J&J's Rybrevant combo shows positive survival trend in late-stage lung cancer study

Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) Rybrevant (amivantamab-vmjw) has shown promising results in enhancing overall survival for adults with lung cancer, according to recent findings from a late-stage study.

The phase 3 MARIPOSA-2 study focused on the efficacy of the EGFRxMET bispecific antibody when used in combination with chemotherapy. This study targeted patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had previously received treatment and possessed specific genetic mutations, namely epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions (ex19del) or L858R substitution mutations.

Data presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress revealed that 50% of patients treated with the combination of Rybrevant and chemotherapy were alive at the 18-month mark. In contrast, only 40% of those who received only chemotherapy survived for the same period.

J&J reported that their combination therapy significantly decreased the rate of treatment discontinuation. Specifically, 22% of patients remained on the Rybrevant and chemotherapy treatment at 18 months, compared to just 4% in the chemotherapy-only group.

Moreover, Rybrevant combined with chemotherapy reduced the risk of symptomatic progression by 27%. The treatment also extended the time until patients required subsequent therapy and decreased the risk of second disease progression or death by 36% compared to those who received only chemotherapy.

NSCLC is the most prevalent form of lung cancer, accounting for up to 85% of cases. Among these, mutations in EGFR are some of the most common drivers of the disease.

Rybrevant has already gained approval for specific lung cancer treatments in various global markets. Recently, the European Commission approved Rybrevant in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed chemotherapy for adults with advanced NSCLC who have EGFR ex19del or L858R substitution mutations and have failed prior therapies, including EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Joshua Bauml, Vice President and Lung Cancer Disease Area Stronghold Leader at J&J Innovative Medicine, commented on the latest results, stating: "We are pleased to see that Rybrevant plus chemotherapy continues to show improved survival outcomes after a year and a half of follow-up, providing real benefits to patients with few other options. These results underscore the potential of this combination regimen to make a meaningful difference for patients, and we anticipate continued improvement as we move toward the final analysis."

These findings come shortly after J&J shared positive longer-term results from the phase 3 MARIPOSA trial. This trial has been assessing the effectiveness of Rybrevant in combination with Lazcluze, a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of NSCLC.