Category: Science

METUCHEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #COVID19—Tevogen Bio, a clinical stage biotechnology company specializing in cell and gene therapies in oncology and viral infections, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted patent of the pharmaceutical compositions of its investigational SARS-CoV-2 Specific Allogeneic T cell therapy for treatment of COVID-19 (US 11,207,401). The patent reinforces Tevogen’s growing IP portfolio which already includes a patent that covers method of treatment of COVID-19 using SARS-COV-2 Specific Allogeneic Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes.

Dr. Neal Flomenberg, M.D., Chairman of Tevogen’s Scientific Advisory Board stated, “The magnitude of mutations in Omicron and the variant’s impact on almost all available monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, are concerning. I am hopeful about Protease Inhibitors, another tool against this virus. However, the narrow window of time between confirmed diagnosis and administration to get therapeutic benefit, and interactions with commonly used drugs in many high-risk patients, is a challenge. One advantage of TVGN-489 recognizing multiple targets spread across the entire viral genome is that this helps mitigate the impact of mutations.”

 

Tevogen CEO Dr. Ryan Saadi, M.D., M.P.H. added, “While publication of this patent is another major milestone for Tevogen and I am hopeful that TVGN-489 will play a critical role in overcoming the biggest public health crisis of our time, we must prioritize basic public health measures to reduce infections. COVID-19 related health complications can be debilitating for our society and our economy. A collaborative approach encompassing all stakeholders is essential to overcome this prolonged pandemic.”

 

TVGN-489 is currently in clinical trial for high-risk patients (TCTL) at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Trial details and recruitment information are available at Clinical Trials – Tevogen.

 

About TVGN-489

TVGN-489 is a highly purified, SARS-CoV-2-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocyte product, which detects targets spread across the entire viral genome. These targeted CTLs are expected to recognize and kill off virally infected cells, allowing the body to replace them with healthy, uninfected cells. TVGN-489 has already demonstrated strong antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in preclinical studies.

 

About Tevogen Bio

Tevogen Bio is driven by a team of distinguished scientists and highly experienced biopharmaceutical leaders who have successfully developed and commercialized multiple franchises. Tevogen’s leadership believes that accessible personalized immunotherapies are the next frontier of medicine, and that disruptive business models are required to sustain medical innovation in the post-pandemic world.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to Tevogen Bio™ Inc.’s (the “Company”) development and patient access of its innovations in infectious diseases and oncology. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of factors which involve known and unknown risks, delays, uncertainties and other factors not under the company’s control which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from the results, performance or other expectations implied by these forward-looking statements. In any forward-looking statement in which the Company expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, such expectations or beliefs are expressed in good faith and are believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the statement or expectation or belief will be achieved. These factors include results of current or pending clinical trials, risks associated with intellectual property protection, financial projections, sales, pricing and actions by the FDA/EMA. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or any of the information in this release, or provide additional information, and expressly disclaims any and all liability and make no representations or warranties in connection herewith or with respect to any omissions herefrom.

Contacts

Media:
Katelyn Joyce

Corporate Communications Lead

Katelyn.joyce@tevogen.com

TOKYO & MUNICH & BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) today announced that the first patient was dosed in the global DESTINY-Lung04 phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU^® (trastuzumab deruxtecan), a HER2 directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) being jointly developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN), as a first-line treatment in patients with HER2 mutant unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

DESTINY-Lung04 is the first head-to-head trial in NSCLC evaluating ENHERTU as a first-line treatment compared to the standard of care (platinum-pemetrexed doublet chemotherapy in combination with pembrolizumab) in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC harboring a HER2 exon 19 or 20 mutation.

 

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, accounting for about one-fifth of all cancer deaths globally, with 80% to 85% classified as NSCLC.^1,2,3 There are currently no medicines approved specifically for the treatment of HER2 mutant NSCLC, which affects approximately 2% to 4% of patients with non-squamous NSCLC.^4,5 Current standard of care in the first-line metastatic setting of patients with HER2 mutant NSCLC is PD-1 or PD-L1 immunotherapy with or without platinum-based chemotherapy.⁶ While these treatment regimens can improve survival in NSCLC, approximately 40% to 60% of tumors do not respond to initial treatment and disease progression occurs, underscoring the need for additional treatment approaches.^7,8,9,10,11

 

“The results seen in the DESTINY-Lung01 trial showed a robust and durable tumor response in previously-treated patients with HER2 mutant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer,” said Gilles Gallant, BPharm, PhD, FOPQ, Senior Vice President, Global Head, Oncology Development, Oncology R&D, Daiichi Sankyo. “Based on these promising findings, we are conducting DESTINY-Lung04 to evaluate the potential of ENHERTU as an earlier line of therapy in this patient population.”

 

About DESTINY-Lung04

DESTINY-Lung04 is a global, randomized, open-label, phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU (5.4 mg/kg) compared to standard of care (platinum-pemetrexed doublet chemotherapy in combination with pembrolizumab) in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous NSCLC harboring a HER2 exon 19 or 20 mutation.

