Pivotal phase 3 data show investigational R2
significantly extended progression-free survival compared with
rituximab plus placebo
Positive trend in overall survival was
observed
Regulatory submissions planned for Q1 2019
Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) today announced results of
the phase 3 AUGMENT study, which showed that REVLIMID®
(lenalidomide) in combination with rituximab (R2) demonstrated
superior progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with
relapsed/refractory indolent lymphoma compared to patients who
received rituximab plus placebo (R-placebo). The data were
presented by John Leonard, M.D. in an oral presentation at the 60th
American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition
in San Diego, C.A. (Abstract #445).
The phase 3 randomized, double-blind, international clinical
study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the investigational
combination of R2 versus rituximab plus placebo in patients (n=358)
with relapsed/refractory follicular (n=295) and marginal zone
(n=63) lymphoma.
In the study, the R2 arm demonstrated a highly statistically
significant improvement in the primary endpoint of progression-free
survival (PFS), evaluated by an independent review committee,
versus (vs.) the R-placebo arm. The median PFS was 39.4 months for
patients treated with R2 and 14.1 months for those treated with
R-placebo (P <0.0001; HR: 0.46; 95% CI, 0.34-0.62).
“The AUGMENT data, with R2 more than doubling progression-free
survival over rituximab monotherapy, represents an important
potential new treatment option for patients with
relapsed/refractory follicular or marginal zone lymphoma,” said
John Leonard, M.D., AUGMENT lead investigator, The Richard T.
Silver Distinguished Professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology
and director of the Joint Clinical Trials Office at Weill Cornell
Medicine, who has also served as a consultant for Celgene.
Overall survival (OS), a secondary endpoint, showed a positive
trend for improvement in the R2 arm vs. the control arm (16 vs. 26
death events) (HR: 0.61; 95% CI, 0.33-1.13). Two-year OS rate was
93% for patients receiving R2 and 87% for those receiving
R-placebo.
Overall response rate (ORR), another secondary endpoint, was 78%
(n=138) in the R2 arm vs. 53% (n=96) in the R-placebo arm,
according to the independent review committee. Duration of response
(DoR) was significantly improved for R2 vs. R-placebo with median
DoR of 37 vs. 22 months, respectively (P =0.0015; HR: 0.53; 95% CI,
0.36-0.79).
The most frequent adverse event (AE) in the R2 arm was
neutropenia (58%), vs. 22% in the R-placebo arm. Additional
commonly observed AEs in more than 20% of patients included
diarrhea (31% in the R2 arm vs. 23% in R-placebo), constipation
(26% vs. 14%, respectively), cough (23% vs. 17%), and fatigue (22%
vs. 18%), respectively. Adverse events that were reported at a
higher rate (>10%) in the R2 arm were neutropenia, constipation,
leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia and tumor flare. No unexpected
safety findings were observed in the AUGMENT trial.
“These data represent a potential new treatment strategy for
patients with relapsed/refractory indolent non-Hodgkin’s
lymphomas,” said Alise Reicin, M.D., President, Global Clinical
Development for Celgene. “We are advancing regulatory submissions
in the first quarter of 2019 to bring this important combination to
patients as soon as possible.”
REVLIMID® alone or in combination with other agents is not
approved for use in follicular lymphoma or marginal zone lymphoma
in any geography.
About REVLIMID®
REVLIMID® (lenalidomide) in combination with
dexamethasone (dex) is indicated for the treatment of patients with
multiple myeloma (MM)
REVLIMID is indicated as maintenance therapy in patients with
MM following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
(auto-HSCT)
REVLIMID® is indicated for the treatment of
patients with transfusion-dependent anemia due to low-or
intermediate-1–risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with
a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality with or without additional
cytogenetic abnormalities
REVLIMID® is indicated for the treatment of
patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) whose disease has relapsed
or progressed after two prior therapies, one of which included
bortezomib
REVLIMID is not indicated and is not recommended for the
treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
outside of controlled clinical trials
Important Safety Information
WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY, HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, and
VENOUS and ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Do not use REVLIMID during pregnancy. Lenalidomide, a
thalidomide analogue, caused limb abnormalities in a developmental
monkey study. Thalidomide is a known human teratogen that causes
severe life-threatening human birth defects. If lenalidomide is
used during pregnancy, it may cause birth defects or embryo-fetal
death. In females of reproductive potential, obtain 2 negative
pregnancy tests before starting REVLIMID treatment. Females of
reproductive potential must use 2 forms of contraception or
continuously abstain from heterosexual sex during and for 4 weeks
after REVLIMID treatment. To avoid embryo-fetal exposure to
lenalidomide, REVLIMID is only available through a restricted
distribution program, the REVLIMID REMS®
program.
