Myriad’s BRACAnalysis CDx® Test Identified Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer Who Benefited from Treatment with Olaparib in Phase 3 OlympiAD Study

On June 4, 2017 Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:MYGN), a leader in molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine, reported that its BRACAnalysis CDx companion diagnostic test successfully identified BRCA-mutated patients with HER2- metastatic breast cancer in the OlympiAD trial (NCT02000622) who responded better to treatment with olaparib than standard chemotherapy (Press release, Myriad Genetics, JUN 4, 2017, View Source [SID1234519454]).

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OlympiAD compared olaparib (300mg twice daily) to physician’s choice of a standard chemotherapy (capecitabine, vinorelbine or eribulin) in the treatment of 302 patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer harboring germline BRCA1/2 mutations as determined by Myriad’s BRACAnalysis CDx companion diagnostic test. The results showed that BRCA-positive patients treated with olaparib had a statistically-significant and clinically-meaningful PFS benefit of compared to the control group.

"In this study, patients with BRCA mutations experienced significantly prolonged PFS when treated with olaparib versus standard of care chemotherapy," said Johnathan Lancaster, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer, Myriad Genetic Laboratories. "Based on these findings, all patients with metastatic breast cancer should know their BRCA status as it will be a critical factor in guiding therapy selection for patients with metastatic breast cancer."

It is estimated there are approximately 60,000 patients per year in the United States who are newly diagnosed with or progress to HER2- metastatic breast cancer. Of these patients, two-thirds are not eligible for BRCA testing based upon current testing criteria. If approved by the FDA as a new indication this would potentially triple the number of patients with metastatic breast cancer who are candidates for BRCA testing.

"We believe the results from the OlympiAD study will expand the population who can benefit from the BRACAnalysis CDx test, and the results will help doctors improve care for their patients with metastatic breast cancer," said Lancaster. "This study further supports the use of advanced biomarkers, like BRACAnalysis CDx, to enable precision medicine, which benefits both patients and the healthcare ecosystem."

The collaboration between Myriad and AstraZeneca to develop a novel companion diagnostic test for olaparib began in 2007. OlympiAD is the first Phase 3 trial to demonstrate the clinical utility of the BRACAnalysis CDx test outside of ovarian cancer for which the test was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Dec. 2014. Based on the robustness of the OlympiaAD results, Myriad plans to submit a supplementary premarket approval (sPMA) application under its existing PMA for BRACAnalysis CDx to include the HER2- metastatic breast cancer indication.

About BRACAnalysis CDx
BRACAnalysis CDx is an in vitro diagnostic device intended for the qualitative detection and classification of variants in the protein coding regions and intron/exon boundaries of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes using genomic DNA obtained from whole blood specimens collected in EDTA. Single nucleotide variants and small insertions and deletions (indels) are identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Large deletions and duplications in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are detected using multiplex PCR. Results of the test are used as an aid in identifying ovarian cancer patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA variants, who are or may become eligible for treatment with Lynparza (olaparib). This assay is for professional use only and is to be performed only at 320 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108.

About Lynparza
Lynparza (olaparib) is an innovative, first-in-class oral poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor that may exploit tumour DNA damage response (DDR) pathway deficiencies to preferentially kill cancer cells. Lynparza is the foundation of AstraZeneca’s industry-leading portfolio of compounds targeting DNA damage response (DDR) mechanisms in cancer cells. Lynparza is currently approved by regulatory health authorities in the EU for use as monotherapy for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with platinum-sensitive relapsed BRCA-mutated (germline and/or somatic) high grade serous epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer who are in response (complete or partial) to platinum-based chemotherapy. It is also approved in the US as monotherapy in patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA-mutated (as detected by an FDA-test) advanced ovarian cancer who have been treated with three or more prior lines of chemotherapy. Lynparza is currently being investigated in another separate non-metastatic breast cancer Phase III study called OLYMPIA. This study is still open and recruiting patients internationally.

Positive burtomab data presented at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago

On June 4, 2017 Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc. (YmAbs), an immunotherapy company discovering and developing innovative treatments for patients with cancer, reported positive top line results from a pivotal study of 131I-burtomab in Refractory Leptomeningeal Metastasis from Neuroblastoma (Press release, Y-mAbs Therapeutics, JUN 4, 2017, View Source;study-of-burtomab-in-refractory-leptomeningeal–metastasis-from-neuroblastoma/ [SID1234519467]). Results showed a 58 months average survival for the patients treated with 131I-burtomab in the study, compared to an average of 4.7 month and no long term survival or cure, for a contemporary cohort in the Central German Childhood Cancer Registry . After more than a decade of follow-up, data shows more than 40% overall long term survival indicating that the treated children have been cured.