 

Patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive either ENHERTU or standard of care. The primary endpoint of DESTINY-Lung04 is progression-free survival (PFS) as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR). Secondary endpoints include overall survival, investigator-assessed PFS, overall response rate and duration of response as assessed by BICR and investigator, pharmacokinetics, patient-reported tolerability, immunogenicity and safety.

 

DESTINY-Lung04 will enroll approximately 264 patients at multiple sites across Asia, Europe, and North America. For more information about the trial, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

 

About HER2 Mutant NSCLC

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, accounting for about one-fifth of all cancer deaths globally, with 80% to 85% classified as NSCLC.^1,2,3 For patients with metastatic disease, prognosis is particularly poor, as only approximately 6% will live beyond five years after diagnosis.²

 

HER2 is a tyrosine kinase receptor growth-promoting protein expressed on the surface of many types of tumors, including lung, breast, gastric and colorectal cancers. HER2 gene alterations (called HER2 mutations) have been identified in NSCLC as distinct molecular targets and have been reported in approximately 2% to 4% of patients with non-squamous NSCLC.^4,5 These HER2 gene mutations are predominantly seen in younger women, with no smoking history and have been independently associated with cancer cell growth and poor prognosis, with an increased incidence of brain metastases.^{4,12,13,14,15,16} The most common HER2 mutations are exon 20 insertions, found in 35% to 59% of all HER2 mutations in NSCLC, while exon 19 mutations represent approximately 16% of mutations.^17,18,19 Although the role of anti-HER2 treatment is well established in breast and gastric cancers, HER2 is an emerging biomarker in NSCLC with no approved HER2 directed therapies.^4,20

 

Current standard of care in the first-line treatment of patients with HER2 mutant metastatic NSCLC is PD-1 or PD-L1 immunotherapy with or without platinum-based chemotherapy.^6,7 While these treatment regimens can improve survival in NSCLC, at least 40% to 60% of tumors do not respond to initial treatment and disease progression occurs, underscoring the need for additional treatment approaches.^7,8,9,10,11

 

About ENHERTU

ENHERTU^® (trastuzumab deruxtecan; fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki in the U.S. only) is a HER2 directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC). Designed using Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC technology, ENHERTU is the lead ADC in the oncology portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo and the most advanced program in AstraZeneca’s ADC scientific platform. ENHERTU consists of a HER2 monoclonal antibody attached to a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload, an exatecan derivative, via a stable tetrapeptide-based cleavable linker.

 

ENHERTU (5.4 mg/kg) is approved in more than 30 countries for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast01 trial.

 

A supplemental New Drug Application is under review in Japan for the treatment of adult patients with HER2 positive unresectable or recurrent breast cancer previously treated with trastuzumab and a taxane, based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast03 trial.

 

ENHERTU (6.4 mg/kg) is approved in several countries for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2 positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen based on the results from the DESTINY-Gastric01 trial.

 

A Type II Variation is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2 positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen.

 

ENHERTU is approved in the U.S. with Boxed WARNINGS for Interstitial Lung Disease and Embryo-Fetal Toxicity. For more information, please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide.

 

About the ENHERTU Clinical Development Program

A comprehensive global development program is underway evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU monotherapy across multiple HER2 targetable cancers including breast, gastric, lung and colorectal cancers. Trials in combination with other anticancer treatments, such as immunotherapy, are also underway.

 

ENHERTU was highlighted in the Clinical Cancer Advances 2021 report as one of two significant advancements in the “ASCO Clinical Advance of the Year: Molecular Profiling Driving Progress in GI Cancers,” based on data from both the DESTINY-CRC01 and DESTINY-Gastric01 trials, as well as one of the targeted therapy advances of the year in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), based on the interim results of the HER2 mutated cohort of the DESTINY-Lung01 trial.

 

In September 2021, ENHERTU received its fourth Breakthrough Therapy Designation in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer who have received one or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens.

 

About the Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca Collaboration

Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca entered into a global collaboration to jointly develop and commercialize ENHERTU in March 2019 and datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) in July 2020, except in Japan where Daiichi Sankyo maintains exclusive rights for each ADC. Daiichi Sankyo is responsible for the manufacturing and supply of ENHERTU and datopotamab deruxtecan.

 

U.S. Important Safety Information for ENHERTU

Indications

ENHERTU is a HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

• Unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2-based regimens in the metastatic setting.

  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 a confirmatory trial.

• Locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen.

 

WARNING: INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE and EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis, including fatal cases, have been reported with ENHERTU. Monitor for and promptly investigate signs and symptoms including cough, dyspnea, fever, and other new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in all patients with Grade 2 or higher ILD/pneumonitis. Advise patients of the risk and to immediately report symptoms. Exposure to ENHERTU during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception.

Contraindications

None.

Warnings and Precautions

Interstitial Lung Disease / Pneumonitis

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Advise patients to immediately report cough, dyspnea, fever, and/or any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ILD. Promptly investigate evidence of ILD. Evaluate patients with suspected ILD by radiographic imaging. Consider consultation with a pulmonologist. For asymptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 1), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 0, then if resolved in ≤28 days from date of onset, maintain dose. If resolved in >28 days from date of onset, reduce dose one level. Consider corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥0.5 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent). For symptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2 or greater), permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Promptly initiate systemic corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ≥1 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent) and continue for at least 14 days followed by gradual taper for at least 4 weeks.

