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Phase 3 BEACON CRC Safety Lead-In Results in BRAF-Mutant Colorectal Cancer Presented at European Society for Medical Oncology Congress

On September 8, 2017 Array BioPharma (Nasdaq: ARRY) and Pierre Fabre reported safety results and initial clinical activity from the safety lead-in of the Phase 3 BEACON CRC study evaluating binimetinib, a MEK inhibitor, encorafenib, a BRAF inhibitor and Erbitux (cetuximab), an anti-EGFR antibody, in patients with BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer (CRC) whose disease has progressed after one or two prior regimens in the metastatic setting (Press release, Array BioPharma, SEP 8, 2017, View Source [SID1234520426]). BRAF-mutant CRC represents a difficult-to-treat subtype of colorectal cancer that impacts 10 to 15% of CRC patients. These data were presented as an e-poster on September 8 at the 2017 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress in Madrid, Spain (Abstract No. #517P).

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As of August 9, 2017, 30 patients were treated in the safety lead-in and received the triplet combination of binimetinib, encorafenib and cetuximab (BINI 45 mg twice daily, ENCO 300 mg daily and CETUX per label). Out of the 30 patients, 29 had a BRAFV600E mutation. Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) (resulting from defective DNA mismatch repair) was detected in only one patient. The triplet demonstrated good tolerability, supporting initiation of the randomized portion of the study. In addition, promising initial clinical activity was observed, with a confirmed overall response rate (ORR) of 41%, including a complete response, in patients with the BRAFV600E mutation, a group of patients with historically poor outcomes. The observed ORR was 59% in the 17 patients with the BRAFV600E mutation with only one prior therapy. Out of 28 patients with both a BRAFV600E mutation and a post-baseline assessment, 27 showed tumor regression.

"The BRAF mutation carries a very poor prognosis for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, and is particularly unresponsive after first-line therapy," said Scott Kopetz, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, Associate Professor, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "In the safety lead-in, the triplet combination showed impressive results with a confirmed overall response rate of 41%. Several patients also showed prolonged stable disease, with 76% of patients overall continuing on therapy after a median duration of exposure of 5.6 months. These results are unprecedented for this patient population based on existing standards of care."

In the safety lead-in, the triplet combination was generally well-tolerated. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs) seen in at least 10% of patients were nausea (10%), vomiting (10%), increased blood creatine kinase (10%) and urinary tract infection (10%). Three patients discontinued treatment due to AEs with only one considered related to treatment. At the time of the analysis, 76% of patients remain on study treatment after a median duration of treatment of 5.6 months (range 1.0 – 9.3 months).

With these encouraging results, Array continues to enroll the randomized portion of the BEACON CRC study, assessing the efficacy of encorafenib in combination with cetuximab with or without binimetinib compared to cetuximab and irinotecan-based therapy.

"There has been a long-standing need to find improved treatment options for patients with BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer, and we are encouraged that data from the safety lead-in show binimetinib, encorafenib and cetuximab may have this potential," said Axel Grothey, M.D., Professor of Oncology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. "We hope these promising findings, with the impressive response rates, including a complete response, and early signs of durability, will bring us one step closer to addressing this high unmet medical need."

ARRAY INVESTOR RECEPTION AND WEBCAST: Array will host an investor reception during ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2017 where key opinion leaders in the colorectal cancer field, including Dr. Scott Kopetz, M.D. Anderson and Dr. Axel Grothey, Mayo Clinic, who will give presentations covering the BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer landscape and data from the BEACON CRC safety lead-in. The presentations will be webcast (live and replay), for those who wish to participate remotely.