Information about the REVLIMID REMS® program is
available at www.celgeneriskmanagement.com or by
calling the manufacturer’s toll-free number 1-888-423-5436.
Hematologic Toxicity (Neutropenia and
Thrombocytopenia)
REVLIMID can cause significant neutropenia and
thrombocytopenia. Eighty percent of patients with del 5q MDS had to
have a dose delay/reduction during the major study. Thirty-four
percent of patients had to have a second dose delay/reduction.
Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity was seen in 80% of patients
enrolled in the study. Patients on therapy for del 5q MDS should
have their complete blood counts monitored weekly for the first 8
weeks of therapy and at least monthly thereafter. Patients may
require dose interruption and/or reduction. Patients may require
use of blood product support and/or growth factors.
Venous and Arterial
Thromboembolism
REVLIMID has demonstrated a significantly increased risk of
deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), as well as
risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with MM who
were treated with REVLIMID and dexamethasone therapy. Monitor for
and advise patients about signs and symptoms of thromboembolism.
Advise patients to seek immediate medical care if they develop
symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or arm or leg
swelling. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended and the choice of
regimen should be based on an assessment of the patient’s
underlying risks.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Pregnancy: REVLIMID can cause fetal harm when
administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated in females
who are pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the
patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should
be apprised of the potential risk to the fetus
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions: REVLIMID is
contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated severe
hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic
epidermal necrolysis) to lenalidomide
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: See Boxed WARNINGS
- Females of
Reproductive Potential: See Boxed WARNINGS
- Males:
Lenalidomide is present in the semen of patients receiving the
drug. Males must always use a latex or synthetic condom during any
sexual contact with females of reproductive potential while taking
REVLIMID and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuing REVLIMID, even
if they have undergone a successful vasectomy. Male patients taking
REVLIMID must not donate sperm
- Blood
Donation: Patients must not donate blood during treatment
with REVLIMID and for 4 weeks following discontinuation of the drug
because the blood might be given to a pregnant female patient whose
fetus must not be exposed to REVLIMID
REVLIMID REMS® Program: See Boxed WARNINGS:
Prescribers and pharmacies must be certified with the REVLIMID REMS
program by enrolling and complying with the REMS requirements;
pharmacies must only dispense to patients who are authorized to
receive REVLIMID. Patients must sign a Patient-Physician Agreement
Form and comply with REMS requirements; female patients of
reproductive potential who are not pregnant must comply with the
pregnancy testing and contraception requirements and males must
comply with contraception requirements
Hematologic Toxicity: REVLIMID can cause significant
neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Monitor patients with neutropenia
for signs of infection. Advise patients to observe for bleeding or
bruising, especially with use of concomitant medications that may
increase risk of bleeding. MM: Patients taking REVLIMID/dex or
REVLIMID as maintenance therapy should have their complete blood
counts (CBC) assessed every 7 days for the first 2 cycles, on days
1 and 15 of cycle 3, and every 28 days thereafter. MDS: Patients on therapy for del 5q
MDS should have their complete blood counts monitored weekly for
the first 8 weeks of therapy and at least monthly thereafter.
Patients may require dose interruption and/or dose reduction.
Please see the Black Box WARNINGS for further information.
MCL: Patients taking
REVLIMID for MCL should have their CBCs monitored weekly for the
first cycle (28 days), every 2 weeks during cycles 2-4, and then
monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or
dose reduction
Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism: See Boxed WARNINGS:
Venous thromboembolic events (DVT and PE) and arterial thromboses
(MI and CVA) are increased in patients treated with REVLIMID.
Patients with known risk factors, including prior thrombosis, may
be at greater risk and actions should be taken to try to minimize
all modifiable factors (e.g., hyperlipidemia, hypertension,
smoking). Thromboprophylaxis is recommended and the regimen should
be based on patient’s underlying risks. ESAs and estrogens may
further increase the risk of thrombosis and their use should be
based on a benefit-risk decision
Increased Mortality in Patients with CLL: In a clinical
trial in the first-line treatment of patients with CLL, single
agent REVLIMID therapy increased the risk of death as compared to
single agent chlorambucil. Serious adverse cardiovascular
reactions, including atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction,
and cardiac failure, occurred more frequently in the REVLIMID arm.
REVLIMID is not indicated and not recommended for use in CLL
outside of controlled clinical trials
Second Primary Malignancies (SPM): In clinical trials in
patients with MM receiving REVLIMID, an increase of hematologic
plus solid tumor SPM, notably AML and MDS, have been observed.