 

Metastatic Breast Cancer

In clinical studies, of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 9% of patients. Fatal outcomes due to ILD and/or pneumonitis occurred in 2.6% of patients treated with ENHERTU. Median time to first onset was 4.1 months (range: 1.2 to 8.3).

 

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer

In DESTINY-Gastric01, of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 10% of patients. Median time to first onset was 2.8 months (range: 1.2 to 21.0).

 

Neutropenia

Severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Monitor complete blood counts prior to initiation of ENHERTU and prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count [ANC] <1.0 to 0.5 x 10⁹/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 x 10⁹/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less. Reduce dose by one level. For febrile neutropenia (ANC <1.0 x 10⁹/L and temperature >38.3ºC or a sustained temperature of ≥38ºC for more than 1 hour), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved. Reduce dose by one level.

 

Metastatic Breast Cancer

In clinical studies, of the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU 5.4mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 62% of patients. Sixteen percent had Grade 3 or 4 decrease in neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 23 days (range: 6 to 547). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 1.7% of patients.

 

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer

In DESTINY-Gastric01, of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 72% of patients. Fifty-one percent had Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 16 days (range: 4 to 187). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 4.8% of patients.

 

Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Patients treated with ENHERTU may be at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including ENHERTU. In the 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received ENHERTU, two cases (0.9%) of asymptomatic LVEF decrease were reported. In DESTINY-Gastric01, of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, no clinical adverse events of heart failure were reported; however, on echocardiography, 8% were found to have asymptomatic Grade 2 decrease in LVEF. Treatment with ENHERTU has not been studied in patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease or LVEF <50% prior to initiation of treatment.

 

Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ENHERTU and at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. When LVEF is >45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, continue treatment with ENHERTU. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is <10%, continue treatment with ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF has not recovered to within 10% from baseline, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. If LVEF recovers to within 10% from baseline, resume treatment with ENHERTU at the same dose. When LVEF is <40% or absolute decrease from baseline is >20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure.

 

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ENHERTU. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

 

Additional Dose Modifications

Thrombocytopenia

For Grade 3 thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 to 25 x 10⁹/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (platelets <25 x 10⁹/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less. Reduce dose by one level.

 

Adverse Reactions

Metastatic Breast Cancer

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in a pooled analysis of 234 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received at least one dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Breast01 and Study DS8201-A-J101. ENHERTU was administered by intravenous infusion once every three weeks. The median duration of treatment was 7 months (range: 0.7 to 31).

 

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 20% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, vomiting, nausea, cellulitis, hypokalemia, and intestinal obstruction. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 4.3% of patients including interstitial lung disease (2.6%), and the following events occurred in one patient each (0.4%): acute hepatic failure/acute kidney injury, general physical health deterioration, pneumonia, and hemorrhagic shock.

 

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 9% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 33% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, nausea, and ILD. Dose reductions occurred in 18% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were fatigue, nausea, and neutropenia.

 

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (79%), white blood cell count decreased (70%), hemoglobin decreased (70%), neutrophil count decreased (62%), fatigue (59%), vomiting (47%), alopecia (46%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (41%), alanine aminotransferase increased (38%), platelet count decreased (37%), constipation (35%), decreased appetite (32%), anemia (31%), diarrhea (29%), hypokalemia (26%), and cough (20%).

 

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 187 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma in DESTINY-Gastric01. Patients intravenously received at least one dose of either ENHERTU (N=125) 6.4 mg/kg once every three weeks or either irinotecan (N=55) 150 mg/m² biweekly or paclitaxel (N=7) 80 mg/m² weekly for 3 weeks. The median duration of treatment was 4.6 months (range: 0.7 to 22.3) in the ENHERTU group and 2.8 months (range: 0.5 to 13.1) in the irinotecan/paclitaxel group.

 

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients receiving ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg. Serious adverse reactions in >2% of patients who received ENHERTU were decreased appetite, ILD, anemia, dehydration, pneumonia, cholestatic jaundice, pyrexia, and tumor hemorrhage. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 2.4% of patients: disseminated intravascular coagulation, large intestine perforation, and pneumonia occurred in one patient each (0.8%).

 

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 15% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 62% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, decreased appetite, leukopenia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, ILD, pneumonia, lymphopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and hypokalemia. Dose reductions occurred in 32% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were neutropenia, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, and febrile neutropenia.

 

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were hemoglobin decreased (75%), white blood cell count decreased (74%), neutrophil count decreased (72%), lymphocyte count decreased (70%), platelet count decreased (68%), nausea (63%), decreased appetite (60%), anemia (58%), aspartate aminotransferase increased (58%), fatigue (55%), blood alkaline phosphatase increased (54%), alanine aminotransferase increased (47%), diarrhea (32%), hypokalemia (30%), vomiting (26%), constipation (24%), blood bilirubin increased (24%), pyrexia (24%), and alopecia (22%).