Date:
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Time:
4:00-6:00 PM CEST (10:00 am – 12-noon EDT)
Location:
Neuvo Boston Hotel, Madrid, Spain
RSVP:
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About Colorectal Cancer
Worldwide, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in men and the second most common in women, with approximately 1.4 million new diagnoses in 2012. Of these, nearly 750,000 were diagnosed in men, and 614,000 in women. Globally in 2012, approximately 694,000 deaths were attributed to colorectal cancer. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 135,430 patients will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in 2017, and approximately 50,000 are estimated to die of their disease. [1] In the United States, BRAF mutations are estimated to occur in 10% to 15% of patients with colorectal cancer and represent a poor prognosis for these patients.[2-5] Based on recent prospective historical data, the prevalence of MSI-H in tumors from patients with metastatic BRAF-mutant CRC ranged from 14% in a recent Phase 1b/2 trial (NCT01719380) (Array, data on file) and 18% a recent Southwestern Oncology Group (SWOG) randomized phase 2 study.[6]

About Binimetinib and Encorafenib
MEK and BRAF are key protein kinases in the MAPK signaling pathway (RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK). Research has shown this pathway regulates several key cellular activities including proliferation, differentiation, survival and angiogenesis. Inappropriate activation of proteins in this pathway has been shown to occur in many cancers, such as melanoma, colorectal and thyroid cancers. Binimetinib is a late-stage small molecule MEK inhibitor and encorafenib is a late-stage small molecule BRAF inhibitor, both of which target key enzymes in this pathway. Binimetinib and encorafenib are being studied in clinical trials in advanced cancer patients, including the Phase 3 BEACON CRC trial.

BEACON CRC was initiated based on results from a Phase 2 study which included the combination of encorafenib and cetuximab in 50 patients with advanced BRAF-mutant CRC. These results were presented at the 2016 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting. In this arm, median overall survival for these patients exceeded one year, which is more than double several separate historical standard of care published benchmarks for this population. [7-12] The objective response rate (ORR) was 22%; historical published benchmarks in this patient population using standard of care regimens range between 4% to 8%. [10-13]

On July 5, 2017, Array announced that it submitted two NDAs to the FDA to support use of the combination of binimetinib 45 mg twice daily and encorafenib 450 mg once daily (COMBO450) for the treatment of patients with BRAF-mutant advanced, unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Array completed its NDA submissions based on findings from the pivotal Phase 3 COLUMBUS trial. In addition, Array’s European partner, Pierre Fabre, announced on August 28, 2017 that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has validated the review of the Marketing Authorization Applications for binimetininb and encorafenib.

Binimetinib and encorafenib are investigational medicines and are not currently approved in any country.

Array BioPharma retains exclusive rights to binimetinib and encorafenib in key markets including the U.S., Canada and Israel. Array has granted Ono Pharmaceutical exclusive rights to commercialize both products in Japan and South Korea and Pierre Fabre exclusive rights to commercialize both products in all other countries, including Europe, Asia and Latin America. The BEACON CRC trial is being conducted with support from Pierre Fabre and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (support is for sites outside of North America).

Seattle Genetics Highlights Promising Data with Tisotumab Vedotin in Cervical Cancer at ESMO 2017 Congress

On September 8, 2017 Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SGEN) reported that preliminary clinical data for tisotumab vedotin from a Genmab-sponsored phase 1/2 clinical trial (GEN701) are being featured in an oral presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress being held September 8-12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (Press release, Seattle Genetics, SEP 8, 2017, View Source [SID1234520425]). Additional data from the trial will also be presented in a poster session. Tisotumab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting tissue factor, which is expressed on a broad range of solid tumors. Among patients with cervical cancer treated in the trial, tisotumab vedotin demonstrated an encouraging response rate and manageable safety profile. Tisotumab vedotin is being co-developed by Seattle Genetics and Genmab. The companies are evaluating next steps in the development of tisotumab vedotin for cervical cancer. The GEN701 study is ongoing and further data, including other solid tumor indications, will be published at a later date.

"These encouraging data reinforce our recent decision to exercise our option to co-develop tisotumab vedotin with Genmab, thereby adding another clinical-stage solid tumor ADC program to our pipeline with a potentially rapid registrational pathway," said Jonathan Drachman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, Research and Development at Seattle Genetics. "In the recurrent cervical cancer setting, there is no standard of care and response rates are limited, underscoring the unmet need. Beyond cervical cancer, we believe tisotumab vedotin may have therapeutic potential in other solid tumors, and we are collaborating with Genmab to advance this program to benefit patients."