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At ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), Dr. Kim Kramer from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) presented the overall survival data from 80 pediatric patients with CNS and leptomeningeal metastasis from neuroblastoma treated at MSK with 131I-burtomab, and Prof. Dr. med. Frank Berthold from the University of Cologne presented comparable historical data from the Central German Childhood Cancer Registry, thereby demonstrating that the use of 131I-burtomab led to a multi-fold increase of the average survival in this patient population, where no other established therapy exists.

YmAbs Founder, President and Head of Business Development and Strategy, Thomas Gad said, "Having witnessed this out-patient treatment first hand as a parent, these data provide a potential curative treatment addressing an unmet medical need for a life-threatening disease to children suffering from Refractory Leptomeningeal Metastasis from Neuroblastoma. YmAbs is now positioned to seek the most efficient route to approval. This could be a potential game changer for pediatric patients and their families."

Dr. Claus Møller, Chief Executive Officer further notes, "In a setting, where no other therapies are approved, this survival data represents a true breakthrough and hope for these children."

Regeneron and Sanofi Present Positive Study Results for Investigational PD-1 Antibody REGN2810 at American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting

On June 4, 2017 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) and Sanofi reported positive preliminary results with investigational REGN2810, a checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-1 (programmed death 1), in patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) (Press release, Regeneron, JUN 4, 2017, View Source [SID1234519442]). The data, pooled from two expansion cohorts of the REGN2810 Phase 1 trial, will be presented today at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago during an oral presentation (Abstract #9503). REGN2810 is also being investigated in EMPOWER-CSCC 1, an ongoing Phase 2 potentially pivotal, single-arm, open label clinical trial that is currently enrolling advanced CSCC patients.

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Treatment with REGN2810 led to an investigator-assessed overall response rate (ORR) of 46.2 percent (12 of 26 patients, including 2 complete responses, 9 partial responses and 1 unconfirmed partial response) and a disease control rate (DCR) of 69.2 percent (18 of 26 patients, including 12 ORR and 6 stable disease). The median progression free survival and overall survival were not reached at the data cutoff date with a median follow up of 6.9 months (range: 1.1 to 13.8 months; ongoing). One patient experienced progressive disease during treatment with REGN2810 after the initial response, and two patients were not evaluable due to death, which was considered unrelated to REGN2810. Ten patients remain in response as of the data cutoff date (range: 8 to 40 weeks duration of response).

The most common treatment-related adverse event of any grade was fatigue (23.1 percent). All grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred once and included arthralgia (3.8 percent), maculopapular rash (3.8 percent), asthenia (3.8 percent), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation (3.8 percent) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation (3.8 percent).

"Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or CSCC is the second deadliest skin cancer after melanoma, according to the most recent data available," said Kyriakos P. Papadopoulos, M.D., Senior Clinical Investigator at South Texas Accelerated Research Therapeutics (START) and the study presenter. "There are limited treatments and no established standards of care for advanced stages of this disease. CSCC has one of the highest mutation rates reported for any cancers, likely contributing to the study findings, which represent a high responder rate to a PD-1 antibody in a solid tumor cancer. These results are promising and suggest the PD-1 pathway is an important therapeutic target in these patients."

No apparent association between the objective response and level of PD-L1 (programmed death ligand 1) expression was found. PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry (22C3 clone, Dako) was performed in tumor cells for 21 expansion cohort patients, with 81 percent of patients (17 of 21) having greater than or equal to 1 percent positive PD-L1 expression. Additional correlative studies are in process.

This Phase 1 study was designed with an initial dose-escalation portion followed by multiple expansion cohorts that were opened to investigate safety and antitumor activity in specific patient populations. These results are from 10 patients with distantly metastatic CSCC who were enrolled in one expansion cohort (Cohort 7) and 16 patients with inoperable (unresectable) locally or regionally advanced CSCC who were enrolled in a second expansion cohort (Cohort 8). All expansion cohort patients were treated with 3 mg/kg doses of REGN2810 by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every two weeks for up to 48 weeks.

REGN2810 is a human, monoclonal antibody targeting the checkpoint inhibitor PD-1 and is being jointly developed by Regeneron and Sanofi under a global collaboration agreement. REGN2810 is currently being explored as a monotherapy for multiple cancers – including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) – as well as in combination with REGN3767, another investigational immunotherapy targeting the checkpoint inhibitor LAG-3 (lymphocyte-activation gene 3).

REGN2810 and REGN3767 are currently under clinical development, and their safety and efficacy have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority.

About CSCC
CSCC is the second most common type of skin cancer in the United States. Although CSCC has a good prognosis when caught early and removed with surgery, it can prove especially aggressive when it progresses to advanced stages. Patients at this stage can be disfigured due to multiple surgeries to remove skin-surface tumors on the head, neck and other parts of the body. CSCC is responsible for the most deaths among non-melanoma skin cancer patients.

