Two Pivotal Opdivo (nivolumab) Trials Show Three-Year Survival Benefit in Patients with Previously Treated Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

On September 8, 2017 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported three-year overall survival (OS) data from CheckMate -017 and CheckMate -057, two pivotal Phase 3 randomized studies evaluating Opdivo versus docetaxel in patients with previously treated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, SEP 8, 2017, View Source [SID1234520403]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

In CheckMate -017, a trial in previously treated squamous NSCLC, 16% of patients treated with Opdivo were alive at three years (21/135) versus 6% of those treated with docetaxel (8/137) (HR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.80). In CheckMate -057, a trial in previously treated non-squamous NSCLC, 18% of patients treated with Opdivo were alive at three years (49/292) versus 9% of those treated with docetaxel (26/290) (HR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.88). Similar to prior reports, an OS benefit was observed across histologies, and three-year survivors included patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 and those that did not. With three years’ minimum follow-up, no new safety signals were identified for Opdivo, and the safety profile across both trials was consistent with prior reports.

Enriqueta Felip, M.D., head of the Thoracic Tumors Group, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain, commented, "Opdivo is already a standard of care in previously treated non-small cell lung cancer across histologies, demonstrating durable, long-term survival in two pivotal Phase 3 studies. Data from CheckMate -017 and CheckMate -057 continue to reinforce the compelling and sustained survival benefit demonstrated with Opdivo for these patients even after three years. These results are important for the clinical community and represent the longest follow-up data reported for a PD-1 inhibitor versus chemotherapy in second-line NSCLC."

These data will be presented on Sunday, September 10 at the European Society for Medical Oncology 2017 Congress in Madrid, Spain, during the NSCLC, Metastatic Poster Discussion Session from 4:30-6 PM CEST in the Barcelona Auditorium (Abstract #1301PD).

Nick Botwood, M.D., development lead, thoracic cancers, Bristol-Myers Squibb, commented, "Our utmost priority at BMS is to bring forth transformational medicines to deliver what matters most to patients fighting cancer: long-term survival. The long-term survival benefit seen with Opdivo in the pivotal CheckMate -017 and -057 studies demonstrates our commitment to this vision. These data also increase our understanding of the value Opdivo may bring to patients with previously treated metastatic NSCLC, as we continue to explore Opdivo alone and in combination with other agents across a range of thoracic cancers."

About CheckMate -017 & CheckMate -057

CheckMate -017 and CheckMate -057 are two pivotal Phase 3, open-label, randomized clinical trials that evaluated Opdivo 3 mg/kg every two weeks versus standard of care, docetaxel 75 mg/m2 every three weeks, in patients with advanced NSCLC who had progressed during or after one prior platinum doublet-based chemotherapy regimen. CheckMate -017 included 272 patients with squamous NSCLC, and CheckMate -057 included 582 patients with non-squamous NSCLC. Both trials enrolled patients across PD-L1 expression levels. The primary endpoint for both trials was overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and efficacy by tumor PD-L1 expression.

In both studies, the OS benefit for Opdivo was observed across PD-L1 expression levels, including patients with PD-L1 expression <1%. Among Opdivo-treated patients with squamous NSCLC in CheckMate -017, 13% (7/54) with PD-L1 expression <1% and 14% (9/63) with PD-L1 expression ≥1% were alive at three years. In non-squamous NSCLC patients treated with Opdivo in CheckMate -057, 11% (11/108) with PD-L1 expression <1% and 26% (29/123) with PD-L1 expression ≥1% were alive at three years.

The safety profile of Opdivo remained consistent with previous reports of data from both pivotal trials. In the pooled safety analysis, at three years, 10.5% of Opdivo-treated patients experienced Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events (AEs). The most common treatment-related AEs of any grade in patients treated with Opdivo included fatigue (17%), nausea (11%), decreased appetite (11%), asthenia (10.5%), pruritus (6.9%) and vomiting (5%).

About Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths globally, resulting in nearly 1.7 million deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization. NSCLC is one of the most common types of the disease and accounts for approximately 85% of diagnoses. About 25% to 30% of all lung cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, and non-squamous NSCLC accounts for approximately 50% to 65% of all lung cancer diagnoses. Survival rates vary depending on the stage and type of the cancer when diagnosed. Globally, the five-year survival rate for patients with Stage I NSCLC is between 47% and 50%, and for Stage IV NSCLC, the five-year survival rate drops to 2%.

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’ 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.

OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall 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%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients who received OPDIVO as a single agent were fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, asthenia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, decreased appetite, back pain, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, pyrexia.

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 and YERVOY, including Boxed WARNING regarding immune-mediated adverse reactions for YERVOY.

Checkmate Trials and Patient Populations

Checkmate 067 – advanced melanoma alone or in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 037 and 066 – advanced melanoma; Checkmate 017 – squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); Checkmate 057 – non-squamous NSCLC; Checkmate 025 – renal cell carcinoma; Checkmate 205/039 – classical Hodgkin lymphoma; Checkmate 141 – squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck; Checkmate 275 – urothelial carcinoma.

GT BIOPHARMA HIRES FORMER PFIZER CMO/VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ONCOLOGY RESEARCH AS CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

On September 7, 2017 GT Biopharma Inc. (OTCQB: OXISD) reported the appointment of Dr. Raymond Urbanski, the former business unit Chief Medical Officer and senior director of oncology research and development with Pfizer Inc. (PFE), as its new Chief Medical Officer (Press release, GT Biopharma , SEP 7, 2017, View Source [SID1234539539]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Dr. Urbanski will oversee development of key products in GT Biopharma’s product pipeline, including its platform targeted immunotherapy BiKE and TriKE technologies as well as its newly acquired Central Nervous System pipeline.

Dr. Urbanski spent eight years with Pfizer and held several positions with the company, including Vice President/CMO of the Established Products Business Unit, senior medical director of oncology clinical R&D, senior medical director of breast cancer products and medical director of diversified products.

He brings extensive experience in developing and overseeing clinical studies, including phase 3b and phase 4 studies (including line extensions) for sunitinib (Sutent), exemestane (Aromasin), irinotecan (Camptosar), epirubicin (Ellence), axitinib, IGF1R inhibitor, and tremelimumab.

In addition to his role with Pfizer, Dr. Urbanski served as Chief Medical Officer of Mylan Inc., Chief Medical Officer of Metabolex Inc., and Senior Director of US Medical Affairs for Aventis.

GT Biopharma Executive Chairman Anthony J. Cataldo said the appointment of Dr. Urbanski as Chief Medical Officer is a key development that comes at an exciting time for the Company.

"We announced on Tuesday the completion of our acquisition/merger of Georgetown Translational Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the elimination of all debt and a suite of neurological products that are late stage and close to market. Along with this, we have retained a world class CEO in Dr. Kathleen Clarence-Smith in the process. Her resume speaks for itself," Mr. Cataldo said.

"Now we complete our executive management team with another world class executive in Dr. Raymond Urbanski as our new CMO. His expertise in oncology assets and quick-to-market 505(b)2 products is timely for GT Biopharma Inc. Ray’s big pharma and biotech expertise is custom made for the assets of GT Biopharma. He will be instrumental in helping to guide our highly sought after oncology BiKE and TriKE platform technologies to commercial success. We are excited to have our "Dream Team" in place," Mr. Cataldo said.

Dr. Kathleen Clarence-Smith, Chief Executive Officer of GT Biopharma, said she is pleased that Dr. Urbanski is joining the GT Biopharma team.

"We have known each other for many years. He is not only highly experienced in drug development but hardworking and respected by his teams," Dr. Clarence-Smith said. "I admire his dedication to successfully getting product candidates over the finish line, and rapidly through the regulatory process, as attested by several approved NDAs, sNDAs, and BLAs. Ray’s expertise in the development of both oncology and neurology drugs is the perfect fit for GT Biopharma."

Dr. Urbanski said he believes his background will prove valuable at GT Biopharma, and he looks forward to pursuing the company’s promising oncology and Central Nervous System pipeline.