 

Use in Specific Populations

• Pregnancy: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months following the last dose of ENHERTU.
• Lactation: There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose.
• Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. Contraception: Females: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 7 months following the last dose. Males: Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for at least 4 months following the last dose. Infertility: ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility.
• Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients.
• Geriatric Use: Of the 234 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 26% were ≥65 years and 5% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged ≥65 years (53%) as compared to younger patients (42%). Of the 125 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Gastric01, 56% were ≥65 years and 14% were ≥75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients.
• Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, due to potentially increased exposure, closely monitor for increased toxicities related to the topoisomerase inhibitor.

 

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. at 1-877-437-7763 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide.

About Daiichi Sankyo in Oncology

The oncology portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo is powered by our team of world-class scientists that push beyond traditional thinking to create transformative medicines for people with cancer. Anchored by our DXd antibody drug conjugate (ADC) technology, our research engines include biologics, medicinal chemistry, modality and other research laboratories in Japan, and Plexxikon Inc., our small molecule structure-guided R&D center in the U.S. We also work alongside leading academic and business collaborators to further advance the understanding of cancer as Daiichi Sankyo builds towards our ambitious goal of becoming a global leader in oncology by 2025.

 

About Daiichi Sankyo

Daiichi Sankyo is dedicated to creating new modalities and innovative medicines by leveraging our world-class science and technology for our purpose “to contribute to the enrichment of quality of life around the world.” In addition to our current portfolio of medicines for cancer and cardiovascular disease, Daiichi Sankyo is primarily focused on developing novel therapies for people with cancer as well as other diseases with high unmet medical needs.

Contacts

Media:

Global:
Victoria Amari

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

vamari@dsi.com
+1 908 900 3010 (mobile)

US:
Don Murphy

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

domurphy@dsi.com
+1 917 817 2649 (mobile)

EU:
Lydia Worms

Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH

lydia.worms@daiichi-sankyo.eu
+49 (89) 7808751 (office)

+49 176 11780861 (mobile)

Japan:
Masashi Kawase

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

kawase.masashi.a2@daiichisankyo.co.jp
+81 3 6225 1126 (office)

Investor Relations Contact:
DaiichiSankyoIR@daiichisankyo.co.jp

Read full story here

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Infinity BiologiX, LLC (IBX).

The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) awarded accreditation to IBX, Piscataway, New Jersey Laboratory, based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs.

 

Chief Scientific Officer, Shareef Nahas, PHD, was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. IBX is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide.

 

“With CAP inspections every three years, renewing this accreditation is always an important milestone for IBX and we’re incredibly proud to receive this news. It represents the ongoing efforts of our team and how well placed we are to support our clients with the breadth of experience we have in biobanking and the management of biospecimens,” said Nahas.

 

Robin Grimwood, CEO at IBX, said: “Maintaining high quality and standards as we more than double the size of our biorepository is essential for our clients and their samples. We know biospecimens are integral to improving patient outcomes and demand for biobanking services to support precision medicine is greater than ever. At IBX we see the standards set by CAP, which draws on best practices from ISBER, NCI, OECD, CMS, as vital to our mission to be the lab behind every transformative health innovation.”

 

About the College of American Pathologists: As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, read the CAP Annual Report at cap.org.

 

About Infinity BiologiX (IBX): IBX is a market-disrupting next-generation central laboratory supporting academia, government, and industry. IBX provides global sample collection, processing, storage, and analytical services integrated with scientific and technical support in both the research and clinical arenas. As a leader in biomaterials, IBX provides support to the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and research in the genomics, precision, and regenerative medicine arenas. IBX previously operated as RUCDR Infinite Biologics before spinning off from Rutgers University-New Brunswick in August 2020.

 

For more information, please visit www.ibx.bio.

Contacts

Media: Mike Thurogood Mike.thurogood@infinity-biologix.com

World’s Lowest Profile Drug-Eluting Stent Systems with the Lowest Rate of 1 Year Reintervention Reported in a U.S. Pivotal Study Now Approved for Use in U.S. Patients

NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Svelte Medical Systems received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to commercialize the SLENDER IDS^® fixed-wire and DIRECT RX^® rapid-exchange drug-eluting stent (DES) systems for the treatment of coronary artery disease in the U.S. SLENDER IDS^® and DIRECT RX^®, incorporating the same specialized stent, bioresorbable drug coating and balloon technologies, achieved 1.5% clinically-driven Target Lesion Revascularization (TLR) at 1 year in the OPTIMIZE Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical study, the lowest ever reported with an investigational DES.

 

“SLENDER IDS^® and DIRECT RX^® are extremely low profile, highly deliverable DES systems that provide excellent early and long-term clinical outcomes in complex patient populations. SLENDER IDS^® uses a unique DES delivery platform while both systems incorporate a novel drug carrier and other technologies which I believe will add value in the treatment of patients in the U.S.,” said Dean Kereiakes, M.D., F.A.C.C., President of The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, Clinical Professor of Medicine, The Ohio State University and co-principal investigator of the OPTIMIZE study.

 

SLENDER IDS^®, an ‘all-in-one’ integrated delivery system featuring Asahi guide wire technology, and DIRECT RX^®, a workhorse rapid-exchange delivery system, are low profile DES systems designed to enhance trans-radial intervention (TRI) and indicated by the FDA for use with direct stenting.