A Phase IIA Study of Tisotumab Vedotin (HuMax-TF-ADC) in Patients with Relapsed, Recurrent and/or Metastatic Cervical Cancer (Abstract #931, oral presentation on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. CET)

Tisotumab vedotin was evaluated in a phase 1/2 two-part trial conducted by Genmab. Part 1 assessed escalating single-agent doses ranging from 0.3 to 2.2 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) administered every three weeks in a variety of solid tumors. Part 2 consisted of disease-specific expansion cohorts at the recommended dose of 2.0 mg/kg. Data were reported from an expansion cohort of 34 patients with relapsed, recurrent and/or metastatic cervical cancer with a median age of 43 years. Of these patients, 91 percent had received prior treatment with a platinum and/or taxane-based chemotherapy regimen and 71 percent had received prior bevacizumab (Avastin). Key findings include:

Of the 34 patients evaluable for response, 11 patients (32 percent) achieved a response. Fifty percent of patients achieved clinical benefit after 12 weeks.
Median duration of confirmed responses was 8.3 months. Three responders remained on study.
The most common adverse events of any grade were conjunctivitis (50 percent), epistaxis, fatigue and alopecia (47 percent each) and nausea (44 percent).
The most common grade 3 or higher adverse events were vomiting (15 percent) and fatigue, nausea and abdominal pain (9 percent each).
Ocular events of any grade occurred in 53 percent of patients, including three percent with grade 3 or higher. The most common ocular event was conjunctivitis, which was substantially reduced through the introduction of a mitigation plan that involved a prophylactic steroid, lubricating eye drops and cooling eye masks worn during treatment infusion, as well as stricter dose adjustment guidance.
The part 2 portion of the clinical trial is ongoing in multiple solid tumors, including ovarian, prostate, bladder, esophageal and endometrial.
Additional data from the Part 1 dose escalation portion of the trial will be featured in a poster session on Sunday, September 10, 2017: A Phase I/II Safety Study of Tisotumab Vedotin (HuMax-TF-ADC) in Patients with Solid Tumors (Abstract #1148).

More information about the GEN701 clinical trial is available by visiting www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer originates in the cells lining the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. Routine medical examinations and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine have had a positive impact on the incidence of cervical cancer in the developed world. However, even in developed countries, many women do not receive routine medical care or the HPV vaccine, resulting in an unmet medical need particularly for recurrent/metastatic disease. Standard therapies for recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer generally result in response rates of less than 15 percent and a median overall survival of 6 to 8 months.

About Tisotumab Vedotin

Tisotumab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) composed of a human antibody that binds to tissue factor (TF) and Seattle Genetics ADC technology that utilizes a cleavable linker and the cytotoxic drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). TF is a protein involved in tumor signaling and angiogenesis. Based on its high expression on many solid tumors and its rapid internalization, TF was selected as a target for an ADC approach. Tisotumab vedotin is in phase 1/2 clinical studies for solid tumors.

Puma Biotechnology Presents 5-Year Analysis of Phase III ExteNET Trial in Extended Adjuvant HER2-Positive Breast Cancer at ESMO 2017 Congress

On September 8, 2017 Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: PBYI), a biopharmaceutical company, reported the presentation of positive results from the Phase III clinical trial of Puma’s drug neratinib for the extended adjuvant treatment of early stage HER2-positive breast cancer following trastuzumab-based therapy (ExteNET trial) in a proffered paper oral session at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2017 Congress in Madrid, Spain (Press release, Puma Biotechnology, SEP 8, 2017, View Source [SID1234520424]). Neratinib was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2017 for the extended adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer following adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapy, and is marketed in the United States as NERLYNX (neratinib) tablets.

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5%) were diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, vomiting, rash, stomatitis, decreased appetite, muscle spasms, dyspepsia, AST or ALT increase, nail disorder, dry skin, abdominal distention, epistaxis, weight decreased and urinary tract infection.

The ExteNET trial is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III trial of neratinib versus placebo after adjuvant treatment with trastuzumab (Herceptin) in patients with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer. The predefined 5-year invasive disease free survival (iDFS) analysis as a follow-up to the primary 2-year iDFS analysis of the Phase III ExteNET trial was presented today.

The ExteNET trial randomized 2,840 patients in 41 countries with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer who had undergone surgery and adjuvant treatment with trastuzumab. After completion of adjuvant treatment with trastuzumab, patients were randomized to receive extended adjuvant treatment with either neratinib or placebo for a period of one year. Patients were then followed for recurrent disease, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or death for a period of five years after randomization in the trial.

The patient characteristics in the trial were well balanced between the neratinib and placebo arms of the trial. For the 1,420 patients in the neratinib arm of the trial, 1,085 (76.4%) were node positive while of the 1,420 patients in the placebo arm of the trial, 1,084 (76.3%) were node positive. Additionally, in the neratinib arm of the trial, 816 patients (57.5%) were hormone receptor positive, and in the placebo arm of the trial, 815 patients (57.4%) were hormone receptor positive. The median time from the last trastuzumab dose to entry into the trial was 4.4 months for the neratinib-treated patients and 4.6 months for the placebo-treated patients.

The primary endpoint of the trial was invasive disease free survival (iDFS). The results of the trial demonstrated that after a median follow up of 5.2 years, treatment with neratinib resulted in a 27% reduction of risk of invasive disease recurrence or death versus placebo (hazard ratio = 0.73, p = 0.008). The 5-year iDFS rate for the neratinib arm was 90.2% and the 5-year iDFS rate for the placebo arm was 87.7%.

The secondary endpoint of the trial was invasive disease free survival including ductal carcinoma in situ (iDFS-DCIS). The results of the trial demonstrated that treatment with neratinib resulted in a 29% reduction of risk of disease recurrence including DCIS or death versus placebo (hazard ratio = 0.71, p = 0.004). The 5-year iDFS-DCIS rate for the neratinib arm was 89.7% and the 5-year iDFS-DCIS rate for the placebo arm was 86.8%.

For the pre-defined subgroup of patients with hormone receptor positive disease, the results of the trial demonstrated that treatment with neratinib resulted in a 40% reduction of risk of invasive disease recurrence or death versus placebo (hazard ratio = 0.60, p = 0.002). The 5-year iDFS rate for the neratinib arm was 91.2% and the 5-year iDFS rate for the placebo arm was 86.8%. For the pre-defined subgroup of patients with hormone receptor negative disease, the results of the trial demonstrated that treatment with neratinib resulted in a hazard ratio of 0.95 (p = 0.762).

The safety results were unchanged from the primary 2-year iDFS analysis of the study that showed the most frequently observed adverse event for the neratinib-treated patients was diarrhea, with approximately 39.9% of the neratinib-treated patients experiencing grade 3 or higher diarrhea (1 patient (0.1%) had grade 4 diarrhea). Patients who received neratinib in this trial did not receive any prophylaxis with antidiarrheal agents to prevent the neratinib-related diarrhea. Puma is currently running the ongoing CONTROL trial to investigate the use of loperamide-based prophylaxis to reduce the incidence of grade 3 or higher diarrhea in patients with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer who have completed adjuvant trastuzumab-based treatment. The most recently reported clinical data from CONTROL in June 2017 demonstrated that the use of loperamide-based prophylaxis reduced the rate of grade 3 diarrhea with neratinib, with grade 3 diarrhea rates ranging from 8-31% when loperamide-based prophylaxis was used.

"While the use of trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting has led to a reduction in the risk of disease recurrence in patients with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer, there continues to remain a need for further reductions in the risk of disease recurrence," said Professor Miguel Martin, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, CIBERONC, GEICAM, Universidad Complutense in Madrid, Spain. "The longer term follow up results of the ExteNET study demonstrate that we may be able to provide this type of improvement with neratinib to further help the patients with this disease."

"We are very pleased with the results of the 5-year follow up for the ExteNET trial with neratinib. This represents the first trial with a HER2 targeted agent that has shown a benefit in the extended adjuvant setting, which we believe provides a meaningful point of differentiation for neratinib in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer," said Alan H. Auerbach, Chief Executive Officer and President of Puma."

About HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Approximately 20% to 25% of breast cancer tumors over-express the HER2 protein. HER2-positive breast cancer is often more aggressive than other types of breast cancer, increasing the risk of disease progression and death. Although research has shown that trastuzumab can reduce the risk of early stage HER2-positive breast cancer returning after surgery, up to 25% of patients treated with trastuzumab experience recurrence.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

NERLYNX (neratinib) tablets, for oral use

INDICATIONS AND USAGE: NERLYNX is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the extended adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early-stage HER2 overexpressed/amplified breast cancer, to follow adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapy.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: None

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

Diarrhea: Aggressively manage diarrhea occurring despite recommended prophylaxis with additional antidiarrheals, fluids, and electrolytes as clinically indicated. Withhold NERLYNX in patients experiencing severe and/or persistent diarrhea. Permanently discontinue NERLYNX in patients experiencing Grade 4 diarrhea or Grade ≥ 2 diarrhea that occurs after maximal dose reduction.
Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver function tests monthly for the first 3 months of treatment, then every 3 months while on treatment and as clinically indicated. Withhold NERLYNX in patients experiencing Grade 3 liver abnormalities and permanently discontinue NERLYNX in patients experiencing Grade 4 liver abnormalities.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: NERLYNX can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5%) were diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, vomiting, rash, stomatitis, decreased appetite, muscle spasms, dyspepsia, AST or ALT increase, nail disorder, dry skin, abdominal distention, epistaxis, weight decreased and urinary tract infection.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Puma Biotechnology, Inc. at 1-844-NERLYNX (1-844-637-5969) and www.NERLYNX.com or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Gastric acid reducing agents: Avoid concomitant use with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and H2-receptor antagonists. Separate NERLYNX by 3 hours after antacid dosing.
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use.
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid concomitant use.
P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates: Monitor for adverse reactions of narrow therapeutic agents that are P-gp substrates when used concomitantly with NERLYNX.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS:

Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed.
Please see Full Prescribing Information for additional safety information.

The recommended dose of NERLYNX is 240 mg (six 40 mg tablets) given orally once daily with food, continuously for one year. Antidiarrheal prophylaxis should be initiated with the first dose of NERLYNX and continued during the first 2 months (56 days) of treatment and as needed thereafter.

To help ensure patients have access to NERLYNX, Puma has implemented the Puma Patient Lynx support program to assist patients and healthcare providers with reimbursement support and referrals to resources that can help with financial assistance. More information on the Puma Patient Lynx program can be found at www.NERLYNX.com or 1-855-816-5421.

New Data Presented at ESMO 2017 Shows That Abiraterone Acetate Plus Prednisone Provides Benefits in Patient Reported Outcomes in Both Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive and Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

On September 8, 2017 Janssen-Cilag International NV reported additional data from the pivotal Phase 3 LATITUDE clinical trial, which showed that treatment with Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) plus prednisone, in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in a range of patient reported outcomes (PRO) in patients with newly diagnosed, high-risk, metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), compared to ADT alone (Press release, Johnson & Johnson, SEP 8, 2017, View Source [SID1234520423]).

Abiraterone acetate, in combination with prednisone or prednisolone, is currently indicated for the treatment of mCRPC (metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer) in adult men who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic after failure of ADT in whom chemotherapy is not yet clinically indicated, and in adult men whose disease has progressed on or after a docetaxel-based chemotherapy regimen.1

The LATITUDE study findings, presented at the 2017 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Annual Conference, indicate that treatment with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone, in combination with ADT, significantly delayed time to progression of worst pain intensity (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.52-0.77; P < 0.0001), pain interference (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.56-0.80; P < 0.0001), worst fatigue (HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.53-0.81; P = 0.0001) and fatigue interference (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.47-0.75; P < 0.0001) compared to ADT plus placebos. Findings also show a significant improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which includes several measures such as physical and emotional wellbeing, demonstrating a reduction in risk of HRQoL degradation (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.74-0.99; P = 0.0322) compared to ADT plus placebos.2

