Opsona Therapeutics Ltd. to Present Results on Tomaralimab Study at the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH)

On October 25, 2018 Opsona Therapeutics Ltd (‘Opsona’), reported that it will give an oral presentation on results from its ongoing prospective, open label Phase I/II study being conducted with Tomaralimab (OPN-305), its novel proprietary humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody (MAb) against Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2), in second and third-line lower (Low and intermediate-1) risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) (Press release, Opsona Therapeutics, OCT 25, 2018, View Source [SID1234530202]). The presentation will take place on Dec 03rd 2018 at the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) in San Diego.

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The study in transfusion-dependent patients with lower risk MDS who have failed hypomethylating agents is ongoing in collaboration with the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida, Weill Cornell in New York and Montefiore in the Bronx USA.

The lead principal investigator Professor Guillermo Garcia-Manero will present the data at ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) and commenting on today’s announcement said "Tomaralimab therapy presents a potential safe and efficacious therapeutic option for heavily pre-treated low risk patients that have failed HMA therapy."

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a complex and heterogeneous group of bone marrow failure disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and poor prognosis. Transfusion dependent patients who have failed on HMA have a worse prognosis in terms of survival. The best standard of care for patients in the USA who have failed on HMA is repeated red blood cell transfusions which are associated with reduced Quality of Life outcomes.

There is an urgent need for the development of novel therapies in the treatment of MDS in patients who have exhausted other therapies and which can eliminate the need for red blood cell transfusions, delay progression, improve patient survival and overall quality of life.

Details of the presentation are as follows:

TITLE: A Clinical Study of Tomaralimab (OPN-305), a Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR-2) Antibody, in Heavily Pre-Treated Transfusion Dependent Patients with Lower Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) That Have Received and Failed on Prior Hypomethylating Agent (HMA) Therapy

Session Name: 637. Myelodysplastic Syndromes—Clinical Studies: Prognosis and Prediction

Session Date: Monday, December 3, 2018

Session Time: 2:45 PM – 4:15 PM

Presentation Time: 4:00 PM

Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, Grand Hall A

First publication of the abstract will be in the ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) online meeting program on November 1, 2018, at 9 a.m. EDT.

Moleculin Announces Positive Data on WP1066 in Pre-Clinical Trials

On Oct 25, 2018 Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (Nasdaq: MBRX) ("Moleculin" or the "Company"), reported a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of oncology drug candidates, all of which are based on license agreements with The University of Texas System on behalf of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, reported that investigators at Emory University will present animal model data supporting the potential of WP1066 to treat pediatric brain tumors at the upcoming Society for Neuro-Oncology Annual Scientific Meeting (Press release, Moleculin, OCT 25, 2018, View Source [SID1234530259]).

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"A number of independent institutions have published results supporting the potential for WP1066 to kill tumors in a range of animal models," commented Walter Klemp, Moleculin’s Chairman and CEO. "Having this corroborated yet again by data presented from Emory University just adds to the enthusiasm for testing WP1066 in humans. What makes this particularly important is that our drug showed activity against the most common form of childhood brain tumor, medulloblastoma, for which there is a desperate need for more effective treatments."

Mr. Klemp continued, "We are also proud of the fact that two different Moleculin technologies, WP1066 and WP1122 (see Moleculin press release dated October 10, 2018), are being presented at this prestigious conference on brain tumors. We believe this is a strong indicator of the breadth and significance of our development pipeline

Syros to Report Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results on Thursday, November 1, 2018

On October 25, 2018 Syros Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:SYRS), a leader in the development of medicines to control the expression of genes, reported that it will host a live conference call and webcast at 7:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 1, 2018 to report its third quarter 2018 financial results and provide a corporate update (Press release, Syros Pharmaceuticals, OCT 25, 2018, View Source [SID1234530204]).

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To access the live conference call, please dial 866-595-4538 (domestic) or 636-812-6496 (international), and refer to conference ID 3988733. A webcast of the call will also be available on the Investors & Media section of the Syros website at www.syros.com. An archived replay of the webcast will be available for approximately 30 days following the presentation

Bristol-Myers Squibb Reports Third Quarter Financial Results

On October 25, 2018 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported results for the third quarter of 2018 which were highlighted by strong sales and operating performance along with key regulatory and clinical milestones across the portfolio (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, OCT 25, 2018, View Source [SID1234530105]).