F-star Expands its Relationship with Merck through a new Strategic Collaboration to Develop Bispecific Antibodies in Immuno-Oncology

On June 4, 2017 F-star, a biopharmaceutical company developing novel bispecific antibodies, reported a new partnership with Merck, a leading science and technology company, for the development and commercialisation of five bispecific immuno-oncology antibodies (mAb2) (Press release, f-star, JUN 4, 2017, View Source [SID1234526902]).

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Under the agreement and upon delivery of pre-defined data packages, Merck has the option to acquire five of F-star’s bispecific programmes. This option includes exclusive development and commercialisation rights to F-star’s preclinical lead asset FS118, which is designed to block LAG-3 (Lymphocyte-Activation Gene 3) and PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1), two pathways commonly used by cancer cells to evade the immune system. In a preclinical model, F-star has demonstrated that FS118 could improve efficacy compared to monotherapy combinations, which supports the potential to initiate a clinical development programme (1).

Upon option exercise, in addition to FS118, F-star grants Merck exclusive development and commercial rights to four novel bispecific antibodies targeting specific pathways to augment the anti-tumour immune response. In return, Merck will pay up to €115m in upfront, R&D funding and milestone payments in the first two years, and make further payments upon exercising its option and based on milestones.

John Haurum, CEO of F-star, said: "This immuno-oncology collaboration expands our strong relationship with Merck and is a further validation of the potential of F-star’s bispecific antibody platform. Our vision is to transform the treatment of cancer. This is the objective of partnering our lead asset FS118 and other next-generation immuno-oncology compounds with Merck.
This deal also underscores the attractiveness of our asset-centric business model, which provides a flexible deal-making framework whilst at the same time maximising the value of F-star’s bispecific programmes and technology platform. This approach also provides us with additional non-dilutive cash to support our investment in the development of our own pipeline of bispecific antibodies, with a strong focus on immuno-oncology."

This collaboration with Merck is held within F-star’s fourth asset centric vehicle, F-star Delta. Upon the delivery of a pre-defined data package, Merck has an option to acquire the bispecific programmes through the acquisition of F-star Delta and will make further payments upon option exercise as well as milestones with the potential total deal value reaching over €1 billion.

Luciano Rossetti, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Research & Development at the biopharma business of Merck, commented: "Our collaboration with F-star will help us to rapidly enhance our pipeline and grow our portfolio of bispecific immunotherapies. This deal complements our internal capabilities in immuno-oncology and positions us as a potential leader in this important area of research."

Opdivo (nivolumab) in Combination with Yervoy (ipilimumab) Demonstrated Promising Activity in Previously Treated Patients with dMMR or MSI-H Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Phase 2 CheckMate -142 Study

On June 3, 2017 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported interim data from CheckMate -142, a Phase 2, multi-cohort trial evaluating Opdivo (nivolumab) monotherapy or in combination with Yervoy (ipilimumab) for the treatment of patients with DNA mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, JUN 3, 2017, View Source [SID1234519381]). These results from the Opdivo and Yervoy combination cohort of the trial included 84 patients who received their first dose at least 6 months prior to analysis. The primary endpoint of investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR) was 54.8% (95% CI: 43.5, 65.7). Responses were sustained up to 15.9 months and 85% of responses were ongoing; median duration of response was not yet reached. The 9-month overall survival (OS) rate was 87.6% (95% CI: 78.1, 93.1) and median OS had not been reached at the time of analysis. The safety profile of the Opdivo plus Yervoy combination included 28.6% of patients with Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events (AEs). These data from Abstract #3531 will be presented today from 8:00–11:30 AM CDT in Hall A at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2017.

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"The clinically meaningful survival and response data for patients with dMMR or MSI-H colorectal cancer treated with Opdivo in combination with Yervoy are very promising," said Thierry Andre, M.D., Head of the Medical Oncology Department in St. Antoine Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris. "These interim data are important as they build on the study results observed with Opdivo monotherapy in these patients and show the potential of an Immuno-Oncology combination in this advanced type of colorectal cancer for which there is a significant unmet need."

When the proteins that repair mismatch errors in DNA replication are missing or non-functional, dMMR occurs, and leads to MSI-H tumors in certain types of cancer, including CRC. Approximately 5% of metastatic CRC patients have dMMR or MSI-H biomarkers, and these patients are less likely to benefit from conventional chemotherapy than patients whose tumors are mismatch repair proficient.

"Through our robust Immuno-Oncology research and development efforts, we are investigating predictive biomarkers like dMMR or MSI-H with the goal of tailoring treatment approaches that provide the maximum benefit for individual patients," said Ian M. Waxman, M.D., development lead, Gastrointestinal Cancers, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "We are encouraged by these interim results for Opdivo plus Yervoy, and we look forward to further evaluating the efficacy and safety of our Immuno-Oncology combination therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer, as well as across a broad range of other tumor types."