Monitor patients for the development of SPM. Take into account both
the potential benefit of REVLIMID and risk of SPM when considering
treatment
Increased Mortality with Pembrolizumab: In clinical
trials in patients with multiple myeloma, the addition of
pembrolizumab to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone resulted
in increased mortality. Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma
with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a
thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside
of controlled clinical trials
Hepatotoxicity: Hepatic failure, including fatal cases,
has occurred in patients treated with REVLIMID/dex. Pre-existing
viral liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes, and
concomitant medications may be risk factors. Monitor liver enzymes
periodically. Stop REVLIMID upon elevation of liver enzymes. After
return to baseline values, treatment at a lower dose may be
considered
Severe Cutaneous Reactions Including Hypersensitivity
Reactions: Angioedema and severe cutaneous reactions including
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN),
and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
have been reported. DRESS may present with a cutaneous reaction
(such as rash, or exfoliative dermatitis), eosinophilia, fever,
and/or lymphadenopathy with systemic complications such as
hepatitis, nephritis, pneumonitis, myocarditis, and/or
pericarditis. These events can be fatal. Patients with a prior
history of Grade 4 rash associated with thalidomide treatment
should not receive REVLIMID. REVLIMID interruption or
discontinuation should be considered for Grade 2-3 skin rash.
REVLIMID must be discontinued for angioedema, Grade 4 rash,
exfoliative or bullous rash, or if SJS, TEN, or DRESS is suspected
and should not be resumed following discontinuation for these
reactions
Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): Fatal instances of TLS have
been reported during treatment with lenalidomide. The patients at
risk of TLS are those with high tumor burden prior to treatment.
These patients should be monitored closely and appropriate
precautions taken
Tumor Flare Reaction (TFR): TFR has occurred during
investigational use of lenalidomide for CLL and lymphoma.
Monitoring and evaluation for TFR is recommended in patients with
MCL. Tumor flare may mimic the progression of disease (PD). In
patients with Grade 3 or 4 TFR, it is recommended to withhold
treatment with REVLIMID until TFR resolves to ≤Grade 1. REVLIMID
may be continued in patients with Grade 1 and 2 TFR without
interruption or modification, at the physician’s discretion
Impaired Stem Cell Mobilization: A decrease in the number
of CD34+ cells collected after treatment (>4 cycles) with
REVLIMID has been reported. Consider early referral to transplant
center to optimize timing of the stem cell collection
Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism and
hyperthyroidism have been reported. Measure thyroid function before
start of REVLIMID treatment and during therapy
Early Mortality in Patients with MCL: In another MCL
study, there was an increase in early deaths (within 20 weeks),
12.9% in the REVLIMID arm versus 7.1% in the control arm. Risk
factors for early deaths include high tumor burden, MIPI score at
diagnosis, and high WBC at baseline (≥10 x 109/L)
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Multiple Myeloma
- In newly diagnosed: The most
frequently reported Grade 3 or 4 reactions included neutropenia,
anemia, thrombocytopenia, pneumonia, asthenia, fatigue, back pain,
hypokalemia, rash, cataract, lymphopenia, dyspnea, DVT,
hyperglycemia, and leukopenia. The highest frequency of infections
occurred in Arm Rd Continuous (75%) compared to Arm MPT (56%).
There were more Grade 3 and 4 and serious adverse reactions of
infection in Arm Rd Continuous than either Arm MPT or Rd18
- The most common adverse reactions
reported in ≥20% (Arm Rd Continuous): diarrhea (46%), anemia (44%),
neutropenia (35%), fatigue (33%), back pain (32%), asthenia (28%),
insomnia (28%), rash (26%), decreased appetite (23%), cough (23%),
dyspnea (22%), pyrexia (21%), abdominal pain (21%), muscle spasms
(20%), and thrombocytopenia (20%)
- Maintenance Therapy Post
Auto-HSCT: The most frequently reported Grade 3 or 4 reactions
in ≥20% (REVLIMID arm) included neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and
leukopenia. The serious adverse reactions of lung infection and
neutropenia (more than 4.5%) occurred in the REVLIMID arm
- The most frequently reported adverse
reactions in ≥20% (REVLIMID arm) across both maintenance studies
(Study 1, Study 2) were neutropenia (79%, 61%), thrombocytopenia
(72%, 24%), leukopenia (23%, 32%), anemia (21%, 9%), upper
respiratory tract infection (27%, 11%), bronchitis (5%, 47%),
nasopharyngitis (2%, 35%), cough (10%, 27%), gastroenteritis (0%,
23%), diarrhea (55%, 39%), rash (32%, 8%), fatigue (23%, 11%),
asthenia (0%, 30%), muscle spasm (0%, 33%), and pyrexia (8%,
21%)
- After at least one prior
therapy: The most common adverse reactions reported in ≥20%
(REVLIMID/dex vs dex/placebo): fatigue (44% vs 42%), neutropenia
(42% vs 6%), constipation (41% vs 21%), diarrhea (39% vs 27%),