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"We had a very good quarter with strong commercial performance and advances in our portfolio through important clinical and regulatory milestones, including exciting new data for psoriasis patients with our internally discovered and developed TYK2 inhibitor," said Giovanni Caforio, M.D., chairman and chief executive officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "Looking forward, we will continue to deliver on our strategy through robust commercial execution and advancing the potential of our increasingly diverse R&D pipeline."


Third Quarter
$ amounts in millions, except per share amounts
2018

2017

Change

Total Revenues $5,691 $5,254 8%
GAAP Diluted EPS 1.16 0.51 **
Non-GAAP Diluted EPS 1.09 0.75 45%

** In excess of +/- 100%

THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS

Bristol-Myers Squibb posted third quarter 2018 revenues of $5.7 billion, an increase of 8% compared to the same period a year ago. Revenues increased 10% when adjusted for foreign exchange impact.
U.S. revenues increased 13% to $3.2 billion in the quarter compared to the same period a year ago. International revenues increased 3%. When adjusted for foreign exchange impact, international revenues increased 6%.
Gross margin as a percentage of revenue increased from 69.9% to 71.0% in the quarter primarily due to an inventory charge in the third quarter last year.
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses decreased 5% to $1.1 billion in the quarter.
Research and development expenses decreased 18% to $1.3 billion in the quarter primarily due to the IFM Therapeutics (IFM) acquisition charges of $310 million in the third quarter last year.
The effective tax rate was 11.8% in the quarter, compared to 27.6% in the third quarter last year. The lower tax rate was due to the non-deductible IFM acquisition charges in the third quarter last year and U.S. Tax Reform.
The company reported net earnings attributable to Bristol-Myers Squibb of $1.9 billion, or $1.16 per share, in the third quarter compared to net earnings of $845 million, or $0.51 per share, for the same period in 2017.
The company reported non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Bristol-Myers Squibb of $1.8 billion, or $1.09 per share, in the third quarter, compared to $1.2 billion, or $0.75 per share, for the same period in 2017. An overview of specified items is discussed under the "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information" section.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $8.8 billion, with a net cash position of $1.5 billion, as of September 30, 2018.
THIRD QUARTER PRODUCT AND PIPELINE UPDATE

Product Sales/Business Highlights

Worldwide revenues for the third quarter of 2018, compared to the third quarter of 2017, were driven by:

Opdivo, which grew by $528 million or a 42% increase
Eliquis, which grew by $345 million or a 28% increase
Yervoy , which grew by 18%
Orencia , which grew by 7%
Sprycel , which decreased by 4%
Opdivo

Regulatory

In October, the company provided updates regarding regulatory actions by health authorities in the U.S. and European Union for the ongoing review of its applications for an indication in metastatic first-line non-small cell lung cancer with Opdivo (nivolumab) plus low-dose Yervoy (ipilimumab) in patients with tumor mutational burden ≥10 mutations/megabase (link).
In August, the company announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Opdivo for the treatment of patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) whose cancer has progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy and at least one other line of therapy. Approval for this indication has been granted under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response.
In July, the company announced the European Commission approved Opdivo for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection.
Clinical

In October, at the European Society for Medical Oncology 2018 Annual Congress, the company announced new data and analysis from studies evaluating Opdivo, Yervoy and Opdivo plus Yervoy:
CheckMate -142: Results from a cohort of the Phase 2 trial evaluating Opdivo plus low-dose Yervoy as a first-line treatment in patients with microsatellite instability-high or DNA mismatch repair deficient metastatic colorectal cancer. (link)
CheckMate -067: Results from the Phase 3, double-blind, randomized trial evaluating the combination of Opdivo plus Yervoy or Opdivo monotherapy versus Yervoy monotherapy in patients with previously untreated advanced melanoma. (link)
CheckMate -214: Results from the Phase 3, randomized, open-label study evaluating the combination of Opdivo plus Yervoy versus sunitinib in patients with previously untreated advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma. (link)
CheckMate -032: Results from the Phase 1/2 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Opdivo as a single agent or in combination with Yervoy in patients with previously treated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. (link)
In October, the company announced topline results from CheckMate -331, an open-label, randomized Phase 3 trial of Opdivo versus chemotherapy in patients with relapsed SCLC after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. (link)
Sprycel

Regulatory

In August, the company announced the FDA accepted its supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Sprycel (dasatinib) in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Empliciti

Regulatory

In September, the company announced the European Medicines Agency validated its type II variation application for Empliciti (elotuzumab) in combination with pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor (PI), and have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy.
In August, the company announced the FDA accepted its sBLA for Empliciti in combination with pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and a PI.
Eliquis

Clinical

In August, at the 2018 European Society of Cardiology Congress, the company and Alliance partner, Pfizer, presented 15 Eliquis (apixaban) abstracts. Nine of the studies came from the global real-world data program, ACROPOLIS (Apixaban ExperienCe Through Real-WOrld POpuLatIon Studies), which now includes more than one million patient records, making this the largest body of real world evidence in existence for analyzing the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulants, including Eliquis, among patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. (link)
Immunoscience Pipeline

Clinical

In September, at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress, the company announced results from a Phase 2 study of BMS-986165, an investigational oral, selective TYK2 inhibitor, in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. These results were also published in the New England Journal of Medicine. (link)
THIRD QUARTER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

In October, the company and Compugen Ltd. announced a clinical trial collaboration to evaluate the safety and tolerability of Compugen’s investigational compound COM701 plus Opdivo in patients with advanced solid tumors.
2018 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE

Bristol-Myers Squibb is increasing its 2018 GAAP EPS guidance range from $2.68 – $2.78 to $3.05 – $3.15 and increasing its non-GAAP EPS guidance range from $3.55 – $3.65 to $3.80 – $3.90. Both GAAP and non-GAAP guidance assume current exchange rates. Key revised 2018 GAAP and non-GAAP line-item guidance assumptions are:

Worldwide revenues increasing in the high-single digits.
Gross margin as a percentage of revenue to be approximately 71% for both GAAP and non-GAAP.
An effective tax rate of approximately 16.5% for GAAP and approximately 17% for non-GAAP.
The financial guidance for 2018 excludes the impact of any potential future strategic acquisitions and divestitures, and any specified items that have not yet been identified and quantified. The non-GAAP 2018 guidance also excludes other specified items as discussed under "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information." Details reconciling adjusted non-GAAP amounts with the amounts reflecting specified items are provided in supplemental materials available on the company’s website.

Takeda to Highlight Data in Hodgkin Lymphoma During the 11th International Symposium on Hodgkin Lymphoma

On October 25, 2018 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) reported that the company will feature a total of six company-sponsored abstracts, including two oral presentations, at the 11th International Symposium on Hodgkin Lymphoma (ISHL), October 27-29, 2018, in Cologne, Germany (Press release, Takeda, OCT 25, 2018, View Source [SID1234530205]). This year’s presentations will highlight Phase 3 and other clinical data from ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) and continue to build upon our research in CD30-positive lymphoma.

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"Data to be presented at this year’s ISHL continue to reinforce Takeda’s dedication to advancing treatment for those affected by Hodgkin lymphoma," said Jesús Gómez-Navarro, M.D., Vice President, Head of Oncology Clinical Research and Development, Takeda. "The progress we have made in the development of ADCETRIS serves as a true testament to the leadership role we have established in the treatment of CD30-positive malignancies. We look forward to sharing positive data including results from the Phase 3 ECHELON-1 and AETHERA trials, which confirm the long-term benefits of ADCETRIS across treatment lines and support its role as an important targeted therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma."

During the invited oral presentation, Takeda will share results from the ECHELON-1 trial, which showed that ADCETRIS, as part of a frontline combination chemotherapy regimen, improved outcomes versus a current standard of care in previously untreated patients with advanced Hodgkin lymphoma. The safety profile of the ADCETRIS arm in the ECHELON-1 trial was generally consistent with that known for the single-agent components of the regimen. In addition to the findings previously presented during the Plenary Scientific Session at the 59th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) in December 2017, the ISHL presentation will highlight progression-free survival (PFS) results and data demonstrating the benefit of ADCETRIS in patients with Stage IV disease. Additional data to be featured during the meeting include several sub-analyses from the ECHELON-1 trial.

Takeda, in partnership with Seattle Genetics, will present five-year follow-up data from the Phase 3 AETHERA trial, in which ADCETRIS demonstrated a sustained benefit in PFS, as a consolidation treatment option for patients at high risk of relapse or progression following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). The safety profile of ADCETRIS in the AETHERA trial was generally consistent with the existing prescribing information.

Takeda will also reveal results from a Phase 1/2 study evaluating ADCETRIS as part of a chemotherapy regimen in pediatric patients with advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma.

Also at the congress, ISHL invited Takeda to present on the company’s R&D Access to Medicine Oncology Program in Sub-Saharan Africa during the "Developing Healthcare Environments" workshop on Saturday, October 27, 8:45 – 10:15 a.m. CET.

The six Takeda Oncology-sponsored abstracts accepted for presentation during ISHL include:

Frontline Brentuximab Vedotin Plus Chemotherapy Exhibits Superior Modified Progression-Free Survival vs Chemotherapy Alone In Patients With Stage III or IV Hodgkin Lymphoma: Phase 3 ECHELON-1 Study. Oral Presentation: "Advanced Stages" Session. Monday, October 29, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. CET. Poster: Abstract 0038. Sunday, October 28 – Monday, October 29.
Five-Year Progression-Free Survival Outcomes from a Pivotal Phase 3 Study of Consolidative Brentuximab Vedotin after Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation in Patients with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at Risk of Relapse or Progression (AETHERA).* Oral Presentation. "Relapsed/Refractory HL" Session. Monday, October 29, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. CET.
Phase 1/2 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin + AVD in Pediatric Patients with Advanced Stage Newly Diagnosed Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma. Abstract 0149. Sunday, October 28 – Monday, October 29.
Serum sCD30 and TARC Do Not Correlate With PET-Based Response Assessment in Patients (Pts) with Stage III or IV Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL): Phase 3 ECHELON-1 Study of Brentuximab Vedotin Plus Chemotherapy vs Chemotherapy Alone. Abstract 0159. Sunday, October 28 – Monday, October 29.
Brentuximab Vedotin Plus Chemotherapy in High Risk Advanced-Stage Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) Patients: Results of Pre-Specified Sub-Group Analyses from the ECHELON-1 Study. Abstract 0136. Sunday, October 28 – Monday, October 29.
Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Exposure-Response Assessment of Brentuximab Vedotin Efficacy and Safety in Patients with Advanced Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma from the Phase 3 ECHELON-1 Study. Abstract 0137. Sunday, October 28 – Monday, October 29.
*In partnership with Seattle Genetics

For more information, the ISHL program is available here: View Source

About Hodgkin Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a general term for a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. There are two major categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is distinguished from other types of lymphoma by the presence of one characteristic type of cell, known as the Reed-Sternberg cell. The Reed-Sternberg cell expresses CD30.

According to the Lymphoma Coalition, approximately 67,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma each year and more than 25,000 people die each year from this cancer.

Up to 30 percent of newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma patients progress following frontline therapy depending on the stage of the disease. Only 50 percent of patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma achieve long-term remission with high-dose chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), a historically used treatment regimen, highlighting the importance of successful frontline treatment.

About ADCETRIS
ADCETRIS is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprising an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody attached by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), utilizing Seattle Genetics’ proprietary technology. The ADC employs a linker system that is designed to be stable in the bloodstream but to release MMAE upon internalization into CD30-positive tumor cells.

ADCETRIS injection for intravenous infusion has received FDA approval for five indications in adult patients with: (1) previously untreated Stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), in combination with chemotherapy, (2) cHL at high risk of relapse or progression as post-autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) consolidation, (3) cHL after failure of auto-HSCT or failure of at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not auto-HSCT candidates, (4) sALCL after failure of at least one prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimen, and (5) primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) or CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides (MF) who have received prior systemic therapy.

Health Canada granted ADCETRIS approval with conditions for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL in 2013, and non-conditional approval for post-autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) consolidation treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma patients at increased risk of relapse or progression.

ADCETRIS received conditional marketing authorization from the European Commission in October 2012. The approved indications in Europe are: (1) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma following ASCT, or following at least two prior therapies when ASCT or multi-agent chemotherapy is not a treatment option, (2) the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory sALCL, (3) for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma at increased risk of relapse or progression following ASCT, and (4) for the treatment of adult patients with CD30-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) after at least one prior systemic therapy.

ADCETRIS has received marketing authorization by regulatory authorities in more than 70 countries for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and sALCL. See important safety information below.

ADCETRIS is being evaluated broadly in more than 70 clinical trials, including a Phase 3 study in first-line Hodgkin lymphoma (ECHELON-1) and another Phase 3 study in first-line CD30-positive peripheral T-cell lymphomas (ECHELON-2), as well as trials in many additional types of CD30-positive malignancies.

Seattle Genetics and Takeda are jointly developing ADCETRIS. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Seattle Genetics has U.S. and Canadian commercialization rights and Takeda has rights to commercialize ADCETRIS in the rest of the world. Seattle Genetics and Takeda are funding joint development costs for ADCETRIS on a 50:50 basis, except in Japan where Takeda is solely responsible for development costs.

ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) Important Safety Information (European Union)

Please refer to Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) before prescribing.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

ADCETRIS is contraindicated for patients with hypersensitivity to brentuximab vedotin and its excipients. In addition, combined use of ADCETRIS with bleomycin causes pulmonary toxicity.

SPECIAL WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): John Cunningham virus (JCV) reactivation resulting in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and death can occur in patients treated with ADCETRIS. PML has been reported in patients who received ADCETRIS after receiving multiple prior chemotherapy regimens. PML is a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that results from reactivation of latent JCV and is often fatal.

Closely monitor patients for new or worsening neurological, cognitive, or behavioral signs or symptoms, which may be suggestive of PML. Suggested evaluation of PML includes neurology consultation, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis for JCV DNA by polymerase chain reaction or a brain biopsy with evidence of JCV. A negative JCV PCR does not exclude PML. Additional follow up and evaluation may be warranted if no alternative diagnosis can be established Hold dosing for any suspected case of PML and permanently discontinue ADCETRIS if a diagnosis of PML is confirmed.

Be alert to PML symptoms that the patient may not notice (e.g., cognitive, neurological, or psychiatric symptoms).

Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis has been observed in patients treated with ADCETRIS. Fatal outcomes have been reported. Closely monitor patients for new or worsening abdominal pain, which may be suggestive of acute pancreatitis. Patient evaluation may include physical examination, laboratory evaluation for serum amylase and serum lipase, and abdominal imaging, such as ultrasound and other appropriate diagnostic measures. Hold ADCETRIS for any suspected case of acute pancreatitis. ADCETRIS should be discontinued if a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is confirmed.

Pulmonary Toxicity: Cases of pulmonary toxicity, some with fatal outcomes, including pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), have been reported in patients receiving ADCETRIS. Although a causal association with ADCETRIS has not been established, the risk of pulmonary toxicity cannot be ruled out. Promptly evaluate and treat new or worsening pulmonary symptoms appropriately. Consider holding dosing during evaluation and until symptomatic improvement.

Serious infections and opportunistic infections: Serious infections such as pneumonia, staphylococcal bacteremia, sepsis/septic shock (including fatal outcomes), and herpes zoster, and opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and oral candidiasis have been reported in patients treated with ADCETRIS. Carefully monitor patients during treatment for emergence of possible serious and opportunistic infections.

Infusion-related reactions (IRR): Immediate and delayed IRR, as well as anaphylaxis, have occurred with ADCETRIS. Carefully monitor patients during and after an infusion. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediately and permanently discontinue administration of ADCETRIS Appropriate medical therapy should be administered. If an IRR occurs, interrupt the infusion and institute appropriate medical management. The infusion may be restarted at a slower rate after symptom resolution. Patients who have experienced a prior IRR should be premedicated for subsequent infusions. IRRs are more frequent and more severe in patients with antibodies to ADCETRIS.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS): TLS has been reported with ADCETRIS. Patients with rapidly proliferating tumor and high tumor burden are at risk of TLS. Monitor these patients closely and managed according to best medical practice.

Peripheral neuropathy (PN): ADCETRIS treatment may cause PN, both sensory and motor. ADCETRIS-induced PN is typically cumulative and reversible in most cases. Monitor patients for symptoms of PN, such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain, or weakness. Patients experiencing new or worsening PN may require a delay and a dose reduction or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

Hematological toxicities: Grade 3 or Grade 4 anemia, thrombocytopenia, and prolonged (equal to or greater than one week) Grade 3 or Grade 4 neutropenia can occur with ADCETRIS. Monitor complete blood counts prior to administration of each dose.

Febrile neutropenia: Febrile neutropenia has been reported. Closely monitor patients for fever and manage according to best medical practice if febrile neutropenia develops.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS): SJS and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported with ADCETRIS. Fatal outcomes have been reported. Discontinue treatment with ADCETRIS if SJS or TEN occurs and administer appropriate medical therapy.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Complications: GI complications, some with fatal outcomes, including intestinal obstruction, ileus, enterocolitis, neutropenic colitis, erosion, ulcer, perforation and haemorraghe, have been reported. Promptly evaluate and treat patients if new or worsening GI symptoms occur.

Hepatotoxicity: Elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) have been reported. Serious cases of hepatotoxicity, including fatal outcomes, have also occurred. Test liver function prior to treatment initiation and routinely monitor patients receiving ADCETRIS for liver elevations. Patients experiencing hepatotoxicity may require a delay, dose modification, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

Hyperglycemia: Hyperglycemia has been reported during trials in patients with an elevated body mass index (BMI) with or without a history of diabetes mellitus. Closely monitor serum glucose for patients who experiences an event of hyperglycemia. Administer anti-diabetic treatment as appropriate.

Renal and Hepatic Impairment: There is limited experience in patients with renal and hepatic impairment. Available data indicate that MMAE clearance might be affected by severe renal impairment, hepatic impairment, and by low serum albumin concentrations.

CD30+ CTCL: The size of the treatment effect in CD30 + CTCL subtypes other than mycosis fungoides (MF) and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) is not clear due to lack of high level evidence. In two single arm phase II studies of ADCETRIS, disease activity has been shown in the subtypes Sézary syndrome (SS), lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and mixed CTCL histology. These data suggest that efficacy and safety can be extrapolated to other CTCL CD30+ subtypes. Carefully consider the benefit-risk per patient and use caution in other CD30+ CTCL patient types.

Sodium content in excipients: ADCETRIS contains a maximum of 2.1 mmol (or 47 mg) of sodium per dose. Take this into consideration for patients on a controlled sodium diet.

INTERACTIONS
Patients who are receiving a strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitor, concomitantly with ADCETRIS may have an increased risk of neutropenia and should be closely monitored. Co-administration of ADCETRIS with a CYP3A4 inducer did not alter the plasma exposure of ADCETRIS but it appeared to reduce plasma concentrations of MMAE metabolites that could be assayed. ADCETRIS is not expected to alter the exposure to drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes.

PREGNANCY: Advise women of childbearing potential to use two methods of effective contraception during treatment with ADCETRIS and until 6 months after treatment. There are no data from the use of ADCETRIS in pregnant women, although studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity. Do not use ADCETRIS during pregnancy unless the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risks to the fetus.

LACTATION (breast-feeding): There are no data as to whether ADCETRIS or its metabolites are excreted in human milk, therefore a risk to the newborn/infant cannot be excluded. With the potential risk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or discontinue/abstain from therapy with ADCETRIS.

FERTILITY: In nonclinical studies, ADCETRIS treatment has resulted in testicular toxicity, and may alter male fertility. Advise men being treated with ADCETRIS not to father a child during treatment and for up to 6 months following the last dose.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines: ADCETRIS may have a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS
The most frequent adverse reactions (≥10%) were infections, peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, diarrhoea, pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection, neutropenia, rash, cough, vomiting, arthralgia, peripheral motor neuropathy, infusion-related reactions, pruritus, constipation, dyspnoea, weight decreased, myalgia and abdominal pain.

Serious adverse drug reactions were: pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, headache, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, pyrexia, peripheral motor neuropathy, peripheral sensory neuropathy, hyperglycemia, demyelinating polyneuropathy, tumor lysis syndrome, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Serious adverse drug reactions occurred in 12% of patients. The frequency of unique serious adverse drug reactions was ≤1%.

ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) U.S. Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNING: PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PML)

JC virus infection resulting in PML and death can occur in ADCETRIS-treated patients.

Contraindication
ADCETRIS concomitant with bleomycin due to pulmonary toxicity (e.g., interstitial infiltration and/or inflammation).

Warnings and Precautions

Peripheral neuropathy (PN): ADCETRIS causes PN that is predominantly sensory. Cases of motor PN have also been reported. ADCETRIS-induced PN is cumulative. Monitor for symptoms such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain, or weakness. Institute dose modifications accordingly.

Anaphylaxis and infusion reactions: Infusion-related reactions (IRR), including anaphylaxis have occurred with ADCETRIS. Monitor patients during infusion. If an IRR occurs, interrupt the infusion and institute appropriate medical management. If anaphylaxis occurs, immediately and permanently discontinue the infusion and administer appropriate medical therapy. Premedicate patients with a prior IRR before subsequent infusions. Premedication may include acetaminophen, an antihistamine, and a corticosteroid.

Hematologic toxicities: Prolonged (≥1 week) severe neutropenia and Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia or anemia can occur with ADCETRIS. Febrile neutropenia has been reported with ADCETRIS. Monitor complete blood counts prior to each ADCETRIS dose. Consider more frequent monitoring for patients with Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Monitor patients for fever. If Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia develops, consider dose delays, reductions, discontinuation, or G-CSF prophylaxis with subsequent doses.

Serious infections and opportunistic infections: Infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia, and sepsis or septic shock (including fatal outcomes) have been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Closely monitor patients during treatment for bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.

Tumor lysis syndrome: Closely monitor patients with rapidly proliferating tumor and high tumor burden.

Increased toxicity in the presence of severe renal impairment: The frequency of ≥Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with severe renal impairment compared to patients with normal renal function. Avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment.

Increased toxicity in the presence of moderate or severe hepatic impairment: The frequency of ≥Grade 3 adverse reactions and deaths was greater in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment compared to patients with normal hepatic function. Avoid use in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.

Hepatotoxicity: Serious cases, including fatal outcomes, have occurred in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Cases were consistent with hepatocellular injury, including elevations of transaminases and/or bilirubin, and occurred after the first ADCETRIS dose or rechallenge. Preexisting liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes, and concomitant medications may increase the risk. Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin. Patients with new, worsening, or recurrent hepatotoxicity may require a delay, change in dose, or discontinuation of ADCETRIS.

PML: JC virus infection resulting in PML and death has been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. First onset of symptoms occurred at various times from initiation of ADCETRIS therapy, with some cases occurring within 3 months of initial exposure. Other possible contributory factors other than ADCETRIS include prior therapies and underlying disease that may cause immunosuppression. Consider PML diagnosis in patients with new-onset signs and symptoms of central nervous system abnormalities. Hold ADCETRIS if PML is suspected and discontinue ADCETRIS if PML is confirmed.

Pulmonary toxicity: Noninfectious pulmonary toxicity events including pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, some with fatal outcomes, have been reported. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms, including cough and dyspnea. In the event of new or worsening pulmonary symptoms, hold ADCETRIS dosing during evaluation and until symptomatic improvement.

Serious dermatologic reactions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), including fatal outcomes, have been reported with ADCETRIS. If SJS or TEN occurs, discontinue ADCETRIS and administer appropriate medical therapy.

Gastrointestinal (GI) complications: Acute pancreatitis, including fatal outcomes, has been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Other fatal and serious GI complications, including perforation, hemorrhage, erosion, ulcer, intestinal obstruction, enterocolitis, neutropenic colitis, and ileus have been reported in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Lymphoma with preexisting GI involvement may increase the risk of perforation. In the event of new or worsening GI symptoms, perform a prompt diagnostic evaluation and treat appropriately.

Embryo-fetal toxicity: Based on the mechanism of action and animal studies, ADCETRIS can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus, and to avoid pregnancy during ADCETRIS treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose of ADCETRIS.

Most Common (≥20%) Adverse Reactions: peripheral sensory neuropathy, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, neutropenia, upper respiratory tract infection, and pyrexia.

Drug Interactions
Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, or P-gp inhibitors, has the potential to affect the exposure to monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE).

Use in Specific Populations
Moderate or severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment: MMAE exposure and adverse reactions are increased. Avoid use.

Advise males with female sexual partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during, and for at least 6 months after the final dose of ADCETRIS treatment.

Advise patients to report pregnancy immediately and avoid breastfeeding while receiving ADCETRIS.