 

“Materially lower system and crossing profiles facilitate TRI, which, when combined with a direct stenting approach in appropriate clinical indications, streamline procedures, limit complications and enhance patient experience,” added Sunil Rao, M.D., F.A.C.C., Professor of Medicine at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina and co-principal investigator of the OPTIMIZE study. “TRI has been long regarded as the standard of care overseas. With its increased adoption and use in the majority of cases recently in the U.S., approval of these products is very timely. I am excited to integrate them into my practice.”

 

Direct stenting was undertaken in 30% of OPTIMIZE subjects, with 96% device success rates observed. Eighty percent of study subjects were treated via TRI. In addition to strong procedural and clinical outcomes, investigators with prior experience direct stenting with SLENDER IDS^® in Europe realized significant reductions in radiation exposure and procedure, device and fluoroscopy times, compared with direct stenting using control DES.

 

“OPTIMIZE was a unique study – the first of its kind to evaluate a new mode of DES delivery, a new class of drug coating, direct stenting and TRI. This not only generated outstanding data on investigational device performance, but also helped identify discrepancies between study definitions and assessments of myocardial infarction in clinical studies, which will help areas of future clinical research. We commend FDA for its timely and clear communications, understanding of technical and complex subject matter and true collaboration throughout the review process,” said Jack Darby, President and CEO of Svelte Medical Systems. “We thank all OPTIMIZE investigators for their contribution to the study and look forward to our newly approved DES systems delivering unmatched value to all constituents of cardiac care in the United States – patients, physicians, providers and payers.”

 

About Svelte Medical Systems

Headquartered in New Providence, New Jersey, Svelte Medical Systems (www.sveltemedical.com) is a privately-held company engaged in the development of highly deliverable balloon expandable stents. Statements made in this press release that look forward in time or that express beliefs, expectations or hopes regarding future occurrences or anticipated outcomes or benefits, are forward-looking statements. A number of risks and uncertainties, such as risks associated with product development and commercialization efforts, results of clinical trials, ultimate clinical outcomes and benefit of the company’s products to patients, market and physician acceptance of the products, intellectual property protection and competitive product offerings, could cause actual events to adversely differ from the expectations indicated in these forward-looking statements.

Contacts

Jack Darby

President and CEO

Svelte Medical Systems, Inc.

jdarby@sveltemedical.com
(908) 264-2012

• Updated CARTITUDE-1 data presented at ASH 2021 demonstrate a 98 percent overall response rate and 83 percent stringent complete response rate after nearly two years of follow-up

• CARTITUDE-1 study data also reported 2-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 61 and 74 percent, respectively

• New results from CARTITUDE-2 study of cilta-cel in earlier lines of treatment were also presented at ASH, including first data from Cohort B and longer-term data from Cohort A

 

SOMERSET, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — $LEGN–Legend Biotech Corporation (NASDAQ: LEGN) (Legend Biotech), a global, clinical-stage biotechnology company developing and manufacturing novel therapies, announced today new and updated results from the CARTITUDE clinical development program studying ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) in the treatment of multiple myeloma, which were presented at the 63^rd American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition. Cilta-cel is an investigational B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy being studied as a one-time treatment for multiple myeloma.

CARTITUDE-1 Data Continues to Support the Potential of Cilta-cel

In an oral presentation (Abstract #549), longer-term results from the Phase 1b/2 CARTITUDE-1 study in 97 patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) continued to show a very high overall response rate (ORR) of 98 percent. After 21.7 months of follow-up, 83 percent of patients treated with cilta-cel achieved a stringent complete response (sCR)—higher than the 67 percent sCR rate reported at a median of ~1 year of follow up.¹ Further, 95 percent of patients achieved a very good partial response (VGPR) or better. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) have not been reached, but the 2-year PFS rate was 61 percent (95 percent Confidence Interval [CI], 48.5–70.4) and the 2-year OS rate was 74 percent (95 percent CI, 61.9–82.7). Of the 61 patients evaluable for minimal residual disease (MRD), 92 percent were MRD-negative at the 10^-5 cutoff threshold. The two-year PFS rates in patients with sustained MRD negativity for ≥6 and ≥12 months were 91 percent (95 percent CI, 67.1–97.8) and 100 percent, respectively.

 

The median time to first response was one month (range, 0.9-10.7); the median time to best response was 2.6 months (range, 0.9-17.8); and the median time to complete response or better was 2.9 months (range, 0.9-17.8).¹ The longer-term data showed no new safety signals and there were no new events of cilta-cel-related neurotoxicity or movement and neurocognitive treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (MNT) reported since the median ~1 year follow-up. Implementation of MNT mitigation measures has decreased the incidence rate to 0.5 percent in the CARTITUDE clinical development program.

In the 18-month follow-up data previously presented at ASCO 2021, the most common hematologic adverse events (AEs) observed were neutropenia (96 percent); anemia (81 percent); thrombocytopenia (79 percent); leukopenia (62 percent); and lymphopenia (53 percent).² At 18 months, cytokine release syndrome (CRS) of any grade was observed in 95 percent of patients with a median duration of four days (range, 1-97), and median time to onset of seven days (range, 1-12). Of the 92 patients with CRS, 95 percent experienced Grade 1/2 events and CRS resolved in 91 patients (99 percent) within 14 days of onset. Neurotoxicity of any grade was observed in 21 percent (n=20) of patients, with Grade 3 or higher neurotoxicity observed in 10 percent (n=10) of patients.