"My rise at Pfizer was rapid, as I went from a Medical Director to the Head of a business unit at the largest pharmaceutical company in the world in under 4 years. I have been involved in all phases of drug development from discovery through FDA phase 4 clinical trials and fast to market FDA 505 (b)(2) licenses. This included an abundance of Oncology assets," Dr. Urbanski said. "I believe it is my breadth of knowledge, experience and proven record of success that brings true value to GT Biopharma."

Bristol-Myers Squibb Completes Previously Announced Acquisition of IFM Therapeutics

On September 7, 2018 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported that it has completed the previously announced planned acquisition of IFM Therapeutics (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, SEP 7, 2017, View Source [SID1234523239]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The transaction includes full rights to IFM’s preclinical STING (stimulator of interferon genes) and NLRP3 agonist programs focused on enhancing the innate immune response for treating cancer. IFM’s STING agonist program includes a lead asset that accelerates the company’s efforts against this target, while the NLRP3 agonist program includes a potential first-in-class pipeline candidate. A newly formed entity will be established by the current shareholders of IFM – IFM Therapeutics LLC – and it will retain IFM’s current personnel and facilities, as well as its remaining research programs, which include an NLRP3 antagonist program focused on curbing immune responses that lead to inflammatory diseases and fibrosis.

Celgene Provides Update on the Fusion™ Clinical Program

On September 7, 2017 Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ:CELG) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed a partial clinical hold on five trials and a full clinical hold on one trial in the Celgene FUSION program (Press release, Celgene, SEP 7, 2017, View Source [SID1234520404]). The trials are testing IMFINZI (durvalumab), an anti-PD-L1 antibody, in combination with immunomodulatory and chemotherapy agents in blood cancers such as multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and lymphoma.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The decision by the FDA was based on risks identified in other trials for an anti-PD-1 antibody, pembrolizumab, in patients with multiple myeloma in combination with immunomodulatory agents. In the FUSION program, the Company has not discerned, at this time, an imbalance in the risk benefit profile; however, the clinical holds allow for additional information to be collected to further understand the risk benefit profile of the program.

Patients enrolled in the trials on partial clinical hold who are receiving clinical benefit from treatment as determined by the investigator, may remain on treatment. Patients enrolled in the trial on full clinical hold will be discontinued from treatment. No new patients will be enrolled into the listed trials.

The trials placed on partial clinical hold are:

MEDI4736-MM-001: A Phase IB Multicenter, Open-Label Study to Determine the Recommended Dose and Regimen of Durvalumab Either as Monotherapy or in Combination with Pomalidomide with or without Low-Dose Dexamethasone in Subjects with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma
MEDI4736-MM-003: A Phase II, Multicenter, Open-label, Study to Determine the Safety and Efficacy for the Combination of Durvalumab and Daratumumab in Subjects with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma
MEDI4736-MM-005: A Phase II, Multicenter, Single-Arm, Study to Determine the Efficacy for the Combination of Durvalumab Plus Daratumumab in Subjects with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma That Have Progressed While on Current Treatment Regimen Containing Daratumumab
MEDI4736-NHL-001: A Phase I/II, Open-label, Multi-center Study to Assess the Safety and Tolerability of Durvalumab as Monotherapy and in Combination Therapy in Subjects with Lymphoma or Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. The only arm in this trial for which enrollment is suspended is the arm with the durvalumab, REVLIMID and rituximab combination.
MEDI4736-DLBCL-001: A Phase II, Open-label, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Safety and Clinical Activity of Durvalumab in Combination with Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, Prednisone (R-CHOP) or with Lenalidomide Plus R-CHOP (R2 CHOP) in Subjects with Previously Untreated, High Risk Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma
The trial placed on full clinical hold is:

MEDI4736-MM-002: A Phase Ib Multicenter, Open-label Study to Determine the Recommended Dose and Regimen of Durvalumab in Combination with Lenalidomide with and without Low-dose Dexamethasone in Subjects with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
The trials that will continue to enroll are:

MEDI4736-MDS-001: A Randomized, Multicenter, Open-label, Phase II Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Azacitidine Subcutaneous in Combination with Durvalumab in Previously Untreated Subjects with Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes or in Elderly ( > = 65 Years) Acute Myeloid Leukemia Subjects Not Eligible for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
CC-486-MDS-006: A Phase II, International, Multicenter, Randomized, Open-label, Parallel Group to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of CC-486 Alone in Combination with Durvalumab in Subjects with Myelodysplastic Syndromes Who Fail to Achieve an Objective Response to Treatment with Azacitidine for Injection or Decitabine
In April 2015, Celgene entered into a strategic collaboration with MedImmune, the global biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca, to develop and commercialize IMFINZI for hematologic malignancies. The use of IMFINZI in combination with other agents for the treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies is not approved by the FDA, and the safety and efficacy of those combinations have not been established.

Vividion Therapeutics Appoints Diego Miralles, M.D., Chief Executive Officer

On Sept. 7, 2017 Vividion Therapeutics, a newly established biotechnology company using revolutionary proteomics and chemistry platforms to discover and develop novel small molecule therapeutics, reported the appointments of Diego Miralles, M.D., as Chief Executive Officer and Richard Heyman, Ph.D. as member of the Board of Directors (Press release, Vividion Therapeutics, SEP 7, 2017, View Source [SID1234520719]).
Dr. Miralles brings extensive scientific leadership and drug development experience to Vividion spanning two decades and includes leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
“We are delighted to have Diego join our company. Throughout his career he has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to improving patient care, and he brings the strong business and scientific leadership we need to maximize the enormous potential of our platforms,” said Tom Daniel, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We believe we can transform the way in which small molecules are discovered and can address targets that until now have remained undruggable.”
“I’m excited about the potential for Vividion to revolutionize drug discovery and address many unmet medical needs. Patients are waiting,” said Dr. Miralles.
Dr. Miralles most recently served as President of Adaptive Therapeutics, a new division of Adaptive Biotechnologies launched in 2016. Prior to that, Dr. Miralles served as the Global Head for Johnson & Johnson Innovation. During his career at Johnson & Johnson, he founded the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centers and JLABS, a best-in-class corporate incubator for entrepreneurs in the healthcare and life sciences industries. Dr. Miralles also headed an entrepreneurial team within the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson that created integrated care businesses and enabling technologies to transform the healthcare experience, improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. He headed the Janssen Research and Early Development unit in La Jolla, California focused in pharmaceutical discoveries and early proof of concept clinical development. Dr. Miralles joined Johnson & Johnson as VP of Clinical Development at Tibotec in Belgium, where he was involved in the development and approval of several drugs including PREZISTA and INTELENCE.

Prior to Johnson & Johnson, Dr. Miralles held research and development positions at Trimeris and Triangle Pharmaceuticals and was an Assistant Professor at Duke University Medical Center, serving as a scientist and an Infectious Disease physician. He is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of California San Diego. Dr. Miralles received his M.D. from the Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina, completed his internal medicine residency at the Mayo Clinic, and was a fellow in Infectious Diseases at Cornell University-New York Hospital.

Dr. Heyman is former CEO of Seragon Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by the Roche, and Aragon Pharmaceuticals, which was purchased by Johnson & Johnson. He was a cofounder and Chief Scientific Officer of X-Ceptor Therapeutics, which was acquired by Exelixis. He has served as Vice President of Research at Ligand Pharmaceuticals. He is the author or inventor on more than 120 publications and patents. Dr. Heyman currently serves on the Board of Directors for ORIC Pharmaceuticals, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, Gritstone Oncology and Metacrine Inc. He was an NIH postdoctoral fellow at the Salk Institute, working with Dr. Ronald Evans. Dr. Heyman received a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Minnesota.

About Vividion Therapeutics
Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics that treat major unmet clinical needs using the first platform for proteome-wide ligand and target discovery. The company’s cutting-edge platform was spun out of the labs of Vividion’s scientific founders, a team of experts in chemical biology and synthetic chemistry from The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA. Vividion is committed to advancing and applying its pioneering synthetic and proteomic chemistry platforms to create therapeutics that will make a transformative difference in patients. For more information, please visit www.vividion.com.