About CheckMate -142 (Abstract #3531)

CheckMate -142 is an international Phase 2, multi-cohort, open-label, non-comparative trial evaluating Opdivo monotherapy or in combination with Yervoy in previously treated recurrent or metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), including patients with and without DNA mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H). In results from the Opdivo monotherapy cohort presented at the 2017 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, the investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR) was 31.1% and the 12 month overall survival (OS) rate was 73.8%. In this cohort, Opdivo was well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with that reported in other solid tumors and no new safety signals were observed.

In the combination cohort, the primary endpoint is investigator-assessed ORR using the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1. Other key endpoints included ORR by blinded independent central review (BICR), progression-free survival (PFS), OS and safety. Patients were treated with Opdivo (3 mg/kg) and Yervoy (1 mg/kg) every three weeks for four doses then Opdivo every two weeks until disease progression, death or unacceptable toxicity. Of the 84 patients treated, 78% had two or more prior lines of therapy.

Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) of any grade occurred in 67.9% of patients. Treatment-related AEs were managed, with 13.1% of patients discontinuing treatment. The most common AEs of any grade occurring in ≥10% of MSI-H patients were diarrhea (23.8%), fatigue (16.7%), aspartate aminotransferase increase (16.7%), pyrexia (15.5%), pruritus (15.5%), alanine aminotransferase increase (14.3%), nausea (14.3%), hyperthyroidism (13.1%) and hypothyroidism (13.1%). Grade 3/4 AEs occurred in 28.6% of patients. No treatment-related deaths were reported.

About Colorectal Cancer and dMMR or MSI-H Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum, which are parts of the body’s digestive or gastrointestinal system. Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer, with a worldwide incidence of 1.4 million cases, and is the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths. In the U.S., CRC is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women combined, with more than 135,000 new cases expected to be diagnosed annually.

DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) occurs when the proteins that repair mismatch errors in DNA replication are missing or non-functional, which leads to microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors in certain types of cancer, including CRC. Approximately 15% of CRC patients and 5% of metastatic CRC patients have dMMR or MSI-H biomarkers. Patients with dMMR or MSI-H metastatic CRC are less likely to benefit from conventional chemotherapy and typically have a poor prognosis, with lower survival rates on conventional chemotherapy than patients whose tumors are mismatch repair proficient. Routine testing to confirm dMMR or MSI-H status should be conducted for all CRC patients.

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

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

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

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

About Opdivo

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

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

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

U.S. FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR OPDIVO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: IMMUNE-MEDIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS

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

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

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

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

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

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

Immune-Mediated Colitis

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

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

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

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

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

Immune-Mediated Neuropathies

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

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

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

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

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

Immune-Mediated Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction

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

Immune-Mediated Skin Adverse Reactions and Dermatitis

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

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

Immune-Mediated Encephalitis

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

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

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

Infusion Reactions

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

Complications of Allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO

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

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

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on their mechanisms of action, OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with an OPDIVO- or YERVOY- containing regimen and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO.

Lactation

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

Serious Adverse Reactions

In Checkmate 037, serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=268). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients receiving OPDIVO . The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse drug reactions reported in 2% to <5% of patients receiving OPDIVO were abdominal pain, hyponatremia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased lipase. In Checkmate 066, serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=206). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were gamma-glutamyltransferase increase (3.9%) and diarrhea (3.4%). In Checkmate 067, serious adverse reactions (73% and 37%), adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation (43% and 14%) or to dosing delays (55% and 28%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (72% and 44%) all occurred more frequently in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) relative to the OPDIVO arm (n=313). The most frequent (≥10%) serious adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm and the OPDIVO arm, respectively, were diarrhea (13% and 2.6%), colitis (10% and 1.6%), and pyrexia (10% and 0.6%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, pyrexia, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and respiratory failure. In Checkmate 025, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients were acute kidney injury, pleural effusion, pneumonia, diarrhea, and hypercalcemia. In Checkmate 205 and 039, adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 7% and dose delays due to adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients (n=266). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in ≥1% of patients were pneumonia, infusion-related reaction, pyrexia, colitis or diarrhea, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and rash. Eleven patients died from causes other than disease progression: 3 from adverse reactions within 30 days of the last OPDIVO dose, 2 from infection 8 to 9 months after completing OPDIVO, and 6 from complications of allogeneic HSCT. In Checkmate 141, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, dyspnea, respiratory failure, respiratory tract infection, and sepsis. In Checkmate 275, serious adverse reactions occurred in 54% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were urinary tract infection, sepsis, diarrhea, small intestine obstruction, and general physical health deterioration.

Common Adverse Reactions

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

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

Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO