemotherapy and progress to relapsed/refractory AML. The five-year survival rate for AML is approximately 20 to 25 percent. IDH1 and IDH2 mutations are present in about 15 to 23 percent of AML cases.