U.S. FDA Approves XTANDI® (enzalutamide) for the Treatment of Men with Non-Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC)

On July 13, 2018 Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Kenji Yasukawa, Ph.D., "Astellas") and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) reported the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for XTANDI (enzalutamide), following FDA Priority Review designation, based on results from the Phase 3 PROSPER trial (Press release, Astellas, JUL 13, 2018, View Source [SID1234527693]). The FDA action broadens the indication for XTANDI to men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), now including men with non-metastatic CRPC. This approval makes XTANDI the first and only oral medication FDA-approved for both non-metastatic and metastatic CRPC. XTANDI was first approved by the FDA in 2012 for the treatment of patients with metastatic CRPC who had previously received docetaxel, and was granted approval in 2014 for chemotherapy-naïve men with metastatic CRPC.

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Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world. (PRNewsFoto/Astellas Pharma Inc.)

"With today’s approval, there is now a new option for men with non-metastatic CRPC, who are in between the failure of androgen deprivation therapy resulting in CRPC and the onset of metastatic disease," said Jonathan Simons, M.D., Prostate Cancer Foundation President and CEO. "As a foundation that drives research aimed at improving patient outcomes, it is exciting to see approvals like this, which are vital to help address unmet patient needs."

The updated label is based on results from the Phase 3 PROSPER trial, which demonstrated that the use of XTANDI plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) significantly reduced the risk of developing metastasis or death compared to ADT alone in men with non-metastatic CRPC. The median for the primary endpoint, metastasis-free survival (MFS), was 36.6 months for men who received XTANDI plus ADT compared to 14.7 months with ADT alone (N=1401; HR=0.29 [95% CI: 0.24-0.35]; p<0.0001). The most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 10%) that occurred more frequently (greater than or equal to 2% over placebo) in XTANDI plus ADT-treated patients were: asthenic conditions (40% vs 20%), hot flush (13% vs 7.7%), hypertension (12% vs 5.2%), dizziness (12% vs 5.2%), nausea (11% vs 8.6%) and fall (11% vs 4.1%). Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions were reported in 31 percent of men treated with XTANDI plus ADT and in 23 percent of men treated with ADT alone. Data from the PROSPER study were presented at the 2018 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU) in February and published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June.

"Reducing the risk of disease progression is an important treatment goal in castration-resistant prostate cancer, since the disease becomes harder to treat as it advances," said Andy Schmeltz, global president, Oncology, Pfizer. "With XTANDI, men with CRPC now have a clinically proven treatment option that reduces the risk of metastasis. This approval delivers on the potential for XTANDI to help men at an earlier stage of the disease, and we are continuing to evaluate the medicine in an extensive development program across additional prostate cancer populations."

"This approval is important progress for men with CRPC, who now have XTANDI as a treatment option regardless of whether or not they have detectable metastatic disease," said Steven Benner, M.D., senior vice president and global therapeutic area head, Oncology Development, Astellas. "XTANDI is a standard of care in the treatment of men with metastatic CRPC and has been prescribed to more than 250,000 men worldwide since its initial approval in 2012. The expanded indication based on the PROSPER data builds on the body of evidence for XTANDI."

Pfizer and Astellas are committed to helping patients access XTANDI by providing them with access and reimbursement support resources regardless of their situation. Patients can visit www.XTANDI.com or call 1-855-898-2634 to learn more.

PROSPER Trial Results

The Phase 3 PROSPER trial enrolled 1,401 patients with non-metastatic CRPC. Patients were randomized 2:1 and received either XTANDI plus ADT or placebo plus ADT (ADT alone). Data in the updated XTANDI label demonstrates that the use of XTANDI plus ADT significantly reduced the risk of developing metastases or death compared to ADT alone. The median for the primary endpoint, MFS, was 36.6 months for men who received XTANDI compared to 14.7 months with ADT alone (HR=0.29 [95% CI: 0.24-0.35]; p<0.0001).

The primary efficacy outcome was supported by a statistically significant delay in the time to first use of new antineoplastic therapy (TTA) for patients who received XTANDI plus ADT compared to those who received ADT alone (median 39.6 months vs 17.7 months; HR=0.21 [95% CI: 0.17-0.26]; p < 0.0001). Overall survival (OS) data were not mature at the time of final MFS analysis.

The most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 10%) that occurred more frequently (greater than or equal to 2% over placebo) in XTANDI plus ADT-treated patients compared to the ADT alone patients were: asthenic conditions (40% vs 20%), hot flush (13% vs 7.7%), hypertension (12% vs 5.2%), dizziness (12% vs 5.2%), nausea (11% vs 8.6%) and fall (11% vs 4.1%). Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions were reported in 31 percent of men treated with XTANDI plus ADT and in 23 percent of men treated with ADT alone. In the study, 3.4 percent of patients in the XTANDI plus ADT arm and 0.6 percent in the ADT alone arm died from adverse events. Discontinuations with an adverse event as the primary reason were reported for 9.4 percent of patients treated with XTANDI plus ADT vs 6 percent treated with ADT alone.

About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide.1 More than 164,000 men in the United States are estimated to be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018.2 In the European Union, the estimated number of new prostate cancer cases in 2015 was 365,000.3

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) refers to the subset of men whose prostate cancer progresses despite castrate levels of testosterone (i.e., less than 50 ng/dL).4 Non-metastatic CRPC means there is no clinically detectable evidence of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body (metastases), and there is a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.5 Many men with non-metastatic CRPC and a rapidly rising PSA level go on to develop metastatic CRPC.6

About XTANDI (enzalutamide) capsules

XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Important Safety Information for XTANDI

Warnings and Precautions

Seizure occurred in 0.4% of patients receiving XTANDI in clinical studies. In a study of patients with predisposing factors for seizure, 2.2% of XTANDI-treated patients experienced a seizure. Patients in the study had one or more of the following pre-disposing factors: use of medications that may lower the seizure threshold; history of traumatic brain or head injury, cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, Alzheimer’s disease, meningioma, or leptomeningeal disease from prostate cancer, unexplained loss of consciousness within the last 12 months, history of seizure, presence of a space occupying lesion of the brain, history of arteriovenous malformation, or history of brain infection. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with XTANDI. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while taking XTANDI and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm to themselves or others. Permanently discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop a seizure during treatment.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) In post approval use, there have been reports of PRES in patients receiving XTANDI. PRES is a neurological disorder which can present with rapidly evolving symptoms including seizure, headache, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances, with or without associated hypertension. A diagnosis of PRES requires confirmation by brain imaging, preferably MRI. Discontinue XTANDI in patients who develop PRES.

Hypersensitivity reactions, including edema of the face (0.5%), tongue (0.1%), or lip (0.1%) have been observed with XTANDI in clinical trials. Pharyngeal edema has been reported in post-marketing cases. Advise patients who experience any symptoms of hypersensitivity to temporarily discontinue XTANDI and promptly seek medical care. Permanently discontinue XTANDI for serious hypersensitivity reactions.

Ischemic Heart Disease In the placebo-controlled clinical studies, ischemic heart disease occurred more commonly in patients on the XTANDI arm compared to patients on the placebo arm (2.7% vs 1.2%). Grade 3-4 ischemic events occurred in 1.2% of patients on XTANDI versus 0.5% on placebo. Ischemic events led to death in 0.4% of patients on XTANDI compared to 0.1% on placebo. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Discontinue XTANDI for Grade 3-4 ischemic heart disease.

Falls and Fractures In the placebo-controlled clinical studies, falls occurred in 10% of patients treated with XTANDI compared to 4% of patients treated with placebo. Fractures occurred in 8% of patients treated with XTANDI and in 3% of patients treated with placebo. Evaluate patients for fracture and fall risk. Monitor and manage patients at risk for fractures according to established treatment guidelines and consider use of bone-targeted agents.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Safety and efficacy of XTANDI have not been established in females. XTANDI can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy when administered to a pregnant female. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with XTANDI and for 3 months after the last dose of XTANDI. XTANDI should not be handled by females who are or may become pregnant.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) that occurred more frequently (≥ 2% over placebo) in the XTANDI patients from the randomized placebo-controlled trials were asthenia/fatigue, decreased appetite, hot flush, arthralgia, dizziness/vertigo, hypertension, headache and weight decreased. In the bicalutamide-controlled study, the most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) reported in XTANDI patients were asthenia/fatigue, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, hot flush, hypertension, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and weight loss.

In the placebo-controlled study of metastatic CRPC (mCRPC) patients taking XTANDI who previously received docetaxel, Grade 3 and higher adverse reactions were reported among 47% of XTANDI patients and 53% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 16% of XTANDI patients and 18% of placebo patients. In the placebo-controlled study of chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC patients, Grade 3-4 adverse reactions were reported in 44% of XTANDI patients and 37% of placebo patients. Discontinuations due to adverse events were reported for 6% of both study groups. In the placebo-controlled study of non-metastatic CRPC (nmCRPC) patients, Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions were reported in 31% of XTANDI patients and 23% of placebo patients. Discontinuations with an adverse event as the primary reason were reported for 9% of XTANDI patients and 6% of placebo patients. In the bicalutamide-controlled study of chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC patients, Grade 3-4 adverse reactions were reported in 39% of XTANDI patients and 38% of bicalutamide patients. Discontinuations with an AE as the primary reason were reported for 8% of XTANDI patients and 6% of bicalutamide patients.

Lab Abnormalities: In the two placebo-controlled trials in patients with mCRPC, Grade 1-4 neutropenia occurred in 15% of XTANDI patients (1% Grade 3-4) and 6% of placebo patients (0.5% Grade 3-4). In the placebo-controlled trial in patients with nmCRPC, Grade 1-4 neutropenia occurred in 8% of patients receiving XTANDI (0.5% Grade 3-4) and in 5% of patients receiving placebo (0.2% Grade 3-4).

Hypertension: In the two placebo-controlled trials in patients with mCRPC, hypertension was reported in 11% of XTANDI patients and 4% of placebo patients. Hypertension led to study discontinuation in <1% of patients in each arm. In the placebo-controlled trial in patients with nmCRPC, hypertension was reported in 12% of patients receiving XTANDI and 5% of patients receiving placebo.

Drug Interactions

Effect of Other Drugs on XTANDI Avoid strong CYP2C8 inhibitors, as they can increase the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, reduce the dose of XTANDI.

Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers as they can decrease the plasma exposure to XTANDI. If co-administration is necessary, increase the dose of XTANDI.

Effect of XTANDI on Other Drugs Avoid CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, as XTANDI may decrease the plasma exposures of these drugs. If XTANDI is co-administered with warfarin (CYP2C9 substrate), conduct additional INR monitoring.

Please see Full Prescribing Information for additional safety information.

About the Enzalutamide Development Program

Pfizer and Astellas are collaborating on a comprehensive development program that includes studies of enzalutamide across the full spectrum of advanced prostate cancer. Ongoing studies of enzalutamide in prostate cancer include the ARCHES trial in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and the EMBARK trial in non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

Gilead Sciences to Release Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results on Wednesday, July 25, 2018

On July 13, 2018 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) reported that its second quarter 2018 financial results will be released on Wednesday, July 25, after the market closes (Press release, Gilead Sciences, JUL 13, 2018, View Source;p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2358256 [SID1234527694]). At 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Gilead’s management will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results for the second quarter 2018 and provide a general business update.

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The live webcast of the call can be accessed at the company’s Investors page at www.gilead.com/investors. Please connect to the company’s website at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be required to listen to the webcast. Alternatively, please call 1-877-359-9508 (U.S.) or 1-224-357-2393 (international) and dial the conference ID 8988927 to access the call. Telephone replay will be available approximately two hours after the call through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, July 27, 2018. To access the replay, please call 1-855-859-2056 (U.S.) or 1-404-537-3406 (international) and dial the conference ID 8988927. The webcast will be archived on www.gilead.com for one year.

Bausch Health Companies Inc. completes name change

On July 13, 2018 Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) ("Bausch Health" or the "Company" or "we") reported the Company’s name change from Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. to Bausch Health Companies Inc. is complete (Press release, Bausch Health, JUL 13, 2018, View Source [SID1234542277]).

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"Choosing Bausch Health as our new corporate name is very meaningful, because the Bausch name has long been a highly respected name in the health care space, synonymous for 165 years with innovation and an unwavering dedication to improving people’s lives," said Joseph C. Papa, chairman and CEO, Bausch Health. "It is a legacy that defines us today and sets the stage for our future as we continue to transform the Company."

Bausch Health will begin trading as "BHC" on the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange on July 16, 2018.

As part of the name change, Bausch Health has unveiled a new corporate brand visual identity, and on July 16, 2018, will launch a new corporate web site: www.bauschhealth.com.

Because the Company’s businesses and subsidiaries have strong brand equity, all entities that have separate established brands will continue to operate under the corporate umbrella using their existing names.

Compass Therapeutics Completes $132 Million Series A Financing to Advance Next-Generation Antibody-Based Therapeutics into the Clinic

On July 12, 2018 Compass Therapeutics, a biotechnology company committed to the ambitious goal of comprehensively drugging the human immune system, reported the closing of the final $49 million of its $132 million Series A financing. This financing will enable the company to advance its next-generation antibody-based therapeutics into the clinic (Press release, Compass Therapeutics, JUL 12, 2018, View Source [SID1234529743]). The financing was led by OrbiMed Advisors and included F-Prime Capital, Cowen Healthcare Investments, Thiel Capital, Biomatics Capital, Ulysses Holdings, Borealis Ventures, Alexandria Venture Investments and Biomed Realty Ventures.

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Compass is pioneering a new approach to identifying antibody drug candidates that engage all targets in the biologically complex human immune synapse, with an initial focus on T cells, NK cells and macrophages. The company’s antibody discovery and bispecific engineering platforms enable the rapid identification of therapeutic candidates that engage with a broad range of epitopes on every target. Specifically, StitchMabs, a novel and proprietary high-throughput bispecific screening platform, enables the rapid identification of synergistic bispecific activity.

The antibody discovery platform is both robust and efficient. Compass is capable of drugging two new targets per month, and therapeutic candidates are generated in less than two months from antigen to candidate set. To date, the integrated R&D approach has generated therapeutic candidates for more than 30 targets in cancer, inflammation and autoimmune disease. Compass has more than 15 therapeutic candidates advancing through preclinical development and has filed more than 50 patent applications.

CTX-471, the company’s leading immuno-oncology candidate, is in late IND-enabling studies and is expected to enter the clinic in the first half of 2019. It has been tested across multiple in vitro and in vivo models and has consistently shown potent and durable curative activity as a single agent, in combination with other immune-modulatory agents and with tumor-targeting therapies. In addition, in stringent high tumor burden therapeutic models, CTX-471 has led to complete tumor rejections and the generation of long-term, protective immunological memory.

Upon final closing of the financing round, Thomas Schuetz, M.D., Ph.D., the company’s co-founder and chief executive officer, commented: "The proceeds from this round will be used to rapidly advance our first therapeutic candidate, CTX-471, into the clinic, and to nominate two additional clinical candidates by the end of this year. I am grateful for our strong investor syndicate that has continued to support the company since its inception."

Carl Gordon, Ph.D., a board member and managing partner at OrbiMed Advisors, commented: "In the three years since the initial Series A closing, Compass has built a portfolio of antibody discovery, bispecific engineering and functional characterization platforms which has consistently delivered novel and differentiated antibody drug candidates. Compass is positioned to become a leader in the fields of immuno-oncology, inflammation and autoimmune disease."

Compass is also focused on drugging targets at the intersection of the innate and the adaptive immune response. By screening all discovery sets for both activating and inhibiting signaling, Compass is developing a set of novel therapeutics to induce tolerance in patients with autoimmune diseases.

"With every target we pursue, we are pushing the boundaries of its epitopic diversity. We then create multiple formats of antibody-based multispecific drugs to empirically test various therapeutic hypotheses. Our unique StitchMabs technology allows us to screen for bispecific synergies in a high-throughput manner, and the output from our discovery platforms is compatible with highly modular bispecific engineering strategies," said Piotr Bobrowicz, Ph.D., the company’s chief scientific officer.

NICE approves the targeted cancer immunotherapy, QARZIBA®? (dinutuximab beta) to treat children with high-risk neuroblastoma

On July 12, 2018 EUSA Pharma reported that a decision by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to recommend the use of the targeted cancer immunotherapy, QARZIBA (dinutuximab beta) to treat children with high-risk neuroblastoma within the NHS in England and Wales (Press release, EUSA Pharma, JUL 12, 2018, View Source [SID1234527662]).[i] High-risk neuroblastoma is an aggressive form of neuroblastoma – the most common solid tumour of childhood that originates outside of the brain.[ii] Dinutuximab beta is the first targeted cancer immunotherapy approved for use on the NHS to treat this disease. It has been shown in a post-hoc analysis to improve overall survival (OS) outcomes compared to historically treated patients who did not receive immunotherapy as part of their care. Dinutuximab beta, when used in the maintenance phase of treatment for patients who did not receive prior immunotherapy, is also used to keep this cancer from returning or progressing in some children with high-risk neuroblastoma.ii

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"Today’s decision by NICE is a vital step forward in the treatment of young children with this aggressive type of cancer," said Dr Juliet Gray, Associate Professor in Paediatric Oncology at the Cancer Immunology Centre, University of Southampton. "By harnessing the body’s own immune system, dinutuximab beta has shown it can target and attack this cancer very effectively in some patients. For some children this could mean extra weeks or months with their families, for others it may even lead to them becoming cancer-free for a long period of time."

Dinutuximab beta is a monoclonal antibody (a type of protein) that binds to a specific target which is overexpressed on neuroblastoma cells, called GD2.[iii] This induces dual immune mechanisms that then enable the immune system to lead the destruction of neuroblastoma cancer cells.ii In the key phase III clinical study (APN311-302), a post hoc comparison of dinutuximab beta, used in the maintenance phase of the first-line treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma (n=367) , showed improved survival outcomes, with a 12% improvement in OS rate at three years versus using no immunotherapy in a historical control group of similar patients (n=450).ii The dinutuximab beta treated patients had an OS rate of around 65% at 5 years versus 50% compared to the historical control group (p=<0.0001).ii

Tony Heddon, Chair of Neuroblastoma UK commented: "Ensuring that children and families facing high-risk neuroblastoma have access to the medicines and care they need is absolutely critical. Today’s recommendation is a bold and forward-thinking decision from NICE and we applaud them, EUSA Pharma and all those across the community who have worked together to make this medicine available. This decision offers the hope that these children with high-risk neuroblastoma, may now have a better future in front of them."

On average, every week, two families in the UK will learn that their child has neuroblastoma, with approximately 100 children diagnosed each year.[iv] It is the most frequently-occurring solid tumour in infants under the age of one, accounting for around a fifth (22%) of all cancers diagnosed at this age.[v] Children with high-risk disease to whom this approval applies, account for approximately 40% of all neuroblastoma cases.[vi] Children with high-risk neuroblastoma typically undergo many rounds of complex and intensive treatment, usually comprising several cycles of chemotherapy, surgery, stem cell transplant and radiotherapy.[vii]

The recommendation from NICE within its Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) is that dinutuximab beta be used as an option for treating high-risk neuroblastoma after at least a partial response from induction chemotherapy, followed by myeloablative therapy and stem cell transplant in people aged 12 months and over, if the person has not had previous anti-GD2 immunotherapy.i

Lee Morley, CEO of EUSA Pharma added: "Today’s decision is the result of strong collaboration between NICE, EUSA Pharma and the neuroblastoma community, who have each worked tirelessly to ensure that every eligible child has the option to benefit from this potentially life-changing treatment. Our long-standing commitment has always been to secure access to dinutuximab beta for all eligible children with high-risk neuroblastoma, across the UK and today’s decision is a key part of that journey. Beyond England and Wales, we are continuing to work closely with the Scottish and Northern Irish health authorities with the aim of making this medicine available in those countries as quickly as possible."

This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcardreporting. Adverse events should also be reported to EUSA Pharma. Email: [email protected] Fax: +44(0)3305 001167

About dinutuximab beta

How it works

Dinutuximab beta is a monoclonal antibody (a type of protein) that has been designed to recognise and attach to a tumour-associated carbohydrate structure, called GD2, which is present in high amounts on the surface of neuroblastoma cells.ii When dinutuximab beta attaches to the neuroblastoma cells, it induces dual immune system mechanisms (the complement-dependant and antibody-dependant cell-mediated immune pathways) and makes them a target for the body’s immune system. This then mounts an attack to kill the cancer cells, using the body’s natural killer immune cells, and the complement protein system.ii

It’s development and approval

Dinutuximab beta is the result of a considered science–pharma collaboration. Dinutuximab beta was developed by Apeiron Biologics with a number of partners (in particular the SIOPEN academic neuroblastoma group) and acquired by EUSA Pharma in 2016, to bring the treatment to market. Dinutuximab beta received European approval in May 2017, first under the brand names dinutuximab beta Apeiron and Dinutuximab beta EUSA and subsequently under its new name, QARZIBA, approved by the European Medicines Agency in November 2017.iii

How it is taken

Dinutuximab beta is given as an infusion (drip) into a vein. Each course of treatment with the medicine is given for 5 or 10 days every 35 days. It is given for a total of 5 courses. The recommended dose depends on the patient’s weight and height.iii

Data supporting its use

Dinutuximab beta has been investigated in a number of clinical trials for high-risk neuroblastoma.ii During the NICE appraisal, the primary clinical evidence came from APN311-302, a multinational, open-label, randomised, controlled Phase III trial comparing dinutuximab beta plus isotretinoin (n=189) with dinutuximab beta plus isotretinoin plus interleukin-2 (n=190).i,ii The primary outcome in the trial was event-free survival at three years (disease progression or relapse, death and secondary tumour defined as events) with OS, overall response, and incidence of relapsed or refractory disease included as secondary outcomes.ii This study consisted of up to five different comparison phases, one of which was treatment with dinutuximab beta with or without interleukin-2 (IL-2) during the maintenance phase , in the first line setting.ii

In APN311-302, the 3-year event free survival (primary endpoint) showed rates of 55% without IL-2 and 61% with IL-2 (p=0.3202) while the 3-year OS rates were 64% and 69%, respectively (p=0.6114).i A comparison to an historical control group obtained from an earlier patient enrolment within the APN311-302 study (between 2002 and 2010) was performed using 450 high-risk neuroblastoma patients, who did not receive immunotherapy. Given the relatively high number of patients it is expected that these patients are representative of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma seen in clinical practice during this period. This comparison showed that the percentage of patients that were still alive after three years of follow-up was 12% higher after dinutuximab beta treatment (with or without IL-2) than for patients who did not receive immunotherapy, a difference considered clinically relevant.ii It also showed an OS rate of around 65% at 5 years with dinutuximab beta versus 50% in the historical control group (p=<0.0001).ii

At marketing authorisation, the European Medicines Agency considered that the available data set was not comprehensive and that measures were necessary to generate additional efficacy and safety data. EUSA Pharma is committed to this and is continuing to collect further data to widen the body of efficacy and safety information available on this medicine.ii

Side effects

Side effects with dinutuximab beta are common. In general, the most common side effects with dinutuximab beta (which may affect more than 7 in 10 people) are pyrexia (fever) and pain. Other side effects (which may affect more than 3 in 10 people) are hypersensitivity (allergy), vomiting, diarrhoea, capillary leak syndrome (leakage of fluid from blood vessels that can cause swelling and a drop in blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure).iii

In the APN311-302 study, 98.9% of patients (362 of 366) in both treatment group experienced toxicities. Serious adverse events were reported more frequently in patients receiving IL-2 (46% of 183 patients) compared to patients not receiving IL-2 (27% of 183 patients). Serious adverse events leading to discontinuation of treatment were more frequent in the IL2 arm than the group without IL2,17% vs 6% of patients, respectively.ii