 

“Patients with heavily pre-treated multiple myeloma often have exhausted available treatment options and face poor prognoses. The updated results from the CARTITUDE-1 trial continue to suggest that cilta-cel may provide this patient population with lasting deep and durable responses,” said Thomas Martin, M.D., director of clinical research, clinical professor of medicine, Adult Leukemia and Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, interim Division Chief, co-director, Myeloma Program and co-leader, Hematopoietic Malignancies Program, at UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, and principal study investigator. “As a one-time infusion that shows potential to improve long-term survival and offer patients a break in ongoing treatments, cilta-cel may offer hope to patients, caregivers and physicians.”

 

In a subgroup analysis of CARTITUDE-1 (Abstract #3938), responses to cilta-cel were durable up to 2 years in most subgroups of patients with heavily pretreated RRMM.³ An ORR range of 95 to 100 percent was observed in patients across all subgroups, including those with high-risk cytogenetics, International Staging System (ISS) stage III, baseline bone marrow cells ≥60 percent, and presence of baseline plasmacytomas. In patients with ISS stage III, high risk cytogenetics and with baseline plasmacytomas, median duration of response, 2-year PFS and OS appeared lower. The cilta-cel safety profile across the subgroups was consistent with the overall population, with no new safety signals.

 

Additionally, an adjusted indirect comparison of CARTITUDE-1 patient outcomes relative to standard-of-care therapies in real-world clinical practice (RWCP) was also featured in an oral presentation (Abstract #550).⁴ The adjusted comparisons versus CARTITUDE-1 demonstrate a significantly improved ORR, complete response or better (≥CR), VGPR or better (≥VGPR), PFS and OS for the patients receiving cilta-cel compared to a diverse set of RWCP. Although patients treated with cilta-cel experienced more adverse events (AEs), including Grade 3/4 events, as compared to RWCP, overall safety profile was manageable.

 

CARTITUDE-2 Data Explores Use of Cilta-cel in Earlier-Line MM Settings

The Phase 2 multicohort CARTITUDE-2 study is evaluating cilta-cel safety and efficacy in various clinical settings for patients with multiple myeloma. Updated data from Cohort A of the study examined the efficacy and safety of cilta-cel in 20 patients with progressive multiple myeloma after 1-3 prior lines of therapy and who are lenalidomide-refractory (Abstract #3866).⁵ At a longer median follow-up of 14.3 months, patients experienced early and deep responses with a manageable safety profile consistent with the CARTITUDE-1 study. ORR was 95 percent, which included 85 percent of patients achieving CR or better and 90 percent achieving VGPR or better. The median time to first response was one month (range, 0.7-3.3) and the median time to best response was 2.6 months (range, 0.9-7.9). The 6-month and 12-month PFS rates were 95 percent (95 percent CI, 69.5-99.3) and 84 percent (95 percent CI, 59.1-94.7), respectively. Of the 13 patients with MRD evaluable samples at the 10^-5 cutoff threshold, 92 percent (95 percent CI, 64.0-99.8) were MRD negative.

The first data from Cohort B was also presented at ASH 2021 (Abstract #2910).⁶ Cohort B included 19 patients who were in early relapse after initial therapy that included a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and immunomodulatory drug (IMiD). Data showed early and deep responses with a manageable safety profile. At a median follow-up of 10.6 months, ORR was 95 percent, which included 79 percent of patients achieving CR or better and 90 percent of patients achieving VGPR or better. The median time to first response was one month (range, 0.9-2.6) and the median time to best response was 2.5 months (range, 0.9-11.8). The 6-month and 12-month PFS rates were 90 percent (95 percent CI, 64.1-97.3) and 84 percent (95 percent CI, 57.9-94.5), respectively. Of the 13 patients with MRD evaluable samples at the 10^-5 cutoff threshold, 92 percent (95 percent CI, 64.0-99.8) were MRD-negative.

 

The safety profile seen in CARTITUDE-2 Cohorts A and B were consistent with data previously reported from CARTITUDE-1. CRS occurred in 95 percent of patients in Cohort A and 84 percent of patients in Cohort B, which were mostly grades 1/2 with median time to onset of 7-8 days and median duration of ~4 days.

 

“The new and updated longer-term data for CARTITUDE-1 and Cohorts A and B of CARTITUDE-2 shows that responses continue to be deep and durable over time and illustrate the potential of cilta-cel to provide a new treatment option for those patients that need it the most,” said Ying Huang, PhD, CEO and CFO of Legend Biotech. “We are excited to continue to present these strong efficacy and safety results as we work toward the first regulatory approval for cilta-cel and from our robust cell therapy pipeline.”

 

About CARTITUDE-1

CARTITUDE-1 (NCT03548207) is a Phase 1b/2, open-label, multicenter study evaluating the safety and efficacy of cilta-cel in adults with relapsed and/or refractory with multiple myeloma who have received at least 3 prior lines of therapy or are double refractory to a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), received a PI, an IMiD, and anti-CD38 antibody and documented disease progression within 12 months of starting the most recent therapy. The primary objective of the Phase 1b portion of the study was to characterize the safety and confirm the recommended Phase 2 dose of cilta-cel, informed by the first-in-human study with LCAR-B38M CAR-T cells (LEGEND-2). The Phase 2 portion further evaluated the efficacy of cilta-cel with overall response rate as the primary endpoint.

 

About CARTITUDE-2

CARTITUDE-2 (NCT04133636) is an ongoing Phase 2 multicohort study evaluating the safety and efficacy of cilta-cel in various clinical settings. Cohort A included patients who had progressive multiple myeloma after 1–3 prior lines of therapy, including PI and IMiD, were lenalidomide refractory, and had no prior exposure to BCMA-targeting agents. Cohort B included patients with early relapse after initial therapy that included a PI and IMiD. The primary objective was percentage of patients with negative minimal residual disease (MRD).

About LocoMMotion

LocoMMotion (NCT04035226) is a prospective non-interventional study evaluating the safety and efficacy of real-life standard-of-care treatments under routine clinical practice over a 24-month period in patients with RRMM. This study aims to understand the effectiveness of current standards of care in heavily pretreated patients with RRMM (reflecting real-world practice in the patient population progressing after PIs, IMiDs and anti-CD38 antibodies).

 

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow and is characterized by an excessive proliferation of plasma cells.⁷ Although treatment may result in remission, unfortunately, patients will most likely relapse.⁸ Relapsed myeloma is when the disease has returned after a period of initial, partial or complete remission and does not meet the definition of being refractory.⁹ Refractory multiple myeloma is when a patient’s disease is non-responsive or progresses within 60 days of their last therapy.^10,11 While some patients with multiple myeloma have no symptoms at all, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone problems, low blood counts, calcium elevation, kidney problems or infections.¹² Patients who relapse after treatment with standard therapies, including protease inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents, have poor prognoses and few treatment options available.¹³

 

About Cilta-cel

Cilta-cel is an investigational chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy, formerly identified as JNJ-4528 in the United States and Europe and LCAR-B38M CAR-T cells in China, that is being studied in a comprehensive clinical development program for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and in earlier lines of treatment. The design consists of a structurally differentiated CAR-T with two BCMA-targeting single domain antibodies. In December 2017, Legend Biotech, Inc. entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Janssen) to develop and commercialize cilta-cel. In addition to a Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) granted in the United States in December 2019, cilta-cel received a Priority Medicines (PRiME) designation from the European Commission in April 2019, and a BTD in China in August 2020. In addition, Orphan Drug Designation was granted for cilta-cel by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2019, and by the European Commission in February 2020. A Biologics License Application seeking approval of cilta-cel was submitted to the U.S. FDA and a Marketing Authorization Application was submitted to the European Medicines Agency.

 

About Legend Biotech

Legend Biotech is a global, clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to treating, and one day curing, life-threatening diseases. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, we are developing advanced cell therapies across a diverse array of technology platforms, including autologous and allogenic chimeric antigen receptor T-cell, T-cell receptor (TCR-T), and natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy. From our three R&D sites around the world, we apply these innovative technologies to pursue the discovery of safe, efficacious and cutting-edge therapeutics for patients worldwide.

 

We are currently engaged in a strategic collaboration to develop and commercialize our lead product candidate, ciltacabtagene autoleucel, an investigational BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell therapy for patients living with multiple myeloma. Applications seeking approval of cilta-cel for the treatment of patients with RRMM are currently under regulatory review by several health authorities around the world, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency.

 

Learn more at www.legendbiotech.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Statement:

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Legend Biotech’s strategies and objectives, the anticipated timing of, and ability to progress, clinical trials, the clinical data relating to CARTITUDE-1 and CARTITUDE-2 studies and the potential benefits of our product candidates. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. Legend Biotech’s expectations could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties involved in the development of new pharmaceutical products; unexpected clinical trial or preclinical study results, including as a result of additional analysis of existing data or unexpected new data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays, including requests for additional safety and/or efficacy data or analysis of data, or government regulation generally; unexpected delays as a result of actions undertaken, or failures to act, by our third party partners; uncertainties arising from challenges to Legend Biotech’s patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection, including the uncertainties involved in the US litigation process; competition in general; government, industry, and general public pricing and other political pressures; the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental and regulatory measures implemented in response to the evolving situation; as well as the other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Legend Biotech’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2021. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this press release as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Legend Biotech specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

_________________________

¹ Martin, M, Usmani, SZ, Berdeja JG, et al. Updated Results from CARTITUDE-1: Phase 1b/2Study of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel, a B-Cell Maturation Antigen–Directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy, in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Abstract presented at: American Society of Hematology; 2021. Abstract #549 [Oral].

² Usmani, S. Ciltacabtagene autoleucel, a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM): Updated results from CARTITUDE-1. Abstract presented at the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Abstract #8005 [Oral].

³ Jakubowiak, A, Usmani, SZ, Berdeja JG, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel (Cilta-cel) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: CARTITUDE-1 Subgroup Analysis. Abstract presented at: American Society of Hematology; 2021. Abstract #3938 [Poster].