"In combination with the significant benefits in survival and disease progression, the new data from the LATITUDE clinical trial suggests that abiraterone acetate plus prednisone, in combination with androgen deprivation therapy, offers a much-needed efficacious treatment option for patients with newly diagnosed metastatic disease," said Dr Karim Fizazi, Principal Investigator of the trial and Head of the Medical Oncology Department at Institute Gustave Roussy, France. "These results build upon previous LATITUDE findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June and presented during ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2017, which found a significant improvement in overall survival and radiographic progression-free survival in patients with newly diagnosed high-risk metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer."

In addition, an indirect comparison of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone and docetaxel for the treatment of mHSPC was also presented at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper). The systematic review, which examined results from LATITUDE as well as several other studies, suggests that abiraterone acetate plus prednisone, in combination with ADT, produces greater reductions in the risk of progression and in risk of death vs ADT plus docetaxel for patients with high risk or high volume disease.3

In addition to the benefits of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone seen in early stage disease, additional findings presented at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) support the use of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone in its current, mCRPC indications. Preliminary results from the AQUARiUS observational study, which prospectively collects PROs on quality of life, cognition, fatigue and pain, suggest more favourable outcomes for perceived cognitive impairments, functioning and fatigue for mCRPC patients treated with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone compared to those treated with enzalutamide, within the first three months after treatment initiation.4

"Janssen remains dedicated to addressing the challenges around treatments and quality of life for both early and late stage prostate cancer, including the thousands of patients with metastatic prostate cancer in Europe that are diagnosed each year," said Dr Ivo Winiger-Candolfi, Oncology Solid Tumour Therapy Area Lead, Janssen Europe, Middle East, Africa. "We are encouraged by the patient reported outcomes from the AQUARiUS and LATITUDE trials, which further support the use of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone in its current indications, as well as the potential for use in an earlier stage of prostate cancer, respectively. These new results suggest that abiraterone acetate plus prednisone in combination with ADT has the potential to become a standard of care for the treatment of newly diagnosed, high-risk metastatic prostate cancer patients."

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS

About high-risk metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC)

There are approximately 420,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Europe per year.5 Around 2%-43% (up to 180,000) have metastatic prostate cancer.6,7,8 Not all prostate cancer is the same. It ranges from cancer confined to the prostate gland to cancer that has spread outside of the prostate to the lymph nodes, bones, or other parts of the body. The extent or spread of prostate cancer determines the stage.9 Hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) refers to a stage of the disease when the patient has not been treated with ADT.10 Patients with newly diagnosed mHSPC, particularly with high-risk characteristics, have a poor prognosis.10 ADT plus docetaxel has shown improved outcomes in mHSPC, but many patients are not candidates for docetaxel and may benefit from alternative therapy.11

About the LATITUDE Trial12

The Phase 3, multinational, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled LATITUDE study enrolled 1,199 newly diagnosed patients with mHSPC (no prior treatment with ADT or ≤3 months treatment with ADT before baseline) and was conducted at 235 sites in 34 countries in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Canada. A total number of 597 patients were randomised to receive ADT in combination with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (n=597), while 602 patients were randomised to receive ADT and placebos (n=602). Patients included had high-risk mHSPC documented by positive bone scan or metastatic lesions at the time of diagnosis on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Additionally, patients had to have at least two of the three following high-risk factors associated with poor prognosis:

Gleason score ≥8
≥3 bone lesions
presence of measurable visceral metastases
These results served the basis for Janssen’s Type II variation application submission to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), seeking to expand the existing marketing authorisation for abiraterone acetate plus prednisone or prednisolone to include the treatment of men with newly-diagnosed, high-risk, metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). If approved, this will broaden the use of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone to include an earlier stage of prostate cancer than its current indications.

Overall, the safety profile of ADT in combination with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone was consistent with prior studies in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The most common and anticipated adverse events were elevated incidences of mineralocorticoid-related hypertension and hypokalaemia in the ADT in combination with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone arm compared with ADT and placebos. The incidence rate of grade 3 or higher hypertension (20% vs. 10%) was greater than that observed in prior studies of abiraterone acetate in mCRPC patients. There were no serious sequelae from the increased rate of hypertension. The incidence of hypokalaemia was higher than that reported in prior Phase 3 studies of abiraterone acetate in mCRPC; however, only two patients discontinued treatment due to hypokalaemia and there were no hypokalaemia-related deaths.

The observed degrees of hypertension and hypokalaemia were both medically manageable with antihypertensive medications and potassium supplements as needed, only rarely required treatment discontinuation, and seldom led to serious consequences.

About the AQUARiUS Trial13

The prospective, multinational, observational AQUARiUS study investigates the impact that both abiraterone acetate plus prednisone and enzalutamide have on HRQoL, PROs, and medical resource use in patients with mCRPC. The study enrolled 210 patients with mCRPC and has been conducted at 27 sites in three countries in Europe. The estimated study completion date is March 2018. Primary outcomes being measured are HRQoL, fatigue, pain, cognitive function and medical resource use.

About abiraterone acetate

Abiraterone acetate plus prednisone / prednisolone is the only approved therapy in mCRPC that inhibits production of androgens (which fuel prostate cancer growth) at all three sources that are important in prostate cancer – the testes, adrenals and the tumour itself.1,14,15

Abiraterone acetate plus prednisone / prednisolone has been approved in more than 90 countries to date, and has been prescribed to approximately 330,000 men worldwide.16,17

Indications1

In 2011, abiraterone acetate in combination with prednisone / prednisolone was approved by the European Commission (EC) for the treatment of mCRPC in adult men whose disease has progressed on or after a docetaxel-based chemotherapy regimen.

In December 2012, the EC granted an extension of the indication for abiraterone acetate permitting its use, in combination with prednisone or prednisolone, for the treatment of mCRPC, in adult men who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic after failure of androgen deprivation therapy in whom chemotherapy is not yet clinically indicated.1

Further Information1

The most common adverse reactions seen with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone / prednisolone include urinary tract infection, hypokalaemia, hypertension, and peripheral oedema.

For a full list of side effects and for further information on dosage and administration, contraindications and other precautions when using abiraterone acetate plus prednisone / prednisolone please refer to the summary of product characteristics, which is available at: View Source

Ipsen receives validation from European Medicines Agency for the application of a new indication for Cabometyx® (cabozantinib) for first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma in adults

On September 8, 2017 Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY) reported that the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the European regulatory authority, has validated the application for variation to the Cabometyx (cabozantinib) marketing authorization for the addition of a new indication in first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (Press release, Ipsen, SEP 8, 2017, View Source [SID1234520422]).

The filing is based on the results of CABOSUN, a phase II trial demonstrating that Cabometyx prolongs progression free survival (PFS) in treatment-naive patients with intermediate- or poor-risk aRCC compared to sunitinib, the standard of care for more than 10 years. If approved, Cabometyx would be the first and only single-agent treatment to demonstrate superior clinical efficacy over the standard of care in both first line (vs. sunitinib) and second line (vs. everolimus) aRCC.

Alexandre Lebeaut, MD, Executive Vice-President, R&D, Chief Scientific Officer, Ipsen, said: "The filing is based on the results of CABOSUN, a phase II trial demonstrating that Cabometyx prolongs progression free survival (PFS) in a statistically and clinically meaningful way in treatment-naive patients with intermediate- or poor-risk advanced RCC compared to sunitinib, the standard of care for more than 10 years. Ipsen’s commitment to oncology and developing innovative therapies for cancer patients is stronger than ever. We continue to be excited about our partnership with Exelixis to investigate new indications for cabozantinib."

In September 2016, Cabometyx was approved in the EU for the treatment of aRCC in adults following prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy. As of today, Cabometyx is commercially available for the treatment of eligible patients with advanced RCC in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway, The Netherlands, Spain and UK.

About advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

With the incidence predicted to rise 22% by 2020, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) threatens to become one of the fastest growing cancers in the world.[i] Targeted therapies including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of the VEGF receptor (VEGFR) introduced a decade ago, significantly transformed the treatment landscape of aRCC.[ii]

The American Cancer Society’s 2017 statistics cite kidney cancer as one of the top ten most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer among both men and women in the U.S.[iii] Clear cell RCC is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults.[iv] If detected in its early stages, the five-year survival rate for RCC is high. For patients with advanced- or late-stage metastatic RCC, however, the five-year survival rate is only 12% with no identified cure for the disease.[v] Approximately 30,000 patients in the U.S. and 68,000 globally require treatment.[vi]

The majority of clear cell RCC tumors have lower than normal levels of a protein called von Hippel-Lindau, which leads to higher levels of MET, AXL, and VEGF.[vii]–[viii] These proteins promote tumor angiogenesis (blood vessel growth), growth, invasiveness, and metastasis.[ix], [x], [xi], [xii] MET and AXL may provide escape pathways that drive resistance to VEGF receptor inhibitors. xii – xv

About Cabometyx (cabozantinib)

Cabometyx is the tablet formulation of cabozantinib. Its targets include MET, AXL, and VEGFR receptors in tumor cells. In preclinical models, cabozantinib has been shown to inhibit the activity of these receptors, which are involved in normal cellular function and pathologic processes such as tumor angiogenesis, invasiveness, metastasis, and drug resistance. Cabometyx is available in 20 mg, 40 mg, or 60 mg doses. The recommended dose is 60 mg orally, once daily.

On April 25, 2016, the FDA approved Cabometyx tablets for the treatment of patients with aRCC who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy. On August 16, 2017, Ipsen’s partner Exelixis has submitted a U.S. supplemental new drug application for cabometyx (cabozantinib) for the treatment of previously untreated advanced kidney cancer. On September 9, 2016, the European Commission approved Cabometyx tablets for the treatment of aRCC in adults who have received prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy in the European Union, Norway, and Iceland. On September 8, 2017, the EMA validated the application for Cabometyx for the treatment in first line aRCC.

About the CABOSUN study

On May 23, 2016, Exelixis announced that CABOSUN met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS compared with sunitinib in patients with intermediate- or poor-risk aRCC per IMDC (International Metastatic RCC Carcinoma Database Consortium) criteria as determined by investigator assessment. CABOSUN was conducted by The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology as part of Exelixis’ collaboration with the NCI-CTEP. These results were first presented by Dr. Toni Choueiri at the meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2016, and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (Choueiri, JCO, 2017).[xiii]

On June 19th 2017 Exelixis announced that the analysis of the review by a blinded independent radiology review committee (IRC) has confirmed the primary efficacy endpoint results of investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) from the CABOSUN randomized phase 2 trial of cabozantinib as compared with sunitinib in patients with previously untreated advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with intermediate- or poor-risk disease per the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) criteria. Per the IRC analysis, cabozantinib demonstrated a clinically meaningful and statistically significant reduction in the rate of disease progression or death as measured by PFS. The incidence of adverse events (any grade) and the incidence of grade 3 or 4 adverse events between cabozantinib and sunitinib were comparable.

CABOSUN is a randomized, open-label, active-controlled phase II trial that enrolled 157 patients with aRCC determined to be intermediate- or poor-risk per IMDC criteria. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive cabozantinib (60 mg once daily) or sunitinib (50 mg once daily, four weeks on followed by two weeks off). The primary endpoint was PFS. Secondary endpoints included overall survival and objective response rate. Eligible patients were required to have locally advanced or metastatic clear-cell RCC, ECOG performance status 0-2, and had to be intermediate- or poor-risk per IMDC criteria (Heng, JCO, 2009).[xiv] Prior systemic treatment for RCC was not permitted.