TG Therapeutics, Inc. Recaps Schedule of Clinical Data Presentations at the Upcoming 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology

On June 2, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TG Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:TGTX) reported the schedule of presentations featuring TG-1101 and TGR-1202 at the upcoming 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper), being held this week, June 2 – 6, 2017, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois (Press release, TG Therapeutics, JUN 2, 2017, View Source [SID1234519352]).

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!

Know more, wherever you are:
Latest on Cancer Drug Development at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), book your free 1stOncology demo here.

Oral Presentation:

Title: Ublituximab and ibrutinib for previously treated genetically high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Results of the GENUINE Phase 3 study
– Abstract Number: 7504
– Date & Time: Saturday, June 3, 2017 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM CT
– Presentation Time: 4:12 PM CT
– Session Title: Hematologic Malignancies—Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
– Presenter: Jeffrey P. Sharman, MD

Poster Discussion Presentation:

Title: Tolerability and activity of chemo-free triplet combination of TGR-1202, ublituximab, and ibrutinib in patients with advanced CLL and NHL
– Abstract Number: 7511
– Presentation Date & Time: Monday, June 5, 2017 8:00 AM-11:30 AM CT (Poster Viewing); 1:15 PM-2:30 PM CT (Poster Discussion)
– Session Title: Poster Discussion Session, Hematologic Malignancies—Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
– Presenter: Loretta Nastoupil, MD

Trials in Progress Poster Presentation:

Title: KI intolerance study: A phase 2 study to assess the safety and efficacy of TGR-1202 in pts with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who are intolerant to prior BTK or PI3K-delta inhibitor therapy
– Abstract Number: TPS7569
– Presentation Date & Time: Monday, June 5, 2017 8:00 AM-11:30 AM CT
– Session Title: Poster Session, Hematologic Malignancies—Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
– Presenter: Colleen Dorsey, BSN, RN

Abstracts are available online and can be accessed at www.asco.org. Following each presentation, the data presented will be available on the Publications page, located within the Pipeline section, of the Company’s website at www.tgtherapeutics.com.

TG THERAPEUTICS INVESTOR & ANALYST EVENT

TG Therapeutics will host a reception on Monday, June 5, 2017 beginning at 7:00pm CT, with featured presentations now beginning promptly at 7:05pm CT. The event will take place at the Peninsula Chicago Hotel in the Avenues Ballroom. This event will be webcast live and will be available on the Events page, located within the Investors & Media section of the Company’s website at www.tgtherapeutics.com, as well as archived for future review. This event will also be broadcast via conference call. To access the conference line, please call 1-877-407-8029 (U.S.), 1-201-689-8029 (outside the U.S.), and reference Conference Title: TG Therapeutics June 2017 Investor & Analyst Event.

European Commission Approves Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo (nivolumab) for Previously Treated Locally Advanced Unresectable or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma in Adults After Failure of Prior Platinum-Containing Therapy

On June 2, 2017 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported that the European Commission (EC) has approved Opdivo (nivolumab) for the treatment of locally advanced unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) in adults after failure of prior platinum-containing therapy (Press release, Bristol-Myers Squibb, JUN 2, 2017, View Source [SID1234519356]). Today’s decision makes Opdivo the first Immuno-Oncology agent approved in the European Union for the treatment of patients with this common type of bladder cancer.

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!

"Bladder cancer has an estimated 151,000 new cases diagnosed annually in Europe, yet there have been few advancements in treatment for advanced bladder cancer during the last few decades," said Prof. Dr. Margitta Retz, Director of the Division Uro-Oncology of the Department of Urology, Technical University Munich, Germany. "The European Commission’s approval of nivolumab marks a significant advancement, with a notable objective response rate, and provides an important option to help patients with previously treated locally advanced unresectable or metastatic urothelial cancer."