muscle cramp (33% vs 21%), anemia (31% vs 24%), pyrexia (28% vs
23%), peripheral edema (26% vs 21%), nausea (26% vs 21%), back pain
(26% vs 19%), upper respiratory tract infection (25% vs 16%),
dyspnea (24% vs 17%), dizziness (23% vs 17%), thrombocytopenia (22%
vs 11%), rash (21% vs 9%), tremor (21% vs 7%), and weight decreased
(20% vs 15%)
Myelodysplastic
Syndromes
- Grade 3 and 4 adverse events reported
in ≥ 5% of patients with del 5q MDS were neutropenia (53%),
thrombocytopenia (50%), pneumonia (7%), rash (7%), anemia (6%),
leukopenia (5%), fatigue (5%), dyspnea (5%), and back pain
(5%)
- Adverse events reported in ≥15% of del
5q MDS patients (REVLIMID): thrombocytopenia (61.5%), neutropenia
(58.8%), diarrhea (49%), pruritus (42%), rash (36%), fatigue (31%),
constipation (24%), nausea (24%), nasopharyngitis (23%), arthralgia
(22%), pyrexia (21%), back pain (21%), peripheral edema (20%),
cough (20%), dizziness (20%), headache (20%), muscle cramp (18%),
dyspnea (17%), pharyngitis (16%), epistaxis (15%), asthenia (15%),
upper respiratory tract infection (15%)
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
- Grade 3 and 4 adverse events reported
in ≥5% of patients treated with REVLIMID in the MCL trial (N=134)
included neutropenia (43%), thrombocytopenia (28%), anemia (11%),
pneumonia (9%), leukopenia (7%), fatigue (7%), diarrhea (6%),
dyspnea (6%), and febrile neutropenia (6%)
- Adverse events reported in ≥15% of
patients treated with REVLIMID in the MCL trial included
neutropenia (49%), thrombocytopenia (36%), fatigue (34%), anemia
(31%), diarrhea (31%), nausea (30%), cough (28%), pyrexia (23%),
rash (22%), dyspnea (18%), pruritus (17%), peripheral edema (16%),
constipation (16%), and leukopenia (15%)
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Periodic monitoring of digoxin plasma levels is recommended due
to increased Cmax and AUC with concomitant REVLIMID therapy.
Patients taking concomitant therapies such as erythropoietin
stimulating agents or estrogen containing therapies may have an
increased risk of thrombosis. It is not known whether there is an
interaction between dex and warfarin. Close monitoring of PT and
INR is recommended in patients with MM taking concomitant
warfarin
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
- PREGNANCY: See Boxed WARNINGS:
If pregnancy does occur during treatment, immediately discontinue
the drug and refer patient to an obstetrician/gynecologist
experienced in reproductive toxicity for further evaluation and
counseling. There is a REVLIMID pregnancy exposure registry that
monitors pregnancy outcomes in females exposed to REVLIMID during
pregnancy as well as female partners of male patients who are
exposed to REVLIMID. This registry is also used to understand the
root cause for the pregnancy. Report any suspected fetal exposure
to REVLIMID to the FDA via the MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088
and also to Celgene Corporation at 1-888-423-5436
- LACTATION: There is no
information regarding the presence of lenalidomide in human milk,
the effects of REVLIMID on the breastfed infant, or the effects of
REVLIMID on milk production. Because many drugs are excreted in
human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in
breastfed infants from REVLIMID, advise female patients not to
breastfeed during treatment with REVLIMID
- PEDIATRIC USE: Safety and
effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients
- RENAL IMPAIRMENT: Adjust the
starting dose of REVLIMID based on the creatinine clearance value
and in patients on dialysis
Please see full Prescribing Information,
including Boxed WARNINGS.
About Celgene
Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, is an
integrated global biopharmaceutical company engaged primarily in
the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative
therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases
through next-generation solutions in protein homeostasis,
immuno-oncology, epigenetics, immunology and neuro-inflammation.
For more information, please visit www.celgene.com.
Follow Celgene on Social Media: Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn,
Facebook and YouTube.
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are generally statements that are not historical facts.
Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words
"expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates,"
"plans," "will," "outlook" and similar expressions. Forward-looking
statements are based on management's current plans, estimates,
assumptions and projections, and speak only as of the date they are
made. Celgene undertakes no obligation to update any
forward-looking statement in light of new information or future
events, except as otherwise required by law. Forward-looking
statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, most of which
are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control.
Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those implied
by the forward-looking statements as a result of the impact of a
number of factors, many of which are discussed in more detail in
Celgene's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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