⁴ Mateos, MV, Weisel, K, Martin, T, et al. Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel for Triple-Class Exposed Multiple Myeloma: Adjusted Comparisons of CARTITUDE-1 Patient Outcomes Versus Therapies from Real-World Clinical Practice from the LocoMMotion Prospective Study. Abstract presented at: American Society of Hematology; 2021. Abstract #550 [Oral].

⁵ Cohen, YC, Cohen, AD, Delforge, M, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel (Cilta-cel), a B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA)–Directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy, in Lenalidomide-Refractory Patients with Progressive Multiple Myeloma after 1–3 Prior Lines of Therapy: Updated Results from CARTITUDE-2. Abstract presented at: American Society of Hematology; 2021. Abstract #3866 [Poster].

⁶ Van de Donk, N, Delforge, M, Agha, M, et al. CARTITUDE-2: Efficacy and Safety of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel, a B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA)-Directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy, in Patients with Multiple Myeloma and Early Relapse after Initial Therapy. Abstract presented at: American Society of Hematology; 2021. Abstract #2910 [Poster].

⁷ American Society of Clinical Oncology. Multiple myeloma: introduction. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/multiple-myeloma/introduction. Accessed December 2021.

⁸ Abdi J, Chen G, Chang H, et al. Drug resistance in multiple myeloma: latest findings and new concepts on molecular mechanisms. Oncotarget. 2013;4:2186–2207.

⁹ National Cancer Institute. NCI dictionary of cancer terms: relapsed. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms?CdrID=45866. Accessed December 2021.

¹⁰ National Cancer Institute. NCI dictionary of cancer terms: refractory. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms?CdrID=350245. Accessed December 2021.

¹¹ Richardson P, Mitsiades C, Schlossman R, et al. The treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2007:317-23.

¹² American Cancer Society. Multiple myeloma: early detection, diagnosis and staging. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8740.00.pdf. Accessed December 2021.

¹³ Kumar SK, Lee JH, Lahuerta JJ, et al. Risk of progression and survival in multiple myeloma relapsing after therapy with IMiDs and bortezomib: a multicenter international myeloma working group study. Leukemia. 2012;26:149-57.

Contacts

Investor Contacts:
Joanne Choi, Senior Manager of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, Legend Biotech

Joanne.choi@legendbiotech.com

Crystal Chen, Manager of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, Legend Biotech

crystal.chen@legendbiotech.com

Press Contact:
Tina Carter, Corporate Communications Lead, Legend Biotech

tina.carter@legendbiotech.com
(908) 331-5025

HYDERABAD, India & PRINCETON, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY, along with its subsidiaries together referred to as “Dr. Reddy’s”) today announced the launch of Venlafaxine ER Tablets which is therapeutically equivalent to Venlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets, 150 mg and 225 mg, of Osmotica Pharmaceutical US LLC approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).

The brand and generic had U.S. sales of approximately $51 million MAT for the most recent twelve months ending in October 2021 according to IQVIA Health.”

 

Dr. Reddy’s Venlafaxine ER Tablets are available in 150 mg and 225 mg strengths in bottle count sizes of 30 and 90.

 

See Important Safety Information below. Click here to see the full prescribing information including boxed warning: https://www.drreddys.com/pil/PIL-Venlafaxine-ER-Tabs-150-and-225-mg-(Appco-DrReddys).pdf.

 

WARNING: SUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of venlafaxine extended-release tablets or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Venlafaxine extended-release tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Patient Counseling Information (17.1)]

*IQVIA Retail and Non-Retail MAT October 2021.

RDY-1121-380

About Dr. Reddy’s: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY) is an integrated pharmaceutical company, committed to providing affordable and innovative medicines for healthier lives. Through its businesses, Dr. Reddy’s offers a portfolio of products and services including APIs, custom pharmaceutical services, generics, biosimilars and differentiated formulations. Our major therapeutic areas of focus are gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, diabetology, oncology, pain management and dermatology. Dr. Reddy’s operates in markets across the globe. Our major markets include – USA, India, Russia & CIS countries, and Europe. For more information, log on to: www.drreddys.com.

 

Disclaimer: This press release may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on the management’s current views and assumptions and involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. In addition to statements which are forward-looking by reason of context, the words “may”, “will”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “potential”, or “continue” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to without limitation, (i) general economic conditions such as performance of financial markets, credit defaults , currency exchange rates, interest rates, persistency levels and frequency / severity of insured loss events, (ii) mortality and morbidity levels and trends, (iii) changing levels of competition and general competitive factors, (iv) changes in laws and regulations and in the policies of central banks and/or governments, (v) the impact of acquisitions or reorganization, including related integration issues , and (vi) the susceptibility of our industry and the markets addressed by our, and our customers’, products and services to economic downturns as a result of natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics or other widespread illness, including coronavirus (or COVID-19), and (vii) other risks and uncertainties identified in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those listed under the “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” sections of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 2021. The company assumes no obligation to update any information contained herein.

Contacts

INVESTOR RELATIONS
AMIT AGARWAL

AMITA@DRREDDYS.COM

MEDIA RELATIONS
USHA IYER

USHAIYER@DRREDDYS.COM