The approval was based on results from CheckMate -275, a Phase 2, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study evaluating Opdivo in patients with locally advanced or mUC who have disease progression during or following treatment with a platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. In this study, 270 patients received Opdivo 3 mg/kg administered intravenously every two weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint of the trial was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). In the trial, 20.0% (95% CI: 15.4, 25.3; 54/270) of patients responded to treatment with Opdivo. The percentage of patients with a complete response was 3.0% (8/270) and the percentage of patients with a partial response was 17% (46/270).

"We are pleased with the European Commission’s approval of Opdivo for patients with previously treated locally advanced unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, many of whom have been in need of an additional treatment option," said Murdo Gordon, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "With this second EU approval for Opdivo in as many months, Bristol-Myers Squibb is demonstrating our commitment to help address unmet needs for cancer patients. We intend to work closely with EU health authorities to make Opdivo available for patients with this common form of bladder cancer as soon as possible."

Half of the overall patient population (46%) in CheckMate -275 had a tumor PD-L1 expression of ≥1% and efficacy was observed across tumor PD-L1 expressors and non-expressors. The response rate was 25% in patients with tumor PD-L1 expression ≥1% (95% CI: 17.7, 33.6) and 15.8% (95% CI: 10.3, 22.7) in those with tumor PD-L1 expression <1%. In all treated patients, the median PFS was 2.0 months, the 12-month OS rate was 41% (95% CI: 34.8, 47.1) and the median OS was 8.6 months (95% CI: 6.1, 11.3).

Among the 270 patients who received Opdivo in CheckMate -275, 17.8% experienced a grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse event (AE). The most frequently reported treatment-related AEs of any grade included fatigue (16.7%), pruritis (9.3%), diarrhea (8.9%), decreased appetite (8.1%), hypothyroidism (7.8%), nausea (7.0%), asthenia (5.9%), rash (5.9%) and pyrexia (5.6%). The most frequent treatment-related grade 3-4 AEs were fatigue (1.9%), diarrhea (1.9%), asthenia (1.5%) and rash (1.1%). Overall, 4.8% of patients discontinued therapy due to treatment-related AEs of any grade, and 3.0% discontinued therapy due to grade 3-4 treatment-related AEs. Treatment-related death occurred in four patients due to pneumonitis or cardiovascular failure.

About Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer, which typically begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder, is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Europe, with an estimated 151,000 new cases diagnosed per year and over 52,000 deaths per year. Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer, accounting for approximately 90% of cases. The majority of bladder cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, but rates of recurrence and progression are high, and approximately 78% of patients will experience a recurrence within five years. Survival rates vary depending on the stage, type of the cancer and when it is diagnosed. For Stage IV bladder cancer, the five-year survival rate is 15%.

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

Celgene and Acceleron Complete Target Enrollment in the MEDALIST and BELIEVE Phase 3 Studies of Luspatercept in Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Beta-Thalassemia

On June 1, 2017 Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) and Acceleron Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: XLRN) reported that they have completed target enrollment in the MEDALIST and BELIEVE Phase 3 studies of luspatercept in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and beta-thalassemia (Press release, Acceleron Pharma, JUN 2, 2017, View Source [SID1234519354]). The Companies expect to report top-line results from the clinical trials in the middle of 2018. Luspatercept is being developed to treat a range of hematologic diseases including MDS, beta-thalassemia, and myelofibrosis as part of a global collaboration between Acceleron and Celgene.

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!

"We are excited to have completed target enrollment in our MEDALIST and BELIEVE Phase 3 studies of luspatercept, ahead of schedule, and look forward to reporting top-line results in the middle of next year," said Michael Pehl, President, Hematology and Oncology for Celgene. "Patients suffering from both diseases have limited treatment options to improve their underlying anemia. We believe that luspatercept may be a potentially paradigm-changing treatment option for patients and physicians alike."

"The rapid pace of patient recruitment in our global Phase 3 trials reflects the clear need for new MDS and beta-thalassemia therapies that can significantly reduce or eliminate dependence on red blood cell transfusions," said Habib Dable, President and Chief Executive Officer of Acceleron. "We are grateful for the support and dedication of the MEDALIST and BELIEVE study investigators, our patient advocacy partners, and most importantly the more than 500 patients and their families who are participating in our studies. I would also like to acknowledge the strong collaborative effort of the Celgene and Acceleron teams that led to this important achievement."

The MEDALIST Phase 3 trial has enrolled 210 patients with lower-risk MDS. The BELIEVE Phase 3 trial has enrolled 300 patients with transfusion dependent beta-thalassemia. Patients who are currently in screening remain eligible for randomization into both Phase 3 studies. The trials will remain blinded for both the primary and secondary endpoints until the end of the 48-week treatment period for all randomized patients.

About the MEDALIST Study

The MEDALIST Phase 3 trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, global study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of luspatercept in patients with ring sideroblasts (RS+), lower-risk MDS with a baseline RBC transfusion burden of at least 2 units per 8 weeks over the 16-week period prior to treatment. The primary endpoint of the study is the proportion of patients who are red blood cell (RBC) transfusion independent over any consecutive 8-week period through week 24. Secondary endpoints include duration of RBC transfusion independence and proportion of patients achieving a modified hematologic improvement – erythroid (HI-E) per the International Working Group over any consecutive 8-week period during treatment. Patients were randomized 2:1, luspatercept to placebo treatment, administered subcutaneously every 3 weeks for 48 weeks. The MEDALIST study is being conducted at 74 investigational sites in 11 countries.

About the BELIEVE Study

The BELIEVE Phase 3 trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, global study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of luspatercept in patients with transfusion dependent beta-thalassemia. The primary endpoint of the study is the proportion of patients achieving a ≥ 33% reduction in red blood cell (RBC) transfusion burden from Week 13 to Week 24 compared to the baseline 12-week period prior to treatment. Secondary endpoints include reductions in RBC transfusion burden from Week 37 to Week 48 compared to baseline. Beta-thalassemia patients in the trial had a baseline RBC transfusion burden of 6 to 20 units over the 24-week period prior to treatment. Patients were randomized 2:1, luspatercept to placebo treatment, administered subcutaneously every 3 weeks for 48 weeks. The BELIEVE study is being conducted at 73 investigational sites in 15 countries.

About Luspatercept

Luspatercept is a modified activin receptor type IIB fusion protein that acts as a ligand trap for members in the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily involved in the late stages of erythropoiesis (red blood cell production). Luspatercept regulates late-stage erythrocyte (red blood cell) precursor cell differentiation and maturation. This mechanism of action is distinct from that of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), which stimulate the proliferation of early-stage erythrocyte progenitor cells. Acceleron and Celgene are jointly developing luspatercept as part of a global collaboration. Acceleron and Celgene are conducting two Phase 3 clinical trials that are designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of luspatercept in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (the "MEDALIST" study) and in patients with beta-thalassemia (the "BELIEVE" study). For more information, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Luspatercept is an investigational compound that is not approved or use in any country.

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Highlights Three Abstracts of Clinical Data at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, June 2-6, 2017

On June 2, 2017 Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NasdaqGS: SPPI), a biotechnology company with fully integrated commercial and drug development operations with a primary focus in Hematology and Oncology, reported presentations of clinical data for FOLOTYN (pralatrexate injection) and MARQIBO (vinCRIStine sulfate LIPOSOME injection) to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, being held in Chicago, Illinois, from June 2- 6, 2017 (Press release, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, JUN 2, 2017, View Source [SID1234519351]).

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!

For more information about the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and for a complete list of abstracts, please refer to the conference website at View Source


FOLOTYN() (pralatrexate injection) related abstract:

Monday June 5, 2017, 8:00 AM-11:30 AM CDT

Abstract # Type Title First Author Location
7521
Poster Innovative approach to determine overall survival (OS) benefit for orphan diseases using case match control analyses (CMCA): The PROPEL experience of pralatrexate in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). O’Connor Hall A

MARQIBO (vinCRIStine sulfate LIPOSOME injection) related abstracts:

Saturday June 3, 2017, 3:00 PM-6:00 PM CDT

Abstract # Type Title First Author Location
7506 Oral Radiotherapy to bulky disease PET-negative after immunochemotherapy in elderly DLBCL patients: Results of a planned interim analysis of the first 187 patients with bulky disease treated in the OPTIMAL > 60 study of the DSHNHL. Pfreundschuh S100bc

Monday June 5, 2017, 8:00 AM-11:30 AM CDT

Abstract # Type Title First Author Location
7539 Poster Anti-infective prophylaxis with aciclovir and cotrimoxazole to reduce the rate of infections and therapy-associated deaths in elderly patients with DLBCL undergoing R-CHOP immunochemotherapy. Murawski Hall A

Progenics Pharmaceuticals Announces the Presentation of Data From Two Automated Bone Scan Index Studies at the 2017 ASCO Annual Meeting

On June 2, 2017 Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:PGNX), an oncology company developing innovative medicines and imaging analytical tools for targeting and treating cancer, reported the presentation of two studies highlighting the use of an automated bone scan index (aBSI) in men with bone-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) at the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, taking place June 2-6 in Chicago, Illinois (Press release, Progenics Pharmaceuticals, JUN 2, 2017, View Source [SID1234519350]).

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 vast majority of men with CRPC have bone metastases and bone scans are the standard imaging modality in these patients. Bone scans indirectly assess tumor activity by measuring bone mineral turnover. The bone scan index quantifies the prostate cancer disease burden shown on a bone scan. Employing artificial intelligence, the aBSI automatically calculates the bone scan index. aBSI permits a faster quantitative assessment of tumor burden compared to manual BSI and is highly reproducible

The first study, entitled, "Phase 3 prognostic analysis of the automated bone scan index (aBSI) in men with bone-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)," will be featured during an oral presentation on June 3rd. This study is the first evaluation of aBSI in a phase 3 study as a prognostic biomarker for survival in patients with bone-metastatic CRPC. The study demonstrated that in these patients, aBSI at baseline was prognostic for overall and disease specific survival (p <0.0001), progression free survival (p =0.0024), radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) (p =0.0061), and symptomatic skeletal related events (SSEs) (p =0.0068).

"This large scale study highlights the ability of the aBSI to provide clinically meaningful prognostic information to patients with bone-metastatic CRPC, using a quantitative software method to assess the burden of bone metastases," said Andrew Armstrong, MD ScM FACP, Associate Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Associate Director for Clinical Research in Genitourinary Oncology Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC. "This is the largest study to date of this bone scan index and we demonstrate clinically important outcomes associated with increasing BSI including mortality and symptomatic progression, independent of other known factors."

The second study will be presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) on June 5th as a poster titled "Translating Prostate Cancer Working Group (PCWG) Criteria into a Quantitative Progression Biomarker in Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)". This study demonstrates the utility of automated bone scan indexing to quantitatively assess total tumor burden during the course of disease progression as called for by PCWG2 criteria.

"Historically, assessing treatment effects in prostate cancer has been complicated by the dominance of bone metastases relative to soft tissue disease, making it difficult to accurately assess changes in disease burden over time in patients with mCRPC," said Michael J. Morris, MD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. "There is a significant need for a fully quantitative biomarker to demonstrate treatment response in these patients, and the current data are encouraging that the aBSI reflects clinically relevant changes in bone, and may fulfill this unmet need."



The schedule for the presentations at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) is as follows:

Date & Time: Saturday, June 3, 2017, 1:15 PM-4:15 PM

Session Title: Genitourinary (Prostate) Cancer

Session Type: Oral Abstract Presentation

Title: Phase 3 prognostic analysis of the automated bone scan index (aBSI) in men with bone-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)

Location: Hall B1

Abstract No.: 5006



Date & Time: Monday, June 5, 2017, 1:15 PM-4:15 PM

Session Title: Genitourinary (Prostate) Cancer

Session Type: Poster Session

Title: Translating Prostate Cancer Working Group (PCWG) criteria into a quantitative progression biomarker in metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)

Location: Hall A, Poster Board # 142

Abstract No.: 5068